couldn't ask for more, wouldn't settle for less

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.

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!

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

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!

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

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.

On his birthday, we spent at Tweetsie. He rode the same rides over and over. Lucky for us, Jamie and I took turns and no one puked. He sat and fed the animals, and I jsut sat their with him on the sidewalk. He loves animals so much. Behind that mean little smile, is a very big heart! I love him, just like he is, but I can't wait to watch him grow.

Happy Number 3 Dear Hootie! We love you.

See all the photo fun here: https://withthewards.shutterfly.com/pictures/2654

Celebrate 30

My awesome family and friends worked so hard, and came together to give me a super sweet 30 celebration. I never go a minute without being reminded of the love in my life. Here are some highlights.