POP

The phone call came yesterday,
Pop Kouns finally had enough of battling his body and went home.

It was not a sudden thing....its been years. But, it's still hard. And sad. Not only because he is my grandfather but since Grandma is gone too, he was the last connection to Omie Circle & Orange Beach.

I've found that I am a very sentimental person. Family is HUGE to me. And, the places where memories have been made with family mean a great deal to me as well. I know the people are what are important and I have my memories and pictures of them. But, the real thing is SO much better! And, it is sad to me that my kids are so little and won't get to experience the fun that came with 'going to Omie Circle' anymore. Granted what...really WHO made it fun...well, they aren't there anymore so really it is just a house. With my memories.

AND

As Brooklyn said last night, through her tears...

we will see them again when it is our turn to go to Heaven.

RIGGS' FIRST TIME OUT

This just about broke my heart!

I was in my room trying to fold clothes and Riggs kept walking over to photo frames that are on a tiered glass top table and knocking them over. The first several times, I just told him the standard, 'no, no, no' and removing him from the room. But then he started looking at me and walking over and knocking them down. I could not believe I was about to put this sweet little baby in a time out.
But, I HAD to! He was challenging me.

I picked him up, grabbed a chair and faced it toward the corner. I put him on the chair, told him he was being naughty and to stay there. HE SOBBED!!! GUT WRENCHING, COULDN'T CATCH HIS BREATH SOBBING!!! I about died! And, he didn't just sit in his chair...he smashed his face into the corner! Ohhhhh, break a mommy's heart! Finally, after 13 hours his 1 minute time out ended and I told him to come give me a hug. It was the tightest, sweetest, wettest hug he has ever given me.

Oh, my sweet baby boy!

I pray that your heart remains as tender and sensitive as it is today.

I love you, Mister!

A COMMON LOOK

Its amazing to me how different the kids are in look and personality yet they still have a commonality that says we are sisters and brother.

I love that.

Brooklyn, age 2...almost 3 years

Alex, age 13 months

Riggs, age 17 months

SHOULD I BE WORRIED???

Normally it is pictures of flowers, rainbows and sunshine...

but this is what came home from school today in Brooklyn's Friday folder.

PRETTY IN PURPLE

"I like them." ~ Alex

After a week of trying to pick out the perfect pair of glasses, they finally came today!
Alex will be wearing them except for swimming, showering & sleeping. Dr.'s orders. There is a possibility that her eyes will correct themselves after a year or two but for now...glasses it is!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROOKLYN!

It's hard to believe...but our Midge is 7!
Brooklyn, you always ask me 'why do you say that all the time? I already know!'

But I can't help it....I love you, Midge!

This picture I intentionally took with you still in your jammies.

I love your morning sweetness and how you always say 'good morning, mama'.

We are excited to celebrate you and your 7 years!

Donuts for Breakfast, Subway for lunch, making chocolate chip cookies & homemade pizza for dinner and friends over tonight for Smores. 

10 YEARS AGO AT 'THE SUMMER HOUSE'

Scott and I were married at 'The Summer House' in Grants Pass...so we decided to stop by and visit while we were out there. All the new additions were just beautiful!

Ahhh the memories...

After 10 years & 3 kids later,

we are back on the spot where we stood and made a promise to each other.

 My husband had a surprise for me...

to celebrate our 10 years together Scott gave me diamond earrings.

He's the best!

 We met all the cousins at Elmers for brunch after our time down memory lane.