8.11.2015
8.09.2015
Time of My Life
My three kiddos are five and under. There are days where that is really hard. We (Craig and I) are tiiiiiiired at the end of the day. (And in the middle of the night and again in the middle of the night and then again in the morning) ;)
The ages and needs of our kiddos are demanding. We can't go everywhere we want to go. We can't do a lot of the things that we want to do. We can't let them out of our sight for long.
Craig and I don't often get to have alone time or carry on conversations. We are constantly moving it seems. There is also constant noise. Ha.
I've been pondering this a lot more after being invited to a pool party recently. I avoid certain parties, invitations, play dates when I may have to go alone because it's just easier to not be stressed than to go to certain events and not be able to enjoy myself. I became a whole lot more ok with saying NO after I had Sky. Craig was able to go to this pool party since it was on a Saturday. And they are great friends, so we wanted to go. I was still a little nervous, and expected to not even be able to carry on a conversation with MY buddies because I would have to have my eyes (or my hands) on them at all times. But, it was really fun. Even with all three kids there. It was relaxing, and not actually stressful, which may have been because I felt more relaxed. Yea, we had to keep watch, but my attitude was just different or something.
Don't know where I am going with that story, but I've been cherishing the days lately. Yes, it's constant and exhausting, but when I say I looooooove it, I really mean it. God has given me so much joy in this season of our lives. I am realizing more and more how this is just another season of life. The kids are at an age where they crawl up on the couch and snuggle us. They randomly run up to us and hug us. They excitedly greet us when we walk through the door. They give us kisses when we ask. They hold our hands when walking somewhere. They are small enough to pick up and hold. They are small enough to be tossed in the air and squeal with joy. They get excited to see us when we pick them up from Sunday school. They are gentle, pure, innocent, FORGIVING, compassionate, full of grace, precious precious precious children.
So, i understand, THIS is the time of our lives. They are growing so fast before our eyes, and while I know we have wonderful moments to look forward to when they get older, I will miss this stage and possibly forget a lot of it. I don't want to forget their little dimpled hands. The sparkle in their precious eyes. Their sweet small voices. Their sweet smells.
Carter randomly throughout the day will tell us he loves us. It's one of my most favorite things right now. THIS IS THE TIME OF MY LIFE!
7.29.2015
Lazy hazy dayz of summer...
7.18.2015
Mom confession
There are many things that I said I would never do before I had kids. Now that I am a parent, so much of it I take back. There are lots of things I wouldn't mind confessing. Like this one... 
I said I would never use TV as a babysitter. In fact, I even judged those who did. I apologize to any parent I ever judged. I had no business. I didn't know what I was talking about.
But, this is often how I am even able to take a shower. Baby girl down for a nap, and each kiddo with an iPad.
Judge away. I am clean and have clothes on and even have makeup on.
Thanks, babysitter iPad.
7.15.2015
LOTS by Little
The title pertains to this awesome house we now live in. It is coming together. I would say, 'little by little', but it was ALOT. I finally have a couple before and after pics to share.
It's been a pretty crazy, and Craig and my dad put many many hours into making this house into what it is. We had a deadline to getting out of our other house and another deadline to make the house not only livable, but presentable for a Fourth of July and housewarming party. The last weeks of June were incredibly busy. The move was busy. All pretty awesome, too. It's all still so unbelievable to me. I am so so thankful for this home and this whole experience.
It's been a pretty crazy, and Craig and my dad put many many hours into making this house into what it is. We had a deadline to getting out of our other house and another deadline to make the house not only livable, but presentable for a Fourth of July and housewarming party. The last weeks of June were incredibly busy. The move was busy. All pretty awesome, too. It's all still so unbelievable to me. I am so so thankful for this home and this whole experience.
THIS is the front of the house. These two pics were the ones used online when we first saw the listing.
So cute. I love it. And, I love the front yard so much.
So, here we go. I wanted to post some before, during and after pictures of this amazing process.
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SO, these next pics are pretty much just teasers. I accidently uploaded them, but figured I would leave them and probably repost them when I do a post about the rest of the house. This bedroom is the master. For some strange reason, the original layout had the bathroom IN the bedroom. Do you see how there is no wall or door to the bathroom? Weird. Also, you will notice a closet to the right. This was a second closet for the master. There is also one in the bathroom.
Ripping out the closet.
Closet ripped out, and a wall and door are framed to close off the bathroom.
I will update this as soon as the master actually feels finished to me. Right now, it mostly just needs to be painted. And, there are still moving boxes that need to be put away, and eventually pictures to be hung. Till then, I don't want to post the 'after' pics.
These next two pictures are also the pictures we saw in the listing. The kitchen. Notice the low ceilings, ugly paint colors, and ugly cabinet above cooktop.
Process of raising the ceiling...
Ceiling ripped out.
The Ceiling with sheetrock.
AND, this was TODAY! Such a difference. Walls have been painted, hideous hood vent and cabinet removed, ceiling raised and all popcorn from ceiling scraped and re-textured. Also, please notice the amazing new lights (ALL OF THEM) that my hunky electrician husband did. (He did some pretty amazing electrical work throughout the whole house.)
Here's that man...
View in dining room. The little 'cubby' between the dining and the garage was a "laundry room". It was miniature and inconvenient. So, it changed. See my dad? He was getting ready to knock down that wall. Where he is standing was the washing machine. Behind him, was the dryer.
No more wall!!!! Wooooo hooooo! (In the NEAR future, I hope to make that little corner by the door a coffee/wet bar. )
To the right of that door is now our pantry. NOT our dryer. My dad just added shelving and a door.
See that corner NOW? Perfect spot for a precious coffee bar, don't you think?
Check out this groovy panoramic I took with my iphone. SUCH a different kitchen/dining room. We have plans that Craig drew up to someday make this ENTIRE space the kitchen. It will be pretty cool. But, this is enough change for now. ;)
The next two pics were also the pics that were in the listing. This is one room. Originally.
Next to this bedroom was a hall closet. A really big hall closet. Craig had the brilliant idea to knock out the wall between the closet and bedroom, add a wall, and make TWO rooms. Right there,they turned a three bedroom home into a four bedroom. It was a BIG job.
The hall closet wall knocked out.
Here is the wall framed. Basically smack dab in the middle of the original room.
New closet framed in Annabelle and Carter's room.
Wall added!! This is Skylar's room.
And, TODAY. Her precious, precious light pink, dainty, girly room.
And another nifty panoramic
Annabelle and Carter's room. With Walls!
And, today!
Cute, right? (Beds still need to be put together. These beds were Craig and his brother's beds when they were kids. I painted and distressed them with chalk paint. Will post another pic when they are put together.)
Panoramic.
Crazy the difference, right. It still amazes me. Every room upstairs also got their ceilings scraped of popcorn and retextured. They also got NEW carpet everywhere up stairs. I LOVE our new carpet. It isn't anything special, but it is very soft and there is something wonderful about brand new carpet. I have turned into a crazy lady when it comes to this carpet. I don't want ANY shoes worn upstairs or ANY food or drinks. I mean, even the kids bringing water up there. Ha. But, it's all turned out so beautiful. The kids are cozy and fit so perfectly into their new rooms.
THIS is the original picture from the listing of the other room upstairs. The Playroom. It is across the hall from the other two. This room has been our absolute last priority in the whole house. There just really isn't much to do here. I have worked on taking that gross border off, and it's been a real pill. So far, only half the room is done. New ceilings, new carpet.
This is our playroom/my craft room/ i don't know what else room in the future. I am going to block off the area with the built in desk with a baby gate, and make it my craft nook. It's still a mess and in process.
The rest is play! There will be a daybed up there for guests, or a 'couch', or for one of our kiddos to crash on if needed. I got a daybed off craigslist for $20 and plan to paint it something cute.
Whew. There you have it. And that is only some of it. NOW, things will happen little by little. The major things were done. I will post more as things progress. We still have a lot of cosmetic changes to make.
I am loving making this place our own. I needed a new nest. It's wonderful. I am learning about the little quirks of this place and figuring out how to make them work. Seeing my family here brings an incredible amount of joy to me every day. It is more perfect for us than I ever ever knew.
PS. Some of the panoramic pics are a little wonky cause I guess I can't hold my phone straight. My house doesn't really look like a fun house mirror.
6.16.2015
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.
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.
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.
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