Madison turns three

This past weekend we celebrated Madison's third birthday! It is so hard for me to believe that she is three already!! Saturday consisted of opening presents and going to the renaissance festival and then later going to dinner and singing happy birthday. Needless to say, she had a great day and was more than exhausted when it was all over. Sunday we had a small party at our house to celebrate. She LOVED opening presents and spending time with everyone. She had been telling me for weeks that she wanted a "pink and purkle" cake, so thats what we got her. Of course she ended up only eating the ice cream... haha but that's okay. I only remember a handful of birthdays as a child and we never had parties so it was really important to me that we make each birthday special for her. She may or may not remember it and thats okay, but I wanted her to know how incredibly special she is to us and how very much she's loved. Of course her birthday was ALL about her but it was really special to me too because I was reminded of how precious time is. Sometimes I find myself getting caught up in how clean this house is or making sure the laundry is done, so it was definitely a reminder for me to cherish the small things each day because each day turns into weeks and months and years. I want to make the most of the years that I have with my children because I've been told "you'll blink and wonder where time went." As soon as I get a chance I'll post pictures from her birthday weekend!:)

More

So I was reading this book today that I bought several months ago and haven't had a chance to read yet. It's called "Momology" and I heard about it on a radio show I was listening to... I only read the first few pages but so many things I read seemed to fit EXACTLY how I feel (at times) about being a mom. One piece of advice it gives is to find an "outlet" or a way to relieve some stress every day. Do something you love or enjoy or need for that matter... one suggestion was journaling. And I guess the savvier way of journaling these days is blogging. So- that's what I am going to do. I am going to make a conscious effort to journal more. I always think of things that I want to remember but of course I forget because I don't write it down. So after days like today, I am going to try to write what I need to remember and for today, this is it......
*I am so blessed in ways I often don't realize. It's easy to focus on what feels like a crisis at them time but in the big picture it's really not. I am healthy. I have a wonderful and faithful husband. My children are healthy and beautiful. I have great friends. I am a child of God and I am loved more than I even know. I am so blessed.

Encouraged

So this is Dan's first week back at work since the end of April (see previous blog for explanation) and I think I underestimated how much I've come to rely on his help during the past couple months. Being alone with the girls all day is harder than I imagined for many reasons. Madison is in a very independent, stubborn, strong-willed phase... and yes I'm calling this a phase because I pray that as she gets older she won't always be so challenging. She will be three in October and I've hard that two is hard but three is even harder and the closer she gets to three the more I totally believe it! Don't get me wrong, she has such a sweet spirit about her in many ways, and often I have to remind myself of this when she is pushing my buttons. She absolutely LOVES her sister, the way she interacts with her and gives her special attention confirms her loving and affection heart. And Kyleigh is the sweetest baby I've ever known. Of course, you may think I'm biased and I am BUT other people say the same thing allllll the time. She never cries. She is never grumpy. She smiles constantly. And she is so laid back that you sometimes forget how young she is! It always amazes me that both are our children but are so opposite in personality. It's incredible how God creates life and makes each person so unique and different yet beautiful in everyway. I'm reminded of this every day when I look at those two precious girls. But the task of raising them and trying to fulfill my role as a Godly parent in their lives has proven to be more difficult than I ever imagined. Earlier today in the car I was listening to the Christian radio (which quite honestly, I rarely do because I'd much rather listen to my choice of worship than the generic contemporary christian cheesy stuff) and focus on the family was on. I have no doubt, God wanted me to hear it so I could be encouraged. Two different women were talking about the challenges of raising children and how to instill Godly values in their lives. I would say my biggest fear as a parent would be raising children who grow up without a relationship with Christ. I want them to love Him and know Him and live their lives in pursuit of His calling for them. In the day to day routine and frustrations of life, I know I fail to be the kind of parent that I so desperately want to be. I am so scared sometimes that my short comings are going to cause my children to distance themselves from God which leaves me feeling paralyzed and inadequate. Listening to this message stirred something in my heart and gave me the encouragement I needed to be victorious over the voice of the enemy. I am praying every day that I could be the parent they need and that God would impart his wisdom in me so I could discover what His purpose is for each of them. I have posted the link below, and I would say to any moms out there who are looking for encouragement to listen.
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?LatestDaily=1

Road Trip

I had planned on loading pictures and blogging about our trip to NY much sooner but we've all been sick since we've been home (and poor kyleigh is STILL sick!). We had a really great time visiting Dan's side of the family, and it's rare we are able to spend an extended period of time NY because of Dan's work schedule. It was really great to see Madison having such much fun over the week, needless to say she kept Nana and Breezy busy! I'm not much of a traveler (even though NY was a temporary home for me a few years ago) and my allergies we TERRIBLE while I was there which made for a pretty miserable visit for me... but I'm so glad we went. Even though Kyleigh was too young to remember, I want the girls to have great memories and bonding time with Dan's family despite the 12 hours and 750 miles that separate us . I took a lot of pictures while we were there, and I hope that when Madison is older this will be one of many happy times in her childhood.         

The things she says....

....I am talking about my two year old who says the funniest and sweetest things sometimes! I wish that I could remember everything she says and write them down but in the day to day rush and chaos I don't do it often enough. But I thought I would share a few of my favorite things Madison has said and done recently.

*Over the weekend we had a family friend staying here in Madison's room, so we had Madison in our bed. We NEVER do this, but this weekend was an exception. At 3 in the morning, she decided to wake up and thought it was play time. I kept telling her to close her and eyes and go back to sleep. So she scooted as close to me as she could, threw her arms around my neck, and said "let's snuggle" in the softest voice. ah. It melted my heart.

*Today Kyleigh was napping and Madison walks over to her and whispers "sweet dreams kyleigh" they are already best friends.

*I was trying on a shirt at the mall on Saturday and after I got it on, Madison looks at me and says "you look so cute mom!"

*Yesterday Dan asked Madison "are you constipated?" her response was "No, I'm not constibaby. I'm Maddie."

Life

Life has been kind of crazy lately. We have been going through so many changes over the past year! We're finally settled in our house, adjusting to having two kids, and feeling comfortable in our new church home. And just when things start to seem normal and routine, things seem to change again. The latest major change for us right now is that Dan isn't working right now. He was in an accident at work about a year ago that has damaged his lungs and after over a year of treatment, the doctor told Dan he could no longer stay in his work environment. SO, what does this mean? We're not exactly sure yet.... Dan is going to be home for the next three months and maybe indefinitely. He may return to work for a trial period (in August) to see how his lungs have healed in the previous three months but that's about all we know right now. More than likely I will get a part time job to help over the next several months. Worker's comp only pays a portion of his salary so we could probably use a little extra money over the months to come. In a weird way, I am kind of excited to work again even if it's just a part time job. My primary and most important role is being a mother but I think I'd enjoy getting out of the house some during the week. The future seems uncertain and it's scary. We can't predict what's going to happen but not knowing only makes me more confident in the promises God's given to us. I know He'll be our source of strength and our provider. I've always been the type of person who has to have a plan and know exactly what's happening and when. But for the first time (probably ever) it's okay I don't know. My faith and trust is in God is being challenged but I have resolved that He is in control and that's all that matters. Proverbs 16:9

Mother's Day

Yesterday was a very special day for me as a mom. Of course, it was special because Dan made sure to make it a great day for me. He gave me flowers, took me shopping, got my favorite dinner, and gave me two very sweet cards... one from him and one from the girls. It was wonderful to feel appreciated and loved. But above every nice thing that Dan did for me, it was a great day to remember just how blessed I am. God has given me two beautiful and unique little girls. I never thought my heart could love two little people as much as I love them. They are what makes my life full and happy, and I feel like I have a purpose because of them. God has entrusted me to raise these two girls and that's the biggest most amazing gift I could have ever asked for. Every day I thank God for these girl and I love them with my whole heart!

full of smiles

just recently kyleigh has started to smile and coo when we talk to her. it's amazing how fast she is growing and changing! here are a few pictures of her smiling. i love this smile more than anything!

Monday, April 19, 2010

change

Wow. It's hard to believe just how much life has changed for us in the past year. We have truly been blessed beyond our imagination. From buying our first home to having our second child we've experienced some of life's most joyful moments in the past year. Moving into our first house has reminded of God's faithfulness and how he promises to meet our needs. With the economy in the pits and banks scared to lend money, we were still able to get a loan (with one income) at a great interest rate in the house and area we dreamed of! Not only did God provide us with what we needed, he was good enough to gives us what we wanted as well. In the past six months we've already stained this house rich in memories that will never be forgotten. We've celebrated birthdays and holidays, brought home our second little princess, and created a space that expresses who we are as family. Here are few pics that show what our family's been up to over the past several months! :)