These Little Moments...

Last Monday, I finally took the step I had intended to take months ago: I took Ethan's pacifier away. We had already attempted the "keep-the-pacifier-in-the-bed" approach and failed, mostly because life was so much easier (and more peaceful) if we happened to have the thing with us should the need for it arise. Having given up on successfully weaning him of the pacifier by age two, Sean and I just decided to go with it, keep it from him unless absolutely necessary, and continue to discuss with him how pacifiers are for babies, and he is getting to be such a big boy. Basically, Ethan could have cared less if he was big or not, and kept a strong attachment to his beloved "pass", which also happens to be the newborn pacifier you're often given in the hospital the day your sweet baby is born. Yep. My two-and-a-half-year-old was still sucking on a 0-3 months Soothie. So, as I've mentioned, last Monday was the big day. I stashed his pacifier on the top shel...

One of my goals each New Year is simply to add to my blog more often. Yet, as each year begins and life moves forward, I find that it isn't so simple. Nevertheless, one of my goals for 2014 is to try to make my blog a priority... again. I adore my little space on the Internet and all of the precious memories I have preserved here. There are times when I go back and look through the older posts, thanking God I took the time needed to add those pictures and type those words! I know I only have a handful of folks who read along, but I also realize these are the people who genuinely enjoy seeing new posts and feel closer to my family through my words and photos. So, here's to 2014 and the many Little Moments we'll experience this year! Christmas 2013 was a beautiful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior. We focused in on enjoying this season with family and friends, and despite various illnesses along the way, we truly did enjoy the holidays! Sean's office was...

This was such a fun, special Halloween. Ethan really understood the whole idea of dressing up. He originally requested to be Buzz Lightyear, from his very favorite movie Toy Story, but his size seemed to be sold out everywhere I looked. We happened to be at Concord Mills in Charlotte and checked out their Disney Store. They didn't have Buzz either, but Ethan happily settled on this Sheriff Woody costume, which included his awesome cowboy hat. I have to say, the kids' costumes this year are probably my favorites so far. Gracie decided to dress as Princess Jasmine while we were visiting Disney World in September. It is the prettiest costume, and one she'll enjoy throughout the coming year. Ethan has also worn his Woody costume many, many times since Halloween.  Trick or Treating was also an enjoyable experience with both Gracie and Ethan. Ethan caught on quickly and was still asking to go Trick or Treating days after Halloween had passed. Our good friends joined us wit...

When a good friend first mentioned the possibility of getting a team together for a Tough Mudder event, Sean seemed unsure. I don't know exactly what changed his mind, but suddenly he was 1 of 7 guys, all ready to train for, and eventually dominate, this intense obstacle challenge. Sean went into full out training mode during the months leading up to the event. All of the guys held each other accountable and encouraged one other as the countdown went from months to weeks, and weeks to just days... And just like that, we were there. I was merely a spectator, but still felt nervous about the 12 mile course, which delivered 25 obstacles to be completed, including Electric Eel and Electroshock Therapy, which, as their names imply, gave the guys a nice jolt or two as they made their way through. Thanks to Megan, a fellow team wife and close friend, we were able to follow a map that lead us on a spectator route, giving us the chance to see as many obstacles as possible. I had no...

This evening, Sean and I took the kids to our favorite pumpkin picking spot. Our kids had a blast running between piles of pumpkins, searching for "the one". We ended up with two medium-sized pumpkins and a few smaller ones to add to our Halloween decorations. This is one of the highlights of October! Hmmm... this could be the one... I loved the pumpkins that made my big girl look small. :)

When we are able to bring multiple families together like we did this past Saturday, something beautiful happens. Bigger than the chaos that comes naturally within of a gathering of 7 children, ages 9 to 5 weeks, are these magical moments of togetherness that are greatly missed when we're apart. Babies are cuddled by adoring aunts, nephews are toted on shoulders and hips, cousins hold hands and laugh and bicker the way the best cousins do. I think at one point I yawned in unison with my two sisters-in-law, a sure sign that it was a fall day well spent. I am blessed to have married into an incredible family. I also get to be "Aunt Tina" to these precious children. It's a gift I treasure. The weather could not have been better than it was Saturday morning when we arrived at the North Carolina Zoo. It was a fun, exhausting adventure. Sean's mom, known as "Memaw" to the grandchildren, joined us. I know she enjoyed visiting with her three oldest children...

This past Saturday, my mom and I ran in the 21st Annual Women's Only 5K. It was a wonderful event that raised over $100,000 to support the Mammography Scholarship Fund. It was an honor to run alongside almost 4,000 other women, including many breast cancer survivors. Gracie participated in the Girls' Only Mini Run prior to the 5K. I was one proud momma!