A Peek Into a Left Field Saturday Night.....

Shawn and I find ourselves hilarious.  I'm not so sure Wilbur felt the same.  But really--what else are two bored parents supposed to do when they find themselves with a cat and a Build-a-Bear Buzz Lightyear costume at 10:00 on a Saturday night???  Hmmm......

"My humans are idiots.  Someone PLEASE call PETA."

My Love

The other night, I shared my exasperation with Shawn and Avery (Noah is at camp, so he was spared my exasperation--at least for the moment) with one of my friends via text.  It was hot, I was tired, annoyed, cranky, in pain and just wanted things to go my way.  She talked me down, got me on an even keel and I was able to move on.

Shawn, Avery and I went out, where I was able to snap this photo, which I sent on to my friend.

When she responded, she commented that I am so in love with my men.  Well, yes--it's absolutely true. I am very in love with my menfolk.  I can't help it.  Even when I'm most exasperated with them, I'm still absolutely in love with them.  I do love them with all my heart.  They've captured me.

To My Favorite THREE Year Old

My Dearest Avery,
You have gone from our tiny little miracle baby who couldn't wait to be born, before my body was ready, and before we could even get to the right hospital....  You, who made our little family of three into a more complete family of four...  You were worth the wait, the tears, the prayer, the frustration and everything else we went through to get you here with us.  I loved being able to hold you, being able to nurse you, being able to rock you to sleep and just be with you, smelling your sweet baby scent.  You have been beautiful from the moment I first knew I was pregnant with you.  Just thinking about all of it still brings me to tears.

You have taught my heart to sing, and I have learned that it really is possible for my heart to feel as though it's going to explode with love.  The way you greet me, the way you smile, your hugs, your slobbery kisses....  They are all little pieces of heaven for me.  I could snuggle with you and watch you sleep for hours.

You've been to Maine to meet--and dance with--your great-grandfather and namesake.  I know it made our Denny so happy to meet you and know you.  You even earned the title of Youngest Volunteer when you went to work with Mommy, bringing smiles and laughter to the lives of many who were sick or grieving, or just in need of a smile and a snuggle.  Of course, once you became mobile, you had to start going to daycare!


It has been fun to watch you discover your world, such as learning that while you really don't care for camping (unless S'mores are involved, of course), you really do love anything that comes from a Starbucks cup, Mommy's kitchen, a chocolate wrapper, or basically anything containing sugar.











You love bacon, and you love baking.  Sometimes it's hard to tell which you like more!














You can pout with the best of them, but you always win my heart (and twist me right around your little finger!) with your charm.

 



You do your best to keep up with the older kids, always afraid you're going to miss out on the fun.  You are my little thrill seeker, yelling, "More!  Higher!  Faster!  It's like a roller coaster!"









I love you more than you could ever imagine, Avery.  My sweet, precious, amazing little boy.  Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the gift you are to me, and the joy you bring to me.  Thank you, and happy birthday.


Love Always,
Mommy

A Little Bit of Then and Now....

I thought I'd post these for nostalgia's sake.  Shawn had to say goodbye to his childhood home today, and it was tough for him for many reasons.

We had this first picture taken the summer of 1994 when we first dated in high school (See?  I really was thin once...  Same hairstyle though!).

We took this one today, in front of the same tree.  Here we are:  EIGHTEEN YEARS of knowing each other, twelve years of marriage, two great boys, and millions of milestones, trials and adventures later....

It really makes me weepy; with the sale of Shawn's childhood home, it really does feel like the end of an era.  It makes me sad that, if there are anymore Furr children, they won't know the joy of having their picture taken in front of this tree.  As long as we still had the house to go to, it felt as though Shawn's mom was still with us.  We could walk through the halls or stand in a room and pull up a memory.  I know his mom will always be with us in spirit, love and memory, but it was the "physical factor"--having someplace to go, someplace we could still call hers.  This was someplace my children, who never got to meet their grandmother, could go and feel close to her.  I know it is just a material item, it is just a house, but there are so many stories within those walls.



*Benita/Mom/Grandma:  We love you and miss you.  Wish you were here.*