Guatemalan Blessings

When thinking of a third world country such as Guatemala I would think of poverty. Families with nothing. The thought of helping these families is dear to my heart with Damon's foundation, Brite Blue. I knew bringing 250 pounds of supplies and helping people in their homes would bring blessings to them but what I did not realize is the blessings these humble people would bring to me.

When bringing out bags of small toys for these kids you would think it was manna from Heaven. The smiles of joy on their faces and seeing them jump up and down in anticipation of what toy they would get next was priceless. The kids would hug and squeeze the toys for a few minutes and squeeze them tight against their chest not letting the toys out of their hands. After awhile the kids would disappear into their home and hide their treasures in a safe place. Watching the joy on each and every child's face over something so small blessed me. Their simple happiness from toys given to them from my niece, nephew and friends in the United States made me proud of every ones generosity.

Watching moms with their children blessed me too. I couldn't understand what they would say but you could feel the love. Songs were being sung and kisses given.  We spoke with our eyes as only one mom could do to another mom. A thank you was given with a look of gratitude.  Relief was felt when warm blankets were given to babies and shoes were placed on their barefooted children.

While in Guatemala I realized how similar we all are. We may be from different countries, speak different languages and have different cultures but as parents we are all the same. We want the best for our kids. Going to home after home visiting the students of Brite Blue I saw a reacurring theme, gratitude and love. The love and gratitude expressed by these parents is something I will always cherish. I could not understand their words but tears formed in my eyes as we sat in home after home with dirt floors and fire for a stove. The joy on their faces as we came to visit was priceless. In each home parents told us of the blessings in their lives and how grateful they are for all they have. Just like me, all that really matters is your children and the blessings they bring to you.

After this trip I couldn't be more proud of my man, Damon. I knew Brite Blue was doing good with sending children to school who would otherwise not have a chance. They provide shoes, uniforms, tuition and a hot lunch through their foundation, Brite Blue. However, after seeing the impact he and his other foundation members have on their lives I couldn't be more proud. Donations from our family and friends make this all possible. Gratitude by everyone involved is an understatement. Gifts were made and so much love was given and it made me proud to have a husband with such a compassionate heart willing to bless these beautiful families. Seeing grown men cry as they expressed their gratitude to Brite Blue is something I will never forget.


 My heart fell in love with these little girls. We couldn't talk to each other but through smiles and hugs we communicated. We all had a hard time learning each others names but we did and the girls were proud as they called our names.  Each time we pulled up to their home they would run and greet us with hugs and wouldn't let go of Julie and I.

I do not know why I was born into a home with such wealth compaired to these kids. I have never know hunger and have always been warm in the comfort of my home. I have never REALLY needed anything- just wanted more. But after this trip I know I am going to start wanting less and giving more.

Just so you know...

Alright, it's the night before a big trip and my mind is going. I never like the night before a big trip. My mind always starts racing and I start to worry.  I worry about these 3 and leaving them. I know they will be having a blast with Grandma and Grandpa Young. I'm sure there will be activities planned and more ice cream consumed in the next 9 days than the entire summer, but I still worry.


 I worry they won't ever truly know how much they have changed my life. How all three of them made me sicker than the worst stomach bug I've ever had for 9 guiling months carrying them. I worry that they may one day forget that when I hold their hands  and squeeze 3 times it means I love you. I worry that they will forget that when they squeeze my hand back 4 tight squeezes it means I love you MORE. I worry Shane may not remember how he made me a mom by being my first born and how proud I am. I worry Trevor will forget how he's my Lovey and that special bond of love we have always had. I worry Landon may not always remember how he changed our world bringing his spirit of contagious joy and happiness. I know all this worrying does no good and that everything will be just fine, but I just want to make sure my 3 little guys know they are my world.

 Just so you know, Shane, is my leader. People are drawn to him because of his confidence and love. He makes sure people are taken care of. His compassion attracts others to him and I love that he wears his heart on his sleeve. He lights up a room with his smile and reminds me a lot of his Daddy. Just so you know, he makes me proud. He is the child every mom dreams about. Just so you know, I love my Shanners.

 Just so you know, Trevor is my peacemaker. He wants everyone around him happy and looks for ways to make us happy. He is considerate and thoughtful. Trevor empathizes with others and if your sad will do anything to make you happy. He may seem quiet but is soaking in everything around him. He is determined in everything he does. Trevor has a heart of gold and isn't afraid to let you know how he is feeling. Just so you know, he makes me proud. He is the child every mom dreams about. Just so you know, I love my Mr. T.

 Just so you know, Landon is my forever baby. He is full of joy. He can make anyone around him smile within moments of being with him. He loves people and making others happy. Landon is determined in everything he does and is persistent. At his small age of 2 I realize he does not give up easily. Just so you know, he makes me proud. He is the child every mom dreams about. Just so you know, I love my Little L.

 As much happiness these 3 boys bring me I never in 1,000 lifetimes imagined me a mom of only boys. I'm all things girl. It never once crossed my mind that I would have a boy, let alone 3 of them. I never pictured the lizard tails in Ziploc bags on my kitchen table; like I found this week.  Or the various balls that are scattered in my lawn. I never thought that I'd hesitate to say balls or write balls because my little boys would start laughing and say, "Mom said...BALLS!" I never knew how boys thought talking about these things were so funny! I didn't know that my life would be consumed with quads, dirt, trailers, fishing, frogs, cars, and sports. However, just so you know, these 3 boys are better than anything I ever dreamed of.

Tomorrow night at this time I will be on an airplane to Guatemala. I'll put all my worrying aside because I know these 3 little guys will be full of giggles and having fun with Grandma and Grandpa. I know these boys already know how much they mean to me because I will tell them before I leave just like I have every single day of their lives. They know they make me happy and bring joy to me everyday. They know I am blessed to have them call me Mom just like they know in 8 days I will be back to love on them with kisses and presents to give.

Bubbles and Brunch

What do you do when your 2 year old who is obsessed with bubbles and you've always wanted to serve breakfast food at a birthday party? You have a Bubbles and Brunch birthday party!

I cannot believe it was birthday time again for our little Landon! With just finishing up the school year, then a trip to Nebraska, and soon to be Girls Camp we had to squeeze Landon's birthday celebration in the Saturday morning before camp.

When it is picture time he refuses to look at me!

Colors were different shades of blue and the food was every type of breakfast food that is round. Sadly, I didn't get a picture of the kids playing in all the bubble stuff I had!

Little party favors that said "Thank you for POPPING in for my birthday!" Love, Landon

While driving to Nebraska I punched out circles in various circles and taped to string for decorations. This was a very simple party with minimal activities and decorations. I just wanted a chance to get together with loved ones to celebrate Landon and that is what we did!

I found these breakfast kabobs somewhere online and the kids loved them! They were so easy. Just mini Eggo waffles with cool whip in between and then strawberries. Yum!

 I hate when I focus on the wrong thing, but you can still see how CUTE these girls are!!

 This is Landon's "Ya-Ya." He loves his Ya-Ya. When he sees her he gets excited. When he gets to her house he kicks his legs and wants out of his car seat. He loves having her around to play with and love on him.

 We served cereal, breakfast kabobs, powdered donuts, mini cinnamon rolls, sausage, fruit salad, and pancakes! Along with milk, water, and OJ!

 I loved having everyone over for breakfast!

 Little L loves breakfast food so he loved his birthday food.

 Big Brother Shane can't ever get enough sausage!

 I cringe when I look at these balloons. I called ahead and asked for a bright blue/turquoise ballon and this is what they came up with! Oh well, I guess it was still blue.

No for as long as I can remember as soon as I walk into a Gas Station the has the delicious Carl's Donuts Landon will screech and get excited for one! He now says, "a go-nut" Saying Landon loves donuts is an understatement so I knew we had to make him a donut cake for his birthday!!

  He waited a little too long to blow out his candles and one of his little friends hopped right up on the table, blew them out and ran away! It was so funny! Here is Landon's shock from the event. We had to light the candles again for him to try.

I love having all the kids around opening presents and watching Landon. I love seeing all the little hand trying to help him get into all the new goods.

 Landon was so funny when he was opening some of his gifts. His same shriek of excitement for the donuts in the gas station was heard when opening this bath toy from Grandma and Grandpa Stewie.

 Now I'd say that is the coolest looking 2 year old sporting his new shades and shoes! As always, our friends spoiled Little L with fabulous gifts.

 My baby is now two and running around getting into everything. As much as I'd like to pause him at this exact moment I love seeing him grow into the little guy that he is!

Little L turns 2

The last time Damon and I drove to Nebraska ( 3 years ago) we were in deep discussion about another baby. Were we ready for 3 kids? Was it the best decision for our family? All the things you talk about when adding a new life to the family. Well, we added that extra baby and he couldn't be more perfect. I cannot believe it has been 2 years. Little L has brought us so much joy and happiness in his short little life. He was the best baby and now he's a darling little toddler!

I'm always amazed at how something so little can make you so happy. I think Landon is the perfect mix of Shane and Trevor in looks and personality.  He reminds me so much of Trevor with his love for Mickey Mouse. He needs a few episodes of Mickey in the morning before he can function. He sits on the couch and will pat it saying, "sit Mom, sit." He loves his snuggle time any time of the day, which I soak in every second of.

 He reminds me of Shane with his charm and love of people. Landon however, takes charm to the next level. He was born with a fan club. He has lived with a gaggle of girls swarming him giving him love and attention. He is now accustom to his name being sung by a choirs of girls when he walks into a room. To him, all this love and attention is normal. When he isn't getting all that love and attention the charm comes on, he flashes that huge smile, and he blurts something out to get the attention he is use to or sometimes demands. 

 Right now the obsessions of this 2 year old are:
- Mickey Mouse
-Shoes
- Hot Dogs
- Cars

 Landon is obsessed with the song Hey Ya by OutKast. When I say obsessed I mean beyond obsessed. He wants to dance to it all day on the Wii Just Dance game. He demands listing to it on my phone all day. If we are in the car and I'm listening to something else he cries for "Hey Ya" and as soon as he hears the "1,2,3" from the beginning of the song the tears stop and the dance moves bust out!

I'm not sure if I had forgotten what it's like to have a 2 year old in the house but this little guy is full of energy.  He never stops. He goes and goes. Seldom does he show signs of being tired because he doesn't want to miss a thing everyone around him is doing. This energy keeps me on my toes and constantly on the go which I secretly love. The exhaustion is daunting, however, I love having a toddler in the house to love, hold, and watch grow. As Landon grows I see his step more firm as he walks, well, runs and that baby fat melting away so I will continue to cherish each day he blesses us with as our 2 year old.

Missing the Chaos

 I cannot believe how much these 3 little boys bring me happiness. Their smiles, laughter, hugs and kisses make my life whole. Along with all that love there is a whole lot of laundry, Legos to step on, dirty dishes, spilled stickey apple juice on the floor and the occasional fights to break-up. Even with all that chaos that comes with 3 little guys in a home, I couldn't be more in love with my guys. It's been over a week since these 3 drove away on a roadtrip to their Grandmas and Grandpas houses while I was away at Girls Camp. They have had a blast playing with their grandparents and cousins and I have had a blast at camp but I'm beyond excited to meet them in Barstow tomorrow!

 Shane is my caring and tender hearted diplomat. His charm and loyalty is felt by everyone around him. He is the child people like to be around because of his sweet nature. While he has been away he has learned how to snorkel and yo-yo. Thoses are some great things for an 8 year old to learn and I cannot wait to see his new moves!

 Mr. T is my curious child. He quietly observes things and soaks everything around him in. He isn't quick to smile so when he does you know he is either impressed or loves you! Trevor is my helper and at the small age of 6, my protector. He always makes sure I'm ok and happy. While away he has consumed too many popsicles to count and loved every second of the attention from his Grandmas.

Little L is my baby. He doesn't adjust well to other beds so I hope he's sleeping ok. He is my busiest child. He likes to be on the go, exploring the world around him. He rarely shows signs of being tired because he doesn't want to miss the excitment going on around him. Landon is a people person and loves every second of any amount of attention he can get! While away he's loved the cool outside tempurates of California to play in and all the kisses from his cousins.

I couldn't have dreamed for better children. People always ask me if I'd like a girl but now that our family is complete I cannot imagine anything else. I love these crazy boys and all their cuteness. I cannot wait for tomorrow when I can kiss on their sweet lips. We will meet in Barstow at the train McDonalds for the exchange with Grandma and Grandpa Young. I'm pretty sure my excitement will die down once the 3 hour roadtrip back to Vegas begins. I'm pretty sure Landon will be done with being in the car and begin crying "out" once he is in the car. I can only imagine Shane being upset with Trevor for picking a "stupid" and Trevor will be mad because Shane won't share the snacks. The chaos will begin but I've missed the crazy chaos and welcome it, even if it's only for the first 5 minutes of our trip home.