The Boys 5th Birthday!

Yep, my babies are now 5. Hard to believe it has been 5 years since our 3 little miracles came into this world. I was so scared and excited all at the same time. They were 9 weeks early and all I wanted to hear was that they were healthy. They came out screaming and at that moment, I knew we would be ok.

Today was filled with fun and family and friends. Grandma and Papa came over this morning with a 12 foot trampoline as a gift. The boys were so excited but to them, it took way too long to be put together. They helped Papa and Curtis put it together. Once it was all done, they jumped until they couldn't jump anymore. They got to take a rest and have some lunch and Papa and Grandma went home. I needed to lay down and rest because I have been having some back problems this last week. I guess I crashed pretty hard and missed our friends, the Kohl family, coming over. I was sad to have missed them. Curtis woke me up for some cake and presents that Uncle Paul and Uncle Drew sent from Chicago. The day got by us so fast and then it was time for bed. You can say that it didn't take too long for the boys to fall asleep tonight!

I have such mixed feelings about this birthday for some reason. At 4, the boys still seemed like my "little boys". Now at 5, it's just different. They are growing up so fast and have so much to say. I am inspired by them each and everyday. I don't know why God chose me to be their mom, but I am sure thankful everyday that He did. I am thankful to have such a great husband who is such a wonderful father and a great role model for them. I know why God chose Curtis to be their dad.

Enjoy some of the pictures from the day. Thanks to all of you for being a part of the boys life. You all mean so much to us.

At a Loss

I sit here tonight at a loss for words on the eve of the 3rd year anniversary of my dad's death. It was such a vivid night, February 16th, 2006. The phone call from my mom that I had dreaded all my life. She didn't tell me he had passed but I just knew in my heart for it to be true. I drove to the hospital alone, praying to God that it wasn't his time. As I walked into the hospital to meet with my mom, I could see it in her eyes that this was it. I just kept saying no. NO!!! I'm not ready to face life without my dad.

I miss him everyday. Everyday for the last 3 years. The tears I have running down my face are just as painful as the day he passed. It's hard to believe it has been 3 years. Whoever said it gets easier as time passes was wrong. It's not any easier. The only peace I get is knowing he is no longer in pain.

This song by Luther Vandross I played for my dad at his funeral. It's called "Dance with my Father."

Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around ‘til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I’d play a song that would never, ever end
How I’d love, love, love
To dance with my father again
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He’d make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him
I’d play a song that would never, ever end
‘Cause I’d love, love, love
To dance with my father again
Sometimes I’d listen outside her door
And I’d hear how my mother cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
I know I’m praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don’t do it usually
But dear Lord she’s dying
To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream

Finally, Jack's Baby Pages

I was feeling so guilty because I hadn't done Jack's baby pages yet. I have been busy fiddling with my new scrapbook stuff but tonight I finally sat down and did them. Again, I love going back to the first few days the boys were born. Jack was the largest at 3 pounds 6 ounces. He has always remained the largest of the 3 throughout the last 5 years. I wonder if that will continue as the boys get older????

February is a hard month for me. Tomorrow, 2/10, is the 2 year anniversary of the day Curtis was shot. I try not to remember that anniversary but it is one that Curtis reminds me of. It is important to acknowledge that day but it was the scariest day of my life. February 16th will be the 3 year anniversary of my dad's death. Then, February 18th is the boys birthday. Such a mix of emotions this week and the next.

If anyone is interested in scrapbooking with me, let me know. I am really enjoying the time I get to be creative. I have also dabbed into making cards. I have a new cool embosser that I've been using.

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day everyone!

It All Started 7 Years Ago

Seven years ago today (02/02/02!) Curtis and I met on a blind date. We met at an Islands restaurant in the parking lot. He was late which is one of my pet peeves. I almost left the restaurant but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Can you imagine? I would have missed out on the best thing that has ever happened in my life (besides the boys of course)! We decided to go to the Getty Museum. Why I thought driving in the car with a complete stranger for an hour would be a good idea is beyond me. But within the first 30 minutes I knew things were going to be ok. Curtis brought me two things. The first gift was a dog book called "dogtionary". It is a picture book of dogs which is awesome. The second gift was a dog bone for Samantha. At that point I knew he was a keeper! He loved dogs as much as I did.

We had a fantastic time on our date. We looked at most of the exhibits at the Getty and then we decided to drive back to Anaheim to his (and now ours) favorite Italian restaurant. After dinner he mentioned that his dog Dakota was at his parents house which was around the corner and asked if I minded if we stopped by to pick him up. Sure, no problem. Well there was kind of a problem.....This was a first date! I wasn't prepared to meet his parents just yet. He asked if I wanted to come in the house to meet his parents and I declined. To this day I regret that decision. I wondered what his parents thought of me sitting in the car.

At the end of the night, Curtis drove me back to the restaurant parking lot. The entire date he was a complete gentleman. He never tried to hold my hand, give me a kiss or hug. I was disappointed! I gave him a hug goodnight and drove home thinking what an awesome guy I had just met. We had made plans for the following weekend but during that week we decided we wanted to see each other sooner.

Well, you know the rest. This year we will be celebrating our 7 year wedding anniversary. It's been a crazy and wonderful 7 years. So Curtis if you are reading this, I love you!

The picture above was taken the first time I met the entire Coombs family at a birthday party. So young and in love!