February recap...

Let's just say February passed by in a blur...it was jam-packed to say the least. 

Kara visiting--My sister drove up with her two lovely girls and stayed with my parents while her husband was at a music conference (he is a band director).  We enjoyed spending a day playing with them, and then her and my mom came up here for a half day to help watch my kids, while I helped with Isaac's party (Atticus' brother).  I even drove her mini-van to pick up balloons and just might be open to having one someday (some of you may know that I am nervous to drive big vehicles--I like my little car), so this is huge revelation--especially to S. that I might be up for owning a mini-van, but still a maybe:)  Anyways, P. and her youngest Cheyenne are only two months apart.  I love her and her darling girls.

Isaac's 1st b-day --so I've talked before about my amazing friend Cindy...her little boy, Atticus, was diagnosed with a rare inoperable brain tumor in January.  Her youngest Isaac, turned one in February, and we knew with everything going on, Cindy didn't not have the time to plan a party for him.  Leah (her friend and Texas sister that has known her since they first moved to Texas for law school 5 years or so ago) and I had the same idea to bring a party to them for Isaac.  We both told Cindy that we wanted to do it for her, so Cindy told us to get together.  Well, I called Leah, and she had already been planning up a storm.  She came up with the cutest birthday party ideas and then a bunch of us girls helped out.  She wanted to plan it Cindy-style (Cindy knows how to throw a party--she always has the cutest decorations and everything coordinates and looks amazing).  As you can tell from the pictures below, it turned out super-cute, and to be there to reveal it to Cindy, was priceless.  She was so, so happy and grateful--I will forever remember that moment.  Thanks so much to all the friends that helped:)

Valentines Party x2
#1: I was in charge (with 2 other moms) of N.'s Valentines party at preschool.  It was pretty low-key.  They only allow about thirty minutes for the party, so it's basically lunch and a treat.  The menu--heart-shaped PB&Js, cheese, meat, grapes, crackers, fishies, cheetos, juice, heart marshmallows (N. picked those out), and heart-shaped cookies to decorate.  N. was of course shy at first for the pictures.  Mrs. Cherry kept trying to get him to look.   Anyways, they had fun!

 

Finally, a smile...

Decorating cookies...

Tons of sprinkles...

Party #2: So my girlfriends from Dallas had the idea to do a Valentine's Party for Atticus.  We had it at my place, and Atticus enjoyed his first outing with friends since diagnosis.  Can I just say we love Atticus so much!  I was honored to do this party for him and glad he enjoyed himself.  The kids played & decorated heart cookies, and the momma's did what we do best--chit-chat!

N., Atti, and Aubrey

Mannix & Slade joining in on the decorating...

N., Laney, and Atti taking turns with the remote-control train...

Grandma Jolene--S.'s Grandma Jolene or as N. calls her GG (short for Great-grandma) passed away February 6th.  She was in the hospital due to a broken hip, had surgery, recovered, but then got pneumonia, and one day her blood pressure just dropped, and she passed away quickly and peacefully (it was truly her time, and she's been ready for a long time to be reunited with her husband), but for the past 5 or so years, she has been frail, and struggled with health.  Her funeral was N.'s first funeral and first experience with death.  I know he really doesn't understand it, but we just talked about how Heavenly Father wanted GG to come back home to Him and that we would see her someday again and that she is happy there. 

The Hansen's--So I know I've talked about Atticus and Cindy a lot, but they are truly on my mind 24/7.  I ache for them...I pray for them...I feel so helpless, but I try to do what I can to lift them up.  I know Heavenly Father is mindful of them and is blessing them.  They have strengthened my faith and my testimony in our Saviour, the plan of salvation, and eternal families.  I love them so very much.  It has been so hard, but at the same time, I have felt so close to my Heavenly Father and the Spirit.  I've been lucky enough to watch Isaac (their youngest) aka Chunk a handful of times.  He always brings a smile to my face. 

New Bedding...I have been wanting new bedding for a while, and I finally got some from west elm (love this store).  I used my Christmas money to buy it, but waited until Valentine's Day to put in on as a surprise for S.  I love it, and the sheets are so incredibly soft.  It's the first time I purchased exactly what I wanted and even splurged and got the shams monogrammed.

Rob's 6 month party:  Rob Hale, our friends from Dallas, suffered a brain hemorrhage 6 months ago, survived, and is truly doing amazing.  His wife threw him a party to celebrate how far he's come.  It was great to see him and all the sweet families from Dallas.  He still has a long road ahead, but has defied the odds thus far.  He is a true miracle.  http://miraclescanoccur.blogspot.com/


McKenna's bday:  My baby sister turned 8--she'll be baptized soon.  She had a safari themed party, and N. enjoyed running around with a bunch of 8 year old boys and girls.  N. commented, "Mom, there's lots of friends at Kenna's party."  He participated in all the games and obstacle course, and laughed really loud at anyone's jokes.  He held his own when an older boy hit him with a balloon, N. swung his balloon and smacked the kid in the face with it.  The kid runs off, and N. chases after him.  They were both laughing and having a good time.  I love my sister so much.  N. adores her and P. enjoys all the sweet kisses she gives him.

So that's our February...can't believe it's already March!