Don't give up on me!

I'm here!  I'm here!

This blog is due for an update, am I right?!?
With the amount of things going on in our lives the last couple of months, and with the amount of things that just go on in a normal day, I find it really hard to take time to write.  I often want to, then the moment passes.  But, here I am!  I was sick as a dog last night, I am assuming from food poisoning, so we are doing a whole ton of NOTHING today.  Giving me a little time to sit and write.  SO, let me catch you up!

Highlighting some of the happenings since MARCH seems like a good place to start.  Then, I will write much more about what is going on RIGHT NOW!!!  'Cause it's pretty dang exciting.

MARCH.
In January 2014, I signed up for a 10 mile race.  Probably about five days later, I found out I was pregnant.  They graciously extended my spot for the the 2015 race.  At the time, I didn't know how in the world I would be able to do that.  To train for 10 miles and actually run it when my sweet babe was only 6 months old!  BUT, I did it!  I ran with two of my greatest friends, and we had a blast.  It was a super hard finish, but I did it and it made me feel very accomplished.  Accomplishing a goal that is so important to you is one of the greatest feelings.  I'll probably do it again.  And there is talk of a half marathon, but I haven't convinced myself to do that quite yet.

Also in March, we began to really really pray about moving out of this house, and getting a HOME.  We began our search.

APRIL
Annabelle turned FIVE.
AND, we put it an offer on a house that was on the market only hours.  Got accepted.  And began the waiting process.  April FLEW by!

MAY
Annabelle finished up school, and ended up having a very positive experience.  She had started at a new school in January, and it was a rocky start.  Maybe more for me.  She ended up adjusting, and doing great.  We had her final ARD for the school year, and found out all about how her KINDERGARTEN year is supposed to look.  I'm freakin'!  Kindergarten?!?!  I am ok with summer dragging by, but so far it is NOT!  She will be back in school before we know it.

May brought a LOT of rain for our area, and one day, a huge puddle in front of our driveway.  We had just gotten home from somewhere and Carter jumped out of the car, turned around, and said, "wow.  A puddle!"  He seemed so excited about this huge puddle.  So, I said, "Go jump in it".  He looked at me with a puzzled look and walked to the edge of the water.  He turned around to look at me again as if he might get in trouble if he actually jumped in.  I said, "Jump in it, Carter".  So he did, and Annabelle, also reluctant, followed.  They played in this puddle for a good while, and were soaked!  Soaked and dirty.  But, it brought SO much joy to them, and so much joy to me as I watched them be KIDS!  There is a time and place for stress as a mom I think.  But, often I let myself get stressed when it's totally not necessary.  Not everything about raising these kids is 'business'.  This moment with them changed my parenting a little bit more.  You know, we have many of those moments that cause your parenting to evolve in to what it is.  This was a big one for me.  I can't totally explain it.

Also in May, we took a road trip to Minnesota for our dear dear friend's wedding.  I was very nervous about the road trip with three kiddos, but it was actually amazing.  Craig and I were both shocked at how well our kids did for 18 hours in the car.  Of course, they each had their moments, but for the most part, it was awesome.  This past trip goes down as my most favorite trip to MN we have ever had.  The whole week was incredible.  Everything about it.  I loved it.  We saw so many people who we LOVE and really, truly enjoyed every single day.  I wish we could do it all over again.  For weeks before we left, I prayed and prayed for it to be a refreshing time full of joy, and it was.  God answered my prayers so specifically.  We needed a great trip after a very busy start to 2015.

NOW, here we are, already half way through JUNE!  What the heck?!?
So, yes, we got a HOME.  I'm not even sure how to begin to tell you what a gift this is to our family.  There are no words that could express how overjoyed, overwhelmed, and thankful we are for this.
We signed a ONE year lease to the house we live in now back in 2010, just a few weeks before Annabelle was born.  We assumed we would only be here for that one year.  Then, life happened.  And five years later, we are still here.  I have brought not just one, but three babies to this house.  We have grown and changed in this house.  A lot of life happened.
We have dreamed and talked for the past five years of a HOME.  Not just a house, but a HOME for our family. Craig and I were going through our garage a couple years ago, and came across some things that we had that we wished we could be using somewhere.  So we put them in a plastic bin, and labeled it , "SOMEDAY BOX". Since then, when we think of something we want, or start to talk about our dreams about a new home, we joke and say, "SOMEDAY BOX"!!  It's a little inside joke, and now you are in on it.  Ha!
We didn't think we would be able to leave this house for a while longer, but now we see God had different plans for our family.  Plans to allow us to use that box.  It's very surreal to both of us that this is happening right now.  We feel incredibly undeserving.
It's funny, when you pray for things, and then they happen, we are surprised?!?!?  God really is this good.  He really does answer prayers.  A LOT of time he answers them in ways we don't like, but sometimes He actually does answer them BEYOND what you would have dreamed or expected.

Ephesians 3:20 says,  "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us"
We keep pinching ourselves, and saying, " It really is this good".

The house we got is our "lipstick and rouge" house.  It was totally live able before, but I am married to a man who has visions, and I also have a dad who has similar visions!  They can walk into a house and SEE so much potential for good change. I walk in to a house, and see it the way it is RIGHT NOW.  It's hard for me to see what they see.
We got the keys to the house on a Thursday.  By Saturday, walls were knocked down, and framing for new walls was put up.  There have been many many hours spent over there making it a totally new place!  Craig has been having a blast, and so has my dad.  They are WORN out also of course.  When I walk in the house today, I do NOT understand how in the world we are supposed to actually LIVE there in less than two weeks.  (we have to be out of our rent home at the end of June).
But, I am very excited.  I am excited to make a HOME.  Not just live in a house, but a place we can make our own.  I am excited to watch my kids play in the back yard.
Just the other day, I was standing in the back yard under one of the beautiful trees.  I had Sky in my arms, and Annabelle and carter were standing right next to me.  I said, "we could put a tire swing in this tree for y'all!"  Then I started crying.  I stood there with my three babies and felt overwhelmed with God's love and provision for us.  I think I will be pinching myself for months after we move in.  "Is this real life?" I keep asking.  It is.  This is real life.

Our new backyard.

Annabelle's 'summer cut'

 When the time comes, I will post a bunch of before and after pics, but for now, this is my dad ripping at the kitchen.  Ha!  It's all so crazy to me.

 I've said it before and I will say it again.  Craig is an incredible daddy and I know I am blessed.  I had a 10k to run on Sunday, so Craig took ALL three kiddos to the grocery store by himself.  I got this picture while I was running.  My heart bursts, y'all.  

ENJOY SUMMER!!!  I am pretty positive we will!

PS...I am seeing that the videos i posted are not actually playing or playing with sound.  I am trying to fix it.

Happy Birthday, Annabelle!

Our beautiful first born is FIVE today!!!

 Right now, I am out of bed before my babies wake up to have some actual quiet time before my day begins. I'm reflecting right now onthat first morning with Annabelle, April 15, 2010. The force of such strong emotions still moves me. I never ever knew I could love so much. I never knew I could love in this way. This was a love I had never known existed prior to that morning, five years ago. 

Now, as I type this, I can hear her awake in her room joyfully playing with her precious younger brother, her best buddy. My heart is still bursting and growing and experiencing love that I never knew before.  

Annabelle is a spunky little fireball. She adores her daddy and shd loves her brother and sister. She loves tassels, all things FROZEN, tortillas, music, climbing, coloring, painting, dancing, running, her friend Justin, being outside, going for walks, talking (❤️), her cousins, Her four grandparents, stealing Skylars pacifiers, her purple puppy, making noise however she can, HEB trips with daddy, skirts and tutus, school, Mrs. Stewart,  and so much more! She loves her little world. She wakes up every morning just excited to start a new day. 

She both challenges us and blesses us and I don't know that I could be more thankful for our Annabelle!  God has entrusted her to Craig and I, and I often feel so unworthy that He chose me to be her mother. The mother of such a wonderful kid! 

Thank You, Jesus. 

Happy Fifth Birthday, Annabelle!! 

Craig

I just wanted to say that God gave me a wonderful husband. I know it. I'm so blessed. I am aware that God has given me an incredible gift in Craig. 

Things aren't always, or ever, perfect around here, but I am still an incredibly thankful wife. 

Happy Happy New Year!

At this time last year, I was filling in the blanks to a list of "promises to myself" for the year ahead.  Goals I wanted to accomplish in 2014, things about my habits to change, money to save for this or that, etc.  Craig and I sat down one evening and shared our lists with each other. With a little discipline and planning, all of our hopes and goals seemed totally attainable.

Just NINETEEN days into January 2014, I took a pregnancy test because of suspicion of a period that had been missing for a few days.  I took the test by myself in the bathroom and sat down on the toilet seat as I watched those TWO lines turn pink immediately.  I was shocked.  2014 was not going to be there year I had expected.  Most of my 'lists' basically got thrown out the window.

Of course, the year turned out much better than I had planned.  Much much better.  In my mind, and in my plans, having another baby in 2014 was not what was supposed to happen.  I did not think I was ready to do all of that again.  God knew better.  He planned Skylar's birthday, and I am thankful He did.   "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,  to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." -Ephesians 3:20&21
This verse is the theme of 2014 for our family. God blessed us so much more than we ever expected Him to.  And to Him be the glory.

Of course Skylar was the highlight of our year, but the New Year always has me reflecting back on the year behind.  I always find things from the year that changed me, encouraged me, inspired me.  2014 was eventful.  Parts of it absolutely amazing, parts of it not so great, parts of it just plain annoying. If I look back on the year, and do not see the points that helped me grow, then there is a problem.  Every year I want to grow.  As a mom, a wife, a friend, a homemaker, a sister, a part of our community, and just as a person in this crazy world.

We are looking forward to what 2015 has for my sweet family, my kiddos, my loved ones, my friends, and me personally. I haven't made any lists this year or new years resolutions.  I do have some hopes and dreams, but am at the point where I will "see how it goes".  I am content.  I do have goals for myself and for my little family, and will do what it takes to see them met.  I do, really do, hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.  :)




Pictures soon...........

Mary, did you know?

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo

The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

This song tugs at my heart strings and makes my eyes sweat EVERY time I hear it.  This song is amazing.  

Thank you , Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

Adventures in Potty Training

Before you continue reading this post, understand that it is a "mommy post" and I talk about potty training.  One of my pet peeves about social sites like Facebook, is mom's who update their status to share that their child just pooped for the first time on the potty or how they just peed for the second time that day.  Potty training posts on sites like that have ALWAYS bugged me because not everyone cares, and not everyone you are friends with wants to hear that.  Not everyone on your friend list is going to "like" that or high five you because your kid pooped on the potty. Fellow mommas might want to high five you, but most likely the majority of your friend list will just roll their eyes in annoyance.  But, here is a different thing.  I share things on this blog about my mommyhood journey, and you have the choice to continue reading or not.  This post is about potty training.  And some other things.  Proceed if you wish. 

Y'all!  Carter is potty trained!  What?!?
I have put off potty training Carter for a while because I know that it takes A LOT of commitment for the parent.  I wasn't ready to commit when I was tired and pregnant and wasn't ready to commit when I had a newborn. Actually, I wasn't sure when I was going to try, and I continued to come up with excuses.  And, really, I didn't even think he was interested AT ALL.  I was wrong.
It was eleven days ago, we had had a very busy week and had planned to go to MOPS that morning.  But, Annabelle woke up with a yucky stuffy nose, the weather was looking yucky, and I didn't want to get all four of us ready and out the door again that week. So, we stayed home.  And first thing that morning, I randomly and surprisingly asked Carter if he wanted to wear undies yet.  He got all excited about it and wanted undies, so I couldn't say no.  SO, we started potty training. The whole weekend looked rainy, and I knew we would be home a lot that week because it was Thanksgiving and we didn't have anything besides that on the schedule.  (Potty training requires a LOT of time at home.  And a LOT of time in the bathroom.)
 He has not been in a diaper at all since then (except for nap and bedtime).  He got the hang of it pretty much by the third day! There were times we sat in the bathroom for over 20 minutes just waiting for something to happen.  I started with a timer for the first three days.  He would hear the timer go off every 20-30 minutes, and know that it was time to go try.  If he didn't go that round, I would set it for a way shorter time, like 5-10 min.  Sometimes he would just hear the timer, and tell me he wasn't ready yet.
Now, he tells me when he has to go instead of me prompting him.  I am blown away and SO SO proud of him!  We took a trip out to the Christmas tree farm the other day, and Carter told us on the way that he had to go.  So, we pulled over into the closest bathroom, a Wal Mart.  He went for the first time in a public bathroom. Then, today, he went twice at Hobby Lobby while we were there searching for crafty things.
I had bought him an Elmo potty book a couple days before we started and I had planned to give him at Christmas to encourage him towards training.  I gave it to him the day he started and he loved it.
(I will use discretion when it comes to posting pictures of a kid on the potty, don't worry.) :)

The day we started, all the candy or sweet treat in the house was a box of Sour Patch Kids.  He got one every time he went, and we went through that box FAST!  Now, they are not called Sour Patch Kids around here, but "Potty Treats".

I am SO proud of him. I can't believe how fast he caught on.  I so hope this continues this well.  He is an amazing kid.  

Skylar's First Thanksgiving!  Yes, she is often that smiley and happy.

I really could not have asked for a better baby.  She is seriously just delightful.  I even said the other day that she is "Annabelle good" when someone asked me if she was a good baby.  Annabelle was a dream baby.  I mean, a pretty perfect baby.  Skylar is pretty darn close to that.
I took this picture when we were at the doctor for her two month check up. So happy.  She had her first round of vaccines that day, and I saw her cry in a way I had not ever seen her cry.  That afternoon, she was so upset at one point, that I could not console her.  I am pretty sure her legs were just sore from the shots.  But, it was so out of character for her to cry like that and for me to not be able to comfort her made me cry.  I called Craig in tears because I was so hurt for her.  He actually came home like a half hour early that day just to be with us. Without me asking. What a guy.  What a daddy!

So far, this Fall has been a very chilly one.  For us in the south, at least.  Texas weather is very strange, though.  It can be really super cold one day, and the next day we could be in shorts and sandals at the lake.  Anyway, our heater has shut off twice already this year, and we woke up to a very cold house.  It has since been fixed, but we were really happy for the fireplace in the mean time.  I love love this picture because Annabelle was singing happy birthday to Carter as they sat by the fire.  Pretty sure it is her favorite song.

We are really blessed that Annabelle has been at such a wonderful school again this semester.  Some changes are coming for her and our family come January, but for the next two weeks, I am soaking up the moments she has left at this school. She will be going to a school where she can be in a class with kiddos her age, and where they will focus more on HER specific needs and goals.  Such as speech.  I am feeling really good about this change, but also very emotional to see her move on from this preschool.  This is from her Thanksgiving feast, and we are so glad that daddy was able to leave work for just a bit to come be with her.


Thanksgiving here was really wonderful.  Craig was off for four whole days in a row, and we felt like we were on vacation.  We stayed busy spending time with family and eating great food.  We love hosting, and I asked my family if we could just make it a tradition that we always do Thanksgiving at our home.  Craig loves doing the turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing.  He is in the kitchen all morning and really enjoys it.

Since the moment Thanksgiving was over, I was dying to decorate for Christmas.  I was actually wanting to totally decorate before thanksgiving, but held off a little bit.  I really dislike our fake pre-lit tree.  It seems only about 75% of the lights actually still work, and it is just starting to look sad.  So, I asked Craig if he would be up for getting a REAL tree this year.  I love having a real tree at Christmas.  I love how full they look, how they smell and just the overall experience of it.  Sunday afternoon, we drove the kiddos out to the Christmas tree farm to cut our own down.  The kids had a lot of fun on the hayride, petting some animals, and picking out a tree.  I think the older they get, the more they will like it.

I love love this picture of Craig and Skylar.  We went for a little Christmas shopping/dinner date with her the other night.  It was so awesome to just be with her for a little while.  Isn't this adorable?!?

Life with Three

I am often asked how life with three is.  How the transition has been for the four of us who were a family before sweet Skylar joined us.  So, I wanted to give a little post about my thoughts on these questions.  I want to look back on this post one day and remember how I felt.

SO FAR, it's been really great.  Actually a little better than I might have expected.  That for sure does NOT mean that I don't have moments that are really tough. But overall, the transition from two to three kids has been wonderful.  The hardest thing so far is getting out of the house.  And I am pretty much forced to get out of the house at least three times a week to take Annabelle to school.  My mornings are very very busy those days.  I have FOUR people to get ready.  All fed, changed, and presentable.  It's tough.  Annabelle is late to school probably 90% of the time.  But, it's preschool and her teacher is so sweet and understanding.  Whew!  Besides school, MOPS and my parent's house, I have not been anywhere by myself with all three kids yet.  Actually, I don't know when I will.  How can I run errands with all three?  I haven't quite figured that out yet.  I usually save errands or shopping for days when Annabelle is at school so that I only have to take two with me.  It is hard to be so outnumbered! And, thank God for drive thru Starbucks and drive thru Chick Fil A!

The kids have also adjusted really really well.  They are very sweet to their baby sister.  Someone actually asked me this morning how the kids were doing with her, and I realized that Sky is now a part of their lives so much, that they seem to think she has been there forever.  They "help" me out as much as a two and four year old can.  They grab me diapers, blankets, clothes and they know when she needs her paci.  It is super cute when Carter puts her paci in her mouth.  He says, "I did it!" almost every time.

Skylar has also learned very quickly how to nap through a LOT of noise!  Seems like my house is never really quiet, and she is a pro at staying asleep.  I am learning how to be a momma to three young kids, and learning something new every day.  Is dinner time all the way to bed time crazy in every home, or just mine?  It's a little crazier now, but I am managing.  Craig has come home to a disaster AND a burned dinner a couple times in the last six weeks.  I told Craig that I wish he could come home to a wonderfully clean home, dinner on the table, and precious well behaved kids every single day.  But, most days don't look like that in our home.  I am trying. And learning.  And growing.  And SO BUSY. And SO tired.  :)

Skylar is such a great baby so far.  I have no complaints.  I mean, I would love to sleep more at night, but maybe I will be able to sleep in like 18 years.  Or in heaven.  I am so so thankful for a great baby.  The Lord has really blessed this little family, and is continuing to bless us as we are transitioning into a family of FIVE.

Look at my two cuties.  This was on picture day for Annabelle.  Isn't she beautiful?!?!

I really cherish the mornings that we get to just stay at home.  I can enjoy my coffee and POSSIBLY enjoy it while it is still hot.  I might even get to eat a hot breakfast.  And I love that I get to sit and hold Sky while I watch these two play...

Carter and Annabelle love to hold her.  It lasts maybe under a minute, but they love it.

This picture was taken sometime in the middle of the night or early early morning.  She had a full belly at this point, and just stared at me and smiled.  I was so so tired, but had a hard time putting her back down to go to sleep.  So, I soaked up the moment a little.  :)

They love to be by her.

Do you not just love this super cute picture of her in her pumpkin hat!?!  Her first Halloween!

I didn't even ask them to pose like this by the tree.  They just did.  And I happened to capture the most adorable Halloween pictures....

And I wanted to match my little Pipi~

And Craig got to match his little Pirate!

Life of a nursing Mom...feeding the babe in a dressing room while shopping.

LOVE that she still falls asleep on my shoulder.

So I do have a confession...

I didn't take Annabelle to school yesterday.  Wanna know why? Because it was RAINING!  I know, I know, sounds so silly.  And in the moment, I felt really silly.  It was cold and raining, and I wondered if it was worth it to get all four of us out of the house and most likely soaked.  I decided, no, it wasn't worth it.  And, we were actually all ready to go and getting in the car when I made the decision.  I should have planned ahead and asked for help from one of my family members, but I didn't. :/  I could have worked it out if I thought of it. 

TWO things I have learned since having Skylar....

1.  Don't feel bad for the decisions you make that may seem silly at the time, but are actually BETTER for you and your family.  

2. ASK FOR HELP, and ACCEPT help when it is offered.  I often have such a hard time accepting OR asking for help, but I have gotten SO much better at it since having her.  It is almost like something changed the moment she was born and I just knew I needed to be more ok with others stepping in.  

Anyways, so that's a little bit about our life now with three kiddos.  I love being a mommy to them, and I really do think that I had the best kids I could have ever asked for.  Life is far from perfect, and is often hard, but I do still love it.  I mean, COFFEE helps!  :)