I can't resist {More of my brood}

I always knew it would happen. That this long time affair with my camera would go into overdrive with these kiddos. It's like I can't resist myself and their precious looks, rascally antics and adorable outfits.

Speaking of rascals. Here is "Mommy's Rascal" right here. Speaking of the term Mommy or Moma. I know I use it freely that is because they do. L started calling me Moma the first night he spent at our house. In all the days of waiting and preparing to be foster parents, I always wondered how we'd handle what the children should call us. And after all that fretting it just happened. Now he had NEVER had a Daddy and because I didn't want people who didn't know our story to think Scott wasn't my baby daddy (even though he ain't...but strange looks at the grocery line wasn't something I wanted to deal with) we asked him if he wanted to call Scott Daddy. He did and it just took off. She followed suit and somewhere along the way they started calling me Mommy instead of Moma. Isn't it funny how that just happens. I guess he heard other kids call their mothers Mommy and just went with it. Around my home and family it's always Moma when speaking of our mother. BTW, That is Mamma for you people who wonder why I call my mother MO- MA. For whatever reason, I just started spelling it that way when I was young. I just can't change it after all those years of sprawling it across mother's day cards and other little love notes. So I guess I'm Mommy to this little rascal is just a big of a miracle as I was to my Moma (that's a story for another time).

Ok... on with the rest of my brood. Here is some more Daddy Bonding Time. This is a little more...ahem, boy bonding. : ) Our boy can't go five minutes without talking about, playing or pretending to play some type of sport. So here they are playing tackle football/wrestling together in the house.

L thought he was getting the upper hand until....watch out my small precious son....

Daddy goes in for a noogie!

Day 57: This one is my favorite and therefore wins picture of the day!

For those of you worrying about poor little N...don't! She gets plenty of Daddy Bonding Time too. I wish you could see this face under the heart of her cracking up as Mommy has a panic attack due to the flips, throws and roughness Daddy likes to do with our little gymnast.

Well, Have a great weekend. We are planning for the rest to be relaxing and full of fun.

What I love about home

My parents home that is.

Seriously, there is nothing like going home.

I love my Bluff home but being at my parents home is differently just as sweet.

Since my back surgery, I've been staying with them. It's been so nice for many reasons so I thought I'd list a few.

1. Just being around them. It's funny the little things you miss when you aren't with your parents everyday. I love how my moma and me are the last up at night while Daddy has been asleep in the chair forever.

2. The FOOD... we all know I love me some good food. Things like Killer Breakfasts (what we call my Daddy's eggs, bacon, biscuits, fried apples kind of breakfasts), Chess Pie, endless treats, baked cheetos, Moma cooking every meal for the kids and I.

I'm soo spoiled! : )

3. and Day 56: Spending time with cousins. While at Moma and Daddy's there is usually an endless supply of cousins around to play with. Since my surgery though, most everyone had been sick and didn't want to infect already pitiful us. But Em got better and got to play with us this week. Let's just say there is never a dull moment with these Three Musketeers.

They made this clubhouse and had fun camping out!

4. My parents have always spoiled us with affection. Lots of attention, quality time, always there for us and just plain perfect love was what they've always given us. It's such a blessing to see them pouring it on our babies. Our family isn't perfect by ANY means, but we are darn good at loving each other (through all the bumps, arguements and just life)!

5. Plenty of entertainment. Whether it's cleaning out Moma's craft collection, watching satelite tv (be still my heart) or spending time meandering through her old magazines there is always something to do. These things are obviously done during nap times or after littles' bedtimes.

6. I could go on FOREVER, but I'm getting tired.

I'm up late because my boy is having a rough night. Not sure what's going on but that we have one of these every now and then. I'm pretty sure it's bad dreams. Just a lot of restless sleep and crying. Poor baby. I need to sleep while I can. Hope you all get better rest than us.

Living this life...

We've been busy lately, living life that is.

It's been such a blessing to really start feeling normal again.

One week out and I'm already feeling 80%! I'm anxious to see how much better I'm going to feel on week TWO.

Day 52: Daddy and L Bonding Time: Attachment is a funny thing. If you were to ask me if L was attached to his "Daddy", I would say definitely yes. I mean he asks about him every morning when Scott has gone on to work. He wants to play games/sports to him. L always has positive things to say about Daddy (i.e. Daddy is so funny! Daddy is the best Daddy. I love Daddy!) So there has been bonding going on over the last seven months that is for sure. But if you were to ask if L and Daddy are bonded as much as me and L....I would have to say no. It's just been slower with the two of them. So to help things along, we've instituted Daddy Bonding Time. It's going good so far. Pretty much it's just extra playing time together for just the two of them. Daddy is also doing a lot of the bedtime stories, prayers, cuddle time and just being with L. I really think it's going to be a helpful blessing. If anyone has any attachment helpful hints...we'd love to hear them!
Day 53: Some finished spots in our home renovations. This is seriously a sore spot in my life right now. We've struggled regarding keeping a loving heart toward the whole situation. I just want it FINISHED and it's not. I'm not sure when it will be done. It's a LONG story with many details. Some of it is just our fault for being too trusting and mostly a failure in the contract being completed as it said. We'd appreciate prayers in this area just so we can move on and get rid of these bitter feelings.
Day 54: Nana Our HERO!!! I can't even imagine what we'd do without my Moma. She has put her own life on hold and is practically living with me (when we aren't living with her). Since I can't pick up N for a few more weeks (hopefully only two more), we've had to have someone with me at all times. She's loved on our kids, cleaned every stitch of clothing in our house and just helped with everything from 7:30 to bedtime almost every night. THANK YOU, Moma! We love you and praise God for how you are serving us in such Godly ways!
Day 55: N totally conquered this cupcake today! L did too, but this pic of N is priceless. Thanks to GiGi and Colby for sharing his b-day cupcakes. Oh and a BIG thanks for making the icing BLUE! : ) Her little fingers were blue for the whole day!

It's amazing how cute BIG messes can be with kids.

Thankful

I feel like I have so many reasons to be thankful these days.

I'm thankful to be alive.

I'm thankful to be under the grace of God.

I'm thankful to be recovering so quickly from my surgery.

I'm thankful for all the sweet help my FABULOUS parents have been.

I'm thankful for The Man putting up with my crazy medical stuff.

I'm thankful to be with my sweet babies after being away from them for two days (much too long).

I'm thankful for sweet friends who call, visit, send cards, bring over meals, and the ones who have us over for dinner and games!

Day 51: Ticket to Ride, one of our favorite games, played tonight with The Man and our wonderful friends!

Not too bad!

Well, I had my surgery. It was rough, but I'm doing ok. I'll most likely write another post on that. But back to my 365 Days of Pictures. I had back surgery and only missed two days....not too bad.

Day 44: LOVE this picure! So precious. Fynn and "N" just hanging out. : )

Day 45: Me and my valentines the day before the real Valentines Day (my surgery day). They looked so cute for church that day!

Day 48: First picture I took after surgery, my Daddy taking the kids for ride. They loved it. We've been spending a lot of time at my parents while I'm recovering.

Day 49: "N" reading her "book" at least that is what she calls it. Is it bad to let your 18 mo. old read GoodHouskeeping? Isn't her little feet soo cute?!?!?

Day 50: Home with my man. Enough said.

BFF for LIFE!

I'm so thankful for good friends. Lately, I've been overly blessed by sweet phone calls, prayers, meals brought to our home and tonight's girls night out!

Day 43: My precious friend Jess took me out to get my mind off things going on around here. We dined Olive Garden style and talked endlessly! I loved it! Then she even took me to the movies. What a great friend. Thanks Jess, I had a great night!

P.S. for Prayers: I found out yesterday at my consult in Louisville, I will be having back surgery this Monday. It's a pretty routine surgery, but I'm a little anxious. I would appreciate any prayers. Thanks!

Q & A: What are some things you do for family time?

One thing we've bought (and have done horrible at lately) was this journal:

I saw it on someone else's blog, but for the life of me cannot remember who. We got it shortly after the new year and started it on that very day. It's fun to ask questions and even the kids have (funny) answers sometimes. The best part is that it is a 5 yr. journal so you record on the same page five years of answers. I can't wait to look back in a few years and see the hilarious answers. Also to see how the kids have grown and what else has changed. We try to do it right after dinner.

Buy one for you and your family here!

What are some other things that you do together as a family? I'd love some ideas.

My Three Blessings!

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17

Day 40: cuddling on the couch before bedtime. I love footie pjs with all my heart!

I'm too tired to write anymore tonight.

Goodnight, ya'll!

Figuring things out

For the past seven months I've been trying to figure out what it means to be a good parent. I've gone back and forth in my head what I want them to remember about us when they are older. I guess I think about that because I have fabulous parents and could list a bazillion reasons why and how they make good parents. But that is another post for another day. Scott's parents are also wonderful for MANY many reasons. Needless to say we have some big shoes to fill.

At first we both felt the need to be super strict so we could establish boundaries early. Obviously, we've let up a little bit, but we still try to be consistent when it comes to what we expect. We also try to give much grace and make things as fun as possible. Here are some things that I've learned about what it means to be a good parent (in my opinion):

A good parent...

*makes you eat your vegetables at dinner, but also takes you to McDonalds for your fav chicken nuggets.

*teaches you to take your dirty clothes to your clothes hamper, but makes a basketball game out of it.

*makes you take a nap, but lays down to rub your head while you drift off.

*enforces quiet time during car rides or other times, but says "On Your Mark, Set, Go" or sings "Itsy Bitsy Spider" a THOUSAND times a day.

*refuses to allow disrespectful talk towards adults, but praises you by making a really big deal over obedience.

My point is I think I've learned that it is all a balance. serious conversations. laughing silliness. discipline. grace. And even though I'm nowhere near "arrived" at parenthood, I'm definitely better off than I was seven months ago. With God's grace I hope to continue to learn to be the best for them.

Day 37: Our little quarterback watching the Super Bowl with his football.

Day 38: More snow but actually it was the perfect snow because it was consistent all day without making the roads by. It was just gorgeous. And I love that little silhouette.

Day 39: I know this is a little weird picture, but it's our NEW toilet. I've mentioned our never ending remodeling for upstairs. Well, today we got our potty put in. I can't wait till it's all done.

Yum Diggity Dog

Day 36

Today we introduced the kids to one of our favorite restaurants, Olive Garden. For the longest time, we weren't sure we wanted to share this sacred place. It for whatever reason became the go to place for our date nights away from the kids. I know that sounds cruel, but let me explain. When you go from having everything to your self and living a life of selfish ease, going to giving everything of yourself/stuff is difficult. This was the one place we didn't take them...the one place that was just ours. We decided that it was time to introduce them to the endless goodness of salad and breadsticks! : )

But wait you are saying....I thought you guys were poor? YES, you are correct. Actually, we are but my years in college scraping by on DO JO donuts or on Aldi groceries for a month has really helped on saving while still enjoying. For whatever reason... Scott and I have always shared an entree at Olive Garden. They give you soo much and it always worked for us. Well, I knew we couldn't spend much more than we normally do. I also knew the kids wouldn't eat too much so I asked the waitress if the kids could eat on our salads or if we needed to purchase extra salad. She said no big deal, and I was like HECK YEAH! So no joke the four of us ate on breadsticks, salad, appetizer and ONE entree. And we were all full when we left. This may sound silly or even kind of petty. But when you want to eat somewhere fun with your family and don't have much funds...what is a girl to do?

What are ways you guys have found to save money or get good deals while out?

Books....

I love books.

Seriously, I do. Mainly, I love fiction but I also love Christian Help (can't think of another word for them) and biographies. I always have great ambitions when it comes to reading. I hear good reviews from friends or suggestions from pastors, then I go buy or borrow the book. The only problem is I don't get through them. Well, the fiction, I almost always finish in a week. It's the ones that could really benefit my life and relationships. Those I'll read six or so chapters and then get distracted with something else.

Day 35

For instance, these books have set on my night stand for 2 years, 6 months, and 2 1/2 years. I've gotten through exactly 2 chapters, 3 chapters, and 6 chapters of each of them. This drives me crazy about myself. So I'm going to finish these three books first before I read any others this year (which obviously doesn't count Goodnight Moon, Froggy Goes to School or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse books).

To keep me accountable, I'm going EVENTUALLY do a post on what I learned from each of them. I'm going to start with (or finish) The Four Seasons of Marriage first.

After these three, here is my list for this year:

Radical, David Platt

The Help, Kathryn Stockett

Re-reading all the books from the Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls Wikder

Give Them Grace, Elyse Fitzpatrick

Mark of the Lion series, Francine Rivers

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, Ree Drumond

From The Heart, June Carter Cash

Her Daughter's Dream, Francine Rivers

One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp

I'm sure I'll add more, but definitely might not get to them. : )

Anybody have one I have to add to the list?

Living Silver Lining to Silver Lining

So yeah, this pain in my #&% is really getting on my nerves. And I'm just trying to use foul language with you guys, it really is the location of my pain. That, my hip, and shooting down my leg *except for my numb foot. This trial, along with the renovations and the dog have almost sent me over the edge. I struggle to stand up straight sometimes and having a hard time sleeping, When I first found out about my herniated disc 5 yrs. ago...I was single with no children to take care of. Now things are very different and it's been difficult adjusting life to make everything work. The kids have been great about helping and The Man oh my word should get husband of the YEAR!

But I think what has been most difficult is dealing with something like this at 29 (I'm milking 29 for all it has...April is approaching too quickly carrying the BIG 3-0 with it). I look around at other people my age....most aren't experiencing back pain. It's people in their 50's or 60's. When googling my MRI results, I found an article describing that this normally is seen in your sixth or seventh decade. WHAT? How can I've skipped four decades of physical enjoyment! I was watching the kids show off their somersault skills to us tonight. side note:I love that when you become a parent that the simplest tasks become amazing to you where you are positive they are accomplishing such BIG tasks for such young children. I might have been dreaming about being at the 2020 Olympics ceremonies seeing one of our gymnasts being adorned the GOLD medal! Anyways, back to my stinkin pain.... As I watched them roll around on the rug, I began to wonder how much will it take for their little bodies to one day be waring out on them. Should this change my mind in letting L play football? Or stop N from following in my gymnastic/cheer background? But then I guess not. What is living if you don't really live. If you don't strive for something you love, believe in and belong to.

It also made me think of how we take for granted our healthy strong, young bodies. I said this five years ago, but hopefully it will stick this time if God-willing I'm freed from this annoying injury. Every time I jump up and down excitedly, swoop up a little one toddling by, ride a bike (which I need to do more of), have dance parties in our living room, bend over for 20 min. cleaning the tub, carrying in all of the groceries in 2 trips instead of 4, going all day instead of having to rest every half hour.... When I do those things (God-Willing) in the future, I'm going to momentarily PRAISE THE LORD. Because if one little disc can move slightly out of place to cause such upheaval in ones life, than think of how gloriously God made our bodies.

Anyways, Hopefully this will bring joyful thankfulness to those of you whom are healthy and help those of you who are not feel like their is someone else going through it too. I know Jesus faced every type of struggle and temptation so He knows what I (we) are going through. I'm trusting in Him to give me the strength to make it to my surgery and to help me be praising Him throughout these next weeks! I do however get these times of semi-ok pain. I call them my silver linings. I'm having one tonight...let's pray it lasts through the night onto my work day tomorrow! : )

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4:15

Day 34: Em and N pretending to have a sleep over this morning. This is N's toddler bed that Scott's sis gave us. PRAISE GOD for family (and friends) and all they've helped us out with over the past 7 months. I've threatened to keep her in her crib until she's five : ) It's just so nice knowing that when I put her in there, I can come back hours later and she is still there. At this age, that is a miracle! So we put up the toddler bed just so she can get used to it. Maybe we'll start her on naps there in a few months (or years). : )

Randomness...Has it really been a week?

I'll blame it on my crippling back problem.... no joke. I walk hunched over and feel the need to have a walker to get around. That has been the biggest thing going on in our life lately. I've tried to ignore or pretend I'm ok until my consultation with the surgeon. But it's getting REALLY hard to do that. Please pray, friends.

Besides that, here is the rest of the week.

Day 24: Scott's Birthday wasn't until Sunday, but I couldn't stand it. The kids and I went to pick out his gift that morning. We got him the Pulse Smart Pen (such a Scott gift by the way) for him to use for teaching and classes. He loved it and wasn't expecting such a nice gift as we usually do smaller things. But this is so practical and can be used for his career. Also I got a great deal...thanks Best Buy!

Day 25: N after bath time on Tuesday evening. She is just stinkin adorable. I wish you could see the hysterical face she is making.

Day 26: Ok, so this isn't actually a pic from today, but I was super busy and forgot to take one. But I did scan this which is a picture so we'll count it. And come on...it has to make you laugh. Look at me, did they give me cough medicine before this picture. I look like I'm going to pass out (I'm the one on the right of my Moma). I scanned and made a movie on IMovie for my parent's 42nd Wedding Anniversary. It was fun and I for see everyone (even if they don't want one) getting a movie made up of pictures. Anything to relive some of my favorite memories!

Day 27: Dinner at my parents. Daddy and Moma made breakfast... almost nothing better. Well, except being with our family too!

Day 28: Got away for the weekend with my love. I still love staying in hotels...same feeling I used to get when I was 12!

Day 29: Dinner at Sambuca Resturant, Gulch district of Nashville. Great food, awesome atmosphere and even live music! We had a blast.

Day 30: This was The Man's actual birthday, but I had several pics of him and it's sadly only once every six months I get to see one of my besties. We swung by Christin's parents and got to visit with the whole gang before we handed home. It was refreshing (the theme of our weekend: sleep, good food, peace and quiet, massages, missed conversations).

Day 31: Celebrated Scott's b-day at his parents house. It was fun and his mom made this adorable cake with Scott's baby picture on it. The kids were so anxious to see who got to eat Scott's face! : ) I can't say enough how thankful I am for this wonderful man who takes up the slack while I'm hurt, romances me still, and is my BEST FRIEND! I love you, birthday boy!

Day 32: The other thing that has been trying lately is our dear furry family member, Scruffles has hit a rough patch. So I will most likely (prayerfully...BETTER HAPPEN) have surgery on my back in February for a herniated disc. Scruffles started acting funny last Wednesday night so we called the Vet. Scott took him in Thursday morning to find out at what lengths my dog will go to be sympathetic for my pain. He too has a herniated disc. Sadly, for him it's much worse. In 36 hours, he went from limping to dragging both of his back legs. We have been giving him antiflammatory pills and have to keep him in his crate ALL the time to let him heal. But it's not looking good and we'll most likely have to put him to sleep. It's such a sad time for us and those of you who have truly loved your pets know what we are feeling.

Day 33: On a lighter note, I'm completely obsessed with the show Parenthood. I love Hulu for streaming it free! : ) I think it's the whole big, loud family. It just feels sort of familiar and makes me happy!

Other random tidbits:

* I'm in LOVE with my new sheets (thank you Ann for such a great Christmas gift)!

* Having a bad back and walking like I'm 90 yrs. old is for the birds. seriously.

* Getting away is a must for everyone. Especially those taking care of littles.... Much needed break away!

* Still cracking up at the fact that our 18 mo. old is wanting to potty train herself already.

* Excited that our niece is coming to play tomorrow.

* Feels like I might go COMPLETELY NUTS and become a REALLY MEAN person if our upstairs renovations isn't completed soon. Another post for another day.

Goodnight all!