I'm Baaack!

So much has happened since the last time I updated my blog.  SO MUCH.  I won't bore you with all the nitty gritty details, but here is the shortened version. 

• The kids and I drove down to Arkansas with my Dad a month before my sister's wedding. 
• We were busy every. single. day. leading up to the wedding making sure everything was perfect.  Only a few of those days were stressful. ;-)
• I got addicted to Happy Hour.  Sonic Happy Hour.
• The kids loved playing outside with Uncle Tommy, Uncle Alex, and the horses.  It was adorable to watch!
• I found out Titus is never allowed to have Dum-Dums unsupervised.
• I got to see family I haven't seen in years.  They got to meet my little babies and fall in love with them.
• When Paul finally made it down I was the happiest girl in the world!  The kids were so excited that Daddy was finally with us too!
• Paul helped take pictures of the wedding.  I loved watching him.  He's so handsome. :-)
• My sister's wedding was beautiful!  I'm so happy for her and my new brother-in-law!
• I enjoyed the many jam sessions and craved more.
• I'm thankful Paul and I took 3 days to drive home.  Taking our time and stopping to do fun things on the way was a great idea!
• I have lost 9 lbs since being home!
• We were given a really nice swing set.  Best. gift. ever.
• When we got home from our vacation Paul got furloughed from the railroad.  Not cool.
• I miraculously got my old job back at Construction Monitor.
• Happy Mother's Day!

That's a very rough summary of our life right now.  Aren't you glad I didn't go into the details?

I really enjoyed my Mother's Day.  I'm so thankful I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend and we raise these four amazing kids together.  We may not know what we are doing half the time, but at least we're not doing it alone!

Life is a little different right now.  A little stressful.  Not knowing what the future holds can feel pretty scary if you allow it.  But Paul and I have reminded each other that God has everything under control and He will never ever leave us hanging.  He has already shown us that He is going to take care of us through the amazing family and friends that we have!  I feel like "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" is stuck on repeat in my head. :-)

I don't know about tomorrow;

I just live from day to day.

I don't borrow from its sunshine

For it's skies may turn to grey.

I don't worry o'er the future,

For I know what Jesus said.

And today I'll walk beside Him,

For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know He holds my hand.

I don't know about tomorrow;

It may bring me poverty.

But the one who feeds the sparrow,

Is the one who stands by me.

And the path that is my portion

May be through the flame or flood;

But His presence goes before me

And I'm covered with His blood.

I'm so thankful I have a relationship with God.  He gives me peace.  He gives me strength.  He gives me courage!  God blessed me with my old job so I can help provide for the family yet still be home so I don't miss out on anything.  Zoe still enjoys her schoolwork at the kitchen table and is slowly learning how to read!  The kids live outside in the backyard -- they're already a shade or two darker than me. :-) Paul and I are daydreaming about the things we want to do around the house.  We are making lists and will slowly do little things here and there that will improve our little yellow home.  We're still thinking positive!  Most days. ;-)  

The Seven Year Itch

Today is a special day.  Seven years ago on this day my stomach was so full of butterflies I thought I was going to explode!  It was the day before my wedding and I couldn't believe it was finally happening.  I was going to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.  The one man that was absolutely perfect -- and he chose me to be his wife.

It feels like yesterday.  I feel the same anxiety and nerves when I think about it!  I get excited when I think about my sister who must be feeling the same emotions while she anxiously awaits her own wedding in April.  Once the wedding and the honeymoon are over, the real fun sets in.  Life.

Seven years, four kids, three pets, two degrees, and one mortgage later, I am still the happiest woman on earth!

We have had our good days and bad days.  We have experienced hardships, stress, and fights.  But we also have experienced some amazing, wonderful, beautiful things.  The good always outweighs the bad.

I shared on Facebook this morning that experts say that couples who stay married seven years are likely to be together for good.  I don't know who the "experts" are, but I'm glad the odds are in my favor!  A study found that the "seven-year itch" is a myth, and by the time a couple have been together that long their marriage is increasingly likely to last.

I can't wait to spend seven more years with my husband.  Seventeen more years.  Seventy more years if God allows!

Happy "Anniversary" to the most handsome, loving, funny, sexy, strong husband in the world!  You still give me butterflies!

My Life in Black and White: My Husband

The rainbow is composed of millions of colors, but we have grouped them into seven general categories. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. We live in a breathtaking world full of color! But sometimes you just need to look at pictures in black and white.

I am not a photographer by any means. I don't pretend to be. I know my pictures don't look that great, but I love taking pictures of the ones I love and sharing my memories with you.

One of the things that I love about Paul is his love for music. I totally fell in love with the guy who played the guitar! Before we were married, or even dating for that matter, we went to BTI (Bible Training Institute) and a ton of the youth ended up hanging out playing video games -- except Paul. I found him in a corner playing his guitar singing his heart out. Of course I was interested since I come from a musical family. I knew this was my kind of guy.

We have been married for nearly 7 years now. We both have changed and grown up . . . I guess you could say. Paul has been busy going to college, working hard at his job, getting promotions, changing jobs, training for this new job sometimes feels like he is going through college again. I have been busy having babies. Four babies in four years is a lot of work! I have worked part-time jobs from home here and there, I have been trying to find my inner Martha Stewart when it comes to keeping a house and cooking meals. I feel like we are just running right now. We're so busy and on the go 24/7.

Yesterday we did something different. We pressed the "pause button." Paul got out his trusty guitar and started to play . . . 

I couldn't help but take a picture. To me, watching Paul play the guitar and sing is beautiful. I love to hear him sing -- especially when he is worshiping the Lord. He is so passionate when it comes to God.

When he was strumming on his guitar I had flashbacks of who we were before we had kids, before we were married. While he was singing the song he wrote for me as an anniversary present 5 years ago, I couldn't help but laugh and ask him if he still felt that way as kids were tugging on my shirt and crying about being hungry while I was trying to set the table. Life changes so much, doesn't it?

One thing that doesn't change is my love for Paul. He is my best friend. When I get overwhelmed, he is there to pray for me and encourage me. He makes me laugh. He makes me mad. He makes me shake my head. He makes my heart feel like it will burst. He makes me happy. I'm so glad he is mine!

6 years

This weekend my husband and I celebrated our 6 years of marriage.  There's a part of me that cannot believe that we have been married 6 years already, and then the other part of me cannot imagine life any other way.  We have learned plenty of life lessons in this short amount of time together, and yet we have plenty more to learn!

I am so thankful for the man God has brought into my life to be my husband and best friend.  He loves the Lord so much, he works extremely hard for his family, he loves his babies, he is loving, compassionate, very patient...he is just the perfect man for me.

Happy Anniversary, my love.  I am so thankful I get to spend the rest of my life with you!

Valentine's Day

Ah, Valentine's Day!  It is one of the more popular holidays for many, many reasons.  Some people love it, and some people hate it.  Each stage in life brings different emotions to the holiday.  For example:

You have the grade school kids who either buy or make enough valentines for their classmates and/or friends.  Let's be honest, they have their moms make the cards.  They enjoy getting the cards with the lame - I mean, witty rhymes on them and they even get to enjoy treats such as conversation hearts, chocolates, maybe even sugar cookies and brownies with pink frosting.  It's a fun, sugar-filled day for a kid! 

You have the teenagers who have boyfriends and girlfriends now so Valentine's Day is even more fun.  You get romantic cards, a box of chocolates, maybe even a stuffed animal and/or flowers.  Young love is always fun and exciting!  Who doesn't love the warm, fuzzy feeling you get from this special day?

It doesn't take long for those teenagers - or even young adults - to realize, though, that sometimes boyfriends and girlfriends come and go, and sometimes Valentine's Day will find you single.  Single.  Something you do not want to be on this day because it will literally rub it in your face that you are alone and miserable.  You make a point to complain about the day weeks ahead of time so everyone know your life stinks. You purposely wear black - the color of death - to show how much you hate this time of year.  You buy the biggest box of chocolates for yourself and sit in a dark room watching sappy chick flicks all by yourself.  Don't forget your box of tissues! 

Next you have engaged/newly married couples . The warm, fuzzy feelings are back because you finally found the one you will spend the rest of your life with!  Every Valentine's Day will be spent with him/her waking you up to flowers, chocolates, a card and the day will be spent doing romantic things because you both take the day off just to show your love.  Right?  Maybe in the beginning...

Then comes my stage in life. 

Married.  With kids. 

You buy the lame - I mean, witty cards for your kids now.  You decorate your windows with pink and red hearts that are decorated by your little ones.  Your house explodes with slivers of construction paper and glitter that you will find months later - you may find remains up until the next Valentine's Day!

You buy a little box of chocolates not only for your significant other, but little boxes of chocolates for your sons and daughters.

Your husband or wife still go to work - they can't take the day off because there are too many mouths to feed and bills to pay - but when they walk through the door at the end of the day they will have something special for you.

Some Valentine's Days you will get to dress up and go out on a date kid-free, and other Valentine's Days you dine in and celebrate the love that brought you those beautiful, chaotic children. 

I don't know about you, but I love Valentine's Day and the stage of life I am in. I hope you enjoy what Valentine's Day brings you too. 

Four under 4

This May Paul and I will be having our fourth child before our oldest child turns 4 years old.  Does this stress us out?  Not really.  Does it stress other people out?  Apparently yes. 

Last year before our youngest son turned 1 we got the surprise of a positive pregnancy test.  It took us over a month before we made it public mostly (for me) so I could enjoy the thought of having another baby without hearing the comments. 

It wasn't long after people found out before we were hearing that we were being talked about:

"How is Grace going to manage?"

"Poor Grace...how is she going to function with four babies?"

"How's the 'birth control' working for you?"

We live in a day and age where I feel like children are not seen as a blessing from God but rather a punishment from Him.  That's not the case at all. 

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3 

When Paul and I were newlyweds we had our life all planned out and we thought our plan would make us happy.  The opposite of nearly everything we had on our list happened.  

We ended up having not one, but two kids while Paul was in college.  Studying was a lot of fun in our house!  
We outgrew our apartment and bought our first house -- which we have outgrown again.  

We thought we were taking a break to enjoy our two kids...that didn't happen.  

Every year we promise to buy a dishwasher and every year something comes up -- this year it was a broken arm.  

Money is tight when birthdays come along so we decorate using construction paper, balloons, and tissue paper.  Thank you Pinterest!  

Paul and I were planning a romantic trip to Cancun for our anniversary this year...I got pregnant. So we will be enjoying our anniversary at home with steaks and mushrooms by candlelight. Or maybe a pizza. 

Every night I go into my son's room and reassure him that the shadows are not monsters and that Jesus is the ultimate superhero.  Sometimes I have to reassure him a few times before he calms down and goes back to sleep.

The kids wake up early demanding cereal, gum, candy, or SuperWhy every morning before I am even out of bed.  Or have had my coffee.

My husband runs out of clothes every single week.

Even though our life hasn't gone according to plan, Paul and I could not be happier!  Zoe, Max, and Titus give us pure joy.  Sometimes we sit in the car while all three are dancing to the music and we get overwhelmed...we have such beautiful, happy, healthy children.  Wow.  It's amazing.

Things don't work out the way we want them to and life is stressful, but at the end of the day...it's all about family.  Cake Boss knows what he's talking about! 

This lifestyle may not be for you, and if you couldn't handle it, then thank God He hasn't given you more than you can handle.  I know it is not for everyone.  But don't feel sorry for me.  Be happy with me while I bask in the blessings that God has given me!

Oh, and by the way...baby #4 is a girl!

Growing Up

 

No matter how old you are, one is never too old to learn a lesson!  This past week God is giving me a lesson.  In the beginning of the week I was freaking out and allowing my emotions to overtake me to the point that I was experiencing anxiety.  As the days went on and I realized I wasn't handling the situation the way God wanted me to, I went to Him in prayer.

 

I love how, when you realize how silly you are and you remember to take a minute and ask God to help you...immediately you feel His warmth and peace like snuggling up with a load of laundry as soon as they're out of the dryer.  Did that make you sigh when you thought of it?  I know I did!

 

I still have little things in my life that are stressful, but I have a loving God who is holding my hand and guiding me through it all.  I'm so thankful I could cry.  We serve such a wonderful and loving God!

 

 

So this weekend it is my turn to leave my husband and kids and go out of town.  I am really excited because this is only my second ladies retreat I have ever been to, but at the same time I'm so nervous because I have never left my babies before.  I know Paul and his dad will do a great job, I don't doubt that, but I know how emotional they get when Dad leaves...how are they going to feel when Mommy leaves??

 

Yesterday the kids and I went to the library and picked out a few books for them to read this weekend.  I also picked up an audio books for us ladies!  Today I put together a Daddy Survival Kit for Paul and his dad.  Call me paranoid. =D  It just made me feel better writing things down, ok?!

 

I know that when this weekend is over I will feel rejuvinated spiritually, mentally, and physically.  By the time I get home I will be so happy to see my husband and babies, and I know I will have a clear head because of my mini break!  Even though I'm slightly dreading it. =D  By the time the weekend is over I will decide if this needs to be a yearly thing...or if one time is good enough for me. :)

 

Off to take my babies to the park!

Three Questions

 

 

 

I feel like I ask myself these questions every evening after I put the kids to bed and I'm finally sitting in silence. Did I love enough? Did I laugh enough? Did I make a difference? Sometimes I feel like I have failed, and other nights I think I did ok. And then it hit me ---

 

What if I asked myself these questions in the morning before I get out of bed?!  Will I love enough? Will I laugh enough? Will I make a difference?

 

When I rephrased my questions and had this mindset before I even got out of bed, I realized that at the end of the day I felt better about myself because I lived a fuller day with my husband and little ones.  I make sure to give lots of hugs and kisses.  I choose to laugh instead of feel stress.  And I make sure to make a difference for my husband and children.

 

I'm not perfect.  There are days when I don't laugh enough and stress overcomes me.  But I know that tomorrow I will try even harder to be who I need to be!

 

Do you love enough?  Do you laugh enough?  Have you made a difference?

Date Night

I am going on a date with this cutie:

 

 

 

These are SO OLD!  These pictures are 4-6 years old.  I can't believe how young we look!  I love looking at old pictures!  Time flies when you're having fun. =)  If only I could get that body back...

Anniversary

February 29, 2008

 

"An angel is not only a set of wings. But also a set of hands to guide you through life. May your Angel always be by your side."

 

So much has happened in the five short years we have been married to each other!  Then again.. it doesn't seem right that we have been married for so long!  When I think about our wedding it seems like it was just yesterday that I said "I do" to my best friend.  One thing still remains, and that is my vow to my one and only...

 

I, Grace, take you, Paul, to be my lawfully wedded husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

 

(Not exact vows we said to each other on our wedding day)

(You get the point)

 

Happy "Anniversary" to the most amazing man on the planet!  I can't imagine my life without you!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to my bestest friend in the whole wide world!

 

 

 

 

Thank you for making me feel special each and every day.  I love when we laugh over silly, stupid things and we make each other laugh even harder when we realize what dorks we are!

 

Even though it drives me crazy when you randomly "die" and tell me there's a fire and ask me what I'm going to do.. know that if there was a real fire I would do my best to drag you out!  Or we'll die together.  Either way, I'll figure it out! =)

 

I love you so much!  We make the greatest team!  And the prettiest babies! =)

Counting Blessings

Paul is going on another business trip this weekend.  As much as I would love to go with him again, the kids and I have to stay home because this trip is out of state.  I hate when he has to leave, but I am trying to have a better outlook this time around!  The kids and I will have fun -- I'll make sure of it!  I plan on taking them to the dollar store where we can buy some crafts, lunch dates, we'll head to the library so we all can get some books to read throughout the week, I plan on having movie nights with the kids.. I'm going to make this fun!

 

The first trip Paul took where he left us all behind was miserable.  Zoe had a horrible time accepting the fact that Daddy was gone.  I knew I wasn't much help because I was pregnant and emotional and I just laid around the house and cried.  We're not going to repeat that week.  No way!

 

Up until he leaves we have been doing special things together as a family.  The other day we went out to eat a late lunch together.

 

 

It was nice to walk around and enjoy being with my perfect little family.  I love being out with Paul and the kids!  We end up having so much fun together!  Plus it's kind of funny to see the looks people give us when they see the three kids and realize how close together in age they are. =)

 

After our outing we soon realized maybe it was too early to go out since we all have been battling this cold/flu thing.  We ended up spending our Sunday home sick and miserable.

 

Well.. some of us were sick and miserable.. this guy wasn't obviously. =)

 

Paul and I were bummed that we weren't able to go to church, but it really was nice to spend the day in our PJ's watching tv and spending time together.

 

Zoe and Max have loved spending more time with their Dad.  He has been coming home around 3:30 the past week and they have bonded so well!  It kind of makes me sad because I know he will be going back to working 12 hour shifts 6 days a week as soon as he gets home from his trip.  The kids and I are going to miss him being around so much.

 

BUT!!

 

I can't think like that.  Even though it has been hard on Paul (and the rest of us!) to work so much, we both know things could be much worse.  He could be out of a job for one.  Also, we know that this isn't going to last forever -- though it seems like it has. =)  One day things will be different and he will move up with the company and have more time to spend with his favorites.

 

God has blessed our lives in so many ways.  I may say that a lot, but it's true!  Sometimes we go through things we don't like, or life gives us little surprises, and in the end we receive such beautiful blessings!  So much to be thankful for.

 

Count your blessings!  Think positive!



Sentimental Play Dates

Source: luxefinds.com via Grace on Pinterest

 

 

Sawyer & Zoe
January 2013

Yesterday the kids and I had a play date with some friends!  These kids have literally been friends since birth!  Cassie and I were pregnant together the summer of 2010.  We have some great memories!

And then it hit me.

Where did my baby go?

I sat there watching them as they got comfortable for their movie and realized I was staring at a little boy and a little girl.  They weren't babies anymore, but little toddlers.

All of a sudden the previous conversations Cassie and I had about tantrums, the Terrible Twos, and stubbornness melted away.  All I wanted to do was scoop up my three little ones and hold them tight and never let go, hoping that would help them stay the size they are at this very moment.

Later in the evening I got to talking to Paul about how busy our marriage has been so far!  We will be celebrating our 5th anniversary and we have had something big happen every. single. year.  I feel like I have yet had a chance to just sit down with him because we live such a busy life.

I got to looking at my handsome husband, and then saw myself in the mirror, and realized we don't look the same as we did when we were first together.  Are those the beginning of crow's feet I see around my eyes?  Life is constantly changing -- it stops for no one!

How many times have we missed the best things because we have have had our eyes closed?  Too many times I'd say.

I don't think the world will come to a crashing halt if I stop to smell the roses instead of wash dirty dishes.. just a thought..

Life is too short.  I don't want to miss out on a thing!

So long, 2012!

Source: christmasfiles.com via Viana on Pinterest

 

Yesterday while I was at church some of the ladies asked if people were doing things for New Year's Eve and wanted to plan a get together.  I was confused at first because I thought we still had plenty of time to think about it.  Uh.. no.  TODAY is New Year's Eve. =D  Where have I been?!  Raising three under 3 -- that's where I've been!

 

I DID write down my New Year's resolutions, though!  I'm not a total loss yet.  I just happened to look at this post and noticed that they're very similar.  Except I'm actually going to do this stuff in the next year. ;)  Promise!  Ooh.  Now I have to do it..

 

So here they are:

 

2013 New Year's Resolutions

·         Read your Bible, pray everyday. Even though I am doing better, I want to continue to keep up the good work of reading my Bible daily and studying the scriptures. I need to also remember to set aside time to pray during the day.  The mini conversations are great throughout the day, but I still need to get on my knees and spend time in prayer.

·         Lose weight. I need to continue watching what I eat and WORKOUT. Working out is what's really going to whip my body into shape. It will help me get stronger, help my back pain, and help me lose weight even faster.

·         Be more organized. I feel like I've come a long way when it comes to keeping my househould somewhat clean, but I have a LONG way to go yet! This year I'm going to try even harder to make this a clean and organized home.  I will go through each room and completely purge it of the junk we do not need/use.

·         Date nights. My mom told me before I got married that even after there were babies, I need to always put my husband first. Well this past year it feels like I have hardly seen him what with him graduating from college, becoming an assistant manager, working 12-hour shifts for months because the manager has been sick, etc. At then end of the day we're both tired and slightly frazzled. I don't want us to slip into a roommate relationship. We are husband and wife! We need to make sure we still stay romantic and fun!

·         Spend more time with my kids. It is so easy to just turn on the tv and let it entertain the kids while I try to get the house clean. But after the shootings in Connecticut it made me realize that one day I won't clean up little socks anymore. One day I won't have smudges on the window or dried frosting on my cupboard doors. I don't know, it just made me realize I need to have fun with my kids while they're still kids! Thanks to Pinterest I have tons of fun crafts and games for us to do! And since I plan on being more organized, I will have a clean house AND happy, creative, imaginative kids -- not couch potatoes. :)

·         Read a book. It it so hard to have any ME time with three babies under three, but if you can, try and read a book every once in awhile. Even if it takes you months, read a chapter before you go to sleep, or even in the quiet in the morning before the kids wake up! Don't miss out on different worlds through books.

·         If you start something, finish it! I have noticed that I have a horrible habit of starting something, like crafts, 30-Days-To-Whatever, books, etc and NEVER finishing them. I annoy myself! So if I start something -- I need to finish!

·         Send out Birthday/Holiday cards out on time for Pete’s sake! Can anyone guess where my Christmas cards are? Yep, they’re on my counter. I’m the worst person ever.

So there you have it!  I think I'm even going to pring these out and put them in a few places in my house that way I'm constantly reminded of the changes I want to make in my life.  Ooh that's a good idea..

 

What resolutions do you have?  I'd love to read all about them!

Date Night

Source: assets.amuniversal.com via Grace on Pinterest

Date nights are pretty rare around here.  Especially now that Paul work 12 hours shifts Monday - Saturday.

So last night I lit some candles.

Zoe and I cleaned the house.

Music was playing softly in the background.

Dinner was ready and waiting.

His girls smelled pretty in their favorite perfumes.

We watched a movie that HE was interested in.

We enjoyed a piece of chocolate silk cheesecake together.

In-Home Date Night was all about Paul!  I wanted him to be able to unwind and really enjoy his family.  While I was getting the kids' plates ready I watched/listened to him wrestle with Zoe and Max.  I should have taken a video or picture!  I will never forget how happy they all looked, though.  I love moments like that!

After Paul left for work this morning I stumbled to the bathroom...that is when I found this note on the bathroom mirror.  It warmed my heart!  It made my day.

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness

It has been 3 years since our first baby went to Heaven.  And every year on this day I make sure to write something about it on Pregnancy & Infant Awareness Day.

You can read a post I wrote on this day back in 2010 here.

Paul and I still have moments of sadness when we think about what we went through with our first baby.  I don't think the sadness will ever go away.  I look forward to the day I get to see my sweet baby in Heaven!

Praying for all the mourning mommies and daddies on this day!

The secret to a long lasting marriage is...

Source: theatomichouse.tumblr.com via Grace on Pinterest



...one coke, and two straws.

I feel like I tell this story over and over, but I can't help it!  This was the best marriage advice I received before marrying my best friend, and it came from the sweetest old couple I have ever met.  While the husband was telling me his "secret" his wife pat him on the shoulder and in the most loving way said, "Oh Virgil.."  I melted!

The sad thing is that it doesn't take long for the puppy love to fade and comfortable love to set in.  It's a hard transition!  I think mostly for girls -- especially sappy ones like me who still watch chick flicks and cry because the guy is SO romantic and you wonder why your husband isn't sitting next to you taking notes!

Lately it seems like all I see of Paul is the two seconds it takes to give me a quick peck before he's out the door, and then by the time he gets off work at night we're both tired, a little stressed, and the only thing we can think about is sleep.

The reason why I'm even posting about this is because of my daily marriage calender.  The marriage secret of the day is this:

As much as possible, put yourself in your mate's shoes and see things from his or her perspective.  Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt.

So it got me thinking...

Does Paul think the same about me?

When I put myself in Paul's shoes I don't like what he sees.  He gets up before the sun and works a 12 hour shift every single day (except Sunday), he comes homes to a messy unorganized house with crying kids and a wife that is stressed and not in the happiest of moods.

That's not fair to him.

No wonder puppy love fades.

Yesterday, before I even knew what today's marriage secret was going to be about, I decided to take a room at a time and thoroughly clean and organize from top to bottom.  Get rid of the junk we do not use/need and make our house a home -- a place where we don't want to leave!

I started in the living room and got A LOT done.  I will finish the last of it today and move on.  I'm bummed that it takes me a little longer these days, but I can't help that I'm ready to pop and I have two little ones that like to "help" Mommy.  With every little thing I put away -- or throw away -- I feel like a better wife!  I'm slowly making progress.

I don't ever want to be a nag of a wife that complains because my husband doesn't do this or that.  Sure there are some things he does -- or doesn't do -- that make me slightly annoyed, but I know there is plenty that I'm doing -- or more importantly NOT doing -- that annoys him too!

So I guess it's safe to say that today's marriage secret was definitely one I needed to hear!  I know plenty of others that need to hear it as well.  It's a great reminder.

And, if I want that romantic guy who sweeps the girl (and me!) off their feet in the chick flicks, maybe I need to be that girl that he WANTS to sweep off their feet.

Something to think about...

X O X O

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For those who know me, I'm a very affectionate person.  I love holding Paul's hand, kissing him all the time, and big hugs.

Sometimes I have wondered if I'm too "clingy" though..

Should I tone it down?

Does he need space?

Am I suffocating him?

So I back away.

When I do that, we argue.  I'm grumpy.  I feel less loved.

When Paul was gone for a week I showered the kids with hugs and kisses.  It helped to show affection, but it wasn't the same.

Right before Paul came home he said, "I didn't realize how much I was kissed and hugged on until it was gone.  I miss it.  I need it"

Since he's been home I am back to my old self.  Showering him with hugs, kisses, and loving touches.  But there is even more love behind the affection now.

Absense really does make the heart grow fonder.

Surprise, surprise!

I woke up Friday morning to Zoe choking and it sounded like she was throwing up, so I bolted out of bed and ran to her room to see what in the world was going on!  Wouldn't you know it.  The girl had a cold.  A nasty one at that!  I felt so bad for my poor, miserable girl.  I planned on getting the house clean that day anyways, so I figured I would just have her lay around and rest while I clean.

I got ready for the day real quick and planned on going to the store with the babies to get orange juice, chicken broth, cold medicine, etc. that way we could stay home the rest of the day and just work on feeling better.

I went to get my keys...where are my keys?

I was out late the night before hanging out with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law as well as our cousins.  I remember unlocking the door.. but where did I put my keys?  I looked high and low and could not find them.  I finally came to the conclusion that I must have locked them in the car somehow.  Where else would they be?  After making a bunch of different phone calls to see if anyone could help, I finally came up with a plan, but we didn't know if it would work.

Cousin Rylee was going to get ready for work early and try and help me out.  After I got off the phone with her I went to make breakfast for the babies.  While doing so I heard a jingle.  I stopped dead in my tracks and listened again..

Could it be?

Zoe came walking in with my keys acting pretty suspicious.

She said, "Oh, Mom...your keys..."

-_-

I'm not saying she hid them, but I think she hid them.

So we went to the store real quick, got what we needed, grabbed lunch and brought it home, ate, and then I put my sickies to bed.  I took advantage of the quiet and took a much needed shower.

After taking a shower I started working on the house.  I was very much behind on what I needed to do, but I didn't plan on Zoe and Max being sick.  Eventually babies woke up so I changed diapers and got them settled so I could continue working, when I got a phone call...

Paul: "Hey babe! I finally found the perfect gift for you and the kids!"

Me: "Oh yeah?! What is it?"

Paul: "You're not gonna guess?"

Me: "I have no idea..."

Paul: "Look outside..."

And there he was.  My Prince Charming.

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I cannot tell you how excited I was to see Paul in our front yard.  I ran out and gave him the biggest hug!  The kids trailed behind and were SO surprised to see Daddy too!  It was a wonderful reunion!  All we did was sit and the whole family cuddled for a long while.

Zoe wanted Daddy to watch Finding Nemo with her and we actually watched the whole thing!  It felt so good to be together again.



Daddy and the sickies



That night we all were exhausted.  I don't think any of us got that great of sleep this past week.  Zoe and Max went to bed without a single fight and they slept for 12 hours.  I was very thankful to not go to bed alone last night.

This morning we spent the day out with Daddy before he had to go back to work this afternoon.  He has Sunday and Monday off so I'm sure we'll do something special.

I wish I could say I'm glad this is the end.. but it's not.  Paul has two more weeks of training in Bozeman (the kids and I are going this time!) and then a 5 day trip to Cleveland, OH for some kind of conference or something.  Unfortunately we cannot afford for everyone to go to OH, but when he comes home from that he will be DONE.  I hope. =)

I am so thankful that our little family is complete again!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Life lessons

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I'm sure I've said it a hundred times, but I'm going to say it again..

I have so much respect for the moms who have to be away from dads longer than a week!

I have learned a lot this past week.  I'm thankful for that.

If I didn't know it before I definitely know now that God loves His children so much and will answer even the smallest of prayers!  The minute I feel weak I ask God to give me strength and I immediately feel Him touch me.  I am so thankful for His peace, strength, and courage.

Yesterday was our busy day outside of the house.  It was kind of nice to be out and about and not cooped up inside, but it was still lonely knowing I was doing it completely by myself.

ALTHOUGH...

I appreciate my children so much more than I did before.  Anyone who knows me knows I adore my children!  But while we were sitting at McDonald's yesterday I had both kids on my lap and we were laughing about something, and I just gave them the biggest hug...

I have always tried to be a patient mom.  I try to always come to their level and try and listen and understand them the best I can, and I always try to not raise my voice.  Well, I feel like I've stepped it up a notch this week.

There have been a lot more hugs.

A lot more I love you's.

A lot more tickling.

A  lot more coming to their level and explaining why bossing Bubba is a no-no.



A picture for Daddy



I have reminded myself that absence makes the heart grow fonder.  I hate that saying, but it is so true.  It seemed like our lives got too busy for each other.  Paul has been working non-stop since becoming an assistant manager.  Between my household chores, working from home, and keeping busy with the kids, I am pretty much worn out by the end of the day.

Our lives have been go-go-go so much that we forgot about family time.  To be honest, it got to the point where I felt like I was a single parent and I happened to have a room mate live with me.

I hope this week will be an eye opener for Paul and I.

We need more dates.

We need more family time with our kids who are growing up too fast.

We need more hugs.

We need more kisses.

We need to stop and smell the roses.

So in a way, I am thankful for this week.  I'm thankful for the lessons I have had to learn.  Lessons are never easy, are they?

What I have learned so far

It's ok to show emotion.

Once I shed a few tears I can wipe my eyes and nose and I feel better about getting it off of my chest.

Always have a prayer on your lips.

Whether it's a praise or request, I have made sure to be in a constant conversation with the Lord.  It has helped me so much and I want to show Him how grateful I am.  Also, because I haven't had a lot of adult conversation, it helps knowing He's always there to talk to.

No matter what other people think of you, your children adore you.

This past week I have definitely struggled with insecurities.  I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter if I'm the favorite to anyone.  My husband loves me with all of his heart, and our children adore me!  Like I said before, Zoe and Max are so much more affectionate.  There have been more snuggles, more kisses, more loving words.  I may not be anyone else's favorite, but I am my husband's and my children's favorite and that's good enough for me.

I'm sure I have learned more lessons than these three, but my coffee hasn't kicked in yet. =)

There is only one more day standing in between Paul and I!  I cannot wait till Zoe and Max see their Daddy.  They are going to go crazy.

Have a wonderful Thursday!