Polar Express

Brendon dropped off the crabbiest little girl ever at school today.  But she cheered up when I brought her into the school and she saw how nice it was decorated for the holidays.  Then we went to Target.  It actually wasn't too crazy.  The cashier gave me a million bags with like 2 items in them...grrr!!!!  So it was a little overwhelming to sort them when I got home!

Then after dinner today and 30 minutes spent in the potty...we watched the Polar Express.  She wasn't a fan of it last year...but LOVED it this year.  We skipped one part- she didn't like the creepy broken toy part! I don't blame her. But I am so glad that she loved it!

Dancing Fun

Lots of fun at dance class tonight!

I love how she is looking at herself in the mirror. 

This is from the free time they have at the end of the class and they play Freeze Dance!  I think it is hilarious that Olivia just wants to run around and hit everyone with her scarf...sigh...

Friendsgiving

Yesterday we had our friends over for a "Friendsgiving"

I truly enjoyed having everyone over as crazy as it can be at times...it is so worth it.  Never did I imagine 5 years ago I would be having a "Friendsgiving" with friends and their children.  I struggle with Thanksgiving week due to not having my family here and my miscarriage the day before Thanksgiving 5 years ago.  That just makes the holiday bittersweet for me because I wasn't thankful for anything 5 years ago, as I was mad at the world and just flat out sad! So thank you friends for coming, it made my week so much better to spend it with our new "family" of friends.  I am thankful for every time we get to see each other and the memories we have made and continue to make!

Breakfast with Santa 2014

This was our 4th year going to Vines Mansion to see Santa.  Even though it is kinda pricey it is sooo worth it! When you can have a nice breakfast, see Santa as much as you want, take your own pictures, and make crafts it makes every penny worth it!

I was worried that Olivia didn't want to see Santa but after she ate she was much happier and went to see him!

 

  

Then we finally finished the tree tonight!  Some new lights and tinsel!

 

Thanksgivng and a few sides

After a few crazy days of sickness, crazy daddy work days, we got to spend Thanksgiving together!

Olivia and I watched the Macy's Day parade and stayed quiet so daddy could sleep.  Then we had lunch and then played...it was sooo cold outside though.  Olivia took a nap and then after her nap we ate.  Olivia ate turkey and 2 rolls! Better than nothing! Then we cleaned up and we went to see our neighbors/family/Godparents.  We had dessert with them and Olivia played with Dino.  Olivia ate some pumpkin pie at their house!

Even Jake gets turkey!

Friday I went with our friends down to Lenox Square Mall to ride the Pink Pig at Macy's.  I am so not a fan of the mall anymore...I just don't like crowds and trying to control a 3 year old! But we had lunch and lots of fun!!

When Brendon got home we zoomed to the Christmas tree lighting in Loganville- we missed the tree be lit up by like 10 minutes...oh well...still pretty to see.

Then we went home and started putting up our tree...we were sad when 2 boxes of lights would only light up halfway... =(

5 years later

5 years ago I was sitting in the doctor's office hearing the unthinkable, "I'm so sorry, your water broke, your baby isn't going to make it."  It left a very long weekend of sorrow while we waited...waited for something to happen...seconds and minutes seemed like hours.  At 13.5 weeks pregnant you don't expect your water to break.  We thought we crossed the threshold of 12 weeks and were safe and excited. 

It was a moment in life where time stood still, and life as I knew it stopped.

There are times still now that it sneaks up on me and takes my breath away and tears flow. 

He, we were pretty sure the baby was a boy, would be 4 1/2 years old, I would be a mama of  a preschooler, and Olivia would be his baby sister.

Embrace posted a great read today...it was perfect for me to read...
reflection-of-you

At the same time I am grateful and thankful to have experienced this...I have grown from this.  I have learned so many things- patience, struggle, faith, and grace.  And from this the greatest blessing of Olivia who is truly a gift that not many people understand.

This is one of the last sonogram pictures we had done at 12 weeks and that same day we heard a heartbeat.  I am thankful and grateful that this baby changed my life, changed me, and made me realize how precious life can be.

A prayer for when I need it...“Lord, I invite You to do the work You want to do in my life today.  I need your grace more than I know or can express right now.  This broken place is tender to the touch and everything within me wants to struggle within your will.  But today, I offer my plan for your purpose.  I surrender my hopes, dreams, and discouragements into your hands.  With my tiny fragment of faith, I say to you, ‘Lord I trust You,’ not only with this one thing, but with my entire life.”

Around the house day

Today I had to wake up early to take Jake to the vet for his yearly check up.  Jake is quite the maniac in the car and couple that with Olivia...it makes an interesting outing.  So the 5 minute drive was horrible....getting out of the car I about lost my arm, closed a branch in the door, and was sweating.  Jake was super great and Olivia got a little nervous watching the vet poke and prod him.  It was a much better ride home.  I think Jake was tired!

Then we just stayed around the house and played today.  It was not as nice as yesterday.  Olivia rode her tricycle for a bit and helped Brendon fill the bird seed!