Happenings…

Random picture post ahead….

We went to the Dinosaur exhibit at Cobb Galleria the other weekend and the kids had so  much fun.  I’m glad we went early because it was very crowded by the time we were leaving.  The T-Rex ride was their favorite part.








We went on our annual trip to the circus last week.  Catelin was too little last year to enjoy it so this was her first time and she loved it.  The Lorimer’s, Nick, Kerry and James and the Davidson’s joined us.






MJ’s school had a Mother/Son dinner and movie night on Saturday.  The two of us had a great time- he was so proud to be taking mommy on a “date.”  We had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner and then watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 in the school gym.  I loved every second with my biggest boy…




Snowmageddon part 2 hit this week.  The weather here has been so annoying— beautiful and in the 60’s one day and then an ice storm the next.  At least Atlanta was much more prepared this time.  We spent Wednesday indoors since there was very little snow and lots of ice on the ground.  But the kids had fun doing arts and crafts, making hot chocolate and baking brownies!






Today, we had a bunch of neighbors over for play time in the snow and pizza.  Much better than being stuck inside!




And a few more pictures of my cute kiddos…

Snowmageddon 2014

This past week was a crazy one for Atlanta and other parts of the southeast.  They were predicting snow on Tuesday afternoon, but I don’t think anyone expected the snowstorm to hit so hard and so fast.  I was at home with Ty and Catelin when I got a call at 12:00 stating MJs school was closing at 1:00.  We quickly got out the door to go get “bruhber” – thankfully, his school is just two miles away from our house.  We got stuck in the carpool line even though they let the pre-K moms walk in to get the kids (long story, but the line starts in the parking lot so there was no way for me to get out).  All I cared about at that point was that I had the kids and we were safe and warm.  By the time we got back to our house just after 1:00, there was already an inch of snow on the ground.  I couldn’t believe how fast it had accumulated!



Steve was still at the office.  Let me tell you – running a beer distributorship and having to shut down operations during the week of the SUPER BOWL is not good.  The kids couldn’t wait to get outside and play…after all we hadn’t seen this much snow since January of 2011…



Look at Ty there- just 3 months old!


It took me a long time to get the three of them ready, especially since we live in Atlanta and don’t really have proper “snow attire.”  But we managed to find enough stuff that would keep them warm.  They had a ball out there!



We came back in and poor Catelin’s little hands were freezing.  A batch of hot chocolate seemed to warm everyone up.  And then I turned on the news…people abandoning their cars on the highways, getting into accidents, walking miles back to their homes.  I called Steve and begged him to get home right away but to be careful, very careful.  Thankfully he has a big ol’ truck that has 4 wheel drive and has driven in the snow quite a bit, so that made me feel more comfortable. 

It was a Godsend that it only took him 30 minutes to get home using some of the back roads.  We prayed for everyone out on the highways --  many of them did not get home until the next day.  It was scary out there.

Needless to say, we closed our office on Wednesday and Thursday and the kids were off the rest of the week from school.  Steve closed down operations on Wednesday and started late on Thursday.  It was crazy, but the kids had so much fun with our neighbors in the snow.

They were even able to ride their dune racer all around the yard- it was awesome.

Saint Peter Chanel Award

I just have to brag on MJ for a little bit!




I received this email from MJ’s teacher two weeks ago…
“I have chosen MJ to receive one of the two Peter Chanel Awards given out for the school year. A Peter Chanel Award honors the students who follow in Jesus’ footsteps and are loving, kind, friendly, helpful and much more…”

I cannot describe the joy that filled my heart when I read those words.  Steve and I quickly rearranged our schedules so we could both attend the school-wide mass and the award ceremony this past Wednesday. 

MJ was so surprised when he saw us at mass – we were able to sit with him behind his classmates.  He couldn’t figure out why we were there especially since only one other set of parents from his class attended.  He sat quietly through mass (something that usually doesn’t happen when our family goes together!) and afterwards the principal got up to announce the awards.  Since he is in Pre-K, he and Caroline (the girl in his class who received the award) were the first to be announced…I wish I had captured the look on his face when he heard his name.  He was beaming with pride as he ran up to get his certificate.





As parents, we pray that our children are loving and kind to others – that they follow in Jesus’ footsteps.  I am not sure there is any award greater than this. 



Congratulations, MJ…we could not be more proud of you.  May you continue to always be helpful, friendly, and kind to others…and follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

XOXOXOXOXO!!!!!  Mommy and Daddy.

Happy 2014!

Happy New Year!  On New Year’s Eve we had a few other couples and their children over for dinner.  It was a low key night and of course with a bunch of young kids no one (except the men) made it past midnight! 

The first week of the new year wasn’t great for us so we are requesting a do-over starting next week.  :) Poor Ty Ty had the first (but certainly not the last) case of strep in our house and he was miserable.




I think our whole family is ready to put 2013 behind us.  We had some amazing, wonderful times….









But 2013 also held some of the saddest and scariest moments of our lives.






I learned a lot about myself last year.  I learned the strength of my faith, the power of prayer, the importance of family and friends, the resilience of a child, and many, many other lessons.  I think I knew most of it already – but 2013 certainly put it to the test and made it all very clear.  Would I trade it?  Yes, I would trade those sad and scary moments in a heartbeat…but since I can’t I am thankful for these life lessons.  And I am blessed that through these trials a love - a deep, true love - is stronger than ever.



Catelin- I am so sorry for all you have gone through in the last year.  I know it’s been confusing and scary and painful…but you are strong, you are fierce, and you are good.  We love you; God loves you.  2014 will be better- I promise.

God has not promised skies always blue,

flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

God has not promised sun without rain,

joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

 

But God has promised strength for the day,

rest for the labor, light for the way;

Grace for the trials, help from above,

unfailing sympathy, undying love.

 

- Annie Johnson Flint

 

 

Happy 2014!!!!!!!!!!