Friday, May 25, 2007

My girls.





Here are some snapshots of the girls' last day at preschool. I have to admit it was a bittersweet day. It is such a vivid reminder to me that time goes on, that kids grow so quickly, and that I need to be savoring all my kids' childhoods as much as I possibly can.
Don't you just love Wyndham's smile as she walked up to her teachers to get her award? Never mind that the picture is blurry and far away...the fact is, she had this moment. She is growing and doing things she some of her doctors warned us she might never do. It brings me to tears all over again, as I type this out. Just knowing that she continues to defy odds, and that she inspires me everyday, and does it all with joy and enthusiasm.
I struggle with the amount of pain and hard work she has had to endure- through no fault of her own. Just this week she had a 'routine CAT scan' scheduled, which we have to reschedule, because she wouldn't settle down for the 5 minute procedure. She is very aware of her surroundings, and her comprehension is good for her age, but she still has sensory issues, and just didn't trust anyone in that CAT scan room.
I am proud of the milestones she has reached and continues to strive for, and these pictures were also reminders of what I missed out on in Teagan's short life. She was signed up for preschool and ready to start just weeks before her untimely death. I remember how grown up she seemed to me at that time in our lives. She was nearly four and a half, and to me it just seemed like she was a little lady.
I see now, how young and innocent and how much potential she had in this big world. So, I pulled out a few pictures from years back, and scrapped one of Teagan and me when she was just 2 and a half. She had her back pack on and we were headed somewhere. I am glad I had the time I did with her.
And I don't take for granted the moments and milestones I have with any of my kids anymore. Even the really simple, ordinary ones. They are some of my favorite. If you want to see the 'whole layout', you can visit my scrap portfolio here, at SIS tv. =)

17 comments:

Christal said...

9392Not only am I crying, I just feel as though this is probally for me one of your best post in a LONG time... It is all about hope, faith, hard work and your ability to trust God. I wish that Wyndhamn didnt have things so tough, but I can almost see the persistence she has to do what ever task laid before her! I am God that God chose you and Chip, Brock and the girls to be her family! It is important to have a strong family connection! Hugs to you!

Christal said...

Excuse the numbers, the lil guy decided to help me type and ofcoarse I didnt proofread! LOL

Erin Saeger said...

Preschool is just so precious. I'm glad to see another mom remember preschool, too!

Hilary said...

Beautiful kids Jody.

Janna said...

Jody, I don't know how you do it sometimes... I mean, watching your precious kids hit all of these milestones and wondering how it would have been for Teagan to experience those same things. I didn't even know Teagan... and I've never met you personally, but it just breaks my heart that her life was so tragically taken from her and from your lives. But it is wonderful to know that she's still very much alive in heaven! It just hits me every now and then how much we miss our loved ones who have died. It's a pain in our hearts that never fully goes away. I think it helps us to let go of this world and start yearning for heaven... and I think that is a good thing.

Anonymous said...

Jody, that was my thought about Wyndham's smile before you said it, how happy, how beautiful, that is so great! This is why I love pictures! And why I love scrapping, we capture those wonderful moments forever, and can relive them and the happiness that comes along with them each time we look at them! I've been so busy living and taking pix while I go that I forgot to tell you I got the RAK! Woo Hoo, so awesome! Celebrate every day that we are all given! thanks again!

Anne Marie said...

you are such an inspiration. thanks for letting God use you and for sharing your life with others.

anne marie

Anonymous said...

Our special kido's are truly our gifts. I too had tears today while at my little guys IEP and I was told he is working so hard to keep up and me just like the others. He has disabilities but wow does my Joe have pride! I just wanted to squeeze him and kiss him all over. (of course, he wanted nothing to do with that)!

My hopes are that others will be more informed and compasionate to those with sensory issues. What an overwhelming world for these kids!

God bless you Jody and your team of little ones!

A Mom who understands!

gloria said...

PRECIOUS.the pics, the sentiment,
this whole post. precious.

Tina said...

This was such a beautiful post Jody. I am pretty much just speechless. And yes, what a beautiful smile Wyndham has. Just precious.

Tina said...

that scrap page is beautiful by the way!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful smile on Mom!

Sandy said...

Adorable girls!!!
Sandy
For Reluctant Entertainers
PS Check out my Balcony Girls!

.Tom Kapanka said...

Eighteen short hours after this photo of Julie and Wyndham was taken, we took off on Senior Trip. This week she and my oldest daughter travel to Iowa for a "best friend's" wedding, then we have a wedding of our own in June. Her mind is on many things, but I'll make sure she sees this great post. It is a blessing to have your kids in our school.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jody, I just saw your layout w/Teagan.....wow, what an angel. I can't imagine how much you miss her. Ever since I stumbled onto your blog, you have been in my prayers. I check back often and you are truly an amazing person. I know that God is real.....you are proof. Have a nice night. Susan

mary h. said...

Wyndham is such a beautiful child. That smile of hers always brings a smile to my face.

I meant to call you today, but time got away from me. I will try to email you though. I really need your help with forgiveness. It is something that has been weighing heavily on my heart. I will talk with you later.

Love you!

Rachael said...

As I clicked on your portfolio and the photo of Tegan was loading, when her little face came up my heart skipped a beat. She is beautiful! A beautiful post , thanks for sharing. xx