The Gift of Family

"The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family." ~Thomas Jefferson

For my mom's birthday this year, we ("the kids") joined together to come up with some big ideas (after all it was a big birthday). We came up with a few surprises we were excited about - and one of them (perhaps my favorite) was family portraits.

(My SIL Kelly cracks me up. She's the beautiful brunette who always knows when to strike a pose.)

Pictures of her kids (and 1 grandbaby) for her to hang up, show off and treasure however she wished. No surprises I liked this idea huh? ;)

So we asked a dear friend of ours (who has a uniquely beautiful photography style) to capture some birthday wishes and family moments as a gift to our mom. We all LOVED the outcome...perhaps my mom most of all.

And the surprise gift was that in taking these pictures for our mom - we got some amazingly sweet pictures for us to treasure as well.

Pictures of love...

And laughter...

Pictures of siblings....

And sisters...

The ladies...

And the ladies-man...

The silly...

And the sillier...

Thank you so much Mary - you did a phenomenal job.

Oh... and happy birthday Momma. :)

We love you so much!

Fantasy Football

No - I don't participate in fantasy football. I really don't understand what it is actually. I know you aren't playing, watching or coaching football. From what I understand from watching my husband - what you are doing involves a computer, tacky screen-name, and lots of trash-talk. ;) Doesn't much tempt me. But that's probably because my football-fantasy is that it would be over by Christmas so we can move on with our lives!! lol. But that's not really the point of this post...

He is.

My little sport with a different kind of "pig-skin" than his Halloween costume. :)

Jet loves soccer balls, bouncy balls and baseballs...

I'm not surprised he knew just what to do with a football.

And it's funny watching him here...with his football and helmet. Some moms might feel a tingle at a possible "glimpse into the future." I can pretty much guarantee no such future for my little guy. Football is NOT on the list of approved sports for kids with SB. Not that I'm too sad - I don't know how those mothers do it watching their boys out there getting hit and pushed and thrown to the ground facing broken bones and numerous bumps and bruises. Not that we're a stranger to bruises - Jet is already learning how to get those on his own just playing! But it would be hard to watch.

What does tug at my heart a little is the fact that he can't. Not that he wouldn't physically be able to - he might - but it would be way to dangerous for him with his SB. I don't want him to be disappointed or have a reason to be sad he has SB. Now that may seem unrealistic - all kids have disappointment. Everyone faces things they can't or don't get to do. And you may think "of course he's going to be sad he has SB. It's a disability. That's not a happy thing." But then you haven't met Katie - who when asked "do you like having Spina Bifida" said a happy "Yes!". :) Love her. Love the hope she give me. Love the example she'll be for my Jet. Love her happiness. I look at her and feel at ease. I look at her and think - Jet will be like that. He won't be sad. And if he is...it won't outweigh his joy. He won't mind not playing football. He will do so many other things! And he will be amazing.

There will be football in the yard with Daddy.

And playing on the grass enjoying the fresh air.

And being silly with Mommy.

There will be adventure and games and excitement and accomplishment.

And there will be love.

So much love.

And real love outshines any fantasy.

Guess Who?

Jet has little Halloween riddle for you...

Frequently Asked Questions:

Isn't Piglet a girl? - No. Piglet is a boy. It's not an opinion - he is really a boy. I promise. The only girl in the Winnie the Pooh stories is Kanga. Yep. The rest are boys. But it's Hall0ween folks - in just a minute you're going to meet a little girl dressed as the cutest Winnie the Pooh you've ever seen. :) So go with it.

But he's pink?! - Yes. He's a pig. Pigs are pink. And besides that...real men wear pink.

Did people think he was a girl? - Maybe - but that's really not unusual...have you seen his eyelashes? ;) He's just plain pretty.

Did he like his costume?- A big, shocking YES! Being that Jet hates all hats I feared we were in for a battle - but he was so intrigued by the whole experience (as seen below) and all those children dressed up that he didn't mind his fluffy costume one bit! :) What a sweet surprise.

As soon as we arrived Jet began searching for his best buddy, Pooh.

On our searches we found a cute cowboy and a sweet little piece of candy....

(David - 18 months) (Bryce - 2 months)

And searched high and low until...

WE FOUND HER!

It's Winnie the Pooh...who lost her shoe...

Or maybe we're mixing up our fairytales...

Recognize this cute little red-head?

That's right! It's sweet, little Jane from our California adventures this summer! Here in Georgia for a weekend visit and some trick-or-treating with her "Det".

And what a sweet reunion it was.

We even got to meet Jane's newest buddy - Benjamin - who came along for the visit (with his Mommy of course).

Jane had plenty of love to go around...

Unfortunately, Jet is not okay with public displays of affection.

He did cooperate for a grandmother/grandchild photo op!

And some cousin to cousin memory-making.

And with a growl of approval (yes...apparently pigs growl. Video to come...)

Mission accomplished.