They are never too young

Last Sunday Bryson turned in his shoebox for the Operation Christmas Child. If you haven't heard about this organitation, please click on the link and it will tell you some of the amazing things they do to help children all around the world. I've been participating in this project for several years. This year I wanted to let Bryson be apart of it. I wanted him to experience in the best way he could what it means to serve others. What a wonderful feeling it is to be able to give to others that don't have near as much as he has. I was encouraged by this post from Courtney at Lil Light O' Mine that no matter what age your kids are and all the nay sayers that will tell you their too young to understand; to go ahead and teach your children. Let them learn at this age what it means to live out their faith. Even if they don't "get it" they will one day. So thank you Courtney for this reminder!

Leading up to our shopping trip, I tried to explain to Bryson in the best way I could that we were going to go pick out some gifts for another little boy who doesn't get very much for Christmas. And that we were going to put those gifts in a box and send it off so that this little boy could have something to open on Christmas. Of course his three year old reply was "okay momma, but what about me?" And again I did the best I could to explain to him that this was not about him. Oh that's so hard to get across to a three year old.

Picking out things for the "little boy." If he said "gifts for the little boy" once he said it a million times while we were in the store. But I really believe he had a lot of fun picking out all that stuff.

I didn't get a picture, but while we were in the check out line he asked if he could place all the things from the buggy on to the table. He has never been interested in doing that before when we are at the grocery store or Target. So it made this mommy heart a little proud that he was doing some big boy things.

 

This was Bryson while I was explaining to him what we were going to do with the box after we filled it up with all the gifts we bought. Of course he asked "but what about me?" But then it was like a tiny little light bulb went off and he looked at me and said "momma, I'm going to share these toys with the little boy?" And it was in that moment that I knew what Courtney had said was true. Even if he didn't fully understand what he was doing he "got it." In his tender hearted, sometimes all about me, three year old little heart, he got it! So please don't let others tell you your kids are too young to understand things. Don't let them talk you out of doing/sharing/teaching your kids about their faith.

 

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6

Thankful Thursday

I can't even being to tell y'all how thankful I am for his man! To say I'm "over the moon" for him would be an understatement. ;)

I don't blog very much about my marriage, mainly because I like to keep some things private. But on occasions like this I want to share how much I love and appreciate him (not that he doesn't already know!)

There are no words to describe what an amazing father he is to Bryson and Jaxon. He loves these boys so much! They are his world. And I'm so thankful that I get to raise them with this wonderful man. I don't think I could have asked for a better father to our boys.

We have been through so much over these last several years. And I'm so very thankful to have had C by my side. He's a Godly husband and father. There is no one else I would want to share this side of heaven with. I am truly thankful that the Lord brought us together.

jaxon {7 months}

jaxon you were 7 months last Friday

I can't believe how quickly time is flying by! I think I say that every month?

You have started eating pretty consistently lately. You love greek yogurt (especially the key lime pie). You've also had biscuits and gravy which you gobbled up! And of course sweet potatoes have always been a big hit in our house. I even made a banana-avocado mix and you like that too. I'm hoping your eating habits will be a lot better than your brothers. 

You are almost sitting up by yourself. You like sitting in the floor propped up around your boppy and playing with your toys. I think you enjoy it so much because Bryson will sit beside you and play or talk to you.

You still take three naps a day. Your first one is around 10:00am, your second nap is around 12:30pm and then your last one is around 3:00pm. At night you sleep about 10-12hrs. You love to sleep with your aden and anais blanket. You'll put it right next to your face and then turn on your side and fall asleep.

No teeth just yet. Your brother was 9 months old before he got his first tooth, so I guess you'll be following in his footsteps.    

You don't talk very much, but you can say da-da-da-da. Your daddy was so excited when he heard you say it for the first time. Now if I can just get you to say momma. :)

You and your brother got a bath together for the first time. You loved it of course! Not to sure if Bryson was all that thrilled. But I think he'll love it when you get a little older and y'all can really start playing with one another.

You are constantly smiling! And your laugh is just infectious! I could listen to you giggle all day long.

You got to watch your very first basketball game a few weeks ago. Your daddy was coaching his 7th grade boys team. I think you really liked it! You screamed (the good kind) the entire time. I secretly hope you and your brother will love basketball as much as me and your daddy do. I know your daddy's dream is to coach you and Bryson one day.

The doorway jumper isn't something you are very fond of. I've tried to put you in it several times and you won't stay in it for more than a couple of minutes. You do love it when we stand you up and you can bang your hands against the coffee table.

I know I say this every month, but you are the most happy baby! You light up our faces every day. I'm such a blessed mommy to have you in my life. ~ I love you to the moon and back ~ Momma

Thankful Thursday

I LOVE the month of November! And since it's all about giving thanks I thought I would do a "Thankful Thursday" post every Thursday during the month about something I am thankful for. I did this several years ago and I wanted to do something like that again.

I wonder a lot about who I would be if I didn't have Bryson and Jaxon. It's because of these two AMAZING little boys that I am who I am today. They have made me strive so hard to be the best mother I can be to them. They have truly brought out the best in me.

I will never be able to thank the Lord enough for this miracle little boy! He has a heart the size of Texas!! He keeps me in check and reminds me why I love my life so much. I know God has something big in store for his life.

And this little precious angel! Oh my word what a blessing he has been to our family. Not a day goes by that I don't look at him and am reminded that our God is full of surprises! Even when you least expect it!! ;)

Today we live in a world where we are always going, going, going. And during this time of year especially, we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season that sometimes we forget about being thankful. I don't want to ever get to a place in my life where I'm not thankful. I want to make a point every day to wake up and the first thing I do is thank the Lord for his grace and mercy and allowing me to live out another day.

My heart is full every time I look at my boys! I say this a lot, but I will never be able to thank God enough for the gift of being a mother. It's one of the hardest jobs but also the most rewarding.

So what are you thankful for today?

10 FREE Holiday Cards from Tiny Prints

10 Free Holiday Cards from Tiny Prints is AWESOME! 

 

 



Just in time to find that perfect Christmas card to send out this year, Tiny Prints is giving away 10 FREE holiday cards!

 

Beginning right now through next Tuesday 11/13 at 11:59pm PT, anyone can get in on this deal. All you have to do is head over to the Tiny Prints website and pick out your favorite design.

 

Make sure to enter the Promo Code: HOLIDAYCHEER when you check out 

 

This is a $24.00 value!

This is probably my favorite card!

 

Limitations (Make sure to read this): Flat cards only - options charges will apply (rounded corners/paper options/envelopes options) and shipping charges will also apply. Regular shipping only costs $3.50 in the U.S.
Legal Stuff: Offer is limited to 10 cards per customer. This promotion cannot be combined with other offers and is valid for one-time use only. Shipping and handling charges will apply. Rounded corners, Pearl White Shimmer paper and Premium DoubleThick ™ Matte paper will incur additional fees. This promotion code applies exclusively to holiday cards and holiday party invitations and is not applicable to previously placed orders, Erin Condren products, William Arthur boxed sets, shipping, taxes or rush processing fees. Offer is only valid on Tiny Prints and is not applicable on treat.com, third party or partner websites. To prevent abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time without notice. We reserve the right to cancel any order at any time. Offer expires 11/13/12 at 11:59 pm (PT).

Jaxon's Baby Dedication

September 30th was a special day because we had Jaxon dedicated. Dedication is a statement where we as parents stand before the church and dedicate our child before the Lord and promise to do our best to raise them in a Christian home and teach them to follow God's teachings. Our pastor challenged us to pray over our children everyday and shared 12 prayers that we can pray over them. (I listed them at the bottom of this post) and to make it a priority to talk about Jesus everyday, not just on Sundays. And to get them involved in church at an early age.   

The boys this morning before church.

 I remember when we had Bryson dedicated. I never would have dreamed we would be doing this again almost 3 years later. I got so emotional standing up there because I felt so complete. I knew in that moment my family was complete. I can't describe the feeling, but it hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember I kept thanking God for this AH-MA-ZING family He has given me. I am so blessed!!!

 

This was the picture they showed on the screen. Love this picture SO MUCH!!!



Jaxon and mommy

 

 

Our pastor reminded us that our children are loaned to us by our Heavenly Father. I think I forget about that sometimes. Clay and I are Bryson and Jaxon's earthly parents, but they also have a Father in heaven. But as their earthly parents it's our job to show them and teach them about the love of Jesus. To help them understand what an incredible price He paid by dying on the cross for our sins so that one day we could live with Him in heaven forever. My prayer for Clay and I is that we will always point the boys to Jesus. That they will live for Him and love Him and always strive to be in His will.

  

I am so thankful for these three. God has truly blessed me!



12 Prayers to Pray Over Your Children/Grandchildren

 1. They will trust Christ early in life

 2. They will have a hatred for sin

 3. They will be caught when guilty

 4. They will be protected from the evil one in each area of their life

 5. They will have a responsible attitude in all of their interpersonal relationships

 6. They will respect those in authority over them

 7. They will desire the right kind of friends and be protected from the wrong kind of friends

 8. They, as well as their mate, will be kept pure until marriage

 9. They will be kept from the wrong mate and safe for the right one

10. They will totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all circumstances

11. They will be hedged in so they cannot find their way to wrong places and people and that the wrong places and people cannot find their way to them

12. They will be 100% sold out to Jesus Christ! 

11/6/2012

I didn't realize how emotional today was going to be. I don't think I have ever been this nervous about a Presidential election since I was able to vote for the first time over 10 years ago. Maybe because it's where I'm at in this stage of my life. I have two young little boys that I have to think about. I am constantly worrying about their future and how I'm going to prepare them for "the real world" one day.

 

Supporting their red, white and blue.

We got off to a late start this morning and I wasn't able to get to my polling place until about lunchtime. But thankfully there wasn't a long line and I was in and out in no time.

 

I been in constant prayer over the last few days about our country. I pray that the Lord has His hand over this election and no matter the outcome, God is still on the throne and I will continue to praise Him and give Him thanks for the freedom to live in the USA!

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Pumpkin Patch 2012

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is taking the kids to the pumpkin patch. It's one of my MOST favorite places to go this time of year. We took the kids several weeks ago and I'm finally getting around to posting it. 

There are several pumpkin patches where we live. The one we usually go to is The Great Pumpkin Patch. I remember working here when I would come home on the weekends from college to make some extra money. Now 8 years later I'm getting to bring my kids. :-)

 

We met up with our friends Drew and Sheri and their kids. This was the best picture I could get of Bryson and Elaina. These two crack me up together. They are the best of friends though!

Bryson loved sitting on the tractor.

My boys with their daddy. I love this picture! These are my three loves!!

This year Bryson was able to ride the pony. Can you tell he loved it! Besides getting to pick out his own pumpkin, I think this was his favorite thing.

Jax loved watching B on the pony's.

And all I have to say about these pictures is that it was a waste of $10. Bryson begged us to go "jumping!" But as soon as he got buckled up he froze and would NOT bend his legs and jump. Clay and I were so afraid he was going to break his knees that we ended up getting him down after about a minute. Well, maybe next year! Ha!!!

After the unsuccessful trampoline experience we headed out to let Bryson pick out his pumpkin. I love this picture! It depicts to the tee B's excitement about getting a pumpkin. I just love this age!

 

 It took him quite a while to find that "perfect" pumpkin. He was actually looking for "Spookly the Square Pumpkin." I'm sure some of you momma's out there know what I'm talking about if your kids watched the Disney channel during October. That movie was on almost every day.

It took some imagination on my part to tell B why we couldn't find Spookly. But he reminded me that in the movie Spookly tries to hold his breath to puff out in a round shape and so B found a not so round pumpkin and was so excited when he "found Spookly!"

These two had a blast at the Pumpkin Patch this year! Love these two boys so so much!!

 

And just because most of y'all know how OCD I am when it comes to getting that perfect picture of the boys together. This was the best one out of the bunch. Ha!!