Happy Birthday Sweet Angels!

Today would be Cathryn and Corynne's second birthday. We celebrated the sweet lives of our friend's daughters on a beautiful hill in our neighborhood and the girls celebrated in Heaven with their Savior.

If you have not yet read their story, I encourage you to visit www.angeltwins.org
and make a donation today.

Gorgeous flowers!

A special birthday cake in memory of the precious darlings.

Hayden is eager to send off his balloon. (done waiting, Mom!)


Pink and purple balloons were released
with their little Angel Twins cards
attached so anyone lucky enough
to find one could read and share their story.



Hayden and Colin (one of Cathryn and Corynne's older brothers)
have become fast friends.

Happy Birthday, Cathryn and Corynne!
Though hearts ache to see you and miss you terribly, we rejoice in
hope that will see you and celebrate with you one day
again face to face.

If you click the You Tube Video at the beginning of this post, the song you are hearing is Little Wonders by Rob Thomas.
It is a song that holds so much meaning to my friend Kristen and
was played at both memorial services for Cathryn and Corynne.
I can't not listen to this song without tearing up.
I hope you might take the time to read it.
Feel free to post comments on what
the song means to you.

To me it is about embracing the little precious moments
because before we know it our time on earth is gone.
In eternity our life here is but a moment.

It reminds me that our trials shape us and to
let them soften not harden our hearts.
It is not to dwell in our trials
but to learn from them
and hold dear to each other and what is precious
in our lives.

It reminds me also of James 1:2-4 when the song talks about letting your troubles
fall behind you and that in the end it's the heart that matters.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

Little Wonders Lyrics

let it go,
let it roll right off your shoulder
don't you know
the hardest part is over
let it in,
let your clarity define you
in the end
we will only just remember how it feels

our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain

let it slide,
let your troubles fall behind you
let it shine
until you feel it all around you
and i don't mind
if it's me you need to turn to
we'll get by,
it's the heart that really matters in the end

our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain

all of my regret
will wash away some how
but i can not forget
the way i feel right now

in these small hours
these little wonders
these twists & turns of fate
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away but these small hours
these small hours, still remain,
still remain
these little wonders
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away
but these small hours
these little wonders still remain

E caught napping "in the buff" - no worries, totally G rated!

Little E is obsessed with taking his pants and diaper off these days and running around. Hayden never did this so this is new for all of us. It is all fun and game until "accidents" happen. He just doesn't understand what the problem is with being unclothed from the waist below. This happens most often during nap time when he is not ready to go to bed or mad at me for putting him down before he is ready. It is always quite the visual when I go to turn the video monitor to see what he is up to.

We are hoping his little exhibitionist phase will be short lived. We really don't want to see him running in the back ground at a live televised football game someday :-)

I have a friend who had to resort to duct taping her sons diapers closed so as to avoid the inevitable presents that may be left in the crib during nap time.
Hmmmmmm, thought that sounded like a lot of effort but now I can see why this might be necessary. I am completely open to suggestions, folks!

(FYI- You may be wondering why I didn't just take a pic instead of video but my camera makes too much noise when I snap it. Unfortunately, I woke him up anyway trying to be quiet as you can see at the end of this video!)

Love You Forever my Angel baby....

Three weeks ago on your Daddy's birthday we found out we were expecting you - what a special surprise and gift God had given us. You were just meant to be we thought!
We loved you before we knew you. I already wondered if you would look like one of your adorable older brothers, if you would be a boy or a girl, and what we would name you. I immediately started making plans on how I would take care of you in my belly and we started looking through the Pottery Barn Kids catalog to see what we could do with your nursery. I planned to take more pictures this time of you growing my belly and to try and just enjoy being pregnant more and treasure feeling you move in the night without counting the days until your delivery.

Thursday morning I saw the sonogram that showed the tiny sac that would be your home within me until April and the tiny yolk that would feed you. We could not see your heartbeat, though. God had called you home.

Thursday night, August 14th, I started the labor pains I felt with your brothers. It was then that instead of being delivered to us, you were delivered straight to the arms of the Lord.

I couldn't sleep much that night. I couldn't stop thinking about you and how much I wanted you back. It was about 4 am that I woke up crying and went to the family room to see it was raining with large drops flowing down the window. I thought of them as tears for you but I know that Heaven has nothing to be sad about - your beautiful and perfect little soul is dancing with the angels now.

Our hearts ache that we won't be able to hold or kiss you in this world but we have comfort that you will be of the first to greet us in Heaven I am sure.

You have already helped us to remember how much we are loved with so many sweet calls and notes from friends and family. You have helped us to remember how precious life is and that we never know what path God may lead us down. It was a miracle that He gave us you if only for a moment.
We are reminded that God can do amazing things even in our darkest hours. Kristen, my dear friend who of all people, lost both her precious daughters this summer (Cathryn just over 3 weeks ago) was the first person to show up at my doorstep with a hug. I am still incredibly awed and humbled that God would work in such a way to show me that He can provide healing and selflessness through even the most broken hearted. He chose Kristen to be my Angel that day. I can't even describe how much that meant to me. Thank you my sweet friend. I am still speechless when I think it was just 3 weeks ago that I stood with you sharing hugs and tears by the side of your sweet Angel, Cathryn. Maybe our darlings have met one another by now....I would like to think so.

I Love You forever my Angel baby. Your little life is written carefully on my heart.

Love,
Your Mommy

I included the lyrics of this beautiful song heard in this post. It gives me a reminder that because of the hope we have in Him, He will have us together again someday with nothing but joy.

To those that read this, I hope you might stay long enough to listen to the end of the song. (if you want to hear song, please click play button at top of post). It is wonderful. Pain brings a different kind of comfort. No matter how broken we are, we always have Hope - I pray you do, too.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace


The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forget to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

Haircuts and Popsicles - My plan is foiled!

As you can see, Little E clearly needs a haircut! The poor guy can barely see. I had what I thought a great idea to let him eat a Popsicle for distraction while I attempted to give him a trim. After just a few seconds I realized he was not going to allow this to happen as he twisted and turned all the while trying to avoid the scissors and enjoy his delicious after dinner treat.

I quickly gave up and decided to let E enjoy his Popsicle and (who am I kidding) avoid an inevitable accidental scissor stabbing. I weighed the risks and it was just not worth it.

He decided to make sure sure I could not disturb him any longer so decided to retreat to his little house so he could enjoy it all by himself. (I wish I had a little house I could go eat a meal in peace in - ha!)

Very dirty and proud little boy. Mission accomplished, Mom!

One of the great mysteries....

Why does God gives those lashes to baby boys?
No really, us girls would save a ton
of your money on mascara. :-)

Evan in Mommy's Heels ...What a ham!

4th of July

The 4th of July started with a short walk down to the neighborhood HOA parade around the traffic circle and duck pond.

Daddy and E get settled to watch the festivities.

E and Hayden enjoy the parade and a little
candy tossed to them from some children participants.

The most patriotic neighborhood dog - hilarious!

That afternoon we headed to our friend's house, the Amezcua's,
to try out their new pool.
Daddy and Hayden so enjoyed the pool time
together.

Ally, David, Mia, Hayden, and Rob watch fireworks
from the Suburban roof - what a way to end such a fun
filled day!

Splash Ground Fun

My sweet friend Shelly came to town for a visit with her girls, Sydney and Lauren. We enjoyed pizza and then a trip to local splash grounds. It was great seeing them. I miss Shelly so much!! (If you read this Shel - come home!!)

Evan tries to figure out what these water covered steps are all about.

Hayden and Sydney share something important.

Hayden doesn't seem to appreciate the water spraying his face straight up from the ground but keeps going back for more.

Cute little congregation

Hayden Swim Lesson Scrapbook Page

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Happy Boy!

I was able to grab some "authentically happy Hayden" pics in the backyard last weekend. These are the smiles that I LOVE to see!

Lovin' brother..

"Someone's Been Walking In My Crocs!"

This is something you might hear Hayden say these days. He can never find them where he left them. You see, Evan LOVES them. He slips them on at any opportunity. One day he put them on (though WAY too big) and sported them around the house most of the day.

These Crocs are too big!

These Crocs are just right!

Steve and I went and bought Evan his very first pair of
Crocs. We even got him decked out with a monkey
and Superman Jibbitz. (how fitting for little E.)
Alas, he still favors his brother's Crocs.

Hayden's Preschool Year End Program

I am very behind in posting this one! I had to edit the video to clip it down enough to post which took some time.
Anyhow, Hayden's preschool program was about Creation and they were adorable singing their hearts out about all the wonderful things God has made.

Below is video of the program titled "Before the World Began". I trimmed down to the highlights.

This is Hayden and one of his favorite preschool friends, Tommy. (He even has a stuffed bear named Tommy that he named at Tommy's birthday party at Build-a-Bear. Tommy named his bear Hayden - so sweet!)

Frustrating, Sad, Funny, Surrender.....

Those are just a few of the words I would use to describe this scene of young siblings. My camera was handy Friday afternoon for a very different purpose (stay tuned this week for a posting I think I will call "Someone's Been Walking in My Crocs"). Please, no fear, I most always intervene in the midst of a raging baby and a very frustrated older brother. However, that afternoon I figured I might as well capture a little bit o' real life for display. It is a special peek of the reality that many of us blogging mommies prefer to keep secret from those that may stumble upon our page :-) I hope that for any that may have had a tough week with a screaming child or children that perhaps this may bring you a bit of comedic relief or at least comfort to know that you share the same boat with what is every other Mommy on the planet!

Hayden wonders if I am collecting evidence for when Daddy gets home.


Raging baby gets what he wants but is still furious with the effort he
had to put forth to get it.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for our beautiful sons.
Thank you for entrusting us with the responsibility of raising them.
Thank you for the grace You have given me in the mistakes
I have made and will continue to make as I Mother these precious boys.
Please help me to be "slow to anger" Psalm 103:8 just as You are
when I find myself losing patience with my sons at times.
May we always seek your guidance to teach them to grow into
the men that we pray will know You and love You.
May I always find joy even during challenging times of parenthood.

Amen.

Little E and My Gym - The Best Investment Ever!!

From the great recommendation of friends, I enrolled Little E and I at a Mommy and Me program at a local My Gym. Wow! - There could not have been a more perfect way to expend the incredible amount of energy inside my little man and also get some quality just "E and me" time.

E is scouting out his next activity.
Little E posing at the end of the trampoline in his oh so cheesy smile that he often sports when he knows a camera is pointed in his direction.
Evan gets ready to hang all by myself from the bar just to prove he is the real life "monkey mess" we endearingly call him from time to time. (that name affectionately given by Aunt La La)


Ta da! He could not be happier...