When It's Easy to be Thankful...and When It's Not.

I just couldn't let this thanksgiving go by without recognizing what God has done this week. I am truly grateful for His faithfulness. And even though He's always faithful, I haven't always felt as thankful in the storms. 

This Thanksgiving we've been given a wonderful gift to our family, through Landree. The gift of swallowing without aspiration! Sounds odd, doesn't it? Swallowing/drinking. It's one of those many, many things that we all do and take for granted. Most everyone can do it, but not successfully. It's one of those things like walking and talking that we just watch our children do without having to teach them. But all three of these things, I've yet to watch my three year old do successfully. But now, we can cross swallowing/drinking off the list! She's been cleared to drink any liquid at any substance as of this week. In this season of "thankfulness" I'm truly, truly thankful for this gift. 

I went in to the swallow study yesterday prayerful, yet skeptical. Landree's situation is no stranger to let downs. We've had many doctors appointments, X-rays, swallow studies, etc..., where the news was not what we were hoping for. This time, God healed her muscles completely in that way so she may enjoy all food and all drink. 

But. What if He hadn't? 

Would I be blogging, bitterly about being "thankful" this year? Would I be praising Him or cursing Him in the storm? That's a hard one, because I've been praying for many who haven't received healing this thanksgiving. 

Why praise Him in the suffering? 

I think with even the most sound understanding of God and how scripture explains His ways, we, as humans, will never fully be at peace to what happens here on earth under some circumstances. I don't understand cancer, death of children, (earthly) parents taken too soon from their children's lives, random acts of senseless violence. All of these things are hard to fathom, but I find comfort here:

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Peace. Yes, this gives me peace. 

We have not been promised a care-free life; in fact, we are guaranteed tribulations according to John 16:33. But here He lets us know He's gone before us and taken over this fallen world and we have to rest assure that He does know best. This life was meant to prepare us for the next. To Him all the glory goes. 

Don't think for a second that when He gave us Landree I was praising Him for the tribulation we were going through. Mind you, I was praising Him for her...but not the circumstance. I didn't understand why and I didn't like it. But through Landree's life we've seen amazing glory brought to Christ and her little life has touched so many. I've been able to meet, mentor, walk with and be mentored by other moms in similar circumstances. 

Today. We are thankful for the gift of healing. Tomorrow, next week, six months from now, in a year...we may not receive such wonderful news. There may not be healing for Landree in our future in other areas. Glory goes to God if that's the case, as well. We trust that He knows best and Jesus is Better than those other circumstances. 

The suffering is hard and I don't pretend to know what it's like to suffer in other situations. I can only offer the hope of Christ and the truths the bible has to offer. In my bible study, Hebrew 11 has provided a lot of comfort. It's examples of those who were the most faithful stewards of Christ that faced some of the most difficult situations. But their faith in Christ prevailed. I encourage you to read it if you are experiencing suffering. 

So many are on my hearts and minds this year as I continue to watch loved ones battle cancer, sickness and over come the loss of loved ones. Remember the God who sent His son for the ultimate act of suffering and sacrifice for you and me. Remember He promises good. And he keeps His promises, for the good is yet to come in eternity. Above all, I'm most thankful for that. 

Happy Thanksfiving, friends.

Glasses! {Landree}

Sweet Landree girl got glasses this past week. And I don't think she could possibly get any cuter!

This was a blessing in lots of ways. The first pediatric ophthalmologist we went to immediately recommended surgery. He didn't even want to try glasses because he was sure it wouldn't correct the strubismus in her left eye. I was very close to going ahead with the scheduling the surgery, but felt that I should get  second opinion. I'm glad I did. 

The last couple of months, Landree has been receiving services through the district for her vision. I adore her vision specialist and she recommended taking her to another pediatric ophthalmologist in Dallas that has worked with a lot of her kiddos. Good call! We loved her and she wanted Landree to first try glasses. She was very honest and straight forward. And if you follow my other blog (www.sofearfullyandwonderfullymade.blogspot.com) about Landree, you know that I find that honest is what we want AND need. She told us that surgery would correct it for a time, and glasses may not correct it at all. This is all because Landree has muscle tone issues. But she wanted to give it a go! So we did.

Love her sweet little self and those lavender glasses!

Ten Months Old {Zoe Grace}

Sweet ZoZee,

What a delight you are! Your personality radiates joy. You're so precious with each month. 

With each passing day, you do something so funny, cute or sweet. We're all in awe of you. Including your precious little faces!

Everyone adores your little spirit and personality. But Mememama takes the cake on being your biggest fan. Over the last month, you two have gotten quite close. 

This stage you're in is super fun to witness! I'm in constant awe of your sweet spirit. I love watching your interactions with others. 

So much sweetness wrapped up in one tiny human. You couldn't be any sweeter than you already are. Feisty, yes. But your sweetness factor is through the roof. 

You're a wonderful sleeper. Sometimes a crazy one, though. 

How I love you and your sweet cheeks. If I could bottle up the your sweet little scent, I would. I love everything about you. 

Thank you for being such a special part of our lives! 

I love you!

Mommy

Nine Months Old {Zoe Grace}

Happy Nine Months, ZoZo!

I feel like you've gone from being a little infant to this amazingly precious, plump baby who now crawls! And what a joy you are!

Your nine month check-up went great! And Dr. Straughn said we don't even need to put you on a diet. ;0)

You've completed this family, and even did so when it came to Halloween this year. Your sisters were Elsa and Anna for Halloween. And what would make Elsa and Anna complete? Olaf, of course!

You have a FABULOUS personality that radiates joy to all who know you! You're developing quite the sense of humor, as well.

I have so much fun with you and your sisters. You have completed this sweet little family and made it so much fun. You are very go with the flow and tolerant of the shenanigans your sister(s) have for you.

You are a little bit more daring than the other two. You started pulling up and acting like you were going to go over the edge in your crib and pack and play. So we had to take care of that pretty quick. You started crawling this month, as well. So things got pretty interesting around here! Not just interesting -- downright hectic, actually. I wouldn't trade it though. We do have to keep our eye on you Zoe. You like to eat everything little thing in sight. Everything. So keeping an eye on you is key so you don't give me a heart attack.

But overall, you are an amazing baby. So good natured, funny, sweet and joyful.

Love you so much sweet ZoZee. You are such a light in our lives!

-- Mommy

Halloween {2014}

What a fun day Halloween was this year! It started out with an awards ceremony at school. Annabelle    Anna, got an award for knowing all of her letters, letter sounds, meeting the end of the year reading level and perfect attendance. I was a proud Mama up there watching my baby get her awards.

Not to mention the perks of being a teacher mom, is being there to see her get an award AND presenting it to her at the same time. 

Later that day was the Halloween party and Daddy got to come for that! 

After school was rush, rush to get home and get everyone in their costumes. Annabelle was Anna at school, but Elsa for Trunk or Treat. Landree was Anna and Zoe was Olaf. I loved how their costumes turned out!

Anna

Olaf

Elsa

We went to church for the annual Trunk or Treat! Sweet Landree and Kasi are buds.

And this girl LOVES Mr. Rick.

Drum roll....

And the awkward Halloween Family picture!! This cracks me up!!!!! Looks like something that would go on the front of a redneck Christmas card!

Merry Christmas err...Happy Halloween from the Aldrichs!

8 Months Old {Zoe Grace}

POh, Sweet Z...

I cannot get over your personality and happy nature. Just when I think I've had the happiest baby in the world, another one comes along that proves me wrong. You're an absolute bundle of joy. Everyone loves being around you. 

This last month we've started "big girl" things. You eat puffs and yogurt melts. And, on occasion, will drink from a sippy cup. You just started holding your bottle. Which is crazy, but you made up your mind to wait that long to do it, little stinker. 

You light up a room and exude happiness. You've absolutely stolen the heart of your great grandmother. When mememama stays with us, I barely get to hold you. Haha -- that's ok. I understand. 

We had our first buggy ride this month too. Eh. We were a little unsure about it. 

I love you and your chubby self. I can't get enough of the chubs. I could gobble you up. 

And sometimes I do. 

Your sisters think you're pretty great. You and Landree don't always get along, but you're still the best of friends. And you think Annabelle hangs the moon. 

Thank you for being you. You light up our lives. 

Love you to the moon, Angel. 

-- Mommy

7 Months Old {Zoe Grace}

Happy Seven Months to little Miss Personality!!

 

It's really starting to shine through -- that personality of yours. And I love it!! You are hilarious, Z. You make is all laugh with your high pitched squeals and huge gummy smiles! And what's crazy is that we can already tell how different your personality is from your sisters. You're definitely our spunky and outgoing one. 

And oh my goodness. Those thighs. Your wonderfully chubby, squishy and yummy thighs. I love them! All of those rolls are good for my stress level. All I need to do is give them a little squeeze and I feel better. So sweet. 

What I'm also loving is this seeing how the baby is treated like "the baby." Sometimes, unfortunately, you fall victim of your sisters. Especially the oldest. You know, like turning your baby oranges toy into a mermaid, seashell bra. 

And being the third girl I find it just as fun as ever to dress you up in precious little outfits and take your picture. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen as often as it did with the other two. But every now and then, we play dress up. 

And how I'm loving watching all of the sisters together. Y'all are so very sweet together and I can't wait to see y'all grow up and be close! 

Oh, Zoe. How you being such light into our lives. I can't even begin to tell you how happy you make us. 

I still think I'm dreaming. I can't believe God gave me threw beautiful girls. I love you all so much. I still, especially, can't believe he gave me you. You surprised us, but how wonderful that surprise was. 

We love you Zoe Grace!! Keep being wonderful, chunky, spunky and crazy you!!

Love you, sweet angel!

-- Mommy