Grateful for...T

T = Tommy

Tommy on the left, Kenny on the right.

I always looked up to my brother, Tommy.  I remember in the 2nd grade, when I was the "student of the week", I could pick a special guest to come visit our class.  I wanted Tommy to be my special guest and I envisioned the kids to literally "look up to him" because as a 2nd grader, he was the tallest person alive.

I also remember him coming to my middle school during our name changing ceremony.  He was taking a video class at the high school, and was "on assignment".  I felt so cool that I could say hi to a high school student and have him be my brother.

When I was in the 6th grade, my mom let Tommy take Kenny, Amy and me to San Lorenzo because 98.5 KOME was doing a special event.  I got a t-shirt that was 10 sizes too big but I wore it all the time.

Tommy also took me to my first and last Blink 182 concert.  In fact, that was the first time LaVor and I met (which I think I've mentioned before).  It shocked Tommy, 2 years later, when he called home on Christmas Day from his mission, and found out we were dating.

It's been 3.5 years since I've seen him (and since that picture was taken).  He has 2 kids that I've never met and I have 1 he's never met.  I hate the distance, to say the least.

But today, on his special day, I'm eternally grateful for him. 

Even though he cried and threw a fit on my special day, because I was a girl.

Grateful for...S

S = Sunsets

In the Wal*Mart parking lot

I'm not a nature girl...at all, but I can appreciate a good sunset.

On our way to Switzerland - over Spokane, I believe

They're a sweet reminder that amidst all this craziness we're surrounded by, our Heavenly Father loves us.

Driving to my parents' on Sunday night.

Plus, if I happen to have the camera in the car, it's a great distraction so I don't hassle LaVor about his driving.

Tally Mark 22

-Loves stickers and I'm totally fine with that.  Stickers are easier to clean up than a Sharpie.

-Calls Uncle Alex, "Dada" because that's what the other kids call him and because he can't say Uncle Alex.

-Says, "Mama go bye bye" as we're driving to my sister's house.  It breaks my heart.

-Seems to be clingy to me now more than ever before.

-Asks for Papa when we pass the golf course and pumpkin patch.

-Loves backpacks and thinks the Momo wears one, but it's really his leaf blower.

-Likes to "write".

-Thinks he's counting but it just sounds like "two" over and over again.

-Says, "Hewwo?" when he puts a phone to his ear.

-Had a meltdown psychotic episode in nursery last week because we weren't in there with him.  We'll see how this week goes.

-Thinks any business park is the one LaVor works in.

-Likes to say, "All done!"

-We may be "All done!" with these in 2 months.  I still haven't decided.  But we'll love him forever.

Grateful for...R

R = Red Robe

Almost exactly like mine.

All growing up, I always wanted a robe but never remember asking for one.

So a few years back, I finally got with it and put it on my Christmas list.  Santa delivered.

I hate getting out of the warm shower when it's freezing cold but my trusty robe makes it easier.

When The Lime was born, I spent most days in my pajamas and robe.  It was blessed with many spews of spit-up.  Thankfully it can be washed and still maintain its snuggly soft texture.

Only downside, it gets SUPER staticky, which doesn't help with my already static filled body.  But at least it keeps me cozy at the same time.

Grateful for...Q

Q = Quiet time

Normally, The Lime wakes up between 6:30-7:00.

Monday, he didn't wake up until after 8.  That extra hour was WONDERFUL!

We went about our morning routine and transitioned into lunch.  The Lime wanted nothing that I prepared for him and few things make me more angry than throwing food on the ground and being kicked.  So when lunch was over, I was ready for The Lime to go down for his nap.

But he wasn't.

The next 2 hours were spent with lots of "Uh oh's", poop, water re-fills and jabbering.

Although he didn't take a nap (which amazes me that he wasn't a zombie by the end of the day), he still had some quiet time.  It was needed by both parties.

Grateful for...P

P = Parents

At Disneyland last year.

 I have no clue how my parents raised 5 kids.

But they did and I think they're enjoying this time as Grandparents more than anything else.

My parents are great.  They're more than willing to help us (meaning my siblings and me) out, at the drop of a hat, no matter what.  They love to watch The Lime and ask us how much they can pay US to watch him.  Ah Ah Ah!  They've brought cars to us, let us borrow theirs for trips to the snow, they pay for us to park at craft shows, they listen and offer good advice, they don't judge us and never have, they kiss us and tell us they love us every time we say goodbye, they're our biggest cheerleaders.

We are blessed.

Grateful for...O

O = Omi

My Omi lives across the country and comes to visit maybe twice a year.  But she usually stays for a while, so it helps.

She got into town Sunday night and we had our first family dinner at my parents' new house.  It was great!

The Lime was a bit hesitant of Omi but as we were leaving, he made sure to give her hugs and kisses and said, "Bye bye, Mimi!" 

Omi and I share the month of March for our birthdays.  We're 60 years and 4 days apart so I can always remember how old she is. 

I'm super duper excited to have Omi visiting, and not just for my personal happiness but so the Lime can make some special memories with her.

Omi & my niece (named after Omi's Mother), playing Doctor.