Blessings

"We pray for blessings healing, prosperity. ….for your mighty hand to heal our suffering. You love us way to much to give us less of anything. What if your blessings come through raindrops. What if your blessings come through sleepless nights for that is what it takes to know you are near. What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise." (Laura Story, Blessings...a new song) God is blessing us. I am sure.

Charlotte might need a new baby doll.

Because there is going to be another baby friend for Charlotte.

Don't freak out, it is not me.

--Charlotte has a bazillion "Emma Kate's" after my friends Mollie's sweet baby girl.
--She even has a baby "Isaac" after her baby cousin, who she adores and begs me to drive to Raleigh. It's not sar(far) mommy, itsn't. She hears my mom talk about this a lot, I'm sure!
--She has a baby Liliana (wiwiana) after her soon to be baby cousin.

And, now, one of my forever friends, is PREGO. A very long awaited pregnancy. Sarah has been dreaming about being pregnant since high school. I always knew I would have a surrogate mom if I needed one, that is how bad she has wanted to be prego. It is super exciting.

"Charlotte, we have an exciting secret to tell you."
"What is it?" She guessed it was a present, or a cookie.
We showed her the picture of the "Dralle Bean" and she grinned a cute huge smile and looked kind of strangely at Sarah's belly.

Later at dinner, we asked Charlotte, "What do you think it is? A boy or a girl?"
"I don't know, what is it?" she responds.
"What do you think, Charlotte?"
"You tell me think. Think. (looking sternly into Sarah's eyes) Tell me."

The story doesn't seem as cute written, but it was really funny. She thought if we just thought hard enough we could tell her. I guess we are always telling her to think.

Life is good, I said.

"And Jesus has to do with life," Charlotte responds.
"Who taught you that?" I ask.
"I did. And, I am right," she responds without skipping a beat.

Yesterday she was full of energy. Smiles. She ran everywhere yesterday.

And, very full of questions. "Will Jesus always love me?" "Why." "Even if I don't have an arm?" "How did God make apples?"

A very intuitive little girl. She pulls out her positive energy at just the right time.

I don't want to turn in to a pessimist.

What is wrong with me? The cup is seeming so half empty lately.
Ahhhhh, I am getting on my nerves.

Here is my half a** attempt at optimism today.

Things you should be thankful for:

1. A dishwasher. I don't know anyone else without one.
2. A place to put your toilet paper that is not in the middle of the bathroom.
3. Closet doors that hide your clothes.
4. Blinds that prevent your neighbors from seeing you get dressed.
5. At least one room of the house that is comfortable.

Okay okay...stop your bit$#^%ING please Elizabeth. You have so
SO SO much to be thankful for too.

1. Great friends, that appear and offer to help organize my life!
2. Parents that feed me, still!
3. A daughter that is beautiful, sweet, and full of hugs and optimism
4. A classroom that overlooks a field, with a glisten of sunshine
5. A godiva chocolate bar that is in my bag because my husband shared.

I feel better. Sorry that you were the brunt of my stupid complaining. The last list is obviously the much more important things! But, ya'll....can I just say it is super duper hard to not be effected by your environment. ahhh. And, when I try without a prayer. I feel claustrophobic.

Today, on my desk it says: "Be made new in the attitude of your minds." Ephesians 4:23

A leap of a birthday

Three years ago, as CZ's birthday approached, I remember one (of many) freak out moments. The "am I really pregnant" "am I really going to have to go to the hospital" "is it going to hurt" "can 9 months really be over" "I am going to be A MOM" moments. One occured when I was grocery shopping and the expiration date on the milk was 02-19-08. That was when I knew it was really getting close. So, three years later as we finished this galloon of milk, I remember carrying my sweet CZ around in my belly, how she was still when I was nervous, how I ate a bunch of pineapple, and getting an IV wasn't the end of the world. And, being a mom is the best ever, especially when I can call Charlotte my baby.

Having a "leap year" birthday is a little strange though. We totally celebrated all day on Sunday, Feb. 27th. There was so much excitement built around that day...that I didn't try to explain her when her "real" birthday was. I kind of felt like a bad mom...but about anything can make you feel that way if you let it. Next year she will get it. Duh, she will actually get a party on the 29th! As I went to bed Monday night I just kept thinking: somewhere in the mystery of today and tomorrow Charlotte was born. Cool.

On her birthday morning (well, we celebrated on Sunday, Feb. 27), we had a yummy breakfast, enjoyed snuggling, and tried to not jump out of our skin with excitement! This was the first year Charlotte really got excited about her birthday. She practiced singing to herself a ton...and it paid off as she sang along with everyone else at her party!

I have a feeling "three" might be our two! As she stuck out her tongue, begged to eat cake, and whined about almost everything...prior to her party. She covered up her morning grumpiness just fine at her party. Thank goodness.

As she opened each present, she very sweetly looked at each person in the eye and said "thank you soooo much." She grinned, smiled, and added "oh stinkin' cute" to all of the gifts that were clothes. Yes, she got two new babies...just what she wanted....actually three.

Cora and Kate sweetly posed for a picture on the awesome stool that Heather painted for CZ. CZ loves it and also was super cute when she opened the blanket that Tonia made for her. She quickly snuggled right up into it on the floor. It was really fun watching her open her gifts. She is spoiled rotten, yes. But, hopefully super grateful too.

It was a fun party. A super amazing Hello Kitty cake, Hello Kitty posters, a cardboard house for the kids to paint, and lots of art activities. There were stamp pads for the families to make fingerprint characters, and pots to paint and plant flowers. The highlight was looking back as CZ opened her gifts to see Matt, Neil, Tonia and Ben concentrating on painting their pots. It was hallarious. All ages had a good time :)

So, back down to reality. Charlotte loves LOVES loves her new (to her straight from the Cocharanes) art table. Hours of studio time have already been enjoyed.

I love Charlotte. I love everyone that loves her. I feel lucky, blessed, and grateful for everyone that showers her with love. xoxo

Things that make me smile:

Wearing...
GG's engagement ring
it makes me feel young as I admire the sparkle
and close to Gran and GG and Aunt Janet.
A cross from Aunt Jane
it makes me feel peaceful and free,
characteristics that remind me of Jane.
"Think Big" earrings from Heather,
makes me feel adventurous and creative.