You only get one shot...

My best friend lost her Mom last week.  I'm gonna say that again because it doesn't seem possible... My best friend lost her Mom last week.  We have discussed it and we don't think we are old enough to lose a parent yet.   I know it happens all the time and to many people younger than ourselves but its so wrong.  And so sad.  And painful.   Linda first got sick in November 2012.  Her body was not very strong and didn't rally for her as well as we would have liked.  There were many factors involved, some she could have and should have controlled, where other issues were not her fault- rather just a bum deal handed to her.  I have known her since I was 18 years old when Kim and I became friends.  She was a vibrant personality, always left a lasting impression and gave us a lot of funny stories to entertain ourselves with over the years.  People knew "Kim's Mom" and  I'm so glad to have known her too!

I remember when Easton was in the NICU, my Mom told me that although she loved my new baby, the most tragic part of the experience was watching me.  Watching me battle my way through a horrifically sad situation and not being able to do a single thing about it.  I thought I understood where she was coming from since I am a Mother and couldn't imagine not being able to help my children in a dire situation.  Turns out, I didn't really get it until very recently.  Kim may not be my daughter but she is my best friend.  I was painful watching her.  Linda's battle was about 8 months long.  She would do OK for brief periods but never did great. Never was the Mom that Kim knew for the past 31 years.  I cannot possibly add up the hours Kim and I have spent discussing LDH (Linda).  Trying to figure her out was a daunting task.  She never quite did what anyone thought she would do.  (I love a lady with some spirit!) She was in and out of the hospital, in and out of the rehab/nursing center, and kind of mentally in and out of what was going on.  It was sad.  Really sad.  And scary.  I think being Kims best friend, I got more information than I needed and it always came with a raw delivery.  Many times it was hard to find words but I just did my best to be a source of strength for my friend.  Kim is tough.  Probably too tough.  She is a capable human and a caretaker by nature.  She stood by her Mom and I am proud of her.  Kim is the a person you want on your side.  Trust me.  Don't even get me started about Don, Kim's dad.  This man took care of Linda's every single need until the day she left us.   He is a hell of a man and we could all only be lucky to have someone half as great as him standing by us.  He is one in a million.

My point to all this is that life is always changing.  There are no guarantees.  You only get one shot, well unless you're Easton because I am pretty sure he in on round eight or nine!  YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES.  The body we live in determines our length of stay.  You can't turn it in for a better, cooler model.  You have to work with what you have and get yourself into a position of optimum health to the point of which you can control.  People often say to me that I'm thin so it is easy for me, or I like to workout so its easy for me.  My favorite is that I can eat whatever I want and still look like I do.  The last one is the most irritating and NONE of them are true.  First of all I hate working out.  I don't like to sweat and I would much rather spend my hour watching Real Housewives or anywhere!  But, I do it.  I also choke down a super boring breakfast that I don't want every morning and polish it off with a protein shake that has a bad texture and terrible after taste while most people are enjoying a nice latte from Starbucks.  Lunch and dinner also aren't exactly a good time because I hate vegetables and would be cool if I never saw a piece of grilled chicken again but I eat it anyway.  Its called discipline and I have that.  None of this is about the number on a scale or the size of your pants.  This is about being Fit.  Being Healthy.  Getting your body into a position to rally for you when you need it.  Please do it.  Please dig deep and get yourself positioned for a successful journey here on this planet.  You know that saying... "The strong shall inherit the Earth," its true.  Be here for the takeover.  

Miracle by definition.

Definition of MIRACLE

1

: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

2

: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

3

Christian Science : a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

I've witnessed a miracle.  May 21, 2011 around 5pm.  This day hurts.  Its been two years but as I type this my shoulders are tighter than they should be, my stomach doesn't feel right and my breathing is a little quicker than it probably needs to be.  Seems like decades ago but feels like moments ago.  The images are clear.  It plays as a movie in my mind.  I know what people were wearing, I hear there voices and I know exactly what my husband looked liked slumped over in that blue chair.  I remember the team working on my son giving firm and direct orders to one another.  I remember people with very serious faces moving so quickly and efficiently yet not looking too panicked.  I remember the air in the room- it felt stuffy yet I was kind of cold and a little sweaty.  I remember what Easton looked like even though I could only glance a few times as I was only strong enough to keep my back to him and watch Matt's face to understand what was happening.  He was gray.  He was limp.  And, he didn't look alive. I remember other staff members offering me a chair and water.  I remember the look in their eye, the look that said a million "I'm sorry's" for what was about to happen.  I knew it was happening.   There was a window a few feet away that had a lovely view of a parking garage.  I paced back and forth from Matts chair to the window chanting to God, "Please don't take my baby.  Please don't take my baby.  Please don't take my baby," over and over and over again.   I heard the doctor say that he had 15 minutes to come around or they were air lifting him to another hospital, I also heard that he wouldn't survive that flight.  I wanted to believe he would survive but I could read the monitors and I could see what he looked like and so I asked someone if I should call the family... and they said yes.  This sounds crazy but in that moment I felt relieved.   Relieved that I had a task.  Relieved that I could possibly not be in the room to watch him die.  Or possibly even that by  my leaving, he could go because I had a feeling that little boy was fighting so hard for his Mama.  I don't know what the relief was but I felt something and a huge rush of adrenaline.  A crazy rush, almost like someone injected something directly into me.  I was shaking, my brain was racing, I felt outside my body and I remember it so well.  I left the unit and went into the parent room where my sister was waiting and told her to "Call the family.  Pack up the room.  This is it."  Thats all I said.  I cannot even imagine what was going through her mind.  As she started to call my parents, I made one call to my mother-in-law and just said "You need to come here now," no other questions were asked.  I went back into the unit to watch my baby pass.  As difficult as that is to type or say, its truly what I thought was going to happen.  I braced myself.  I had only been gone about 3 minutes but something happened while I was gone.  The stats had stopped dropping.  They were still bagging him and working fiercely but things looked like they weren't deteriorating further.  I held onto Matt and watched.  All of a sudden, numbers were rising.  He was less gray.  Someone smiled.  Voices lowered.  I don't know who said it, but someone said, "He's ok.  For right now."  I PROMISE YOU, there is absolutely, positively no reason that happened.  Nothing changed in those last 3 minutes.  It was a miracle.  Divine Intervention.  An extraordinary event.  A life changing moment.  

We stayed with our son for another thirty minutes while they got him hooked back up to all of his regular machines and then we walked out to see an entire waiting room of our loved ones waiting to hear the terrible news.  Waiting to try to offer support in a darkest hour.  I couldn't speak.  Matt couldn't speak without crying. I did finally blurt out that he was Ok until we got our bearings and Matt told the story of our little fighters biggest fight.

This upcoming date was hard for me last year.  I was unexpectedly really sad on May 21.  I didn't realize the weight it held still to this day.  Mainly because Easton's fight was far from over after this episode.  He actually had several other close calls but this was the first and the worst.  It was nothing short of life changing.  My beliefs, my faith, my priorities and my soul all changed on the evening of May 21, 2011.  Easton is my hero.  He may only be two years old but he is the strongest, most willful human being I have ever met.  I can only dream of having half his strength one day.  I will forever be grateful for the life lessons my 3 day old son taught me.  He changed my world, my family and my life.  This year, I'm going to try not to be sad on May 21, rather think of it as the day I witnessed a living, breathing miracle.

Team Easton 2013

Team Easton Gives Back 2013, raised over $32,000!!!!  This means that in only two events we have raised almost $60,000 for the Hurley Medial Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  Wow.  Those numbers blow me away.  It all started with a thankful Mama who wanted to give back.  Combine that with selfless, awesome, giving people to join me in paying it forward and you end up really making a difference.  I'm not typically at a loss for words but I'm not really sure how to even find appropriate sentiments to match how I feel about this event.   The thank yous are a necessity.  First and foremost, thank you to the Hurley NICU for saving my son.  His fragile life would not have survived without each and everyone of you doing your very best on any particular day you touched our Easton.  He's a big deal and he's going places...just wait and see!  Thank you to Elga Credit Union for giving us our first corporate sponsorship!  Thank you, Iva @ Affairs to Remember for turning the ballroom into the most gorgeous space imaginable.  You work too hard and are so supportive of our event.  Thank you.  Thank you to Hicks Studio in Fenton for our invitations, Gerych's for gorgeous centerpieces for the second year in a row and to Cakes by Sarah for our delicious deserts!  Still Rain, you are great performers and we are so grateful you provide such great entertainment!  Thank you, Jodie Cooper for making our auction so pretty.  Also, special thanks to our families, my Mama, Kim, Raechel and Nathan P., and every other person who helped or supported Team Easton in anyway.  We cannot do this alone- YOU made a huge difference.

The party was so much fun and we had about 30 people from Hurley come to celebrate with us.  If you couldn't make the party this year- we will see you next.  Amie Akers donates her time and talent to capture our event.  Here are some pictures to preserve the evening.  Thank you, Amie!

The man of the hour.

Hurley represents!

Wingmen

Even the news came:)

Listening to Mama speak.

The Mom's

"I'm a miracle!"

We Love Roberta!

"My Patty"

NICU nurses and a couple Mama's

What it's all about.

So, here I am on vacation.  With my husband and without my children.  That's always such an interesting combination.  I mean, I know we are good parents and we spend all of our time and energy with them so to take a vacation to spend time together seems pretty logical.  Its weird though.  I'm beginning day 4 of "no kids, do whatever you damn well please,"  and while parts of it our glorious-I've still been up before 6:00AM everyday and there is that time in the morning and its still dark when it would be nice to hear one or two "Hey, Mama's" from a sleepy eyed, bed headed, adorable little Clark.  We, as humans, particularly Mama's have a hard time figuring out what we crave.  For example, I wanted a vacation away from the kids.  I needed a break.  I know myself well enough to know when my plate is too full and when its time to take a step back, get a grip and then carry on.  I've learned that. I've learned that being with your kids 24/7 and never hiring a babysitter or being a stay at home Mom or being so crazy strict on the perfect schedule doesn't make you a better Mom than the one that works full time, hires the occasional babysitter to enjoy some adult conversation and even lets the kids stay up passed bedtime on a school night!  We all do what works for us.  We all try to get by.  And survive.  You know that saying, "no matter where you go, there you are," motherhood is so like that.  It doesn't matter if I'm at home driving my crazy crew around in my godforsakin minivan or if I'm drinking daiquiris on a beach in unseasonably scorching temperatures while failing to apply an ounce of sunscreen- your heart is your heart and mine belongs to Clark, Party of Five.  They are my peeps.  They are my soul.  They make me insane and want to pull every last strand of hair out of my head but they fill me up like nothing else in the world can.  That is what its all about.  That's what everyone needs to find.  The reason to get up, work hard, laugh, and play.  The reason to find out why life is worth the struggle to do day and day again.  I mean, its not that bad.  No matter what you have going on, look at who is counting on you to make it through.  As a Mom, you set the tone.  Your kids are going to react based on how you react so you better get it right.  No pressure.  Think about it, if you get out of bed in a foul mood- your morning isn't going to be smooth.  That decision is made before you even have a chance to see how anyone else is feeling.  If you are grumpy- you have rocked the boat and someone is going to be late for school and someone is for sure going to time-out before 7am.  Guaranteed.  I haven't got it all figured out.  I'm trying though.  You only get one shot at life so I'm trying to get it right.  Matt and I laugh at ourselves and say things like, "Can you imagine being our kids?  Poor souls!"  Truth is, I hope they feel fortunate.  I hope that when they look back and their childhood they remember it as lighthearted, secure, fun and that they always had an overwhelming feeling of love.  I try to look and my kids and evaluate them, get a sense of how we are doing as parents based on how they act.  Its not working.   My kids are so different.  Every single one of them.  Carter is moody, hyper, smart, sensitive, sweet, Mama's boy and loves the Ninja Turtles like nobodies business.  Paige is sassy, silly, a provoker/trouble starter, great helper, Eastons other Mommy and a ridiculous Daddy's girl.  Easton is hysterical, brilliant and just flat out happy to be alive.  I've never been good at math but when I add all that up, we've got a little drama and a lot of love. So, I think we are doing OK.

For now, I'm going to finish this kid free vacation.  I'm going to drink in the whole experience of doing whatever I want.  I'm going to call my kids before school, after school and before bed and I'm going to not feel bad about being away.  I'm going to talk to my husband about how far we've come and how lucky we are.  And, I'm going to wear sunscreen this time while I do it.

Keep on, Keepin on!

Turning the right corner. Finally!

Do you know that feeling when you keep thinking about something and you're feeling really good about it but you aren't sure if you should talk about it or not because it might be too good to be true or you're a tad skeptical if the whole "knock on wood" thing really works?  Yeah, I have that feeling.  I've had it for two weeks and I've kept my mouth shut but lets be honest, I can't do that for very long.  Ladies and Gentleman, I believe we have turned the corner here at the Clarks.  And no, not that horribly wrong left turn that we tend to make with our directionally challenged tendencies (with the exception of Matt who is a human atlas.)  We have been waiting for almost two years for Easton to do two things.  1.) Get out of the freakin' woods.  2.)  Turn the corner.  I'm no longer afraid to say, I think he found that corner and bolted around it as fast as he could while yelling "I'm a Miracle!", which is his new favorite saying:)  Easy will be 2 years old in just over two months.  I keep finding myself thinking about how our life has changed.  In many ways, we are very much the same.  We are still a solid family who loves to spend time together, acts crazy, dances in the kitchen and sings in the car.  You know, normal.  On the other hand, we are so completely different.  We are positive, we are thoughtful and present in our daily lives. We live with more purpose, we are more driven and our lives seem even brighter than before.  We have a deeper sense of gratitude and I personally feel compelled to try and make a difference somewhere or somehow.  Priorities and perceptions have shifted and ultimately I've gained confidence in myself.  Looking back, I don't know how I survived watching my son "almost" die day after day after day.  I don't know how I spoke on the phone to my other kids and forced myself to laugh, I don't know how I turned the corner passed the hand washing station of the NICU everyday to see if my baby was OK or if 10 people were working on him (again) but I did.  I rose to the challenge with the support of my husband, family and friends and rallied for my baby.  If that doesn't change you- I'm not sure anything will.  All that being said, I have an ultimate goal for my family.  I will NEVER forget what a miracle Easton is.  I will never forget any of the faces or voices of those that cared for him and kept him alive but you know what I really live for?  I live for the day when I'm not reminded of this when I see him.  I live for the time when he is so "normal" that I don't think about it everyday.  When we don't use inhalers, when we don't constantly watch his growth, when we don't have follow up specialty appointments.  That's what I'm waiting for.  But here is the thing... I think its coming.  I feel it.  He had pneumonia four times and RSV once in his first 8 months of life- thats after spending a month barely hanging on in the NICU.  Do you know how many times he had pneumonia in the last year?  ZERO.  Do you know how many times he was hospitalized overnight in the last year?  ZERO.  Thats right.  He just had his tonsils and adenoids out and its only been a couple of weeks and I cannot explain to you the difference.  Here is a little example... the kid has gained over 2 lbs in 2 weeks.  He is the biggest he has EVER been.  He is eating like a champ, sleeping well and with his mouth closed (gasp!) and he is happy.  So, so happy.  He is talking so well and just... I don't know... normal!  He seems normal.  I can't pinpoint anything off in him right now.  He is fighting with his siblings, cracking us up with his attempt at telling stories and so lovable.  Its like heaven.

These days life at the Clark's is still crazy busy as usual.  For the last few weeks we have had Soccer, Basketball and Swimming all on Saturday mornings before noon.  That was super annoying fun.  Things have calmed down a little with the replacement of soccer with Crossfit for Kids!  Yes, we are those crazy people that put our obsession onto our son!  No, really.  He likes it.  It's for one hour and he can go as much or as little as he wants up to five days a week.  He has only gone a couple of times and let me tell you- he was SOOO good at home those nights.  I think it is so beneficial for him to get to run around and burn some energy in a positive environment instead of just coming home and tormenting his siblings for fun.  This way he is too tired to do that which means we have a peaceful night.  Nope, this wasn't a selfish move on our part at all.  Swear:) Matt just signed him up for little league and it counting the days until he can get outside and start practicing.  Carter is kicking some major butt in school.  He is blowing through Rocket Math and I can't even explain to you how well he is writing and reading compared to when he started school.  I am SOO glad I put him in Kindergarten instead of young 5's.  Who knew he would be such a smarty pants.  Now if we could just get him to control himself and sit down in his seat once in awhile we'd be perfect.... but perfect is so boring!  Oh, and he is still gorgeous!

Paige is still Paige.  Always sassy, super funny and has developed such an interest in Easton.  They are partners in crime, tearing this place up!  She recently got a new haircut and is feeling pretty awesome about herself.  She loves for me to flat iron her hair every morning and spends a little extra time flipping it around and looking in the mirror.  She is totally into Pom Pom and Gymnastics and finally not crying at swimming (thank the Lord.)  She is even jumping off the diving board!  I'm not 100% sure but I think someone is quite the actress and knows how to get herself a little extra attention.  She's the middle child and she is surrounded by boys so in my opinion its a pretty clever life skill she has developed.  Paige is such a Daddy's girl and its no question he is above all in her eyes but I'm still the one that gets to do her hair and dress her up in hot pink faux fur vests.  She's my girl too and we are just so happy to have her put a little extra spunk in our life.  There is nobody quite like Paige Ruby and I spend each day trying to prepare myself for the ride I am certain she will take us on!

Matty and I are good.  We actually snuck away to Grand Rapids last weekend for a little break and had a wonderful time.  Well, a wonderful time after the first night when I thought I may die from something attacking my internal organs.  Sounds dramatic?  It was.  I couldn't even stand up straight.  I never over-react.  Honestly, just ask my husband.  Maybe, occasionally but not this time.  Anyways, it only lasted one night and then it was a fabulous time spending time with my favorite person!

I'm entering my crazy person stage of planning the 2nd annual Team Easton Gives Back benefit.  I vowed I wouldn't be so crazy this time but I think I may have lied.  I can't help it.  I need it to be fabulous and I just know it will.  $27,000 raised the first year.  The bar is high but I'm pretty sure its in the bag!  Mark your calendars... May 3, 2013.  See you there!

Easton update

I know many people follow this blog to keep up on Easton.  He's causing trouble again.  Big surprise!

About 4 months ago we did a sleep study on Easton and the results were that he has 7 episodes an hour where he briefly quits breathing and o2 levels drop to 85%.  At that time we visited an ENT about removing his tonsils to open up his airway and give him more room to breathe.  His lungs have a hard enough time on their own without having obstructed breathing.  We were told that the risk of surgery for Easton's age, diagnoses and current lung condition was far riskier than the episodes he was having.  A major concern after removing the tonsils was that swelling of the airway can occur and his happens to be floppy... which would just be bad, bad, bad.  I was told to elevate the head of his bed and make him sleep on his belly.  Oh sure, no problem.  Since that day, I have checked on Easton at least 3 times a night (when I say check I mean poke him until he flinches just to be sure he really is breathing) and flip him back to his belly.  Of course he prefers to sleep on his back with his feet in the air.  Crazy animal.

Fast forward to Monday.  I took Easy to his Pulmonary check up and was concerned they were going to up his steroids because he sounds like a purring kitten no matter what I do.  I can give him his rescue inhaler 5x a day and it doesn't go away.  Imagine my surprise when they said his lungs actually sounded clear for basically the first time ever in his life (Gasp!) but the noise was more from the obstructed airway.  His tonsils have doubled in size in 4 months.  They are now a 4 on the tonsil scale and have to be removed and soon!  There was no reason to repeat a sleep study because the results would be at least twice as bad as before and that would only scare me, not help in any way.  Awesome. Guess how much I have slept the last two nights?  Zip.  Zero.  Zilch.  God, I love that boy.

So.. now the challenge is getting someone to do the surgery.  Remember the ENT who told me a few months ago about all the crazy, scary risks involved with operating on someone in Eastons condition? Yeah.  He isn't too hot on this idea.  Don't worry because the Pulmonologist called him and told him there was "no question" that it was happening.  Apparently they hashed it out and agreed that the risks are in fact reversed now and it has to be done as long as the Paediatrician is on board.   Next, the Pulmonolgist meets with her and she has reservations and concerns but agrees its a tough spot but only one answer.  She wants him at Hurley so she can check on him.  I've been told that the Pulomonolgist from Hurley will be well aware of his case, the ICU is right there if we need it and his pediatrician is ready to make decisions after the surgery.  Is it just me or is this the most dramatic scene you've ever heard unfolding over just the DECISION to operate??  I'm feeling overwhelmed and scared to death about this.  I used to be good in hospitals but now I can't stand to hear a monitor beep.  Its like horrific flashbacks of the worst time in my life.  The surgery is scheduled for Jan 31 at Hurley.  He will be staying at least overnight and hopefully he will surprise us all and have ZERO complications and come home.  I pray those little lungs can rally one more time and tolerate being put to sleep and the operation.  Please keep the little fighter in your thoughts and prayers.  I do believe he has been through too much to let tonsils take him down.  We are going to enjoy a nice quick trip to Florida before we tackle these bad boys and hopefully help him to breathe easier once again!

The journey continues...

A New Year!

The holidays have come and gone and the new year is upon us and full of promise, right?  I think so.  I think that as cliche as that sounds- there is something to be said for re-starting the calendar.  Its seems like it means there are new opportunities, new adventures and new experiences to be had.  I'm not sure why it doesn't seem that way from a random Tuesday to Wednesday, but it doesn't.  You have to get a new calendar to feel that way... or at least I do.  2012 was a good year for the Clark's.  Nobody was hospitalized.  Not once.  Easton was discharged for the last time on 12/31/11 and we intend to keep it that way.  Matt didn't have to play the single parenting even though my wife lives in the house but isn't allowed to stand up role one time.  It felt a little magical:)  Even though our original plan of four children turned into three after Easton scared the daylights out of us- its all good.  It actually feels awesome to know that we are moving on.  The baby making years are fun and exciting and there really is no feeling like the one of pushing a baby out, I mean welcoming a new baby into your house, but it also feels good to move on.  We have lived it.  We have had someone in diapers since 2007 and it is pretty awesome that within this year, we are done-zo!  Not that I really mind changing a diaper but ya know, its not that fun.  I realize as your kids grow older, their issues can be more complicated and have struggles of their own but there is no denying the day to day life gets easier.  When everyone dresses themselves, brushes their own teeth, fastens their own seat belts, gets their own drinks and wipes their own booties, it has to make life a little easier on the parents.  This year, I have so many things on my list that I want to accomplish.  I think 2012 was about getting back on our feet after a rough ride but now its time to get down to business and start making things happen!

2012 was also the year that our family and friends rallied around us and helped us give back.  The Team Easton Gives Back benefit was a night we will never forget.  Raising over $27,000 was an incredible feeling and I know it was appreciated.

First off, I want to focus on health in all areas.  I want to celebrate the fact that my family is healthy.  Easton obviously doesn't have a clean bill of health just yet but I have faith that those lungs are going to decide to get their act together.  Soon.  I'd like to get him into a position where he doesn't require daily drugs but I can't complain about where we are from where we were.  Slow and steady, my little turtle.  He will get there.  I'd also like to mention that for having sucky lungs and the most horrific immune system I have ever seen- he sure is fast (which is why I love the irony of calling him my turtle:).  And naughty.  And a little on the crazy side. Clearly, nothing will stop this baby so look out world! 

Matthew and I have been really involved in fitness for the last year and it feels so good.  Its really not about wanting to look a certain way but its incredible to see what your body is capable of.  Many know that I have not had an easy road in this department but I feel stronger and healthier than ever.  I'm looking to see just what this body is made of and be ready to kick some serious a*s if I ever need to!  Not really.  Well, kinda.  I joined Matt in the crazy world of Cross Fit and as scary and intimidating as it was at first, its necessary.  My favorite thing about it is that I really think its as much a mental challenge as it is physical.  Its scary.  I mean we run around, climb ropes, jump on boxes, lift heavy barbells over our head and jump under them, jump rope, play on rings,  sit up, pull up, stand on our heads and so much more.  Who wouldn't want to do that?  Your body may look and feel like a war zone but its so much fun.  YOU should go do it!  If we can, so can you.  Its good for the soul to step outside your comfort zone and you'll never feel better than you do when class is over.  Its a high... without the drugs and hangover.  "Take care of your body, its the one place you have to live."  Jim Robin.

Next thing I want to focus on is creating more traditions with our kids.  We have certain things we do at Christmas and different times of the year but I want to create more traditions that my kids can pass on to their own.   I like the idea of an expectation that a family will have something to look forward to each and every year at different times.  I like no excuses.  I want to take time to realize  how young and impressionable my kids are and teach them to roll with the punches.  Life is certainly not always easy but Matt and I do a pretty good job of forging ahead and I want make sure my kids have the same attitude.  Lessons are taught by example and with a little less chaos in our lives, I'm hoping to have the time to express valuable life lessons within our everyday life.  Three little kids overwhelms me at times but I'm going to give it my best shot to slow down and enjoy them while they are little and begging for my attention before they are older and ignoring me.  

I also want to have more date nights with my husband, I want to get rid of my Mommy-Crisis Mini Van, I want more girl time with friends, I want to do less laundry and buy more furniture, I'd love to go to Florida 5 times and spend less time worrying about things I can't control.  I'd like to find the perfect haircut and have more patience than God.  See, its all about balance and I'm looking for the perfect one!

We have family pictures this weekend.  This is always an adventure.  To make things even more interesting, I've decided to do them in the snow.  Like I said, I'm up for the challenge.  I'll share the finished products soon!

I hope that all that read this start the year out with a bang.  I'm starting  mine out with strep throat but look at me, I'm still living the dream.  Take the good with the bad, roll with the punches, love your family and friends and take care of your kids.  There you have it.  Your 2013 advice from yours truly.

Happy New Year!