Oh my poor neglected blog....I have left you alone for so, so long! I have been busy! Oh so busy! Between my sweet family, sports, the playschool and all the other aspects of life, I had decided to take a break from blogging! I miss it SO much though. It's my diary, my thoughts, my memories for my children and I really want to work better on slicing out this time for me to just write. I love to write.
So much has gone on in the last 4 or 5 months that I could talk about but I will just pick up from here and get back to it! Recently I was on one of my favorite blogs and was reading through contest entries that were posted about "What being a mom means". It made me go deep in thought about what being a mom means to ME. I have always loved my children and more than anything I strive to be the mom my children deserve. Recently though, my love for my children has grown, evolved, changed in so many ways. I feel like I cherish the little moments more. I get lost in their eyes more. I REALLY see each individual child of mine for WHO they are and enjoy their very different personalities. I often watch them do a certain task or job or enjoy something and wonder, will that be what they choose to do when they grow up? Peyton really enjoys writing (as I always have) she also has a passion for anything creative (structures, building, etc.) she is majorly talented at sports too. Reagan LOVES to sing and dance, loves to act, is OBSESSED with fashion. Jordyn LOVES art. Painting, coloring, crafts, building with sand, mud clay. Caiden- well Caiden I'm pretty sure will have a career as a stunt man, he's pretty brave!;) It seriously just makes me think so much though. Where will these kids be 18 years from now? Am I laying the right foundation to help them soar? Am I being present enough? Am I being the role model they need? So it brought me to-
What being a mom means to me
Being a mom means that after a 21 hour labor full of pain, you immediately feel no pain once a sweet little 7lb 5oz baby is placed on your chest. It means that all of that work leading up to being a mom means nothing because all of your theories went right out the window once you actually became a mom. It means several tears, several. Happy tears, sad tears, overwhelmed tears, scared tears. It means rocking a sweet little baby in your arms at 3am instead of sleeping because they decided it's playtime. It means retiring your high heels on some days (well most) because high heels and hide and go seek don't do hand in hand. It means that your make up is no longer just make up, it becomes a bag of wonderful art tools to a two year old. It means that despite saying that your car would ALWAYS be spotless and your children would never eat in it, goldfish and sippy cups will be on the floor of your precious, pricey car. Being a mom means that you will be stretched further than you ever thought you could be stretched- emotionally, mentally, even physically when you get in a good round of wrestling as a family on the floor. It means that you will become quite the dancer when your child asks you to dance the day away with them. Being a mom means that you are struck with sheer and utter panic when your discover you are pregnant with number 2. It does not matter that you were trying and desperately wanted another, you will be scared. The thought of having to take love from your first born and share with the second is enough to make you cry. Being a mom means that once baby number 2 is placed on your chest and big sister comes in to see her and holds her for the first time, your heart expands. Being a mom means that you will struggle. Every mom struggles. It means that you will be balancing a toddler on one hip while feeding an infant in the other arm. It means that your clothes will forever have some sort of stain on them. You wont mind. It means singing the same nursery rhyme 100 times in a row because it's the only thing that will make your baby calm. It means reading 12 books in one sitting because you just can't tell that sweet face no. It means that "getting crazy on a Saturday night" is a game of Twister and pizza. It means that you will be the enemy more than once when you have to say no. It means waiting in frustration as your 5 year old tries repeatedly to do something on her own for the first time and is crying because it's tough but you know you can not do it for her because she needs to learn and grow. It means crying as you walk away from the kindergarten classroom for the first time because you just can't believe your baby is already in kindergarten. It means being mentally drained on days that your children all need something at the same exact time. It means that that fresh new marriage you had before the baby in the baby carriage turns to a brand new relationship full of respect, appreciation and admiration for your spouse and the parent they have become. Being a mom means being an actress at times when you want to cry because life is stressful but you have to instead smile. Being a mom means being a 24/7 on call nurse when a boo-boo occurs and needs to be kissed better or a case of the stomach flu hits all 4 children at 1am. Being a mom means that you will have to multitask on several occasions. It means that your house will never be to the exact standards it once was. It means that the beautiful wine rack you have on display will be replaced with pictures of your children. It means that the workout equipment in the spare bedroom is given away when you have to make room for a new baby's nursery. Being a mother means that despite how hard you try, your body will never be exactly as it was. You will smile at that fact because our bodies are amazing for what they are capable of. Being a mom means that you are constantly being watched, judged and mimicked by little people. Choose your actions wisely because they WILL follow your example. Being a mom means you will never eat a hot meal with your children around again. They will need more food, a drink, a napkin, a spill will happen or someone will need to potty right as you sit down. Being a mom means you better have a lock on your bedroom door if you ummm plan to have alone time with your spouse. Being a mom means that you will constantly feel like you are failing or could be more. It means that you will spend countless hours even days talking to the Lord and asking for his guidance and praying for Him to pull you through a certain parenting struggle. It means being a tooth fairy, a jolly old man named Santa, a bunny and several other fictional characters. It means laughter. It means chaos. It means being scared to death like you have never been before because although you do the best you can, these little people can and will grow up to be who they are supposed to be, not who you want them to be. It means being prouder than you could have ever imagined being. It means that when you want to write a blog post this long, you will be interrupted at least 1000 times and it will take numerous attempts to finish it.
Being a mom means that everything you dreamed of has come true. It means that you will be a constant work in progress and each year when you look back at yourself, you will not believe how much you have changed and grown. It means that no matter what you do, where you go, or what life throws your way, you will always be someone's hero. Being a mom means having your prayers answered.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Tiny Dancers
I remember being so excited when I found out my first born would be a little girl. The idea of tutus, ballet shoes and tightly set buns made me smile! I had hoped that my sweet Peyton would want to be a dancer! She started at age 3 and has continued on for two and a half years! She is amazing, poised and has a love for it BUT I am afraid her love is dying out a tad, she is a MAJOR sports girl at heart! She wants to play softball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming and begs to play football.;) Definitely a daddy's girl right there. So, for Miss Peyton, dance may dwindle out over the next few years, however, I love watching that sweet angelic girl shine on the stage! Here are some shots of her during the Annual Christmas Performance!
Now, on to daughter number 2!! Oh my little Regs- From the time Reagan was one and Peyton started dancing, she would come along and stare through the glass watching Peyton, begging to dance too! I still think back to the days that it was so tough for me to get Peyton to dance each week because I had a 3 year old, 12 month old and newborn to lug around lol! I was quite the sight each week as we sat there, Jordyn drinking a bottle, Peyton dancing and Reagan's face pressed against the glass wishing she was in there! Right before Reagan turned 3, I called and asked if they would "stretch" the 3 year old rule and let Reagan start although she was a month shy of 3. They did and boy am I glad. That girl LOVES LOVES LOVES to dance! I know as a mom I shouldn't say this, but her dancing skills I think will pass Peyton in no time. (Horrible of me I know, but I truly think it's her gift) She can bend, stretch, focus and remember names of moves I have never even heard of! The Christmas performance was her first time ever on stage. I warned my in laws and friends that came to watch that Reagan would just stand there and not do much. Man was I wrong. That little tiny 3 year old rocked the stage! She hit almost every step and was not intimidated by the crowd once! I was so, so very proud of her!
Please ignore the pink skirt sneaking under the black one.:( Long story, but I wasn't backstage and they just left it under the black. Look at her in her glory though!;)
So there you have it. My tiny dancers! Sometimes when I watch them dance, I can't help but get lost in thought wondering who they will be, what they will do, but my main thought for them is that I hope they always remember to dance! Dance when they are happy, dance in the rain, dance to make it all better!
We LOVE our Miss Tesh! Tesh was Peyton's assistant teacher last year and now she has stepped up and has several of her own classes and she is an AMAZING teacher! We love Ms. Janelle too of course, but Tesh, she's just got a way with the girls!:)) Thanks for all the hard work Tesh! Now, by fall we will have 3 tiny dancers. (Seriously, I may start my own ballet team);) Jordyn has been BEGGING to get in a class! I just do not have the time in the mornings for the toddler class since it's a "mommy and me" so we have to wait till she is close to 3.:( She is not happy about it, but, her time will come!:))
Now, on to daughter number 2!! Oh my little Regs- From the time Reagan was one and Peyton started dancing, she would come along and stare through the glass watching Peyton, begging to dance too! I still think back to the days that it was so tough for me to get Peyton to dance each week because I had a 3 year old, 12 month old and newborn to lug around lol! I was quite the sight each week as we sat there, Jordyn drinking a bottle, Peyton dancing and Reagan's face pressed against the glass wishing she was in there! Right before Reagan turned 3, I called and asked if they would "stretch" the 3 year old rule and let Reagan start although she was a month shy of 3. They did and boy am I glad. That girl LOVES LOVES LOVES to dance! I know as a mom I shouldn't say this, but her dancing skills I think will pass Peyton in no time. (Horrible of me I know, but I truly think it's her gift) She can bend, stretch, focus and remember names of moves I have never even heard of! The Christmas performance was her first time ever on stage. I warned my in laws and friends that came to watch that Reagan would just stand there and not do much. Man was I wrong. That little tiny 3 year old rocked the stage! She hit almost every step and was not intimidated by the crowd once! I was so, so very proud of her!
Please ignore the pink skirt sneaking under the black one.:( Long story, but I wasn't backstage and they just left it under the black. Look at her in her glory though!;)
Monday, January 2, 2012
In a nutshell
Oh boy 2011, what a year you were for the Warren Family! We had highs, lows, stressful moments, beautiful moments and it's safe to say that 2011 was our BEST year ever!!
We started our 2011 having this sweet boy on February 20th and FINALLY bringing a boy into this girl house!
In September, this sweet little lady started Kindergarten
There of course were a ton of other great moments in 2011 and also some sad ones. We had friends whom passed away and really made it hit home how precious life is. We had a lot of changes come our way too. Jasper started a brand new job in August and I was so used to having him home that it was quite an adjustment to be on my own from 4am till dinner time. His job is a great one and we are so, so thankful for the financial security it has brought to our family! For a couple of years we had our ups and downs financially as the construction industry tanked and now to know that Jasper is in a job that provides for our family, it makes me so happy and relieved! Of course, it leaves me quite BUSY also!! I have to be honest, from September to the very end of December as I completely had to catch my bearings, there were times I was overwhelmed to the max! BUT, I am excited to start the new year on track and refreshed!!!! In October I expanded my daycare from small care to large care and now each day instead of 6-8 kids, my house looks like this....
It's BUSY around here but man is it fun! As a matter of fact, I have been closed for almost TWO weeks now for winter vacation and I have missed all of my kiddos like CRAZY!! I open back up tomorrow and I am so excited to see each of them and here their stories about Christmas, New Years and such!! I can't ever say it enough, my job is beyond stressful and requires 100% of me 100% of the time BUT it is the best job EVER!!! I am blessed and my business was so blessed in 2011 and I am so thankful for each of the families that have entered my care!! I can't wait for all of the fun and even a few more new faces in 2012!!!
It seems like this year really was a turning point for myself, my husband and even each of our children! A year of so many first also! Peyton lost her first tooth, learned to swim, learned to ride a bike without training wheels and is learning to read! Reagan has learned to identify her name, some letters and can count to 30! She also just had her FIRST ballet Christmas recital in December! Jordyn learned the alphabet, how to count to 10, her colors and completely potty trained in one day. Then sweet Caiden! So many first for him! First coo, first smile, First word, first tooth, crawling, pulling to standing and so close to walking! He's also our biggest baby ever! At 10 months he is pushing 22 pounds!! I also have changed so much this year! I feel I became more confident as a wife, mother and in my career. I trust my instincts and give myself a lot more credit. I used to think I had to be perfect all of the time. Now I know that it's OK to show myself a little grace!;)
In 2011 we also FINALLY after 5 years of long, long talks, prayer over the matter, more long talks as a couple, staring at our life insurance policies and thinking hmmmm, there is the money but WHERE do the kids go, and more talks;) we named our great friends (more like family) as our children's legal God parents. (Of course no paperwork has taken place but will be in the near future) This decision brought me in to 2012 with a renewed sense of peace. For SO long Jasper and I have spent hours deciding where our children would thrive best should anything God forbid, happen to us. We knew we needed a couple with the same values, parenting capabilities, financially responsible, love, compassion and preferably near our age so that they could handle the physically demanding aspect of taking FOUR children on. (it would seem a little easier if there were one or two kids) Now the fact that we chose "friends" over family may seem strange to some. BUT, as I said, there were so, so many variables that went into our decision and we are so blessed that The Heggstrom family has agreed to honor our wishes should something happen, and we know that our children would be in safe, loving arms, with people that love them like they are their own children, can physically keep up with the demands of (holy moly 6 young children if you add their two) mirror mine and Jasper's parenting style so much and have little girls that have become like my kids best friends! Of course my children are blessed with great family on both sides that will always be large in their lives, but 4 children, it's a lot for most heck ANY couple, and we had to decide who could handle it and keep life as normal as possible if need be!
So, as I said, 2011 was a huge year for our family and I am so thankful and overwhelmed by the MANY BLESSINGS it brought us! I pray for an even more miraculous year in which my family and friends continue to be blessed with sweet gifts from the Lord!
SO FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS!!!!
We started our 2011 having this sweet boy on February 20th and FINALLY bringing a boy into this girl house!
In September, this sweet little lady started Kindergarten
This blue eyed beauty started Preschool!
This little one became fully potty trained in ONE day!!
It seems like this year really was a turning point for myself, my husband and even each of our children! A year of so many first also! Peyton lost her first tooth, learned to swim, learned to ride a bike without training wheels and is learning to read! Reagan has learned to identify her name, some letters and can count to 30! She also just had her FIRST ballet Christmas recital in December! Jordyn learned the alphabet, how to count to 10, her colors and completely potty trained in one day. Then sweet Caiden! So many first for him! First coo, first smile, First word, first tooth, crawling, pulling to standing and so close to walking! He's also our biggest baby ever! At 10 months he is pushing 22 pounds!! I also have changed so much this year! I feel I became more confident as a wife, mother and in my career. I trust my instincts and give myself a lot more credit. I used to think I had to be perfect all of the time. Now I know that it's OK to show myself a little grace!;)
In 2011 we also FINALLY after 5 years of long, long talks, prayer over the matter, more long talks as a couple, staring at our life insurance policies and thinking hmmmm, there is the money but WHERE do the kids go, and more talks;) we named our great friends (more like family) as our children's legal God parents. (Of course no paperwork has taken place but will be in the near future) This decision brought me in to 2012 with a renewed sense of peace. For SO long Jasper and I have spent hours deciding where our children would thrive best should anything God forbid, happen to us. We knew we needed a couple with the same values, parenting capabilities, financially responsible, love, compassion and preferably near our age so that they could handle the physically demanding aspect of taking FOUR children on. (it would seem a little easier if there were one or two kids) Now the fact that we chose "friends" over family may seem strange to some. BUT, as I said, there were so, so many variables that went into our decision and we are so blessed that The Heggstrom family has agreed to honor our wishes should something happen, and we know that our children would be in safe, loving arms, with people that love them like they are their own children, can physically keep up with the demands of (holy moly 6 young children if you add their two) mirror mine and Jasper's parenting style so much and have little girls that have become like my kids best friends! Of course my children are blessed with great family on both sides that will always be large in their lives, but 4 children, it's a lot for most heck ANY couple, and we had to decide who could handle it and keep life as normal as possible if need be!
So, as I said, 2011 was a huge year for our family and I am so thankful and overwhelmed by the MANY BLESSINGS it brought us! I pray for an even more miraculous year in which my family and friends continue to be blessed with sweet gifts from the Lord!
SO FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS!!!!
Thank you to Samantha Prather Photography for this great picture of my sweet family!
See more of Samantha's work here
Friday, December 16, 2011
LIfe as I know it....
Well, I will not start with my usual "it has been a long time since I posted" sentence...OK, I guess I just did...;) BUT, that's ok. I am perfectly happy with this blog sitting here and waiting for my little thoughts for my sweet family and my friends! It has been a month, I can tell you that! I am not sure I have ever had one single month make me grow, love, appreciate, honor and simply SURVIVE...SO much!
Being a wife, a mom of 4 kids 5 and under and a child care provider to 14 children each day is challenging enough. Then, when you throw curve balls in, it can be hard to catch your breath. I will get on to the harder times of December, but first let me highlight some good. I never in a million years could have dreamed of a life like I live. A great husband, amazing children, family that goes out of their way to make my life easier, a career that I DREAMED of....SO many gifts I have been given from the Lord above! I sat a few days back overwhelmed with joy and happiness. Over the 8 years Jasper and I have been together, there has been a lot of rough water to swim through. Financial stress, unexpected gifts of pregnancy, watching family change/move, so many different things. As I sit here, I am overwhelmed with emotion of all of the aspects of our lives. However, it has been so, so blessed. I sat in line at Target with a very full cart of clothes, toys, candy and other gifts for children that I don't even know, and at that moment I felt such joy! For the first year in a few years, Jasper and I were able to buy several toys for "toys for tots" picked a child from the "angel tree" and are able to help with donations of food and such. Honestly, nothing makes me happier than pleasing others and giving to those who need so desperately to be shown love and compassion. I am told often to relax and care about myself a little, however, to me I would so much rather give to all around me. If I can make even just ONE child love Christmas and see the joy and magic in it that normally would not be seen in their eyes, I call that a blessing! I sometimes feel that God put me on this earth to continually make others happy because that is what makes me happy. I am so thankful that the Lord has given me opportunity to make others smile! I am a lucky, blessed lady and all the glory to God!
On to a tougher subject, right now my mother is in the fight of her life. Since Monday morning she has been in Renown Hospital in Reno Nevada in the ICU fighting for her life. What should have been a "minor case of pneumonia" is much worse because like me, my mother chooses to give to everyone else and take care of herself last. She let it get so severe at home, that it is now a life threatening case and she is not doing well. Since Sunday night when I found out she was sick, I have sat and let my mind eat at me. Why have I not been there more? Does my mom know I love her? Have I been the daughter I should be? Have I let her down? So many questions and fears. I arrived in Reno with my best friend by my side to support me Monday night, I looked at my mom and had to fight back tears over the condition I saw her in. This was my mother, the strongest woman I had ever known, broke down to the weakest state. I held it all in. However when I showed up at her house and walked in her room to clean up for my dad and help do laundry and etc. I broke down at the thought of loosing my mom. In the day to day it is so easy to get caught up in life and think that you can do it all yourself. I (along with my father, sister and brother) were quickly reminded of just how much we depend on my mother to be the glue of this family! She has held us together since long before our time and I can't imagine my father having to survive without her. I spoke to my father tonight and he told me that she looks a little better and that the doctors are beginning to see slight improvement!! I am so blown away that a woman that has never been sick a day in her life, has never smoked, drank or done anything wrong can be hit with something so bad, but here she is fighting for life....Tonight, I ask ALL that are willing, to please pray for her healing. My husband came up with a great point tonight...He thinks that God used my mothers illness to make our family and others realize her worth and to respect her, cherish her, honor her more....Is that the case? Maybe we will never know, however I know that it has made me realize how precious time is. I will spend each day hugging my children more, calling my mama more (Once she can talk again) spending time with loved ones and just being happy!! Life is SO SO SO short and can change in the blink of an eye, I am being shown that right now.....Please everyone that reads this, cherish your time, it is so fleeting and it is not a dress rehearsal, we can't get it back. Do your best! Love till it hurts, laugh instead of crying, dance in the rain and smile when it hurts! I know I shouldn't preach because this week has pushed me so hard that I feel like a piece of string about to break, BUT in all that, I have still processed it all and learned a great deal. Love your life and live it as you can. I know I will because, THIS IS MY LIFE! PS...I love you mom, and can't wait to see you better!!!
Being a wife, a mom of 4 kids 5 and under and a child care provider to 14 children each day is challenging enough. Then, when you throw curve balls in, it can be hard to catch your breath. I will get on to the harder times of December, but first let me highlight some good. I never in a million years could have dreamed of a life like I live. A great husband, amazing children, family that goes out of their way to make my life easier, a career that I DREAMED of....SO many gifts I have been given from the Lord above! I sat a few days back overwhelmed with joy and happiness. Over the 8 years Jasper and I have been together, there has been a lot of rough water to swim through. Financial stress, unexpected gifts of pregnancy, watching family change/move, so many different things. As I sit here, I am overwhelmed with emotion of all of the aspects of our lives. However, it has been so, so blessed. I sat in line at Target with a very full cart of clothes, toys, candy and other gifts for children that I don't even know, and at that moment I felt such joy! For the first year in a few years, Jasper and I were able to buy several toys for "toys for tots" picked a child from the "angel tree" and are able to help with donations of food and such. Honestly, nothing makes me happier than pleasing others and giving to those who need so desperately to be shown love and compassion. I am told often to relax and care about myself a little, however, to me I would so much rather give to all around me. If I can make even just ONE child love Christmas and see the joy and magic in it that normally would not be seen in their eyes, I call that a blessing! I sometimes feel that God put me on this earth to continually make others happy because that is what makes me happy. I am so thankful that the Lord has given me opportunity to make others smile! I am a lucky, blessed lady and all the glory to God!
On to a tougher subject, right now my mother is in the fight of her life. Since Monday morning she has been in Renown Hospital in Reno Nevada in the ICU fighting for her life. What should have been a "minor case of pneumonia" is much worse because like me, my mother chooses to give to everyone else and take care of herself last. She let it get so severe at home, that it is now a life threatening case and she is not doing well. Since Sunday night when I found out she was sick, I have sat and let my mind eat at me. Why have I not been there more? Does my mom know I love her? Have I been the daughter I should be? Have I let her down? So many questions and fears. I arrived in Reno with my best friend by my side to support me Monday night, I looked at my mom and had to fight back tears over the condition I saw her in. This was my mother, the strongest woman I had ever known, broke down to the weakest state. I held it all in. However when I showed up at her house and walked in her room to clean up for my dad and help do laundry and etc. I broke down at the thought of loosing my mom. In the day to day it is so easy to get caught up in life and think that you can do it all yourself. I (along with my father, sister and brother) were quickly reminded of just how much we depend on my mother to be the glue of this family! She has held us together since long before our time and I can't imagine my father having to survive without her. I spoke to my father tonight and he told me that she looks a little better and that the doctors are beginning to see slight improvement!! I am so blown away that a woman that has never been sick a day in her life, has never smoked, drank or done anything wrong can be hit with something so bad, but here she is fighting for life....Tonight, I ask ALL that are willing, to please pray for her healing. My husband came up with a great point tonight...He thinks that God used my mothers illness to make our family and others realize her worth and to respect her, cherish her, honor her more....Is that the case? Maybe we will never know, however I know that it has made me realize how precious time is. I will spend each day hugging my children more, calling my mama more (Once she can talk again) spending time with loved ones and just being happy!! Life is SO SO SO short and can change in the blink of an eye, I am being shown that right now.....Please everyone that reads this, cherish your time, it is so fleeting and it is not a dress rehearsal, we can't get it back. Do your best! Love till it hurts, laugh instead of crying, dance in the rain and smile when it hurts! I know I shouldn't preach because this week has pushed me so hard that I feel like a piece of string about to break, BUT in all that, I have still processed it all and learned a great deal. Love your life and live it as you can. I know I will because, THIS IS MY LIFE! PS...I love you mom, and can't wait to see you better!!!
Monday, November 21, 2011
I'm BACKKKKKK;)
OK....I know I say it all the time BUT....I am BACK and ready to blog!!
Life has been a whirlwind of busy times, fun times, and exhausting times!! I feel like it took me 9 whole months of Caiden being around to finally catch my breath and have things on track! The past two months have been filled with so many fun memories and lots of busy times. I expanded the daycare and went from having 6-8 little people here to 13 sometimes 14 little ones each day! This also involved hiring a wonderful assistant that is my right hand girl and keeps me sane during our super busy days! I watched my sweet Peyton enjoy another soccer season in which I was also the team mom for my first time ever! I worked in the kindergarten classroom each Tuesday-It is one of my FAVORITE times of the week! I treasure watching my sweet angel in "her world" I spend 3 hours a week at three different dance classes! Peyton is FANTASTIC in her ballet class and has taken to jazz like a champ, and Reagan was MADE to be a ballerina! She is amazing and seems more like a 6 year old on her toes, not 3! I have watched Reagan blossom into a very intelligent preschooler. I have been enjoying listening to Jordyn link sentences together, identify shapes and colors and sing songs! I have also been soaking up every single second of Caiden's sweet little life! He has 3 teeth, almost 4, can pull to a standing and loves to say "mama"!!! Jasper has been super busy at his job and also with his business so he is around quite a bit less lately which is not fun, but we are so thankful for the way the Lord has provided for us! I really feel like I live the most amazing life ever! It is full of stress, chaos, messiness, loudness and most of all love! My children give me a reason to get up each day even when I don't want to, they can make me laugh and smile when I would rather cry! They complete me!
Lately I have really been having a struggle feeling "done" with pregnancy and babies...I was certain after four I would feel complete, but I think a part of me will always miss being pregnant and having new babies in the house! I really try to soak up every-single-little detail, milestone and event with my family so I can keep that memory in my heart! Every memory I make with them makes my heart smile! When I look at myself and how I continue to change with each month, week, heck even day, I am blown away at how much my children have changed me. I do not even feel like the same person I used to be. I see life so different and have really had to prioritize to make sure my time and my heart is where it belongs. As usual, I am a work in progress BUT...I am very confident that I am right where God wants me to be. So I will continue to grow, change and create memories with my sweet, sweet family! Boy am I thankful for them!
I cherish memories like this!! Carving Caiden's FIRST pumpkin with him!!! 
Lemon Meringue, Strawberry Shortcake and Blueberry Pie with their best friend Tinkerbell!:)
Daddy and his little monster! Caiden was not a fan of his costume.... 
This is my world in a nutshell! I wouldn't know what to do without all of the wonderful children in my life! There are days my job is exhausting, BUT I am convinced that I have THE best job in the world!! I get to play and teach each day which was always my dream, and I get to do it while being the woman that raises up my own children! I love that they spend their first years with me!:) I am so blessed for this opportunity to live out my dream while including handfuls of other children in my life!!
A bunch of my daycare kiddos and my own during our Halloween Party! We had a blast!!
Reagan and her first ever BFF Kate! These girls have known each other since their sisters started preschool (They were age 1) I hope they will always be friends!!
Reagan's other BFF from Joyful Noise Preschool Brooke! These two took to each other on the first day of school and have been attached ever sense! I am so thankful for that because little Brooke's mommy has now become one of my friends! It's a 2 for 1!!:)
Here are Reagan, Brooke and their friend Mayson at Brooke's 3rd birthday party! Sweet princesses!
Here's Peyton owning the soccer field! I may be bias, BUT I think we have a major athlete on our hands!;)
Two of Peyton's biggest cheerleaders always cheering her on at the sidelines! 
This is what weekend mornings look like in our house! One big family cuddled up in a queen size bed!
Last but not least....My family! A rare picture with ALL 6 of us in it!
These pictures are completely random BUT, it's just a few of my favorite memories of life lately! It's going so very fast and each day I pray for it to slow down! Until I find a freeze button, I will keep soaking it in and storing it in my mind and keeping it in my heart as best I can! There is something about the FALL season that just makes me so happy, so content and so thankful! Thankful for my family, great friends and for life!
I have so many more things to talk about, pictures to post, ideas and sanity savers to share, crafts to post and recipes everyone will love, BUT for tonight, I am off to prep for 12 little Indians to have a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving Feast tomorrow!! Blessings to you all and I would love to hear, what are YOU thankful for?
Life has been a whirlwind of busy times, fun times, and exhausting times!! I feel like it took me 9 whole months of Caiden being around to finally catch my breath and have things on track! The past two months have been filled with so many fun memories and lots of busy times. I expanded the daycare and went from having 6-8 little people here to 13 sometimes 14 little ones each day! This also involved hiring a wonderful assistant that is my right hand girl and keeps me sane during our super busy days! I watched my sweet Peyton enjoy another soccer season in which I was also the team mom for my first time ever! I worked in the kindergarten classroom each Tuesday-It is one of my FAVORITE times of the week! I treasure watching my sweet angel in "her world" I spend 3 hours a week at three different dance classes! Peyton is FANTASTIC in her ballet class and has taken to jazz like a champ, and Reagan was MADE to be a ballerina! She is amazing and seems more like a 6 year old on her toes, not 3! I have watched Reagan blossom into a very intelligent preschooler. I have been enjoying listening to Jordyn link sentences together, identify shapes and colors and sing songs! I have also been soaking up every single second of Caiden's sweet little life! He has 3 teeth, almost 4, can pull to a standing and loves to say "mama"!!! Jasper has been super busy at his job and also with his business so he is around quite a bit less lately which is not fun, but we are so thankful for the way the Lord has provided for us! I really feel like I live the most amazing life ever! It is full of stress, chaos, messiness, loudness and most of all love! My children give me a reason to get up each day even when I don't want to, they can make me laugh and smile when I would rather cry! They complete me!
Lately I have really been having a struggle feeling "done" with pregnancy and babies...I was certain after four I would feel complete, but I think a part of me will always miss being pregnant and having new babies in the house! I really try to soak up every-single-little detail, milestone and event with my family so I can keep that memory in my heart! Every memory I make with them makes my heart smile! When I look at myself and how I continue to change with each month, week, heck even day, I am blown away at how much my children have changed me. I do not even feel like the same person I used to be. I see life so different and have really had to prioritize to make sure my time and my heart is where it belongs. As usual, I am a work in progress BUT...I am very confident that I am right where God wants me to be. So I will continue to grow, change and create memories with my sweet, sweet family! Boy am I thankful for them!
These pictures are completely random BUT, it's just a few of my favorite memories of life lately! It's going so very fast and each day I pray for it to slow down! Until I find a freeze button, I will keep soaking it in and storing it in my mind and keeping it in my heart as best I can! There is something about the FALL season that just makes me so happy, so content and so thankful! Thankful for my family, great friends and for life!
I have so many more things to talk about, pictures to post, ideas and sanity savers to share, crafts to post and recipes everyone will love, BUT for tonight, I am off to prep for 12 little Indians to have a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving Feast tomorrow!! Blessings to you all and I would love to hear, what are YOU thankful for?
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Where have I been....
As usual I have fallen quite behind on my blogging and actually as I type this I have other things to be working on/cleaning/baking/etc BUT, I figured I would take a few minutes to catch myself up.:) I once again felt like taking a blogging break because I felt like my blog had quickly become a springboard to help others with ideas instead of documenting memories for my sweets! So, for a few posts at least, I want to focus on memories made with my angels.:))
Lately I am blown away with my life and I can honestly say without a doubt, I have never felt so so so blessed and each day I thank God for all of the blessings He has given my family! Our health, our love for each other, a happy loving home, food on the table, financial security, friends that feel more like family and a chance to watch our beautiful children grow and thrive each day! I feel so very undeserving of it all but again, so thankful! I have kind of once again been in a different place the last few months. Just taking time to evaluate ME and what I need to do for ME. I have spent many hours making choices. Deciding what matters most, where I need to give more of my time, less of my time and making sure that the choices I make and the things I do are for no other reason than serving the Lord. I quickly get caught up in myself and make choices without using that old familiar question WWJD (What would Jesus do) I preach this to my children quite often but forget to use it myself. Forget to show grace when I don't think it's deserved even though the grace I have been shown is undeserved. Forget to keep my heart on what matters and forget to take time to just be. I have really been trying to give my family and my closest friends and God first and foremost, all of my time. It's hard as a working mom of four to do it all and be it all BUT I love love love my life and every aspect of it! I have surrounded myself with fantastic friends and family and positive people, I have expanded my business and poured my heart into it and I have spent countless hours trying to raise my children up with their hearts, eyes and minds always on God and bettering themselves for His glory!
As always this is just another rambling post heading in no direction really lol, but it's just my thoughts again. Reminding me where I am at in life right now, the season that I am in so that someday when my children look back and read this, they know what mommy was thinking! I pray that someday when my children are grown they are proud to have me as a mommy and have fond memories of spending each and everyday with me and thankful for all I have taught them! I just feel so very blessed right now that it makes me feel overcome with happiness and guilt for all God has blessed me with! I want my children to see this and know, WOW, we really have made mom's life full!
On to a few quick shots of life in our chaotic home!:)
They really love each other...like REALLY a lot! Peyton makes Caiden smile like no other can!
Reagan was the VIP at school and got to bring home Clifford! She was so excited because she had watched sister get to do this for the last two years when she was at JNNS.
Our lean, mean crawling machine! Caiden will only crawl army style but man he's fast and gets into EVERYTHING!!
Our kids rarely get junk food and man you can tell. When I let Jordyn go crazy on a bag of chips....this is how she looked. I think the chips kicked her butt!;) The smiles were worth the bad food I let her have!;)
I let Mr. Man take a bath in the kitchen sink and man did he think it was cool!:))
I ran my first 5k! It was a great time with the Raintree Carwash team for Pink October and I finished in under 27 minutes which was great for me!
We also have spent a few days having fun at Bishops Pumpkin Farm! We LOVE it there and spend a lot of time there in the fall! It is definitely one of our favorite places to be! I will post more on that later!:)
So, we have had a lot of fun time just being a family and fitting in all the other things to! I just expanded my daycare to large care and have been putting a TON of time into revamping my curriculum, schedule , our "sunshine room" and getting my help trained! It took me a while to decide if I wanted to expand but once the time came God had settled my mind and I am so glad that I did!! I love my job and EVERYTHING about it! I am so blessed to get to play with kids all day!! We have also had soccer, 3 dance classes and a few other things going on each week so it keeps us busy and full of fun and life! Next up will be holiday fun filled with dance recitals and rainy cold cuddle at home days!! I can't wait!!:) Happy Fall everyone!! My favorite time of the year!!
Lately I am blown away with my life and I can honestly say without a doubt, I have never felt so so so blessed and each day I thank God for all of the blessings He has given my family! Our health, our love for each other, a happy loving home, food on the table, financial security, friends that feel more like family and a chance to watch our beautiful children grow and thrive each day! I feel so very undeserving of it all but again, so thankful! I have kind of once again been in a different place the last few months. Just taking time to evaluate ME and what I need to do for ME. I have spent many hours making choices. Deciding what matters most, where I need to give more of my time, less of my time and making sure that the choices I make and the things I do are for no other reason than serving the Lord. I quickly get caught up in myself and make choices without using that old familiar question WWJD (What would Jesus do) I preach this to my children quite often but forget to use it myself. Forget to show grace when I don't think it's deserved even though the grace I have been shown is undeserved. Forget to keep my heart on what matters and forget to take time to just be. I have really been trying to give my family and my closest friends and God first and foremost, all of my time. It's hard as a working mom of four to do it all and be it all BUT I love love love my life and every aspect of it! I have surrounded myself with fantastic friends and family and positive people, I have expanded my business and poured my heart into it and I have spent countless hours trying to raise my children up with their hearts, eyes and minds always on God and bettering themselves for His glory!
As always this is just another rambling post heading in no direction really lol, but it's just my thoughts again. Reminding me where I am at in life right now, the season that I am in so that someday when my children look back and read this, they know what mommy was thinking! I pray that someday when my children are grown they are proud to have me as a mommy and have fond memories of spending each and everyday with me and thankful for all I have taught them! I just feel so very blessed right now that it makes me feel overcome with happiness and guilt for all God has blessed me with! I want my children to see this and know, WOW, we really have made mom's life full!
On to a few quick shots of life in our chaotic home!:)
So, we have had a lot of fun time just being a family and fitting in all the other things to! I just expanded my daycare to large care and have been putting a TON of time into revamping my curriculum, schedule , our "sunshine room" and getting my help trained! It took me a while to decide if I wanted to expand but once the time came God had settled my mind and I am so glad that I did!! I love my job and EVERYTHING about it! I am so blessed to get to play with kids all day!! We have also had soccer, 3 dance classes and a few other things going on each week so it keeps us busy and full of fun and life! Next up will be holiday fun filled with dance recitals and rainy cold cuddle at home days!! I can't wait!!:) Happy Fall everyone!! My favorite time of the year!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Our little soccer star!
This year is Peyton's second year playing soccer and boy, the difference a year can make! The girl LOVES it and is doing amazing! She scored two games while playing her first game the other day! We were pretty proud parents! Her coach and assistant coach are amazing and really have a passion for the kids and the sport so I love watching them work with her! Here are some pictures from the game last weekend.
Peyton and her BFF Maddy
The team banner I had made
jumping jacks...so entertaining at this age!;)
High 5 from coach
Jordy having her own soccer game;)
THe 2 "2s" after the ball...guess they forgot they are on the same team.
Grandma Rose, one of our favorite ladies:)
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