Cole Family Excerpt

Big news for our little fella. Connor has not only started crawling, but he has started pulling up and cruising! I never imagined my not even 9 month old would be trying to walk! He is waving, clapping and he has gotten his first tooth. Teething has been just miserable for the little guy and I am hoping once he gets used to teething, it will get better. I feel so sorry for him! He absolutely loves to chase Landon around and grab whatever cord he can get his hands on. He is definitely into much more than what Landon was into at this age. Landon didn't crawl until 10.5 months so that makes a big difference! Connor loves to eat, loves to nurse and loves his mommy. He also loves his babysitter, Kim and just lights up when he sees her. He has recently started loving to play peek-a-boo. Kim got the greatest video that will work on getting up so you can hear his contagious giggle. He is napping well now and sleeps through the night regularly. He is a rooster as 6:00 is his normal waking hour, but who can complain when he sleeps all night? :) He is our "Connor-bear" and it is so hard to remember life without this little gem.

Landon is growing! He has recently gained about an inch and at least 2 pounds. He is actually growing out of some of his 2T shirts! It is so exciting to see him growing (esp. since his eating habits still resemble a bird). We have been using 1-2-3 Magic with Landon as our discipline approach of late. Stan has gotten on board and even ordered the audio tapes. I noticed Stan using the technique this evening at dinner and I must say, I was impressed. Landon is doing well with it and I think we have finally found our discipline method that is best for Landon. He hates to be counted and hates time out in his room. Maybe we are getting there. :)

We recently took Landon to his first movie, Toy Story 3. We got popcorn and let him pick a candy and took Nanny with us. Landon was glued to the screen and absolutely loved it. He shared his candy with everyone and was just perfect. I do have to say that there had to be some redirection when he tried to shoot our waiter at the restaurant with his laser "just like Buzz". That boy!

Speaking of Buzz, apparently Buzz woke him last night because "he kicked Landon". Landon has the best imagination. Trying to temper that little mind is a challenge, but what a gift it is to watch him grow and develop. He is starting to write his name too! Crazy!

Landon also made this picture for his Pappa. You can see that the whole family, including Pappa's dog, Wilson is represented. His name is there to the left- very touching that his first time writing it was on Pappa's picture. Stan's dad has been in the hospital for 2 weeks now. Things have been rough. We have had great support from family and friends which is an amazing blessing.

Seeing someone you love so much endure such pain and suffering is not easy. It is also not easy being in the medical field and noting the things that those caring for my father-in-law are not doing. I really try hard not to be critical, but dang...some things are just plain frustrating.

I think we made some real headway today and I felt great about the new attending in charge. Please pray for my father-in-law and for our whole family- esp. my mother-in-law, Kay. We know that LD is in God's hands and we are asking for God to heal our sweet LD and free him from pain. Please pray with us.

Rest for the Journey

Back to reality has come quickly and kind of "in your face" since we returned from our whirlwind of vacationing.

Today, I finally got a chance to be caught up on laundry and ironing, have a clean house, have a quiet time and have a chance to exercise....now I can see through these clouds.

Stan mentioned to me a couple of nights ago that I really sympathize with people, he said, "I don't want to talk about it anymore, I am trying to get it out of my head." I guess part of that is Stan being an engineer and me being a nurse. I can see the value of "getting it out of your head" but I also know that keeping it in my mind brings me to prayer much more often. Besides, it's part of who I am I guess.

The past couple of weeks have been wrought with many concerns for return or progression of cancers, news of a miscarriage of a family member and my father in law having to endure intense physical pain while waiting for the medical team to develop a plan for surgery.

I find my mind racing, thinking, praying. In the midst of a busy mind, I also am awake by 6:00 most mornings to feed Connor and Landon has been having a tough time going to bed, some nights not until 10:00. And Landon...behavior challenges have returned and we are reading up, talking and trying to get a hold on it. Rest, are you serious?

Then, as I reflected and was lead to the Psalm below, I realized that God is giving me rest, it is here for the taking.

Psalm 131 (The Message)

1God, I'm not trying to rule the roost, I don't want to be king of the mountain.
I haven't meddled where I have no business
or fantasized grandiose plans.

2 I've kept my feet on the ground,
I've cultivated a quiet heart.
Like a baby content in its mother's arms,
my soul is a baby content.

3 Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope.
Hope now; hope always!

Happy Belated 4th!

We had a delightful 4th at Oak Island with Heather, Ryan, Emma and Reid. Yes, the 8 of us shared a 2 bedroom house and it was actually a ton of fun! Of course, Connor got a room to himself and Stan, Landon and I "camped out" in the living room in sleeping bags. We went to the beach, the kids slept on the beach, we went out to eat and actually got to enjoy a lime margarita, we had some alone time after the kids went to bed one night and basically, just had a great time with the best of friends.

This is the best picture we got of the 4 kiddos. Hilarious watching the 4 adults trying to get all four kids to look at the camera.

Heather and I had lots of time to catch up. Boy was that needed. Heather is, simply put, a sister to me. She and I have been through a lot of ups and downs together and our friendship is nothing short of an absolute gift from God at the very perfect time in our lives. Seeing Heather this weekend with her two precious kiddos and wonderful hubby was absolutely food for my soul. Here we are enjoying some lime "mommy juice" as we chased the four kids around the beach. Fun times.

Here Heather and I are after a time of relaxation- Connor is sleeping in my arms (2 hours) and Heather is in the background bouncing Reid to sleep. My how times have changed. :)

Here are our two bruisers. Reid is 10 1/2 months and weighs at least 25 pounds. Connor is 8 1/2 months and about 22 pounds. These boys are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Now, here are our two eldest children. They fit the bill for eldest children and had a wonderful time together...I am not sure who was "in charge" more... :) Emma and Landon picked up right where they left off from last year. It is really interesting how they connect...it is like they just know how special their mommies are to each other!

Playing on the swing set and having a blast!

Raffie made his usual appearance. Boy this giraffe gets around!

My favorite picture from the trip. Stan and Connor enjoying a stroll down the beach. Many memories were made this weekend. Memories we will take with us forever. One of my other favorites was Heather and Emma and Landon and I watching Fire works. Landon said, "Mommy, I know I like Firecrackers!" We all sat on the sidewalk, watching a local firework show. It was just one of those moments that will forever be etched in my mind. Another memory was me running into a spider web while Ryan was filming Heather and the kids releasing butterflies. I was screaming and screaming and seeing that huge big ole' nasty spider in my hair made me scream some more. Ryan got it all on tape...I am sure he will hold on to that for blackmail! Friends like Heather and Ryan are priceless. We are so very grateful.

Mountain Escape

Last week we had a chance to get away as a family. We went to Lyckebo, (happy home in Swedish)my parents' mountain cabin in Old Fort, NC. We had a great time spending quality time together as a family. It was such a blessing to be able to get away and enjoy peaceful rest together. Our family is such a blessing to me. I cannot believe how Landon and Connor are growing. I cannot believe how I feel like I cannot remember life without either one of my precious boys. Enjoy the highlights from our trip!

We stopped on the way for a Father's Day visit to Pa Cole. We got this great picture of Connor and Aunt Jane together!

And this one of Connor really checking out Pa Cole!

It was a treat as always. He is an amazing grandfather to Stan and I and a great grandfather to our boys. I am so thankful for his example in Stan's life. He is just plain awesome. I love all of Stan's family and consider it s special joy to call them my own.

On Monday, Landon, Connor and I all got a 2 hour nap! Miracles DO happen!

Connor officially started crawling...though he already prefers to be walked around with us holding his hands!

Connor and I enjoyed some fun at the Lake watching Stan and Landon boat, Stan and my dad have a canon ball contest, and my mom and dad play and splash each other like teenagers. Connor, of course, ate a snack as well- my little eater!

Stan was a close second to my dad in the contest. You should have heard my dad giving him pointers about how to make his splash bigger. Men!

We celebrated Stan's 31st birthday. Landon helped me bake the cake (and lick the icing), helped daddy blow out the candles and had no problem eating all of his cake, asking for seconds even thought we had to bribe him to finish his real dinner. :)

Mommom and Connor got some time to dance. Memories of Mommom and Landon were so sweet as we watched Connor get his first slow dance with someone other than mommy too.

Landon got his own hiking stick this time, complete with his own initials. He has no problem telling everyone he was a "Big Kid"- especially since he can now poop in the potty (a story he shared with any local who would listen).

Pop and Landon had a great walk, told Lewis the squirrel stories and Landon even helped Pop cook this time!

Landon actually ate his first crab this time, taking the pincher and sucking the meat right out. He saw that we were having crabs and said, "I know I like crabs, I want to eat one!" Now that comes from the Frey side for sure! Mommom was happy to help!

Connor got his first look at some live crabs. He was not so sure and I think we were all very nervous that Pop would drop one of those crazy things on my sweet baby! Thankfully, all was well and Pop got his thrill of showing off the live crabs to his second grandson. So carries on the Frey tradition.
Landon really started showing off his dancing skills when Pop got out the bass. He was absolutely hilarious!
Fun times...dancing, singing and being a family.

We miss you already Lyckebo...and Mommom and Pop. We'll be back.

Pre Va-Ca Update

Connor had his first trip to the pool and was not so sure about the water- it was a little cool. We had a picnic lunch and enjoyed some "Nanny time".

Nanny spent some great time with both boys and helped me make Connor's first trip to the pool a success...and fun for Landon.

Mommom also came to visit and we got in our little pool. Connor had his first icy pop and was not so sure about the sour taste. He was not afraid to try and Mommom loved being able to offer this treat to him!!

Landon loves showing off his "Milk Mustache"- even though he had just had gatorade to drink...

Connor still loves his prunes, loves to eat, loves to laugh at Landon and loves his mommy. This little buddy is such an amazing gift.

Things at the Cole House are going well these days...

I guess the biggest news of late is that Landon is finally pooping in the potty. Praise Jesus! He has gone 5 times in a row and told us that he is a "big kid" and does not need diapers anymore. We have giving him the prizes that have been behind the potty for months and I took him to Marble Slab Creamery last night to get a chocolate ice cream with sprinkles. He loved it and so did I! We were walking into the mall and I was holding his sweet little hand, just having a great time just talking to him. A memory that will forever be etched in my mind as this was one of the rites of passage. I took that time out- the time needed to recognize what an accomplishment this is for him and mark it with quality time. I will never regret that.

I am learning so many things about being a mom and more even about myself. Landon's behavior is finally starting to level out a bit as he approaches 3 1/2. He is responding well to our latest form of discipline 1-2-3 Magic. I also went to talk to a dear friend of mine who is a behavioral psychologist. He really helped me recognize how personally I was taking Landon's (remind myself here that he is 3 years old) fits, obsessions, mean words, behavior, etc. I am starting to take things less personally and we are all benefiting.

I was talking with a dear mommy friend this morning about the challenges of raising kids. These challenges are very gripping- at our very core. Never have I learned more about myself, more about the sinful and selfish person I am. I want my boys to be respectful young men...but in the process of wanting them to "turn out right", I can miss so much. I don't want to miss playing outside in the sprinkler with Landon, giggling on the couch as I tickle them both, taking Landon to get ice cream. I feel God shouting at me: "Take it easy! Enjoy this gift! Live in the moment."

Boy is it hard to do this at times, but recognizing my own needs, taking care of those needs and separating them from my "wants" is certainly a way I can be a better mom. I recently read a quote that was quite gripping, "Many wonderful things vie for our attention in this life, few are eternal." It made me think, am I spending time on those things that are eternal...like influencing young souls- my very children beneath my nose? Am I really focusing on those things that are most important?

It is hard to juggle, but I don't have to. I am learning that I need to rest, rest in God's peace and being present and not hurried, whether out the door or from place to place.I am also learning to let it go. Let go of my need for control, my need to have all the boxes checked and in order. Letting go is certainly a freeing feeling, something I need to do continually.

We are headed to Lyckebo for the week, with a stop first at the Lynch Family reunion followed by a visit with Pa Cole. My parents will join us midweek. Boy it will be nice to be away as a family. Have a great week!

We heart the Hills!

Our dear friends, Kevin, Kelly and Olivia came to visit us last weekend. We had such a wonderful time. Landon affectionately refers to Olivia as "Wiv", Kelly as "Aunt Kewwy" and Kevin and "Uncle Kevin". Kelly is one of my very best friends who I met in college. We were in nursing school together. Our friendship is one that there is no doubt that God brought us together at the perfect time. We both needed someone to talk to and there we were sitting in our all white marshmallow nursing uniforms (student attire is so glamorous) on the curb at 6:00 in the morning pouring our hearts out to one another as we prepared for yet another treacherous day of nursing school...in the midst of trying to find ourselves in college. Thank you Lord for wonderful friends like Kelly, who definitely helped get me to where I am today.

We decided to brave it at Marbles Museum in Raleigh, since we had the extra adult. We figured three adults could handle three kiddos... We loaded up the Swagger waggon, Kelly and Kevin's minivan which I am totally envious of and headed to Raleigh. Amazingly, all three kids did well and we had an absolute blast! Landon of course, loved playing with the sea critters in the water bins. He wanted to name all the animals after Nemo characters and loved playing as long as his beloved buzz shirt did not get wet...

Uncle Kevin took the kids into the submarine. They looked in microscopes, out funny glass, at several mock equipment and actually kept very interested- of course Kevin is quite the comedian. :)

Sweet Olivia is such a sweet mama's girl. She is all girl, which really makes me laugh. Kelly always thought she would only be able to be a boy mom...ha! God knew what he was doing. Kelly is a fantastic "girl mom" with bows in Liv's hair and all!

One of the many things I love about Kelly and Kevin is that they have always loved on my kids. Kelly kept Landon for us from the time he was about 3 months to 15 months. She worked as a nurse and on her days off, she kept my Landon. She and Kevin offered this to us and told us that they wanted to bless us. Kelly and Kevin are true shining lights for Jesus. In everything they say and do, God's love shines through. They are so good to Landon and Connor and that makes my heart smile.

Landon and Liv are two peas in a pod. There may be 1 1/2 years between them, but they have the same eating habits and loving little strong willed personalities- Kelly and I always talk about how they are twins who were separated at birth. They play really well together, it is a joy to watch. Landon loves "his friend" and is so good with her.

It has taken Kelly no time to get to know Connor. She and Kevin just pick up our kiddos and pitch in like they are family. Kelly and Kevin have stayed with us several times since moving to Myrtle Beach (sad) and they are truly wonderful house guests. We hate to see them go each time because it is just a pleasure to have them. True friends.

One shot of Kevin with Connor. Connor had to show off his piano skills for Kevin.

Our three babies. Let me tell you, time sure does fly. It is so hard to believe Kelly and I met 12 years ago. Thank you Lord for bringing her and now her family into my life. What a blessing.

Beach Trip Recap

One week late, I am finally posting about our first beach trip of the year! It was a special trip as it was little Connor's first view at the vast ocean and yummy looking sand. :) He was a real trooper and we even got a family photo thanks to Chris who was very patient in getting Landon to say "CHEESE" bribed of course with fruit snacks immediately following the picture!

As long as Connor had his mommy, he had a smile and went with the flow as usual. He even tolerated me putting his feet in the water-though not his favorite, he didn't put up too much of a fuss and we got our first time in the ocean video complete.

Bless our friends. They played so much with Landon and just really seemed to enjoy it! This is Andy, who has devoted 2 years in a row now to building sand castles with Landon. When talking about this particular beach trip, Landon always remembers Andy building castles with him. Thanks Andy!

Landon got a little running in- having a blast in his swim trunks that seem to always show a little plumber...no matter how small I get them! The boy has no rear end. But, he had a blast running and splashing in the ocean.

This is Chris. Chris is GREAT with Landon. Landon loves Chris and always brings him up as well when talking about going to the beach. He could be heard many times saying, "Chris, Chris, come play!" Chris has a heart of gold and a special way with kids. I am so thankful to have such great friends who love my kids- when you are good to my kids, it is even more of a blessing to me than being good to me. Thanks Chris- you are the best!

Kim took this photo for us which I am so thankful for. Not many times do I get a picture with my little buddy. We had a great time sitting by the water and telling stories about Lewis the squirrel. He just sat and listened...a time I will never forget, forever being etched in my mind as one of my fondest times with Landon.

Landon was also a trooper the whole trip. All the kids are younger than he is and it was tough at times for him to understand why they didn't understand him or play the way he does, but he handled himself very well for a 3 year old- of course with some guidance from mom and dad! :)

Here is our dear friend Carol, loving up on my Connor. Like I said, when people are good to my kids, it is just so sweet and makes me so glad to have the friendships I do. Thanks Carol for always being so great with our boys!

One final photo of Chris and Landon. So sweet. So, what a fun trip with some great friends who made Connor's first beach trip extra special!