Birthday traditions

TJ and I wonder how we will ever leave the house with three kids. We made it a tradition to go out to dinner to celebrate the birthdays of our kids. For Hunters we went to Chilis. It was a lot of fun. He was loud and obnoxious but so was every other kid in the place so we fit right in. For Laynas we went to Village pizza and then walked to get ice cream from the creamery. It was really nice but taking two LOUD kids out to dinner is a challenge but definitely worth while. I sometimes wonder how my kids are so loud all of the time? Their voices are loud, they walk loud, they both sing while they eat. Nothing is quiet about them. As I wonder how this happened I look at TJ and I and I am reminded that we are the same. Ha. A crying baby will fit right into our family. Summer is almost here. I am large and in charge already. Baby boy is measuring big, but that's not a surprised since Hunter was born on his due date and was 9lbs 4oz. I really think this babe will be a 10 pounder. That should be a fun delivery. Countdown to summer 3 more work days then our days will consist of swimming lessons, camp, walks, picnics, beach days, boating, day trips and ice cream. Yes ice cream is just as important to a pregnant woman as it is for a child. Can't wait!

Spring has sprung a new little one.

It's been awhile since I have posted. Probably because I was so sick for awhile. TJ and I are expecting our third baby. We are super excited and can't wait to meet this little one. Our kiddos are excited too. Probably just Layna because Hunter really has no clue. Layna tells everyone she is having a baby sister. Although we do not know the sex yet she is convinced! It is so awesome to see how Layna is reacting to mommy's belly getting bigger. She was really young when Hunter was born so it will be nice to see her interact with the baby. She is going to be such a big helper.....like a little momma. If you told us we would be having another child a year ago I would have laughed and said "you are out of your mind.". I got rid of everything in order to tell myself we were done. This is truly God changing our hearts. I know that it is my ministry right now to be a mother to my little ones. It is my responsibility to raise them with the help of the Holy Spirit guiding me. It is my calling and to have another blessing.....I am so grateful that God has given us His child to raise. We are so blessed to have the time with our kids. I started to work part time this year so I could be home with my kids. It was the best decision I have ever made. God actually pressed it on my heart and made it a desire for me. Before I would have never thought that I would want to work part time but it's just another thing that God has changed in me. Yes, we may not be able to go on extravagant vacations or live in a huge house but who cares? My kids for sure don't. I know God will provide all of our needs. We are blessed and so thankful for Jesus's life. We are made anew and He blesses all of His children.

Go Giants!

Celebrating the big superbowl win! Layna asked where daddy was on tv? Too bad he doesn't play for the Giants.....

Odds and ends

My wall is finally done. The one that was empty above my dining table. I had our wedding song printed on 4 12x12 pieces of card stock paper. Then mod podged them to four 12x12 canvas squares. This is what I came out with. I did mess up on 3 of the 4 squares that is why there is only one green and three white but I kinda like it better this way.

I love it....even if its not perfect

This is the end table I bought off of craigslist for my soon to be baby niece.  My sister-in-law is doing her room in grays, yellow and white....so so pretty.  So I told her I would find her a table to go next to the rocker.  This table is perfect because the legs are the same style as the crib (Jenny Lind).  Hope she likes it.  The pics do not do it justice,

Before

 Pretty beat up

After

Looks so much better in person but kinda funky right?

Its a pale yellow with a darker goldish yellow stencil.





My love for Christmas vacation.

This love affair probably began when I was in elementary school.  The thought of getting a week off from school at Christmas time....it couldn't get better than that.  The week full of family, friends, playing with new toys, sledding or making snowmen, eating great food, staying up late and so on.....  I still love Christmas vacation because of some of the same things.  Playing with my kids, waking up late, cuddling in bed with the kids, watching movies at night, spending time with our families and of course celebrating Jesus's birth.  Thanking Him for giving us life and saving us.  In this fallen world I praise my Savior.  He lived a perfect life to show us how to live.  Then died on the cross for the sins of the world only so we can be saved and have eternal life with Him in heaven.  He loves me more than I can ever love anyone and that just blows my mind.  I am so thankful for Him and his grace that he has given me freely.  Thank you Jesus.

Peace, Joy and Love fills our home this holiday season and I pray that it fills yours.
Some pictures of our weekend. 

 Diving in

Sibling love

I need to get this blog printed.  The whole reason I do it is so my children will have it when they are older.  Happy Holidays!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Layna has been so excited to celebrate Jesus's birthday.  We had a cake and sang happy birthday to him on Christmas day.  What a day we had....a day filled with family and friends....the kids had so much fun.  After the craziness of the weekend, Layna and I enjoyed our nightly walk together and she wanted to stop by the nativity scene at the church by our house.  She wanted to see baby Jesus in his manger since he had been missing from it all of the times we visited before Christmas.  When we got there Layna says "Happy Birthday Jesus, your my best friend."  This melted my heart....I responded "He's mommy's best friend too."

Childlike faith
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."   Matthew 18:2-4

My sweet bedroom.

So in my frenzy to update my house....I decided to do a mini makeover on my bedroom. The mini makeover cost me about $100.00 but made a huge difference! We love it. Before it was light blue boring, old looking and basic. Now with a little paint, stencil, spray paint to paint accessories....here's is what I got!  Again excuse my crappy photos....saving for a new cam. 

Love the Moroccan stencil but I may never stencil anything ever again. 

Yes, I need some throw pillows and window treatments.

You can kind of see the stencil here. 

I don't know how people stencil in contrasting colors....its a pain.