Disney World

We headed to Disney World for one day and had the best time.  Seeing the joy in Austin's eyes was one of the greatest things.  He loved the rides and wanted to ride all of them (even the ones I thought he would think were scary).
On the way to Disney World

Riding the monorail into the park

Picture in front of Cinderella's castle

3 months old and already attending Disney World

Riding the choo choo train

Miller was such a trooper through all of it

Good thing he was free =)

Doesn't everyone have to get Mickey ears

Eating lunch

Alladin's magic carpet ride

Waiting to ride Dumbo - this was the longest line and it was less than 20 minutes. September is a great time to go to Disney World.

Riding Dumbo

Having fun waiting in line

His favorite thing (I think I got whiplash)

Pops and Austin in Buzz Lightyear


Sheryl and Austin on the carousel

The parade at the end of the day

At the end of a long but wonderful day

Florida

Austin, Miller, and I headed to Florida for a week trip at my dad's.  I braved the flight by myself with 2 small children.  The boys were wonderful though and I couldn't have been prouder.  We had so much fun swimming, playing on their screened in porch, and just relaxing.  I even got a day completely to myself and took advantage by going to the beach alone (it was wonderful).

Eating breakfast outside every day.  It was so nice to not worry about bugs because of the screen.  It makes me want a screened in porch in our next house.

Trying to get some reading done =) It didn't last long before little man was climbing on my lap

This is what he was doing at the time in his chair (copying Mommy)

Miller's first swim


Miller getting an infant massage



Pops and Miller

Swimming with Pops and Nonnie

Watching the UT game. Miller had on a UT onesie but pooped all over it. I guess thats how he felt about UT's playing ability against Florida.

We had a great trip and really enjoyed our time down there.

Happy Birthday sweet angel

Happy 2nd Birthday sweet Austin! You make our lives so much sweeter with your laughter and love for life. You are a true joy to be around. I cherish the times where your feet never stop running and jumping. I cherish the quiet times at night when you sit in my lap and we say our prayers together. I cherish your hugs, kisses, and pats on my back. I cherish the good, bad, and sometimes ugly that go with being 2. :)  You are so precious and your daddy and I are beyond blessed.

impossible

I tried to get one good shot of my 2 boys together and it was impossible. Austin refused to cooperate. Miller was a trooper as he continued to roll wherever Austin pushed him. Here are some of the shots that made me laugh.

love them

Just a few new pictures of the boys. There will be some new posts soon showing our latest adventures.

hilarious girls

Our Sunday night our 11th grade bible study started back.  We have anywhere from 10-15 girls in our house and the laughter starts at 6:00 and doesn't end until 8:00.  They make me laugh so hard.  I took this video with my phone of one of the girls imitating the other after she had her wisdom teeth taken out.

Flowers for Forrest

My dad and stepmother had flowers dedicated on Sunday to Forrest at our church.  They were beautiful and a sweet reminder of the impact he made/still makes on our lives.



Austin then proceeded to hide in the Pulpit =)

Thank you Dad and Sheryl.

Happy Birthday Forrest

Dear Forrest,

            Happy 3^rd Birthday sweetheart.  I know you are having the best birthday party in Heaven.  What an amazing thing to be sitting next to Jesus celebrating your 3^rd birthday.  I am sure there are lots of goodies, toys, cake, ice cream and anything else your heart desires.  I wish I were busy finishing up the last minute details for your birthday party.  Daddy and I always said we would have the first big birthday party for our children when they turned 3.  I am so sad that I am missing out on throwing you that big birthday party. 

You would be proud of your little brothers.  They are both doing great.  Austin is the best big brother.  He loves his little brother and already takes good care of him.  He has the biggest heart, loves to cuddle, give hugs and kisses, and loves reading.  He is also a dare devil and can climb anything and everything.  He is always running, jumping, and laughing.  He is such a joy and I know you two would have been 2 peas in a pod.  Your other little brother, Miller, is also doing well.  He has the sweetest smile and cutest cheeks.  He reminds me a lot of you.  I was looking back at pictures of you the other day and there were a few that made me look twice because I thought I was looking at Miller.  We are having fun seeing Miller’s little personality start to show.  I know he would have looked up to you as the best big brother. 

Your daddy is also doing well.  He is working hard so he can take care of all of us.  He works long hours but I know one day it will all be worth it.  He is a great daddy (even though you already knew that).  He is also a wonderful husband.  All 4 of us are truly blessed to have him in our life. 

I am doing well too.  I miss you so much that I feel like my heart may break but God has given me the strength to make it through each day even though you aren’t in it.  You impacted me in so many ways.  My passions are so different than I thought they would be but in a good way.  You left a huge imprint on my life and forever changed the way I think, act, and feel.  I love being your mommy.  I love telling people about my angel and how amazing you were.  The way you fought.  The way you loved.  The way you changed so many and impacted so many.  I am blessed to be called Forrest’s mommy. 

Happy 3^rd Birthday sweetheart.  Sit in Jesus lap today and tell him to hold you close since your mommy can’t. 

I love you now, forever, and always,

Mommy

my little singer

This is one of the funniest videos of Austin.  He did all of this on his own yesterday.  He pulled the laundry basket over, flipped it over, grabbed the "mic" and started belting out some singing.  It cracks me up everytime.  Austin singing on his little stage. 

 

3rd Annual 5K

Last Saturday was a perfect day for the 3rd Annual Forrest Spence 5K. There were over 800 participants and more than $36,000 was raised. Everything about the day was terrific. The food, music, kid station area, 5K, 1 mile fun run, 100 yard dash, and community of people were the best. We truly couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

The money raised will go towards the new Forrest Sibling Room at Le Bonheur. This is a room where the healthy siblings of the children admitted in the Intensive Care Units can go and be cared for while their parents are spending time with the child that is sick. This is one more way the Forrest Spence Fund can help meet the nonmedical needs of patients and families in the Midsouth.

David, his mom Diane, and Miller at the race

Love all the strollers!

Kids ready for the 100 yard dash


Runners in front at the Start Line

Participants listening to the stories of families helped by the Fund

I love planning this event but man was it hard this year with a newborn, no sleep, a not quite 2 year old and a husband working crazy hours at the Med. I am thankful that it was such a success because I felt like I was planning it while living in a fog. I kept asking people some of the same questions because the lack of sleep and very little time to work on it had me constantly second guessing myself. There is no way I could have done this without the incredible work of my committee. They are amazing and put in so much time, energy, and love to this event. We are blessed by their commitment to the race and the Fund.