Changes.

Caleb:Halloween 2009, and now in 2010

Addy: Halloween 2009, and now in 2010

It is amazing to see how much the kids have changed over the past year, especially Addy. She has gone from a baby to a toddler, right before my eyes.

I sure love the both of them. More today than I ever have. They can make even the worst day better with their contagious laughs and smiles.

Some say how can you have Cystic Fibrosis and be a mother, I say how can I and not? They bring me so much joy and give me so many reasons to take care of myself.

On the days I feel sick, their kisses and cuddles seem to make everything so much better.

Caleb and Adalyn are two of the best choices I have ever made.

Halloween, Take Two.

Caleb with a HUGE wad of gum in his mouth!

My little bunny!

We had trick-or-treat in our neighborhood this evening. Caleb got all dressed up as "Uncle Matt", he wanted to be a soldier. Adalyn was a little bunny rabbit and enjoyed putting on her "make-up". They both were adorable and had a blast. Daddy and papa took them around because I am still not feeling all that well. I am having a hard time getting around, so instead, I sat at the door with my mom handing out candy.

It is definitely almost winter in Ohio. BRRRR. There was a chill in the air that made me wish I had a new pair of warm boots and a thick winter coat. I may have to get on that soon! I did have a nice cup of hot chocolate that did a nice job of keeping me cozy...but very soon it will not be enough!

The kids even had to throw on some coats to finish going door to door.

This morning I had a photo shoot with my cousin Jacob. I must really love him to crawl out of bed and hobble around just for him! I will post some of those pictures later...after I have a chance to edit.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

sick

Sick, sick, sick. Crawling back in bed today until I feel better.

Halloween, Take One.

Caleb, Adalyn and great-great grandma Jenkins!
giving kisses
The whole Sommers' clan...and you can tell I am feeling sick.

We took the kids trick-or-treating tonight at great-great-grandma Jenkins' nursing home. The kids had a blast and came home with all kinds of goodies. All of the residents were so very generous and it felt amazing seeing the smiles on all of their faces. Adalyn dressed as a bunny and Caleb wanted to go as "Uncle Matt", so he was a soldier.

Earlier in the week I mentioned that I thought I was getting sick. Well, BAM. Out of nowhere, tonight in the middle of the Halloween extravaganza at the nursing home, I became almost unable to move. I am now sitting here full on sick again. I feel so terrible that I actually wouldn't even be writing this if it weren't for me having to do a breathing treatment. I will be in bed within the next 30 min. Every joint in my body aches, I have a fever,the chills, and my chest hurts. I just want to curl up and cry.

I have officially pushed myself too hard this week and should have really listened to the warning signs earlier. I am bad about that. I am sure I will be calling the doctor tomorrow. Fun times. I know I can sometimes be a Debbie downer, but this is my blog and all of my readers will read about the good, bad, ugly and downright depressing at times.

Please keep me in your prayers. I could use them tonight. Thank you!
We have trick-or-treating two more times this weekend.

Apple orchard...

I joined Caleb's class today on their field trip to an apple orchard. What a blast we had picking apples, going through a corn maze, visiting the petting zoo, learning about how cider is made, and taking a hayride. The weather was gorgeous and the children were adorable. Brought me back to my student teaching days in college.

I think Caleb and I will be making some gourmet carmel apples this weekend. What a perfect way to celebrate this beautiful October!

My WISH list!

Warning: This is going to be a whiney, self-absorbed,pathetic post.

I know I am getting sick again.

This evening I started coughing and getting a heavy, tight chest. I can't stop puking (I know, GROSS) and every joint in my body hurts. To keep my mind of things, and to put a smile on my face I am window shopping for some new boots...I really do need a few pairs of warm ones this winter. I guess the drawback to living in wet, cold, snowy Ohio is that boots wear out FAST!

I Love boots (anyone that knows me at all, knows that!). They are a weakness of mine and put pep in my step. I know I sound like a kid in a candy store....but all I can think about lately are these boots: They are perfect in every way possible. I wanted them last year, but were well over $200 a pair. To my surprise this evening, the price has dropped well over $60 dollars. Still expensive, especially when I really should be shoe shopping for my kids, not myself.

Anyways,

I can't post a pic, but this website will lead you to them :)

http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=1878A&gID=W&model=Classic%20Cardy%20Tall&cid=shoppingsite_froogle1878A-CRM-05&CAWELAID=613887334

PS. If any of you want to help me drop hints to my husband, I wear a size 8 and want a cream pair and a blackberry wine pair. It is getting cold quickly and I wouldn't mind them early.... like next week for family pictures outdoors and trick-or-treating. I like warm tootsies, what can I say :)

Think he will fall for it? AHAHA, ha! That means he will have to part with $280 dollars, and very soon. I would have to order them by the end of the week to get the free shipping offered and to have them in time for all of my outdoor events. I think I may have some begging, pleading, and saving ahead of me! A girl can dream, right!??? I know reality is that I have little to no chance, I balanced my account today. HA.

**END OF WHINING**

I found a few more cute pictures to share.

My baby girl sleeping on the floor!

My beautiful mom, dad and brother

My family!

Who is Christina?

Who is Christina, in no particular order?

I am a wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece, and friend.
I love Jesus.
I am a photographer.


I love photography, boots, all shoes, Coach purses, lip gloss, make-up, clothes, shopping, pink, green, Victoria Secrets, Express clothes, shopping at express.com, Eiffel tower decor, euchre, food, chips and dip, homemade salsa, any soup, Cleveland Browns, OSU, country music, romance movies, comedies, suspense, worship music, helping others, baking, candy, baby girl clothes, getting mail, planning a project, completing a project, thunderstorms, afternoon naps, back massages, fireworks, weekend get-aways, pumpkins, Scentsy brand flameless candles, a good cup of coffee, Sheetz gas station, politics, America, Jerseylicious, Desperate Housewives, Fairy tales, princesses, smiles, a good cry, children laughing, surprise parties, finding money in the laundry, being in love, black and white photographs, antique picture frames, fall, Starbucks, Subway, hot tubs, hand sanitizer, the ocean, comfy sweatshirts, waterfalls, traveling coffee mugs, hot chai tea, going for a walk, cute bras and panties, driving in the summer, long car trips, talking to my mom, getting a pedicure, sparky things, jewelry, Corn Pops cereal, cardigan sweaters, pajama pants from Victoria Secret, hugs, rootbeer floats, changing leaves, lunch with grandpa, best friends, North Carolina, Japanese food, photoshop, wrapping paper, greeting cards , sleeping-in, hair appointments, birthdays, Christmas, a good martini, and gift cards.

I dislike seafood, fish, mayonnaise, liars, cheaters, cats, horror movies, ghosts, cooking shows, hard rock, large crowds, snow, driving at night, offensive language, chocolate, dirty carpets, clutter, folding laundry, ironing, spam mail, burnt popcorn, being asked to explain a joke, being told what to do, a bad cup of coffee, when people don't return phone calls, traffic jams, lint, reality, when people don't say please or thank you, sunburns, wedgies, gardening, dirt, cleaning the same mess over and over, the new rage over vampires, celebrity gossip, high heels, beer, germs, The Obama Administration, Obama, racists, lazy people,debt, changing diapers,dirty sheets,remembering to water plants, the hospital, antibiotics,breathing treatments, camping, sharing a bathroom, exercising, being late, and guilt trips.

Two steps behind...

As I sit here contemplating the extremely busy week ahead of me, I feel slightly overwhelmed. It seems as though I am always 2 steps behind. No matter how scheduled and planned out I try to make my days, it feels like I am just barely treading water.

I am tired. The most simple day-to-day task can be exhausting for me.

I wake-up almost every morning at about 6:45 am. I start my day with a few breathing treatments, followed by some airway clearance and a handful of pills. At this point my kids are awake and needing changed, fed, dressed, and loved on.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I rush Caleb out the door to school. I am so blessed to have my grandfather come over most of these mornings to sit and play with Addy while I take Caleb. I then stop for my morning coffee and head back home to clean, and spend time teaching Addy all of those important things that I taught Caleb at that age.

Colors, shaped, letters, etc.

Laundry, floors, dusting, vacuuming...almost required daily when living with two toddlers and a dog. I try to squeeze some of this in, a shower, and another breathing treatment before picking Caleb up at 1:30 pm.

It is then time for errands and quality time with my kiddos until daddy gets home. We enjoy dinner as a family together every night, which is very important to me. It does not matter what we are eating, as long as we are enjoying each other's company!

Then it is time to take baths, brush teeth, read books, give cuddles and say bedtime prayers.

Another few breathing treatments, some treadmill time, airway clearance, more pills, packing lunches, cleaning up dinner dishes, folding laundry....

This list never ends.

I then fall into bed ever night, completely exhausted and wiped out...hoping for another day NOT sick. (Just forget it all when I am sick.)

Add in the doctor, dentist, and other appointments I have most weeks and that is where "slightly overwhelmed" comes in.

Nobody ever promised that being a mother and wife with Cystic Fibrosis would be easy, to be honest, most days it is quite a challenge. But it is worth every ounce of energy it takes when I look into the eyes of my happy babies and happy husband.

I do it all for them, even if I am always two steps behind!

Happy 25th Anniversary Aunt Dee and Uncle Ding!

Grandma Fergus and Addy

Aunt Stephy and Addy

Me and Great-Grandma Jenkins

Caleb and Addy

The two love birds...Aunt Dee and Uncle Danny

One of my favorite cousins EVER...Jacob!

Me and Jake goofing off...

Too much fun playing with crutches!

Me and my baby girl!

Don't tell...Jake and I were jumping on Grandpa's bed, Shhh!

♥ My man!

I love Grandpa Iverson!

Family...

{From the right}Ross (my husband), myself, Stephanie (my sister), Matt (my brother), Michelle(my sister) and Jon (my brother-in-law)

All of us "grown" kids, together at Matt's going away bash!

I just love my siblings!

7 stitches later...

My poor little baby boy fell in the bathroom last night...and ended up with 7 stitches. He is so brave, but I can tell he is in pain.

The doctor who stitched him up was awesome. He put the "magic potion" on Caleb's boo-boo so he didn't feel a thing. Caleb layed so perfectly still throughout the procedure that he ended up coming home with a ton of Spiderman stickers and a banana popsicle.

He said it was worth it for the popsicle. Haha. A $75 popsicle.

Love and Toys...sent from North Carolina!

Love and toys, sent from someone special, ALL THE WAY from North Carolina. Addy and Caleb were thrilled! It was like Christmas in October for them...

Addy hasn't taken off the dress since opening the box!

Thank you!

This IS the dress...

Omigosh, Omigosh, Omigosh, Omigosh. I found it. I found it. I found it. Did I mention...I found it?

Check out this dress. This is the "Southern Belle" pettiskirt dress I have pictured in my mind for...well, ever since I knew I was pregnant with a girl. I HAVE found THE dress! {I am squealing right now....AHHHH}

I am dreaming up her photoshoot.

Now....to talk her Daddy into buying it is a different story. Where there is a will, there is a way! :) Right?

Click the link below to see!
http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com/product_info.php?products_id=5363

Christmas...

How sweet are these two little party dresses. Would be adorable for sitting on Santa's lap! Both dresses found online, Belks or Dillards I think?!

So, with Christmas right around the corner...I just can't help myself. I am busy scouring all the department stores and boutiques online, trying to find Addy the most perfect Christmas dress. I just love playing dress-up with my real life baby-doll! And I must say, she plays the part pretty darn well!

http://www.mygirldress.com/hogidr.html

This dress seriously melts my heart. How sweet is it?

http://www.mygirldress.com/hogidr.html

This deep eggplant colored dress is G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. Period.

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Trilogi-Collection-Girls-Dress-Coat/3499603/product.html?rcmndsrc=2

And my most adored find of the night??! This stunning red dress coat.

Now, How will I contain and control myself for 66, Days, 21, Hours, and 7, Minutes? That is how long it is until Christmas Day!

What are some of your favorite places to shop for baby girl clothes? Any special little boutiques I should know about?

**Now time to start looking at hairbows:)

Vote.

I just exercised my right to vote...absentee that is. Signed. Sealed. Delivered...What a precious freedom we have!

Girl's night out!

Last night I went out on a date with one of my most favorite people in the world...my beautiful sister, Stephanie, to one of my new most favorite restaurants, Bricco. Yum!

should i?!

Thinking of going brown, what do you think?

http://www.marieclaire.com

So it's Friday!

I got a little package in the mail today.

I must be old fashioned, but I just love getting mail! It is so much more personal than e-mail or texting. It makes me smile...

On a side note. I get my wedding band back today. I have felt so naked without it for the past 2 weeks while it was being shined and buffed...and resized. Just in time for Sweetest Day tomorrow, another Ohio greeting card holiday which I love. I am a sucker for romance.

flowers, candy, kisses, hugs, romance movies, gifts, red, pink, hearts, love songs.

I am also a sucker for my babies. Aren't they adorable? It just melts my mommy heart that they are best friends!

*Edit*

I was so spoiled this evening with a dozen of the most beautiful red roses, and a cup of the most wonderful mocha coffee, by the most amazing husband in the world. He sure does know how to put a smile on my face!

Living in my own little world...

I am feeling down-in-the-dumps today.

As I sit here and do my breathing treatments, for the third time today, I feel sorry for myself. I hate that it seems as though my life revolves around my health. I hate Cystic Fibrosis. I am tired of treatments, I am tired of pills, I am tired of coughing, stomach cramps, chest pains, fatigue, aching joints...getting short of breath just chasing my kids.

As I sit here alone at my own pity-party, I remember a song that I heard earlier today on the radio.

"What if there’s a bigger picture?

What if I’m missing out?

What if there’s a greater purpose I could be living right now?

Outside my own little world."

Matthew West

How could I be so wrapped up in my own misery, if I can even call it that? I am so blessed. Blessed beyond belief.

I have a wonderful husband (who I am madly in love with), two gorgeous children that fill my heart with an abundance of joy, a wonderful family and friends (might I add that I have the best and most supportive parents and grandparents in the world) and most importantly,

a God who loves me for me. He loves me just the way I am.

How could I not smile when I think of all the wonderful-ness (is that even a word?!) in my life!

I want to step outside my own little world. This world is not only about me. There is a much greater picture that I close myself off from at times.

I think that sometimes I so selfishly get caught up in my own burdens that I forget that I really do have the power to impact others with love...even if it is just sharing a smile.

I am not here for my purpose, I am here for God's purpose.

I am not feeling so down anymore, after all...my life is not all that horrible. Come to think of it, I wouldn't change a thing.

Mmmmm. I love me some cute boots!

Crazy about boots. And I am crazy about these boots! New from BearPaw...

BEARPAW Crescent Knit Boot in Loden. Wear 'em up or wear 'em down...they look great.

http://www.bearpawshoes.com/

They won't be available for about 2 more weeks! That gives me 2 weeks to choose a color ;) Loden or Spice?!