IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER.

Sometimes I forget that Nick is a veteran. That he has been to places civilians can't even fathom, he has seen and experienced things beyond our wildest dreams.

Sometimes I forget that I met him during a very brief leave between two deployments.

Sometimes I forget that we were a world apart for the first year that we "dated".

Sometimes I forget, because I look at how far we've come in the ten years since we first met. That life, that military one, seems surreal.

But we were among the lucky ones. He came home. Alive. And I don't take that for granted. Ever.

Growing up, Memorial Day meant nothing to me. Sure, I knew that my Grandpa was a veteran, but it didn't hold any real significance. Until I met Nick. And moved to his town, where this day means a whole lot.

 



While it's easy to forget in our day to day life, I like taking this day to remember where we have been and how far we've come. I am forever grateful for those that are willing to take a stand for you and I, for our country, and our freedom. It is important to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am honored to take part in this day, to share it with my children, and hug my husband at the end of the day.

 

It amazes me at the things my children pick up on, the things I haven't taught them but they somehow know. On this very Memorial Day, Nugget spotted a veterans plate on a vehicle in the parking lot of our local VFW.

Nugget: "Mama, is he a veteran?"
Mama: "Yes, he is."
Nugget: "My Daddy's a veteran. He was a soldier."

It's not something we talk a whole lot about, and I'm not sure if she really even knows what a soldier does, but a seed has been planted...a very important seed.

Someday, they'll get to see Daddy's pictures, and hear his stories about jumping out of airplanes and delivering bags of rice to civilians in the desert.

But for today, I'm glad we can remember for them. And in time, they too will know, that it's important to remember.

INSTA GOODNESS.

Proof that Instagram has taken over my life. A fact which actually makes my heart happy.

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SNIPPETS.

Is it just me, or has Instagram replaced blogging for you too? I just can't seem to keep up in many areas of life these days, blogging included. If you'd like to keep up with us on a more regular basis, your best bet is to find me over there. My user name is littleforalittlewhile. But I'll still try to keep up over here, although a bit more sparse.

Any who, here's a healthy dose of snippets to make up for lost time. Enjoy.

How has baby gotten so big, so fast?!

I only have a handful of pics of all three babes together, and all are less than stellar. These are two of those less than stellar gems.

Brothers. And kisses.

Sister's pouring out free lemonade. You're all welcome to enjoy a cup.

Baby sleeps on Daddy. Happy Mama heart.

Dude had the rare opportunity to enjoy a bath by himself. I'll be honest with you and tell you that I just don't have the time to bathe them all individually and together they make a ginormous mess...so we mostly hose 'em off in the shower (but not the babe!)...so this was a treat for him!

 

We've finally been blessed with some warm weather, although one nice day seems to be followed by three of wind/rain/cold. But we're taking what we get and running with it, only stopping for mealtimes!

 

We've done a major room reshuffle in our little house of love, trying to make better use of our space. While i'm still mourning the loss of these rooms, i'm excited about the new ones that have been created. I'm not the best at sharing after photos, but i'll try to take and share some soon!

That's all for now! Last week included last days of school for both Nugget and Dude, and a dance recital. Those events will be coming up next!

Have a happy week!

WINNER!

I'm just popping in quick tonight to announce the winner of the Swanky Shank giveaway! Sorry it wasn't up last night like I intended. Dude is feeling under the weather and needed his Mama last night.

Not to keep you in suspense any longer, the winner of the diaper cover is Alicia Hutchinson! She has a brand new sweet baby girl, who will be sure to look just adorable in it!

Thanks all for participating. Giveaways are so fun! If you didn't win, you can still get your little one some swank in Jen's Etsy shop. Cuteness overload, I tell ya. I want it all :)

OTTO: WEEK BY WEEK.

I love him. So much. It's crazy to think how much room in my heart these little people take up. Sometimes I feel like my heart could burst. But some how, some way, the heart just knows how to grow and make room for more love.

He is the sweetest thing. Babies are my thang. As long as he's got me and my milk, he's golden. He's my pea in my pod. My little man.

I've said it before, but it's worth saying again. I didn't know I could love boys so much. It was my biggest fear (pre-Mama days), that I would have all boys. I was scared of them. Didn't know what to do with them. But now? I know there was nothing to be afraid of. My boys are my boys. And I wouldn't trade them for the world.

***
Have you entered my giveaway? Diaper covers are my latest obsession, and will be the staple of Otto's summer wardrobe. Winner will be chosen tomorrow...Don't miss out!

CINCO DE MAYO AND A GIVEAWAY!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Are you doing anything to celebrate? Nick and I might get wild and crazy and bust out some chips and salsa. After we paint the kids' new shared room, that is.

 

But in honor of the holiday, or heck, just for fun, I have a GIVEAWAY for YOU!

    Once again I've teamed up with the ever so awesome Swanky Shank, and together we're giving

    away a sweet lil' diaper cover to one of you!

You can choose between these two adorable fabrics, and of course, pick the initial for the bum.

You can enter to win in two ways:

1. Leave a comment here, on my blog, telling me which color and initial you would choose. Also, tell me your favorite thing about Spring!

2. Find and follow Swanky Shank on Instagram (under the name jennycakeslane) and comment under her photo, letting her know which color and initial you would choose if you win!

We will compile all the responses and choose a winner on Wednesday, May 8th. Winner will be announced on my blog!

But wait! It gets even better! Swanky Shank is offering you a special discount through the 8th as well. Use code LITTLEWHILE5 to save $3 off any order! There is so much cuteness in her Etsy shop right now, you won't want to miss it!

Ok, now go! And remember to check back here on Wednesday to see if you are the winner!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!