La-di-da-di...

we like to party...

Monday this area was hit with a pretty substantial snow storm which caused homes in this area to loose power {when I say 'homes,' I mean ours} for 4, count 'em, 4 days! It took me all of 10 seconds to decide to pack the crew up and head to my parents in the city to ride it out. While we were there it was evident that Shep was was coming down with something. A trip to the doctor confirmed he had strep, a trip to the doctor the next day confirmed I had it as well. Being squatters while sick and drugged up, all the while trying to keep everyone else healthy {including a newborn} is a rather daunting task. But we made it. And are recovering back home {Electricity is a glorious thing...just say'en} ***A BIG "Thank You" to my parents for letting us stay, tear up your home and eat your food for that long!***

In the midst of this craziness was Sam's birthday. We decided that this year we would take each of the boys out on their birthday to dinner {by themselves} and then allow them to pick out their birthday gift.

We told Sam he could pick anywhere.

Anywhere to eat.

ANYwhere.

He chose Valentino's Pizza.

Yep Vals.

The fact that Val's can make him light up like a Christmas tree is so worth it. He was so excited and adorable.

{He loves him some Vals.}

Afterward we let him pick out his gift. Again, any one thing {within reason}. ANYthing. And my "all boy" picked out toy gun six shooters, in a convenient package of two, complete with holster. {Against mom's better judgment, I was outvoted 2-1. } He began telling everyone in the store he was a cowboy sheriff. He also kept reassuring me he would use his gift to protect me and baby sister.

Then we headed back to the homestead for ice cream cake with bros
and grandma and grandpa J

Blowing out his candles

Getting a little help from Papa J

Sol is like'en it

Sweet boy on the mend.
I don't think this little lady knows what she's getting into, but she is loved...

Happy Birthday Sam.
We hope you had a great day.

You are such a joy!

5 years ago...

I began the greatest job I've ever had...

I prayed harder then I've ever had before for a baby that the doctors told me was struggling to survive....

I became a mom for the first time...

We welcomed a small and strong little preemie into this world...

We received one of the greatest gifts we've ever been given...

You entered our lives, and taught us to love in a way we never knew before...

Samuel

{The Lord Hears}

We are so thankful for you little man. Words do no justice to the joy you bring and how proud we are of you. Oh how lost I'd be without my buddy. Thank you for being an amazing example to your siblings and teaching us volumes.

Happy 5th Birthday sweet boy!
{We love you so much.}

Two weeks old...

..and I can't stop staring...

{We love you so much little one.... }

Party '09

It's a party every time the Rhodes family is in town, but this time the ladies decided to throw Sam a birthday party {since my baby will 5 in few shorts days.....5! *sniff*} And let me tell you, those ladies know how to throw a party. It was so much fun and so very much appreciated by the birthday boy....

Marin leading Sam to the 'surprise.'
{It wouldn't be a party without the Batman cape...seriously}

"Surprise!"
The ladies did well...

The cupcakes

{Sam's face is glorious.}

Handing out the cards.

Somer and Sam
with the awesome flowers she picked for the party...

Marin and Nora

{She's going to need your help MJ}

So...

excited...

Papa J and Nora

Time to eat.

Sol dressed up for the occasion.

Sam showing off his fine presents.

Me and the lovely ladies

{Um, can you tell I have a newborn? yikes.}

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Blowing out his candles

Cupcake eat'en time...

Grandma J and Sam with Nora.

A proud big brother

A sneak attack on the cowboy...

The whole crew

{with two waiting for us}

So fun.

So great.

So thankful for you all. We had a great time. We cannot wait until you are back again!

So great...

to be around family...

My precious sister-in-law is in town with the ladies for a visit and we have had a fabulous time together. I don't think the boys will know what to do with themselves when they leave.
{Nor will I}

Aunt Darcy and Nora

Releasing the natives (including these two) outside...


Sweet Noelle

Beautiful Marin

Working hard...

Uncle Jed and Lilli

Making a 'garden' in the sand.

Sam doing his thing...


Crazy boy.

And this sweet angel sleeps through it all....

So thankful...

I think...

they are...

adjusting...

very well...

No glazing over..

the fact that although we are filled with joy and thankfulness for our new blessing, our hearts still grieve the loss of Major. Every family event or milestone reminds us that he's not here, right now, to be a part of this with us. November 3rd did not come and ago without remembering that day. No matter what is going on in our lives, that day is forever marked. My prayer is that we remember the life he lived and continues to live.

It's hard.

It's much easier to say the right things then truly feel it. Through all the posts, pictures and memories there is always a underlining current of loss. Please remember Dave, Darcy and the girls in prayer. This is a long road and they are only a year into it. Please pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding, not just metaphorically, but in a real and true, get-through-the day, moment by moment, kind of way.

It's difficult at times to have faith in the midst of a lack of understanding, or when there doesn't seem to be a greater purpose in it all {I know our minds are too small to even comprehend even if it was all lined out}, but that's what we pray for. And God is patient and gentle through it....