2021, You Were Fun But Now You're Done.

Twenty twenty one, you sure were fun.

We made memories that I'll cherish dear.  

You afforded me time with loved ones far and near.

We took adventures - some by plane, some by car.

Some miles away and some not far {from our couch}. 😂

The days held Legos, drawing, playing, laughter, tears, encouragement, reading, fort building, battling of fears.

We held onto what we know to be true: God's amazing Word and His unending love for me and you.

Wrapping up the latest three sixty five, I find myself grateful to be in this time, to be alive. 💙

2021 One Second from Sara Cozad on Vimeo.

Truman is in Kindergarten!

I can't believe we are here.  Truman is heading to Kindergarten!  He is so ready to start the new school year in the same building as big brother! 

Truman is in Pre-K!

How in the heck did it happen?  Truman is in his last year of preschool and my mind cannot even start to wrap around it!  Even with the weird start to the year, this kid is looking forward to seeing friends and having fun at stations!

Truman's love of sharks and monster trucks has not wavered even a smidge and it makes my heart so happy!

How old are you?

Four!

What is your favorite color?

Orange.

What is your favorite food? 

Pizza!  Cheese Pizza from MOD!

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas.

Me: Really? I thought you would say Halloween.

TAC: I love Christmas because if you ask Santa for something he gets it for you and makes it!

What is your favorite thing to do with Mom?

Play Duplos and trains.

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? 

Go to the store!

Benjamin: You certainly have been my HEB buddy this year!

What is your favorite thing to do with Winston? 

Sleep with him and sit by him because I likes to snuggle with him.

What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

I loved going to Watercolor beach and the huge waterslide!

What are you most excited about this year in school?  

Playing and doing science and doing math.

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

Ooooo! Not a monster truck driver.  Cause you can only do it one day.  I want to be a Dad. I just want to stay home every day and be a stay at home Dad!

What is your favorite movie?

That's a hard one. Star Wars!

What is your favorite toy or stuffed animal?

Soapie the Giraffe, Moo Moo the Zebra and trains!

Truman Heads to 3's Class

A few weeks after Winston started school, it was Truman's turn!  He is returning to our favorite preschool and following in brother's footsteps by being a part of the Bee class!  One of the things I am thankful for is that over the years we have had the opportunity to get to know the fabulous teachers.  Going into meet the teachers we knew the fabulous ladies who would be teaching Truman this year.   We made a quick stop at McDonald's on our way to get one of Truman's favorite things: an orange slushie!  

Truman was very opinionated about what he wanted as a backpack and lunch box for this school year.  He was on a mission to find all things shark!  I'm happy to report that our mission was successful! 😂

Truman is such a comical, passionate headstrong little human.  He loves all things sharks + monster trucks and when the two are together, hold down the fort because that kid is determined he must have whatever it is! 😂 Truman loves music.  Like loves it so much that he has his favorite songs and sings unabashedly to them in the car.  He has a great memory and loves to snuggle.  One of my favorite things he says every night is "talk me how good I be today."  And then we speak over him all of the good things about him in that day. 

And without further ado, here are Truman's answers to his questions.

How old are you?

Three!

What is your favorite color?

Orange and blue and red.

What is your favorite food? 

Chocolate donuts!
oooo!  And MOD Pizza too!

What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween

What is your favorite thing to do with Mom?

Play with Monster Trucks.  Oh, and I like to be a shopping buddy.  I'm a good helper.

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? 

I like to do puzzles with him.  And build Legos.  Sometimes I'm a Master Builder.

What is your favorite thing to do with Winston? 

My favorite thing is to build with him.  And to make smooshy, mooshy mud pies!

What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

London!  My favorite thing was riding in ALLLLL the taxis!

What are you most excited about this year in school?  

Doing experiments maybe and playing with my friends!

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

A dragon!  No, a knight!  I'm Sir Trumy the Knight!

What is your favorite movie?

Cars

What is your favorite toy or stuffed animal?

Moo Moo and Rocky the Shark!

Truman, may your year as a Busy Bee be full of all the fun and good things!  I pray that you will be an encouraging friend and patient student.  We love you to pieces buddy and are so proud of you!

Truman and His Procedure

This week Truman was such a brave boy.  He underwent an outpatient surgery at The Texas Children's Hospital in our area.

At Truman's yearly check up in February our pediatrician referred us to a pediatric urologist because one of his testicles was not fully descended.  She had noticed it was still really high at his two year check up and since it was still restricted, she wanted a specialist's opinion.

Our Baby Shark is Three

It has happened.  The baby in our family keeps growing up and getting older!  Today Truman turns three!

Monster Jam 2019

Saturday morning the first thing Truman said when he woke up was, "Is it time to go to Monster Jam?" 😍 He had been counting down the days!

Friday Favorites

Whew!  I am glad that the weekend is here.  This week has been a bit out of sorts with Truman not feeling the best and missing a day of school.  We were pretty much hermits for most of the week, which I really didn't mind one bit.  We had to get him feeling better because this weekend is one of his favorite weekends of the year: Monster Jam!!  He already has his shirt picked out and is ready to go!

Weekend Recap: One on One Time with The Buddies

This weekend we had nothing on the calendar and it was glorious!

Both Friday and Saturday nights the buddies were in bed so that when the clock turned 8 PM, Benjamin and I were already snuggled down.  I think I was asleep by 9:15 both evenings!  #oldladystatus

Here We Come, Santa Claus!

Every November I get very excited because I know that Christmas is right around the corner.  I start I shopping the holiday sections on H&M, Boden, Hanna Anderson and Tom's for coordinating outfits for the buddies.  I live for all the themed clothing!  I also start planning out some of our favorite Christmas activities.  On the top of that list is visiting Santa Claus!  Each year since Winston's first visit, we always go to Market Street so that we can visit the Man in Red.  

Weekend Top 8

Last week Truman's school hosted Donuts with Dad!  Benjamin spent the morning with Truman in his classroom.  Truman gave Benjamin a gift that he made, they chowed down on donuts and played together for a little while too! 

Truman Starts Year 2!

Truman returns to the sweet preschool program that our family has been apart of since Winston was 18 months old.  Last year was a special year because both boys were there together.  This year is special because Truman proudly calls it his school and waves with big smiles at everyone we walk pass!  One of the many things I love about the place where Truman attends is that we are familiar with the amazing teachers and staff.  So going into Meet the Teacher, Truman already knew the two ladies that would be spending the year with our little guy.  In fact, one of them taught Winston when he was in this class!  I was pregnant with Truman during that time so she has seen him grow up through the years!  Truman picked out his Moo Moo shirt to wear for the Meet the Teacher and of course, Moo Moo came along too!  {Two of them actually, if you can see! 😂}

On the first day of school Truman was excited to go "like Winston goes to school."  He was a champ walking into his class, grabbing his nap mat and carrying it in all on his own.  

I am so eager to see how Truman will continue to grow and develop over the next months.  Already he has come home from school telling me about friends, new songs he is learning and all about the blue and green slides on the playground!  😍  At two, Truman is a comical little guy who loves for us to play right along side with him although he is content to be lost in his own imagination at times too.  He is caring and loving, he loves music and wants to know what the names of songs are.  He is quite strong willed and while that quality can be exhausting and overwhelming when trying to parent, I pray that God will use it for his glory!  Truman has a catch phrase and it just slays me with cuteness each time he says it.  It's a few times a day that we hear Trumy exclaim, "Oh my stars!" in relation to seeing something exciting, in relation to a great lunch laid before him or while we're out shopping.  Trumy is also very interested in having options for breakfast, for what to wear, for what to do next and if I don't give him any he'll tell me, "Gimme some options, Mommy!"  

And now for the questions that he answered this year!  I have to say that in the Spring of this year I was worried that he wasn't speaking much.  He understood what we were saying but wasn't quite yet interested in talking.  And why should he be?  Winston talked a lot for him! 😂  Gradually, Truman started stringing words into sentences and now I have two little chatterboxes!  I wouldn't trade it for the world.

How old are you?

I two!

What is your favorite color?

Orange

What is your favorite food? 

Macaroni and cheese.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas!

What is your favorite thing to do with Mom?

Watch a show.

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? 

Build Legos and take a nap!

What is your favorite thing to do with Winston? 

Build a fort and play outside.

What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

White House and water balloons.

What are you most excited about this year in school?  

 Playdoh and playing with trains

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

A dentist like daddy.

What is your favorite movie?

Lightening McQueen

What is your favorite toy or stuffed animal?

Moo Moo!  

Truman, you are sweet little buddy to your friends, you love fiercely and are quick to learn new things.  May this year be full of adventure and fun!  I am so thankful I get a front row spot to seeing you grow!

2016 One Second Everyday

Somewhere around the end of May, I gal I follow on Instagram posted the coolest video of her family.  It was one second of video captured everyday mashed into a thirty second montage.  I found the app, 1 Second Everyday and started June 1st.  This has been one of my most favorite things that I did in the way of memory keeping for 2016!

There were a few days where I forgot to take a video but had taken photos.  The app is smart {and cool} enough to allow the use of daily photos in the montage as well!  Benjamin even joined in on helping remember to capture video on the adventures we took.

The app also allows for the creation of a freestyle video.  I used this feature to create mashups for a trip to the zoo and one of our family vacations.  I am looking forward to challenging myself to create more freestyle videos in 2017!

More than anything I love this video because it captures the growth of our sweet boys.  It's amazing how much they've grown this year.  It is precious to this mama's heart to see their sweet relationship and love for each other.

Cozads 2016 1 Second Everyday from Sara Cozad on Vimeo.

And there it is - from June to December of 2016!  Bring on 2017 and all of the entertainment it will have to offer!

How do you capture and store your family memories?  I would love to know!

Kids Behind the Blog: October Interview

1.  What do you want to be for Halloween?

A glow in the dark skeleton!!

2.  Do you like handing out candy or collecting it?

I like going up to the neighbors houses and taking my bag and saying, "Trick or Treat! Yay! Thank you!" 

3.  What should Mommy & Daddy be for Halloween?

Halloween skeletons!

4.  Do you like to make a scary or happy faced Jack-o-latern?

Scary faces!!  Aaararrrg!

5.  What is the best part of Halloween?

Eating all the candy!!

From the first time I asked Winston what he wanted to be for Halloween, he was set on a skeleton!  We ordered glow in the dark skeleton jammies for everyone in the family and he was in heaven!  On Halloween, he wasn't really keen on going trick or treating - he was much more interested in handing out the candy and seeing all of the costumes that came to the front door.  He would say, "Oh, I love your costume!" or "I see you Batman!"  He is such a sweet soul to engage in conversation and make people feel special.  Truman was content to sit in a lap and coo at people as they walked by.  These are the days, these are the days!

Five Things on Friday: 3.25.16

All I wanted was one cute picture...

Truman was uncomfortable. Bless.
I guess I would be to if someone just laid me in a basket filled with weird plastic grass.

A bug landed on Winston.  

Not even a scary bug, just a gnat.  But it landed on him none the less.

And of course instead of jumping to the aid of my sweet ones, I snapped a few photos and tried to hide a smile while I consoled them.  

{You know you do it too!}

 Here's my littlest bunny!

 ...And then finally, we got one!

One is all we need to make this mama happy! 

Any one else torture their kids this way?

Today is Good Friday.

And here are five things that I love about Easter:

{one}

Coloring and decorating eggs.  

This is one of my all time favorite traditions!  We did it every year as a family growing up and now, we do it with our kids.  I love the act of being creative together!

{two}

Hiding Easter eggs.

Last year Winston really go into finding Easter eggs and it was so much fun.  This year he is super pumped about finding eggs and it's pretty much all he talks about when you mention Easter.  I have found that there is so much joy in being a parent because it's doing little things like hiding plastic eggs that delight and enthrall the little that I love so dearly!

{three}

Easter outfits.

Who doesn't love a good Easter ensemble?

{four}

Easter Sunday Service.

I have been to a few sunrise services.  I have been to a Maunday Thursday service.  However there is nothing like an Easter Sunday service.  The excitement, the joy.  The celebrating and rejoicing!  

{five}

The continuation of the Greatest Story.

It all started with the birth of a baby in a manger.  Thirty three years later, nailed to a cross he declares "It is finished!", yet it is hardly the end of the story.  Three days later he raises from the dead!  The sacrifice of his perfect life and the conquering of death always boggles my mind and stirs my heart.  Because of His actions, I am extended the free gift of Salvation.   Do I deserve it?  No.  But then again none of us do.  His love, grace and mercy are poured out so that I may live a life that is free and full of joy!  He is the one who formed me, loved me so much to die for me, and leads me day by day.  I believe that my Lord reigns!  

My hope is that you know the true meaning of Easter and are able to rejoice knowing that truly He lives!

Linking up today with 5 on Friday: April | Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm + The Farmer's Wife | Friday Favorites: Andrea, Erika and Narci

My View This Morning

This morning I woke up to a kiss from the hubs.  I helped him button his shirt and away he went.  Off to save crooked teeth.  And me.  Off to face the day with two little humans.  

Truman woke up, hungry.  Winston woke up, snuggly.  Together we piled on the bed, watched Blaze the Monster Machine and learned about inertia.  

Breakfast with Winston while Truman chilled in his chair cooing at the windows.  Weather checked, day planned.  Haircut on the docket.

Time to get Winston dressed and ready.  All of us upstairs.  Set Truman down to pick out an outfit and this is what I see when I turn around.  

My heart bursts.  

I hear Winston say, 

"Let's watch the circus Trumy!  It's very fun and you will like the elephants!"

Truman's head, his tiny hand on Winston's arm.  Hearing Winston include his little brother in what he is doing.  

It's moments like these that I...

 ...store up in my heart

...freeze in my mind

...thank the Lord for

...love

...realize that Winston is the best big brother for Truman

...am overwhelmed

...get confirmation on how important it is to leave margin in our schedules for moments like these.

2.19.2016

On Friday, February 19th at 8:30 in the morning, Truman Ayr entered into the world announcing himself with gurgling sounds and sweet coos!  Weighing in at 8 pounds 3 ounces, he is 20 inches of pure, chunky perfection!  He is a calm cuddler who has already worked his way into our hearts.

Sara and Truman are both doing well.  Compared to an emergency cesarian, the planned cesarian proved to be less intense and stressful on momma and baby, which we are all thankful for.

Truman has dark blue eyes that he likes to tease, but he has spent most of these past 72 hours with his eyes closed, embracing the sweet cuddles he has been receiving.

Arguably, no one was more excited to meet Truman than his big brother Winston.  Upon being greeted by the security guard at the hospital, Winston promptly said "I'm here to see Truman Ayr Cozad....and I'm a big brother!" I don't think I have ever seen a more proud face shown by our oldest little guy.

We have been treasuring these calm moments around the hospital with no work, no chores, and lots of time to spend together loving on Truman.  

Thank you to all of you who have sent us emails or lifted us up in your prayers.  We appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to introducing you all to Truman in the weeks ahead!

Five Things on Friday: 12.18

I cannot believe that it is seven days until Christmas!!  One week away!  Yesterday morning Winston came down the stairs and said, 

"Santa told me that Christmas is 10 days away!"  I responded with, "Well, it's actually eight days away!"  "EIGHT DAYS!", he exclaimed, "I'm so excited!"  

one || It's true to say that Winston has inherited my excitement for just about everything that happens around Christmas!  I am soaking up all of his energy and the wonder in his eyes this year.  This is such a fun age where the magic and true reason of Christmas blows their little minds!  All of us decorated the tree this year.  Benjamin unwrapped them, Winston hung eighty percent of them and I did the few that were a little more fragile.  Winston got such joy out of carefully picking where each ornament would hang saying, "This is the perfect place for this one" and "Oh, this looks nice here!"  He loves to look at them multiple times a day, finding his favorites and making the musical ones sing.  

I sometimes wish I could just bottle him up and save him this way forever!  :)

two || Last week was Winston's Christmas program at school.  Their little age group dress as stars and sang, you got it!  Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!  He did much better this year after spotting me in the crowd!  

three || Opposuits have become one of my favorite things this holiday season!  Have you seen them at your Macy's?  I had seen one when I was out and about shopping and thought how fun they were.  Then a day or so later a patient mentioned them to Benjamin.  One night we were chatting about them and the next thing I know he ordered one!  Now, Benjamin ten years ago would not have been so quick to order this crazy thing let alone wear it multiple times in public!  But Benjamin now - donned his suit for quite a few events this year and wears it well!  

And then there was the time when both doctors showed up in their crazy suits for one of the tacky Christmas days at the office!  The girls and patients just loved it!  

We have since added a second suit to the collection!  The plaid looks super cool and the jacket would even work on it's own with some jeans!

You can also find them on Amazon.  They have a suit for every season: Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Springtime, and 4th of July!  Of course, I think he needs them all!  Would your honey wear a crazy suit?  

four || I started gift wrapping yesterday during Winston's last day of school.  It's getting a little harder to bend this way and that with a growing Truman but I was happy with the progress that I made!  This shirt made me giggle when I saw it and so into my wardrobe it came!  It is super soft and comfy.  It is designed by one of the sweetest and funniest moms I have come across on Instagram.  Malyn lives in San Antonio and shares daily the antics of her kiddos and their day while encouraging other moms to embrace the sweet moments during the chaos and crazy that can ensue!  Check out her shop and take advantage of the free shipping she is offering this month!

five || This last weekend before Christmas, I am looking forward to enjoying time with my boys!  It's crazy to think that in two months Truman will be here and we will begin a new adventure as a family of four.  Winston continues to give hugs and talk to Truman!  He says the cutest things in reference to Truman:

In reference to cookies: "These are for big boys.  Truman is not a big boy.  He's little and will drink milk!" 

In reference to shoes: "These are sooooo cuuuute, Mommy!  Truman will love them!" 

When someone asks when Truman will arrive: "Tomorrow my baby will be here!"  {Not quite kiddo!  Let's not rush it!}

Baking, making and Christmas light looking are on the agenda of fun for this weekend!  What will you and your family be up to?

Linking up today with 5 on Friday: April | Oh Hey, Friday: September Farm + The Farmer's Wife | Friday Favorites: Andrea, Erika and Narci

Truman "Chewie" Cozad

It's true!  Our second little bundle of joy is a boy!  Who would have ever guessed that we would have a family of boys?  

Much like I did with Winston, when I found out I was pregnant, I started praying for wisdom on what our Little should be named.  So the day after hearing the news that our family would be rounded out with Boy Two, I came across the name Truman and instantly loved it!  When Benjamin came home that night I shared it with him and within the next day or two he too agreed that he liked the idea of a little Truman running around!  

When I found out that the name Truman means loyal, trustworthy my heart warmed.  To me, brothers are to be loyal to one another, encouraging, and supportive.  My hope and prayer is that not only would Truman be loyal and trustworthy as a brother, but that he would know that God is always for him and in return Truman would love Him with a fierce and loyal love. 

"For you are great, and your works are wondrous; You are the one True God.  O Eternal One, guide me along Your path so that I will live in Your truth.  Oh Lord, my God! I praise you with all that I am.  I will rightly honor your great name forever.  For your loyal love for me is so great it is beyond comparison.  You have rescued my soul from the depths of the grave."   Psalm 86:10-13 {The Voice}

We have yet to decide on a middle name.  But we have plenty of time!  

We told Winston that he was going to have a baby brother and he took a minute to process that.  

WAC: Not a girl?

Me: No, a little boy!

WAC: A boy.

Me: Yes.  Are you going to teach him how to play cars and trains?

WAC: Oh yes!

Me: And how to love Mommy well?

WAC: Oh of course Mommy!  And how to pee.  And how to eat.  And how to pick out shoes and socks!

Then we told Winston that we were going to name the baby Truman and his response: "That's okay Mommy, I will call him Chewie!"  Every time Benjamin and I call the baby Truman, Winston is quick to correct us with the name he has given him!  

Truman is healthy and we are thankful.  It's hard to believe that we are halfway through with this pregnancy and excitedly awaiting his arrival in February!