19. Acts of Courage

Day 19: Acts of Courage

     I enjoy witnessing acts of courage. I am a person that knows the value of courage. I know that what may seem like small potatoes to some may be another person's greatest monster. The thing they fear most. I respect people who chase down their greatest monster...and stomp on it. Crushing fear, courage prevailing.

     Patty is afraid of ticks. She hates ticks. One of her greatest monsters. This week, I had the pleasure of watching her face the monster.

     While playing outside with Casey and Adelyn at our favorite tree, she showed great courage. Three small little girls were also playing around the tree. (Seriously...everyone is drawn to our tree. It's amazing.) The smallest girl was talking to Patty, and she noticed she had a tick crawling on her. Patty could have sent her packing. She could have said, "Go tell your Mom or Dad." But she didn't. She got it off of her. That took courage.

     Last night, I got a text from Patty. She had a tick on her leg. A.J. is out of town. So, the options were: 1. She gets it off herself, or 2. Matt would drive over and get it off. (I hate ticks too...not good at removing them. Matt is a pro. He's had Lyme Disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.) She chose option 1. That took courage.

     As I said...small potatoes to some. Greatest monster for Patty. Facing a great monster...that's pretty kick-ass!

   

18. Playing Games

Day 18: Playing Games
     Love playing games. Especially with family who loves to laugh. I love watching Matt get pissed when I'm winning! He sticks his tongue into the bottom corner of his mouth...and I know, he's getting really frustrated. He's very competitive. I love watching Steph laugh so hard, it looks like she's actually sobbing. And Mario's laugh is so contagious.
     Love spending time with family. And playing games.

17. Stretch Marks

Day 17:Stretch Marks

     I know this doesn't seem like something to be thankful for. And I'm not really thankful...I just accept them. They are my battle scars from birthing my girl. And everyone knows...scars are way cool!

      External beauty fades. Not one person can keep their body from sagging, wrinkling, and aging. But...is there anything wrong with that? I don't think so. I will never have the body I did in high school. Who cares? I don't. I have a husband who loves and adores me. I have Adelyn.

     I would much rather have Adelyn and stretch marks...than no Adelyn and a flawless belly.

 

16. Promises

Day 16: Promises

     Awesome day today. I am amazed and in awe of the promises that continue to unfold before us. There is something so profound about seeing something you are promised become reality. Taking on character. Becoming more and more present. Hopes and dreams realized.

     Holding onto that dream. Holding onto hope. Holding onto my promises.


    

   

15. Sleeping Roxy

     There is perhaps no more peaceful sound than a sleeping dog. Especially, sleeping Roxy. How awesome is it that there is a furry, cute animal sleeping in bed with us. Who loves to cuddle with us. And when the sound of sleeping Roxy is accompanied by the sound of sleeping Matt, and sleeping Addy...that is the sound of peace.

14. Picnics, Playgrounds, and Playing in the Rain

Day 14: Picnics, Playgrounds, and Playing in the Rain

     We had a fun morning. We went to Claude Moore Playground. Usually the place is packed! There has to be at least 50 people there at all times. But, because it was a bit cloudy and sprinkling on and off...there was only two other families at the park. We went with Patty, Casey, Megan, and Robby. Adelyn is becoming quite the tomboy as she is always playing with little boys!

     The kids were having a great time, and then it started raining. At first, we tried to keep them dry under the one umbrella at the park. However, holding a squirming toddler on your hip while in the presence of an awesome playground (or any playground for that matter) is impossible. We were soon forced to let them go. It turned out to be pretty awesome. They loved playing in the rain.

     The rain made the slides even more fun.

     Just one of several videos I took of the kids sliding/falling off the very slippery slides.

     After we played for a while, we had a picnic. First ever picnic for the little ones. They loved it. They especially loved the little picnic table that was just their size! Not sure that everyone had the most balanced lunch...but they ate. And because us Mamas need a treat now and then too...we went to Carousel. Had some fries and ice cream. It was pretty awesome. 

     Thankful we got to make some fun memories with our little ones today.  And thankful for Carousel. :)

13. Greenie

Day 13: Greenie
     Greenie Bear. I swear he is Skipper reincarnated. He is so amazing with Casey and Adelyn. He will literally play with them for hours. It's often Casey and Adelyn who tire first when he's playing with them. He loves stuffed animals, and he steals them from the kids any chance he gets. He even opens drawers to get to them...pulling the drawer out by his teeth. He is so wiggly! He sometimes jumps up and down on all fours when he's excited. He loves to be a lap dog. He loves to cuddle with you, but you can't hold him. If you try to hold or hug him...it lights this little ignition switch in him. He goes berserk. He wiggles furiously back and forth to try to escape. He loves to curl up into a tiny ball on the couch. Sometimes his breath stinks really bad. But it's okay.
     I love him. Makes me miss Skipper.