Maybe Lauren Was Right

You may remember Lauren was a little concerned that once Griffen was born I'd drop the "Mom" title and pick up the "Grandma" one exclusively?

She may have been right...

Ready for Halloween.

Ready for church.

I just love that cell phones have cameras and that Cade and Jorden send me pictures.  In my defense as a "Mom", I did return the favor and send them a picture of Lauren in her Halloween costume.  I guess there is hope for me after all.

Turning Over a New Leaf

It all started with a solemn vow.

I promised myself that I would be a better mom to Lauren.  I promised that I would regain a little of that old enthusiasm that thrilled Cade and Syd when they were younger.  They had the "cool" mom.  The one who created projects, played lots of baseball and took them on frequent adventures.  Poor Lauren.  Yes, she has the wiser mom.  However, she also has to endure the tired, occasionally cranky, and often boring mom.

So I promised myself that I would remember the joy and excitement of being nine years old.  First, when she begged to decorate for Halloween, I climbed up in the attic and brought out all of the jack o'lanterns, witches and ghosts that I could find.  No problem.  Big 'ole smiley face for me!  I got my first test a few days later when Lauren brought home her notice concerning the 4th grade "Fall" (aka Halloween) party.  Instantly, Lauren begged to make these little "candy corn" desserts. 

No problem.  Yeah, thirty of these little suckers may take a while, but it would allow Lauren and I time to hang out and create a special treat together.  It sounded like a great idea.  I jumped all over it.

Until the next night, when her teacher called to remind me that it was a party for the whole 4th grade.  I would need to make 60 treats.  And of course, there were four adults to include.  Oh my.  It took 16,000 additional trips to the store to get more jello.  And then more pudding.  And then one more package of jello.  But we got them all done in time for the big day.   It was worth it.  They were quite a hit with everyone, especially Lauren.

 (Minus the one, or three, that someone ate in the middle of the night....)

Keeping Busy

Syd the kid is keeping busy with lots and lots of soccer.  I think I'm worn out after watching four hours of it (she plays both JV and Varsity).  I can only imagine how tired she must be!  However, their team is currently undefeated and looks good headed toward the end of the season.  State Championship-here we come!

There Goes My Baby

Lauren has been begging me to let her cut her long hair.  I've held her off, telling her that you can always have short hair when you get older.  That youth is the time for long hair and pony-tails. That she'd been letting it grow for so long.   Finally, I broke.  The results are fantastic.  What a cutie.

But I'm afraid that when the last strand of long hair was cut, we lost the baby of our family.  She's still a little girl (thankfully).  However, I'm starting to see the beginnings of the beautiful young woman that she will become.

Suzanne's Scrumptious Sugars

My friend Suzanne creates the most adorable and tasty sugar cookies in town.  She's one of those business success stories where a woman starts off with a little dream in the kitchen and turns it into a true financial venture.  These babies aren't just your normal cookie-cutter variety.  She can create anything out of dough and frosting.  In addition to one-of-a-kind cookies, she will also perform a one-of-a-kind poem or song to celebrate your special occasion. Truly, I don't know what I appreciate more-her baking talents or her writing talents.

This time, she brought cookies to Lauren's class in honor of her new status as "Aunt Lauren".  Along with the song and a special cookie for the teacher, Suzanne had this awesome creation for Little Lou.  It also came heralded with the song, "Aunt Lauren", set to the tune of "Pretty Woman."  (How did she know that is one of my favorite songs?!)

Check out her blog here: http://scrumptioussugars.blogspot.com/ to see all of her amazing creations.  You won't be disappointed.  If you notice, I've used her services for a variety of occasions...

(Yes, I did have cookies sent to Cade and Syd when I took Lauren to Disneyland....that's just the kind of thoughtful  mom that I am...)

The Miracle of Motherhood

Just as I was drifting off to sleep this evening, Sydney shook me awake with panic in her voice.  "Mom, I cut my foot open."  Nothing in this world will clear your mind more quickly than one of your children in pain or in need.

Taking her downstairs, I covered her shaking body with a blanket while I got a wet cloth to clean her foot.  Wiping away the blood, I soon realized that it was more of a tear than a cut.  It wasn't too deep, but it was definitely going to affect her soccer playing.  Gathering more supplies, I cleaned it and wrapped it while cracking a few jokes and assuring her that she would be all right.  Not long after, she was ready to head to bed.  But first she rewarded me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Climbing back into my own bed, I smiled at Ryan who (bless his heart) never once awakened to the drama of the night.  I thought back to all the other nights when he slept while a sick child woke me up.  Like mothers everywhere, I've dragged myself out of bed to hold hair back while a child threw up.  I've curled a feverish little body into mine trying to provide comfort.  I've replaced ice packs, administered medicine and worried about concussions through the dark hours of the night.

The miracle, I realized tonight, is that medically, I have no idea what I am doing.  Yet, through the divine wisdom of my Heavenly Father I (along with mothers everywhere) know how to nurture.  We know how to serve and we know how to love. 

And let's be honest.  I'm happy to work for hugs from a teenager....

Tuesday Night Lights

Griffen had/has a little jaundice so he spent some time under the lights. 

Truth be told, I just like looking at his round little self, so I had to post another picture for my own pleasure. 

When Cade was born, my sister Cortney was only eleven years old.  She always swore that the minute my parents saw him, they went from being parents to being grandparents.  Lauren is living in fear that she may suffer the same fate. I have promised her that as hard as it may be, she and Syd will continue to be my first priority.   

'Course the way it is looking now, I'm a little nervous that she's going to stop being my daughter and just be Griffen's aunt!

With Arms Wide Open

Today we welcomed Griffen Taylor Ashton to this world. 

 

Congratulations Cade and Jorden.  Thank you for bringing Griffen into our lives. 

With arms wide open

Under the sunlight

Welcome to this place

I'll show you everything

With arms wide open.

          --Scott Stapp

An October Sky

I have such a tendency to watch sunsets from my rear view mirror.  It seems that I'm also "too busy" to stop and enjoy the scene.  It was the same thing this time as well.  When I first saw the sunset I told the girls, "Wow, I ought to stop and take a picture".   It took me a few more miles before I finally took my own advice and pulled off to the side of the road.  So here's to slowing down and enjoying beautiful life that surrounds me.