Things just hit me...........

Although things have been crazy around here, we sure have been making memories as a family. Even though we were supposed to be on vacation this week, we did enjoy being home together even though one of those days was a "surgery" day for one of us. ;-) Thursday was JR's surgery and as I posted earlier, everything went as planned and he is recovering very well. Friday and Saturday were rough ones but Sunday was like he did a 180. He was much better with his pain management and we were even able to go visit the local apple orchard and pumpkin patch this weekend. Lindsay saying "HI" from her crib.

JR being a trooper on his "crunches" (as Cole says) while the boys played.

This was one BIG rocking chair. Never really got a good shot because the wind was blowing so hard and the sun went behind a cloud and the kids were freezing and trying to stay warm. Ended up being much colder than anticipated. However, Lindsay is smiling behind that bink. ;-) Things like that just hit me.........

Speaking of that, when we all got out of the van to have our special family outing at the farm for the very first time as a family, we started walking to the entrance and I just started to cry. No warning, nothin'! I couldn't even speak I was so overwhelmed.....and all of a sudden! I couldn't help but to be overjoyed that we had Lindsay with us and we are blessed enough to get a chance at this experience with her. One that we started to love with Cole, then Cruz, and now finally, with her. Oh boy did that one "hit" me! JR was concentrating on walking with crutches on the gravel road and then noticed that I was wiping tears. Of course that follows with a "what's wrong". All I had to do was point to her and then to the pretty landscape in front of us with all the families enjoying the beautiful, yet windy, day and we actually get to do the same. AMEN!!

And so does this........

Now, this "hit" me too because when this accident happened, all I could think of was, #1 that he finally over did it and that pain that he always had in the knee finally made its appearance. Crazy as it may seem, that was a good thing and we can finally get it fixed! But then again, Great! (you guessed it.....a little sarcasm in that GREAT!) And #2, (although a little selfish) great, more pressure on me to do more around here. Just what I need! Well, that was the case for only about a day. We thank God everyday for our family and our wonderful friends that come to our rescue when we need them! Now I only hope that there comes a time that we can return that favor. ;-) As you may have guessed, the above photo is the "after" of Jr's leg/knee. (Along with the added color of betadine) He had 3 screws inserted and has incisions on both sides with a total of 29 staples! OUCH! Thank God for him that he was knocked out cold for the procedure. He has a post-op follow up appointment on the 21st and starting from that date, he can get started putting weight on it and working it back into normal working condition.

This just "hit" me when I captured this precious photo. I have to tell you that this hardly EVER happens! Lindsay likes to fall asleep generally in her own bed and for some reason that particular afternoon, she wanted to take a nap with her daddy. Like I said, precious!

I left this photo for last. Anyone guess what's new in this photo???

The princess is STANDING!!!!! She pulled herself up and everything! Now, if this doesn't "hit" you, I don't know what will! This time last year she was having so much trouble trying to survive. I remember the dreaded car ride home to tend to Cruz once Lindsay was stable enough to go home for a bit. JR and I had to have the discussion on where to lay her to rest. (yes, I'm crying as I type this!!) But, look at her now! God, family, friends, strangers, and miracles are what did it and we are so grateful. There were big alligator tears in my eyes when I took this photo. Oh, Lindsay! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!!!!! GOD IS GOOD!!!