Trying to keep life normal

When we were in the hospital with Laila, I remember commenting to Mike that we couldn't let this consume us because she was gone and the three boys were still here. It's really hard some days not to let this consume us. Some days we don't want to do anything and we just feel a thick layer of gloom and sadness in everything we do. However, life has to move on for us and for these boys in particular. We are trying hard to keep life as normal as possible and keeping busy is a good way to keep our minds lifted, though, Laila is never away from our thoughts. The other day the boys came in the room when I was crying and said, "Why is mom crying?" I was grateful that at least they weren't saying, "Mom's crying again." So, in an attempt to keep life happy and busy for the boys here is what we've been up to:

We made glurch while Isaac was at school. It was super messy and not as good a recipe as another one I've made but easy and fun nonetheless.


My sister-in-law made these adorable felt balls she hung from her ceiling in her daughter's room and I loved them so I stole her idea and thought they might look cute in the craft room. It's taking me FOREVER. Only after I started did I realize that she used much bigger pieces of felt--I should have paid more attention because those would have been so much faster! Here is Mike posing with the unfinished ball. This is how we feel lately.
Mike bought four fruit trees so we had those delivered this week and planted them.

The boys looking for worms...
Eli thought it was fun to measure rocks and sticks in the back yard. Oh, and Isaac thought it would be fun to throw rocks in the road--and hit a car driving down the street! He ran inside crying his eyes out saying, "I hit a car on accident. I said sorry and sorry and sorry. Man, Dad is going to get me in so, so, so much trouble." The lady pulled over and asked Will to go get us so she could tell us that he threw the rock. We offered to pay for any damages but she graciously declined. Ugh. Why must boys play with rocks all the time and why can't they keep them on the ground while playing with them?!
Mike thought making truffles would be good. They turned out Ok. We need to try them again but the boys enjoyed rolling the truffles with Mike.

And finally, we went to visit Laila. It was sad.



Comments

gillian said…
I love you guys so much. So sorry about the amounts of pain you are all going through. you are always in my prayers. When will you get a headstone for her grave? I wish the grave was closer so I could visit too! (well, I wish we lived closer!)

You are always doing such fun things with your kids. I will have to call you for fun ideas once I have my baby and she grows up a little bit.

I laughed at Ike throwing the rock, although im sure you didnt! That poor little boy probably did cry for a long time- he has such a sweet heart! hahaha.

Love the pom pom ball you are making. I dont have the patience for that, but it looks great so far!
Jaclyn M said…
There are no words to describe what I want to say or how my heart breaks for your entire family.

I'll just say this. Praying for you daily, and thank the good Lord for eternity!!
Lokodi said…
I tried making a heart shaped felt thing for Valentine's day and I couldn't seem to keep the pins in tight enough. Maybe I didn't use a hard enough Styrofoam. I just need to hire someone else to do my crafts for me. :) Will you come do it for me?

Having a son that loves to throw rocks, it always makes me so nervous that he'll through one through someone's window or at someone's car. I'm sorry you had to deal with it, but glad the woman didn't make you pay.

I'm glad to hear you're trying to keep yourselves busy. It must be extremely hard to keep going, but you're doing great Adrianne. The boys are so lucky to have parents like you and Mike. I'll talk to you soon. Love you!

Lindsey
You are such a strong family. I love you guys so much. Lila's spot is so beautiful. Hang in there.
Jess and Jen said…
Oh my, give my kids the measuring tape and they'd be happy all day! I love that Mike posed with the felt ball. Love you! -Jen
Jenny said…
Your boys are so lucky to have such strong wonderful parents, Lailas spot looks so beautiful
Ange said…
Adrianne, I've been thinking of you so often, and praying for you and your sweet family. You are such a wonderful example to me in many ways. . . even though we're only in touch on-line. Thank you for sharing your testimony, strength, and example.
Frances said…
I agree that Laila's spot looks just beautiful. Thinking about you all the time.
I have to tell you as I've thought about you guys- and its been often- I've thought that taking care of your boys must be such a challenge and blessing all at once. I'm in awe of you all and pray as you try to keep things "normal" you will be lifted up and find moments where you feel your burden lightened.
Also- funny story about the rock. It's good to know it's not just my son who thinks up such mischevious things.
Michelle said…
When I read this post I laughed and cried. I cried for the obvious reasons because I miss Laila too and I hurt for your family. I can't imagine what it is like to miss her everyday and how the boys feel. Every time I pray I ask Heavenly Father to bless your family with comfort and strength to feel better. I do wish I could visit you more often.
I love your boys and I'm glad they are my nephews. They remind me of Caleb when he was small. He got into so much trouble at the apartments where we lived. He would take apart the sprinkler control boxes and he would poop and pee outside and we would get written up all the time. I felt like the management hated us. I couldn't seem to control my 4 year old and that made me a little crazy. I have learned that boys just love rocks like pets. Jared has this massive box of rocks in his room and as a child he threw them at everything. Daniel broke our back windshield of our car because of playing with a rock. I'm glad your son didn't do more damage.
I love the felt ball that Mike is holding up, that made me laugh.
I love you all and hope your week can be filled with joy somehow. We think of you often.
Mandi said…
I'm sure you're doing a great job with your little family. My heart continues to go out to you. You're an inspiration.

Popular Posts