Zoo Fun

A bit cold and nippy but a great day to see the animals up close and personal at the zoo with Nana and Papa.

Watching the dolphin show (and warming up)

 Popcorn snacks (Cooper's favorite part of the zoo)

 Love my favorite Zoo Boo Sparkles

 Cooper and his Lions

 and a visit to see Omi's giraffes.

Another great fall break adventure

Brave Cooper

Today is the day... time to take care of Cooper's cavities (all 4 of them 😳)

Just a few pre-appointment snuggles and kisses

 Ready to go

 Being so brave

 All finished.
He did amazing- all 4 filled in the same visit in the half the expected amount of time.

 Two bouncy balls for being the most amazing patient :)

So proud of this little boy. 

No tears, a model patient, filled with smiles. 

Until we were driving home, and Moo-ie's arm came off. 

Suddenly it was no longer the very best day (as he had said moments before). 

Dr. Nana to the rescue and after many more snuggles and a few tears, Moo-ie was put back together and the day was almost the best again :) 

More Fall Break Fun

Monday was a rainy day....

a perfect day for starbucks sipping, wellie wearing, Harry Potter reading and Sparkle snuggling

and later a visit to Orange Leaf- Cooper's favorite (Lillian was having a sleepover at a friends)

Just a Day

just an ordinary day....

at least that is how it began.

But this pesky cough just won't go away, it was finally time to call my doctor.

I should have called sooner, but fear has a way of stopping us from doing what we know to do.

Because this journey began not so long ago with a pesky cough and I was afraid the merry go round was beginning again.

So I called and was asked to come to the hospital (where my doctors office is located) for a chest X-ray and an appointment.

I quickly showered, dropped off the littles and headed downtown.

Nervous does not seem strong enough to describe how I was feeling as I drove downtown, there wasn't even time to grab my favorite cup of Brave.

Chest x-ray went fine and I hurried upstairs for my appointment.

I was immediately hooked up to an iv, blood drawn and a very uncomfortable nose swab completed.

 In the rush of the morning, at least I remembered to grab a book.

The emotions flooded as I sat in the infusion room waiting... waiting is hard. But with waiting comes answers.

I have bronchitis and the early signs of pneumonia- its not just a pesky cough.
I was assured (multiple times) that it was right to call and that I am to also call on Monday to give an update on my symptoms (the hope is that 5 days of antibiotics will begin to make a difference and no further testing will be required).

3 hours later I was headed home and treated myself to a frozen coke- it had been a long day

 With mandated rest on my agenda, I snuggled up with comfort snacks, the same good book, my favorite blanket and chair and a peaceful heart.
I still feel pretty crummy and worry is always waiting to take hold, but there is much to be thankful for and always joy to be found.

 And when I finished my book, I started knitting on my loom.
Because its a lot easier to sit when your hands are busy.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
The road to remission continues and I am hanging on for the ride.

Fall Break Fun

First week of Fall Break is complete and we have enjoyed our stay-cation.

A long weekend visit with Grammie which of course included a trip to Danny's ice cream.

 Fierce Batman waiting to go outside to play

 Lunch at Red Robin (thanks Pops and Grann) then shopping for fall clothes

 Jammie breakfast and cartoons

 And a trip to the children's museum

Thank you to everyone for your help to make this a fun and memorable week for the Sparkles.
We love you

Pom Pom Hats

Its finally getting cool enough to wear their new winter hats and the Sparkles could not be more thrilled.

Best Weekend EVER

Afternoon coffee and library books (a new series too)

 Mani- Pedi's

 Surprise presents from my love
"espresso"ing his love even from across the pond

 Evening Football Games (to watch the band of course)

 Posing with my favorite Baritone Player

Madi's brick on the wall- a symbol of their hardwork and place within the band 

 Brownie chewing, uniform changing smiling Moopers

This Momma's heart is full- a weekend filled with fun, laughter, memories and all the people I love most.

Thanks to everyone who made this a "normal" weekend :)

Across the Pond Selfies

Smiles across the miles 

Momma's Lama

Cooper was so excited to see Momma's llama on his weekend adventure with Nana.

There is Joy to be found wherever you may be :)

UK love

With Daddy away to the UK we wanted to send him good morning messages...

Wishing him a great Monday

We also sent a few gifts for our dear friends whom we miss so much. Its our way of sending our love and hugs without being there in person.

Sparkle picked, wrapped and approved :)

Sunday Fun

Sunday
Slurpees
Selfies

 Teeth missing

 Chauffeuring and Starbucks

It was a GREAT day!

Momma Lilli Date Night

We went to church at big campus (forgot to take a picture)  and then out to dinner.

She picked the yummy spaghetti place (thank goodness we drove by it on the way to church or I am not sure 🐟 would have figured out which restaurant she wanted)

 Great food and great company

Who couldn't love this face 😘

Nothing beats one on one time with my Sparkles.

Thanks Birdy for a great date :)

Contacts abound

Very proud of my girls and their efforts to "see" the best in the world.

Sunday Shakes and Nap time

I thought that Saturday was a great day but Sunday was a pretty close 2nd.

We doubled up for church with serving at the 9am and worshipping at the 11. I love the west campus and how God is using the people of our community to bring Light to the west side. Its a blessing and privilege to put on my Kids Ministry shirt each week and wiggle with my preschoolers.

Daddy was drumming so lunch needed to be quick and easy - we were hungry

Arbys was the weekend choice

Part way through lunch Cooper asked what time it was.
I answered, 1:47.
He said, great I will nibble slower so I can get a milkshake :) and he did.

 He used his rock money to buy his own- and nearly drank every last drop
Sneeking a quick Momma kiss

Then it was home to rest. Sundays is a long and exhausting day for this Momma and I can often be found in my Momma chair in the afternoon.

Look who joined me.

 5 minutes later this was what happened, and 2 hours later he woke up.

Best Sunday ever :)