I love my boys

I heard this saying once.

It goes like this.  "There's a Special Place in Heaven for the Mother of Three Boys."

It made me smile when I heard it. 

And today I believe it.

This morning, during the rush of getting out the door, I was talking to my family.  And I didn't think they were listening.  So I looked at 15 year old Charlie and said, "I don't think anyone is listening to me."  He looked up and sincerely said, "What did you say, Mom?  I wasn't listening."

True Story.

Today I went to Beach Day in George's class.  He wore his swimsuit in the classroom.  It was adorable.  He talked to me in the classroom.  Then it was lunchtime, and I had lots to do, but I thought, "Harmony, these are the moments.  Don't wish them away.  Stay and eat lunch with George."

So I asked him, "George, would you like me to eat lunch with you?"  He sweetly looked up at me and said, "No thanks."  Then he walked away with his friends.

True Story.

Today after school, I tried to give Danny a hug and ask him about his day.  He looked at me and said, "Mom, you're embarrassing sometimes, do you know that?"

Three for three.

And on days like this, I just remember that there is a special place in heaven for me. 

I never thought I would have three boys.  I often say that God smiled when He sent me Mr. Danny.

And I think He knew exactly what He was doing.

Why?  Because I couldn't imagine my life any other way.



What makes me happy?

Merry Christmas!!  Happy New Year!!  Happy Valentine's Day!! 

Wait a minute....I'm not that far behind.  Just a little bit. :)

And that's a good thing.  It shows that we are busy making Omaha home.

And that makes me happy.

What have we been doing?

We had Christmas!  And not just any Christmas....Finnish Christmas on December 23rd with 15 people for our Salmon dinner.  The Christmas Play on December 24th with just our little family.  And Uncle Spencer, Aunt Amy, Alycia, Lillie, Davis and Cal on December 25th.  Then Grandpa Allen and Grandma Ulla on the 26th.  Then some KC friends, Ali and Tori came, too!  And Alycia and Lillie stayed and we learned that Mound City is the halfway point between KC and Omaha and that Mound City has a lovely McDonald's to meet at.


Do any of my KC friends like McDonald's?  I'll meet you there anytime.  :)

What's the moral of this story?  We had visitors for our first Nebraska Christmas!!!!

I cannot tell you how happy that makes me!!

I was worried that I might be sad not being in KC for Christmas.

But, I was okay.  We were okay. 

And that makes me happy and grateful.

What else is going on?

Charlie has joined the speech team.  Last week was only his second meet, and he made it to finals!  We always knew that speech was Charlie's strength.

Abby is playing basketball on the Gretna Branch YW team.  They call her Jellybean.  And she is her lucky number, 15.  The team's cheer is "Gretna's Got GAME!!"

George and Danny have found friends in Connor and Andrew.  They're brothers, too, and they love playing together.

I am really busy with Relief Society and I'm making friends here, too.

CAA and I eat lunch together every Wednesday.

We've planned three trips back to Kansas City in the next four months.

Life is good.  Life is getting back to normal.

And that really makes me happy.  :)

It's Christmas Eve Eve Eve Everyone!!

This is a quick post.  No pictures.  Not today.

Because it's Christmas Eve Eve Eve.

And that means I need to be in high gear with not one minute to waste.

But while I'm finishing my shopping, and allowing CAA to finish his shopping (so I have something to open Christmas morning), baking, wrapping, exercising (so I can eat Christmas cookies) and cleaning, I'm trying to remember that this is all memory making.

This Christmas is important.  It's our first one in Nebraska.

And we will remember this one.



I love weddings

I love weddings. 

And I especially love weddings when I love the people in them.

This weekend, CAA and I went to our nephew Alex's wedding.

It was fun. We spent time with some of CAA's siblings. Chelsea, Alex's wife, looked beautiful.  It reminded me of my wedding to CAA, 16 years ago.  Back then, I was still getting to know the big Ames family.  Now, they are just people I love.

And that makes me happy.

Congratulations, Alex and Chelsea! 



Abby! Kind and True! We love you!!

The Ames family does not just sing one birthday song.  Oh, no.  We sing three.

First, the traditional Happy Birthday.

Then, "This is your birthday song, it isn't very long...HEY!".  We clap during this one.  

And finally, this little song.

"Abby (or insert name here) we love you!

Thanks for all the things you do!

Abby, kind and true!! 

We love you!"

It's nice to be loved. 

And for Abby's 13th Birthday, she and I really needed some girl time.  So I taught my daughter the best way to relax and spend some quality "me" time.

We got our nails done.

My friend, Jennie, from Kansas City would be so proud.  

Abby chose Pink Glitter with snowflakes painted on her thumbs.  She's getting Gel Polish so it will last longer.  That's my girl.  :)

Every girl needs a Christmas pedicure, and Abby's birthday comes at the perfect time to get one.

Happy Birthday, Abby!!

We love you more than you know.  

Today, I am reflective

Today is Abby's 13th Birthday.   She has opened her presents and has a pedicure scheduled for this afternoon.  I'm picking her up from school for her "appointment".  Shhhh.  Don't tell anyone.  :)  

And while I LOVE birthdays and celebrations, today I am reflective about them.

Not sad.  Just thoughtful.

I'm thinking of how 13 years ago, I was in labor for 15 hours, because Miss Abby just took her time.  Charlie took 6 hours, and I thought a second baby would come faster.   But, Miss Abby just showed me right then and there that she was in control.  Not bossy, she just knew what she wanted.  

She still has that quality.  And I love it about her.  It's a quality that will serve her well in life.  I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming.

I know it is my job to prepare my children for the real world.  I know they need to make it out there on their own.  And they will. But for now, I'm going to hold on tight.  For now, they are mine.  Mine and CAA's.  :)

Thanks for letting me get my feelings out!  Tonight I will post pics of the birthday girl.  Tonight is a celebration of Abby.  And her cousin, Josh, who shares the same birthday.  Happy Birthday, Josh!!  I hope 14 is a great year for you!

But until tonight, here is a pic of my last "baby", Wally the dog.  He was just groomed and he looks great!  The groomer in Omaha lets the dogs play after their appointment.  When I went to pick him up, he was at the door with his tail wagging. 

Isn't he just adorable?  :)

Yesterday it rained in Kansas City

Yesterday it rained in Kansas City.

I know.  CAA and Abby were there.

But, in Omaha, this is what happened.

Now, only this week, I put this on my front door.

I just wasn't expecting that Nebraska was ready to take me seriously.

Welcome, Winter.  I hear you are now my friend.  :)

P.S.  Don't you love my front door?  And did you notice how our outdoor lights are different colors?  Our Gingerbread house is getting ready for it's first Ames Christmas!