3 YEARS

Well, another year has passed making the time I was able to hold my precious 3rd child slip that much further away. 

I do miss those moments so much and if I could hold her over again I am not sure I would let her go. 

It is thinking on those moments that then I look over and see the other precious three blessings I have and see all the good that is around me. 

Today was a special day. Not too much hype but just enough time with my children and husband to make the day special. 

It started off with a trip to the zoo with a friend. 

It was such a perfect day for the zoo and the kids really enjoyed it.

Going with Julia and her kids today was pretty special. 

I am not sure I have said this to her before but I think it every time her daughter is with me and my kids.

Her daughter is 3. 

4 months older than what Lilliana would have been and she is petite so for some time now I see her running and playing with my kids and thinking this is what my life may have looked like. *grin*

She is a blessing to me and makes me smile when she is around. She is such a cute little girl and the things she says some times crack me up.

After the zoo, we ate dinner at home and gathered our 'gifts' for Lilliana and spent some time together.

Luke was the balloon holder.

Liv was my decorator.

And Lyse? Well, we just let her stand there and look cute. *wink*

Rog was in charge of getting the balloons this year and I think he did a pretty good job!

I didn't ask Luke to put his arm around his baby sister, he's just sweet that way.

We each held a balloon and after the tradition of counting to three, we let them go.

They went in a different direction this year. 

South. 

Which was nice for a change.  

Maybe it will make it to some of our southern family and friends? *wink*

After the balloon release we stood around, played and tried to get Lyse to give up her balloon.

I guess she is a bit young to understand that we give her that balloon so she can let it go, not play with it.

(What kind of a mother am I?)

She finally agreed and gave in.

I never thought I would have to do this for one of my children. Even still, everything must be perfect. Just as if I were dressing the girls and doing their hair. It must be in line, in place and just how I think it should be. Without looking like there was too much effort put into it.

(crazy, but it's one of those mental things that is hard to get around)

A bit more playing and being silly...

...With a few more family pics.

We miss you Lilliana Grace! We talk about you OFTEN and I make sure your brother and sisters know just how special you are! You are a gift from God that we will get to enjoy later. A blessing and a testimony of God's Grace. A gift that makes me treasure the children I have to take care of and a gift that reminds me that no matter what may happen in life, God's Grace is SUFFICIENT! Even in the unthinkable moments. The moments we wish would never happen. But often in those moments my eyes are opened to all of the good blessings. Even you, my 3rd child, might just be the greatest blessing I could have received. God has used you to show me so much and for that I am so thankful.

Mommy and Daddy love you sweet girl!