Slow Down Baby!
Just on the heels of hearing that someone still actually READS my blogs, I need to catch up on this beautiful, crazy life. Winter is upon us all, and this is the time of year when people reflect. Looking back on these last few months I have shed some tears. Some from sadness, but I am only focusing on those brought on my blessings.
I am not going to be able to emotionally discuss the days leading up the the biggest change in all of our lives so far. Char hit the big K wide open, Hootie brought wonderful friends into our lives, and I jumped into the profession I know I was meant to do. Whew....all with only minor breakdowns, and reasonably amounts of hugging and crying uncontrollably on the phone to loved ones.
Let me dedicate the rest of this Ward update to my Charlie. He is rocking out Green Valley's Kindergarten. I am so proud. Didn't cry once, until I made him wear jeans. Of course, we all know it has nothing to do with me, Dad, or him. It is simply because we have been blessed with an awesome team of teachers who love him like I do, and do whatever it takes to help him grow. I. Love. My. Life. I just don't say that enough. I have dreaded this Kinder thing for years. 5 years to be exact. I saw myself a snotty mess of worry and fretting in a ratty pair of yoga pants, but the Lord has done so much. I am now just a worried, proud, "wishing time would slow down," Mama in a pair of slacks who is able to hide her snotty mess from the public. How could I be sad about something so wonderful for my baby?? Do I want him to slow down? YES!! Is that selfish? YES!! He is growing so much, and every time I see that tiny wave when I pass him in the hall, or hear that laugh when I see him in the gym, I know this is God's plan. How wonderful is my life? So many Mama's would love to see their little men grown and mature in health. I can not possibly take that for granted. We are looking ahead to Charlie's first program, staring none other than Charlie the Grinch himself! This year has held the greatest of adjustments, but I am taking it in stride, and trying to truly cherish the small things, I KNOW are the big things.
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Summertime Fun
As our summer has wound down. but real school life has taken off running, I realize I really really need to blog. Here is a quick breeze through the most awesome summer of my life. Times are changing fast. That's another blog for another day. I wanted to share these smiles caught on camera. It was a summer I will never forget!
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To be a Mom
This is my fifth year as a Mom. Sweeter everyday. The love you have for your children can not be described. From the moment I saw that test, and I knew my body was growing my babies, I was changed. Times change. We all know things in the world are getting worse. Troubles spin around usl. It seems like my family has stood through more trials this year than any before. One of the few consistencies that life provides is that of your child's love. I thank God everyday for my miracles. They are nothing less than God-given, blessed miracles. As I type I am preparing to jump into a messy bed with cowboy hats, lego guys, and teddy bears. Oh, and also two of the rowdiest and most gifts ever to enter my life.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above
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My Mama
You hear all of these cheesy commercial reminders to "Call your Mom on Mother's Day." Today, out loud, I said, "Seriously??" If you need a reminder, then your heart is defiantly in need of some molding. Not one day goes by without me thinking about my mama, and wanting to talk to her. Most days it is several, calls, texts, or emails. Everyday I spend as a Mother, I realize more and more all that my Mama gave to us. I went to bed every night and I knew I was loved, and I woke up and started everyday, and I knew I was loved. Mom never had "Mom Time." I never remember her losing it with us. She never shouted. She never complained when we asked for a specific meal, she never hesitated when I wanted a sleepover. She never knocked on the door at 3 am to tell 4 giggly girls to get to bed. She held my hair when I was sick, in the car, or at a park, or beside the road, or wherever else my motion sickness took hold. Everyday I realize how hard all of those small things were for her, but she did them all with such grace. She never grumbled. She just did them. Why? Because she has a Mother's Heart. She loves me, and because of this I have learned to love my babies the same. I will brag. I come from a long lineage of good hearts. I pray mine will be just as enduring.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I sure love you!
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Cowboy Hoot turns 3!
Holy cap shots, Batman! For the passed few weeks our house has been ringing with the wonderful sounds of cap busters and rifles....and I love it. Early in May we celebrated our sweet little Hootie's 3rd birthday. Time passes faster with every day. He has changed so much. I lay down at night thinking, "Please don't ever change. This is too good." Then, the next day I see him learn and amaze me, and makes me so thankful he is healthy enough to grow and change.
Here are some things I just don't want to forget:
Loves Rusty bear
"Sursty" means 'thirsty"
Loves the animals and the chair lift at Tweetsie
Shouts "cannon ballll" everytime he jumps from something
Asks to hear "Jesus Wubs Me"
Loves Chewbacca
Loves the Lone Ranger
Stops in the middle of every story and says..." an in...an in...an in..."
Adds "actually" before every sentence
Scared to death of being turned upside down
Loves granola chocolate bars
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This year the whole crew of cowboys joined us for his party. It was at the Ray Family Farm. He called it his "corral" birthday. In true Ward-birthday fashion, it was windy and cool, but I don't think a single kiddo noticed. We cowboy hooplah-ed just as long as our bodies could stand it. It was a perfect way to welcome Sheriff Hootie into his 3rd year in our lives.
Happy Number 3 Dear Hootie! We love you.
See all the photo fun here: https://withthewards.shutterfly.com/pictures/2654
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Celebrate 30
Thanks to my super sweet sis, I have this sentimental slideshow too :)
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30 Reason I know I am 30
In no particular order, here are 30 reasons why I know, try as I may, I have turned the big 3-0
30. "Hey Heath, we want to go out for your birthday this weekend." and I reply, "YES! Is Waffle House at 6 ok with you guys?"
29. I get very excited over hearing about free melanoma screenings.
28. I am tempted to hand a scantily dressed App freshman my fleece at a stop light during a March blizzard.
27. I try with all of my might to enjoy my 80's sing-a-longs, but never get a verse in without hearing, "Mama, what's a raspberry beret?"
26. I consistently check Huey Lewis' tour schedule.
25. Don't sleep in the tanning bed anymore, instead I lay there thinking of my next free melanoma screening.
24. Sleep in socks.
23. Really look forward to Monica's new tell all!
22. Carry tums
21. Text a friend, "Hey, haven't heard from you in days. Are you feeding Precious in a hole." and then receive, "No! And I am not putting on lotion either. I've been working!"
20. Can't watch Johnny and Baby without crying because their romance can never happen!
19. Can't remember if I took my medicine.
18. Get a call remindng me NOT to wear yoga pants to my surprise birthday party.
17. Scroll through the stupid links titled "Stars without Make-up" at least once a week
16. Cry like a baby when I walk on gravel without shoes
15. Pick up things with my toes to spare my back.
14. Wish every Halloween my kids would be Mario and Luigi.
15. Refer to people by saying, "Dude,....."
14. Just miss-numbered this countdown
12. (or something) DVR the music awards to throw off on stars who need to cover up, and stop making themselves plastic, and then sit in dead silent tears when King George performs.
11. Don Williams Pandora
10. Break 2 coffee cups in a week after leaving them on the top of my car...and driving away.
9. It takes one coffee and two Mtn. Dews to find out if Jack Bauer makes it another hour.
8. Want to punch the guy in front of you smoking at a concert
7. Wake up randomly singing, "Jenny from the Block"
6. You google YOLO
5. Say "Doy" and then have to explain
4. Dinner conversation is co-pays and gallbladders
3. Sleeping on the couch is a back nightmare
2. Hate selfies
1. Take a superfab family beach photo and circulate it, only to notice 6 months later that you forgot to zip your dress
I do love 30, but I love all of those awesome people in my 30 years who have made me feel so blessed. How can I be sad?? I love my life, even on the rough days ;)
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Ten Thousand Angels
I finally convinced him to let me catch this on tape :)
They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where he pray
They led him through the street in shame
They spat upon the Saviour so pure and free from sin
They said crucify him he's to blame
He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set him free
He could have called ten thousand angels but he died alone for you and me Read more...
Horse Clues
April Fools Day brought a funny to my life that...well...wasn't a joke. I woke up to a couple horses in our yard. Just visiting from our neighbors. The boys laughed, and talked about it all day. When we took our trip down the driveway to the mailbox, Charlie and I were playing Scooby Doo. He loves that. I told him we needed to find clues to figure out where the "Horse Creature" has come from.
He thinks, then says, "Yes. You are right. Keep an eye out for clues the Horse Creature has been here. #1....horse tracks, they look like this (shows me with his hands) #2....terribly shookies like that (points to the pile in the driveway) and # 3....anybody who looks like they might have just been trampled! (stops and stared me right in the face)" No smile. He was completely serious. I said, "Yep, that would be a pretty good sign."
I love that kid.
Irish Secret Revealed
Sometimes a person can find certain simple pleasures that they allow into their everyday lives to help things run smoother. I am not sure about everyone else, but my simple daily life contentments are usually the stupidest of things, and things I strive to keep well hidden to avoid being made fun of. Well, today when I flipped on the most addictive of my simple comforts, Pandora radio, I realized one of my secrets was out. I LOVE Riverdance. Music. Dances. The whole weird package. I don't actually DO the dances....except on occasion with the boys when they need a quick laugh, but they have seen it, and they certainly have heard it. No words, just chipper bagpipe-y music. Well....today I caught a very quick glimpse of this when I walked into the living room. It's short, but entertaining. Watch out Michael Flatley. Muah ha ha ha
For all of those "Friends" fans in my life. Yes, I know, "His legs flail about as if independent from his body!!"
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Hooplah Defined
For those with some confusion on my redneck slang. Here you go.
Hooplah from Mr. Webster:
[hoop-lah]
noun Informal.
1.
bustling excitement or activity; commotion; hullabaloo; to-do.
Hooplah from Me:
noun
1. the celebratory result of taking any moment, brief or extended, to find every blessing and savor it to the fullest
Take time in your life for hooplah. There is always, always reason for hooplah. Please try to look deep and find it. Maybe it's a, "It's Friday and nobody has had a cough this week" hooplah, or perhaps something more beautiful, "No more radiation" hooplah.
Charlie is 5!
Due to serious peer pressure, I have decided to continue with the birthday hooplah blog without pictures. Hopefully soon I will get on the ball and have them uploaded. Anyway......
It all begins on a chilly February night. Seven festive children pile into a house that is decorated top to bottom. Ben 10 laser sounds fill the house. The fun begins! This year Charlie decided that having friends over for a sleepover and a whole lot of fun was the way he wanted to ring in 5 years. About a week before the big day we drapped his bedroom is leftover balloons and streamers and our traditional Ward birthday banner. Every individual is given one day every 365 to celebrate themselves. I have always wanted to encourage my boys to make that day all about them and God's blessings on them that year. We spent the night before the sleepover listening to horribly repetitive Disney pandora, and making 15,000 bright blue and green cupcakes. I broke every health rule and let Charlie taste the batter. As the night came, I was really overcome with Charlie's excitement. We made homemade pizzas together, tried homemade icecream (although the little hands became tired of shaking the bags very quickly), made Ben 10 serbet floats, played a few games, romped, and watched a projector movie. Thankfully I was overcome with brushing teeth and snuggling in little bodies, and I wasn't focusing on my baby becoming a big boy.
We woke up early and feasted on Birthday Pancakes, delivered party-goers and then ventured to my Nana's for a cupcake sort of hooplah. After that.....the *best (*denotes sarcasm) idea any two parents lacking sleep could ever dream of. Taking two cupcake-hyped boys to Chuck E Cheese on a Friday night. !!!! Oh my. Dear oh dear. I was very quickly reminded of the following:
1. Dressing the age of your children does NOT make you a cooler parent than throwing on a cardigan over that mess.
2. Children thrive in impoliteness where spanking ceases to exist.
3. Sitting in a parking lot while finishing a redbox, and then sticking it in the machine with a mere 3 minutes to spare makes you an awesome procrastinator.
Anyway. The boys had so so much fun. We let Charlie pick the dinner spot. We ate together at Mickey Dees and laughed together and had a blast. Two sticky boys laughed and joked all the way home. The night ended with a mess, and four sleepy Wards. It was PERFECTION. On Sunday we had cupcakes at Charlie's Mamaws and ended the festivities and weekend long hooplah.
My baby is 5. Five years since my midwife laid that hungry little blessing upon my chest. He has taught me so much. Everyday he becomes more of an individual. I know he has such potential in his life. Ready for Kindergarten? He is. Me....maybe more than last week, but no. I'll do it, and I probably will hold back the tears, but only because God has blessed me with a healthy five year old that I have been able to watch grow and thrive and learn. Not all Mamas can say that about their babies, so I have nothing to cry about. I take this birthday is stride, but only after stopping to pray a prayer of thanks for each and every moment I am able to watch this special boy grow.
Happy Birthday my dear Charlie!!
(pictures to follow very soon.....well, soon) Read more...
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