Lots of happenings

First off, I think when I first created a blog I did it with the thought I could have a Christmas design one day. Well... here it is!

We have had 1 busy week! Holy cow I'm tired but have had a lot of fun. I know 2 little boys who are pretty tired too.

We'll start off with Monday- Whit's first holiday program! I was so excited- had the video camera, our camera, loads of grandparents... and he just stood there. Didn't sing, just wrapped his hands around his throat like the experience was literally killing him. I'm at least proud he stood and didn't dart... that's a step forward.

We had our cousins in town and had a blast! Hunt and Molly stayed with us and Whit loved the built-in playmates who would get up at 5 with him! Yes... 5:00 a.m.... we made the most out of our cousins being here! This time last year the poor kid didn't know what to do with all of his cousins around and he just retreated, but this year he was right there with them having a ball.

Thursday we had 2 Thanksgivings and here are pictures below. Since I didn't officially finish a list here are things I'm thankful for from this week: The Jardinas, O'Donnells, and Roberts for all driving in safely and getting to see far-off family, all of Whit's cousins who love him and he loves too, early bed-times for kiddos because mommy was tired, grandparents who hosted both Thanksgivings, Thomas being a trooper and hanging in there after lots of missed naps... and so many more things I'm thankful for but am too tired to think about!

#9-18

Yes- I am a nerd. I'm proud to be a Twi-hard or Twi-mom or whatever the term is these days. I LOVE Twilight, and if that makes me a dork, then I'm a dork. So, as a cop-out for not posting my thankfulness the past few days I'm going to be thankful for Twilight today... lots and lots of Twilight.

#9- Taylor Lautner- enough said

#10- bad acting. Yes, it's true

#11- Taylor Lautner's abs- all 8 of them

#12- Melissa Saenger, who introduced me to this series

#13- My sister, who is equally nerdy with me and loves all things Twilight

#14- Melissa Saenger's shirt- see below

#15- A vampire honeymoon

#16- Werewolves

#17- A few hours away so I could go see the movie with Hayley and Melissa- Twilight movie buffs

#18- Did I mention Taylor Lautner already? He's at least legal age now

Oh- and yes, I know this is Eclipse background but whoever the nerd was who created it didn't see fit to create a Breaking Dawn theme, but I'm going with it anyway.

#6 - 8

Whew... playing catch up, but I have a few things tonight to catch up...

#6 - Rain- I LOVE rainy afternoons and nights. I guess I think I can take a nap, but that doesn't happen, but I still love the rain. Coincidently we are using this week to thank God for water/rain in our family devotions, so it was pretty timely.

#7 - Car rides- Why do I like these? Because it's typically the only time Whit will take a nap. Which leads to...

#8 - Snoring boys- Both boys took naps on this rainy afternoon and were both snoring. Ahhh... the only time I'm really excited to hear snoring.

#5- 2PC

Today, it's fitting that I am thankful for my church. Walking the halls tonight I realized how at home I felt there- I have been attending Second since we got married- so 8 1/2 years ago. That place is a safe haven for me- we have discovered friendships there, renewed friendships there, and most importantly learned about God and developed stronger relationships with Him there. Whit loves it there too- he asks just about every day if we are going to church today. Their childrens' ministry is amazing and what they are teaching young minds is incredible. I'm so thankful for the people of the church, the staff members and the pastors. It's the first church I've attended where I still want to sit through the service if the main pastor isn't talking! If we ever leave Memphis for any reason I will be devastated to leave this place.

#4- Drugs

Poor, poor T. It appears he will follow in his brother's footsteps- yet again- and have to get tubes. He's got his 3rd ear infection in about 6-7 weeks. So, today (since I'm playing catch up) I'm also thankful for antibiotics. I wish I were one of those moms who used more holistic methods with garlic and oil, but that to me is the beginnings of a meal, so I just can't imagine using it as ear infection relief. Yay for medicine AND that neither boy seems to have my allergy to penicillin!

#3- Friends and Forts

Today I am thankful for a 2nd generation of friends who come over at 8 a.m. to play for the morning. You might think that's sarcastic, but when you've been up since 6 you need an activity by 8. Today we built a fort. I don't think they quite got it, but we'll keep working on that.

Here I am with William's mommy one New Years Eve a few years ago before kids were imagined... this is our signature pose, although I'm not quite sure why.

#2 Mullins PDO

You get 2 today since I'm so behind!

I'm thankful for Mullins United Methodist PDO. I LOVE Mullins! Whit has been going here since he was 3 months old and they love him. If you are reading this and are a parent you know that if anyone loves your child you love them too! Mullins loves Whit, he loves Mullins, and now they love Thomas too. The teachers and staff are amazing. I know one day we'll have to move on from Mullins and the thought breaks my heart. I love this place- and love the few quiet hours I get on PDO days :)

I'm way behind on gratitude

I have seen a few friends on blogs or Facebook that have been doing something they are grateful for all this month for Thanksgiving... something which we should do all year! Anyway, I wanted to jump on the bandwagon but it's now Nov. 10 and I'm just starting... so I have a few entries to make up.

I'm not going to do the obvious... I am OF COURSE thankful for my hubby who is a man of God and seeks His wisdom daily, who also loves me and loves our children. I'm OF COURSE thankful for and humbled by our 2 precious and healthy boys. So... instead of starting with the obvious here is my 1st entry... 10 days late.

#1- I'm thankful for moments like these- where Whit is wanting to share with Thomas and engage him and help me out. I'm seeing this more and more each day but we still have a long way to go! I think he likes Thomas the bigger he gets. I pray daily they will be best friends.

Heavy Heart

Today, I have a heavy heart. 4 years ago today sweet Forrest Spence went to be with our Lord in Heaven. I have never really known tragedy until I saw what David and Brittany Spence went through with their precious son. Forrest has helped me be a better mommy I think because I know that there are times I take my boys for granted, but then I think of Forrest and know that I shouldn't.

The day today is cold and gloomy which seems to be like the whole earth is mourning his loss along with his family. As I type this, Thomas is looking up at me with a huge grin and his bright blue eyes that will one day melt the hearts of every girl he meets, and I hear John and Whit playing soccer in the backyard. I'm so humbled and grateful for these gifts, but can't help ask "why"? Why Forrest? Why David and Brittany? All I know is God's plan is perfect, and Forrest and his 55 days were ordained long before this earth was created. I rest knowing that God had a huge plan for sweet little Forrest.

If you are one of the 4 people that read this- please say a prayer for the Spences today. If you are a parent hug your children tighter today and don't take them for granted. Cherish the tantrums and fits along with the hugs and kisses.