A Sweet Day

Well we got through the day yesterday and as hard as it was, I have to say it was one of my favorites. I spent the morning pretty sad, but when the sweetest voice in the whole world tells you, "it's ok mommy, don't cry, I will dry your tears" - how could anything compare to that comfort?!

We started off to art class & decided to stop for donuts on the way...munchins with "pinkles" are her fav! She made me an adorable mothers day frame and picture in her class. Then we went to the "baby store" (babies r us) to get a few organizers for the nursery closet and she picked out the sweetest pink blanket for her baby sister. She chose which one she liked best and carried it in her own basket to the checkout....there is where we found this-a mermaid bathing suit that we just had to have- "mommy please pay for this, I want to take it home!" Of course we had to wear it as soon as we got through the door (she really wanted to put it on in the car, but thankfully I was able to convince her to wait!). How could you ever have a sad day when this is the face you get to smile at??!!

Then after a much needed nap all around we loaded up and met daddy downtown for First Friday's and Symphony in the park on Market Square. We had a great dinner (pizza of course), got ice cream, listened to the music and someone danced and twirled her heart out!

Symphony in the Square

The Lucky One

When I woke up this morning, I laid in bed while the house was still quite trying to grasp how 3 years can go by so fast. Then while Chris was getting ready for work in the bathroom, Claire was starting to stir and talk to her baby through the monitor, my hands were wrapped around my belly as Caroline was kicking & punching to say good morning & a thought came into my mind for the first time....this day will forever be a difficult, sad, emotional and hard anniversary on the calendar, but this year I had a peace that I've not felt before. I realized that Grace may just be the lucky one while we are here with hurting hearts. As tears came down my face, I pictured in my head just how she will spend her day.

She and her Great Grandma Pete will probably start off by having breakfast (some cereal, bananas, grapefruit and juice), then will go outside to play some croquette, plant some new flowers, weed and water the old ones, maybe ride a toy up and down the sidewalk, walk to the park and playground, come home for some lunch (a turkey sandwich-the best tasting one in the world, plain potato chips, "sliced-ed" cheese and just one cookie-or one bite of one), the off for nap time with no other than a famous chip monk story, then back up to play dress up, maybe a little hide and go seek, make some chocolate pudding (and will burn the first 2 batches), empty the pantry and pretend its a boat, time to fix some dinner (chicken, green beans, corn pudding, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, probably some much requested poppy seed bread with ice cream for dessert), then downstairs to play some cards, up for bath time with lots of bubbles and of course tuck in time with another chip monk story as the grandfather clock chimes down the hall.

How could I ever compete with that day if she were here with me?!

I know she is in the best place of all, even if part of me wishes that I could have just one day with her. She will forever be the lucky one, because she will be the only one of my daughters that gets to spend everyday as a fun Great Grandma Pete day!

Spread, show and share love, compassion and GRACE somewhere in your day today in memory of my 2 angels having a beautiful day in heaven.

Perfect lesson for a hard day

This was my daily devotion for today, May 7th. How God can speak in volumes....

http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2010/05/dailyness.html

Worlds Fair Park

It was a gorgeous hot day today so we packed up and met some friends at Worlds Fair Park downtown. The kids played on the playground, did bubbles, and then the fun started when the fountains turned on! They had a blast and it was a great day to be outside!

Catching the water with momma! (and a good 29 week bump shot!)
So much fun

Waiting for it to "get small" again so we can touch it

The kids watching in awe (Victoria, Joseph, Claire and Annie)

Yes, some got naked down to their undies! Claire checking on the babies (Hope & Charlotte)

Having a picnic lunch after our fun

Chris the tool man Lucado

So he's got 2 nurseries & one big girl room under his tool belt...pretty impressive if you ask me! It looks fantastic and I can't wait to get the furniture back in there, the curtains hung and do the finishing touches before bringing the baby home!

The before
Phase one done, the bead board

Phase two done, the chair rail

Phase three done, new paint

So proud of her baby sisters room!

Claire was an angel all weekend while we worked! She played and entertained herself most of the day Sat and pretty much all day on Sun while we finished up. She of course "helped" us paint a bit, brought us snacks that she collected on her errands, colored us pictures of our family, and played babies in her playroom. But she loves going into the new nursery and has told my belly more than once, "your Daddy did your nursery!" It's so sweet and she is so proud!

My "special" friend

So Garrett calls Claire his special friend and I think that is adorable! Even at 2 years old their friendships are so sweet! We spent most of the day Friday together, going to art class and coming back to our house for some lunch and play time. Then Saturday we cooked out & played again all evening and this time with the daddies!

Having our picnic dinner
Decorating beach buckets (the dollar section at Michael's is great for fun ideas!)

Playing a game (for once the man wants to read the directions!)

Chris "babysitting" all 3 of the kiddos!