Sunday, April 26, 2015

Spring Break Shenanigans

We enjoyed a low key spring break at home, which was just what we needed. Jackson and Addison had friends over a few days and had a blast!! We had Skylanders games and Imaginext battles for the boys. The girls played with all their dolls, did arts and crafts and had a good time "spying" on their brothers. Jackson even got out the map and a few different almanacs to play "Stack the Country." It was definitely a break we all enjoyed!






Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Anticipation

Dear Jackson and Addison,

The anticipation and worry is getting to me today. Two weeks ago you both had a routine follow up with the GI, and based on what he saw and our conversation he wanted a follow up test called the sweat test. He threw out what that test is used for, and I was surprised and taken aback. "Atypical CF." I had never, ever heard of Atypical CF. 

Your test isn't scheduled for a few weeks, and I've had a pretty good attitude and perspective on it thus far. Don't get me wrong, I've done my share of research...too much actually, but that's my way of "doing something" when I can't do anything at all. 

Well, today was not a good day. I had a dream last night. May is CF month. Found out that one of our favorite deserts at BJ's donates part of the money to the CF foundation. And both of you aren't feeling well. It's been every month since January for Jackson almost to the day. It's either sinuses, ear infection or a combination of both that turns into a sticky cough that won't go away. This time it's the ear and sinus combination. Addison this time you've got the cough and sinus/throat combination. And today I worried. I know not to worry about what I don't know. I know to trust and let go and let God. I know that God is in control of All, and He will not leave us ever. I know He will guide us through this, whatever this turns out to be. 

But even though I know all of that. Today, I worried. And then we had a tough time going to bed because I let it get the best of me and I yelled. I'm sorry loves. We haven't explained to you yet the test, though it won't hurt. But still. We also haven't explained what it is for, nor will we when it's time because right now, it's not important for you to know unless it ends up being something you need to know. And I pray that it isn't.

But I'm worried. And today, I just needed to be validated that it's scary to have this looming over. It doesn't take away from God loving us and being in control of all things. Everyone reacts to these situations differently, but kiddos, I pray you will always be there for one another. And to always have your people you can go to. God will use them to help you through it. He will even use those you don't expect as long as you listen....even when you are afraid of what the answer will be. 

I feel like I am turned around looking into the wave just like you guys.
And today it scares me a lot to not know what's coming crashing our way.

I love you both,
Mom

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Dancing the night away..

Getting dinner into Jackson proved to be difficult at this point in the night. Remember, he still wasn't feeling great and there was a lot going on. Oh, and did I mention that it was now 7pm aka bedtime in our house? We do love our schedule. Thank goodness for sisters who help and buffer! Everyone ate, and they started the party. If they still had dance cards, Addison would have had everyone on her card. She had a blast dancing! Oh, and did I also mention that this all happened on a Sunday night, and yes, we were still getting up to go to work and school the next day? Addison was going on pure adrenaline at this point. Jackson perked up with some food, so a little dancing did happen.
Addison and cousin Nicholas.
Addison and Wes
Addison and Wes
Jackson, Addison and Uncle Nat, father of the groom
Addison and Grandpa
Grandma having a great time!
Grandma and Grandpa
Nat and his mom
When it came time for the bouquet toss, Addison lined up front and center. She caught it only because it hit one of the lights hanging from the ceiling. She gave the bouquet to the bridesmaid that was "supposed" to catch it. Then they all danced.
Ready...
Who's really next!
Having fun!



Addison's favorite moment!!!
We got back to our room about 9 and were up and at 'em the next morning to drive home and begin our week. We had such a good time celebrating Katie and Wesley!!!!

Picture time for the Bride and Groom...

We just snapped pictures and relaxed while the Bride and Groom took pictures. They had their dog, Abby in the wedding, and Addison took to walking her around while the pictures were happening. She thought that was pretty cool. She also kept an eye on the ring bearers. I was able to get a few pictures of Addison and Jackson together, but we didn't end up getting any family shots. 




Addison and Aunt Dianna, mother of the groom
Aunt Dianna with one of the ring bearers and Addison
Queen of the world!
She was over taking pictures!
Linda, Dianna and Debbie

The sun was just starting to set.
My nice pic of them together!

And of course you need a silly picture together!

Jackson was eating lemons!

To have and to hold...

Addie was supposed to go down to "get ready" with the girls about 2pm. Not sure what she would want to do, Aunt Dianna took us down and she got comfortable. In the end, Addison wanted to be there only with the girls. She got her hair done and even a touch of make up, because everyone knows that being a flower girl is a big deal. I left her with them, dress and all. We didn't see her until she walked down the aisle.

Since I didn't know exactly what Addison would do/need, I wanted to make sure we were at least up at the venue when the girls got up there. Meant we had about an hour to kill before the wedding. But it was beautiful. The venue overlooked the entire city. We walked around and got some pre-wedding pictures, then snapped a few as our family arrived. 
Dad and Jackson
Helping with the tie...in Jackson's first suit.

Mom and Jackson
He is trying to figure out the fire in the middle.
Dave and his mom.
The proud grandparents!!!
The sun was still up when the wedding started, so sunglasses it was. Now knowing Addison, I was not 100% that she would go down the aisle. Yes, we practiced, but there was no one sitting in the chairs. And sometimes all eyes on her sets of her shyness! But she did great. She walked out, sprinkled her flower petals on the ground and I think was biting the inside of her cheek because of how she had the "trying not to be embarrassed smile." Wesley looked handsome, calm and collected as he waited for his bride.
Waiting....
Here she comes.
Hair up and looking older!
Katie, Wesley's beautiful bride!
Vow time.
Married!!!!
Still a little embarrassed!