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
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Welcome
Over a year has passed and this blog has remained silent. That makes me kind of sad. As I was filtering through my blog archives, I laughed at some of the stories I shared of things my kids did or said. I loved that this blog served as a place to take a walk down memory lane. I had so much fun reading, and remembering the way I felt when I wrote each post. My reason for not posting doesn't lie in me having nothing to say, or nothing going on in life, or any type of self proclaimed internet strike. Whatever the reason is really isn't important. I just know that I miss blogging. I want to have a place where I can record the goofy, sweet and crazy things that life brings. And so, I'm entering the blogging world again with a new name and a new look.
When I started my blog back in 2006, I named it "My Lil' Corner of the World," and while I do still love this name and feel like it applies to my life, I decided to change the name. And, with the help of a very dear friend, Jenn, my blog is new and fresh. Since my last post in 2009, my life has gotten busier (I have three kids), a bit more crazed (balancing three kids and household stuff with my real estate career) and every day I work hard to keep my sanity. This is the life that the Lord has given me and I always want to count every blessing I am given, treasure each day, and remember to walk in the path He chose for me.
So, welcome to my new blog "Sanity of Small Doses." I hope you'll stop back by.
When I started my blog back in 2006, I named it "My Lil' Corner of the World," and while I do still love this name and feel like it applies to my life, I decided to change the name. And, with the help of a very dear friend, Jenn, my blog is new and fresh. Since my last post in 2009, my life has gotten busier (I have three kids), a bit more crazed (balancing three kids and household stuff with my real estate career) and every day I work hard to keep my sanity. This is the life that the Lord has given me and I always want to count every blessing I am given, treasure each day, and remember to walk in the path He chose for me.
So, welcome to my new blog "Sanity of Small Doses." I hope you'll stop back by.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Birthday and Christmas Fun
Brooklyn celebrating her birthday with her little girlfriends.
Brooklyn at her family birthday party. Look at that smile!
Our precious girls reading together on the
couch in Tierney's room. All you can see is their feet...
Tierney is really starting look SO grown up...
The girls munching on pretzels.
The girls in their Christmas outfits ...
The cousins...
the only one that doesn't look happy is baby John.
Tierney LOVES her baby cousin
... a little TOO much sometimes!
Tierney's favorite Christmas activity -
standing on boxes, wrapped or not!
Brooklyn and one of the Barbies Santa brought her.
We hope everyone had
a very Merry Christmas!
Monday, November 02, 2009
Halloween pictures
We all had such a great time dressing up for Halloween. And, the kids really enjoyed going trick or treating. Here's some fun photos of the four of us Brooklyn (the cheerleader), Tierney (the inky black kitty), Kev and I (roman prince and princess), our niece Kendall (Tinkerbell) and our nephew John (the baby footballer).
We hope everyone had a safe Halloween. And, we're really excited that Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! This is by far the best time of year!!!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Birthdays, Real Estate & More...
My precious baby Tierney turned ONE last Thursday, October 8. I can totally remember when she was born, and although the calendar says it was one year ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. But, I guess that's a common memory for moms, huh?! In fact, the night before her birthday, we were running errands and we drove by the hospital she was born at and I remembered checking into the hospital at about the same time we drove by to start the induction process. A wave of emotions flooded me as we past the hospital and I felt those same nervous, anxious and excited emotions all over again. I even remember the pain I was in. I had an epidural, but it really didn't take that well, so I felt most everything. That and the doctor's had to increase the strength of my contractions and up my dosage of pitocin. Suffice it to say, I was in more pain than I had ever been in and could ever imagine. And, how I could barely keep my eyes open during those last few hours of hard labor because every contraction I squinted my eyes so hard, giving myself a headache and making it hard to see out of blurry contacts. But, the minute (3:54 p.m.) she was born, all the pain, the blurry eyes and headache completely disappeared. When the doctor laid my second born daughter on my chest, my world got flipped upside down and I immediately fell in love with this precious child God gave me. My little girl, named Tierney. Over the past year, my heart has only expanded that much more with love for this precious girl. She's very loving, very sweet, has a bubbly personality and a fiery way about her and she's as stubborn as it gets. But, I wouldn't change anything about her or one second of my life with her for anything. This time around, I got to witness first-hand every little milestone, every smile, every cry, every cuddle, every look, everything, because I have the wonderful opportunity of staying home with my girls and I LOVE it so much! This year she's walking all around the house and trying really hard to put those words together she's been learning, and I know that this year will fly by and by next year, I'll be wondering where the year went. I wish time could just stand still. But, it can't. So, here's to another amazing year for my Tierney. Happy Birthday sweet baby girl! Mommy loves you more than you can ever imagine!><><><><><><><
My husband turns the big 3-0 this Thursday, October 15. That's right, this is his birthday week. He has only 3 more days of being a 20-something. He's not too big on birthdays, especially his own, and it's not because he is nervous, anxious, etc. about getting older. But, this year, he's getting more in the birthday spirit I think. We're going to spend his birthday night at a hotel thanks to an interview he did on a brand new hotel in the town where he works and the manager offered a free night's stay at the hotel in one of their suites! You don't have to twist our arm that hard. We're there. The girls are excited about staying in a hotel and going swimming in the pool. And, really Kevin loves, loves, loves staying in hotels, so this is a great birthday gift for him! And, even better, he has the next day off too. Wahoo! It's like a birthday present for me too because what's better than spending time with your best friend. I can honestly say that he is quite possibly the one person that very rarely I get frustrated with. As much as I love my girls, there are days when being a parent is very hard and trying, but being a wife, better yet, being Kevin's wife, I never feel that way. He's such an amazing man and I thank the good Lord everyday for bringing us together. I have known Kevin for nearly 20 years, and my life is truly better because he's in it and because I know him, love him and he loves me. I simply can't imagine my life without him, and I'm so excited to be celebrating his 30 years of life with him. Happy Birthday to my dear sweet husband! You're my everything and I will love you always!
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That about wraps this LONG post up. But, there is one person that I haven't mention and who my life wouldn't be complete without and that is Miss Brooklyn Marie. Brooklyn is such a spark, always trying to learn more and more, has the world's best memory, is a great dancer, a wonderful singer, funnier than ever, a wonderful, truly wonderful big sister and just an all around amazing little girl who I'm sad to say will be turning FOUR (ahh .. makes my heart ache) in December. When did this little girl grow up? When we drive by the hospital where she was born, she waves to it and blows it kisses. So sweet! She can't WAIT to start school next year, preschool that is. I've been doing some things with her at home and she's learned her how to recognize all her numbers and letters and has even learned to write a little bit and really wants to learn how to read. She's fascinated at how everything works. I want to just sit on her so she can't grow up anymore! Is that possible? She just amazes me everyday. I am so very thankful that I'm her mommy. I love her to the moon and back and then some.
Friday, September 11, 2009
What an afternoon!
So, I had to record this somewhere to remember it because it just cracks me up when I think about it.
#1 - Brooklyn enters our bathroom and says "Oh Mommy it stinks in here like tacos ... did someone poop out tacos?" LOL!
#2 - I had the great idea to run errands this afternoon. I had the idea of running said errands after lunch and before naps. Usually this is pretty doable as I can keep Brooklyn awake by bothering her and Tierney by not giving her a pacifier. Well, this time around Tierney already had her pacifier, so she was going to sleep in the moving car, duh! And, I got a phone call that kept me from bothering Brooklyn, so she feel asleep too. So, errands were ran, children were happy, then we come home and I try to put them down for an afternoon nap after about 30 minutes of playtime. Tierney, who doesn't believe in sleep, takes about an hour nap, and then wakes up not wanting to go back to sleep. Brooklyn, who took a 15 minute nap in the car, refuses to go sleep, but lays in her bed for an hour awaiting my approval to get up. For this hour, I'm trying to get through as much material for a test I'm taking tomorrow morning, hoping to get through quite a bit. But, now they are both awake and requiring my attention, so I can't. I say to both of them "You silly girls aren't going to let Mommy have much study time today, are you?" And, little Tierney looks at me and says "Nope," while flashing me a huge smile.
#3 - Minutes after they woke up, our doorbell was ringing and ringing and ringing and ringing. I'm not a huge fan of going to the door because nine out of ten times, it's a soliticer and I'm totally not interested in what they are selling. We've had kid after kid standing on our porch trying to sell us chocolate or their services in bringing in my trash cans, which again, not interested. So, anyway, I went to the door after the first two rings and saw it was the little girls across the street. I immediately thought ball in the backyard but nope, they live across the street so that couldn't be it. I didn't answer it. I went back to the girls. Then, it kept ringing. I finally gave in and went to the door. The two little girls told me that their school was doing a fundraiser and would I like to buy anything. I looked through the magazine and saw they were selling Christmas wrapping paper and decided to buy a roll. After all, they are our neighbors, and my girls will be doing this one day too, and wouldn't I want our neighbors to buy something from them. The wrapping paper is cute and reversible. So, everyone wins. The funniest part was when I went to pay for it and I asked who I needed to make my check out to and they said, "Well, just leave it blank and we'll take care of it." I told them that if they could find out who I neede to make it out to, I would do buy something. They found out real quick! So, we'll have some cool new wrapping paper this holiday season and we supported neighborhood kids. Yay!
#4 - I was sitting in our recliner in the family room looking through work emails and Tierney would can't leave my side at times required me to put her behind me in the chair. As she is moving around, squirming like a worm, scooting to the edge of the chair, I reminded her that she's high up in the air. She just smiles at me. I put her in my lap to protect her from falling but she once again squirms behind me. So, I just watch her more carefully. Then, she lets out this sigh and leaps off the chair, head first into the carpet. She cries for like a half second, looks up at me and gives me the most disgusted look, like as if to say "Hey Mom, why'd you let that happen?" And, then she crawls away from me to play with her sister.
So, all four things happened in a span less than 30 minutes. All I can do is laugh. Aren't kids just the silliest?!
#1 - Brooklyn enters our bathroom and says "Oh Mommy it stinks in here like tacos ... did someone poop out tacos?" LOL!
#2 - I had the great idea to run errands this afternoon. I had the idea of running said errands after lunch and before naps. Usually this is pretty doable as I can keep Brooklyn awake by bothering her and Tierney by not giving her a pacifier. Well, this time around Tierney already had her pacifier, so she was going to sleep in the moving car, duh! And, I got a phone call that kept me from bothering Brooklyn, so she feel asleep too. So, errands were ran, children were happy, then we come home and I try to put them down for an afternoon nap after about 30 minutes of playtime. Tierney, who doesn't believe in sleep, takes about an hour nap, and then wakes up not wanting to go back to sleep. Brooklyn, who took a 15 minute nap in the car, refuses to go sleep, but lays in her bed for an hour awaiting my approval to get up. For this hour, I'm trying to get through as much material for a test I'm taking tomorrow morning, hoping to get through quite a bit. But, now they are both awake and requiring my attention, so I can't. I say to both of them "You silly girls aren't going to let Mommy have much study time today, are you?" And, little Tierney looks at me and says "Nope," while flashing me a huge smile.
#3 - Minutes after they woke up, our doorbell was ringing and ringing and ringing and ringing. I'm not a huge fan of going to the door because nine out of ten times, it's a soliticer and I'm totally not interested in what they are selling. We've had kid after kid standing on our porch trying to sell us chocolate or their services in bringing in my trash cans, which again, not interested. So, anyway, I went to the door after the first two rings and saw it was the little girls across the street. I immediately thought ball in the backyard but nope, they live across the street so that couldn't be it. I didn't answer it. I went back to the girls. Then, it kept ringing. I finally gave in and went to the door. The two little girls told me that their school was doing a fundraiser and would I like to buy anything. I looked through the magazine and saw they were selling Christmas wrapping paper and decided to buy a roll. After all, they are our neighbors, and my girls will be doing this one day too, and wouldn't I want our neighbors to buy something from them. The wrapping paper is cute and reversible. So, everyone wins. The funniest part was when I went to pay for it and I asked who I needed to make my check out to and they said, "Well, just leave it blank and we'll take care of it." I told them that if they could find out who I neede to make it out to, I would do buy something. They found out real quick! So, we'll have some cool new wrapping paper this holiday season and we supported neighborhood kids. Yay!
#4 - I was sitting in our recliner in the family room looking through work emails and Tierney would can't leave my side at times required me to put her behind me in the chair. As she is moving around, squirming like a worm, scooting to the edge of the chair, I reminded her that she's high up in the air. She just smiles at me. I put her in my lap to protect her from falling but she once again squirms behind me. So, I just watch her more carefully. Then, she lets out this sigh and leaps off the chair, head first into the carpet. She cries for like a half second, looks up at me and gives me the most disgusted look, like as if to say "Hey Mom, why'd you let that happen?" And, then she crawls away from me to play with her sister.
So, all four things happened in a span less than 30 minutes. All I can do is laugh. Aren't kids just the silliest?!
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
One month left
Seriously, there's only one month left before my baby girl turns ONE! It doesn't even seem possible. Time has gone by far too quickly. It makes me sad and excited at the same time.Tierney is such a wonderful addition to our family. She has an amazing personality, so bubbly and bright, so inquistive and so sweet, so gentle and so loving. While she's a true Mama's girl, there's nothing more that excites her than when her Daddy comes in the door after a long day at work. He's greeted with loud squeals, smiles and a "Hi Dada!" The only thing that comes close is the excitement she has when she sees her sister for the first time in the morning or after naps. I can attest that being greeted by this precious little one by a squeal, a smile and a giggle just makes you melt into a puddle right there. She's not much of a sleeper at all and because she hates her crib and being confined, she sleeps on a little kid sized pull-out sofa on the floor of her room. It works, and she's gotten a few full nights of sleep, so we're sticking with it. She crawls everywhere and tackles the stairs like they're nothing. She loves to play and when her big sister pays all the attention to her she just lights up. But, I can say, that as much as her face lights up at the sight of us, our faces and our hearts light up so much because she's a part of our lives and a part of our family. I'm so thankful God choose me to be Tierney's mama (Brooklyn's too!). Nothing in life is sweeter, more challenging or more rewarding.
Here's to one more month of my baby being a baby before she is officially a one year old...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Special Weekend
This past weekend, I got to experience something quite amazing. My father-in-law is a Vietnam vet. He hasn't really kept in touch with those that he served with, and while I've seen the photos of him over in war, I haven't heard all the "war stories," which I think could be interesting. Every year, the men he served with get together for a reunion and this year my in-laws had plans of going, but plans changed and they didn't make it to the reunion. I was kind of sad that they weren't going to be able to go because I thought it would be a great time and besides they never get away, and I thought this would be a good opportunity for that. So I was surprised and excited for my father-in-law when we found out three of the men he served with were planning a trip to come see him!
Three men - Alan, Tommy and Terry - arrived at my in-law's house on Friday afternoon. Two of them live in Texas and the other in Iowa. The whole weekend was spent talking, reminiscing and sharing life together for those few days. My family and I went over on Saturday to meet them and talk with them. My brother-in-law was there too and this was fun because it was like the old vets meeting the newer vet since my brother-in-law just got back from a tour in Iraq in February. They had a lot in common and a lot they could talk about that only military men would understand. These men were so friendly. Sometimes the conversations would have you in stitches and sometimes it would have you in tears. The things these men remembered including my father-in-law amazed me.
I was really bummed when I learned from Kevin on the ride home that I missed the battle story where all four men walked through the day my father-in-law got shot because I was putting the girls (my two and my niece) down for their naps. I have always wanted to hear that story, but never asked because it feels like such a sensitive subject. Kevin told me that everyone was teary-eyed as the story went on. He said the group got ambushed immediately after leaving the helicopter behind. The men on the front line ended up fighting with their hands, knives and the bottom parts of their guns rather than through gunfire because they were simply too close to the enemy. One man on the front line survived, Terry. Kevin said all the men said his dad was way too modest because he really was a true hero that day saving lots of men's lives. There were a lot of men that pretended to be dead so they would make it out alive.
Kevin's dad was never supposed to make it out alive. He wasn't supposed to live. Ahh, I can't wrap my mind around this because my life would be so changed. One of the men said that we should all consider my father-in-law a hero to which my brother-in-law said he always considered his father his hero. Ahh, heartwrenching. I know that Kevin feels the same way. My father-in-law is an amazing man who has been through a lot, who is very down-to-earth, has a very hands-on approach to life and who would do anything for his family. And, I love that these men came to visit him. As Kevin said they did it for him, but they also did it for themselves. I was so glad that I got to be a part of such a special weekend.
Three men - Alan, Tommy and Terry - arrived at my in-law's house on Friday afternoon. Two of them live in Texas and the other in Iowa. The whole weekend was spent talking, reminiscing and sharing life together for those few days. My family and I went over on Saturday to meet them and talk with them. My brother-in-law was there too and this was fun because it was like the old vets meeting the newer vet since my brother-in-law just got back from a tour in Iraq in February. They had a lot in common and a lot they could talk about that only military men would understand. These men were so friendly. Sometimes the conversations would have you in stitches and sometimes it would have you in tears. The things these men remembered including my father-in-law amazed me.
I was really bummed when I learned from Kevin on the ride home that I missed the battle story where all four men walked through the day my father-in-law got shot because I was putting the girls (my two and my niece) down for their naps. I have always wanted to hear that story, but never asked because it feels like such a sensitive subject. Kevin told me that everyone was teary-eyed as the story went on. He said the group got ambushed immediately after leaving the helicopter behind. The men on the front line ended up fighting with their hands, knives and the bottom parts of their guns rather than through gunfire because they were simply too close to the enemy. One man on the front line survived, Terry. Kevin said all the men said his dad was way too modest because he really was a true hero that day saving lots of men's lives. There were a lot of men that pretended to be dead so they would make it out alive.
Kevin's dad was never supposed to make it out alive. He wasn't supposed to live. Ahh, I can't wrap my mind around this because my life would be so changed. One of the men said that we should all consider my father-in-law a hero to which my brother-in-law said he always considered his father his hero. Ahh, heartwrenching. I know that Kevin feels the same way. My father-in-law is an amazing man who has been through a lot, who is very down-to-earth, has a very hands-on approach to life and who would do anything for his family. And, I love that these men came to visit him. As Kevin said they did it for him, but they also did it for themselves. I was so glad that I got to be a part of such a special weekend.
Alan, Dan (my father-in-law), Tommy & Terry
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