My sister's wedding

My little sister got married today. I am so excited for her. What a day! I will tell you this, I almost passed out while standing in front of the church, next to the bride, my sister. I have stood up in many weddings, and this feeling was defintely a first for me. I was one of the matron of honors, my older sister Abby was the other one. And it had been a crazy day leading up to the wedding. The day started early in preparation for the wedding. I had to get everything ready for myself and my 2 kids. Then I had to get my hair done and my nails done. In the busyness, I didn't eat lunch, and barely drank anything all day. At thc church, it was really hot at the church, and since it was only May 5th they didn't see the need for air conditioning at the church. Then I was wearing high heels that were a 1/2 size too small for me. You see, when I was shoe shopping for the wedding I did it by myself. And I decided to text my sister Aubrey to get her opinion. The only criteria she gave for us is that the shoes were too be white. Other than that we could get any style we wanted. Being indecisive I decided to text Aubrey some pictures of the shoes I was thinking about getting. The third shoe I texted her she loved, and she told me to get her a pair as well in size 10. The shoes she originally got for her wedding did not fit well. I made sure she was okay with us wearing the same shoes on her wedding day. She said that was fine. But off course I wear a size 10 shoe as well, and they only had 1 size 10. I had the salesperson call nearby stores, but no one had size 10 in that style. By now I had fallen in love with the shoe, so I decided I would squeeze my foot into a 9 1/2 shoe in the name of fashion. So the pain my shoes were giving me did not help me. All of that almost made me pass out. My mom noticed it during the ceremony and motioned for me to sit down, but I stood my ground and di not want to make a scene of any kind by passing out, sitting down, or walking out. Thankfully my sister's ceremony was rather short, about 24 minutes, and I survived the weddding without passing out. Zander was the ring bearer for the wedding. He did a great job! And the wedding reception was wonderful. Aubrey and Keith had a live band at their wedding reception. Congratulations to Keith and Aubrey. The bride and groom, aren't they cute!

Dude

Brian told Zander this morning, "Cool Dude." And Zander said, "I'm not a dude, I'm Zander." He is so cute! I love it. And since I am working today, I am going to chose a random picture and post it here. Brian doesn't start work today until 9 a.m., which is very rare, so I have some help getting the kids ready this morning. I am enjoying it. I think they had him start at 9 a.m. today because he worked yesterday. These pictures were taken on June 12, 2010, the day of my parents party. They had a party to thank everyone that helped them in any way when they had their house fire.

This last picture is of my little sister, Aubrey and I. Aubrey is getting married on Saturday! I am very excited about this!

Paper Flowers and a Birthday Party

Zander is growing up so fast, and I love how he is talking more and more and learning new words. And I love this age where they are injquiring about almost everything. This morning, I was putting on my wedding rings, and Zander asked "What is that?" I told him, "This is mommy's jewelry, it means mommy is married to daddy." Then I asked him, "Do you know who is getting married very soon?" He didn't really know so I told him, "Auntie Aubrey is!" Then I asked him, "And do you know who she is marrying?" And he stated, "ummmm me!" What a cutie! Of course I told him "no, Uncle Keith." But Zander is in the wedding. He is the ring bearer. Aubrey and Keith will be married in 2 weeks, and I can't wait! I am so happy for them! This morning Zander and I headed over to someone's house from church to help make paper flowers for morning grace. Morning grace is a bible study at our church that meets every morning throughout the school year. There were 3 of us ladies making paper flowers, Susan, Mary Elizabeth, and I. Zander played with all of the kids. Susan has 4 children and Mary Elizbeth has 3 children. And Zander had so much fun with them. Zander is a very social boy and loves getting together with other kids. Yesterday morning before we left he kept saying, "I see kids, I want to go play with kids." Susan has a son Clayton that is just weeks younger than Zander. All kids played really well together, and got really dirty. After playing inside for a while, they went outside and played in the sand table. The sand, was more of mud because of the rain. And most of the kids were covered with mud. Zander had it on his face, hand, and jacket the most. I tried to get pictures of it, but Zander did not want his picture taken. But it was so cute to see mud splashed up on Zander's forehead. I love that my son get's dirty. Sometimes the dirtier he gets, the more fun he is having. Zander on the other hand is not one to get dirty. He often starts fussing if he gets syrup on him when he is eating breakfast. So I was a little surprised when he had no issues getting muddy this morning. After we had fun at Susan's house, we headed to Micheal's store to get some things for a last minute gift I wanted Zander to make for his Auntie Abby. I bought 3 canvases, some paint, and a paint brush, and we got home we had Zander paint his Auntie Abby some pictures for her 40th birthday. I also painted a tree trunk on one of the canvases, and then had Zander put paint on his hand and put it above the trunk as leaves. This part showed me how Zander does not like getting messy. He was not happy when I dipped his hand in the paint, and couldn't wait to get it off his hand. I was hoping Sophia would help with the paintings, but she was napping. Then later we went to Abby's 40th birthday party. It was a nice party. I wish we could have stayed later, because they started a fire in the back and watched a movie in the backyard. But our kids needed sleep. It is so different when you have kids. You have to leave parties early or go to bed early out of pure exhaustion. But it is so worth it. Being a mom is my favorite job. This is one of Zander's paintings .

And here is the artist at work

Abby, the birthday girl, holding one of Zander's paintings. It is supposed to be a tree, but I made the trunk too thick

The birthday girl and her husband

He is risen

I am so thankful that Jesus died for all the sins of the world! But I am even more thankful that He rose from the dead and is alive today! We had a great Easter. We went to 2 services at our church. At the 8:00 a.m. service I helped out in the infant room. And we had quite a number of babies. Then we went to the 9:30 a.m. service. And our pastor gave an amazing sermon. I just love our church. After church we headed over to my in-laws house. We couldn't stay there very long, but the kids were able to participate in the Easter egg hunt that they have the kids each year.

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Going Green

Zander does not like taking pictures anymore.  This is the best picture I could get of my two kids.

We had such a fun day today.  We had a fun playdate over at my friend Jen's house, with 3 other women in our small group and their kids. 

Bad Mom Day

Today was a rough day.  Nothing major happened, my kids are healthy, I have a great husband, I have a roof over my head, and I have a bunch of food to eat, but I just had a lonnnnnnggggg hard day.  From the beginning my children were crabby and testing my patience.  Sophia was in on of those moods where she did not want to be put down at all.  And Zander was not listening at all, and moving very slow.  The kids went to bed late last night (my hubby got them in bed late, I was at work).  We had swim lessons this morning, and was late to swim lessons.  Zander did not want to participate very much at swim lessons.  And he screamed when I had to take the duck away from him in the "go fish" game we were playing.  It was time do something else in the swim lesson.  I needed a little time to think, and I was not motivated to work out at the YMCA, so I put Zander in the kids zone area with Sophia, and then I sat at a table and made a grocery list.  I felt guilty that I didn't exercise.  Maybe that would have helped me with my patience and stress level today.  Then I decided to take the kids to Burger King for lunch, and I checked my calender on my email and it just so happened that the Mom's Club I recently joined was meeting up at Burger King.  The Burger King in my town has a indoor play area, and Zander had a great time playing with the other kids.  And it was funny because my nieces were at Burger King too.  About 30 minutes after we were at Burger King I see my nieces with their Grandma.  My sister-in-law was working today and her mom was watching her girls.  It was fun to see them up there unexpectedly.  Zander was excited to see his cousin.  Zander and Jaylyn have such a good time when they are together.  We had a good time at Burger King.  It was nice to get to know some of the ladies in the Mom's group.  But when it was time to leave, that's when the trouble started.  Zander decided to throw a tantrum, because he did not want to leave.  I ended up carrying Zander and Sophia out to the car in my arms along with my purse and a small diaper bag.  The kids decided they were not going to nap, they were only in their rooms for about 30 minutes before Zander came out of his room, and then woke up Sophia.  We went grocery shopping in the afternoon, but Zander wasn't listening very well in the store either.  At one point as we were leaving, Zander was climbing all over the cart.  I used a grocery cart that has a little car in the front where the kids sat in.  While in line, Zander decided he was going to climb up and sit on the top of the car.  Now looking back, I should of gotten a picture of it.  He usually isn't that daring.  But at the time, I was so embarresed because Zander was not listening to me.  And I was disciplining him all day long.  It was rough.  And I felt bad because I lost my patience a few times with him, and yelled at him.  I don't want to be a yelling mom, but I was so frustrated with him today.  I need to keep praying that God helps me to be the best mom I can be for my children.  I want to point them toward God.  I am trying to raise children who will love God with all their hearts.  Some days it is ROUGH and TOUGH.  To top it off my husband had a long day at work, and didn't get home from work until 8:30 p.m.  The kids didn't see him all day today.  He left around 6 a.m. this morning for work, and when he got home the kids were in bed already, because their bedtime is 7:30 p.m.  I am glad this day is over, but I am sad I have to work tomorrow.  At least I have a three day weekend.  We have a busy weekend planned, but it should be fun! 

Even though today was a ROUGH day, I love these children with all my heart.  And am so thankful God blessed us with them.  I am so glad God lent them to us.  Because they are ultimately God's children, and He has lent them to us.  I love them with all my heart.  And I truly miss them when I am not with them.    

Daddy's Girl

These pictures were taken on April 9, 2011, Sophia was 5 1/2 months old.

She loves her Daddy!

Walking Backward, But not Looking Back

We had a nice day.  Well, except for some disheartening news.   Both kids slept in until 8 a.m., so we only had about an hour and 15 minutes to get ready before swim lessons.  We headed to swim lessons, and I was on my game today as a mom.  I remembered the swim bag and the diaper bag.  And we made it to the YMCA 15 minutes early.  Sophia was dropped off at the Kids Zone, and she did pretty well.  She didn't fuss, and actually wanted to go play.  She did turn back to me, and started walking toward me, but the employees helped me by picking her up so she wouldn't cry and I could go with Zander to swim lessons.  Zander is doing so well at swim lessons.  He used the floating device that goes on his back, and was holding the noodle to try to help him swim.  It was cute, while in swim lessons, the last thing we did was play with the ball in the pool.  We are all in a circle and the kids push the ball through the water to the next person in the circle.  Almost every time the little girl pushed the ball to Zander, Zander said thank you.  It was very cute.  My little polite boy.  Then as we were walking out of the YMCA, Zander decided he was going to walk backwards.  It was very cute!  He did it all on his own.  I don't think he has ever seen anyone walk backwards, so I am not sure where he learned to do that.  Another memory I want to remember is how friendly and sociably Zander is.  Zander says hi to everyone, and then he asks them "What are you doing?"  And everyone seems to answer that question.  It is very cute.  Sophia was a very happy baby today.  Okay, let me rephrase that.  Sophia was a happy baby/toddler this afternoon.  I just realized that she is really not a baby anymore. SO, I guess I have to start calling her a toddler instead of a baby.  Sad.  This morning Sophia was fussy and clingy.  She wanted me to hold her all the time.  It was hard getting dressed, and getting ready because every time I put her down she would cry and fuss and the come over to me and try to sit in my lap or climb all over me.  I put both of them down for naps around 12:30 or 12:45 p.m..  Sophia only slept for about an hour.  When she did wake up, she was a very happy girl.  I think she enjoyed getting mommy all to herself.  And I am sure she enjoyed not having her big brother pushing her or grabbing all the toys out of her hand, as he tends to do lately.  She was walking all over the playroom/basement just smiling and giggling.  I had the T.V. on at one point as background noise and she started dancing when some music came on the T.V.  She was getting a little sassy with her dancing and just moving her shoulders up and down.  That was the first time I saw her do that.  It was so cute!  I wish I got it on video, and I tried to have her do it again, but it didn't happen again.  I love that girl.  She is full of joy and love.  And she loves to smile.    

Sadly, I have not been talking a lot of pictures lately.  Today I took videos of Sophia, but no photos.  I need to start taking more pictures.  I am so disappointed with myself. 

The disheartening news is that we had to pay $1600 to repair a friend's car.  My husband hit my friend's car while it was parked in our driveway.  It happened about 1 1/2 to 2 months ago while we were car pooling to work because I was orientating her.  We knew we would be paying for the repairs of the car, but we just didn't realize it would be so much money.  But, I know it was just an accident.  And accidents happen.  I know God will provide for us.  We just have to be really good with our money and budget really well for the next few months or longer.

And since I have a hard time posting a blog without a picture, I thought I would post a few pictures, not of today, but some from this past week. 

These first 3 pictures were taken on Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sophia is a walking machine.  It is so fun to see her walking all over the place. 

And this picture was taken on January 17, 2012

Home from Work

Zander driving our car on September 25, 2011

This is Sophia on March 11, 2011

While I was at work tonight I called my husband to talk to him about his day. He was getting ready to put Zander to bed, and asked if I wanted to talk to Zander. Of course I said yes! Zander got on the phone, and got a little whiny and wanted me to come home. It broke my heart. I wish I could have come. My poor boy didn't understand why I couldn't come home. Thankfully he didn't get too upset, and I told him I loved him and said I would see him in the morning. I love my little boy. I love both of my children. And I am so blessed that God gave them to us!

Snowy fun, birthday party fun, and small group fun

We had a fun day today!  The kids got up in enough time this morning to play outside in the snow before church.  We had fun making snow angels with Zander.  And Zander and I had fun sledding down our little hill in the back yard.  Zander was disappointed because he couldn't build a snowman.  The snow was too powdery.

Zander has his hand up because he does not want his picture taken. 

Some of these pictures are grainy because they are from my cell phone. 

    After playing in the snow we went back into the house.  Brian gave the kids baths and we got ready for church.  Church was great.  I love our new church.  It was a great sermon ending the series on listening to God.

After church we headed to Fuddrucker's for a birthday party.  It was Ava's birthday party.  Ava is almost 2 months older than Zander and she is my friend Amanda's daughter. 



Here is Ava with her cake

   

And her is Zander staring down that cake!

Ava and Zander

I thought this picture was cute, Ava talking to Sophia

While we were waiting for our food, Sophia was getting fussy.  Ava came over and gave Sophia her stuffed animal.  It was soooo cute!  What a sweet girl!  Happy 3rd Birthday Ava!

After church, we headed to my parents house for about 30 minutes because we had a short period of time before small group.  At 4:30 p.m. we headed to our friends Paul and Jen for small group.  In our small group we are reading and study a book called "Radical" by David Platt.  We are going through a chapter each time we meet.  We meet every other Sunday evening.  The first chapter was already deep and challenging, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book.  I think this book will really help me to grow in my faith.  But I will admit, I am a little scared of what God may be asking of me.  But I will trust in God. 

Mac and Cheese

This was Zander when he was exactly 11 months old on February 24, 2010.  It was his first time eating Macaroni and Cheese.  My how he has grown.    

Photo Work Day

This picture of Zander cracks me up.  It was taken on May 6, 2010.  Zander was 13 1/2 months in this picture.  He is almost Sophia's age now. 

Fun experiment on days I work

On days that I work I don't have time to blog.  I decided on the days I work I am going to pick a random album in my picture files, and pick one picture from that album to post on my blog.  It will be totally random, and even if I don't think any of the pictures in that album are very good, or blog worthy, I will post one anyways.  SO here is today's photo.  It was taken on August 27, 2011, a picture of my sweet girl Sophia. 

Our Morning

 This is how I found my husband and my daughter spending some of their morning.  My husband loves his kids. And Sophia is such a daddy's girl!

So, Brian shared some of his cereal with Sophia

And then he decided this was how he was going to brush his teeth this morning.  I walked into our master bathroom to find this...