From Where I Sit

This is the view from here recently. Love watching the expressions on his sweet little face. Watching his personality, and the little guy he'll grow up to be, start to come out.

 Check out more shots at Wild Wonderful Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday

The first shot is for This or That, and Show Off,

Growing Pains

Recently we have been so blessed...new house, job, church family, baby. So many things have changed in such a short amount of time. We've just barely lived here for about 9 months. But we really feel so much more "at home" here than we ever have in the several other places we've lived.

But as with all changes, it seems there are growing pains.You know the end result will be good, but the process is not always easy. There are discomforts and an almost awkwardness while you get used to the changes you are going through. There is the feeling of "waiting", trying to make it work and figure out how the pieces go together.

There are some "growing pains" happening around here. (Nothing dramatic really...we are all happy and healthy and thankful for that. More just that we are getting more settled in and figuring out how it all works as a family of 5.) So I guess this post is just to ask for your prayers as we go through these normal changes and occasional rough patches (specifically this morning as Billy has an important evaluation at work). We are truly blessed to be together and healthy, and are trusting that the other side of these growing pains leave us even stronger for it.

 

Check out more shots at Monday Rewind, and And Then She Snapped 

The first shot is for Macro Monday

Is this Swing Taken?

We spent a day at the playground (my first trip with just me and all 3...whew. Thanks goodness at least one of them still stays where I put him.) enjoying this 80 degree weather we just had. We weren't the only ones taking advantage either, since you needed a reservation to get a swing.

It was so nice outside we came home, had lunch, and went right back outside. Naturally climbing up the side of the house and deck, and a sword fight between the oldest with sticks they found in the yard, were the activities of choice.

I realize, now that the weather has been nice enough to send the kids outside, just how much they need to go outside. It's good for everyone involved. They get their crazies out (well, some of them) and my eye stops twitching. Win win. ;)

The first shot is for Simple as That, and Sunday Snapshot.

70 and Snowing?

We finally got that snow my kiddos have been waiting for last Sunday. We got at least 3 inches...maybe more like 4. They were pretty thrilled. And they were so cute that I was even thrilled. And when it comes to snow, I don't do thrilled.

They got to go outside, throw some snowballs at each other and their daddy, make some little snowmen, and eat enough snow to drown someone. They then forced me to eat the snow that they couldn't stuff in their own mouths. But at least they saved the snowball throwing for their daddy and each other. I spent most of the snow expedition taking these shots from inside the sliding glass door where there was some solid glass between me and the white stuff.

The snow didn't last very long, since it was 50 degrees the next day, and is going to be 70 degrees tomorrow. The kiddos were sad to see the snow was "leaking away" as Merrick says. But I am glad the kiddos got to enjoy at least one snow this winter. (Which just goes to show how very much I love them) They played in it until their noses were so red that my nose was cold, but it was fun while it lasted. See ya next Winter, snow! (Pretty please not before then)

Check out more door shots at YouCapture.  

The third shot is for This or That, and Show Off, 

The last shot is for Texture Thursday .

26

Today my husband turns 26. We got in a (pretend) argument the other night because I for real couldn't remember how old he was. I am gonna go ahead and blame the baby. Wonder how much longer I can do that? ;) Anyway...this post is dedicated to the man who stalked me as a 14 year old and started this crazy family. I can't imagine my life any other way.

I am not an easy girl to handle, or what you would call laid back. But Billy knows that loving a wife, a best friend, your high school sweetheart, as well as 3 kids, isn't about getting his way or putting them in their place. He loves in spite of downfalls and shortcomings, and doesn't make demands. He has seen me at my best, and my worst, and everything in between. He has held my hand as I gave birth to those three children, and cried right along with me when we saw each of their faces the first time.

Everytime I go to his Chick-Fil-A the people who work under him tell me how great he is to work with, and I am always so proud of how much he puts into his job, and how much he cares for the people who work with him. He works hard to provide for us, and often goes without (wandering around with holes in his socks and going without his beloved oreos) to make sure we are taken care of. He is everything I could ask for in a husband and a best friend, a father to our babies. We are so blessed to have him. Happy birthday, stud! I love you so much!

The first shot is for Tones on Tuesday, Communal Global, and Sweet Shot.

The second shot is for Happiness Project, Capturing Beauty, and Sweet Violet.

Leftover

It may be snowy outside, but inside today it smells like Spring thanks to leftover Valentine's Day flowers. I'm not a snow person, but am glad that the kiddos got to play in it yesterday. (Post about that coming soon...of course) Their daddy took them out while I took pictures from inside the sliding glass door in the kitchen.

Yesterday was a great "snow day", staying home snuggled up in the house, all of us (minus Jericho, of course) drinking coffee, and watching movies. (Decaf coffee for the kiddos, I'm not that crazy. My mom fussed at me for not making them hot chocolate, but I don't have any. And if I didn't make the kiddos coffee they'd just drink mine anyway.) What are some of your favorite snow day traditions?

Check out more shots at Monday Rewind, and And Then She Snapped 

The first shots is for Macro Monday

Weirdsville

A couple of facts about my kids: They have a newfound love of Ritz crackers (thanks to a friend for giving us a box...I might have never known), and they are the weirdest people I've ever met. I have a few shots of them snacking in the backyard, where their weirdness is semi-contained and not really visible to the neighbors. ;)

They do know how to cheese for the camera, too. No need to comment. I know exactly whose fault that is. Meanwhile in the house things were a bit more calm. He'll be joining right in on the weird before I know it.

Check out more shots at Oh Snap, Photo Friday, Fabulous Friday.

The last shot is for Give Me Your Best Shot.

For Me?

 My hubby had to work later than usual on Valentines Day = boo. Hubby left me flowers on the dresser to wake up to = yay. :) But, now that there is another lady in the house who thinks she is 25, I think he's going to have to do double duty. She woke up, saw the flowers, and says "are those for ME???" Of course, I said yes. ;) I can share...this time. Kidding, kidding. Sort of. But I didn't want to burst her bubble.

Even though the hubby was working, the four of us (that still sound so weird) had a good Valentine's Day together. We ate cheerios (heart healthy, ya know) and went to the gym. This was the first trip for all three kiddos. I like to call taking 3 kids to the gym the SAHM two-a-day workout. By the time I got them into the gym I felt like I didn't need to go ahead as planned with a 5 miler. But I did, and plan on making up for it with more candy. Makes sense, right?

 

Check out more shots at YouCapture.  

The first shot is for This or That, the second shot is for Show Off, The last shot is for Texture Thursday .

Irons and Fires

I'm a self proclaimed lover of down time. Not being lazy, ask my hubby and he'll tell you I can barely sit still if there are things to be done, but of having time to breathe and be still. Having time to make funny shaped pancakes with my kids, take my camera out just because, or go for a long run. Sometimes I just get too many thjngs going and the truly important things are not getting done.

This is not a "social media...I just can't quit you" post. Although it IS a "social media, you are being put in your place" post. I have a blog, Flickr, Instagram, Twitter, Path, Facebook, Google Plus accounts galore, and sometimes I get frustrated feeling pressured to update them, comment on them, fit them into a photo challenge, etc. Sometimes it feels like I have too many irons in the fire.

All these things are fun and I adore the friends I am making (the ones I know in daily life, and the ones I've never met in person but who make me feel welcome in their circles just the same) but this is just to say if you don't hear from me for a few days, a week, don't call the police. ;)

I'm still here. I'm just making pancakes with the kids and taking the pictures to prove I didn't burn down my house in the process. Thanks for following along! :)

 Check out more shots at Monday Rewind, and And Then She Snapped
The first shot is for Macro Monday

My Heart

This was the other night, before bedtime. It makes me so happy to see how much the older two love their little brother. I'm amazed at how sweet and protective they are with him. Example: Jericho was crying the other day, and Merrick pats him on the head and says, "It's ok, guy, I know how you feel."

These three have totally taken over my heart, and even on the days I want to pull out my own hair, I know I'm so blessed to have them to love. Now if I could just get the older two to be as sweet to each other as they are to Jericho...

 Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. / Philippians 1:3-4

This shot is for Simple as That, Sunday Snapshot,  Scripture and a Snapshot and The Paper Mama. 

Dog Person...I'm not.

I stayed at my mom's recently for a night while the hubs was gone on a conference for work. It was weird being back overnight, but also kind of nice to have 3-4 other people to hold J-Hawk (aka tarbaby) and give me a little break. Also, mom always has lots of food I don't buy because I know what will happen when I buy it.

Aside from the extra people at mom's, there's also lots of furry family members. They have 3 cats and 2 dogs. I am used to cats...I like cats. I have realized that the older I get, however, the less I like dogs. (I know I know...it's kind of un-American...but dogs usually smell funky and the biggest reason? Teeth. I've been chased one too many times by those teeth while running to be a fan. Sorry dog lovers.)

My mom's dogs are thankfully small, and haven't attempted to bite me...yet. (One actually belongs to one of my sisters.) They do try to take my food and make ungodly squeaky noises early in the morning, however. I have a 5 week old baby, there are enough ungodly squeaky noises in my early morning hours. They are kind of cute, though. I mean, besides all those sharp little teeth.

Check out more "Looking In" shots at YouCapture.  

The first shot is for This or That, and the second shot is for Show Off.

Just the Two of Us

The last few days it had been just me and the little man. (I hadn't advertised that, cuz you know, burglars? But the hubs was away on a leadership conference for work and the older two hooligans went to stay with their grandparents) They are all back safe and sound now, and the volume level has once again gone through the roof. As it should be around here.

We didn't do much. We snuggled and slept, went to a SuperBowl party (Where I ate lots of bad food and J was passed around and snuggled until his heart's content. Because he can't not be held. Or he screams. Loud.) and we also went grocery shopping before the Superbowl party. This was not the smartest thing I've ever done. Apparently everyone and their football-loving uncle go shopping right before the Superbowl starts. This is proven by the fact that the chip aisle was missing all the chips.

He slept pretty good (and in his own bed!) while it was just us. I think he knows he has his daddy wrapped around his finger and can get into our bed just by making those cute little squeaky noises in the wee-hours of the morning. Mommy is a little bit meaner. (Or maybe it's just that I slept with that kiddo in my belly for 38 weeks, and it's daddy's turn?)

Either way, we had a good few days together. Some fun bonding time just the two of us. But I'm glad to have my whole bunch back together. I've learned from the past few days quiet that as much as I like quiet...I don't really like when it's quiet for but so long. :)

The first shot is for Tones on Tuesday, Communal Global, 

The second shot is for Happiness Project, Capturing Beauty, and Sweet Violet.

The last is for Sweet Shot.