Hold On

Last week was a rough one. I brought Sawyer to the Dr on Monday to find out she had Bronchiolitis (Thank God it was not RSV, because I don't ever want to experience that again with her.... Last year was enough). The week began with a rough start.  She did not sleep much, which meant neither did I. She wanted to be held 20 out of the 24 hours in the day.

And to top it all off, it was MY BIRTHDAY WEEK. Okay here is a little inside fact. I am a birthday week person. The week of my birthday is a special one.... in my eyes however. And this little munchkin has definitely shown me that it is NOT about me anymore. I have not even thought about my birthday but more of making my girl happy and better! Therefore, my DRAMA QUEEN has shown me that life changes. You have kids and it is about them, but...
Friday I said hello to 29! The last year of my 20's...What do we have in store!

We enjoyed a nice dinner, for my birthday, at LaFonda with some of our closest friends.... So happy they all came

Then the joy of MY BIRTHDAY FRIDAY was quickly shattered with the news of the Connecticut Shooting. I wanted to hold Cohen and Sawyer and never let them go.  My heart ached for those parents and children. The simple act of bringing your child to school would never be the same.

We get so caught up in our phones, computers. etc we miss out on so many moments. I for one, know that sometimes I am playing on my phone when I could be playing with my kids. It's sad to know that someone's misfortune made me realize so much.
So from now on when you want to pick up your phone to check facebook, pick up your child instead. When you want to open the computer to play on pinterest, play with your child instead.
I know I will.


Yes, I will still enjoy these little pleasures but not as much as I often find myself doing.

I can't imagine the loss of a child. I can't begin to comprehend the pain those parents are feeling. I can't even bring myself to think of that being my child. But I can pray for their comfort and strength. Those little blessings left this world at such an early age, all I know is God welcomed a few more little miracles into his Kingdom Friday.

So hold onto your loved ones a little bit tighter. Tell them you love them a few more times. I know I will.

Shine Bright...

Shine Bright like a DIAMOND...

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own lives we totally disregard the little lessons life is throwing at us. The little gifts that are being given daily.  It is hard to sometimes see the good in the bad. To see the light in the darkness. 

It's the little moments that make us shine. The little moments are the gifts that show our total beauty and blessing. 

I have gained acceptance and appreciation for the little moments in time that I would not have cared one bit about a few years ago. 

The little gift of Sawyer smiling while she holds up on all 4's by herself... I never knew that  "using your arms" would mean so much to me, so much to her.  How I now appreciate this little act so many disregard... Yes the little gifts

Look at how bright she is shining!  My beautiful little diamond! 

And the protection and love a big brother shows... 
How the simple feeling of love can make you feel like you are Shining.   The gifts of the inner love any sibling has for the other.  But these two have so much more than that. It is like they totally "get" eachother. The fear I once had is lost.  How could I fear her protection, when he is by her side.  Yes, the little gifts that we take for granted daily.

The importance of feeling important. 

 I love the way his inner instinct is to always be the "superhero". But he needs protection too.  I worry that he one day feels pressure for being such the caregiver. I am so scared that one day the way the world really is, will overwhelm him. So judgemental, so cruel, so self-centered.  I can only pray that parents will raise their kids to respect others. Because the day someone hurts his sisters heart, his will be broken!  These are my 2 precious jewels and I want them to shine! 

The one on one time. 
We spent a whole day with Cohen at the LSU football game, while Sawyer stayed at home with Noni and Poppa. It was a day we all needed. A day centered around Cohen. He really enjoyed his day, but did question when we were picking up his sister plenty of times.  He was able to have us all to himself! I think that was his highlight. I don't think "the game" was as important as "the day!".  Yes it was his first LSU game, but that was not the true meaning of the day.  

Sawyer requires more assistance than Cohen did at this age.  But then, they are two completely different kids in so many different ways, how can I possibly compare them? I can't.  She is always trying... striving... wanting... SHINING....

Like the unknown thought she has in this picture. What is she thinking?  She has so much personality, so much spunk.  I have no doubt she will be a joy in everyones life she touches. Just as Cohen does!

I don't want life to just pass us by.  I want to live it and enjoy it.  If you miss out on the little picture you will completely miss the BIG ONE.  

Cohen and Sawyer are rare! They are Special! They are beautiful. They are like diamonds in the sky.  So I hope they always "Shine Bright like a Diamond".  Make your family and their joys be your "shining diamond moments".  

Because these are my diamonds

Santa Clause is coming to town

We enjoyed the Christmas parade this past weekend. The weather was gorgeous, but HOT! I mean I think it is a little dramatic that  it is 80 degrees in December! But with that being said we were able to all enjoy the parade! I think is it so cute how Carlyn is becoming such a "momma bear", as you can see the way she is holding Cohen's hand in the parking lot. Then Nonni, Poppa, and Cambri joined them, as Sawyer and I followed from behind.

Cohen was hilarious because he HATES loud noises, and there is nothing but DRAMATICALLY loud noises at the parades.  The sirens started and he instantly ran for my arms. I held him, just like my momma did for me when was little.  Now, my dad was a cop and I reacted the exact same way Cohen does to sirens. I hated them.  Once the floats started rolling through he was fine. But this was the site when the bands played...

As we waited for the parade to begin I snapped a few pictures of the kids. It amazes me how he just lets her do.... I mean she honestly pulls his hair anytime she can get a hold of it! And yes he does tell her to stop but he tells her patiently.


Oh I could just squeeze these 2 all hours of the day! Their personalities are so fun and their sibling love is just so amazing!






























Then later that night we took a picture with Santa.

I was NOT suppose to be in the picture but as you can see on Cohen's face he did NOT want to take the picture.  And then there is Sawyer who looks completely terrified with her hands "NOT TOUCHING Santa".  I know that later down the road we will all laugh at this picture. It is honestly the first year we have ever taken a picture with Santa, Cohen would NEVER allow for it!

So as new traditions start... it must mean "Santa Clause is coming to town!"

Life's a Dance

So I know I haven't done the best at blogging lately.  I feel as though my life has been completely overwhelming.  To be totally honest, between the kids, work, and therapy it's taking a toll.  I have found days when I don't know which direction I am headed.  I have learned that "Life's a dance you learn as you go".  Yet, blogging is my "me time".  It is what  sometimes keeps me sane and completely at peace. So I am going to make a promise to myself to allow the "me time" of blogging.
October was ridiculously hectic and I am so happy it is OVER! I think I tried to mostly rest the month of November. Halloween night Cody looked at me and said OK, I don't care if I don't see another person walk through our door for a month.  And that was the truth. Between both of the kids birthday parties and Halloween we were over it!
And now December has approached. Already...
This is honestly my favorite time of year. I love the way it is completely based around family and gatherings.  This is probably the first year Cohen REALLY gets "Santa" and I have to say I am liking it.

Every year my mom takes the grandkids to my Godfather's studio to take Christmas pictures. She buys them all matching outfits for their picture.  And every year this event becomes more and more entertaining. Because how easy it is to get a 5 year old, two 3 year olds, and a 1 year old to smile for a picture! Oh the conversation, tantrums, etc that occur are absolutely hilarious. This year I think this group shot captured every single one of their personalities PERFECTLY. Maybe that is why I love it so much!

Then we also take one with just our kids together. Cohen and Sawyer's picture is so stinking cute. I am so happy they were both cooperative.

Oh how these 2 have changed in just one short year! Oh how I have changed in just 1 short year!