Silence is Golden!

This week has been brutal!

Sure both girls kicked the stubbornness up a notch, but its been a tough one for no particular reason at all. It's just that my tank was supper low. I was burnt out! I was in a frighteningly desperate need of a break! I rarely get one and sometimes us mommies just need some time all by ourselves, to hear our own thoughts in our heads and not answer anyone else's questions or demands.

I adore my sweet angels! I really do. They are my princesses. See here's proof...we picked up their Halloween costumes this week...


But they both can be winey, stubborn, demanding, sassy and fight with one another. Not to mention the constant need for me. And when it's been months since I've had a break, then I can hit a wall. This week I definitely hit that rock solid, tough brick wall.

I hate admitting it because I so wish I was a supper mom, but Im not. They were basically sucking me dry people! Such a nice and loving thing to say about my children that I adore, isn't it? But I'm just tellin it like it is and like every other mother has felt at some point. So I had two solutions. First was a new behavior chart. We are renewing our efforts to get this crap together!


And my second solution was courtesy of amazing women whom I can't thank enough for their help! Nana watched Keags yesterday while Riley was at school so I could take my car to the mechanic all by myself. I think she was a little alarmed at my harsh and exasperated response to a tantrum throwing Keagan that spurred her babysitting offer. All though I'm not proud of myself, I'm so thankful for her help! And then Taryn watched the girls today for a whole five hours!! It was absolutely amazing! I had a fantastic lunch and long chat with Kelly and then was able to just relax for a while.

In the silence.

All by myself!

It! Was! Amazing!

There are no words for how thankful I am for all the people who love and support me and the girls! I'm so blessed and it was a huge blessing the past two days to have a little bit of a break to recharge, fill my tank.

Being a mom, a single one with a special needs child, is so stinkin tough! Every last tiny second is a thousand times worth it. But it can be so hard! But then I get a break and I'm renewed on my quest and can come back a better momma then before! I'm actually thankful that I hit that wall this week and that I have wonderful people to pick me up, dust me off and steer me back on my course. That is until I hit that wall again. Lets hope next time it's a little softer.

My Little Komedian

What 4 year old takes hilarious selfies? Mine does!














A couple of Sundays ago we were having the standard "what did you learn at church today" discussion. Keagan tells me they talked about the story of Ammon in the Book of Mormon. Ammon was a great missionary who at one point was given the strength from God to cut off the arms of thieves. But when Keagan told the story she said "he cut off all the ALIENS arms mom! It was awesome!" When I questioned her about the alien part, seeing as there are definitely no aliens talked about in the Book of Mormon, she was resolute in her version of the story! Hilarious and stubborn. Just how I like em!

She's got a personality bigger then the great state of Texas. Life is never gonna be boring with her! And I love it that way!

Riley's First Day!

Riley was clearly ecstatic to start her new year of preschool today! As evidence, she is currently sleeping with her school folder in her hand! It's definitely safe to say she is thrilled to be back in school!

She is back at Brill Elementary and has the same teacher and aide that she did last year, whom we LOVE! Miss McGown (formerly Miss B) and Miss Krammer are the best! And we have so many other amazing teachers, administrators, counselors and nurses at Brill that we are so lucky to have! It's clear that Brill loves Riley and they do a fantastic job taking care of her! That's why it's easy to just be happy for Riley that she gets to go back to where she loves!

She is in the afternoon class again so she can do her therapies in the mornings. That means she gets to hang out with Joshua, Chloe and DeShawn from 11-3 and have a fantastic time learning and growing!

This morning I may have gotten some of my favorite pictures ever! She is standing tall by herself and loving her sign and her gorgeous sister! Good luck this year baby!

Wrappin Up Summer

Summer 2013 has come to an end. Riley starts school tomorrow and then Keagan follows suit next week (even though she wishes she started tomorrow.) New clothes are washed and put away, supplies are purchased, back packs are packed, momma has been prayin for weeks and Uncle Todd gave us priesthood blessings tonight! Its 7pm and both girls are fed, bathed and asleep! We are ready!

We did a good job wrappin up all the fun this weekend with...

A fun Olympic themed Primary activity at church








Going to the movie "Planes" with Nana.


A good old fashioned game of checkers at the one and only Cracker Barrel.


Plus playing at Mathesons and the Frenchs.

It's been a great summer to remember but I'm excited for the new school year! Bring it on!

Until We Meet Again

Six years ago today my whole life was so drastically changed. Six years ago today the greatest man I have ever known went to be with our Heavenly Father.

I miss you from the deepest and most tender parts of my heart dad. Every moment of everyday. And even more in the moments with my sweet little girls that I know you would have lived for if you could have.

I'm so thankful that our family is sealed together for time and all eternity! I know we will be together again. And until we meet again I know you are with us.

Tonight in between my tears I found such comfort..

Mark 10:9
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Jeffrey R Holland

"I think of those...who are grieving over the death of a loved one... To all of these and so many more, I say: Cling to your faith. Hold on to your hope. “Pray always, and be believing.” Indeed, as Paul wrote of Abraham, he “against [all] hope believed in hope” and “staggered not … through unbelief.” He was “strong in faith” and was “fully persuaded that, what [God] had promised, he was able … to perform.”

Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek. He does love you, and He knows your fears. He hears your prayers. He is your Heavenly Father, and surely He matches with His own the tears His children shed.

Because Christ’s eyes were unfailingly fixed on the future, He could endure all that was required of Him, suffer as no man can suffer except it be “unto death,” as King Benjamin said, look upon the wreckage of individual lives and the promises of ancient Israel lying in ruins around Him and still say then and now, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” How could He do this? How could He believe it? Because He knows that for the faithful, things will be made right soon enough. He is a King; He speaks for the crown; He knows what can be promised. He knows that “the Lord … will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. … For the needy shall not alway[s] be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.” He knows that “the Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” He knows that “the Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”"

Mom of the Year!

I feel like the worst mom ever tonight!!

My little Riley bug has been a bit of a stinker the last couple days. She's been winey and needy and I have not been nearly as patient as I would like to admit. She's so tricky though because she is so happy that she hides any real trouble behind that smile of hers. Today I was SO frustrated with her for absolutely refusing to sit in her car seat and she went in time out! Twice! And then something clicked...she has an ear infection. I took her to Dr Reed and sure enough I was right. And I've been harpin on her for days! I feel so terrible!! And apparently so does she!

Asleep after the doctor...


But she sure perked up for Sa's fun activity in the afternoon! While I really tried hard not to wallow in my amazing parental skills, Sa made giant bubbles with all the girls! Now that's a good momma for ya!

















And my favorite picture from today...check out both their faces...



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Slice of Summer

Today was pick whatever your four year old heart desires to wear day! And they still ended up matching!


After running errands today, tonight was a perfect little piece of summer. We ate dinner in old town Tomball with the Frenchs across from the cutest little park ever. I bribed the girls (i.e. Keagan) that if they were good they could run through the splash pad in the park after dinner. I'm a genius!

The kids had a fantastic time as Taryn and I sat on a park bench in the 84 degrees (yes this is Houston in August) and marveled at our babies pure joyful bursts of laughter. So fun!














Keagan was SO cute with Riley and for the last twenty minutes she did everything she could to help Riley have fun- which wasn't hard to do. But Keagan was just SO sweet!

And then we came home to some cousin love.





A fantastic summer is almost coming to a close.



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Say What?!

Things I just never thought I would have to say to my children...

"Yes you are the best 4 year old beat boxer I know!"

"Nope. If they do have rice at the birthday party (which I really doubt they will) you can not eat it with your hands or have spaghetti sauce on it."

"How did you get this amount of ice cream up your nose? It's been 24 hours and its still coming out!"

"It's not your turn to play the game "wash the dishes". It's your 14 year old cousins turn."

"Do not threaten your sister with "I'm gonna SQEEZE you!""

"I really am sorry, but you can not wear your crown to bed."

"Yes you do pronounce it "someFing.""

And my personal favorite...

"Stop slapping people on the butt with your tortilla!"











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Sticker Sisters

This week the girls have had a total blast at craft camp! They went to Lindsey Blackhursts home every afternoon this week to attend "Sticker Sisters" with 10 other little girls ages 4-6 including Keagans best friend Matheson. Kellie and Addie were amazing and took turns helping Riley so she would be able to participate.

They made stationary, a journal, a name plate for their room, a mini scrapbook and a sticker book of course. Today was their last day and they had a party and traded stickers with one another. The girls have absolutely loved this week and I haven't minded the short afternoon quiet either!















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Looking Beyond

I had a conversation with some other Special Needs Mommas in one of my support groups on Facebook today that really got my wheels turnin. The topic was what would you tell a new mom who just received their child's first diagnosis. There is so much I would want to say, after I hugged her and maybe cried with her first. But the one piece of advice that I settled on was to tell her to do everything she can to look past the diagnosis and love and celebrate her child like only she can.

I would tell her to of course do all her research and find out all she can about her child's new adventure. I would tell her to slowly figure out all she needs to do to provide the very best opportunities for her baby that she can. But then I would beg her to not let any of that consume her but to look into her babies eyes and find the incredible.

I would try to encourage her to look at all the wonderful and amazing things about her child that may come from the diagnosis, or may have absolutely nothing to do with it at all. I would advice her to laugh, dance and sing with her baby and to hope and pray for the absolute very best future. I would insist that she not focus on the weaknesses but to celebrate and magnify her child's strengths. And never ever to put limitations on her little one that include labels, stigmas, "can'ts" and "nevers".

As I let my mind wander, I started thinking this applies to all of God Children. I started to think this is advice that The Lord could quiet possibly give us on how to treat our own selves, His beloved children.

Of course He wants us all to look past what the world may see in us and see what He sees. He wants us to correct our mistakes, but focus on our triumphs. Recognize our weaknesses, but celebrate our strengths. He wants us to laugh, dance and sing. He wants us to be happy and He has provided His gospel to show us all how.

I know I'm good at looking past my Riley's 19 diagnosis and seeing the beautiful miracle that she is! But I am terrible at looking past my own flaws and seeing the good. Today got me thinking that I need to treat myself a little better. And if I try to look through the lens of my Savior, then maybe I could actually do that.

I can now add this to the very long list of lessons my girls have taught me. How thankful I am.


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A Little Comedy

I have got some seriously funny kids! They are always cracking me up. But as of late, they have kicked the comedy into overdrive.




The last two nights Riley has fallen asleep with her blankie over her face. Of course that freaks me out so when I see it on the monitor I go rushing into her room. When I lower the blanket she is dead asleep but wakes up enough to give me a little mischievous laugh. Stinker knows exactly what she's doing!

This afternoon I fixed chicken and rice for both girls for lunch. I was just going to have a little chips and salsa myself. Riley always wants to try whatever I'm having and today she stole my bowl and ended up eating 3 helpings of salsa for lunch with a spoon! How many four year olds do that?





While helping Miss Taryn today Riley played in the flower beds and had the time of her life. She even used a big rock as a pillow to lay down and relax. When I brought her inside and washed her off in the sink the silly girl did this to herself...








And Miss Riley isn't the only jokester in the family. This morning when I was getting dressed I noticed a whole bunch of toilet paper on my night stand. When I asked Keagan if she knew what it was she said "oh yeah! That's from when I went tinkle in the night time." Fantastic!

Later when I turned the TV on, the movie Free Willy was playing. It was a little bit of a scary part where the whale was struggling in the net. We all sat and watched for a second until Keagan says to me "why are you letting your kids watch this?! Turn it please!" Ha ha!

After all the silliness, why not hype the girls up on sugar to make it even more fun? At least we did it in style by having our very first ice cream man experience tonight! They thought it was awesome! I'm just glad they actually went to sleep tonight. I'm sure more comedy awaits me tomorrow!









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