Cocktails for a Cause

Last night, Tom's Ambassadors Club hosted a benefit for a little girl who passed away after a tragic accident.  Her name was Hannah, and she was only 4 years old (to view more about Hannah click here).  They raised over $3,000, which will be put towards her little sister's college fund.  It absolutely amazed me how many people were there to support a family that some had never met. 

As my sister and I stood by the all of the photos of a beautiful, full of life, full of smiles, happy little girl, it just broke our hearts that she was taken so soon and in such a tragic way.  Hannah was playing by a 3rd story window and the screen gave out and she fell through the screen . . . it happened at a birthday party.  This is the time when I question God and why he does the things does.  Why this little girl?  Why in such a tragic way?

Chris Ranallo from the band Decoy, wrote a song for Hannah and it was beautiful.  I stood across from the parents as he was singing the song, and I couldn't hold back tears, I don't think anyone there last night could.  After the song, both parents spoke and what they said was so touching and true.  "Hannah lived her life and would want us to keep living ours.  Never take for granted each moment, each second you have with your child, family or friends". 

As a parent, it really makes you realize how fortunate you are for each day you have with your child.  What both her parents said made me want to get home and see my little babe and hold him extra tight . . . even if he was throwing a fit because he didn't want to leave his cousins Cole and Jenna's house.  It made me want to be a better Mom.  It made me want to have more patience.  It made me want to be a better person . . . I just wish I didn't have to hear of another families loss to remind me how short life is and to not get lost in the craziness of it all.   

Click here to view the news story about the fundraiser and to hear a little clip from her Dad.  If there is one positive that came out of this, Hannah was able to donate her eyes and her heart.  Her mother said her eyes helped 2 people to see again.  The lives that can be saved/helped is amazing and what a way to honor a life that has been lost.

I am saddened to hear of tragic events that happen to anyone, but when it's a young child or baby, I just don't understand why they had to be taken so soon or why such a horrible thing happened to them.  Another family who is always in my thoughts and prayers, is my blogging friend, Jen.  Her blog, Praying for Aviana is one that has really impacted my life.  Aviana has come such a long way and that is not only because she is such a strong little girl, her parents are hands down, some of the most amazing people I have "met".  This post by Jen was one that hit home for me.  Tom and I have wished for so many of the same things Jen mentioned in this post and she made me realize, be careful what you wish for.

I believe that positive things can come out of horrible events and one positive I see from both horrible events is how many lives these 2 little girls have touched and will continue to touch.  We may never know God's reasoning, but we do know his light is shining through the many friends, family and even complete strangers who care and it is those people that will help get you through anything.

Weekends Filled with Fun

The past 4 weekends have been fun filled!  Sorry for the long post.  Next post will be about the Bon Jovi concert!  :)

3 weekends ago we had Kayla's 1st communion and 8th b-day party.  When the nieces and nephews get together they have the best of times and play so well together.  Jenna and Will are already partners in crime.  Jenna was telling/motioning Will to come on . . . which meant open the door and let's run.  At one point Tom thought I had Will and I thought Tom had Will - wrong, Will had a hula hoop and ended up in the kitchen at Hyperion.  Yep, rockstar parents right here. 




The following weekend we took a long weekend trip to visit our good friends, Leslie and Ben.  Ben had a companion ticket and used it on us for Leslie's birthday.  We had a blast with them (not a surprise) and fit so much stuff in.  It was a much needed vacation for us.  As much as I want Ben and Les to move back, I can see why they live in SD, it's beautiful.  They just bought a new house, so on the positve side, we have a free place to stay and they are great hosts! 

Will of course had a blast with Grandpa and Grandma Linda - we are so luck to have both sets of Grandparents close by and Will probably has more fun with them than he does us.  :)

 

Last weekend we went over to Krista and Bryce's house so the kids could play.  The guys ended up going out to meet some friends and Krista and I had a great time with the kids . . . and a great time staying up until 2:45 in the AM talking with her friends that stopped by. 

The kids play so well together and Jenna and Will are like 2 peas in a pod, the pictures show you just that.  Will has outgrown the pac and play so Cole said to Krista that he will be a good big brother and will sleep with Will.  I listened in on their convo and Cole was talking to him, showing him stuff in his room, etc.  Cutest convo ever.  Kids melt my heart. 

The next morning Will had McDonald's breakfast for the first time, he of course loved it as did the sleepy adults.

Side note, notice Jenna's curls - aren't the cutest?

We Love You

This would have been the week you would have been born.  What your Dad and I would do to have you be born, to hold you in our arms and to take you home.
We love you so much and you will be in our thoughts every day and our hearts forever.

Words can't express how much you mean to us.  You are perfect.



Love Mommy, Daddy and your crazy big brother, Will

What a weekend of fun! Despite the chilly weather, the weekend was beautiful and fun filled.  I loved spending 4 straight days with some of my besties and loved being part of Paige's day.  As most of you know, Paige is like the younger (only by 2 months) sister I never had and I was so honored to stand by her side on her big day!

A quick shout out to my parents for watching Will for 3 days!  You two are the best!

Thursday night was BBQ night in Carroll and it's not a BBQ without flippy cup. We broke up into Team Paige and Team Chris and Team Paige went undefeated; we rocked their socks off.



The next morning woke up, had coffee with my Mom, played with the crazy and was out the door by 9:30 to head back to Carroll and set up the reception. After set up we had lunch at a winery in Carroll. What a fun place, great food and of course fabulous vino. Paige's mom paid for everyone's lunch, if you know Rita, that's not surprising. Paige's parents are some of the most generous people I have met.




That night we headed to the Church for some practice and then took the Irv (RV) to the rehearsal dinner which was outside of Carroll and had LIVE and stuffed Tatonka . . . of course we had to have a photo opp with the stuffed tatonka.  I might add that Paige and Chris's gifts rocked.  Coach purses for the ladies and watches for the men.  Tom said to me, thank goodness we didn't get married after them.  HA!  After dinner we headed to Swizzles for some after dinner cocktails.  FUN night!



 
Wedding DAY!  No explanation necessary, pictures will do all the explaining.
 

Will loved the dance floor!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hanson!  Love you both! 

"Trouble . . . Trouble, Trouble, Trouble Trouble

Trouble been doggin' my soul since the day I was born."  You have all heard this commercial that has the cute little puppy . . . well this is Will's new theme song and below is a perfect example of why.

His new trick . . . he even knows to put out his arm like he is the "King of the World"

Will = Crazy.  Will = Busy.  Will = Trouble.  Will = Tired Mommy and Daddy.

He can now get out of his crib.  Nightmare.  We haven't gotten sleep for the past 3 weeks.  He woke up one night at 2:00 AM crying so we both took a turn and tried to get him back to bed.  All was quite so we thought we had succeeded.  WRONG!  All of sudden we hear "uh oh" a few times and then knocking on his door followed by "Maaa, where ball?"  The BEST SLEEPER EVER decided to flip a switch and is now the WORST sleeper ever.  Sadly that switch won't be turned back for a while I feel.

We have really enjoyed the past few weekends of nice weather.  We have been to the park A LOT!  Every time we hit the park I always get the question, how old is he?  Everyone is shocked when I say almost 21 months.  He towers over all the kids his age and some that are well above his age . . . this shouldn't surprise anyone when they see how tall I am and if Tom is with me, how tall we both are!

Next on my list is getting a video of Will dancing.  Hilarious.  He used to only dance to certain songs, but now when he hears any tune he wants to bust out all of his "moves".  I think between Will and his cousin Jenna - these two could be quite the performers!  :)

Better Late, Than Never

Remember back in January when I posted about my Grandma's 97th Birthday Bash?  After being passive aggressive with Tara and being called Mom by my sister, Sonya, Tara finally posted the pictures (love ya, sis).  Hey, you gotta do, what you gotta do. 

Well here is the picture.  Doesn't she look great for 97??  Seriously, my Mom and Grandma age so well so let's hope I got that gene.  If not, I guess let's hope plastic surgery is much cheaper as I age.  Seriously Kidding.  :)  There are 4 generations here BUT my Grandma also has 2 great, great grandchildren.  Isn't that nuts?

LOVE

I see pictures on FB of little babes falling asleep on their parents, in high chairs, in their jumparoo, on the floor, you get the picture.  Will was never one of those babes.  I take that back, when he was itty bitty he would cuddle with us, but that was because he was itty bitty.  This is the only picture I have of Will sleeping with me (partly because the hubby isn't the best at taking "Kodak Moments").  This was when he was 2 days old . . . aww.

So last night I was shocked Will was sitting still so long while watching the news . . . I look over and Tom is whispering, "He is OUT!"  And he certainly was.  And this my friends, makes me one happy Momma.  I LOVE SNUGGLING!