Brooklyn at 6 months
Tierney at 6 months
Liam at 6 months
They are all such cuties!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
6 months
Since Liam has hit that pivotal half-year old mark otherwise known as 6 months, I thought it would be fun to look back at the girls at the same age and compare the siblings. You can definitely tell that they are related!
Meet the Professors
When Tierney was a baby, she was famous for sporting a pair of green sunglasses (lenses and frames). She quickly became known as "The Professor."
Today while playing in her room we came across those same glasses and each Little took turns wearing and posing for the camera.
Tierney
Brooklyn
Liam
And, not to sound too US Weekly, but who wore it best?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Changes, but they're good!
Life has been moving so fast, and so many things in my corner of the world have changed. Change can be a hard thing, but I actually don't mind the change. I like a fresh start, a new outlook. It's refreshing and challenging and makes life that much more interesting.
CHANGE #1:
In July 2009, I went back to school to get my real estate license. After completing the course and a few months of studying and passing the state and national exams, I had my real estate license. When you're a new real estate agent, the State of Colorado requires that you "hang" your license with a managing broker, or another agent with two plus years experience. I interviewed a couple different brokerage firms that appealed to me before making my selection. I chose a large company to be apart of. The training was intense at the beginning. There was a lot of come to this meeting, do this marketing strategy, hold these many open houses per week, and the list went on. After about six months and no clients or leads and quite a bit frustration, I found another brokerage firm that better matched my needs and acknowledged and welcomed that I had two kids (at the time) that I was raising during the day while my husband worked full time. I was so excited to have found this firm and I ended up switching brokerage firms. The company name was bigger, the owners were interested in helping me launch this career and make it a success. There was a lot of come to this meeting and let us teach you. Within a few months, I had leads coming my way. And, by the end of September, I had my first closing, and then another a week later, and then one more in November. I was feeling very confident. I was working the referral system that my broker had helped me put in place and it was working like a charm.
After those leads and closings, things just kind of came to a halt. I was still pursuing business and did daily and weekly activities to gain clients. I had some leads. Nothing that was going to be an immediate sell, but leads nonetheless. Then, I got an email from my broker saying that we needed to have a meeting to re-up my independent contractor agreement. So, I went in for the meeting. I had a feeling things weren't going to go well when it was a Saturday morning and I recognized both owners' cars in the parking lot. Generally, you'd only find one car, unless there was a special event, which there wasn't this Saturday. I went inside, made my way to the conference room and waited. I had brought my business plans, activities I had been doing, and questions. There was a bit of chit-chat that came crashing to a halt when I was asked if I would rather stay home with my children and raise them and lose my job OR would I rather work 8-10 hour shifts, 6 days a week, putting my children in daycare. First off, I couldn't believe that my employing broker was throwing an ultimatum at me. But, I didn't even blink, I immediately said "I choose my family." They suggested another brokerage firm that I could go work for, one that didn't require as much as they were going to require out of me. I left that meeting, called my husband and he said he already had a feeling this was going to happen simply because of the time and changes the owners had already made to the meeting. Funny thing is, I never cried or felt poorly about this. And, that afternoon, one of the owners emailed me to tell me that she still thought very highly of me and thought I was lovely person, but that they had to make a business decision. She knew what my choice would be, and she was right.
After much prayer and discussions with my husband and God, it's very clear that my place (at least for now) is to be home with my children, raising them, spending time with them, teaching them, loving on them. And, I think that as important as it is to show our children that they can be whatever they want to be and it's good to pursue our dreams, I think it's good to be humbled by God and shown that His way for us triumphs all. I truly believe this is an act of God, and I feel he has slammed the door shut on my real estate career. I'm not sure if it will be reopened. And, I'm okay not knowing. God has proven time and time again that He will provide for my family and I. All we need to do is trust with our whole hearts. And, we need to realize that things in our life will happen in His timing and not our own.
And, with that said (about God's timing in our lives), comes CHANGE #2:
When Kevin and I celebrated our 8-year wedding anniversary early this month, we were discussing what our 5-year and 10-year plans looked like. We talked about where we wanted to be financially, spiritually, career-wise, geographically and as a family. One of the biggest things we felt God was telling us that he wanted us to pursue was leading our own LifeGroup (small Bible study group) with people from our church. We were currently in a LifeGroup and we weren't really thinking of changing or leaving. It was all part of our 5-year plan. But, then, things happened and one Sunday, our LifeGroup leader approached us asking Kevin to lunch and then expressing that they felt that God was moving them in a different direction to stop leading the group and to take on a new challenge. After the lunch, our LifeGroup leaders decided to step down, and we stepped up to become the new leaders. Our group consists of three families (including ours). Both families are near and dear to us and we were thrilled at the challenge of leading this group. It's just amazing to me how you set a timeline for your life and something you plan to do, and God says, nope, now! Amazes me.
As we enter into this time of new challenges and new, fresh things ahead, it makes me so excited. I am willing to do whatever God has called me to do. And, I really believe that when you open your heart to what He has to teach you, and where He has to lead you, you will never be lead astray. So, here's to our changes...
CHANGE #1:
In July 2009, I went back to school to get my real estate license. After completing the course and a few months of studying and passing the state and national exams, I had my real estate license. When you're a new real estate agent, the State of Colorado requires that you "hang" your license with a managing broker, or another agent with two plus years experience. I interviewed a couple different brokerage firms that appealed to me before making my selection. I chose a large company to be apart of. The training was intense at the beginning. There was a lot of come to this meeting, do this marketing strategy, hold these many open houses per week, and the list went on. After about six months and no clients or leads and quite a bit frustration, I found another brokerage firm that better matched my needs and acknowledged and welcomed that I had two kids (at the time) that I was raising during the day while my husband worked full time. I was so excited to have found this firm and I ended up switching brokerage firms. The company name was bigger, the owners were interested in helping me launch this career and make it a success. There was a lot of come to this meeting and let us teach you. Within a few months, I had leads coming my way. And, by the end of September, I had my first closing, and then another a week later, and then one more in November. I was feeling very confident. I was working the referral system that my broker had helped me put in place and it was working like a charm.
After those leads and closings, things just kind of came to a halt. I was still pursuing business and did daily and weekly activities to gain clients. I had some leads. Nothing that was going to be an immediate sell, but leads nonetheless. Then, I got an email from my broker saying that we needed to have a meeting to re-up my independent contractor agreement. So, I went in for the meeting. I had a feeling things weren't going to go well when it was a Saturday morning and I recognized both owners' cars in the parking lot. Generally, you'd only find one car, unless there was a special event, which there wasn't this Saturday. I went inside, made my way to the conference room and waited. I had brought my business plans, activities I had been doing, and questions. There was a bit of chit-chat that came crashing to a halt when I was asked if I would rather stay home with my children and raise them and lose my job OR would I rather work 8-10 hour shifts, 6 days a week, putting my children in daycare. First off, I couldn't believe that my employing broker was throwing an ultimatum at me. But, I didn't even blink, I immediately said "I choose my family." They suggested another brokerage firm that I could go work for, one that didn't require as much as they were going to require out of me. I left that meeting, called my husband and he said he already had a feeling this was going to happen simply because of the time and changes the owners had already made to the meeting. Funny thing is, I never cried or felt poorly about this. And, that afternoon, one of the owners emailed me to tell me that she still thought very highly of me and thought I was lovely person, but that they had to make a business decision. She knew what my choice would be, and she was right.
After much prayer and discussions with my husband and God, it's very clear that my place (at least for now) is to be home with my children, raising them, spending time with them, teaching them, loving on them. And, I think that as important as it is to show our children that they can be whatever they want to be and it's good to pursue our dreams, I think it's good to be humbled by God and shown that His way for us triumphs all. I truly believe this is an act of God, and I feel he has slammed the door shut on my real estate career. I'm not sure if it will be reopened. And, I'm okay not knowing. God has proven time and time again that He will provide for my family and I. All we need to do is trust with our whole hearts. And, we need to realize that things in our life will happen in His timing and not our own.
And, with that said (about God's timing in our lives), comes CHANGE #2:
When Kevin and I celebrated our 8-year wedding anniversary early this month, we were discussing what our 5-year and 10-year plans looked like. We talked about where we wanted to be financially, spiritually, career-wise, geographically and as a family. One of the biggest things we felt God was telling us that he wanted us to pursue was leading our own LifeGroup (small Bible study group) with people from our church. We were currently in a LifeGroup and we weren't really thinking of changing or leaving. It was all part of our 5-year plan. But, then, things happened and one Sunday, our LifeGroup leader approached us asking Kevin to lunch and then expressing that they felt that God was moving them in a different direction to stop leading the group and to take on a new challenge. After the lunch, our LifeGroup leaders decided to step down, and we stepped up to become the new leaders. Our group consists of three families (including ours). Both families are near and dear to us and we were thrilled at the challenge of leading this group. It's just amazing to me how you set a timeline for your life and something you plan to do, and God says, nope, now! Amazes me.
As we enter into this time of new challenges and new, fresh things ahead, it makes me so excited. I am willing to do whatever God has called me to do. And, I really believe that when you open your heart to what He has to teach you, and where He has to lead you, you will never be lead astray. So, here's to our changes...
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Two crazy girls, one camera
One of Tierney's favorite things is to use Mommy's camera and snap photos. I usually don't let her play with my camera and instead hand her the kid's digital camera to snap photos on (the camera is real, but doesn't take spectacular photos and it isn't the same in her mind). The times that I have let her she takes some interesting shots of the floor, the carpet in particular, or shots up her nose. It's pretty funny when you're looking through the camera and see what she takes.
But, recently, I gave in to her almost daily request and handed her the camera. I showed her how to point it at something, other than the floor and up her nose (ha!), and let her get to work. She decided to take pictures of me. So, we went back and forth taking goofy shots of each other. We were cracking up. She's such a fun little girl. And, we even caught Daddy in the midst of our crazy photo shoot.
Here are some photos... Enjoy!
AND... This post wouldn't be complete if I didn't post a couple photos of my oldest and youngest.
But, recently, I gave in to her almost daily request and handed her the camera. I showed her how to point it at something, other than the floor and up her nose (ha!), and let her get to work. She decided to take pictures of me. So, we went back and forth taking goofy shots of each other. We were cracking up. She's such a fun little girl. And, we even caught Daddy in the midst of our crazy photo shoot.
Here are some photos... Enjoy!
AND... This post wouldn't be complete if I didn't post a couple photos of my oldest and youngest.
Miss Sensitive to the sun
Liam loves to swing - I just need to make the baby
swing a little more manly and less princessy!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
In awe
As I have mentioned in a previous blog, the bible study I am in is teaching me a lot. During a lesson today, I came across this sentence: "Perhaps the most grateful response we could ever offer God for our restoration is to help another be restored." I love this!
I am going through a season of life right now where I know I will come out stronger on the other side.
There are times when I get overwhelmed by it all and frustrated and not so compliant for God's Will in my life. However, through the sentence above, I felt that God was speaking directly to me. It's as if He is saying, "I know you've been struggling and I understand and am always here, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And, when I help you reach that light, I don't want you to sit and do nothing. I want you to use what I've pulled you through and help pull others through for me. To be a light for me."
I'm just in awe of the God I serve. That even through our trials and tribulations, that He can speak so directly to our hearts that there is NO denying it. That He knows where our hearts are, He knows the plans He has for us, and He knows that when we come to Him and trust solely in Him, He can finally reveal His plan for us.
I'm just in awe...
I am going through a season of life right now where I know I will come out stronger on the other side.
There are times when I get overwhelmed by it all and frustrated and not so compliant for God's Will in my life. However, through the sentence above, I felt that God was speaking directly to me. It's as if He is saying, "I know you've been struggling and I understand and am always here, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And, when I help you reach that light, I don't want you to sit and do nothing. I want you to use what I've pulled you through and help pull others through for me. To be a light for me."
I'm just in awe of the God I serve. That even through our trials and tribulations, that He can speak so directly to our hearts that there is NO denying it. That He knows where our hearts are, He knows the plans He has for us, and He knows that when we come to Him and trust solely in Him, He can finally reveal His plan for us.
I'm just in awe...
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
A little bit of this, a little bit of that ...
- A new baby will be born into our family this year. My sister-in-love, Kristi and her husband Zac will be welcoming a sweet bundle of joy. She is due September 15. This will be their first baby and we are so very, very excited for them!! Even though she lives in Georgia, I can't wait to walk this journey with her.
- I've always thought Brooklyn was a 5-year-old trapped in a teenager's body. That was confirmed for me on Sunday, when during our Super Bowl party at a friend's house, she holed up in their teenage daughters' rooms playing games, watching movies, etc. She was completely in her element. And, she keeps talking about it. All. The. Time.
- The girls were playing dress up yesterday morning and convinced me to dress Liam up too. When I sent Daddy a text of his boy dressed in a bright pink frilly dress, he called me and said "Why is my boy wearing a dress?" Ahh, the joys of having sisters!
- Speaking of dress up, Tierney is all about dress up lately. At any given time, you can find her with 3-4 necklaces on, a bunch of bracelets, a play wedding veil, dress up shoes, etc. I love what a girl she is. It's so fun!
- Kevin locked himself out of his car last night. Or, as he likes to put it his car locked him out. He went to leave work. He started his car and got out to scrap ice off the windows and dust off the snow. When he was done, he went to get back in his car to come home. Instead, he called me in a panic saying he didn't know how it happened, but he was locked out and needed the kids and I to rescue him, which we did.
- Really working hard to get some real estate stuff going, so if you or anyone you know has a real estate need, remember me. It would be my pleasure to help!
- As a friend said, "There are times the enormity of shaping these little lives is overwhelming. It is such a HUGE responsibility and I feel unqualified." But, during my bible study time today I was reminded that God is using me to shepherd my children and that I'm supposed to view that as an official assignment and not just my role. And, with His help and this knowledge, I know I can do it.
- Last thing: Anyone else watch Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family? If so, who do you think is "A"?
- I've always thought Brooklyn was a 5-year-old trapped in a teenager's body. That was confirmed for me on Sunday, when during our Super Bowl party at a friend's house, she holed up in their teenage daughters' rooms playing games, watching movies, etc. She was completely in her element. And, she keeps talking about it. All. The. Time.
- The girls were playing dress up yesterday morning and convinced me to dress Liam up too. When I sent Daddy a text of his boy dressed in a bright pink frilly dress, he called me and said "Why is my boy wearing a dress?" Ahh, the joys of having sisters!
- Speaking of dress up, Tierney is all about dress up lately. At any given time, you can find her with 3-4 necklaces on, a bunch of bracelets, a play wedding veil, dress up shoes, etc. I love what a girl she is. It's so fun!
- Kevin locked himself out of his car last night. Or, as he likes to put it his car locked him out. He went to leave work. He started his car and got out to scrap ice off the windows and dust off the snow. When he was done, he went to get back in his car to come home. Instead, he called me in a panic saying he didn't know how it happened, but he was locked out and needed the kids and I to rescue him, which we did.
- Really working hard to get some real estate stuff going, so if you or anyone you know has a real estate need, remember me. It would be my pleasure to help!
- As a friend said, "There are times the enormity of shaping these little lives is overwhelming. It is such a HUGE responsibility and I feel unqualified." But, during my bible study time today I was reminded that God is using me to shepherd my children and that I'm supposed to view that as an official assignment and not just my role. And, with His help and this knowledge, I know I can do it.
- Last thing: Anyone else watch Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family? If so, who do you think is "A"?
Thursday, February 03, 2011
It's okay to cry out
I'm doing the women's bible study at my church. We're studying Beth Moore's David: Seeking a heart like His. I've never done a Beth Moore study before, and I knew by week one, why everyone else I know that has done one of her studies, loves it. The way she brings things together is simply amazing and makes you look at things differently and through fresh eyes. I've already learned so much and been convicted several times, and we're not even halfway through.
Doing the study, and the daily homework, reminds me that I am a total work in progress, and that's okay. It is actually the way God intended it. He doesn't want us to get too comfortable in our skin. He wants to challenge us. He wants us to keep striving to be the best version of ourselves and to submit to His will for our life. He wants us to serve others cheerfully and lovingly. And, he wants us to be real with Him.
One of the homework studies dealt with crying out loud to God telling him all your troubles. He wants you to be specific, not superficial. That was a complete eye-opener for me. We've all had our struggles, and at some point, I'm sure we've prayed for God to help us through them. I know I have. But, I can say that while I've prayed for certain things, I am not sure if I was specific, giving Him every minute detail of what I was struggling with. I figured He knew, after all He knows everything. But, when I was doing the homework and then discussed this part with my small group at bible study, it was clear that the Lord was laying it on my heart that I needed to get specific and give Him the nitty gritty details. And, oh my goodness, let me tell you what a blessing this is. Give it a try, if you haven't - I highly suggest it. Does it mean that any struggle you have is fixed immediately? No. But, it gives you hope during the "waiting" period of life and it lets you be real with your Creator, and that's something you need and He treasures.
This song really speaks to me during times when I am having a struggle and am waiting on the Lord for guidance or for an answer. I'm hoping it speaks to you to.
While I'm Waiting lyrics
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
Doing the study, and the daily homework, reminds me that I am a total work in progress, and that's okay. It is actually the way God intended it. He doesn't want us to get too comfortable in our skin. He wants to challenge us. He wants us to keep striving to be the best version of ourselves and to submit to His will for our life. He wants us to serve others cheerfully and lovingly. And, he wants us to be real with Him.
One of the homework studies dealt with crying out loud to God telling him all your troubles. He wants you to be specific, not superficial. That was a complete eye-opener for me. We've all had our struggles, and at some point, I'm sure we've prayed for God to help us through them. I know I have. But, I can say that while I've prayed for certain things, I am not sure if I was specific, giving Him every minute detail of what I was struggling with. I figured He knew, after all He knows everything. But, when I was doing the homework and then discussed this part with my small group at bible study, it was clear that the Lord was laying it on my heart that I needed to get specific and give Him the nitty gritty details. And, oh my goodness, let me tell you what a blessing this is. Give it a try, if you haven't - I highly suggest it. Does it mean that any struggle you have is fixed immediately? No. But, it gives you hope during the "waiting" period of life and it lets you be real with your Creator, and that's something you need and He treasures.
This song really speaks to me during times when I am having a struggle and am waiting on the Lord for guidance or for an answer. I'm hoping it speaks to you to.
While I'm Waiting lyrics
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
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