A Military Child's Prayer

I have been pretty bad about keeping up with the blog and even worse of using it for my original purpose of trying to capture and document all the cute moments (or at least some of them) of my kids. I know most of you only visit for the pictures so I am hesitant to post when I am at work and all you will receive are my words instead of the pics of the most precious kids on the planet. But I determined to get better at documenting these moments as I know one day I will miss them so here it goes.

The other night Ellie and I were saying her prayers- she usually fights saying her prayers as it is associated with going to bed and she fights anything associated with going to sleep. Mike had just left to go out of town again so it was just me and the kiddos. After saying our prayer and mommy saying what she prayed for Ellie simply said "Dear God, I pray that my daddy does not have to leave again" oh sweet child if it was only that easy- she has continued to pray the same prayer every night- breaks your hear but as one friend pointed out it also makes me so happy that I married such a wonderful husband and father that his kids miss him so much while he is gone and treasure the moments he is home.

ok- that is it for now- I know I had another cute thing to write about but I have forgotten- see why it is so important for me to start documenting this stuff!

Catching Up- Christmas, Haircuts and more

I have alot more pics to post from our trip to Mandeville for Christmas but they are on the other computer and since it is obvious to everyone that I am not that great about keeping up with the blog I figured it was better to post some instead of none. we had a great christmas and although Tripp once again proved he is not the best traveler we still had a great time. We spent christmas day at home and since it was the first year Ellie really got into it, it was totally worth it. the next morning we set out on a VERY long drive to mandeville where my parents and sisters all were- although it was exhausting it was totally worith it as ellie had the absolute best time with her cousins- if there is one lesson we learned is that we need our own space in case tripp does not sleep well so when we all go to the beach this summer we will be in separate condos :)

mike and I also celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary- it is amazing to think how much we have been blessed in our short 6 years of marriage and I look forward to many many many more- my parents were nice enough to watch all the kids so we could go to dinner- I unfortunately had an allergic reaction to the appetizer- but it was almost humorous at that point how much went wrong with our "vacation" I guess that is what making memories is all about- the times you survive and can look back and laugh at later- lets say we created ALOT of laughable moments that trip.

When we got back we realized tripp was starting to look like an alabama fan - ie redneck so we had to break down and get a haircut. He really looks like a big boy now and as his mommy it made me a little sad but I think mike had a harder time with it than me- as you can see tripp was less than thrilled at someone coming at him with scissors but we all survived and it looks great. Ellie got her first hair cut as well (first hair cut in 3.5 years- she is blessed with beautiful hair) she was a complete 180 from her brother and loved every minute of being in the hair salon- such a lady- she even got her hair straightened so the stylist could make sure it was even and she LOVED it- she looked like such a teenager- time is going FAST.

everything here in ok is wonderful- we are so blessed with wonderful family and friends and are looking forward to a great 2012. happy new year

Tripp Roth- Brave Little Soul

Being that is the holiday season, I have been reflecting alot on how much I have been blessed with and how there are not words to described how thankful I am for my angels. At the same time, I think of all those who have so much more to worry about than what to get their kids for Christmas- their worries are how to take their kids pain away or whether they will make it to CHristmas at all. There is one such family whose story has really spoken to me over the last year- Tripp and COurtney Roth. Tripp was born with a rare genetic disorder- EB- which causes his skin (and everywhere else) to blister upon any friction at all. It leads to eating, breathing and every other kind of problem imaginable. When he was born his mother was told he would probably not live to be a year- he is now 2.5. His survival is attributable solely to the care and love his mother provides (and grandmother). There is a link to their blog on the side of my wall- "EBing a Mother". I pray for this family daily and ask that you do the same, for them and all the children like them you are suffering and their parents who have to find strength and faith they did not know they had. Below is post I read from one of Courtney's friends which is a beautifully written poem about why there is so much suffering and reminds us that God's plan, although it may not be our own plan, does have a purpose.

The Brave Little Soul By John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven, there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day, however, the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?” God paused for a moment and replied, “Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean?”, he asked. God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.” The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their hearts, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.” Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, “I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!” God smiled and said, “You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you, and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.” God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God’s strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Love changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

Love Amy

more pics

here more pics as promised - enjoy

Long overdue update

Here are pics from all the way back to halloween- pics are in reverse order but they are from thanksgiving with mimi and paw paw, halloween program and halloween itself- sorry for the delay but otto has been gone alot (I love shore tour- ha) and we had company and holidays- yada yada yada and I have completely neglected the blog. But that is also a sign that we are having a lot of fun because I just don't have time to stop to update- more pics coming but Blogger was not cooperating and I lost patience- enjoy

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday was beautiful so we headed out to the pumpkin patch. Otto is leaving for 10 days at the end of Ocotber so we have to get in our fun times before he leaves. It was 60 degrees and perfect for exploring the pumpkin patch. We fed the animals, rode the pony, swang, went on a hayride (ellie was not impressed with this), explored the grounds and had a fabulous time. It won't be long before our kids are over going to the pumpkin patch so we are trying to fit in as much as possible and put these memories in our mind forever. Enjoy the pics!

Tripp Walking!

Yesterday was a big day at the Piedmont house- Tripp took his first steps, ellie went pee pee on the potty on her own and Auburn beat South Carolina all in the last two minutes of the game- and did I mention this all happened during a 2 hours period- WOAH. Here is a video of tripp walking - I spared you and did not take a video of ellie peeing- ha ha! But if you knew how hard potty training had been for us you would not be surprised if I had. And today she actually stopped me grocery shopping to go in the store-first time that has happened- BIG DEAL- enough about pottying. enjoy the video- editing and music by Otto/Mike- I think he may have a future in the video industry after the navy- what do you think!