A Beautiful Summer

This summer will go down as being the very best summer of my entire adult life.  If you know me, then you know usually I loathe summer, I hate the heat, the bugs, the sweat, all of it.  However this summer has been different.  Even though the weather hasn't changed all that much (though we are experiencing a rather mild summer for east Texas)  for a variety of reasons I will list below this summer will be one of the memory books.  

Reason 1:  A New Baby. . . GIRL!!!!!  

• Though Mark and I found out we were expecting another sweet addition at the end of April, we were pleasantly surprised in June to discover through a blood test that we were going to be having our first baby girl.  To say I was shocked when I heard the results is an understatement.  I actually didn't believe the lady when she said it.  I had called in to my doctor's office to see if the results where in and when she said the gender was "girl" I went something to the affect of "ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!?!?" I was so excited and couldn't wait to share the news.  I was driving by a donut store right at that moment so I swung in and asked for a pink donut to take to Mark.  He was less than impressed by my random impromptu brunch of just one donut in a bag that he just sat it down and began working on it again.  I had to coerce him to just open the bag, to where he said "thanks" and began working again.  I then had him think about what color the donut was, and it finally hit him.  We gave each other big hugs and proceeded to tell our families.  It was such a fun time with everyone being so excited for us.  I had literally been praying for months that if God saw fit He would one day bless us with a sweet baby girl, so I know beyond a shadow of a doubt He is the reason she is here.  We believe we have a  name, Halli Kate (like Halle Berry).  It has no significance other than we just really liked it (which kind of bothers me to be honest) and I can hardly wait to meet her.  
• Another sweet little side note story comes in the form of the little Longhorn dress on the left of one of the pictures below.  About a year or so ago Walmart started carrying Longhorn clothing items in their children's section.  While looking for the boys something I came across this sweet dress and just fell in love with it.  I told myself that if I ever had a girl I would buy that dress.  Fast forward about a year or so later and I was able to go and grab one in her size.  As I began walking to the check out counter I welled up with tears a little realizing I was going to get a sweet girl in our family.  Mark of course saw that, laughed, shook his head, and muttered "Hormonal" before heading off himself.  

The way we announced it on Facebook

Almost 16 weeks with our sweet angel

A new to us crib that we are going to paint

Some finds for her.  A DRESS and cheer outfit for next football season

Reason number 2:  A New House

• Mark and I were also blessed enough to purchase a new home about 15 miles from where we were currently living at the very end of May. It needed some tlc, new paint, some carpet and tile, light fixtures, etc, but has been such a wonderful blessing to our family.  We love being homeowners and have enjoyed working on our own place.  Probably the best part is the fact there is a converted carport that is now a game room of sorts.  Every toy the boys own is in that room all organized thanks to my wonderful mother.  It has been so nice to have a place for all their stuff that is away from the rest of the house.  The boys have loved it so far, falling right in and enjoying their new surroundings.  We now live in a tiny but incorporated town which means it has scheduled trash pick up, a grocery store, and fast food places!  There is also a fireplace, which I am so excited about for this fall.   Mark really has worked so hard fixing everything up and getting everything just right, especially in our back yard.  I am so grateful to have such a hard working hubby who takes pride in our little place.

Our home at the 4th of July

Reid and Owen enjoying a movie night in our game room

Reason Number 3:  Friends

• This is really the major reason this summer has been so great.  I have friends that we consistently hang out with on a weekly basis for the first time since I began my journey as a stay at home mom.  It all started last summer when one sweet lady suggested starting a mom's bible study on Thursday mornings.  What began as a group of strangers meeting with their children has now blossomed into wonderful friendships between families.  Now I currently see most of these ladies multiple times a week outside of our still standing Thursday bible study.  It has been so wonderful to watch Reid enjoy his little buddies as well and I thank God for these sweet ladies and their sweet babies.  I have been praying for friends like this for a while.  Friends who don't mind if you come over at the drop of a hat.  Friends who don't care if your house is dirty.  Friends who ask you to keep their kids and then reciprocate that.  Friends that understand what you are going through as a mom and offer encouragement.  I am grateful beyond words for the way the Lord has answered this prayer.  

Reid and two of his buddies on a swim day!

It's Been a While. . . Again

So I realize it has been quite a while yet again since I have updated the good ol' family blog!  I always mean to sit down and write and keep up with what is going on around here, because I KNOW one day I will wish I had more to remember these hard but fleeting years.  Things around here are crazy and fun and tiring all wrapped up into one.

Reid of course is growing like a weed.  I get told all the time how tall he is for his age and how athletic he is.  This is nothing new, but still fun to hear, especially since I have been short all my life.  It is spring here (kind of) in Texas and so all we hear all the time is "Can you come hit baseballs with me?"  It is a constant flood that we have to fend off to get him to do ANYTHING else.  This kid is serious about his ball.  When he was a baby Mark and I talked about how the one sport we would rather him not play is baseball because it is neither of our favorites.  Oh the irony!  It does help that he is seriously amazing at it.  Right now we are working on first time obedience, not asking why after every thing we ask him to do, being nice to brother, the alphabet, numbers, bible, and so on.  The warmer weather have had our weeks filled with a lot of play dates too which has been wonderful.  I enjoy watching him make little friendships!  He is still particular about clothing, doesn't like his shorts to touch his knees, is loving wearing flip flops again, can get dressed with minimal help now, loves breakfast, would rather talk than eat, says the funniest things, and has the best laugh ever.  He really is such a sweet boy and my breath catches in my throat when I think about how the Lord has blessed us through him.  We are so grateful for this strong-willed boy and have enjoyed watching him grow.

Owen, oh what is there to say about that little Mama's boy?  I am anxious how this next year is going to play out for him.  I can't decide if he is stubborn or lazy, and only time will tell I guess.  He is my little guy that is going to just take his own sweet time doing things.  He turns 14 months old today and only yesterday achieved pushing himself into a standing position from sitting.  He isn't walking, only has two teeth, won't talk on command (can, but usually won't do it when we ask), listens the first time when we say "no" usually (but totally yells about it), squeals an incredibly high pitched squeal when he doesn't get what he wants.  He can say "mama, night night, dada, nana (banana)", signs "more" and "all done", sings into a microphone, loves a ball, loves outside, plays Peek-a-boo, shakes his head yes or no, and is going to be so mischievous.  I told my mom I finally understand why she would scold me but laugh at my brother for the same offense, it is because I wasn't funny and he was!  That is totally these two, Reid just isn't naturally funny, but I can already tell Owen will charm his way out of a lot if I am not careful!  He is a sweet heart and we love him oh so much!

This has really been a growing season for us as a family.  We are working on routines and seeing what works for us.  I was walking by with a load of laundry after both boys were finally asleep at 9 and said to Mark "One day we are going to wonder how we did it."  Something that has been heavy on my heart is the fact this is just a season, albeit exhausting and frustrating, but still a short time in life.  I do not need to spend my time wishing away the days of little for big.  This is a season in life, one I will miss (though I am unsure I will ever really want it all back lol) when they are older.  I pray we are doing right by them.  I am praying for their little souls and character as often as I think about it!   I desire to grow Godly mean who love the Lord deeply.  The weight of that task is ever before me and on my heart.  Always.

Owen's Winter ONEderland Birthday

Oh my gosh people, I cannot believe it, my baby boy is 1!  Cue the tears!

My sweet precious little guy is now officially not a baby and I have to admit I am 

finding it hard to deal with at the moment.  

My sad Mama's heart doesn't negate the fact that we still had a party to throw!  I mean you 

only turn 1 once right?  And what a major accomplishment when you think

about what all babies accomplish in that first year of life!

I had been pondering what "theme" to do for this little laid back guy.  For his brother it

was so very easy because balls were all he played with!  But Owen likes pretty much

anything and everyone, so having something specific to him wasn't quite

as easy.  Luckily my mother found the cutest theme of a Winter ONEderland on pinterest

and we just went from there.  Isn't pinterest awesome?

This was by far a super easy party thanks in part to the principal at the elementary school here. 

She loves to decorate anything and everything and she had all of these decorations on hand 

besides the table cloths!  My mother was gracious enough to bring them to me as 

well as help out with supplies for the party.  Her, my grandmother, grandfather, aunt and cousin

all helped set everything up the night before (I know, I really do have the best family).  I was

so thankful for their help because I had been laid up with a sinus infection for two days and

didn't get down there until late! 

Some of the refreshments.  I loved the water jug that was supposed to resemble a melted snowman!
We also had hot chocolate and chili, along with "snow" powdered donuts and pop-corn in snowman cups.

The banner said "Happy Birthday" with snowflakes behind it.  

We later put monthly pictures I had taken of Owen on the tree to show his growth!

The DELICIOUS cupcakes our friend and surrogate "grandmother" Lolli made for us!

My Birthday Boy!

What party would it be if there wasn't train ride!

I had some handsome help opening presents!

Ready for some cake!

My friend, Shaina, made his darling smash cake which was also DELICIOUS!

HE was nasty, so nasty that I didn't want to get him out.  My brother did that for me.

It was definitely a two man clean up job!

Reid and his two favorite people in the world basically!  They get married in like 47 days!  Woohoo!


All in all, Owen had a terrific birthday!  I couldn't have done it without help, especially from my mom
who bought banners, table cloths, made gum favors, and everything in between.
Seriously she is the best and I am so thankful for her and all her help.

We are so blessed by our little man and are excited to watch him grow up into a wonderful man of God!

The Slow Motherhood of Littles

Guys, let me tell you something, motherhood is special.  Especially motherhood with littles.  I think it is one of the hardest times in life, as well as one of the sweetest times. 

I am not sure how God does that, but it happens and there are some days you have just especially

special glimpses into what life is really all about.  

This time in my life I feel as if I am constantly behind, trying to stay one step ahead,

and teach, and train, and listen, and correct, and smile, and play, and. . . 

That list could go on and on!  However, something is happening to me, something I 

didn't really see coming honestly. 

I am starting to "mellow out" as a mom. 

While I don't mean I am becoming lacks on what my children do, how the respond, or behave

I am talking about how I am learning to stop.  

To take the time to listen and join in on their little laughs, to see what is bringing so much joy.

To run for my camera instead of for a correction when I see toilet paper 

strewn from the bathroom to the living room in one long strand.  

To take the time and just be with them.  

I know this is not a shocking revelation, especially to some of you older moms.  

I understand now that although I have a duty to my home, I must first love my children.

And oh I want it to be said of me that I loved them well.  That I took time, listened

sought out their hearts, and opened up mine.  I need to realize I have the

chance now to watch them play without the added stress

of school work, practices, sleep overs, and everything else that comes with "older".  

I must enjoy this stage, because as hard as it is and as slow as it can be, that is where the beauty

lies.  In the slowness.  In the monotonous.  In the constant training, listening, correcting, and loving.

God, please don't let me miss it.  Please don't let me wish it away for someday

when things will be "easier", when they are bigger, when I am not spending

every moment of most every day in their presence. 

 Help me to realize.   

This life is fleeting.  These moments won't come back.  These times of littles will 

soon be a distant memory.  And I pray I am there.  That I will be all there.  

Christmas Morning 2013

 I hope everyone's Christmas season was a good one!  We are working on getting back into the swing of things around here, as well as finding places for all the wonderful goodies the boys were given. . .  My mother took a ton of pictures of all the festivities that happened around here, so I am going to do them in all in different posts since blogger is taking FOREVER to download pictures now (anyone know what is up with that?).  I decided to start with Christmas morning since it is just our boys and both sets of grandparents.

We didn't get much for the boys this year. . . Just a few necessities and things they really wanted.  I am not a big "toys everywhere" kind of person and like to try and keep the common areas of the house from looking like two littles live here. . . Believe you me, these boys aren't lacking for anything, they got so many things this year it was unbelievable.

Isn't he handsome with his "devil horns"

We found a pea coat at old navy!  Best thing ever

Opening up his brother gift

I made both boys a cape this year. . . Reid has been less than impressed.

Reid opening up the main toy we were excited to get him, a microphone stand!

This of course wasn't everything, but all in all we had a very sweet and relaxed Christmas morning. . . I was so ready for Reid to have the microphone.  He plays his guitar (which he got a new one for Christmas from Noni) almost every day and wants to sing into his microphone like Daddy!  He used to make us hold a play microphone, but of course that got old very quickly.  Then we tried to rig it to something or make him pretend he had one (wrapping paper roll stuck in the toy box worked wonders for a while).  Then Mark stuck a microphone in his boot in his closet.  Finally he was able to have this one, and oh how he has liked it!  So much fun to listen to him going to "practice" in his room.  

Tree Triming 2013

 I don't know about you, but trimming the tree is one of my favorite things to do for the Holidays!   Mark actually tells me it is not called trimming the tree if it is artificial, but decorating it.  However, I find something so rustic about saying "trimming" so that is what we're gonna say.  Seriously though, there is something so magical about cranking up some Christmas music and reminiscing over ornaments you haven't seen in a year.  I love the family togetherness and I can't wait to see how it evolves as our kids grow older. I hope to make this one of the most special memories of home they have.  Until then, back to the present day.  Reid has really enjoyed Christmas this year, and though he is still working on grasping the big concept, all of the fun things are great.

Here are a few iPhone pictures snapped.  We were on our way to head to a family pre-thanksgiving meal this day.  Though we are normally die hard "no tree up until after Thanksgiving" people, we knew we would be gone from Thursday to Sunday to celebrate in Tyler, so up it went.

Seriously couldn't you just eat him up?

This is one of my favorite ornaments.  It was my great great grandmothers.  Her arms are tucked behind her back btw.

Proof that the parents actually do exist!

Sweet Owen on his first tree trimming!

My heart is full

I love this sweet boy!

Reid got the job of putting the star on the top! 

Too. Much. Cuteness!

Here you get an instagram video of Reid singing Frosty the Snowman!  Enjoy!