Monday Memories in Motion

Bo and Baylen went to a birthday party on Friday and had a blast!!!!

It was a football party and Bo came home FIRED UP!

He and Baylen went in the yard and played football until dark

They both played so well together and I stayed in a watched out the window

It was neat to watch them when they did not know I was watching....

Baylen adores his brother

and Bo loves being in charge

when he is not use to being in charge of much! 

I love this shot....They were begging for me to take more!

 Baylen crawled in the car and said

I sit with Bo

I love love love Bo missing a tooth

and I am very sad that a new one is already poking through

I love a toothless smile

 Samantha was away on a trip with school

It gave the boys lots of bonding time

which they really enjoyed

Here we are on a hayride

and Woody goes everywhere we go lately....

Elmo was at the fall festival...Baylen was scared so Bo said he would take a picture so Baylen can look at him....

Picked this sign up at the headquarters...but Baylen took it from me quickly and began campaigning...

He got a lot of comments...all good

Don't you just love that he is supporting Romney and Georgia

and has no idea...

but is just told this is how we roll

Love it

Toddlers for Romney!

It was a great fall day....fall festival...football in the yard....windows open....and football on tv....love me some fall....and love my boys!

Cupcakes for bake sale for the fourth grade...

Cake for our picnic at the farm

Bo's Halloween party was lots of fun

the best part was watching him smile

Cupcakes 

MeMe's cookies 

and fun for all!

Oldest and youngest girls....

Bo makes an AWESOME Indiana Jones!

Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!

Samantha was SO sweet at the party

I loved that she dressed as a princess

loved loved loved it....

Wednesday Whatevers

I can not help but to post today's devotion....knocked my socks off

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 

There are days when I feel like the stress of being a parent just might push me over the edge. Despite my unfailing love for my sweet children, sometimes the thought of a mini-vacation from parenting sounds mighty enticing. Especially on the days when I am suffering from a severe case of mommy stress.

When children are little, the demands they place on a parent are physically exhausting, to say the least. But as they grow into adolescents, the physical exhaustion is quickly replaced by emotional exhaustion.

Instead of our bodies suffering through sleepless nights, lugging piles of laundry, and the constant smell of messy diapers, our hearts suffer with stressful worries. Worries like whether or not our children will make it home safely, if they're making the right friends, and if they are strong enough to stand up for what's right in the face of peer pressure.

The journey of parenting children, from toddlers to teenagers, is a strenuous one. Each season presents it's own set of stressful challenges. We can easily pour ourselves out completely and end up feeling empty and discouraged. 

 James tells us to keep a proper perspective on the situations which require perseverance. For example, James 1:2-5 confirms that everyone will face trials, and we must keep in mind that our perseverance will result in maturity and completion.

He also says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God who will generously provide the answers and help needed to get through our most difficult days. I don't know about you, but I need parenting wisdom and guidance on a minute-by-minute basis!

As we persevere through the stress that comes with parenting, we can have hope knowing that God will provide us with strength and wisdom. He will be pleased that we didn't give up. That we kept seeking Him and trusting Him through each and every trial.

Hebrews 10:36, "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." 

I have to say

Today has been one of those days that I look around me and see how blessed I am

There are so many seasons of life

We sometimes say we had an awful day

but did we really

did we?

No

My bad day, is many good day, if tat makes since

I feel like nothing is just happen stance

We have those odd things happen

to show us God is RIGHT there with us!

As I pray for those around me that are going through different seasons

I am reminded of how generous others are when i am struggling!

I want to close with something simple...

i love that Baylen is talking up a storm, dancing and jumping

and the funniest things come out of his mouth

I love rocking you at night as you look up at me and ask me "through your passy" to sing Jesus loves me,,,now does it get better then that...for real yall!

I love that Bo does not have a front tooth and that I feel so blessed the he is getting an awesome education at shcool...

Samantha I love that you will always  apologize if you do something wrong...and want a start over

I love that you reallly do have the kindest heart of anyone I know

I love that you want to always help and take charge

and organize your room.....whoop whoop!

Monday Memories In Motion

Can I just say I feel like I am still in Oz
15 hours of Wizard of Oz plays and I feel like I am not in Kansas anymore
Dorthy finally made it home
After many attempts
Have to say Samantha is coming down from a play performace high
She did not know what to do with herself today, thank goodness for soccer practice
She was so amazing, I cried everytime..especially when she first came out on stage and at the end duing bows....
I with remember it always and I know she will too!




I love love love this picture of my Munchkin and her Brother. When he saw her he huged her and said, you did awesome Samantha. I love how Bo calls her Samantha, I think he is the only person that does...she is Zeppa, Pepper and Sam to most
It was also so cute because when he first saw her on stage, he looked away, I can't explain it, his face was like I felt, like he was going to cry...many emotions going through that little sweet boys mind...he was SO proud of his big sister. I love how they love eachother....sometimes you would not know it...but they really really do....
And look that that awesome missing tooth...I love it when my kids are missing a front tooth...love love love that! He pulled it out on Saturday after tae kwon do tournament!


So here is what I witenssed....
Bo got into Kevins Mountain Dew Stash. The other day was his firt taste of the "Dew" when his daddy left a mug of it and he sampled...he came in and asked what that stuff was because he drank it all up and it was the best thing he EVER tasted...and made him burp...and that he wanted more....
so anyway....I went onto the pourch and this is what I found
Bo...aka Indian Jones...
Sitting on the porch
Chuggin a Dew
with his side kick by his side
with a cup
with Dew also present

 

I came around front

Bo did not seem bothered at all that I saw what he was doing

Baylen on the other hand

holds his cup up and says

Bo's juice

 

Yummy mommy....mmmmmmm

 I could not help but laugh...and let them enjoy their brother moments.....one of many I am sure....
In fifteen years I am sure they will be sampling another beverage...

 So this was the best!
Baylen and I watched toy story together
with Ice Cream Sandwiches,,,,,thanks to grandaddy that brought them by.....
I love it when he does that
He just drops by with simple goodies
so sweet....
So Baylen wanted Buzz and Woody right there with us....
Love how Buzz is posed!

 Here is Bo at her tournament
I was SOOOO proud of him
He sat and listened and was so brave, he was very nervous about doing this, so I am so proud of him for giving it his all!

 Bo with his medal!

 So awesome Bo Brodrick!

 Off later that day to a costume swap...picked out a cool red ninja!
Has kept it on a majority of the last two day!

Busy Busy weekend...but packed with awesomeness.....

Monday Memories in Motion

It was fun making a frankenstein cake for the church fall festival

 Baylen has really enjoyed jumping on the trampoline with Bo. I don't know who is rougher
He really is enjoying his healed leg!

 At Grammy's dedication....very sweet...they were the first to sit on the bench...I love how Samantha is holding Rebecca's hand...can you tell the sun was in their eyes?

 Hayride at the Fall Festival is always a favorite!

 Sweet Samantha

 Bo and Samantha both got into crafts!

and you can see the jumpy...the very one...that baylen broke his leg in...and as much as he loves them...he would not get near it! Amazing how he must have remembered

 Baylen ready for the football game...he actually went into Bo's room and got this all by himself...love the little mini helment he set next to him...he said it was for the baby...don't you love how he still managed to put his passy in!

 Could not resist taking a picture of her cuteness...love how she layers her Bows...she will put one on and clip another to it....

 just a little pumpkin shirt I made for Rebecca...she loves these...she gets VERY excited...

Some more fall festival fun.....

Samantha being silly with her friends


Supper club gals....

Thursday Thanksgivings

Feel like I have so much to say

First of all life really is all about how you look at things

I was super excited to save money shopping this morning

Baylen and I had so much fun

Counting prices and looking for deals

Then on the way home

got a ticket for running a stop sign

125 dollars

And of course I think of all I could buy for my family with that

A weeks worth of groceries

lots of gifts

lots of DQ slushies

a whole soccer season for sam

Karate for Bo

four football games 

But instead

(By this way, this is the second time I am writing this next part because when I was fininshing up my pinkie hit the delete and all was lost but from here up....go figure...BREATH)

Anyway...so instead 

I thought that Riley Walker and Grammy must have been protecting me from something

not sure what

but something

It really is how you look at things....

So I was thinking this morning on the way to my dr. appoitment

which I nearly forgot about

because it did not have to do with the children right in front of me...

I was thinking that I do not take the time to enjoy the kicks

and punches

and feeling of being pregnant

I will find myself looking at newborns 

or pregnant women and thinking

wow, that is awesome...I remember when I had a newborn or was pregnant

and then I remember

I am so serious when I say that

I swear I still am in a dream

I am still not beleiveing it

I know this one must be thinking...

What in the heck is going on out there...

I got to meet the girl that I keep hearing...

that girl that shows so much kindness...can be a drama queen, loves to craft, be on the go and boss the other two voices I hear around...

And that Boy, 

that is very loud

has to be reminded often of things, 

jumps around and leaps a lot

makes scary noises 

and loves to hug my mommy

And that little voice

the one that I hear whining really close toFall be late in the day

that loves to sing and jump

and seems so very smart....

and likes to say no mommy

this way...

yeah

I want to meet those peeps

It must be amazing wanting to bust out to see what this is all about

I noticed the leaves falling as I walked into the doctor

and realized that I love love love

fall

I love 60 degree weather

it puts me in a really good mood

the only time hot is good

is when you have a margaretta and a pool

Fall means football

and family

good food and holidays

I am also thankful for productive days

not today, but yesterday

where for two hours I just worked and worked and worked

got a million and one things done

phone calls

emails

bills paid

coupons clipped

potters house trip

check 

check check

I love talking to the orthaontist one minute for Samamthha

the next minute Bo's karate teacher about his tournament

and the next peditriong appoitments for Baylen

I love talking to Bo's teahers about getting him help wiith school and the next minute looking over samanthas very hard homework

then moving straight over to counting numbers and singing abc's with Baylen

I love love love it

I also love storytime

and the joy it brings to Baylen

watching him jump

find little mouse

and always checking backwards to see if I am still there

I love kids that come in to-to's and batman capes

why not?

I love that there was a man in line at the counter that when told by the man working

"sorry, I will be with you in a moment"

he said, take your time, no big deal

wow

you do not hear that much

why can't we all have that kind of attitute

it was very refreshing...
so
lots of thanksgivings over here

It wasn't just one thing that was causing stress and worry, but a toxic mixture of problems. 

Each day it seemed a new swell of problems engulfed me, adding to the accumulation of my concerns and stress.

It was a long season in which I felt sucked under by a raging current, barely able to hold my head above water. I was completely deflated and helpless, just like that little raft.

During that time, I clung to 

Psalm 46:1-3, "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"

These verses offer wisdom about persevering through our difficult times. They serve as a reminder to stay aware of our need for God, and that none of us are equipped to handle life on our own.

You see, no matter how strong we think we are, there will come a time when stress gets overwhelming and we desperately wish we had somewhere to hide.

God understands what we're going through. His Word promises He will help us in times of trouble. 

Psalm 9:9-10, 

"The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You."

 

Tuesday Treasures

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for his love endures forever  1 Chronicles 16:34

I am giving thanks today

But feel stuck in mud

I have this list of about four things....

Go through my pictures on the computer

Go through all though the kids clothes and organize for summer/fall

get caught up on sermons and devotions

clean the house (that one never changes)

Go through a million pintrest pins

a million and one magazine cut outs

101 recipies

organize the attic

organize my workouts

my closet into cute outfits

make a Grammy box for each of the kids

 

Did I say four things

I lied

the thing is

each day I look at this list and think

I can't get all that done

I do none of it

exact for the clean up the house part

that has to be done

so

I have decided to take it a chunk at a time

I will work hard to get there

And I am sure I will come up with a new list when that is done

not that I forsee it being done anytime soon

My friend recently said she stays off Pintrest because all it does is depress her

She said it reminds her on a daily basis what she is not

cooking

doing

playing

reading

crafting

and making

this is so true

It is so easy to get caught up into thinking you have to do it all

it is very freeing when you look at it as a hobby and inspirtation

not as a I have to do it all

trying to live each day to the fullest

not comparing myelf to everyone else

becuase I know they are doing the same as me

we really are all in the exact same spot

But I do have one question...

how come everyone elses house does not look messy (well some do)

but instead look just lived in and cozy?

 

Treasures....

Story time with Baylen

Playgroup with Baylen

Watching Bo show his teacher his "homework"

Watching Samantha be Samantha....

Monday Memories In Motion

Baylen has had a strong attachment to Batman this week

He wants Batman to have icecream

ride in the seat next to him in the car

and have a blankie and passy

 Bo comes to our room every night

we are pretty snug in there

and lately I do not know if it is him or the baby kicking me

so we came up with the idea of making a cozy bed on the floor

He loves it

And as you can see

so does Piper

It is the cutest thing EVER

I wake up to see Piper cozy up to him

both passed out

She sleeps snuggled up to him all night

Here they are when I was sneaking out to teach a class

Here is Bo working on
"homework"
He all of the sudden this week wants to work on sight words
and read
I love how he looks at what he is doing
and checks it off
the sweetest
love watching him
He passed out with pencil in hand

Had a fun week

Samantha is swamped with play practice

but she is loving every minute of it

Pretty normal week for us

busy but fun

crazy yet rewarding

Bo had a great time with his little friend Janie

he spent time with her when we went to the football game

I love to hear him talk about her

They got married

but just hugged

and then went to the bar

When I asked him what the bar was

he said

You know, where you get skittles

Oh, sure I did

He has a loose front tooth

very excited

He is really starting to come along with school

He worked on 

"homework" 

all afternoon

he has a new found confidence and love for sight words

He is so sweet and loving

and Baylen adores him

they played together and he taught him karate moves

It is so fun to watch

It is so good that Bo feels he is a leader

and It is so cute to watch Baylen eat up everything he says and does!

Love my boys

Love my girl too

But really enjoying watching the boys growing up

they just need to slow down just a bit....