Counting Our Blessings

Working to find the great good, the greater glory in God

2012-02-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

Ahh many times we've made the attempt to be good Christians. We've talked about it, looked at it but never really accepted it into our lives. This time feels different. This time feels more real, more solid, like something that I can wrap my hand around and feel and hold close. Maybe it's the struggles we go through, maybes it's the past rearing it's ugly head, maybe it's the triumphs we have seen and felt, maybe it's just the right time. No matter the cause, I feel dedication. I feel an invisible push to be better, to do better, to do right, not for my own cause, but because if feels like God wants me in this direction. Maybe I'm finding comfort in our Sundays at church, maybe I feel like I'm back home after a long rocky leave of absence. Maybe I'm growing up and willing to accept life in a different structure than I was before. Maybe I want my children to have the same church memories I have and I want them to have the faith and belief that God is in all things. I'm not really sure. I search my soul and some days I'm a mess, other's I'm feel strong and on point. Each day is different. Each hour is changing, each minute brings me closer to God.

My Mamaw has been on my mind, I know she's watching over us, she shes my shortcomings, my struggles and she loves me anyways. I know God is with her, keeping her safe and now that she is not hindered by her earthly body she's happier now. I know she would be proud of the direction I am trying to take. My children's baptism would mean the world to her. I miss her.

Blogging may help, but I want to track this journey, I want to make moments on paper that my kids can ready for themselves later as I strive to be a better mom, a better wife, a better friend. I want to put their memories where they can read them later on. So here's to blogging, here's to life and love, and here's to family and the greater glory of God.

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven."

September 30th, 2001

2010-10-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

September 30th has come and gone for the 9th time now. These past 9 years have been the best I have ever had. There has been so many changes (good & bad) in these past 9 years but the birth of my son in the early morning on September 30th, 2001 was one of the greatest moments in my life. I can't honestly believe he's 9. That makes me older too and I really don't feel any older or more mature but the changes I've watched in him are things I can't describe or have words give justice too. He is slowly changing into a young man, one that can do things on his own, knows his likes & dislikes & one that doesn't always need his mom anymore. As heartbreaking as it is for me to not be needed. I know I am succeeding as a mother because of the type of person he has become. They say children make your life fly by, I completely agree. I can not account for where these past 9 year flew too. They say don't blink because if you do, you're child will be grown, I believe it. So here are some things on Kaleb, the 9 year old!

He's in the 3rd grade
Loves football & baseball
No girlfriend (thank goodness)
Loves playing play station or being outside (great balance)
Got all As & 1 B on his last report card
He has completely adjusted to the 3rd grade
His teacher thinks he is an absolute gem (her words, not mine!)
Tested out reading at an almost 5th grade reading level
Excels in Math
Loves reading the Harry Potter books
Hates "melted tomatos" & stringy cheese

When he grows up he wants to play for the NFL or MLB but if those don't work out he wants to be a Marine.

Kaleb's Open House

2010-09-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Kaleb is starting a new school this year. He was very excited before school started. After the first week, his excitment kinda went dim, he felt like all the kids already had their friends and he said he missed his friends and his old school but I told him to keep his head up. He is very likable and such fun to be around that if he gave it some time I was sure the other kids in his class would love him too. This week we haven't had any 'moments' so I'm thankful. But Kaleb is finding the transition into the 3rd grade to be a tough one. This year they have 3 text books, homework everynight so far, and a lot more responsibility. He is responsible for writing down his homework in his planner, he is responsible for knowing what to do and ask questions before the end of he day. He has a homework planner he is required to write all assignments in, book reports that require him to read and write a full page report in 3 weeks, and he is really starting to see that school isn't the "cake walk" he has had up to this point. Needless to say our home has been a battle ground this week with trying to "preach" responsibility. Kaleb is a super smart kid. Tested really high on the accelerated reading book test and comprehension, can do math like I can eat pie, however, Kaleb is NOT Mr. Responsible.... haha (neither was I at this age, paybacks anyone?). Hopefully after the trials of this week he will proceed to be better at keeping his assignment book updated and correct....... I love being a mother, I think it's something I was meant to do in my life, but I tell you what, just keeping track of what my kids need on a day to day basis could be a full time job!

We had Kaleb's school open house last night. The school is smaller but everyone seems friendly and on track with what the kids need to do to be successful. I have had several interactions with his teacher via email and she is quick to respond which is wonderful. His teacher seems like she is a no non-sense kinda lady and that's what Kaleb needs, especially being in a class of 16, Yes SIXTEEN boys and 5 girls..... she has been teaching awhile and seems to have a great grasp of what is needed to keep the attention of kids at this age. I look forward to this school year with Kaleb & watching him adjust and grow and take a step towards becoming a responsible young man. He makes everyday an adventure and I love him sooo much!

Kaleb's Go-Kart & other fun!

2010-08-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

Kaleb decided he wanted to do things he had never done before while on vacation, this included riding GO-Karts for the first time and jumping on this machine that let you fly up in the air using huge rubber bands, all while jumping on a trampoline. I have to admit it was not good for my heart at first but he had so much fun you couldn't help but smile when you heard him laughing as he flipped in the air.

Peyton's First trip to Build A Bear

2010-08-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

While we were in Myrtle Beach I decided Peyton needed a "Myrtle" Bear to commemorate her first vacation. Thankfully she had her big brother's help but she was very interested in everything that was going on!

(she was shaking her head in the picture above, looks a little blurry!)

Family Vacation

2010-08-31T08:57:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of August we went on our first family vacation as a family of four... I can't tell you how much more I had to pack than I initially thought! Whew! We went to Myrtle Beach and stayed in a great hotel called The Reef. It was Soooo family friendly and had a water park, 2 pools, a lazy river, hot tubs, and several baby pools/water areas where Peyton could play and I could still see Kaleb in the big pool! We had a blast!

We went to Ripley's Believe it or not Aquarium.

Boardwalk on the Beach - where there was a Hard Rock Cafe and Joe's Crab Shack!

Peyton had her first ride on a carousel and LOVED it!

We spent TONS of time in the pool and on the beach. Both of my kids are water babies! Kaleb & Peyton have both loved the water since birth and continue to love it as they get older. Kaleb loved riding the waves in the ocean and had a blast! He says we def need to go back every year for summer and we hope we can too!

4 Wheeling

2010-07-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

I just have to laugh at how lucky I am. How grateful I should be for my life. My son and daughter are both wonderful, healthy, smart kids. Kaleb has us laughing so hard at dinner last night that thought my face would crack and Peyton is always entertaining us with the new things she learns in just a days time.

For her birthday my parents bought her a 4 Wheeler power wheels. It's only for younger children so it's not a huge one, but regardless, we didn't think she'd master the pushing of the red go button for awhile, boy were we wrong... She has now figured it out! Here are some short videos. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have!

1 yr Pictures & appt

2010-07-21T10:45:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note: Peyton had her one year doctor appointment Monday. Everything is great! And we had her one year pictures done! I loved them!

At 12 months she is:
20.1 lbs
70% in her height
right on track with solids foods and transitioning from breastmilk into regular milk

things we need to work on are....
getting her "late night meal" to cut completely out. I feel bad because she is cutting some serious teeth right now and I know she's in pain, she wakes up crying and soothes back to sleep by eating. I keep telling myself once this tooth is through we are done with the nighttime feedings... so we shall see!

All in all we have a healthy, happy little baby girl. She did get 3 shots and had been a bit cranky from those with a slight fever but that should go away in a couple days!

I still can't believe she's one! Here are just a couple of her one year pictures!!! She wasn't feeling her best but the pictures turned out great!

Peyton Elaine's 1st Birthday

2010-07-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

Time has FLOWN by. I can't believe that she is already a year old. Where did the year go? Really? So much has happened in the past year. So many changes. I'm hoping I can get better at my blogging. I've been very lazy with it. So on we go...

Peyton's party was a princess theme. Yes I know, me and pink, but I'm getting adjusted. I was very happy with all the decoration and balloons! The cake was delicious and beautiful! Thank you Lanny!

For whatever reason she would not get messy with the cake! Complete opposite of Kaleb on his 1st!

We were so blessed to have many friends and family come and share this day with us... I'm thankful for them all. Even though it rained we were still able to have a pretty great party! I still can't believe she is actually one. Today is her birthday, July 13th, 10:19am. What great gifts God has given us with her and her brother! I am very blessed.

She got so many great presents, clothes, toys, she is a very loved little girl by many!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

So it's been a long while since I've been on, I keep promising myself that I'll do better, write more, maybe once we get settled into the house I will, right now life seems to be flying by. I'm getting prepared to go back to work, trying to get everything with the new house in order and get the kids situated, laundry seems endless, and Peyton is growing up so fast that I don't know what happened to the new born baby I just had. I can hardly believe she is going to be 5 months old here soon. Everyday is something new. So here are the updates so far....

Kaleb is done with football (thankgoodness), his team had a 500 record so they didn't make the playoffs which he was sad about, I was secretly glad, 3 nights of practice a week, then down to 2 nights and games every weekend were hard with a new born, he's already talking about next year. He would play all year round if he could. He is skipping basketball this year due to us moving, having to live with my parents for the down time inbetween houses and the far drives it would have been to take him to and from practice while living with my parents (about an hour drive just one way). He's doing good in school but is welcoming the time off with Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. He is a sweet boy. I'm very thankful to have him in my life.

Peyton is changing everyday, she's doing something new all the time, we are getting ready to start her with eating cereal, she seems to be ready. When we eat dinner she just sits in her high chair and watches us eat. I feel bad because she's not able to have anything of her own, but she is still satisfied with her milk so that's good! :) She's now rolling all the way over now, can sit up with a little support and is laughing that sweet baby laugh that would make anyone smile. She's growing so fast. Her last appointment on Saturday she weighed in at 14.5 pounds! :) She is such a happy baby. She's has had her first cold this week. It's been rough at night but she's still smiling. The dr said it would last maybe 5 to 7 days. We are on day 6, it seems to be breaking up but she's so snotty and sneezes all the time. I just wish I could make it all better.

Frankie & I are going with the flow, it's Christmas time, our favorite time of year, the holidays are just a great time for us to celebrate all we've achieved over the last couple years and we get to spend more time with each since we have off work on the holidays. I love the Christmas decorations, the music, the time spent with family and friends. I love the sweatshirt weather, football, and everything that comes along with fall and Christmas.

Thanksgiving is a time for me to think about all that I've been blessed with in my life, and although I am thankful and pray everynight for what I've been given in my life, today just gives that warm fuzzy feeling that you can't get anywhere else than from being around your loved ones!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.

3 Months Old

2009-10-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

My girl is 3 months old... her recent developments have been that she - constantly sticks out her tounge! :P - can now roll from her back to her right side - LOVES to suck on her thumb, sometimes her whole hand! :) - is very very vocal, she is SO close to laughing, So adorable - she is now wearing only 3-6 month clothes, where has the time gone?! Here are the pictures we had taken for her 3 months... I was such a proud momma...

Kaleb Turned 8 Today

2009-09-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

So my little man turned 8 today, we had his party last Saturday and he has 2 little buddies spend the night and go to the movies. Despite the rain and everyone being completely crammed into my tiny house, I think it went really well! Next year will be better when we are in the new house! Enjoy the pictures!

Sleeps Anywhere!

2009-09-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

So lately Peyton has been very non-selective on where she falls asleep! I thought this was a great photo op! She fell asleep sitting up on the couch! :)

We love our Bengals!!!

2009-09-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

Peyton's New Toy

2009-09-10T20:17:00.001-07:00

Peyton got a new toy!!! It's a kicking coaster! Her little legs are not quite long enough to kick off completly but she can press her toes on the platform and move herself a little. She just smiles. She is growing up Way too fast! Enjoy the pictures!

Reflecting Moment

2009-09-02T20:54:00.001-07:00

So here I am, again, late at night, collecting my thoughts, thinking of the past couple months, thinking of the months ahead. Life has such a strange way of coming full circle, of having you feel like you've been here before, felt this way before, lived in this moment in some other time.

I look at my daughter as she lay in my lap sleeping, 7 weeks old, and wonder how the time has passed so quickly, how a little over 7 weeks ago I was so excited to meet this little lady that was causing such a stir in my belly and in my life, and now 7 weeks later, she is here. Her personality coming threw more and more everyday. I enjoy our moments, the ones in the morning where she is all smiles after she wakes up, where she will lay and just look at me with eyes filled with wonderment and happiness and she'll coo and "talk" to me. The times where she is tired and just wants to lay her head on my chest and listen to my heart so it will make her drift off to sleep. These are the moments I love, that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. It makes me melt and ache all at the same time. Ache because I don't want these moments to pass so quickly. Realizing that at the end of this month my son will be 8, is a 2nd grader, and doesn't need me as much as he used too. He has his own life now, his buddies, his sports, his school and homework. He is just such a bright kid, so loving and yet trying to find himself all the same, he tests my patience and yet I love him all the same. I love him no matter how much trouble he causes or how much he doesn't listen, or just flat out ignores me when he doesn't want to do something.. haha, but we've all been there. It's true love when no matter what, you know you will love them more and more everyday.

My life has been so blessed, my time off with my daughter has been so wonderful and I'm afraid it will all pass much too soon and I'll be going back to work and she'll be growing up way too fast. I can't believe just in one month she's already
- holding up her head, although wobblely.
- scooting herself around in almost a full circle in "tummy time"
- her awake periods are longer and more alert, she will watch TV or stare at the fan moving on the ceiling.
- she smiles and talks when I talk to her
- she sleeps all through the night only to wake up once to eat
- when she hears my voice, Frankies or Kaleb's, she turns her head to try to look for them
- she loves to stick her hands in her mouth, she finds them very entertaining.
- her favorite way to be held is on your shoulder so she can look around and take in the world.
- most recently she loves to be outside just looking around, our trips to the bus stop are incredible with how quiet she gets as she looks around and surveys everything with a coo here or another adorable noise that she makes.

I think I'm going to try to walk with her outside more often so she can take it all in before it gets too cold. Lately fall has been making it's presence known with the cooler weather.

So I ramble and ramble on... I want to write down everything so I don't forget, I never want to forget these moments that are so gentle, so loving and passing way to quickly.

The Swing

2009-08-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

So my daughter hated this swing from the day we brought her home from the hospital, I have no clue what made me try it today but I did and she slept in it for 45 minutes and then woke up and was smiling, all happy! A small but meaningful milestone!

Kaleb's First Football Game

2009-08-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

Kaleb had his first game this past Saturday! They WON!!! 7-6!! It was SOOOO hot, we thought we'd melt! They boys did great for their first game! This is a big change from last year, the coaches are NOT allowed to be on the field to help with positioning on the line and what not and they actually kick off...

My Second Grader

2009-08-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

Kaleb started the 2nd grade today! I can't believe how fast he has grown. He is turning into such a great little man. I had to take all my pictures before he went to the bus with his friends! haha :)

Here are my two sleepy heads....

Before I woke him up.

Peyton didn't have to get up, lol, but she watched her big brother get on the bus!!!

When Kaleb came home and he was So excited. He loves his teacher, he has a lot of friends in his class and he gets to walk with the older kids down the Big hallway to his classroom!!

The Flood

2009-08-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

So I'm not sure if many of you follow the weather out here on the East Coast but we just recently got slammed with some crazy thunder storms that dropped a ton of rain on us. We had gone out to dinner and within 2 hours it had rained so much that when we got back home we couldn't drive up to our house. I had to get out at the end of our street and wade to the house. At some points the water was almost up to my knees, I got us all over night clothes and we went and stayed at my parents. Thankfully there was no damage and just a bit of clean-up that needed to be done. We were very lucky it didn't flood our home. Here are some pictures....

This is Frankie's truck, you can see half our front yard is under water and you can not see the road.

This is actually a street that runs between our home (on left) and our neighbors, can't see the road at all until you look up closer to the hill and the water was actually rushing and carrying debri.

One Month Pictures!!!!

2009-08-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

So we got our one month pictures done, and whether you can tell it or not Miss Peyton was sound asleep and did not want to wake up for her pictures... once we finally got her awake she would not smile, lol... but I think we turned out some really good pictures!!!! I can't believe how big she has gotten already.....

Extras! :)

2009-08-13T23:00:00.001-07:00

My babygirl is One Month Old!!!

2009-08-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

Stats:

Birth: 7lbs 8oz 20.8 inches

1 Month: 9lbs 15.5oz 22.5 inches

My little girl is growing so fast! It is unreal how much she has changed already. She is lifting her head off my shoulder for a little amount at a time. She loves to look around. She has started making all sorts of noises. I love every minute I get to spend with her. I dread when I have to go back to work. I miss her already just thinking about.

Here are a few pictures... We are getting her 1 month pictures taken this weekend..... Im so excited......

A few pictures

2009-08-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a view updated pictures.

My baby girl!!!

Car seat! and her HUGE pacifier aka RuRu LOL

I LOVE this picture!!!

Her first time in the bouncie seat, she wasn't a fan. haha...

Didn't mind the dates, I didnt' realize my camera was off!

Peyton Elaine

2009-08-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Miss Peyton blessed our lives on July 13th, 2009 and she has been a joy ever since. She was born at 10:19am, weighing 7.8lbs and measuring at 20.8 inches long. Labor was fairly easy although the epidural did not work like it was suppose to.... ouch!!!

Kaleb has been great throughout this whole transition for our expanding family. He loves his little sister and he is very watchful over her. He is such a sweet boy. We are so very lucky to have two wonderful children.

Daddy has been wrapped around her little finger since the word go..... :)

We go for Peyton's one month check up this week... I can't believe how the time has flown by. Soon Kaleb will be starting school as a big second grader. He has already started his second season playing tackle football.... pictures to come! Life is busy but it is wonderful....

Nursery

2009-07-09T21:54:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been on here in Forever... with getting married, being preggo, having Kaleb in all sorts of activities, my life has been crazy. Well God has forced me into a "timeout" of my own since my doctor has put me on bed rest the last couple weeks.... I won't be on bedrest long, the Lord knows I couldn't take it, but it's good to have some down time to get the final things ready for Peyton before she makes her arrival....

We've had a lot of struggles on the way to this point, life has taken many twists and turns, but I know through each of them, Frankie & I have grown stronger, our bond more secure than the day before, and not only is he now my husband, but much more than a best friend could ever be.

I've taken a 'video' of the nursery, enjoy!!!

This Weekend

2009-05-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

So I haven't wrote for a minute and I don't have much time tonight because I'm exhausted and we're watching the Caps not do so well....

Needless to say it's been one of those weeks of highs and lows, we've had good news and bad. Kaleb was sick but he's pulling through and making a fast recovery. We scheduled our tour for the hospital today, soon I'll have to pack my "hospital bag". I can't believe time is getting so close.. summer is almost here, time is flying by. Kaleb will be a second grader in just a few short weeks. I just can't believe all the changes, life is really good when you stop and look past some of the misfortunes we've had. But God watches over us, he has a plan for us and things will work the way they should because we will be stronger in the end.... I must say, with everything that goes on, Frankie & I tighten our bond and it feels really good to have someone like him to lean on and spend my time with and make a family with. I'm so thankful.

This weekend is my baby shower! I can't wait.... it's so exciting! And it looks like we will have a good turn out and I'm excited to see everyone!

Frankie & I are still getting wedding card and presents from people. I can't believe that many people have thought of us enough to go out and get us a card even after the fact of our little wedding. It means so much to have people surrounding us that care like they do.

I hope everyone is doing well... I hope to post more pictures soon. I need to get some updates on here but I'm slow! :) And I'm getting more tired as each day passes, with less sleep because I just can't get comfortable! But in 2 months or so, it will all be worth it when Miss Peyton arrives!

Take Care!

The Nursery

2009-05-05T17:27:00.001-07:00

Frankie & I have been working diligently on this nursery! We hope Miss Peyton enjoys it half as much as we've enjoyed putting it together! Please be advised that the furniture you see is what Kaleb used almost 8 years ago! It looks brand new!!!