The mom life and the Christmas season

     I know I don't post on here often. Truth is, raising two kids has been taking up a lot of my time. Trying to figure out how to nurture and train them up in the ways of the Lord, while trying to keep up with a house that's warm and inviting. My husband is on a specific diet, so trying to find recipes and things he might like has been on my priority list.
     As Christmas quickly approaches, I'm reminded in this season of life to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the little things. During Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, I feel like so many people are in a rush (myself included) that we don't often stop and smell the roses.
     We're always going from one party to the next. Wrapping gifts, caroling, having cookie exchanges. How do we interact with people during this season? Sometimes I feel like scrooge, and say, "bah, humbug" to myself. It's a stressful time of the year, isn't it? I also think we tend to forget what this season is about. It's not about the Christmas gift exchanges, or the gift giving, or the parties. It's not even about setting up the Christmas tree and lights. It's about Christ... the time of the year when we take time to remember about Christ's birth. The time of the year when we read the story of baby Jesus from Luke; when we ride around in the car looking at Christmas lights that say, "It's all about Jesus." and when we have our nativity set set-up with baby Jesus in the manger... reminding us of the real reason for this season.
     So, take a deep breath this season. Slow down. Say no to party's because you just need to breath and spend time with your family . Remind yourselves of the real reason for this season. 

Happy Birthday Husband

         Happy Birthday to my man, my main supporter, my partner in crime, my love, my best friend, my fighter, and my husband. You're so amazing in every way. Every day that I wake up, I thank God for you. After 3 1/2 years of marriage, my love for you has grown even stronger. Through every thing we've been through, and boy it's been a lot the last couple years, the good, the bad, and the ugly, you've always been there, right by my side, as a shoulder to cry on, an encourager, my lover, and my friend. Our pre-marriage relationship was long-distance, and I can testify that long distance relationships work... at least for me it did. In fact, it made me even more grateful for when we were actually together. Going to bed with you every night, waking up next to you every morning... man, I love that... I love you. I'm so grateful for you... not just because you're amazing, but because I still can't figure out why you're still with me... but I'm grateful that you are. I'm an emotional roller coaster, and at times, a very impatient wife and mama. You know this about me, and you're still right there, by my side, encouraging me that I'm doing great, and that you love me.
     Talking about you is easy. You're the love of my life. There've been many days when I've called you while you're at work, in tears, and you, being the man you are, leave work without question because you know that I need you. I can't imagine a better friend and partner than you.
     So, in closing, my husband, know that you are the best. You're the best father to our children. You are patient with them, even when I'm not. You are a Godly man for our children to follow, and I can't imagine a better father for them. Watching you become the father that God's calling you to be is the best. It's the best because I know that God is pleased with you. It's the best because you help me to strive daily to be a better wife and mother and to serve God with everything I have. To not be discouraged because I'm doing the best that I can do and serving Christ even in the little things.
     Happy Birthday my husband! Here's to many more years, praying that I'm right there by your side, spending them with you. I love you! <3

Our dress rehearsal the day before our wedding. <3

To my son... on your 1st birthday

      To my second born, on your 1st birthday... How are you 1 already? I remember finding out that I was pregnant with you, and feeling overwhelmed. How can I be pregnant again? I barely had this mom things figured out, how was I supposed to add a second child? But God knew exactly what he was doing. Labor and delivery went very well, and figuring out life with you was pretty simple. You were my easy baby. Your brother had a hard time realizing he wasn't an only child anymore, but that didn't last long before he absolutely adored you... and now he can't stay away from you. ;-)

     Ezra, you are our ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. You were/are always full of smiles. Ezra, even though you are only a baby, now getting to that toddler stage, you've taught us so much. You are so content with only a few toys in front of you. You play by yourself so well, and then come to mama for snuggled, which I absolutely love!!! 

     You are my snuggle bug. I can always count on your snuggles during the day, and I don't want that to ever end, but I know it will one day, so I treasure each time I get that. I've enjoyed watching you grow and learn new things in the last year. Your first smile, your first laugh, your first steps... I've enjoyed each of these. 

     I was so excited when you learned how to crawl, because I knew that meant you'd be content a little longer, and if you ever needed me, you could/can always crawl to me, snuggle for a bit, and then go back off to play. Happy Birthday my son from your mama, who loves you dearly! I can't wait to see what God has in store for you this next year of your life. Love you! <3 

   

Happy 2nd Birthday James!

     My first born son, is now 2 years old! Where has the time gone?! James has been quite the tough child to figure out. With him being my first born, I was a new mom. I had no idea what to do with anything. I thought I had things together. Little did I know how much God was about to (and still continues to) teach me patience.
     James had all kinds of issues when he was a baby. From tummy/reflux issues, to dehydration and weight issues. It didn't help that I got pregnant again when James was only 4 months old. But, God knew what he was doing. I didn't think that I could do this mom thing. I wasn't cut out for the job. How could I be a mom to 2 when I couldn't even take care of 1 without falling a part and crying.
    God had mercy on me, and gave us Ezra who was an easy baby in almost every way, giving myself more relaxation and feeling like I can do this mom thing after all.
     While James still continues to be his strong-willed self, every day I find that God gives me more patience and endurance to get through the day.
     I have good days and bad days. When it's a good day, it makes me treasure them all the more. James is starting to actually say words now, making us sooooo happy! We taught him some basic sign language so that we can communicate a little bit before he learns to talk. He used to be such a shy child, and always disliked when other people held him or spoke to him. He's starting to come out of his shell a little bit. He takes a while to warm up to people, but when he does, he gives you all kinds of smiles and giggles. James absolutely adores his daddy, and will usually choose to be with my husband over myself, which usually works out since I have another little boy to take care of.
    James loves his little brother who's almost 1. They're starting to interact a little bit more. You can usually hear a giggle from Ezra when he sees James round a corner.
     James loves to be chased around, and for you to run while he chases you. He loves Almond Butter, cheerios, eggs, and healthy muffins as his favorite foods. We love our little boy and are excited to see what the Lord does in his life this year. Love you little boy of ours!

I'm back

     Hi all! I know, it's been a while.
     I've been trying to get into the new rhythm of things, now that we're done with sickness... for now, and now that I feel like I know how to be a mama to two boys, I feel like like is starting to feel normal. Summer is coming, and I get to be outside more. Perks of us having a park behind us... we can go out and have fun without driving anywhere. ;)
     James is almost 2 years old now. He still isn't talking yet, but he says a few words, and signs a couple as well. He's been a tough child, and still is, but there are days when we're outside, and he splashes in the puddles or runs in the field making noises, that make me grateful that I'm his mama. I get to see him discover things, and handle situations on a daily basis. I get to see him be a big brother to Ezra, and oh my goodness, how he loves his little brother! <3
     Ezra is... well, the face that makes us all smile in the morning. He's 9 months old now, and always full of smiles. He reminds all of us to be a little more joyful. Ezra loves his big brother, and often times if he's fussy, and I bring him over to his big brother, he calms down. Ezra loves playing with Lego's, spoons, books.(when he gets his hands on them) He sits up really well, and is so close to crawling! He scoots a little bit, depending on his mood.
     I tell my husband often times, "God knew what He was doing when He gave us Ezra!" Ezra is seriously my laid back happy baby.
     As far as myself goes, I'm back to teaching piano lessons, in between naps, making dinner, and keeping up with the household chores.
     This last week, was the starting of some ladies in our church doing a group Bible Study during the week, which gave myself some fellow-shipping with like-minded mamas. Along with starting the group Bible Study, my mom and I are trying to do a book study together on Psalm 117. I have to admit, I don't have as much time to do this as I'd like. But, I love my mama, and this seemed fun to do as a mother/daughter thing. Plus, I always love the Psalms. ;)
     This season of life has been a growing period for me both spiritually and physically. Having a son who knows how to test my patience on a daily basis, has reminded me how faithful my Savior is to constantly forgive me and to be patient with me daily.
     So, that's what's new for me lately. I'm hoping to write on here a little more often, but we'll see. I like to publish things when I have a picture of my kiddos to go a long with it, but my computer isn't always wanting to do that.
     What's new with ya'll? Any summer activities you're looking forward to? 

Thankful for the mess

Life has been tough lately. My son developed whooping cough a couple months ago, which meant lots of weeks of constant throwing up because he was coughing so hard. James has had a lot of things going on with him that we're trying to figure out. But boy, he's such a cutie, and I love him. <3
     This week is supposed to be a week of Thanksgiving, and to look back at what you're grateful for. So, here's my post of thanks.
     Despite so so many hard days of Temper-Tantrums, messy house, dirty dishes, lots of laundry, snotty noses, baby spit up, and coughs, I'm thankful. You know, it's so hard to be grateful when you're in the moment of complete chaos. It's so hard to be grateful when you've barely gotten any sleep, you haven't taken a shower in a couple days, you've got a pile of tissues that need to be thrown away from snotty noses, and you don't remember when the last time was that you ate some food.
     But, looking back through the past couple weeks, months, and years, I am so truly thankful. I'm thankful for the mess my older son makes throughout the day, because it means that he's got an imagination, and that he kept himself occupied through part of the day. I'm thankful for baby hiccups, because it means that my baby has had enough to eat. I'm thankful for a messy kitchen, because that means that we have food to eat, and water to drink. I'm thankful for a dryer, because who knew something so small had such a significance in my life, and with all my dirty laundry, I'm thankful to have a working dryer again!
     I'm thankful for a husband who loves me despite my many sins and weakness, and my many days of lack of patience. I'm thankful for my two boys, because despite those hard days of their mommy having little patience with them, they love me, and trust me to take care of them.
    I'm so very thankful for those little phone calls and texts from friends and family, just checking in. I'm thankful for the ability to drive my husband to work once a week so that not only do I get extra time with my hubs in the car, but also so that my son and I can go to the Chiropractor on a weekly basis.
     I'm thankful for yummy meals that I've found on Pinterest, which makes diet restrictions so much easier to handle.
     I'm thankful for coffee!!!... something so small, but so delicious.
     So, that's only a small portion of what I'm thankful for, but it's good for me to get a different perspective every once in a while, and realize that I have so much to be thankful for!
What are you all thankful for? Comment below.

Finding Calm in Chaos

     As I write, the house is quiet. Both my boys are in bed, and my husband is getting back into the routine of getting some side-work done. The dishes are done, my living/dinging room is somewhat clean, and I feel like I can finally take a deep breath.
     It's been a long couple of weeks/months. James has the whooping cough, so it's been a long road of Vitamin C, staying away from people so as not to spread it, and throwing up from coughing so hard. In the midst of the whooping cough, he's got a couple other health things going on with him that we're trying to figure out. Being a mama to two cute little boys can be hard at time, and I wonder how other moms do it with more kids than what I have. However, with how difficult and stressful life can be with my two boys, they are an absolute joy to my husband and I!
     My husband and I have learned a lot about marriage, parenting, and how stressful life can get. It's hard to take a deep breath and find calm when life is so chaotic. There have been several times this last week when I'm taking my husband to work so that I can have the car for the day, and we've prayed on the way to his work. We've prayed when we've got one baby screaming because he hates the car-seat, and another baby who's making his own happy noises in the back of the car. It's funny; the sounds of the baby's are in the background, but somehow my husband and I are able to focus on praying. It's hard for me to personally remember to pray to God when life is so chaotic, that I can't even remember what I bought to make for dinner that week, or when my oldest son woke up from his nap.
     Finding calm in Chaos... it's hard, isn't it?! There have been several nights recently that I'm just in tears at the end of the night because I feel like I'm at the end of my rope, and there's nothing left of me to grab onto anything. It's in these moments that I need to hold tight onto Christ. After all, his power is made perfect in our weakness. (2nd Corinthians 12:9)
     Another thing to remember when you're in the middle of chaos, is to stop and smell the roses every once and a while. Find joy in the little things. God knew what we needed when He blessed us with little Ezra!... he smiles all the time! He literally only cries if he's tired or in the carseat. His smiles remind me to find joy in the little things, to take a deep breath, and find calm in Christ during chaotic times.
Have a blessed week!