Tubes x3

We were referred to the pediatric ENT once again for Maeve's ears.  Upon first look, it appeared she had a tear in her eardrum.  After looking at them under a more powerful microscope, the specialist could tell there was no tear, just extreme fluid.  So, round three of tubes was prescribed.

What better day than Good Friday to endure a little pain.  Painful early morning on our first day off, painful traffic, painful listening to Maeve bellow when having to take medicine.  But, that was the extent of our pain.  Maeve, being the trooper she is, took it like a champ.  We experienced a tiny little God moment when the nurse practictioner who was caring for her sprang forth into our room exclaiming, "Are you the parents of Maeve McCullers? I have a daughter named Maeve!"  In the four years that we have been Maeve's parents, never have we met anyone who has declared this.  So, my nerves instantly calmed as I knew that was God's reminder to me, "Julie, I've got this.  She is going to be just fine."

And He did, and she was!  I got to walk her into the OR and be there with her until the anesthia kicked in.  She was gone from us for about 10 minutes tops.  And woke up saying, "My ears aren't crackling anymore."

Would You Like to Save Some Money?

This was the start of Cam's sales pitch for his coupon books fundraiser for school. He came home the day of the coupon book kickoff on a mission. He was going to sell 15 books in order to ride in a limo. He thought of everyone he could that he could call and sell to and had me write down their numbers. And before day break of that same day, his mission was accomplished! Future salesman perhaps.

Can this really be my child? I mean, I was the Brownie who got my sister to pose as me to call and ask people about buying girls scout cookies. Since becoming a mother, I have finally gotten over my phone phobia.

Today was the day when his hard work and determination paid off. He got picked up from school at his lunchtime and was driven in style to Your Pie for a pizza lunch. When we asked him what the best part of the ride was, he quickly replied, "Not having to buckle!" Life lived simply by a seven year old.

I asked him if he planned on working towards next year's reward and he responded with a smile and an "Oh yeah!"

Fabulously Four

Maeve marched into our lives four years ago and changed us all for the better. We look at her now and still see glimpses of that golden haired baby that boldly made her fast and furious entrance during a snowstorm. She is just as sweet as she is stubborn, and just as smart as she is beautiful. And now she is fabulously four!

March 2, 2013

An early morning birthday celebration

Our Blue-Eyed Baby Girl

Already 4 Candles

She is our princess in every way- the only grand girl on either side and can get just about anyone to do exactly as she pleases. So, when asked about a party, she very quickly responded, "a princess one."

Anna Belle and Maeve's first dress choices

Snow White letting Cinderella do her make-up

A little bedazzle

Cinderella and Snow White 

This Stephen Curtis Chapman song reminds me so much of our Maeve at this point:

She spins and she sways to whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day and there's still work to do
She's pulling at me saying, "Dad, I need you
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing, oh please, daddy, please"

So I will dance with Cinderella (or Snow White in our case!) while she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella, I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight and she'll be gone

We are basking in the innocence of her being four and holding on to each moment of her royal ball of childhood. We love you, Maevey!

Her Chariot Awaits

Snow White and her Prince

The Greatest Show on Earth

Nearly two months after our tickets arrived in our stockings, we loaded up and headed to a night under the big top at the circus. It was fun for all as our two were just the right ages to enjoy the different sights and wonders of the three ring entertainment.

We saw elephants (who were stinky according to Maeve), lions and tigers, acrobats, dogs and cats, clowns, and even a midget (which was the first thing that caught Maeve's eye and she wanted to get our attention to see him too).

We didn't have to purchase too many novelties thanks to the great tattoos and clown noses that were complimentary! Tony commented that this would be a good family treat for us for years to come. Bring on the amazement!

Our Love: Solid as a Rock

Just after the birthday fun, we get to to dive into the love celebration.  Maeve started us off this year with her Jesus Loves Me party at her school.  I was able to go and take in some delicacies:  heart-shaped ham, turkey, and peanut butter sandwiches.  We embellished these with heart-shaped cheese and crackers too.  They were devoured!  With all of my heart cutting, I forgot that I volunteered to bring the drinks too.  So, after casually passing out the cheese and crackers, I frantically headed to the nearest store to get the darlings something to drink so no one would choke on their hearts!  I don't think my glowing girl even noticed that I came running in carrying the boxes of drinks and nearly hurled them at each of her classmates.

Three of the Sweetest Girls Jesus Loves - Maeve, Anna Belle, and Dani-Kate

CoCo's Valentine treat came later that afternoon when I had to take him to the vet about his beauty mark - also known as his tick-like mole that had gotten larger and larger through the years. That morning it was red and inflamed and larger than ever.  I was worried that I needed to take him right away, but the heart-shaped food took precedence that day, so I settled for taking him after work.  Of course, the outcome wasn't easy.  His strawberry-like mole required surgery to remove it.  And anytime an old dog walks into a vet clinic, the money meter starts ticking.  While usually we don't lavish gifts on each other, CoCo got a pricey present this year.  I was nervous about his old heart having to be sedated, but he came through it just fine.  He was very upset with me when I finally got home to him the day of his mole removal. But after that night, he was a picture perfect patient (even more so now without the distracting mole hanging from his short little leg)!

Cam and I moped our way to school on Valentine's Day, distraught that we did not have a holiday on a real holiday.  Before leaving, I surprised all of my loves with special donuts to help jump start the day.  Cam and Maeve got heart-shaped donuts and Tony got his lemon-filled ones.  I got a sweet card that almost made me shed a tear before I walked out the door.  Valentine's day in elementary school is really too sweet to miss so once we were there, it was fun to feel the love from all of our little people.  Cam's class started with an early morning party of sweet treats and a valentine exchange.  

Later that night, we hosted the annual Relay for Life Daddy Daughter Dance.  I got to dress up my valentine girl in a poofy dress and sparkly shoes, attempt to fix her hair in an up-do, and listen to tunes provided by my DJ husband.  I also enjoyed seeing all of my third grade girls dressed up with their daddy on their arm. Sweet time indeed!

Just when I thought the day couldn't be any sweeter, when I reached my driveway after a long day of love, much to my surprise, the sound was much different.  What was that sound underneath my tires?  Why it was the sound of fresh gravel leading the way to the place I love the best!  Some people like flowers. Some prefer jewelry or chocolate.  Not me.  Give me a driveway filled with fresh gravel! A gift that is very symbolic of our love - solid as a rock!  

Seventh Heaven

How can it be that our little boy is seven? He changed us for the better seven years ago when he turned us into his mama and daddy. He has grown from that tiny, perfect, dark-haired bundle to our tall, handsome gap-toothed boy. He enjoyed his special day with a skating party. This was his first "friend" party where all of his classmates were invited. They had a blast, and we can tell that being reserved is not his dominant trait- he loved being the center of attention!

As we got ready for his big day this year, we enjoyed reminiscing about all the birthdays he has celebrated. Here is a run down of all seven of his birthday celebrations:

1- CAM Party
2- GA Tailgate complete with Hairy Dawg
3- Chuck E. Cheese with a Wonder Pets cake
4- Tom&Jerry party at home with his favorite cats and mice
5- Bowling Party at Showtime with Wii dance action too
6- A Surprise Supper and Disney World
7- Skating Party (He declared this his longest birthday yet!)

The beginningof the "longest" birthday

Cinnamon Roll Breakfast

Opening presents before school

Playing the Dice Game at the party

Phew!  Was he a hot mess!

Present time

Blowing out 7 candles

Our Lucky Seven

Winterfest

We cannot let a Saturday pass without making the most of it.  We didn't have to head too far away for a little bit of winter fun.  We took in Winterfest up town, complete with snow tubing, inflatables, and marshmallow roasting!  It was chilly outside, but warming to see our two enjoying the outdoors even in the dead of winter.