loud music. messy faces. and big dreams.

Pig-tails

2011-05-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

This little babe sure does make me smile. I realized last week that her sweet little lisp is gone...I am not even sure when it happened...but she says her "S's" quite perfectly now. I also realized that she just doesn't really have any of her "baby-face-roundness" anymore either. But...I do know that she still asks me to do her hair in pig-tails...which makes her look 100% girly...and I LOVE that!

My goodness...I love this little man

2011-03-07T09:36:00.000-08:00

I had a date night with my little man last week...it was wonderful. we went to KFC (his choice) and then I surprised him by taking him back home and telling him we were going to have a wii sports resort game night. The smile on his face was priceless when I told him (You see...I like to play a game or two...but I am really not the "play for almost 2 hours" type of momma), and he let me know that, "He loved me...but I was definitely going down!" We seriously had the best time laughing and trash talking to each other (if you would have been a fly on my wall...you would have heard phrases like "You just got served!", "You just bought a one way ticket to looserville", "Who's winning now?!?", and "ok...ok...re-match...I don't think my controller was being picked up by the receiver") It was just one of those nights that nothing "special" happened...but I fell in love with my sweet little man all over again. It was amazing to just play games with him and have fun...not worrying about homework, cleaning, multiplication flash cards, and all of the business of life. For those few hours I just got to focus on my Ty man...and it was wonderful. I am so blessed to be his momma...he is seriously the sweetest and most amazing little man I know.

As I tucked him in that night I gave him a kiss and told him that I loved him sooo much. He just smiled his cute little boy grin and said "I love you too mom". I walked out of his bedroom and began to shut the door behind me...when I heard him whisper, "Mom!". I opened his door a crack and he looked at me with his big blue eyes and said, "Seriously, the best night ever mom!".

Goodness gracious...I just love him!

New "glasses"

2011-02-25T11:36:00.000-08:00

Little miss Maddie has wanted a pair of glasses for a while now (yes...they are fake...and bright purple...and she has been looking at them every time we go into the Icing store) Well today she had almost enough allowance money AND a cute little face to get the rest of what she needed from her sweet Daddy. She has worn them everywhere today...she couldn't be more happy! As soon as we got home she told me that we needed to take a picture together because, "Now everyone will think we look even MORE alike Momma!!" I am just glad she still thinks she wants to look like me!!

Don't you just want to squeeze her cute little face?!?

Random thoughts of the day

2011-02-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

- I used to think squirrels were cute...but when I was at a stop light this morning I saw one...and I realized that they are just overgrown mice with big tails...Yuck!

- Even though I just got my hair completely platinum blonde I am already thinking about adding in some black streaks...I have hair-changing issues

- I cannot wait for my Grammy date with this amazing lady. I am DVRing it for us to watch it later in the week. We kind of LOVE commentating on all of the fashion and musical acts. I think we might have issues as well :-)

- I know that I am a little bias...but I am pretty sure I have the best babes in the world...seriously! They have been amazing while Dustin has been gone and they are pretty much amazing all of the time. To say I am thankful for them would be a HUGE understatement!! I am so blessed

- I am on a new roasted marshmallow kick. I use my creme brulee torch and roast marshmallows for the babes...they love it...and I say that I do it for them...but I love it too

- Hot chocolate made with almond milk is my new favorite dessert.

- I love high heel shoes...like REALLY love them...like I have a problem. But I always buy them on sale...like REALLY good sales. I am actually working on a shoe wall in my bedroom. Why shouldn't they be displayed as art? Please don't judge me

- If money was no object...I would completely redecorate my entire house from IKEA. Furniture, lighting, decorations, accessories...I love them all.

- I am SO done with winter

- I think I have some of the most amazing friends in the world...I am blessed

- I would love to be a world traveler. The thought of just picking up and heading off on an exotic adventure just sounds like the best thing ever to me

- I LOVE to bake and I would love to have a bakery/coffee shop someday

- I talk to my mom almost every morning...either on my way to work or after I drop off the babes at school. I love that

- Sometimes I secretly wish I was a rockstar...but I am married to one...so it is almost just as good...almost

- I went to high school and college with this amazing lady...although I am pretty sure we hardly ever talked. I found her blog a while ago and I think we would totally be friends if we lived closer. She is a great mom and I pretty much love her sassiness and views on life in general...isn't the blog world wonderful?!?

- I am so thankful for my job. I pretty much get to chose my hours and the people in my office are tons of fun!

- I only have two more nights until I get to hug my hottie-po-tottie husband. Can.Not.Wait

- I desperately want to go to Africa with Dustin soon...we are working on it

- I LOVE the show Criminal Minds but I cannot watch it by myself

- Reality TV sucks me in...all of it. I don't know why I find it so fascinating. That is probably another issue I have

- I think I may have a lot of issues

- I want to move south or west someday...I am even good with southwest

- I hope that my children will always be proud that I am their momma...and I hope we are always close. I pray for that every day.

- I think that throwing a good party is a lost art...I want to throw a fun party soon.

- I really want to go to Boston to see my sweet Kate

A little (or not so little) "Moment"

2011-01-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

This morning started off like any other morning. I got the kids ready for school, packed lunches, and got them off to our car pool. I sat down to read for a little while then did some dishes and cleaned the kitchen. (pretty exciting morning so far...huh?) Then...all of the sudden..."IT" happened. I was just sitting on the couch next to my sweet sleeping dog...and I saw Dustin's packed suitcases. And even though I have seen them packed and ready to go in our living room for 4 days now...somehow reality decided to check in at that moment...and I might have cried a little (or a lot...or I might still be tearing up just a little now). He is leaving to go on a missions trip to Swaziland Africa with our senior Pastor and he will be gone for two weeks. I began to think about all of the "what-ifs". Like...

What if something happens to the car?

What if one of the babes gets sick?

What if Dustin gets hurt while he is in Africa?

What if there is an unexpected bill?

What if something breaks in the house?

What if I need to talk to him and I can't?

What if? What if? What if?

Now...if you know me pretty well...you know that I don't get freaked out too easily. I am pretty much easy going and I can be very independent if I need to be. Dustin has even been gone for somewhat long periods of time before when he was recording music or playing shows on the road. I think the kicker for me was when I realized that I can't just call him whenever I want to (stupid international rates!!!) We will have skype for a few days...but there will be a few days at a time that he won't have any Internet access...and those will be the days that he will be camping out in the middle of Africa...in a tent...In Africa. That is kind of hard to get my mind around! But...even now as I sit here and type...I am reminded that God has called him to this missions trip...He has called US to this trip. I may not be going...but I am still his partner...and by default...if my man gets called..so do I. I am seriously SO excited to hear all of the amazing stories and see all of the breathtaking pictures. I KNOW that God will do amazing things in and through him and I KNOW that God will take care of all of us. I also know that God has blessed us with wonderful friends and family that are here if we need anything...and that definitely puts my mind at rest.

So...I might be having a little "moment" right now...but I know that everything will be alright. And...at least I am getting my "moment"out of the way now instead of looking like a crying fool at the airport on Thursday...because that might be embarrassing :-)

Laughter...I love my husband

2011-01-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

If you read my last post...you know that I am trying to accomplish a 30-day work out program by Jillian Michaels. If you have ever done her workout...you also know that she says kind of crazy phrases like:

"Don't phone it in"

"I want you to be gargling your heart in your throat"

"I want you to feel like you are dying"

"You don't get any breaks in this workout"

She sounds like a real peach...huh? Well, my husband has heard many of these phrases either as I have done my workout or as I have repeated them sarcastically...and I think he likes to laugh at me as I "talk back" to her. Last night I totally did not want to workout. It was late, I was tired, and I was just not into it. But...I went downstairs...gave myself a pep talk...and started the DVD. I was almost 2/3 of the way through my workout when I heard the basement door open and my husband scream out, "Don't phone it in Jess...Don't phone it in!!!" I literally laughed out loud. It was all the motivation I needed to finish my workout strong. I just love him!

Discipline

2011-01-17T06:11:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Jennelle and I decided to give ourselves a little challenge...well maybe a somewhat big challenge. We have been doing the Jillian Michael's "30 Day Shred" video on-and-off for a little while now and we thought that we should actually do the workout for 30 days straight. We started a week before the Daniel fast was to begin in hopes that our bodies would be somewhat used to the exercise and not hurt as bad once we started the fast. We even gave ourselves an incentive...if we complete all 30 days we get to go have pedicures together and buy a new pair of shoes!! Now...let me tell you...shoes are a HUGE incentive to me...I kind of love them! But...even with my love for shoes...this is a hard challenge that I have almost talked myself out of a few times. However...I am still going strong and I have even learned a few things from it.

1 - Having a friend "walk" with you through a challenge not only makes it easier...it keeps you going.

2 - I can be disciplined when I want to...and I need to practice more discipline in my life.

3 - Forming a "good" habit seems much harder than forming a "not-so-good" one

So...here's to disciplining my mind and my body to continue to grow into who God wants me to be...even if I am yelling at the Jillian on my TV screen in the process.

I can't get no...satisfaction

2011-01-14T08:00:00.001-08:00

So...I hope that you read the title of this post in a sing-songy voice...I mean...it's kind of the only way to read it! This song (or at least that line) has been ringing in my ears the past two days. Let me explain...

I have really been challenged with the virtue of contentment...in everything. I had a few moments to really reflect on my life...and let me tell you...I am blessed. I love my sweet babes, my hottie-po-tottie husband, my amazing church, my wonderful friends, my sovereign Savior, my cute little home, my fun job, and so much more. However...I find myself acting content...but not realizing the virtue in being content. Earlier today I was talking about life with a friend. Both of us are happy with our lives...but much of our conversation had phrases like, "When we can afford...", "Some day we will...", "I wish we had...", or "I would love to get...". As I was on my way home I began to rethink about the conversation I had just had...and this is what God brought to my attention....

I adore my husband and he has TONS of amazing qualities. But sometimes...instead of appreciating him for those amazing qualities...I focus on some of the qualities that he is not so great at (which are very few :)!!). I think that my babes are the best babes in the world...but sometimes when they are having a silly/hyper moment I feel the need to quickly remind them that they are not to act like that. I love my cute little house...but sometimes I can only focus on the fact that I would love more storage space, some paint for our bathroom, and new carpet in the babes bedrooms. You see...instead of being thankful for what I have...I started to only see what I wanted. Instead of appreciating all of the amazing qualities that my husband has...I began to just expect them. Then...the very few not so amazing qualities seemed to become more of a focus to me. Instead of being so thankful for how well-behaved my babes normally are...I started to "get onto them" a little more than I needed to when they had "a moment". Instead of loving my house...I began to take for granted all that I truly had.

I realized that instead of having a thankful and appreciative heart...I somehow had a heart that was not disciplined to be content. I may have never acted like or said that I was not content...but my heart and my thoughts sang a different tune (much like the title of this post)

So today I learned (and will continue to learn) how to appreciate what I have. I will still always be a dreamer...it is who I am. But I will dream with a heart full of contentment for where I am now. I no longer want to take for granted the gifts I have now...they are my blessings...and I am truly a blessed woman.

Change of plans

2011-01-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

Day 2 - Tuesday

Tuesdays are my day off from work. The kiddos are in school and Dustin is at work...I get the house to myself. As much as I miss all of my babes when they are at work/school...I have come to really enjoy "my" Tuesdays. I usually get housework done...read...organize...workout...have coffee with a friend...etc. I was looking forward to "my" Tuesday this week knowing that I would have time to pray and concentrate on the fast. I had plans to read, pray, prep "Daniel fast-friendly" meals, and write a few encouragement letters...but only 2 hours after I dropped the kiddos off from school...I was on my way back to pick them up because of a bad weather early dismissal. And...as happy as I was to go get them...I saw "my" plans for the day being changed. We got home safely and they instantly started talking about how they wanted a pajama afternoon complete with hot chocolate, making crafts, and cuddling. They got into their warm and comfy pajamas as I made them hot chocolate. Then we started on some of their homework...flashcards, spelling words, and reading. Once we were done with all of that I thought I might actually get some time to be "spiritual" so I told them that I was going to go downstairs and read. As I was walking away my sweet little Maddie said, "But momma...I just want to be with you". I turned around to see her cute face and my heart melted a little. I realized that "my" plans for "my" Tuesday had changed...but they had changed for the better. I spent the rest of the afternoon cuddling with my babes. We talked...we prayed...we sat together...and we ran around the house playing games. I prayed for my sweet babes all afternoon while we spent time together...it was perfect.

So...on day 2...I was able to pray for my sweet babes. I learned (again) that sometimes plans get changed...and sometimes that is the best thing that could ever happen.

Daniel fast

2011-01-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

I am going to attempt to blog each day during my 21 day Daniel fast. I did the fast last year with my church and even though I know it can be difficult...I am really excited to see what I can learn and what God will do through me. I decided to prepare a little better this year and I made a prayer calendar so that every day would have a specific thing (or things) for me to pray about and focus on. I can always add things or change them...but having a plan seemed like a good way to stay motivated.

So today is day 1 (And just being honest...I really want a cup of coffee :-)!!) I originally had my sweet husband and cute babes on the calendar for today...but after I thought about it I realized that I should actually put myself on the list for today. Not at all with the intentions of being selfish...instead I want to pray that God uses this fast in my life. That He changes me in areas that I need to be changed...gives me a better attitude where I need it...helps me be a better wife and mom...shows me areas that He wants me to grow in...and help me clear my head from the sometimes overwhelming distractions of life.

Today I am praying for myself and I encourage all of you sweet ladies, wives, sisters, moms, friends, daughters, and business women to pray for yourself as well. Pray that God uses you and that you will be strengthened in every area you feel that you are lacking. And let me know if there is anything that I can pray for you about...I would love to!

I'm Back (hopefully)

2011-01-05T08:33:00.001-08:00

So...I am hoping to get back into the "blogging" world. These last few months have been crazy, fun, stressful, wonderful, hard, and amazing. I am sure there will be some "blog-worthy" posts coming in the near future as soon as I load all of the pictures that are just sitting in my camera. So here's to a new year and hopefully to a few new blog posts!!

lunch date

2010-10-25T09:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Maddie had ANOTHER birthday party to go to (she is quite the popular little lady), so I decided to take My little Ty man out for lunch. While we were out I thought it would be fun to ask him a few questions (almost "Survey style") to see what some of his favorite things are...and maybe to even ask him the same questions a year from now and see what changes.
So...here was our conversation...
Me - Hey buddy...what is your favorite color?
Ty - Blue...definitely blue
Me - What is your favorite food?
Ty - rice
Me - Really? Rice?
Ty - yeah...I like rice...a lot. I really like it when you make it with chicken. Oh...and baked potato's
Me - Alright babe...I will make it more now that I know it is your favorite. What is your favorite car?
Ty - I want a BMW z3...blue...convertible
Me - Wow...good taste bud!
Ty - yeah and I also want a slug bug...but I want to paint it white so it looks like Herbie.
Me - Awesome...When do you think you will get married?
Ty - When I am 20
Me - What?!?! You wont even be done with college then...
Ty - When did you and daddy get married?
Me - That is not really important...lets just plan on finishing college before you get married
Ty - Alright...I can do that. I think Bailey has to finish college too
Me - Are you still planning on marrying Bailey?
Ty - Yup...she told me she was going to marry me when we were like 3 yrs old.
Me - Awesome..as long as you don't get married for a LONG time
Ty - MOM!!! (with an "o my goodness" face)
Me - So...who are your friends in your class?
Ty - Pretty much everyone. I like to play with Michael and Caleb a lot.
Me - Do you ever play with the girls?
Ty - Not usually...just because they play silly things
Me - What is the best part about school?
Ty - (quickly responded) RECESS
Me - Well...what subject do you like?
Ty - I think I like reading...and History
Me - What is your favorite thing about me?
Ty - You cook really well...and you are more fun now
Me - I wasn't fun before?
Ty - No...you were fun...you are just better at it now
Me - Awesome...I will make sure to keep working at that...What are you saving your money for?
Ty - for a DSI...but the first $20 I get is going to Africa
Me - For what?
Ty - At church my teacher said that only $20 sends a kid my age to school for a whole year...so my first $20 is going there. Can you believe that it only costs $20? Maybe my first 2 $20 will go to Africa
Me - That is awesome bud...is that why you wanted to start getting an allowance?
Ty - Yup...
Me - Well...that makes me proud buddy. You are a good boy...do you know that?
Ty - I try to be
Me - have you ever kissed a girl?
Ty - NO!!! (paused for a second with a smirk on his face) but Bailey kissed me...on the cheek
Me - Lets make sure that kissing is only on the cheek...ok?
Ty - I know
Me - What do you want to be when you grow up?
Ty - A rocket scientist...and maybe a worship leader on the weekends
Me - Awesome...I love both of those. What is your favorite thing to do?
Ty - Playing outside with Maddie and our friends. Can we play outside when we get home?
Me - I'm sure you can...Do you know how much I love you?
Ty - Lots...even more that I could ever know...you tell me that a lot
Me - And I always will!!

Maddie's Tea Party Birthday (Part 1)

2010-10-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

So...Maddie wanted a tea party themed birthday party this year. She was very excited because this was her first "big girl party". I had a few ideas and a few supplies...but I felt like I needed some help to make the party amazing. I called two of my friends (who are pretty much the most artistic, talented, nice, and creative ladies ever!!) and asked them if they could help. Well...they not only helped...they came and decorated, brought TONS of stuff, and even took pictures of the house after they had finished. So I figured before I showed pics of the cutest little girls at the tea party...I would show you some pics of the set-up. (all of the shots are by the amazingly talented Emily Ogden)
This was the party favor table...complete with pink candy, pink marshmallows, pink nail polishes, pink pencils, pink bags...there was kind of a pink theme :-)

The place cards were pieces of stock paper cut into hearts...then placed into a cut pink marshmallow.

Hannah and Emily (the two amazing ladies) brought so many wonderful things for the girls to use. Hannah had a complete set of china and sterling silver pitchers...one for tea and one for pink lemonade.

This was the "dress up" area complete with sparkly jewelry and hats. The bench was used for the girls to get their pictures taken.

The room looked amazing!! Thank you SO much Hannah and Emily!!!

Dolphins, new seasons, and tears

2010-10-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

My baby girl just had her 6th Birthday!! It was wonderful and full of girly tea parties, big hats, fake sparkly jewelry, fun presents, and princess cupcakes. Nana Carol (my mom) lives in NY and could not be here for her Birthday...but she wanted to make sure to do something special for sweet Maddie. So...after a lot of phone conversations...Maddie told Nana Carol that she knew what she wanted for her present. Maddie wanted a "room makeover". Well Nana Carol just HAD to get that for her so she sent a very wonderful credit card/gift card and told her sweet Maddie that she could get whatever she wanted. So, off to the stores we went. After a long day of shopping Maddie decided on a polka dot bedspread for her "theme". The bedspread is white with bright colorful polka dots. There is pink, plum purple, Tiffany blue, lime green, orange, and teal blue. She also got sheets and a bed skirt to match along with a HUGE purple pillow that she is in love with. She then decided that she wanted her walls two different colors. 2 walls plum purple and 2 walls Tiffany blue. So...off to the store I went...with her pillowcase stuffed in my purse. I went to the paint counter and they matched 2 different gallons to the colors on her pillowcase. I was so excited! I got home and instantly started to move her furniture and lay down old sheets so that I could begin to paint. My ipod was plugged in...the tunes were ready...the paint was opened and poured into the tray...and my roller was in my hand. Then...IT happened. I saw these

Now these dolphins may not seem like a big deal to you...but they flooded me with 8 years of memories. You see...I painted them when I was pregnant with Ty. His nursery was "under the sea" themed. I remembered painting the walls...and having aqua blue paint on my belly because it was sticking so far out. I remembered looking at his empty crib with the newly bought ocean waves bumpers tied on to the sides. I remembered painting dolphins and sea turtles on his wall. I remembered bringing him home for the first time and showing his his room. I remembered rocking him in the blue glider that used to sit in the corner. I remembered his chubby little face peeking out over the crib every time I would get him after he woke up from his nap. I remembered his first night in his "big boy bed" because the crib needed to be ready for his baby sister. I remembered rearranging his room so that two sweet babes could share it soon. I remembered bringing home Maddie from the hospital. Ty brought her his dolphin stuffed animal so she could have it in her crib with her. I remembered tucking them both in at night in their room. I remembered both of them jumping up and down in her crib and squealing with laughter as Dustin and I smiled from ear to ear as we watched them. I remembered making the basement into our bedroom so that they could each have their own rooms. I remembered Ty "moving out"into our old bedroom and Maddie staying in "the nursery". I remembered her Dora "big girl bed" and matching Dora kitchen and table set. I remembered getting rid of her Dora things and bringing in a new twin-sized bed. I remembered all of the memories in that room...all of the "firsts"...all of the night time stories and prayers...all of the "I love you's"...all of the games we had played on that very floor that I was now sitting on...and I cried.

In that moment my babes grew up in my mind. Now...they have been "growing up" for years...but somehow...right then...they really grew up. My sweet baby no longer wanted her dolphins on the wall. She was ready for brightly colored polka dots. I sat there almost unable bring myself to paint over those silly dolphins. They had been with me for so long. They had been there for the middle-of-the-night feedings and dress up times. They were there while we made crafts and tents to sleep under. They were there from the very beginning of my sweet babes. So...I sat there...roller in hand...and I just stared at those dolphins. And the longer I stared...the harder I cried.

After little while I began to think about how every new "season" in my sweet babes life has always been a little bittersweet. I hate saying goodbye to what we had...only to realize that I love what we are going to begin. I can honestly say that I have loved every new "season" with my babes more than the one before it...even though I think it is impossible to do so.

As I sat there...with a tear-stained face...I looked up at those dolphins and realized that the best is still to come. I love the memories that I have...and I cherish them. But I also know that many more memories need to be made...and I cannot wait to make them. So...I stood up...and started to paint. As I painted over those dolphins I realized that they would still be there...they would just be under a new layer of pretty purple paint. They won't ever be forgotten...much like my memories. And at least this time...I didn't get any purple paint on my belly from it sticking out too far.

In every season

2010-10-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

So...it has been a little bit of a rough season of life the past few weeks (hence...the lack of posts) Nothing is seriously wrong...I have just had a lot on my plate and a lot of difficult situations to deal with (Dustin, the kids, and I are just fine...I don't want to worry anyone) But I cannot wait to posts pics from Maddie's sweet little tea party birthday...our AMAZING vacation...Fall fun times...and a few new recipes that I am loving right now. Until then I wanted to show this video. This song has been such an encouragement to me and I hope it is to you too!!

First Day of school

2010-08-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

So...the babes started school today. It is such a bitter-sweet day for me. They LOVE their school and all of their friends...so I am happy for them. However...I miss them TONS during the day...so I am a little sad too. Thankfully I am getting better at dropping them off each year...I was able to hold off on crying until I got into my car :)! And since I don't want to start crying now...I am just going to post some pics of their cuteness!!

And now I only have 30 more minutes until I leave to pick them up!!

Maddie vs The Sidewalk

2010-08-24T10:31:00.001-07:00

Sidewalk - 1
Maddie - 0

My poor sweet babe hit the sidewalk...hard. She was running in her pretty "no running" shoes and she tripped. The first thing that hit the ground was her sweet little face. She was crying as I scooped her up in my arms and she told me that she knew she was not supposed to be running in those shoes...but the next-door-neighbor's kitten got out and she was trying to catch it for them (can she be any sweeter?!?!) She then asked me if I could fix her face. I held her close and told her that she would be fine and I would definitely fix her sweet little face. As yucky as it looks...her face healed in less than a week. After she was all cleaned up I held her and told her that I was SO thankful that God was watching over her because it could have been tons worse! She said that she was thankful too...because she didn't want to know what tons worse would have felt like.

Fun Summer Days

2010-08-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

My babes and I love to go on nature hikes (or "adventures" as we like to call them), and our favorite place to go is The Narrows. There are quite a few hiking trails...a cute little river...and...well...lots of nature. We have found a spot that is a little off the trail and right by the water. The babes LOVE it! We skip rocks...build towers of stone...find shells...and wade in the river. It is perfect.

One day in July we picked up their friends Brookelynn and Bailey (two of the cutest twins you will ever meet! Their dad was the bass player in Dustin's band and their mom is one of my dearest friends. The girls and my babes have been friends since I was pregnant with Maddie...and Bailey told Tyler when they were 3 years old...that they were going to get married...he agreed and it has stuck ever since :)!!). We decided to go to our favorite spot at The Narrows and ended up spending hours there! It was an amazing day and I took TONS of pics...so I obviously need to share some of them!!

Hiking back to find "our spot"

Ty and Bailey...too cute!Sweet Brookelynn

Lovely Bailey

Maddie and Brookelynn...SO sweet!

Ty and Bailey...cute cuties!

I just love this little face!!

They were building this...they carried SO many rocks that day!

My little man...hard at work

What mom wears these shoes on a hike?!? This mom does...yes...I know I have issues! In my defense...I though I had packed flip flops...but they are some seriously cute shoes!!

All of the sweet babes at the end of a fun afternoon...I just love them!!

Reunion

2010-08-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

While I was in NY I was able to have lunch with an old friend. I am pretty sure I have known Emily since Kindergarten or First grade (Wow...I really feel old now!!) She has always been one of the sweetest people...and her laugh is completely infectious!! It was so good to hear her sweet laugh again and get some pics of our babes together.

My baby feeding her baby

the face after the feeding...Maddie might need to work on her baby-feeding skills :)

Her girls are seriously just too cute for words!!!

Headbands

2010-08-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

So...I started making headbands. My first few were a little crazy...but I think I am getting the hang of it now. They all have at least one vintage button...some have feathers...some have flowers...and a few have some tiny sparkly things (yes...that is the technical term). My friend actually took some amazing pics of them...but they are not loading for me. I figured this pic was better than nothing. Hopefully I will be able to load some more pics of all of them soon. I have kind of been on a crafting, sewing, cooking, baking, and making kick lately. I am not really quite sure why...but I am definitely enjoying the creative outlet.

Kind of excited

2010-08-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

So...in 37 days...the fam and I will be going to...

Magic Kingdom in Disney World...

Then heading to a 7 day cruise to the Bahamas...

St. Thomas...

And St Martin. I cannot wait!!!

Super Heroes

2010-08-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Remember the days of imagination and make-believe? Sometimes in the business of life...I tend to forget those days. I am so thankful that I have my sweet babes to remind me that all you need to be a superhero is a towel and a trampoline.

I may or may not have joined in the superhero fun that day...thankfully there were no pictures of that!!

Here's to hoping that your day is filled with a little make-believe.

My lonely lounge chair

2010-08-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is the chair (that I found at a garage sale for $2) I thought I would be laying out in on my days off with the babes. It may not look like much to you...but I like it. Well...I think I like it. You see...I have really not had too many opportunities to lay on my chair. Mainly because every time I go to sit down I hear one (or both) of my babes saying something like, "Momma...look at me!", or, "Momma...don't you want to keep playing with us?", or, "Momma...this is just no fun with out you!" So...normally my lounge chair is lonely while I am playing with my sweet babes or taking pictures of them. But when you get pics as sweet as these next few...my lounge chair suddenly doesn't seem that important.

Maybe next year I will be able to lay in my lonely lounge chair...but I am guessing probably not. I would have it no other way!!

My camera card is full...seriously

2010-08-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am SO behind on blogging and uplaoding pics that it is not even funny!!! Here is what I hope to accomplish this week...
- Pics from Ty's Bday (it was June 15th...please don't judge me that it is already August)
- Pics from a nature walk with my kiddos and their sweet little friends
- Pics from our trip to Syracuse NY
- A post about the entire trip to NY
- Pics from my 30th Bday (I cannot believe I just turned 30)
- A post about the most wonderful day ever...my Birthday...where my husband had me on a scavenger hunt from 8:15 in the morning until 12:00 at night. (Yes...he is amazing!!)

I think I have a busy week of blogging and pic uplaoding ahead of me...lets hope I make it!!

Precious

2010-06-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

She is precious. She loves flowers...and looking at birds in trees. She loves to pose for the camera...and she is growing up WAY too fast. Can someone please figure out how to keep her from growing up anymore?!?!?

So proud

2010-06-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

*This event actually took place a few weeks ago...but it is such a cute story...that I had to make sure it was posted.*
Ty man has a "Field Day" at the end of each school year. It is a day full of fun and activities for the kids and it ends with a race. Depending on what grade you are in...you run a 1/2 mile or full mile. Ty reminded me of the "BIG race" a few weeks before his field day. He asked me if he HAD to run it. I asked him why he wouldn't want to run and he explained to me that he knew that he was not a good runner...and that the other kids in his class were a lot faster than he was. He said that his gym teacher told the class that they didn't have to run it if they didn't want to. I thought a few seconds before I responded to him...knowing that his momma is also not a good runner...even though I am working on it. I told him that he could do whatever he wanted...but I would practice with him if he chose to run it. I also told him that sometimes just finishing a race is a great accomplishment...even if you don't win (which sounded like a great "mom" thing to say) He still wasn't sure...so I told him that we would just practice a few times and he could see what he wanted to do. So...we ran...a little here and there...every few days. When he came home from school a week later he let me know that he had signed up for the race. He was still nervous...but he wanted to try. I told him that was all he needed to do and that I was very proud of him. I also promised him that I would be there to watch him run and cheer him on...the only thing that I didn't realize was that because of a make-up day (due to too many snow days) Field Day was NOT going to be on Friday (my day off from work) It was going to be on Tuesday (my full day of work). Uh-oh!! I asked my boss if I could leave early and he said that I should be able to...we just had to get a few things done for a project I was working on. I called to check in at the school office a few times that day to see if the races were still on schedule...hoping that they might be a little behind...but they were right on time. I rushed through my work and left a little later that I had wanted to. I raced to the school...and quickly walked to the back field. I could see his class getting ready at the starting line. I started to run to get over to him so that I could let him know I was there. I am sure I was a sight to see as I was trying to run...in heels...in a dress..while waving to him...and yelling his name. I was almost to him when the gym teacher blew the whistle and they were off. He hadn't seen me. I was determined to let him know that I was there...so I kept running straight through the field...hoping to catch up with him after he rounded the corner and started to the back field. As I was running I saw that he was second to last in his group and he looked like he was fading fast...very early in the race. (Yes...I know that this all sounds like a dramatic scene from a movie...but I promise that it actually happened this way...I have witnesses who saw me running through the field to catch him...and one of the other moms actually ran out there with me) I made it to the other side just as he was approaching. I yelled out, "Hey Boo...I made it...I'm here...you can do it...keep going!!" The look on his face was priceless. He had the biggest smile. As he passed me he said, "Don't worry mom...I got this." I saw him run down the hill picking up speed as he went. I watched him until he was out of sight...then I headed for the finish line. The first few kids came in and all the parents, teachers, and other students clapped. I waited. A few more kiddos came through...and I realized that my heart was beating fast...I was nervous wreck as I waited to see his little face come up the hill. I knew he was second to last...so I wasn't expecting to see him quite yet. But...then I saw a his bright red shirt...and he wasn't second to last...he was in the first half of his class. I yelled, "Keep going Ty...you can do it!" I was so thankful that I was wearing my big sunglasses at this point...because I totally teared up. (Yes...I am that mom who can cry so easily when it comes to my babes) He kept running up the hill and he crossed the finish line. I breathed a sigh of relief as I made my way to him and gave him the biggest hug. I told him that I was SO proud of him and I asked him how he had passed so many kids. He was a little out of breath (and I am sure he was exaggerating being out of breath just a little for affect :)!!) He said, "After I saw you and I knew you were here...I just kept telling myself...Don't stop...do this for mom...she will be so proud!" I started to tear up a little again as I picked him up and said, "I am proud. SO proud Boo...more proud than you could ever know. You did it...you finished...and not only that...you finished in the first half of your race!" I set him down and looked at his big blue eyes and his sweaty blond hair...my little man had done a great job and I was a proud momma.
I asked his teacher if I could sign him out early...she said that was fine (a lot of the other parents were grabbing their kiddos too) We walked hand-in-hand to the car and he told me all about passing some of the kids and jumping to touch the leaves on the tree he ran around...and I listened as though I hadn't just heard him tell me all about it only a few minutes ago. We got in the car and headed to McDonald's for a victory ice cream cone. As I looked in the rear-view mirror at him I realized that this would be the first of many accomplishments for my Ty man. I started thinking about all he was going to do in the years to come...but then I stopped myself. I wanted to remember this moment...with my 7 year old guy...licking an ice cream cone...a little dirty and sweaty from the days events...with his big blue eyes looking back at me in the mirror...and a big smile on his face. This moment was perfect.

Graduation

2010-06-23T07:34:00.001-07:00

So...my littlest babe graduated from Kindergarten. The whole ceremony was just precious and filled with songs...verses...solo "lines" and tons of cuteness! We had a lot of friends and family come and they all made Maddie feel so special. I cannot believe that she is going into 1st grade!! I feel the tears coming just thinking about it...so instead of writing anymore...I will just post some pics of the night.
This is Maddie with her teacher, Mrs Patterson. We LOVE Mrs. Patterson!! She was also Tyler's Kindergarten teacher and she will always have a special place in our hearts. The other little girl is Ashley. She is one of Madison's best friends and we just love her!
This is "Granny" Glenna and "Grampy" Greg. They are the most amazing couple! Glenna works with Dustin at the church and they have just adopted our family...and we have adopted them!! Glenna has a little drawer in her office full of gifts for the kiddos and she always goes and visits them in class. My babes love getting hugs from them and seeing them so much during the week. Greg and Glenna are a true blessing to our family!!

I just love my babes!! Dustin was tickling Ty...but I think this was the only family picture we got :)

These 3 little girls are just precious! I love to watch them all play together. They are definitely cute cuties!!

I have a lot more pics to post...but for some reason...they are not loading. I will try to add them later. We were so thankful to have Mamaw and Pop (Dustin's Grandparents), Papaw and Nana (Dustin's parents), Heather, Ryan and Candice, Suzy, Kate, Chad and Shanta all there to celebrate with us. It was a wonderful night full of smiles, laughter and a few tears from this sentimental momma. They definitely grow up too fast!!

Happy Birthday Ty

2010-06-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago...at this very time...I was 36 weeks pregnant with my little man. And eight years ago...at this very time...I started to feel "funny". Dustin and I were getting ready for bed after a busy day and I remember thinking to myself that I just felt funny...not bad...just not normal. I went to sleep and I woke up about 3:00 in the morning with cramps. I figured it was normal...so I stayed in bed and tried to go to sleep....but the cramps were not going away. They were different than any other cramps I had ever had. They started in my back and went around to my stomach...then my stomach felt really tight...then they went away. I remember thinking to myself that these might be contractions...they were uncomfortable...but not unbearable. Since I couldn't sleep with them I figured that I would go downstairs and watch some TV. Sitting seemed to be pretty uncomfortable as well and I noticed that my cramps were coming and going at a pretty regular pace. I started timing them...and they were anywhere from 10 - 6 minutes apart. I still wasn't all that concerned because I was only 36 weeks and I remembered the words of my birthing coach who stressed to all of the ladies in every class..."Don't come into the hospital until you cannot walk or talk through your contractions!!" I was definitely uncomfortable...but I could still walk and talk. Then...all of the sudden...I had a huge urge to clean ...and I mean deep clean!! So for the next 3 hours I cleaned...A LOT. I dusted...mopped...swept...windexed...I cleaned the bathroom...I cleaned the kitchen...I cleaned...and cleaned...and cleaned. Dustin came down the stairs as I was on my hands and knees buffing my hardwood floor with Pledge. He asked me what I was doing...and I told him that I had been having what I thought was contractions. I explained to him that I just really wanted to clean and since I couldn't sleep...I figured that I should just get the cleaning done. He asked if I should call the Dr and I told him that I thought I was fine...but I was going to call into work and tell them that I would not be in (It was a Saturday morning and I worked at a bank...so I knew it was only a half day anyway). He asked me if I was going to be able to go to the wedding...yes...our friends were getting married that day...Dustin was in the wedding and he had his tux all ready and I was set to be seated as an honored guest of the bride (pregnancy bridesmaid dresses were not too popular then :)!!) I told him that I thought I would be fine. About 30 minutes later...I realized that my contractions were coming more regularly and they were much closer together. I figured maybe I should call my Dr. She said that I should come in to get checked...although she did not sound very urgent. I really didn't feel very urgent either...I mean...I could still walk and talk. So I got in the shower...I was really not in any hurry. A little over an hour later we headed for the hospital. Dustin seemed a little nervous...but I told him to bring his tux with him because I was pretty sure that we would still be going to the wedding. We checked in and waited for the nurse to come in to look at me. She came in a few minutes later and after she checked me she said , "Well..we are looking good." I thought that meant everything was normal and that I was not in labor. I looked at Dustin and said, "Looks like you need to get into your tux." To which my nurse responded, "Not if he wants to be here when your baby arrives." My mouth dropped open and I remember Dustin saying something like...so he is coming...now? Like soon? Like today? The nurse smiled at both of us and said, "You will be both be parents by the end of the day." All of the sudden it hit me...I was going to be a mom...soon!!! Thoughts started to swirl in my head...O my goodness...I have to get this baby out of me...and when he comes out I am going to be his mom!! Can I do this? I don't know how to do this. Wow...I hope I don't mess this up!! As I am thinking all of this...I remember Dustin calling his mom and telling her that I was actually in labor. She was on her way and so was the rest of his family and our friends. The next 4 hours went by fairly smoothly...then it was time to push. The Dr. said that he was posterior...so after pushing for a little while they had to use a little suction to get him. I had Dustin on my right...his mom on my left...and they each said..."just a few more pushes". I took a few deep breaths...and a few more pushes...and I heard the Dr say, "He's here!" Dustin had tears in his eyes...and so did my mother in law...it was an amazing moment. The nurse and Dr. finished working on me and then we had a ton of people fill the room to meet our new little man. Everyone was smiling and talking about how wonderful he was...and I kept thinking to myself that I never had that overwhelming...uncontrolable...moment where I thought I would instantly fall madly in love with my new baby. What was wrong with me? Was it the drugs? Was I going to be a terrible mother? Was I just exhausted from lack of sleep the night before and then giving birth? I didn't say a word to anyone...I just watched as everyone held him and talked to him. A little while later the nurse came in to take Ty to the nursery. Dustin went with him and I waited for another nurse to come and get me and take me to my new room. I somehow felt like I needed to have a "moment"...and I never had it. The nurse wheeled me to my room and made sure that I was comfortable. Friends came and brought Dustin and I food. We ate and talked...and I convinced myself that I must just be tired and out of it...and that everything would be better in the morning. But...after Dustin fell asleep...I sat up in my bed and called for the nurse. I asked her if she could get Ty for me. She sweetly agreed and came back just a few minutes later. She laid him in my arms. He was sleeping...all wrapped up in his blanket...freshly cleaned...with his little hat on. He was beautiful. I stared at his sweet little face for a few minutes...then he opened his eyes...his big blue eyes. Tears started to stream down my face and I said out loud, "Oh..there it is...there's that feeling your momma has been waiting for. You are my little man...and I am your momma. I know we are both kind of new at this...but we will learn together. I want you to know that I will always love you and I will always be here for you...nothing will ever change that. I knew from that moment on that my little man was going to change my life.
Eight years later...I can definitely say that my little man has changed my life. He has taught me more about forgiveness...love...and tenderheartedness than any one person ever could. He knows when I need a hug and he knows how to make his momma smile. He is an amazing helper and he is always ready to do anything I need him to. He is funny and silly. He loves his daddy and he wants to be just like him. He still lets me kiss him in public. He is super creative. He loves to figure things out. He is my joy. I am truly blessed that God chose me to be Tyler's mommy. Happy Birthday to my little Ty man. I love you more than you will ever know and I am so proud of you. Having you makes my world a better and brighter place.

Back in the swing of things

2010-06-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

So...I am hoping to be a better blogger this summer! These last few weeks/months have been SO crazy...so I figured that I would just write a little list of some of the things we have been doing...in no particular order
- Ty and I had a wonderful date night...we ate out at a Chinese restaurant, went shopping (per his request :)!!), and had Rita's. It was amazing!! I will try to post pics soon...but I am not promising anything.
- I found a new family dentist...that I love (which is saying A LOT for me because dentists are definitely not my favorite) and everyone has one new filling
- Maddie graduated from Kindergarten (I have tons of pics and will post those soon) It was wonderful and sad all at once. I cannot believe she will be a first grader next school year!!
- Ty ran in his "marathon" at school. It is a wonderful story and I will definitely blog about it soon
- Dustin went to Charlotte to visit my brother and get some more work done. They had a wonderful time and I am SO thankful that the two of them are close!!
- One of my most amazing friends Kate...moved back to Boston :(. I definitely hated saying goodbye to her...but I am really happy for her to be back with her sweet family! And I can't wait to visit her!
- I started weight watchers...and my mom did too...now we get to do it together even though we are many miles apart. I love that!!
- Dustin and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary (May 26) I cannot believe how much I love him...and I cannot believe that it has already been 9 years!! He is amazing!!
- The kiddos are finally done with school...I LOVE being a "summer" mom!!
- We have had tons of cook-outs...game nights...bike rides...walks...trips to the park...and pool time with our family and friends
- I am sure there is more...but I totally need to get back to work.

I promise to update soon with some pics...maybe even on my lunch break :)

Maddie/Mommy date

2010-04-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

So...last Thursday Dustin took Ty to the Dayton Dragons baseball game for a little father/son fun time. Maddie and I decided that we needed to have a mommy/daughter date night. I told her we could do whatever she wanted...and after thinking for a little while...she decided that she wanted to go and get her nails and toenails painted, "like a big girl"!! So...off we went to the nail salon.

She sat very still and enjoyed every minute of it. She was super excited when the lady asked her if she wanted sparkles on top of her pink nail polish!!

She even got sparkles on her toes!! (Sorry for the fuzzy pics...I took them with my ancient cell phone!)

Once her nails were dry we were off to dinner. Subway was her choice (well...actually McDonald's was her first choice...but I easily talked her out of that because the Subway kids meal came in a pink "purse") We ate inside Subway and talked about school...her friends...her favorite colors...her favorite people...jewelry...making headbands...and SO much more!! After dinner I told her for dessert she could have Ritas Italian ice or Starbucks. Without hesitation she said, "definitely Starbucks". So off to Starbucks we went. Maddie actually loves the flavor of coffee...even if it doesn't have a lot of sugar and cream in it. My dear friend Kate was working that night (which made Maddie even more excited because she LOVES Kate!!) and she made Maddie's "special" coffee. (Kate made it up for Maddie...it is an iced DECAF latte with 2 shots of caramel and 1 shot of vanilla. Then it is topped off with whipped cream...it is super yummy!!)

She likes to eat all of the whipped cream first (a girl after my own heart!!)

She finished every last drop. Then we headed home to pack for our fun-filled weekend (we were able to tag along with Dustin to a Jr High retreat that he was leading worship at. They put us in a wonderful log cabin and we had a weekend full of nature hikes...laughing...arts and crafts...and fun. I will post about that soon!!) After we packed we went out to the front porch swing for some cuddle time before she went to bed. She brought out her blanket and she sat on my lap as we talked about the fun "girls only" night we had. After a few minutes...her eyes were getting sleepy and I just held her...in the silence. It was a perfect end to a perfect night.

I got a feeling...that tonight's gonna be a good night...

2010-04-07T08:40:00.000-07:00

So...Dustin left for MO early this morning and he will be gone for the rest of the week (We are going to miss him!!) I got the kiddos ready for school and loaded into the car. It was a rushed morning because I was trying to get the babes and myself ready for a long day...full of field trips and errands. As we got into the car I heard Maddie say that her tummy hurt. I figured she was saying that because I had put blueberry jelly on her waffle because we were out of strawberry. I told her she was fine and she needed to eat her breakfast. Off we went..until I heard the sound that NO mother wants to hear while driving in the car...the sound of projectile vomit hitting the back of my head rest!! I looked in the rear view mirror to see my sweet babe (and her side of the car) covered in gross-ness! I quickly pulled the car over and called my friend Ginger to let her know that I would not be there to pick up her boys for school (we car-pool). She was wonderful and totally understanding! Then...I told Ty to get into the front seat of the car. I took off Maddie's shoes, coat and jumper...then I put her in the back of the SUV (her booster seat was covered and disgusting). I opened all of the windows and headed home to clean up the car and the sweet babe. After the car had been disinfected, cleaned, and re-cleaned...I put Maddie in the shower and threw her clothes into the washing machine. I then remembered that I had to call the school to tell them that Ty would be late and that I would not be able to drive for Maddie's field trip. After Maddie was clean and changed...we all got back into the car to bring Ty to school (along with some plastic grocery bags in case we needed them for any future puking moments!!) As I was driving to school...I was thinking about all of the plans I needed to change for the day and I was trying to figure out how to make everything work. Then I realized that my babes were singing to a song on the radio..."I got a feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night. That tonight's gonna be a good, good night..." I just started to smile. The morning had not been the greatest...so the night would have to be better...RIGHT?!? I dropped Ty off at school and headed back home with Maddie.

She has been feeling great ever since the "incident" this morning...and I came home to this...

Isn't she just a thing of beauty?!?! I have wanted one for these for SOOO long!! My husband found it...in the aquamarine blue color that I have always wanted (even though it is discontinued)...and he got it for over half off!!! (it was a refurbished by KitchenAid on eBay)

So...tonight will be a good night...full of some baked good that I will make in my beautiful mixer. Now here's to hoping that the rest of my day is puke-free!!

The glass IS half full

2010-04-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

The last week and a half have been very difficult. I love being a very positive and upbeat person...but sometimes life can still be difficult...and I am learning that is ok. For those of you who don't know...my dad has had some health issues this year. He had 2 strokes prior to this year...and before Christmas he had 2 more. That is the main reason that I went to NY after Christmas with the babes. He seemed stable when I left NY...but I just found out last week that he had to be taken back to the hospital. Since Christmas 2009...he has had 6 more strokes. They are considered to be minor strokes...but because he has had so many of them in such a short amount of time...they are having some huge side affects. His speech is slurred and it is hard for him to use a lot of the left side of his body. Right now...we are trying to figure out what care we can get for him and what we need to do to help and try to fix what is happening in his body. It has been really hard for my brother and I to try to talk through decisions that we thought we would not have to be talking about for a long time (my dad is only 59!!!) So...as I am trying to deal with the emotional and mental stress of that...I have definitely been under the weather this last week. I had a really yucky sinus infection and the antibiotic has made me VERY sick to my stomach. I am not quite sure why...but being sick made everything seem even worse! So...I sat down last night after everyone was in bed and just took a few minutes to reflect on the week. I cried for a little bit (which seemed almost therapeutic in itself) and then I tried to find a positive for every "negative" that had happened. Here is what I came up with...

- I felt nauseous all week....what a great weight loss jump-start (6 pounds and counting :)!!!)

- My babes were on spring break and I didn't get to take them out every day because I wasn't feeling well...I got some great cuddle time with them and we had a couple of amazing pajama days

- My brother and I had some really difficult phone conversations about questions for my dad's health that we didn't really have answers to...we also had some great conversations about our lives, about how much we meant to each other, and about how much we would always be there for one another

- I got very sick of being cooped up in the house...the weather was BEAUTIFUL this week and I sat on the front porch swing while the babes got to ride bikes and blow bubbles

- I was not a very patient momma because I wasn't feeling the best...my kids totally understood and they taught me even more about grace. I am blessed!

- I didn't get to spring clean the basement...my upstairs stayed pretty "spring cleaned" and I am pretty sure the basement will still be ready for a cleaning this week :)

- My husband was SUPER busy this week at church planning and preparing for all of the Easter services and I missed him...I am so proud to have a husband that is the most creative man I know...the services he planned were AMAZING! And...in just the first 2 services on Easter...there were over 40 people saved!!!! (and we are still waiting for the final count of all 4 Easter services).

Had it been a rough week? O MY...yes. But even in the midst of some hard situations and some questions without answers...I realized that my glass IS half full and I am very blessed. Just look at some of my biggest blessings...

I just love them!!

Car Ride Conversations (Part 2)

2010-03-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

I am thinking that my "Car Ride Conversations" might have to become a weekly post. I love the car ride home from church Wednesday nights...Maddie normally falls asleep pretty quickly and my little man and I get a chance to talk about his life....with no interruptions...just me and him. I love it! This is how our conversation went this week...

Me - Hey Ty man...what's new in your life

Ty - Well...I still like video games

Me - Anything else?

Ty - School is good and everyone was nice to me today.

Me - Awesome bud. So...what do you want to do this weekend?

Ty - Maybe we should go to Bailey's house

* Bailey is the girl that Ty says he is going to marry. She is the daughter of Dustin's bass player. Dustin and I love Danny and Becky (her parents) and my kiddos love Bailey and Brookelynn (yes..they are twins...and are some of the cutest/sweetest girls you will ever meet)*

Me - Why do you wan to go there?

Ty - Well...it has been a little while since we have been over there and I miss her

Me - Are you still going to marry her...when you are 35?

Ty - (laughing) You are silly mommy...and yes...I am still going to marry her

Me - Are you sure?

Ty - Yup

Me - How do you know that?

Ty - Because she told me I was going to marry her

Me - (chuckling to myself) That is a good answer

Ty - Can we have a sleep over with them?

Me - Well buddy...you are getting older...and you probably won't be having sleep overs with them

Ty - Can Maddie still sleep over at their house?

Me - Yeah...but that is because she is a girl

Ty - Well why can't I?

Me - Well buddy...boys and girls aren't really supposed to sleep over at each others houses when they get older

Ty - Why?

Me - Well...Sometimes they can get into trouble...and it is just better to not do that.

Ty - O...I get it (and he seemed like he was deep in thought)

Me - What do you get (I am now a little concerned that he might be understanding what I am actually saying...and I really don't want my little man to know some of these things yet...)

Ty - They can get into TROUBLE....you know...like big TROUBLE

Me - (hoping that we are not even closely thinking about the same thing) Yeah buddy...what type of trouble are you talking about? (Now I am starting to get a little nervous)

Ty - They can start to hang out...and get a little hyper...then...(his eyes are getting very wide at this point like he has something HUGE to say)

Me - Yeah buddy....

Ty - They can break things...like a lamp...because they are not paying attention and they are hyper because they are playing super heroes.

Me - That is EXACTLY it.

Ty - And I don't want to break any of Miss Becky's lamps because that would make her sad...and I don't want to make Bailey's mom sad.

Me - That is a good point bud...we can definitely go and hang out with them...just no sleep overs

Ty - Sounds good to me...can we stay late?

Me - Sure bud...I think we can do that.

O how I love my little man!!

Those silly boys

2010-03-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

This is the conversation that Maddie and I had this morning as I was doing her hair.

Maddie - Boys are kind of silly

Me - (chuckling to myself) What do you mean babe?

Maddie - Ty and his friends talk funny and they always talk about star wars...and they tell jokes that they think are funny...but they're really not.

Me - Well sweetie...they are just boys

Maddie - But I am not like that

Me - Well that is why girls and boys are different

Maddie - You mean girls aren't weird like boys?

Me - Yeah...kind of (still chuckling to myself) Girls just sometimes like different things.

Maddie - Yeah...I like princesses and I like to talk normal...and I like to tell jokes that are actually funny.

Me - Yeah babe...I know. I guess that is why boys and girls need each other

*Maddie now has a look on her face like she has just figured out the answer to the world's hardest questions*

Maddie - I get it now Momma!! That is why we have to marry them. They would be just silly boys without us...but when we decide to marry them...we help them be better!

Me - (trying to contain my laughter...and trying to think of a politically correct response) Well babe...as boys grow up...they usually grow out of some of their silliness. And if you find the right boy...he can help you be better too!

Maddie - (looking at me with the cutest little grin) Is that one of those things that mommy's have to say?

Me - Lets just talk about marrying boys when you get older...A LOT older

Maddie - Sounds good to me...they are too silly now anyways

2010-03-05T08:38:00.001-08:00

SO...I have been a TERRIBLE blogger these last 2 weeks!! Work has been a little crazy and I think life in general has been non-stop. SO here is a little re-cap of what we have been up to and I promise I will get back on the blogging bandwagon soon (that bandwagon includes posting pics)
- Ty lost ANOTHER tooth...and he pulled it out himself (Oh Happy Day for his momma!!)
- Maddie and I have been feeling a little yucky...but we had a great sick day at home together this week (super cute pics will be posted from that day)
- Maddie is all better...I still feel a little yucky (but this is my first time even getting sick this winter...so I am VERY thankful for that!!)
- Ty and I had a date night last Tuesday. We went to McDonalds and thrift stores...it was wonderful!!
- Dustin wrote a new song last week and he had a great night of recording some of his newer songs...I LOVE them!!
- I just adore my church family. They are amazing and I can't even imagine my life without them.
- I started a new work out at my gym...I kind of want to die...but the pain means it is working. (or at least that is what I keep telling myself)
- I might be a soccer mom soon...we are trying to find a place to get both of the kiddos into. If anyone knows of a good local group...please let me know.
- I love Trader Joes (I didn't figure that out this week...but I was reminded of it)
- I had a date day with Dustin yesterday...it was wonderful!!
- Hopefully tonight will be a family movie night...full of cuddling on the couch...eating yummy food...and doing a whole-lot-of-nothing!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Tooth Fairy

2010-02-22T05:54:00.000-08:00

(This picture has nothing to do with this post...it is actually an old photograph. But I just love it...and this post is about Ty...so I used it.)

I have learned that there are many positions a momma fills during her day. I have been a nurse for boo-boos...a teacher for homework...a baker for little sweet tooth's...a cuddler for teary eye babes...a chauffeur (just a side note..I totally had to look up the spelling on that one) to school and other various activities...and so much more. Yesterday...I was able to to fill another position...one that I love and hate...the Tooth Fairy.

Here is a re-cap of how the day went...

Ty - (after I picked him up from his class at church) Mom...my tooth is really loose!!

Me - Awesome buddy! (not thinking too much about it because he had never said that it was loose before)

Ty - Maybe we can get it out before Daddy gets home today so I can show him

Me - Well buddy...it would have to be really loose to get it out his afternoon (then I kept talking to people as I was walking out of church and to the car)

Ty - (in the back seat of the car with Maddie) Maddie!!! My tooth is really loose...do you want to see it?

Maddie - (After looking at his tooth) Wow...that is gross...how does it wiggle like that?

Ty - I know...it is weird huh?

Me - (thinking to myself) Wow...it must really be loose...I hope Dustin gets home before Ty wants it out.

*After we get home...have lunch...and are now sitting on the couch together*

Ty - Mommy...I taste blood...and my tooth is bent forward...can you try to get it out?

Me - Sure buddy...go get me a paper towel. (now that is what I said...but what I was thinking was...Crap! I have to try to take his tooth out...and it totally makes me feel a little queezy when I have to try to pull it out of his mouth. Well...Jess...you had to do it once before...you can do it now) (Yet another side note...does anyone else ever give themselves mental pep talks? Because I totally do)

Ty - Here is the paper towel (he then lays his head on my lap and opens wide)

Me - (taking a deep breath) Alright buddy. Mommy is going to try to wiggle it a little. (I then wiggle it for a little while...a little more blood comes out...and he says that it hurts a little) Alright little man...stay really still...(I think to myself...please come out with one tug...I am not sure how much longer I can feel it wiggling in my fingers...ewww...gross)

Ty - Mommy why are you making a weird face?

Me - No reason buddy...let me see if I can get this...(one big tug...) I got it buddy!! Go to the sink...I will get you some salt water to rinse with. (we both run into the kitchen to take care of the new hole in his mouth)

Ty - (After rinsing...he looks up at me with very serious face and says...) You did good mom...I think you should win an award for the best tooth puller!

Me - Well thanks buddy (as I think to myself...this is the only 5th tooth he has lost...we still have a lot to go)

Ty - Can I have my tooth?

Me - What buddy

Ty - (looking at me like I am totally not thinking straight) MOM...I need it for the tooth fairy!!

Me - O...of course!

*We bring it upstairs and put it under his pillow*

Ty - Is the tooth Fairy real?

Me - Why do you ask?

Ty - Because a kid in my class said that she woke up in the middle of the night one time and she saw her mom putting money under her pillow

Me - Wow...that is crazy!

Ty - Well....is she real?

*At this point Maddie walks in and she has obviously heard some of our conversation*

Maddie - I bet the tooth fairy is beautiful...just like Tinkerbell

Ty - Well mom....is she real?

Me - Well Ty Man...do you always get money under your pillow after you loose a tooth?

Ty - Yeah...but do you put it there?

Me - Do you really think I wait until the middle of the night and come into your room and put money under your pillow (Yes...I am totally trying to get out of this conversation without lying to him)

Maddie - Yeah Ty...

Ty - Well maybe I will just stay awake tonight and act like I am asleep so I can see who puts money under my pillow (he says with the cutest little grin...the kind of grin that lets me know that he is pretty sure that the tooth fairy is his momma)

Me - Alright buddy...we'll see if you can stay up that late (knowing that he will never stay up and also knowing that he is just trying to get me to admit to him that I am the tooth fairy)

Me - Well...who wants a popsicle?

Ty and Maddie - ME!!!

*I head downstairs and I can hear the babes talking in Ty's room)

Maddie - Don't touch your tooth...you have to leave it for the tooth fairy!!

Ty - I'm just looking at it...I will leave it under my pillow

Maddie - Are you really going to stay up to see the tooth fairy? If you see her can you tell her that I think she is beautiful and I love her?

Ty - Maddie...I might not see her tonight...but I know she is beautiful...and I am pretty sure she already knows that you love her

I love that little boy...he just melts my heart!!

A-MAZING

2010-02-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

So....yesterday I had to work all day. I dropped the kiddos of at school around 8:10 and went straight into my office. I knew it was going to be a busy day and I knew it would probably be a long day as well. (totally not complaining...I love my job and I was definitely thankful for the extra hours) Around 5:00 I began to pack up my things...and I started to think about what I had to do when I got home. I knew that dinner needed to be made pretty soon after I got home...I had dishes to do...homework to finish with the babes...floors that needed to be mopped (melting snow+2 dogs= floors that never seem to stay clean)...and many other things that needed to be done. After everything was packed up...I left my office...and I won't lie...I was kind of dreading having to get a list of things done when I got home. I walked in the door and was greeted by hugs from the babes and a kiss from Dustin. I set my things down and prepared myself to start working...when I realized that the babes had already been changed out of their school clothes and their homework was sitting completed on the table. I then noticed that the floors were unusually clean...I even smelled pine-sol. As I continued into the kitchen...I noticed those floors looked mopped as well....and O my goodness...not only was the dishwasher emptied...but the dirty dishes that were in the sink that morning had found their way into the dishwasher. The counter tops had been wiped down...and the trash had been emptied. This was all just too good to be true...but I had to keep looking. I walked into our bedroom...and the bed was made...the carpet had been vacuumed...and there was not a trace of the (husband) clothes that earlier in the morning seemed to be all over the floor. I ran upstairs to find my husband because he had either found the magic cleaning fairy that I have been so desperately searching for...or...wait for it...HE had cleaned for me while I was gone!! I spotted him in the living room and with my finger shaking I said, "Did you do all of this?" "All of what?" he replied with a cute little grin. "O my heavens." I said. "I have never been more attracted to you in my entire life!! You are A-MAZING!!" He just smiled and said, "I knew you were going to have a long day...and I wanted to help you out. The kids and I are already to go." "Go Where?" I said. "I figured we would all get out of the house and go to Chick-Fil-A for dinner." Yeah...you heard him...he also took us out for dinner!!
I always knew I married the man of my dreams!! I think I'll keep him.

I miss them

2010-02-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

So...this may seem like a sad post...but I promise it really isn't. There are just some people that I am missing...and I am thankful that they are in my life so I can miss them!!

First of all is Sheri...also known as Sher Bear (a name I gave her when we were like 5 years old) She is the longest "relationship" I have ever had. We met when I was 4 and she was 5...I moved in next door to her...saw her Strawberry Shortcake tricycle...and I knew that she was the friend for me. We were friends all through school and we have too many memories to even count. We lost touch for a little while when college and marriage came along (mostly because I can be terrible at staying in touch with people!!) but we have been doing a great job at keeping in touch recently...and I want it to stay that way :). I saw her over Christmas break...and fell in love with her cute-as-can-be boys!! It is wonderful to have a friend that has known you almost your whole life...and still loves you!! Hopefully we can have a girl's get-a-way weekend soon...I think we both need one!

Next is Laura...

also known as Lola (I am not quite sure why I started calling her this...but I think we were sophomores and it has always stuck) Have you ever had a friend that you didn't know you needed in your life until they showed up...and then you wondered how you ever lived without them?

That is Lola for me. She has been through some pretty crazy and hard times with me...and I always know that I can count on her. She is basically...pretty much amazing. And she is also the reason I have been happily married to Dustin for almost 9 years (long story...maybe I will blog about it someday...but she knows :)!!) I love our early morning talks after I drop off the kids and she is on her way to work. And I love knowing that she will be my friend for life!

Last but not least is...

My Momma. She will always be my mom...but as I get older...I realize that she is also one of my best friends! If I am sad...she encourages me...when I need a solution...she will always try to "fix it"...when I need a laugh...she laughs with me...and when I need to be reminded that everything will be ok...she lets me know that it will. My babes just adore her...my husband is so thankful for her...and I miss her...A LOT!

So...even though it is a little sad to miss people in your life...it is amazing to be reminded of why you miss them and how much they mean to you.
I encourage you to let someone know that you are missing them today...and let then know that they have a special place in your life.

Car ride conversations

2010-02-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

Last night me and the babes were on our way home from church...and like most Wednesday nights...Maddie fell asleep on the car ride home. We were on the highway...listening to music...when my little man quietly said, "Grace likes me" I waited for him to continue...but that was all he said. So I replied, "Grace at school or church?" "School" he said. "Well, that's nice sweetie" I replied...not quite sure where he was going with this. He then said, "I mean she LIKES me...with her heart!" "Wow...how do you know that buddy?" I asked. "Well...Her friends told me that she LIKES me...so I went up to her before lunch and said, 'Do you LIKE me...you know...with your heart?' And she said 'Yes'...and she was serious!" "Well what did you say to that?" "I just dropped my mouth open and bugged out my eyes and walked the whole way to lunch like that." "You didn't say anything back to her buddy?" "NO WAY!! My buddy Gabe wasn't there!" "Why does that matter?" I asked. "Well...she is pretty strong...and if I told her that I didn't LIKE her like that...she might have ripped my ear off!! I need to wait until one of my friends is there...because she probably can't rip both of our ears off at the same time!" I tried to not let him hear me giggle and responded, "O...yeah....that is a good idea. But I think I might have a better idea...just say that your mom doesn't want you to LIKE anyone at school because it might be a distraction...you can just blame me babe." He thought for a moment and said, "Well I don't want to blame you mommy...I mean...this is not really your fault." I looked in the rear view mirror and said, "Babe...that is what mommies are for. We try to fix all of the problems that we can for our babes. You are not really 'blaming' mommy for anything...it just helps you keep your sweet friend without having to feel uncomfortable." He thought again for a while then very seriously responded, "What would I do with out you...probably lose my ears!! Thanks mom...you're the best!!"

I hope we always have conversations like that one!!

I made it

2010-02-01T07:09:00.001-08:00

Well...I made it ...21 days!! And today I am enjoying a wonderfully delicious cup of coffee!! It was definitely an amazing 21 days full of learning, growth, and discipline. I have realized that I have SO much to be thankful for and I am truly blessed. I have learned that some situations...no matter how hard you pray for them...sometimes don't change the way I want them to. But I have also learned that is ok...and I will keep praying for them. I think one of the greatest lessons for me these last 21 days was a simple reminder...that I have an amazing husband that I fall in love with more everyday...I have two amazing babes that make my life more wonderful than I ever thought possible...I have some of the most encouraging and supportive friends any girl could ask for...and I have been reminded that God loves me...He truly loves me...flaws and all!!

How did she get so smart

2010-01-25T15:38:00.001-08:00

A little conversation with Maddie and me today...

Maddie - I like hugs mommy

Me - Me too babe

Maddie - But I really only like 'hello hugs'

Me - What do you mean sweetie?

Maddie - I like 'hello hugs'...you know...the kind that you give when you get to say 'hello' to someone. The 'goodbye' hugs make me kind of sad...like the 'goodbye' hug I had to give Nana Carol when we left NY. (She paused and looked like she was deep in thought) I wish that all hugs were 'hello' hugs. Lets work on that mom.

I love that girl!

Madison

2010-01-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

This is Madison. Aka - Maddie, Maddie May, Maddie-boom-baddie, Sunshine, Princess, Punkin' head, and My babe.
Let me tell you a little about Miss Maddie -
- She is a lot sweet and little sassy...and I love that
- She knows what she likes and doesn't like
- She has a huge heart
- She loves to give hugs
- She wants to be a worship Pastor...not a worship leader...a Pastor...and she says that one day she will take Daddy's job (I hope she plans on taking care of us financially then :-)!!)
- She never gives up
- She loves stuffed animals...we have stock in Build-A-Bear (not really...but we should)
- She sings all the time...loudly...and it is beautiful
- She looks a lot like her momma...or at least we hear that all of the time
- She has to have me sing, "You are my Sunshine" to her every night
- She is my sunshine
- She gave us a scare in the delivery room...but ever since then she has always been healthy (and I am SO thankful for that)
- She needs a reminder every now and then to not have an attitude :)
- She loves school and all of her classmates
- She adores the people she loves...and if she doesn't like you...she will have nothing to do with you
- She loves to help
- She likes to do things her own way...and she does them well
- She is very creative
- She loves to sit with her Daddy as he plays piano and writes songs...she has always loved his music
- She loves to sing and dance with her momma (her momma loves that too!)
- She loves her big brother and she loves to get things for him
- She loves to wear fun tights...and her momma loves to see her in them
Maddie is my baby girl. She helped me realize that I had room in my heart for another sweet babe. Some of my favorite memories in my life are the times that I spent feeding her and talking to her in the middle of the night. Her hugs and kisses still make a bad day better and just having her in my life makes my heart complete.
Today (and always) I pray for my Maddie May. I pray that she always keeps her strong will and that she knows how to use it. I pray that she continues to love on people and bring joy to others. I pray that I can be and will be the mom that she needs...and that she knows that I love her...support her...and think she is the most amazing little girl in the world. I pray that her heart and mind will be protected and pure. And I pray that she will always know who she is and never be ashamed for it.

Do over

2010-01-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

I love listening to my babes play a game together. They laugh...they play hard...they get frustrated...and eventually one of them will say, "Do-over!" and the other one will reluctantly start the game over.
I have had a lot of "Do-overs" in my life...and I am so very thankful for them. But recently...I have realized that even though I have been given the chance to have a do-over...I keep reminding myself of why I needed the do-over in the first place. I had failed at something...or I made a wrong decision...I wasn't who I wanted to be...I acted wrongly...I said something I shouldn't have...I just plain messed up. I am realizing that I never actually get to use my do-over because I am more focused on what I didn't do right...and less focused on a great opportunity for a new start. I want to be done remembering who I am not...and start realizing who I can be. Have I made mistakes in my life...O my...YES...but I can't let them define me anymore. I want this year to be a year that I start looking at what I can do and stop looking at who I think I am not.

* PS - This fast has been amazing and I am so thankful for what I am learning...but I think I am ready for some fun, light-hearted posts about my cute babes and the funny things they say...only one more week! :-)

One week

2010-01-18T19:35:00.000-08:00

Well...I am officially one week into the Daniel Fast. This last week has been amazing and hard all at the same time. I haven't posted in the last few days...not because I wasn't focused on anything but because I really felt as though I needed to not have my agenda in the way. I think it needed to be a time for me to listen and reflect. If you know me...you know that I tend to be a talker. It was almost hard to try to just listen...but I am so thankful that I did (and I am going to try to continue to). I didn't have any major revelations...but it was comforting to know that God still speaks...He still loves me...and He still has plans for me. Sometimes knowing those things is really all that matters.

My Momma

2010-01-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

I called my mom yesterday morning after dropping the kids off at school and I knew that I was going to pray for her for the day. God has totally restored my relationship with my momma and I am still amazed at all that He has done between the two of us. This blog post would be WAY too long if I went into all of the details...so just believe me...God has done some amazing healing in our relationship!! Moving on...
My mom and I talk almost everyday (thank the Lord we are on the same cell phone company!!). She calls to talk to the babes at least 4-5 times a week and they love it!! (They are already asking me when we can go back to NY...or when Nana Carol can come visit us) She spoils my whole family...A LOT! She always tells me that she is proud of me and that she thinks I have the best family in the world. She LOVES Dustin and thinks he is just amazing! She is the person I call when I have to cry or just need to hear that "everything will be OK". She is my mom...my friend...my encourager...and my #1 fan.
Today I am praying that she will know how much I love her. That she will stay healthy and continue to take care of herself. That her job won't stress her out (well..at least not too much :)!!). I pray that she will know how much her grand babies adore her and miss her. That God will bring amazing people into her life to love on her, encourage her, and support her. That God will bless her life in every possible way and the she can know just how much she blesses mine!

Tyler

2010-01-14T07:31:00.001-08:00

This is Tyler. AKA - Ty, Tyman, Boo, Boo-bear, Griffin, my little man, and my babe. Let me tell you a about my little man...
-He is the sweetest boy I have ever met
-He is very forgiving
-He is so smart that it is almost scary. He memorizes things very quickly and knows more about outer space than I will probably ever know
-He wants to be a rocket scientist
-He adores his daddy and he also wants to be a rockstar. (He has already started planning his own band)
-He is a little clumsy and tends to get distracted easily
-He is such a good big brother...even when his little sister is being annoying
-He made me a mommy for the first time...something I was SO fearful of...and something he made SO easy
-He is very compassionate and would give anything he had to someone who needed it
-He loves video games
-He loves to pray
-He loves his momma even when she gets frustrated easily and has bad days (he actually seems to love me the most on those days)
-He loves all animals and would have even more of them if he could
-He always sees the best in people
-He loves to help
-He secretly wants to be a ninja
-He thinks it is very cool that his momma knows karate
-He loves to re-tell a story...and he gives EVERY detail
-He loves to laugh and his laugh is one of the most beautiful sounds in the world
-He loves to wrestle with his dad
-He still lets me give him a hug and kiss in public
-He is a dreamer...just like his mom and dad
-He is my little man...he has changed the way I look at life and myself...and I love him more than I ever though was humanly possible

Today I pray for Ty. I will pray that God protects him and keeps him healthy. I will pray that all of his dreams will come true and that he lives life to the fullest. I will pray that I can be the mom that he needs and that he will always know how much I love him, support him, and believe in him. Today (and always) I will pray that God keeps his little heart pure and that he will always have a relationship with the Lord...not because he has to...but because he wants to. I pray that he keeps his sweet and compassionate heart and that he uses it to reach out to and love on others. I pray that God uses my little man to change the world.

Out of the mouth of babes

2010-01-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt unsettled? Not completely upset, angry, frustrated or sad...just unsettled. That is how I felt yesterday. I was thinking about my dad and his health problems. I was praying that his Dr.'s would have wisdom and that he would want to fight to get better. I was also praying for Haiti. I saw images yesterday of children looking for their parents...wives looking for husbands...and loved ones weeping as they sat next to the body of someone they had lost. My heart hurt as I tried to put myself in their position...knowing that I couldn't even imagine the pain they are dealing with and the hopelessness they are feeling. And in both of these situations...I know that there is nothing that I can do to change what is happening...all I can do is pray...and that left me feeling a little unsettled. I prayed for my dad and Haiti all day and all day I asked God to show me who He is...not that I didn't already know...but I desperately wanted a reminder. Well...last night me and the babes were on our way home from church and Maddie started to sing...in her sweet and beautifully loud voice. This is what she sang...

He is jealous for me
loves like a hurricane. I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of the sudden
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful You are
And how great Your affections are for me

O how He loves us so
O how He loves us
How He loves us so
O how He loves us so
O how He loves us
How he loves us so

Out of the mouth of my sweet babe came my "answer". I may not be able to "fix" what I prayed for yesterday...but I can still pray. He loves us...He loves me...He loves you.

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog post...

2010-01-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

So...I had planned to write about how I was praying for my little man today (and I had a really cute picture of him already to load onto this wonderful post) but God has something different for me to think about.
Yesterday, I stopped at Meijer on my way home from work. I was heading into the store to get some mangoes, blueberries, pomegranates, and kiwis, so that I could make a fruit salad to have on hand during the fast. As I was walking into the store I was giving myself a pep talk about not looking at the bakery, deli, or bread section. It was then that I realized...I am walking into a huge grocery store...to get all the yummy fruits I want...then I am going to go and pay for them...drive home in my car...and make a wonderful fruit salad in the comfort of my own home... Wow...I am so blessed! I was almost complaining at the thought of having to eat fruit...fresh fruit...that I love! That was sad to me.
I want to have a heart of thankfulness...TRUE thankfulness. I want to see all of the blessings that surround me each day. I want to focus on those things...not the silly things that I can so easily get frustrated about.
So...my prayer for today has been and will be to have a heart that oozes with thankfulness. I want to be thankful for the fast our church is doing...thankful for what God is and will teach me through it...thankful for my fruits and veggies...thankful for my sweet babes and the joy they bring into my life daily...thankful for my amazing husband...thankful for my cute house...thankful for good health...thankful to be making hot chocolate for Maddie and her sweet little friend who are playing dress-up...thankful for my amazing friends (one of whom is coming over tonight to watch American Idol with me)...Thankful for grace...thankful for my restored relationship with my momma...thankful for my church family...thankful for my cuddly dogs...thankful for my clothes...definitely thankful for fun shoes :-)...thankful for the chance to be used in spite of myself...thankful for prayer...thankful for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 50th chances...just plain thankful for everything.

21 days...

2010-01-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Our church (CLC) is doing a 21 day Daniel fast that starts today and goes to Feb. 1st. (It is basically a fast of fruits, vegetables, and water) So...for the next 21 days I am going to try to write a little tidbit about what I am/have been praying for that day and what God has been teaching me. I am actually excited to see what God is going to do through this and I am so thankful to have a wonderful church family to go through this process with!!

SO...my prayer for today is for my hottie potattie husband (yes..I just said 'hottie potattie')

Even though he would not agree...he has a little bit of a love for Dt. Mountain Dew.

And when I say "a little bit of love"...I really mean that he is totally addicted!! :-) I am sure that the next few days will be hard and have a few caffeine head aches involved as he adjusts to only drinking water.

If you know my husband...you know that he is the most amazing worship leader ever!! He writes the most beautiful worship songs and he has a heart for worship like no one I have ever met. He also has a huge heart for people. There have been many times that I have listened to him give advice to a friend that is hurting, or watch him comfort a family when they are going through a difficult time and I have learned so much about what truly ministering to someone looks like. I can honestly say that in almost 9 years of marriage...I love him more now than I ever thought was possible...and I know that somehow I will love him even more tomorrow. He is an amazing husband and he is also my best friend. I love that we laugh together...about the most ridiculous and stupid things. I also love knowing that he will always support me and he wants all of my dreams to come true. And...don't even get me started on how wonderful of a Dad he is!! He is the ultimate "Fun Dad". If there is snow to play in...he is playing in it with the babes, if there is a pool to splash in...he is throwing the babes in it, and if there is ice cream to be eaten...he has made sure to already buy ALL the toppings we could possibly need to have the ultimate ice cream sundae night! He is also Ty's wrestling and Wii game partner...and he is Maddie's tea party guest and dance partner. The babes just adore him...and so do I. He truly is the man of my dreams.

I say all of that...because today...I am going to pray for my husband. I hope that these next 21 days are just an amazing time for him. My prayer is that he can hear God even more clearly than he already does and that he can see even more of the plan that God has for his life. I am going to pray that his dreams and desires will become reality for him.

And (selfishly) I am also going to pray...that he is not in a bad mood for the next few days due to lack of Dt Mountain Dew. :-)

Snow Day (Also known as "Burke family fun day")

2010-01-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

*Warning...there may be a lot of pictures in this post*

Yesterday school was cancelled for the babes + Dustin was off of work and his bands show was cancelled that evening due to the weather + I was off work as well = a family fun day!!! We started off the day right...with marshmallow filled, homemade hot chocolate and cookies. Then we all decided to bundle up and go out in the snow... The boys were rolling around and Harley LOVED her first time in the snow...

You might notice that this adorable, sweet, and guilty puppy face is not in the snow...she decided to run and not come when Daddy called her. She also decided to make him chase her almost three blocks in the snow. Daddy was not happy...at all!! I think she might be going through a "dog mid-life crisis" But her face is just so cute and squeezable that I couldn't even get mad at her (of course...I also did not have to run after to her and bring her stubborn 80 lb body back home)

Now...back to the snow playing...

This sweet babe just loved playing out in the snow. She just kept laughing and throwing snow on everyone...including herself.

The boys wrestled and Harley kept trying to "save" Ty by jumping on top of Dustin...it was a funny site. Then Dustin suggested that we go sledding...the babes LOVED that idea. So...I put my camera safely in the house and headed out to walk to our neighborhood sledding hill. We were surprised that no one was there yet but we were happy to have the hill all to ourselves. After a few runs...sweet Maddie decided that she was just too cold and needed to go home. Maddie and I started on the walk home while the boys followed (well...they followed at a distance because they kept taking breaks to throw each other in the snow!!) After we got home and warm Dustin told everyone to get ready because he was taking us out for lunch and a "surprise" afterwards. The kids were very excited so they got ready in record time. We ate lunch and then got back into the car and headed to the pet store. Yes...you heard me right...I said pet store. Let me give you a little background...

Tyler had received two hermit crabs from Nana and Papa for his birthday last summer. He LOVED those hermit crabs!! *Fast forward* to before we left for NY 2 weeks ago...eating with Daddy...Ty says, "Hey daddy? Can you make sure to give my hermit crabs a full dish of water and food so they will be set for while we are gone?" "Sure buddy" said a very busy Daddy who was trying to get everything ready for not only his family to go out of town...but himself and the band as well. *Fast forward* to the tragic loss of the hermit crabs. (and I never told Ty that they had not been fed and watered...per Daddy's request and promise to buy him 3 new ones!!)

So...we were at the pet store...and Ty's face just lit up. We walk in to pick out his crabs and somehow it was decided (between Daddy and the babes) that Maddie NEEDS a fish in her room. I agree (it is better than a puppy!!) *Fast forward* even a little more and Maddie's fish turns into a fish and a dwarf water frog to go with the fish. So now we are checking out with 1 fish, 1 dwarf water frog, 1 bag of pink pebbles, 1 round plastic fish/frog bowl, 3 new hermit crabs, and 1 fresh bag of sand.

So I figured you should all meet the newest members of the Burke household...
Meet Shelly...she is the most outgoing of the 3. She loves her new little cage and even climbs up her climbing wall (something Ty's previous hermit crabs wouldn't do and he is very excited that Shelly does!!)

This is Hermie. He is a little shy...but we have gotten him to come out a few times...and he even crawled on my arm. He and Shelly have played together a little...and he likes climbing over things in his cage.

This is crabcake. He is very shy. We have actually only seen him come out of his shell once. He is super tiny and Maddie already refers to him as the "baby".

This is Ariel. Maddie's Beta fish. Her body is red and she has puprple and blue fins. I always thought that Beta fish were mean...but...come to find out...they are only mean with eachother. Which is why it is fine to have Ariel in the round fish bowl with this little one...

This little dwarf frog is Dory and he swims all the time...which is why he got his name. Maddie already sings, "Just keep swimming...swimmimg...swimming..." to him...it is very cute.

So after all of our new additions we had a family movie night complete with juice boxes and timbits...YUM!! It was an absolutely perfect day.

Careful...He's a talker

2010-01-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

My little Ty man tends to be a talker. When he knows a lot about a topic...he loves to tell ALL about it...and I mean EVERY detail!! And when he asks a question about something...he will ask it in 5 different ways to make sure he is getting all the info he needs. All this being said....
We were driving in the car tonight on our way to church. We had just gotten off our exit and we were waiting at the light. Ty asked me, "Mom...why is that street named 'W-Yes'? To which I replied it is actually pronounced 'Wise' even thought it is spelled W-Y-S-E." Ty replied, "O...that is a weird name. " Thinking the conversation was over...I did not respond...but he kept going..."Who would name it that?" "I am not sure buddy." I responded. "Well who decides the names for the streets...and why would they spell it funny?" I don't know buddy...that is just the name" I said "But why? I mean why is it called Wyse? Who wanted it to be called that? Maybe they weren't a good speller? How do you get the job of naming streets?" At this point...I was SO done with hearing about street names...so I replied in a very firm/kind of frustrated tone, "Buddy...I DON'T KNOW! I don't know why they named the street that...or who named it...it is just the name of the street...that is just the way it is...OK? He paused for a moment and said, "Oh...well you know what mom?" "What buddy?" (I tried to respond like I was not totally done with the conversation). "If there was a street named Jessica...that would be my favorite street because that is your name...and you are my very favorite person!" My heart just melted...I love my little man!!

Super Powers

2010-01-05T07:26:00.001-08:00

So...I need a super power...and not just any super power. I need the one like the guy on Heroes has (the guy whose name I cannot pronounce or spell). He makes a really weird face...closes his eyes...concentrates really hard...and makes himself instantly travel to anywhere he wants to be. Because I would travel to see my brother at least once a week to have lunch with him at Cabo Fish Taco (the most amazing little restaurant that we both love!!) I loved getting to see him so much over the holidays...but now i miss him. I am going to go and work on my Super Powers now.

NY trip (Reader's Digest version)

2010-01-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

SO...me and the babes went to NY last week. It was actually not a planned trip...(my dad had two strokes in a little over 2 weeks and I really wanted to go to check on him and make sure that everything was ok) but we had a great time! The babes and I stayed with my mom and she totally spoiled us!! She let me sleep in and had coffee ready for me when I got up (It was hard to leave that :)!!!) and the kiddos got cookies and orange juice for breakfast (and they didn't want to leave that :)!!!) We went to Carousel center...Heids...Aunt Linda's...Dad's...the Buzzell's house (to see them and Sheri)...and SO much more!! The babes were amazing with all of the driving and I loved getting to be on a mini-vacation with them. Now we are trying to get back into our little routine (NO fun!!) and they are off to school and I am off to work and cleaning. Even though we miss everyone in NY we are glad to be back home safe and sound.
Here are a few pics from the visit...

Resolution

2010-01-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

So...my New Years resolution is to be a better blogger. We'll see how it goes :-)

Busy Busy

2009-09-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been crazy in our household. Dustin and Ty had the flu (not H1N1...even though you would think that it was by the amount of county, city, and state public healthcare officials that called me to ask about them!! But that is another story...), I got them better...only to become sick myself, and Dustin started his new job. All in all...the last couple of weeks have been busy busy! Which leads me to my excitement over the fact that we leave in just 5 short days for our cruise!!! We are taking our first real family vacation ever and I couldn't be more happy! Now...I just have to get through the next few days of school, work, meetings, a garage sale (a little extra $ for the cruise culdn't hurt!), massive amounts of laundry, and getting the house all in order. I guess the next 5 days are going to be busy busy!!

Day 2

2009-08-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

So...I made it to the car today before I cried!! That is definitely progress!! Here are some pics of the kiddos on their first day of school.

Why am I still crying?

2009-08-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

Today was another milestone in the Burke household. My little man started 2nd grade and my baby girl started Kindergarten. And I…am still trying to fight back tears almost 3 hours later. It all started yesterday.
I decided to take off work because I wanted to spend the whole day with Maddie and Ty. I told them it would be “Monday Funday” (an expression coined by my amazing friend Shanta when she watched the kiddos a few times for me this summer…on Mondays) The kids were very excited and so was I. The morning started with breakfast at Tim Horton’s for donuts…which they love. Then we started our errands. We had to go and finish getting Ty’s school supplies and a few more uniform shirts. Then we headed to McDonalds. We ate inside (because for some reason they think that is such a treat!) then we headed home. I got all of their school supplies labeled and packed in their back packs. I laid out their outfits and made sure everything was in order. We played a few games…had a few tickle attacks…and made a fort. Pizza was on the menu for dinner (per their request) and so was cuddling on the couch. They had their baths then we ate and cuddled together for a long time. I didn’t want to send them to bed. I just wanted to hold them...but it was getting late so I told them they had to go to bed. They both went upstairs to wait for me to tuck them in…or I thought they both did. Maddie waited for Ty to get into his bed then she came back downstairs. I asked her what she needed and she said that she just wanted to dance with me before she went to bed…and of course I agreed. In the dimly lit living room…we danced. There was no music playing…just the sweet little sound of my baby girl humming. Our dance wasn’t choreographed and it wasn’t planned…but it was perfect. In those moments I remembered all the memories that had happened in that room. I remembered feeding Maddie in the middle of the night. I remembered how she crawled “her way” (for the longest time she crawled on her back…she still likes to do things her own way!!). I remembered the times that she fell asleep on my lap while we sat on the couch. I remembered all of the games we played…all of the books we had read…all of the times we were princesses. And I knew I would remember this moment. My baby was getting older…she was starting school. I was trying not to cry as she held my hands and spun all around the living room. She was in her pink princess nightgown with her freshly washed hair flowing behind her and her little bare feet standing on their tip-toes. She stopped dancing and told me she was ready for bed…so I picked her up and carried her to her room. I prayed with her and sang her “You are my sunshine” …like I do every night…although it seemed a little harder to get through. I told her that she was going to have an amazing first day of school and that I was SO excited for her. She just smiled and sleepily said, “I love you mommy…good night.”
I left her room and tried to busy myself with laundry and dishes. It didn’t really help because my tears just kept flowing. I called my mom to talk…well I cried…she talked…but it was nice to just hear her voice and comforting words.
The morning came too early. I actually prayed that when I woke up it could just be 2:45 PM so that I could just go and pick up the kids instead of having to drop them off…but that did not happen. I got the kiddos dressed…made breakfast…and fixed their hair (a spiky/mohawk style was requested by Ty and a pretty ponytail for Maddie) then it was off to school. The kids were being goofy and talking the entire car ride which was very helpful for their “on the verge of tears” mommy!! We got to school and took pictures and started the dreaded walk towards the school. We dropped off Ty first. He was SO excited. I got all of his supplies out of his bag and helped him put them in his desk. I gave him a kiss as his friends started to crowd him…they were all very happy to see him. I gave him one last hug and headed for the door. Still no tears…I was doing well. Then I looked at Dustin and Maddie waiting in the hall for me…I could feel the tears creeping. She grabbed my hand and we headed down the stairs to her classroom. Her teacher was there and greeted us all with a huge smile (she was Ty’s Kindergarten teacher and we absolutely love her!!) I tried to say “hello” as I looked down into Maddie’s book bag to pretend to look for something so that I could suck the now forming tears back into my eyes. We walked her into her class and found her seat. We opened her crayons and got her started on the morning coloring paper. I took a few more pictures and then told her that I loved her. She leaned over to me and said, “I’m a little scared.” I hugged her then whispered into her ear (with a seemingly happy…yet shaky voice) “You are going to love it and I cannot wait to hear all about your exciting day!” Then I got up and looked at Dustin with a look that said, “You can stay…but I have to leave now before I lose it!” He bent down to Maddie and hugged, tickled, and kissed her while I walked out. I made it out of her classroom…through the double doors…and under the staircase…then the tears just flowed. I tried to stop…but I couldn’t. I kept thinking I could stop…then another wave would hit me. I am sure I was only under that staircase for about 2 minutes but it seemed like an hour. Dustin stood guard for me so that I would not look like an idiot if anyone walked by. Then he grabbed my hand and we walked out of the building. We didn’t talk too much…he knew I was doing well to just be walking without sobbing. We got to our cars and he told me that he was proud of me and that he loved me. He asked if he could do anything and I told him that I would be okay…I just needed to get through this day. I got into my car and headed for work (I figured work would make the day go faster) and cried…and cried…and cried. I was not fearful or anxious. I knew she was in a wonderful place with amazing people. I knew she was ready for school and even excited to go. I knew that she would be able to sit with Ty for lunch. I knew she was still mommy’s girl and that she would be excited to see me when I picked her up. So…why am I still crying?
I am crying because even though a new, wonderful season in my life is starting…I have to say goodbye to an old one. I don’t know what all this new seasons holds…but I know what my last season held. It had great memories and amazing times that I will always remember and cherish. That season was comfortable and routine. It was life…everyday life…and I loved it! It will always be a part of me…even though it cannot be the season I am in now. It seems as though every time I go into a new season I dread it…only to realize that I like it better than the one before. Hopefully this season will be the same way.
I am excited for my baby girl and for all that she will learn and do. And someday…she will call me crying about her babies going to school and I will let her know that she will be fine and so will they. However…that phone call had better not come for a very, VERY, long time…I still need to get through her first day of school!!

You can do a lot with Wet & Wild make-up

2009-03-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

TY's first grade class had clown day last Friday. The kids were allowed to dress up in mis-matched clothes, wear clown face make-up, and basically just look goofy. Ty LOVES days like that at school. He was very excited and I told him that I would make sure that I got him a good outfit. I looked through his clothes to see what I could find...like any mom trying to not spend a ton of money would! (I could not find coupons for a clown costume :)!!) And after raiding his drawers and Daddy's closet we came up with a perfect outfit...or at least one that he loved. However...his little heart was set on having clown face paint. I googled images of clowns to try to find some ideas (I use google for everything!). I found some good ideas...but I was not sure where I could find a clown face paint kit. It was the first day of Spring and I was pretty sure that all of the Halloween face paint was no longer on the shelves. I went to a few stores and was not having a lot of luck. So finally I went to Target...Target would not let me down!! I figured that I would go and look in the cosmetics section. The first aisle I went down had a large Wet & Wild display...I did not even know that Target carried Wet & Wild...but I did know that they have low prices. I was determined to find something! I picked up a black eye liner, a white eyeliner, and a tube of very red lipstick. I looked at my little girl and said, "Here goes nothing!" I checked out and paid my $3.21 hoping that I could make it work. When Ty came home from school that night we laid out his clown clothes and I let him pick out the "clown face" that he wanted to have. I put the kids to bed a little early that night knowing that I was going to have to spend some extra time on Ty's face the next morning. When I woke up...Ty was already up and getting dressed in his clown gear (I told you...he gets very excited about fun days). We finished getting him and Madison ready, had breakfast and brushed teeth. Then I went to town with my black and white eyeliners. This is the finished product...

He absolutely loved it...and that was all that mattered to me!! I went in to his classroom with him that morning (to drop off the goldfish and marshmallows I signed up to bring). He was so proud of his costume and I was so thankful for Wet & Wild make-up!

Lookin' good

2009-03-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

Early this morning I was doing dishes as Madison was dancing all around the kitchen. She asked me to dance with her...so I started to dance as I put away the dishes. Madison stopped her dancing to watch me...then, after a few minutes she said, "Mom, you got some great moves! You're lookin' good girl!" She makes me laugh.

Prophetic Paper Towels

2009-03-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a busy day...let me just expain. I overslept in the morning and had to get myself ready for work...Ty ready for school...Madison ready for preschool...and my work organized to bring to the office. Dustin was out of town in Chicago with his band and was going to be returning later that day. I was running around the house getting everything ready and somehow we managed to get into the car on time and off to school. (I forgot to tell you I also had to get the "letter bucket" ready for Madison. What's that? Good question. Each child takes a turn filling a huge bucket with the objects that begin with the letter(s) of the week. Guess what we got? X Y and Z...yup, you heard me. :-) I dropped Ty off, headed to Madi's school and dropped her off along with her letter bucket and snacks for 20 children (I also had snack-duty this week for her class). I kissed her goodbye and headed to work. We had a tech guy in the office that day to make sure that all of our computers were secure and protected. Which is a normally a lovely thing...but not today. I needed my computer to print off the addresses of my almost 65 letters that I needed to mail out that afternoon and the tech man could not tell me how long it would take to look at my computer. I asked him politely if he could check my computer last and he said that would be fine. I got my letters addresses and stamped just in time to go pick up Madi from preschool. I packed everything up...then realized that Mr. tech man needed my computer. I left it on the confernce table and told him I would be back after I picked up my little girl. I got Madi from her class and picked up her friend Amanda (one of my best friends little girls). We all got in the car and headed to the place where I was meeting her mom. As I am driving...I pass an intersection and see my husband (who had just got off his bus from chicago and is now headed to his recording studio) I pull into the gas station to drop off Amanda and Dustin pulls in behind me. I get to hug him and welcome him home.....and I get to run errands for him. :-) He asks me if I can go to two different banks...I say, "sure...no problem" (I was being a good wife) I leave the gas station and head back to work with Madi (Are you beginning to understand my day?) Mr. tech man is not done with my computer. So I have Madi sit and practice writing her name while I go over the mailings with my boss. Mr. tech man finishes and I pack everything up (again) and head out the door. I go to both banks and I start to drive home...until I remember that my friend from college is coming over that evening. I totally need to get a dessert to make and I need a few cleaning supplies...so off to the grocery I go. I grab what I need and head for home (again). We get home and it is WAY past lunch time...so I make Madi a sandwich and put a Lean Cuisine meal in the microwave for me. I start doing dishes and cleaning the house. Then, my wonderful husband comes home. We sit and talk about his trip and plan our schedules for the rest of the week. While we are planning...Ty comes home from school. Dustin gets ready to go back to the studio for another session and Ty and I start on his homework. We finish and I start cleaning again...although I am cleaning what I have already cleaned because things have been dropped around the house now. I will not name the dirty culprit......but I do love him so much. :-) Ty's little friend comes to the door and asks if Ty can play...perfect...one less child to clean up after! He heads out the door and I come inside to see my baby girl very sad. "Who am I going to play with?" she asks. I look at her sweet face and tell her to go get the bubbles I just bought, and we head out to the front porch to blow bubbles. As I am blowing bubbles, she is "catching" them, and I am thinking ...I can still make the cupcakes and homemade frosting if I mix the batter quickly and do the dishes at the same time...once the dishes are done I can mop the kitchen floor...the kids rooms are done...but they need to be vacuumed...I can vacuum the upstairs and the downstairs in between frosting...I can do this...and I can do this before my friend comes over that has never seen my house...which is why I want it to look its best. Madi then interrupts my thoughts and says, "mom...you are not a very good blower today." So, back to blowing bubbles...and blowing them well! Then a neighbor girl and her mom ask if Madi can play in their back yard for 30 min. "Yes, yes, yes" I say. She skips away and I think to myself..."I have 30 minutes to get everything done before the kiddos come back and need dinner...GO!" I rush into the house to start mixing batter. I pour everything into a bowl and get out my hand mixer. Much to my dismay the bowl was too tiny and when I started to mix the batter...it splattered. Now...this was not any batter...it was red velvet cake batter...which is red...and splatters red...on my tan and white floors and counter...Aaauuuggghhh!!! I went to get a paper towel to start wiping up the mess...when IT happened...the "prophetic paper towel". I usually do not read my paper towels before I buy them...I actually normally only get plain white...but these paper towels were on sale and they did not seem like too much of an obnoxious design...just blue and white with butterflies. However...in my moment of business....I looked at these paper towels and read what they said, "Share the simple joys". I had been "running" all day...my light blue shirt was now splattered red...I had more cleaning and dishes to do...I still had dinner to make...and what if my house was not perfect for my friend from college? I then laughed out loud. I was a mess and so was my kitchen but I had missed the "simple joys" in my day. It was a beautful warm day. My kitchen curtains were blowing in the wind because my windows were open to let the beautiful fresh air in. I could hear my kids laughing as they played with their friends. My husband was home and safe from his trip. I got to sit on the couch with him in the middle of the afternoon and talk about our days. It had been a busy day...but it had also been a good day. I started to clean up my red velvet mess as I heard the front door open...the kiddos were home and they wanted to blow bubbles with me on the front porch. I looked at the almost clean kitchen...looked at the clock...and said, "Well...let me put the first batch of cupcakes in the oven...then we will blow bubbles." We all went out to the front porch and blew bubbles. They laughed and ran after them. I laughed and blew bubbles for them to run after. We were only out there for 16 minutes (I brought the cupcake timer out with me) but it was a wonderful 16 minutes...and I enjoyed those minutes with my babies. The simple joys are the ones that I remember and I want to take more moments to make them. The kitchen got cleaned and the floors got vacuumed. The kids had dinner, baths, and got in their pajamas. The cupcakes were made...and even half of them got frosted. I was even able to change my red splattered shirt and put on some lip gloss before my friend got there. All-in-all it was a wonderful day (my friend and I had a wonderful time talking and catching up too!) So as I started my day today I reminded myself to realize the simple joys...and I encourage you to do the same.
So what's the moral of the story? You should buy your paper towels at Wal-Mart...they might have a message for you!

Finally

2009-02-26T05:56:00.000-08:00

So...I finally gave in to the blog world. I hope you all enjoy!