A Mother’s Day Story

My friend Marolyn has had a tremendously challenging year. Soon after the New Year, she was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. This report came after months of extreme discomfort and worry. She’s since undergone various tests, treatments and even minor surgery. On top of all that, her youngest son joined the army just one week before her official diagnosis. They’ve had only brief correspondence and contact with one another. As his graduation from boot camp drew near, Marolyn grew anxious to see him. Sadly, his sergeant called to say that her son would not be graduating with his class because he had come down with pneumonia and was still in recovery. The sergeant said it would be impossible for Michael to complete his PT test and would have to test once his strength returned, delaying his return home. Now, I’m not sure how it feels to be away from your mother when she is undergoing such difficulties, but it must have been just the thing to motivate Michael. Despite the pneumonia, he passed his PT test and flew home that weekend.

Here are pictures I took of Marolyn and Michael just a few days ago. There was such tenderness between them. The bond between mother and child is a beautiful mystery, one I cherish and am always amazed by.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Bath Buddies

Darci and Dan came over the other night to visit and Jami borrowed our bath tub. Marin had just gotten out and was still clad in only a diaper. They were having so much fun exploring the bathroom together, I just had to snap a couple pictures to capture the moment. These pictures make me giggle every time I look at them!!!!! There is just so much to love about baby booties!

Marin's Little Pony

Me: "No, Marin, that's not a cow, it's a horse. What does a horse say?"
Marin: "Mooooooo"
Me: "(Giggle) No, Marin a Horse says Neigh. A Cow says Moo."
Marin: "Cow? Moooo!"

Um, Yeah, so the animal identification thing can be kinda tricky to learn, I guess. But with a vocabulary of over 70 words I'd say Marin will learn the distinction soon. I'm hoping "pony" will help.

Pony is her new friend. Pony goes night, night with Marin. She dances with Marin. She explores and is pretty obedient to all of Marin's many demands.

Here are a few photos of Marin and Pony for your viewing pleasure.



Well, pony got cut out of this one, but I LOVE the quizical look on Marin's face. Classic Marin!


Thank you Angie, for such a thoughtful gift. You've given Marin hours of fun and addorable toy she absolutly loves.

Bit-O-Ouch! {Marin’s Shots}

I hate taking Marin for her immunizations. I dread it. Today was shots day.

I try to be strong and brave. I try not to project my fears to Marin, but I’m not sure it’s working.
Today she cried when they weighed her, cried when they measured her height, cried when the doctor looked in her ears, eyes, mouth and at her tummy. But she SCREAMED when they drew her blood.

The doctor recommended we have her blood tested to be sure that her iron levels were good and that she didn’t have too much lead in her system. I said okay with hesitation. It was awful. She screamed and cried. I had to hold her down, while trying to comfort her. In the moment I was searching for ways to take her mind off of what was going on, but each time I came up with something I hesitated because I didn’t want to taint our “happy thing.” Should I have sung her our favorite song? Should I have recited the ABCs? Should I have told her the story about five silly monkeys? Maybe next time I’ll have a story about Brave Baby Marin ready to recite.

When everything was said and done she was given a pony sticker and candy. They seemed to instantly bring her relief. As we left the Doctor’s office I let myself cry. With Steven at my side and tears running down my face, I carried Marin to the car. Seems Marin recovered from the incident beautifully. In the car, sucker in hand, she turned to me and asked “Okay, Mommy? You Okay?” Her tiny hand patting my shoulder as my tears ran freely. “Yes, baby Marin, Mommy is okay. I love you.”

After all of the emotions, she was ready for a nap. Yes, that's the candy in her hand. I couldn't bring myself to take it from her.

The Annie-Bubba Duo + Two

I've been trying to get with this family for pictures for over a month! Weather can be so frusterating! Well, we finally found the perfect day for pictures. Here are some of my favorites! Prepair to smile alot. These kids have the most addorable grins!!!

Thank you guys for being so adventurous. The kiddos were especially cooperative. Watching them yesterday proved to me you can go just about anywhere in flip flops!

Remodeling with a Toddler

Let me begin by saying that God knew what he was doing when he gave us Marin. He knew we needed an easy going baby that was content to play alone and wasn’t too curious. When Marin was a baby the remodeling was put on hold for a while, well, besides the essential things like hanging a light in the breakfast room the week she came home, oh, and wiring switches in our bedroom so we’d have light to see if her diaper was poopy or not (blushing). Obviously our home wasn’t baby proof and honestly still isn’t. That’s why we are lucky God gave us Marin.

She has a healthy curiosity, but doesn’t go too far with it. She turns most anything into a toy and can entertain herself with a paintbrush and bowl for a good 30 minutes (impressive for a 22 month old). And this morning, she was content to just be with me while I painted closet shelving. No, dvd player, no sippy cup, no toys, just tools, paint, and mommy.

I’m not sure what the “terrible twos” will bring, but these pictures of her climbing into the shelves might be just a hint of what’s to come. Isn’t she cute?

"Go Night, Night?"

Not too happy about getting down.

Lavender Lemonade

I hosted book club at my house last night. We were discussing "The Unlikely Lavender Queen - A Memoir of Unexpected Blossoming" by Jeannie Ralston. Lavender Lemonade was the obvious drink of choice. Here the recipie I conconcted thanks to input from Martha Stewart and Laurie Lea.

Ingredients

3 cups granulated sugar
3 cups water
¼ cup dried lavender
3 cups fresh lemon juice (from 16 to 20 lemons)
2 cups Perrier Water
Ice, for serving
Lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish

Directions
Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Stir in lavender. Remove from heat, and let stand until cool.

Once cool, place the lavender, sugar water in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.

Before serving, strain lavender from the sugar water, stir in lemon juice and add Perrier water.

Serve over ice, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh lavender sprigs.

Lemonade can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Serves 12

Happy first day of May! Summer is on its way.