Things I am loving....

Hello Hello!

Happy Tuesday!

So today I was looking through my phone and it reminded me of some of the things I am loving right now :)

First...I am loving game time!  The kids were gifted with many fun games this past Christmas, so we usually take the time during Austin's naptime (otherwise, he usually takes game pieces and eats them LOL) and each kiddo gets to pick a game of their choice.  Katelyn chooses either Zingo Bingo or Connect Four, Bryce picks HiHo Cherry-O or Candyland and Carter ALWAYS chooses "Cars" memory. 

This past Saturday, Katelyn and I teamed up against Carter and Bryce....and they won...by ALOT :)  We always have a good time and it really helps teach the kiddos that they have to wait their turn...they do a pretty good job and they cheer for each other which is really cute!



Last week we went to a friends house and they have a piano...and imagine my surprise when all my kiddos went (without fighting...at least for a few minutes) and sat down together and played music.  It was sweet!

This little guy....he just got an OSU hat passed down from his big brothers :)  He looks adorable in it!

Katelyn's friends...She collects these :)  These are the "boys"....and of course they are all named:)

From left to right:  LaRanga, Rafiki, Charlie, Ellie, Koala Bear

They sleep on the floor

Here she is with her friends that are girls....she sleeps with them each night

From left to right: Pep Pep, Rainbow, Nala, and Princess Bunny

She tucks them in with her :)

Here we are tonight!  We had our friends come over to eat dinner so we had a full table :)  It makes my heart happy to have friends over! 

Recieved the J Crew catalog...love it!  I always go straight to the crewcuts...and this is an outfit I would LOVE to get KK....so cute :)

This might be my favorite....before Christmas, I brought a gift bag in to Katelyn's room to fill up with toys to donate.  She had a good time filling it up and we dropped it off together at the Bethel Foundation.  I found this on her door with two stuffed animals.  Apparently she is starting another bag to donate :)

I hope everyone is having a great week!!  So many things to be blessed about :)  What are you loving these days ??

Thankful....

So the past 4 1/2 months have been amazing....stressful...and full of learning experiences.  The hubs sold out of our busines...all we have ever known....for us.  To dedicate his life as a father and husband and to let God lead him to his next position in life. 

We budgeted and planned (we did okay...although we did find ourselves going over budget here and there) and he took the first 8 weeks just to hang out with me and the kiddos.  Time that I wouldn't trade for anything...time that I never thought we would be able to have together.  It was amazing...we walked the mall, went to movies, museums and played inside and outside as a family.  Again...it was amazing. 

Finally, we knew it was time to start looking for him to join the job force....so he did...he spent time, with the help of a friend, putting together his resume...and sending out and out and out...landed quite a few interviews early on...and would go through the first and the second...only to have a door shut...but he never lost hope.  Kevin knew it wasn't in our time...but His time...and that God would open the right door. 

I was not so full of hope at times...I was beginning to get scared...nervous for providing for a family of six on our dwindling savings and my part-time salary...how silly of me!  Knowing that He will provide for my needs....

As we waited on the most recent opportunity, we both began feeling as though it was truly out of our hands...and that maybe we would have to just take whatever to make things work....

So imagine my surprise when I received a phone call from Kevin today on my way to Tulsa....and his first words, I GOT A JOB!!  His opportunity that we wanted to come through....DID!! 

In God's time....this phrase means so much to me...When we had felt as though we were on rock bottom...and BAM!  answered prayers....but in so much more than the job.  We learned about so much of ourselves during Kevin's work hiatus....as a couple, as a family....he has grown in huge ways as a father and I in being a mother.  Truly sharing the role as parents and building a great foundation.

We have also learned so much about finances...how for awhile we felt that the job would solve all problems with our finances...but when it came down to it we realized our habits would have to change, job or no job.  I pray that we are able to be selfless enough to be able to give BIG to others.  We know that our needs are met and hope that we can help others.

So, I just wanted to document today...and say a big CONGRATS to my husband....he is such an amazing man and I am so thankful to have him in our life!!

Babies no more...

So this past weekend we turned the boys room into a big boy room....it is hard to believe they were outgrowing their cribs...I know they are 2 1/2 but they are still my babies!!  The boys room has been extremely simple....partly because I am trying to leave without clutter...and partly because they do not have a large room....add two cribs to that and you lose space quickly!!

So here is the progression....

This is the view from the door....we had it originally set up with the beds taking up most of the room...and they slept in the crib on the left together for the first 4 months.  It took up quite a bit of floor space...but all they did was sleep or get a diaper changed so it wasn't too big of a deal.  Once they became more active we changed it and put each crib on a wall and opened up the space between the cribs and in front of the cribs.  They do not keep too many toys in their room.  They mainly stay in the playroom but there were a few items in baskets and then of course their giraffe chairs....Clyde and Barnacle :)

So the picture on the right is the officially "Big Boy Room".  Just basic beds that we got for a STEAL at a local furniture store and some super boyish plaid bedding.  We kept it very simple...they have some of Kev's framed sports pics in the room....but I plan on finding some curtains and doing something over the bed's that is new and exciting....via some Pinterest inspiration :)

They were so excited when they saw their room!  I wish I would have had a picture of Bryce's face!  It was priceless :)  Carter was just excited to get on the bed and jump!!  They love their bed's and had a blast playing on them.  But what we were scared off...night time...and actually sleeping in the bed :)

All I could imagine was two little boys jumping back and forth from bed to bed....toys being thrown everywhere....crying....fighting and lots and lots...and LOTS of up and down :)

So...how did it turn out...AMAZING!!  Bryce went to his room to watch his Veggie Tales video and was asleep within 15 minutes....Carter went into his room after watching Annie with Katelyn and I and watched a few minutes of Cars 2 and he was out....they got up twice...at 12:30 am and 3 am half asleep and a little confused but laid right back down and fell asleep back in bed :)  The next night neither got up and slept through the night and they have done so since.  Carter is in our room by 7am in the morning and the first thing he says is "Eat breakfast?".  However, Bryce sleeps in until at least 8 or 8:30.

So proud of my little fellows!!  I can't believe how big they are getting....now if only we can master the potty :)

Struggles

So I have debated this post over the weekend...honestly because I do not know if it will come across the way I truly want it too...or if it will just sound like a "complaining, poor me, get over it" kind of post...so I thought...who cares...I am using this to help me get a few things off my chest that I have been really beating myself down for....so here goes...

Struggles...we all have them and they can be just about anything...a struggle for one may not be a struggle for another...but that is what is amazing about this thing we call life...we are all uniquely made and our strengths and weaknesses play off of those that we have around us...husbands, friends, family, etc.

Lately, I am struggling ALOT as a parent.  I feel as though I am failing more than succeeding and it is really making my heart broken.  I sometimes look at those around me that are parents and they seem to have things "together".  It is hard to define this...and ultimately I know in my heart that they don't have perfect children that always listen, clean up, don't scream and cry when they don't get something they want...but I have a hard time remembering this when I am deep in tantrums and tears. 

Anyway...I compare myself to these other "together" people and begin thinking...what am I doing wrong?  When my child stands there ground and screams a loud no when I ask for them to do a simple task...is it me?  Do I expect too much?  Or are my expectations in line for their age?  Is there a different way to ask?  Should I just do it myself?  Or when things don't work out the way my child thinks it should...when life isn't fair...what do I do to help them see that it is still ok? 

My husband and I are dedicated to raising children with a heart for Christ...with encouraging words that correct and discipline when needed....I fear to kill the spirit of my child.  I want to appreciate their heart and sheer excitement and not give them boundaries that are un-needed.  But know when to say no....and be able to freely say yes and let them know it is ok to make a mess together...and laugh together...and be goofy.  Unfortunately....I find myself losing my cool. 

I falso find myself lately with little patience and not allowing myself to enjoy the small miracles of being around my children because I get caught up in doing it "right".  Too busy trying to clean house, put up laundry or even have "me" time when really taking the five minutes to sit on the floor in wrestle would bring a smile, and some perspective to all of us...especially me. 

It all came to a head for me this past weekend...I was dressed and ready to go to dinner with friends...for some "me" time...well-deserved I thought, after weeks of tantrums and craziness, when I walked out of my bedroom to yet another meltdown from my 2 year old boys, Carter and Bryce because of dinner....Austin walking around crying because of teething and possible ear infection and a little girl that kept begging me not to leave...my wonderful husband telling me, not to worry...it would be fine and to get out of the house :)  I just stood there....4 crying kids an encouraging husband who is much better at smiling and taking it all in stride....and I just start turned back into my bedroom and cried.  I was emotionally drained....needless to say I did not go anywhere that night...after a small prayer I felt that it was best to stay home with my family...but with a new perspective....a new heart and alot more patience.

I know that I am growing up as a parent as my children are growing up...we are both learning...I have only been a parent for 4 years...and in those 4 years I have had 4 children.  We are all trying to navigate ourselves through this...it is hard...the hardest thing I have ever done.  I always loved the saying "fake it until you make it..." but this is a whole new ballgame....

As I write this...all I can think about is Katelyn's love for life...the way that when she is gone at my parents to stay the night, she calls and asks to talk to each of her brothers to say I love you and ask how their day is...and then asks to talk to me and her dad to do the same....or how Bryce will hug me...and hug me...and hug me...just because and how when Carter see's something he likes....he  will say, "Oh MY GOODNESS!" and smile from ear to ear...like he has never seen it before :)  and Austin....lil' Austin...the fact that he lights up everytime I walk into the room....these little perfect people that need direction and guidance....and God chose Kevin and I.

I know this could sound like I am complaining about my responsiblities...but I am not...really it is just words from a new parent that is scared of messing up my responsibilities ;)  I chose to have these kids...and I am so glad that I did...I feel so fortunate to have these little people that love and trust me just because I am their Mom.  I just get overwhelemed...so thank you for listening ;)

An Orange Outing

So on the morning of New Year's Eve we headed to good ol' Stillwater, Ok to check out our men's basketball team.  Oklahoma State had made the announcement a week prior that it would be FREE admission to the public....so who can say no to that!?!  With four kiddos there are few outings that you make that are free...and since we would normally have to purchase 6 tickets at a minimum of $30 each...this seemed like a no brainer to us!  We are suckers for OSU anyway and love an excuse to make the trip north.

My Dad was sweet to us and agreed to come along and help wrangle the kiddos...and take in some Oklahoma State basketball as well.  It was funny though...he and Carter were out within minutes of hitting the road :)  He looks so uncomfortable...with 4 car seats there is not alot of room for additional adults LOL

Once we found some seats....the boys were in AWE of the crowd and the band.  They loved the sounds and the atmosphere.  I love seeing how sweet they look in Gallagher Iba!!

Of course we had to hit up the concession for snacks :)  4 waters, 2 popcorns, 3 M&M's (2 with peanut 1 without), a pretzel and a hot dog later...we headed back to our seats

Love this sweet face....she is a sporting event pro...she loves herself a good game...she has been to OSU football games & basketball games, Thunder games....etc....so she was explaining things to the boys.  It was quite funny...

This little guy had a blast too!  He loved all the loud noises...and the guy yelling at the team behind us....Austin just kept looking at him :)

We did pretty good...we lasted through the first half and a little into the second...then we decided to head out to get some food.  We decided to try to take the kids to Joe's...however, once we found out it was a 2 hour wait we quickly decided to go elsewhere.  That kind of wait is NOT OK with 4 kiddos four and under :)  I still loved watching my kiddos walk the streets of Stillwater...that place is my second home and I know they will love it as much as I did...not that I am going to force them to go to OSU...but if they do I will be super excited :)

All in all it was a great trip and we all came home super tired and napped for awhile before starting our New Year's activities....you know Target and Pei Wei!  Hoping we can hit up some more free sporting events...anyone want to toss some tickets our way??? LOL

I will end with a picture of my lil' poser...that girl LOVES the camera :)  Happy Sunday!

Randomness of 2012

So I have been on a little hiatus...again...but I figured I am sitting here watching some football, so I should go ahead and jot down a few random things...

• I always feel like short weeks at work always feel MUCH longer than a full week at work...very thankful for today being Friday :)
• I still have my Christmas tree up....ok...you can quit judging me now :)  I just really, really like the glow of the lights...everything else has been packed and put away up in the attic...but I still don't want to part with the tree...neither does my husband...he even asked me if we could by hearts and decor to put on it for Valentine's :)  Love that guy!
• I am on an off week of making my bed....I go through these phases that I will get up and make my bed first thing...the kids usually love to help so it is a little activity for us...this last about 2 weeks...then one day I just stop....and about 4 weeks pass by without me making my bed....oh, well
• I went out for lunch today with co-workers....and we sat on the patio...outside...in January!  So crazy...and when we left I was a little pink from the sun
• The kids started back at school this week and they were SO HAPPY!  They love their teachers and their school so they were glad to get back to business!
• Oh...and Austin is such a big boy he has moved up a class...he is growing up crazy fast!
• We measured the kids height about 5 months ago on a wall in our house...I realized around Christmas that pants were starting to look short, so I thought why not measure again...They have all grown 2 inches or more! 
• Starting to plan the boys 3rd birthday...so weird....I feel like they should still be babies!  I am really excited about the theme this year
• Speaking of birthdays...Katelyn already has the theme picked out for her 5th birthday...which is 10 months away :)
• We are still putting off potty training...I still don't feel like they are ready...at least Carter isn't for sure...I kinda feel lazy...but at the same time I don't want it to become a pressure situation...still hoping they walk up to me one morning and say mom I am going to the potty...and walk off and take care of business...
• I have a new FAVORITE show...Parenthood...OMG....love it :)  On NYE Kev and I ate Pei Wei by the light of his iphone and watched Netflix on the ipad (bad wind = no electricity)....we decided on Parenthood and have now watched the first two seasons and are all caught up with the third season....so good!
• I need to do laundry...badly...I mean for real...my laundry pile is taller than me...
• Who did resolutions??  I made a resolution/challenge for myself this year...repurpose, reuse...I find that I am a shopper...and worse than that...I am an impulse shopper...so I have challenged myself that besides food/toiletries nothing will be bought brand new for the first 90 days of 2012.  I have a closet full of shoes and clothes...our home is comfortable...not perfect by any means but we have all we need...and honestly more than we could ever want.  Also, I am wanting to find some old pieces of furniture that I can repaint/refinish.  We will see how it goes :)
• Speaking of doing away with things..I have given up Facebook for 3 weeks...our church is doing a cleanse to start off the new year...I have decide to cleanse myself of the social network.  I found myself checking it too much and connecting throught comments, likes and messages....now, if I want to know what is going on, I am going to pick up a phone.  I am also going to spend more time reading the Bible instead of reading people's pages :)  Just refocusing for the new year ;)

Ok...so that is all the randomness I got right now...Good night!!