Some days I just need to be raw here, and today I guess is one of those days.
Things with the new house are moving along, but not nearly fast enough for my liking.
I'm tired of not having my own space. I'm tired of living out of boxes and in someone else's home.
I'm doing the best I can to enjoy this time and to make it memorable for my kids, but it's hard some days.
Some days are amazing, and we have a great day and all seems right in the world. And others, I just want to crawl in a hole and cry for a good while.
I know that all of this is nessecary, yet some days I wonder why.
I trust God, and yet I often question where this is all leading. What he is teaching me.
I find that I often don't wonder WHY it is happening, just what it is he wants me to learn, and then when I don't get answers to that, I get frustrated.
Anyhow, friends, if you could just lift our family up over the next few weeks as this finishes up. Pray for good attitudes, for more great days than frustrating days, for peace for our kids hearts.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Homeless.
Wow, the last month has been a whirlwind. I'm exhausted just thinking back on everything we've done.
So, for a short recap... we packed up our house and put it in storage, and are staying with family for the time being.
The kids aren't doing too badly with the change, and closing on the new house is set for 2 weeks from now. Pray with us that things work out smoothly!!!
We've been super busy with ball, the kids are loving it and we're loving watching them have fun!
The kids are doing great, and growing so fast! Hopefully we can update soon with pictures of the new house!!!
So, for a short recap... we packed up our house and put it in storage, and are staying with family for the time being.
The kids aren't doing too badly with the change, and closing on the new house is set for 2 weeks from now. Pray with us that things work out smoothly!!!
We've been super busy with ball, the kids are loving it and we're loving watching them have fun!
The kids are doing great, and growing so fast! Hopefully we can update soon with pictures of the new house!!!
Friday, March 29, 2013
I have SO much to be doing.
I have so much to be working on, and I felt the need to blog. Go figure. :)
So my tiny turned TWO earlier this month. I cannot believe how fast that went. The boys had a great party and Elijah turns 5 this week! Everything turned out awesome and they had a great time.
We agreed on a contract on a house. Waiting on final paperwork and then we'll submit our binder and proceed toward closing!
I can't say I'm not a little nervous and I'm definitely stressed over this, but I'm learning to let go and just let God work.
We are gearing up for a huge Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow with Lakewood Kids, and I can't wait to see how that turns out.
With that being said, enjoy the weekend with your family, and celebrate our Risen King.
So my tiny turned TWO earlier this month. I cannot believe how fast that went. The boys had a great party and Elijah turns 5 this week! Everything turned out awesome and they had a great time.
We agreed on a contract on a house. Waiting on final paperwork and then we'll submit our binder and proceed toward closing!
I can't say I'm not a little nervous and I'm definitely stressed over this, but I'm learning to let go and just let God work.
We are gearing up for a huge Easter Egg Hunt tomorrow with Lakewood Kids, and I can't wait to see how that turns out.
With that being said, enjoy the weekend with your family, and celebrate our Risen King.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Baseball, Softball, Moving
When I say that I knew this spring would be crazy, I had NO idea just how crazy it would be!!!
We officially signed both older kids up to play ball. 2 practice a week for now, which will turn into 1 practice and 2 games a week. EACH. That makes 2 practices and 4 games a week.
As it looks right now, we'll be at the ball field Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for sure.
Add into that, Wed night church, Friday night small group, and Sunday church. I'm tired just thinking about it! haha Oh and don't forget dance!
Thankfully, this first week, went well. We will have a lot of adjustment to do to our daily schedules to make everything work and get the school work done and the rest we need, but I have no doubt it's going to be a lot of fun! I look forward to warm days at the field, hanging out with friends and family.
This week, my baby turns TWO. Next weekend we are having a party for both boys combined... should be fun. The following week will be our HUGE Easter egg hunt, and of course Easter itself. That week is Elijah's 5th birthday! I cannot believe it's been FIVE years!
After that, the rest of April will be spent preparing for Derek's big birthday bash (he turns 30!) and packing, packing, and packing some more! We're MOVING at the end of April!!!! I cannot believe how fast that's coming up. I'm looking forward to it, and nervous all the same. Pray for us, for guidance and wisdom, and for patience.
We officially signed both older kids up to play ball. 2 practice a week for now, which will turn into 1 practice and 2 games a week. EACH. That makes 2 practices and 4 games a week.
As it looks right now, we'll be at the ball field Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for sure.
Add into that, Wed night church, Friday night small group, and Sunday church. I'm tired just thinking about it! haha Oh and don't forget dance!
Thankfully, this first week, went well. We will have a lot of adjustment to do to our daily schedules to make everything work and get the school work done and the rest we need, but I have no doubt it's going to be a lot of fun! I look forward to warm days at the field, hanging out with friends and family.
This week, my baby turns TWO. Next weekend we are having a party for both boys combined... should be fun. The following week will be our HUGE Easter egg hunt, and of course Easter itself. That week is Elijah's 5th birthday! I cannot believe it's been FIVE years!
After that, the rest of April will be spent preparing for Derek's big birthday bash (he turns 30!) and packing, packing, and packing some more! We're MOVING at the end of April!!!! I cannot believe how fast that's coming up. I'm looking forward to it, and nervous all the same. Pray for us, for guidance and wisdom, and for patience.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Amber and Hazelwood. (PRODUCT REVIEW)
Have you ever lived through a teething baby screaming at night?
If you have, many hugs, because I know your pain.
I can only wish I had known about Baltic Amber way before my third was born.
I received this beautiful necklace from Teething tots. And the difference it has made in our lives is tremendous.
When we first put the amber necklace on Asher, he went from waking more than five times a night and swollen gums and all, to sleeping through the night, being a much happier baby and his gums were no longer swollen and his teeth came through almost immediately.
I can't imagine living life without it now.
This is a little of what her site says about Baltic Amber.
This necklaces is beaded with hazelwood, lapis lazuli, and hematite to offset the others. I love the way it looks. It's so fun but practical and I can wear it with almost anything and not worry about it clashing.
Here's a little about what her website has to say about these:
Overall, I think this one is great as well. It's strong and durable which is important with 3 young kids and it's not too heavy even with the wood and hematite. I thought that would make it heavy, but it doesn't.
If you have little ones with eczema, or have eczema yourself, this may be the way to go. I'm a natural kinda girl, so I'd pick this before I tried any steroid cream or anything like that to treat eczema for sure!!
** In full disclosure, I was given these products to review at no cost to me. All opinions stated here are my own**
If you have, many hugs, because I know your pain.
I can only wish I had known about Baltic Amber way before my third was born.
I received this beautiful necklace from Teething tots. And the difference it has made in our lives is tremendous.
When we first put the amber necklace on Asher, he went from waking more than five times a night and swollen gums and all, to sleeping through the night, being a much happier baby and his gums were no longer swollen and his teeth came through almost immediately.
I can't imagine living life without it now.
This is a little of what her site says about Baltic Amber.
Amber is fossilized sap which contains trace amounts of succinic acid, a known anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. The warmth from the skin releases the active ingredient in the amber. The active ingredient is quickly absorbed into the blood stream, when worn against the skin, soothing a baby naturally while he or she struggles with the pain of cutting brand new teeth. By having your baby wear the necklace everyday, it will help to reduce the common symptoms related to teething such as; redness in the cheeks, swollen gums, diaper rashes and fevers.
The necklace is so well made, and adorable at that. It is knotted between each bead so that even if he broke the necklace, there would be little to no chance of a choking hazard because none of the beads would fall off! Not only that, it's made to break with force so if he got caught on something, it'd break almost instantly.
I seriously will continue to have our kids wear these because I've seen the benefits first hand, and they are worth every penny.
The customer service is AMAZING. Corie is so easy to work with and so kind and quick to respond.
I also got to try out one of these Hazelwood necklaces for myself.
I have horrible eczema and the Hazelwood is supposed to help with that. I was a little skeptical at first, but I've really enjoyed wearing it AND it seems to be working. I've slept better than I used to because I'm not waking up to itch all night which is a HUGE plus.
This necklaces is beaded with hazelwood, lapis lazuli, and hematite to offset the others. I love the way it looks. It's so fun but practical and I can wear it with almost anything and not worry about it clashing.
Here's a little about what her website has to say about these:
Hazelwood provides a natural alternative to many of the more expensive, intensive, and messy treatments. Hazelwood is an alkaline wood and has the natural property of absorbing and neutralizing the body's acidity through contact with the skin. Acidity in the body during teething often leads to symptoms such as diaper rash, diarrhea, teething rash, runny nose, increased reflux episodes and inflammation of the cheeks. Hazelwood aids in relieving or preventing many of the symptoms caused by this unbalanced acidity.
Overall, I think this one is great as well. It's strong and durable which is important with 3 young kids and it's not too heavy even with the wood and hematite. I thought that would make it heavy, but it doesn't.
If you have little ones with eczema, or have eczema yourself, this may be the way to go. I'm a natural kinda girl, so I'd pick this before I tried any steroid cream or anything like that to treat eczema for sure!!
** In full disclosure, I was given these products to review at no cost to me. All opinions stated here are my own**
Sunday, February 17, 2013
23 months.
Yall, I cannot believe my baby will be TWO next month.
He's the sweetest thing, and so fiesty too. Not much has changed since last month, he's still talking like crazy, and loving running and jumping and climbing and falling down :)
He loves to sing about Jesus, and he loves to pray for you. So stinkin cute.
His favorite song is Hallelujah. Though recently he's picked up "I want candy" from the kids watching HOP.
He's becoming so independent and continues to amaze me with how smart he is.
I can't believe how fast it goes.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Chaos!
The past few weeks have been insane. We got home from CLR and found out we need to MOVE by the end of April.
Our landlord wants to put our house on the market and our lease is up in April.
So, this began the process of applying for loans, and looking for houses etc.
We found a house we love, though that is subject to change, and now we're just waiting on loan officers to finish working things out and see what we qualify for etc.
This is a scary time, but we're loving it too, we're excited to finally move!!
And I'll leave you with a few pictures from the last few weeks. There aren't many because my phone went down the proverbial toilet. However, getting a new phone was a highlight of the month. :)
Our landlord wants to put our house on the market and our lease is up in April.
So, this began the process of applying for loans, and looking for houses etc.
We found a house we love, though that is subject to change, and now we're just waiting on loan officers to finish working things out and see what we qualify for etc.
This is a scary time, but we're loving it too, we're excited to finally move!!
And I'll leave you with a few pictures from the last few weeks. There aren't many because my phone went down the proverbial toilet. However, getting a new phone was a highlight of the month. :)
Monday, January 28, 2013
CLR 2013
We got the amazing privilege to spend a few days in Tennessee this past week.
Favorite comment of the week: As we were pulling through Knoxville, we began to see some snow on the banks of the Interstate... Kyley looks up and says MOM!!! What's the white stuff??? Awesome.
We drove up on Wednesday, checked in and got everything situated, and headed to our first 'session'.
We were so blessed to be able to spend this time with about 50 other people who are where we are. Other children's pastors in our denomination from Alabama. It was pretty awesome to get to network some and pick brain about ideas.
Our kids were amazing. For the most part they were still and quiet and entertained themselves while we were in group sessions and they had so much fun during the other times as well.
Thursday morning, we had a session which we followed by some free time. We ended up taking the kids to look at a rock mining site we'd seen, and the indian trade post. We also visited a huge Christian book clearance store, and a few souvenir shops.
Finally we ended up at Fudruckers for lunch. We've obviously never been but it was great and we plan on going back when we are in the area again.
We finished up Thursday evening with another group session and ended up hanging out downstairs (even with our kids) until well after midnight chatting and getting to know the other couples there.
Friday was a 'free day' that we intended to spend playing putt putt or seeing some sites, however there was a cold front that pushed through and everything was frozen.
We took the kids to Gatti's (an arcade/pizza buffet/etc) and enjoyed the afternoon seeing sites and visiting a few more souvenir shops just for fun.
The main event of the day though, was the Dixie Stampede. If you've never been, it's worth going at least once.
The whole experience was neat, and my kids were wide eyed and just taking in the whole experience most of the time.
We spent our evening watching some 'rodeo' type entertainment, but it was really neat!
Saturday it was time to pack up and head home, so we headed for Chick Fil A for lunch before we hit the road and made the long journey home (and it was LONGER than expected due to some crazy events that won't be mentioned here haha)
We had one last fun stop before we made it home, and that was to have dinner with some sweet friends in the Birmingham area. AND we finally got to meet sweet Gia. The kids were so excited to see her, and of course Derek and I were stoked to get to spend some time with Malerie and Kevin.
We came home exhausted but it was a great, refreshing time away, and we're so glad we had the opportunity to go.
Favorite comment of the week: As we were pulling through Knoxville, we began to see some snow on the banks of the Interstate... Kyley looks up and says MOM!!! What's the white stuff??? Awesome.
We drove up on Wednesday, checked in and got everything situated, and headed to our first 'session'.
We were so blessed to be able to spend this time with about 50 other people who are where we are. Other children's pastors in our denomination from Alabama. It was pretty awesome to get to network some and pick brain about ideas.
Thursday morning, we had a session which we followed by some free time. We ended up taking the kids to look at a rock mining site we'd seen, and the indian trade post. We also visited a huge Christian book clearance store, and a few souvenir shops.
Finally we ended up at Fudruckers for lunch. We've obviously never been but it was great and we plan on going back when we are in the area again.
Friday was a 'free day' that we intended to spend playing putt putt or seeing some sites, however there was a cold front that pushed through and everything was frozen.
We took the kids to Gatti's (an arcade/pizza buffet/etc) and enjoyed the afternoon seeing sites and visiting a few more souvenir shops just for fun.
The main event of the day though, was the Dixie Stampede. If you've never been, it's worth going at least once.
The whole experience was neat, and my kids were wide eyed and just taking in the whole experience most of the time.
We spent our evening watching some 'rodeo' type entertainment, but it was really neat!
Saturday it was time to pack up and head home, so we headed for Chick Fil A for lunch before we hit the road and made the long journey home (and it was LONGER than expected due to some crazy events that won't be mentioned here haha)
We had one last fun stop before we made it home, and that was to have dinner with some sweet friends in the Birmingham area. AND we finally got to meet sweet Gia. The kids were so excited to see her, and of course Derek and I were stoked to get to spend some time with Malerie and Kevin.
Friday, January 18, 2013
22 months.
This boy never ceases to amaze me.
He found a paci and thinks it's his best friend again. (I have a love/hate relationship with this... love the extra sleep...hate the paci)
He is smart as a whip. He can follow simple commands (think, hey go throw this away in the trash) and he LOVES to make you happy by doing what you've asked.
The kid loves shoes. boots. slippers. anything for his feet!
He now is rocking a mohawk (along with his big brother)
He prays for us and is so sweet, he gets so excited to pray over someone.
He loves to repeat things. He'll try to repeat pretty much any word you ask of him.
He loves his daddy, and his doe doe... I think he has an obsession :)
Just today, he told me POOPY, BEFORE he pooped! And then when I sat him on the potty screamed NOOOOOOOO .... and DIAPER... until I put a diaper on him so he could poop.(tmi?)
He's still sweet and loveable and cuddly, but has a fierce and feisty side to him too.
I probably said this at this point with Elijah too, but he's showing no signs of weaning, so I anticipate we'll nurse well into his second year... however, Elijah weaned right at his 2nd birthday, so who knows.
Last week, we measured the kids on our wall chart, and he's already passed Elijah by a good 3 inches from when Elijah was 2. This kid is going to be taller than the other two for sure.
I can't believe he's about to be TWO years old in just a few months. We're already in the planning stages of a joint party with his brother and I can't believe it's approaching so quickly.
He found a paci and thinks it's his best friend again. (I have a love/hate relationship with this... love the extra sleep...hate the paci)
He is smart as a whip. He can follow simple commands (think, hey go throw this away in the trash) and he LOVES to make you happy by doing what you've asked.
The kid loves shoes. boots. slippers. anything for his feet!
He now is rocking a mohawk (along with his big brother)
He prays for us and is so sweet, he gets so excited to pray over someone.
He loves to repeat things. He'll try to repeat pretty much any word you ask of him.
He loves his daddy, and his doe doe... I think he has an obsession :)
Just today, he told me POOPY, BEFORE he pooped! And then when I sat him on the potty screamed NOOOOOOOO .... and DIAPER... until I put a diaper on him so he could poop.(tmi?)
He's still sweet and loveable and cuddly, but has a fierce and feisty side to him too.
I probably said this at this point with Elijah too, but he's showing no signs of weaning, so I anticipate we'll nurse well into his second year... however, Elijah weaned right at his 2nd birthday, so who knows.
Last week, we measured the kids on our wall chart, and he's already passed Elijah by a good 3 inches from when Elijah was 2. This kid is going to be taller than the other two for sure.
I can't believe he's about to be TWO years old in just a few months. We're already in the planning stages of a joint party with his brother and I can't believe it's approaching so quickly.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
My Prayer.
There are so many things I want in my life for my children.
I wish for them to grow up knowing right from wrong.
I wish for them to treat others kindly.
I wish for them to learn how to make mistakes and learn from them.
I wish for them to love themselves.
I wish for them to learn to be fair, and just, and compassionate to others.
We all want our kids to grow up and be successful. We want our kids to make something of themselves. We set expectations high and we push our kids to be better people and learn from even our own mistakes.
In all of my years pastoring youth and children, I've learned a few things. And one of the most important is this.
None of the things I pray over my children are important if they don't KNOW HIS VOICE.
So may my prayer be daily and forever this. That my children know Christ, and KNOW His voice.
May they know His voice clearly and may He make Himself known to them.
Amen.
I wish for them to grow up knowing right from wrong.
I wish for them to treat others kindly.
I wish for them to learn how to make mistakes and learn from them.
I wish for them to love themselves.
I wish for them to learn to be fair, and just, and compassionate to others.
We all want our kids to grow up and be successful. We want our kids to make something of themselves. We set expectations high and we push our kids to be better people and learn from even our own mistakes.
In all of my years pastoring youth and children, I've learned a few things. And one of the most important is this.
None of the things I pray over my children are important if they don't KNOW HIS VOICE.
So may my prayer be daily and forever this. That my children know Christ, and KNOW His voice.
May they know His voice clearly and may He make Himself known to them.
Amen.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Out with the old, In with the new.
As 2012 comes to an end in just a few short hours, there are so many things I'm thankful for in the past year, and so many things I want to do differently in the new year.
I am not a fan of resolutions, most just set you up for failure, but I do think that evaluating where you've been and where you are going is worth it. It doesn't have to be at the new year, it could be every few months, or even weeks, whatever you desire. But it's worth it.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
For me personally,
I want to live with no regrets
I want to make beautiful memories that last forever
I want to pray more often
I want to memorize more Scripture and hide it in my heart
I want to honor my husband more
I want to be more organized, even if I've taken large steps already to get there
I want to need less and give more
I just want Jesus.
I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me this year.
For our marriage.
For our family.
For our church.
For our ministry.
For our friends.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Christmas Craziness.
I have to slow down daily and remind myself WHY we celebrate Christmas.
Unfortunately, this time of year gets busy.
Christmas parties.
Dance recitals.
Birthdays.
Family Dinners.
Present wrapping.
Weddings.
Decorating.
Baking.
And then there's the normal stuff.
cooking,
cleaning,
school.
church,
dance
and making time for family time.
Life gets hectic but we are having so much fun and trying to instill in the kids how much fun it is to GIVE rather than receive and how to enjoy CHRIST in this season.
Unfortunately, this time of year gets busy.
Christmas parties.
Dance recitals.
Birthdays.
Family Dinners.
Present wrapping.
Weddings.
Decorating.
Baking.
And then there's the normal stuff.
cooking,
cleaning,
school.
church,
dance
and making time for family time.
Life gets hectic but we are having so much fun and trying to instill in the kids how much fun it is to GIVE rather than receive and how to enjoy CHRIST in this season.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Happy 8th Birthday Kyley!
I cannot believe my baby girl is 8 years old today.
I have always loved her birthday.
12/12/04 at 12:44
My baby girl loves to create things. Art, drawings, books, crafts, anything she can, she loves it.
She is also learning that she loves reading.
She loves Dr. Who, Merida (Brave), and lots of 'bling'.
She's so fun of love and life and I can't wait to see what God has in store for her!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)