Catching Up: June

Well that was a long break! I have a lot to catch this blog up with. Jonah and Haley have had birthdays, we've made a major purchase and Jonah started school!

For now though, I will catch up the month of June. Here are the highlights!

- Jonah finished up the tee-ball season and had a great time! He got really good at making contact with the coach pitches!

- Our church held it's VBS and the kids had a great time in their classes. I taught Haley's age for a couple of the nights.

- We bought the building supplies and Michael and my Dad built the kids a new play set. This was their joint birthday gift from us.

- Michael and I celebrated 11 years of marriage with a quick weekend trip to Murray, KY and then to spend the night in Eddyville, KY at Maple Hill Bed & Breakfast. It was a nice and relaxing break!

Catching Up: May

The blog has been way on the back burner. I may even just quit trying here soon. I am trying to get caught back up on my monthly scrapbook layouts for the kid's books. So here is May and hopefully I'll have June done this weekend too!

Jonah's Preschool Graduation

Last Thursday was Jonah's last day of Preschool and they had a little program for all the 4 year olds. It was the cutest thing ever to see all those kids perform. The teachers do such a great job. Each class came out and did a song. I was so amazed that hardly any of the kids seemed nervous at all to be on the stage under those lights.

Jonah's class was the last one to come out and perform and they did a song called Run to Jesus and they had to run in place and clap their hands. Then the whole group did a couple of songs together. They did This Little Light of Mine and Jesus Love Me. Then they did a silly song where they had to do different moves and by the end everyone had to close their eyes and stick out their tongue and sing. Well Jonah was in the back in the middle and he didn't do any of the moves at all. I know he had to have practiced it. We asked him why he didn't participate and he said "he didn't want to stick his bottom out." LOL Well they all did look pretty silly!!

Then they called each of their names to receive their Bible. This was not a rinky-dink Bible either! They each got a hard-cover ESV study Bible with a concordance and maps in the back. It has cross-references and everything. Easily a $40 Bible at the store! He loved getting that and asked us to read from it for several nights since then.

Overall, we could not be happier with the experience we had with this Christian preschool program! It went above anything I had imagined for Jonah and he has flourished and learned so much. I can tell tat he is just on the cusp of learning to read already. I am going to get some tips from my friend that is a Kindergarten teacher to see if I can get him started reading over the summer some....we'll see.

I know that he is ready both socially and intellectually now for Kindergarten. I just can't believe in a little over 2 months we will be starting school!!!

Jonah and his Frog classmates walking out to do their song.

 Doing the running part of the song.

And the clapping part...

 Lots of boys in his class!

Doing This Little Light of Mine.

This is basically how he looked during the entire "silly song". 

After his name was called.

Getting his Bible from his teacher.

The one and only family picture we managed to get after it was all over.

Recap of April

Well I've slacked on blogging but not on my scrapping. Here is a quick snapshot of how our April went for the most part. Here are few more details that I didn't scrap about.

1. My birthday fell on Easter this year and that was really fun! We got the holiday dinner and the birthday done in one fell swoop and without the additional calories. LOL I got some money for my birthday and spent it mostly on clothes and shoes.

2. Haley has been behind in her talking so our pediatrician recommended she be evaluated by the Tennessee Early Intervention System. Over the course of a few meetings it was determined that she does qualify for some free assistance for speech so we got that started this month too. We've had 3 visits so far and her language is already improving! :)

3. Jonah went to school this whole month and really has learned a ton! His social skills are what I am most happy about though. That was the main reason we decided to do PreK, was to get him around more kids his age. I am so happy that we invested in him this way. He is so ready for school now!

4. My brother and sister-in-law found out they are having a GIRL!! We are so excited for them. They had a small reveal party at her parent's home and they chose to light a smoke-bomb (not as scary as that sounds) and it would either be blue or pink, and it was bright pink!!! I am already looking forward to buying some stuff for Adaline and helping Mandy in any way I can to get ready for her arrival in late summer.

Tee-Ball & Life Lately

Long time no bloggy! Life keeps us busy around here and with Jonah playing a short little Tee-Ball season, it even more busy. Plus this is the last week of his preschool and we've just been busy with normal stuff. I have a lot to catch-up on in blogging and scrapbooking.

We signed Jonah up for his first year to play Tee-Ball. They can start at age 4 and go to age 6. He got on a great little team with a great set of coaches/Dads that are really teaching the kids the basics of the game. There are a few other new players on his team and some older ones too that he can learn from. Thankfully our league is pretty easy-going at this level. They don't have outs and everyone gets 2 turns to bat and play the field. They use the tee after about 4 or 5 pitches. Jonah says he loves it and he even got to tag someone "out" last game (the coaches helped him a bit).

At some point, I'm sure there will be a team picture taken professionally but I decided to lug out my big camera and get some pictures of Jonah one pretty Saturday while Haley was napping. I may or may not have bribed him with a special treat (fruit snacks) to get these shots. Hey! It worked!

We love our little ball player and love that he learning new skills and making new friends!

March in Scrapbook Pages

March completely go away from me on blogging and scrapbooking. I just finished my monthly 2-page spread though so I figured it can speak for me. We started the month of March with a huge snow (for our area) and ended with somewhat mild weather and the beginnings of Spring. I would say it was definitely in like a lion and out like a lamb.

2015 EASTER BASKETS

I thought it would be so fun to join in a blog link-up just sharing our kids Easter Baskets. I mean, we only get so many years that our kids are really into getting something in their baskets. I can still remember when the whole Easter basket thing was over and we just got some chocolate. I was grateful for the chocolate bunny, but the anticipation was gone.....so now I get to relive it with MY kids!

 Haley (1.5)

Fisher-Price Tea Set

Squeak Eggs

Easter Story book

Sunglasses from Target

Bubbles, plush food and bunny ears all from Dollar General

 Jonah (4.5)

Archery Set

The Monster At the End of this Book (loved this as a kid)

Paw Patrol items from Target

Kite, bunny ears, chocolate bunny and Playdoh tool from Dollar General

Linking up HERE!! Join us!!

I hope you have a Happy Easter!

32 Things I've Learned In My Years

I thought it would be fun to make out a list (in no certain order) of things I've learned as I approach my 32nd birthday on April 5th (Easter Sunday!!) These are all things that I've learned about myself personally, not about anyone else. So here goes!


1. God loves me completely, He made me and He wants to spend time with me.

2. Prayer works!

3. Love my people the best I can each day because I am not promised tomorrow with them.

4. Listen (don't talk) when older people tell me something. It's usually a good word.

5. Love your husband because God first loved him and he is made in His image.

6. Get/keep my priorities straight and my life will go better: God, spouse, kids, others, yourself. Something that it a constant thing I have to remind myself.

7. The more time I spend in God's Word, the better I know Him and what He wants for I. (Psst...it's all good stuff)

8. Time doesn't stop just because I want it to.

9. I need at least 7 hours of sleep in order to be an adult the next day. I can survive on less but I wouldn't categorize myself as an adult.

10. I could eat Mexican food everyday of my life...given the choice. I am not exaggerating.

11. I am no fun in the winter months.

12. I like to have a plan and a routine.

13. When the plan or routine gets out of whack...I sometimes have issues..something I am working on.

14. Time, distance and availability don't matter to the people that truly love you. They are there for you when you really need them to be and those are your true friends.

15. I am not a "labels" person. I don't care if my jeans are the right brand or if my make-up comes from a dept. store. I don't like to waste money on brands. I would rather save that money for something I really want or for my kids.

16. Along those same lines, I don't get caught up in what I drive, looks like. I drive a 10 year old mini-van and as long as it runs, blows cold AC and doesn't leave me stranded, I will continue to drive it.

17. I do insist on buying brand name ketchup. Off-brand just doesn't taste good at all.

18. Back to more meaningful things...I have learned that the best way to do or be something is by just doing it. I always wanted to sew and so I asked my Granny to teach me. It was hard at first but I stuck to it and now I can say I know how to sew!

19. I have learned that money (the lack of or even the abundance) is always going to be something you have to communicate with your spouse on. You have to be honest and open all the time. It never really gets easier you just get used to it.

20. Getting an education is hard and takes time, money, stress and grit but it's worth it. It's so worth it!

21. Plan for the future but live in the present.

22. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

23. Say what you mean and mean what you say! (Thanks Bill Cheatham!)

24. When you promise something to your kid or any kids, really, make sure you keep your promise or don't make the promise at all. They will remember.

25. I feel better when I move more during the day. I have to remind myself of this a lot.

26. The more I serve others, the better I feel about myself. I serve my family everyday but I look forward to the day when I have more time to serve those outside of my home.

27. When I mess up the best course of action (no matter how I feel like reacting) is to own up to it, apologize and ask how I can make it better. Believe me when I say that other tactics don't end well for all involved.

28. I can't deal with pushy sales people. They ignite all the bad emotions when I come in contact with them.

29. I would make the absolute worst sales person ever.

30. I don't have to agree with everyone but I also don't have to tell them why I think they are wrong.

31. I don't believe that everything can get done (that I want to get done) in a day. When my house is clean the meal doesn't get made. When the meals are planned the house is a mess. No one does it all!

32. The most efficient way for me to feel horrible about myself is to compare myself to others, see that I don't measure up, and forget that God made me for a certain purpose.

Do you identify with any of my 32 things? I would love to hear some of yours, too!

Lessons in Contentment & Letting God Lead

Being an adult is hard! We all know that and sometimes I can't believe I am old enough to be making a mortgage payment and changing a diaper that is my own child's. I know that seems crazy but it's just true some days. Lately I feel like I've been living a season of life that has been stressful and hard. I mean hard is probably too strong because there are definitely people going through truly hard things right now and mine doesn't even compare.

So basically about 10 months ago, Michael and I decided that now was the time to get our house ready to sell so that we could start the process of building our dream home (well our last home) on some family land nearby. Well basically we took all the proper steps to help make that happen but yet here we are...still in the same place. A six month period of having our house listed and trying to keep it as clean as possible while still living our lives and just hoping that the right person would come along and want it. Of course these were all of OUR plans. Obviously God has a different plan in mind. I have no idea what it is but I think it may have something to do with teaching us (well mainly me) about being content.

Source

There is so much about this house that I am just so sick of. The backyard is a huge downward hill that the kids can't play in. I am sick of dealing with the pool maintenance. The basement is not tall enough. My laundry is downstairs. We only have ONE FEAKING bathroom! It was like the moment we inked the listing papers I was ready to ditch this joint.

But over the last couple of months I think God has been working on me a lot in this area regarding where we live. I have worried and stressed over it enough. It's time to let God take control of the situation and trust that He knows when and where our family needs to be. The truth is this home is special to me and it's cozy and comfortable (for the most part). It's been the vessel to hold me as I became a Mom for the first time and the second time. It's been where we have enjoyed so many precious moments as a young family. The truth is I know that a bigger and better home is not always the best thing or the solution to all your problems. 

So we've decided that listing this Spring again is not what feels right. With Jonah starting Kindergarten in a few short months, we think that keeping our lives simple and settled here and enjoying this time together before he starts school full-time is right. I have just had such a peace over having made this decision together.

I feel like this time has been given to me to grow in trusting God to guide our lives and know that He has a purpose for this time of non-change. In fact, I know He has a purpose as I've already experienced so much peace from letting go of the extra plates I have been trying to balance on my head...and in my mind...and in my heart.

February Pages & Jonah's PreK Art Show

I am trucking along with more digital scrapbooking for the kid's books. I recently finished a 2-page February layout and a single page layout of Jonah's art show.

How I Met Michael, Our Engagement & Wedding {Show & Tell Tues.}

Hello and welcome!! Today I am linking up with Andrea at Momfessionals for Show and Tell Tuesday. I am sharing how I met and got engaged to my husband, Michael. Welcome to any newcomers and I hope you enjoy these lovely throw-back pictures. I had a great time going through my old PRINTED pictures and scanning then in. Ya'll I even kept all the negatives and film rolls! Nerd-alert!!

About 2003 - some early engagement pictures taken by my Dad

HOW WE MET:

I had just gotten out of my high school romance (first love) of 3 years and I was a freshman in college. I was living with my wonderful grandmother in town and commuting to school in Nashville. I was ready to date but not looking (I had just had my heart-broken). I went to my cousin's college graduation party at my Aunt's house and there were some of their friends there that I didn't know. Their son was their too (Michael) but I didn't meet him that night. I definitely got a good look at him and later I told my Aunt that I thought he was a "hottie" (this was Dec. 2001). Well she is a notorious match-maker (she set up my parents and her daughter with their spouses) and she told Michael what I had said and gave him my number (after she asked my parent's permission). He called me out of the blue and asked if we could go out to eat and I said yes. He came and picked me up at my parent's home one weekend that I was there and we went out to eat at Olive Garden and went to see some movie. The main thing you need to know is at the time he drove a jacked up Ford bronco that he had to literally hoist me into. So yeah it got a little personal that first date. Haha! We did kiss goodnight and I remember thinking that was a fun date but didn't have any expectations. Well the next day he shows back up to our house on his Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle and spends the day with me and my family and we got to know each other more.

We ended up dating for a while....like about 8 months and then we broke it off. The fact was that I was a Christian and he wasn't. So some things he was ready for at that point, I was not ready for. Michael will tell you that he "had his head up his butt" during our 1 month breakup and he wrote me really sweet letter (no texting back then) and we made up and started dating again very soon. I did make him earn my trust back though and he started to go to church with me fairly regularly.

The main thing was that God and church were first in my life (or at least I was trying to make them my top priority) and so a lot of times he would want me to go riding on the motorcycle on pretty Sunday mornings and I was like "no, I will be at church and you are welcome to join me." He finally got the hint that this God thing wasn't going away if he wanted to be with me.

HOW WE GOT ENGAGED:

In December 2002, a couple of days after Christmas, my extended family on my Mom's side was all gathered for our family Christmas. After the festivities were over, Michael and I left to head back to my house (my parent's house) and decided to take a walk down by the riverfront area of the town we were in. They have a huge Christmas light display every year along the river front walking area so we wanted to just walk around and talk. I didn't know it at the time but Michael had bought a ring a few weeks prior and was just waiting for the right moment to ask me. I didn't have a clue and we left there and headed to take me home. When we got to my house we went in and got warm and we were just hanging out and waiting for the rest of my family to arrive home from the gathering. Then Michael asked me to step out on the front porch for a minute to look outside at the stars (or something...I honestly can't recall the reason LOL). Then once out on the porch of my childhood home he dropped to one knee and gave me the biggest shock by asking me to marry him. I said "oh my God" when I saw him take a knee and then said "yes" through tears. The ring was beautiful and perfectly picked out for me by him. A little bit later all my family (parents and siblings) arrived home and we shared our happy news. Michael had came down the week before (when I was at my grandmother's house for school) and asked for Dad's permission to have my hand in marriage. Once he got his blessing he met them for supper one night to show my Mom the ring too. Shortly after we got engaged, Michael decided to give his life to the Lord and was baptized into Christ. I am not sure if we would be here today if he hadn't of decided to change his life. I am glad that I trusted the Lord and said yes even though he hadn't said yes to God yet. We were engaged for 1.5 years while I finished my Associates degree and planned our wedding.

Getting my dress fitted at the bridal salon

A group of friends that gave me a lingerie shower. Mandy (top - right) is now my sister-in-law

At my work shower the spring before we married. Tanning bed anyone?

Just playing around with hairstyles for the wedding. Tiaras were all the rage in 2004!

THE WEDDING DAY:

We married on a beautiful June day in 2004 at my home church. There was a pop-up thunderstorm (as happens in the south when the humidity goes up) during the ceremony but was gone shortly after the ceremony ended and reception began. Then God decided to really show off and sent us a beautiful rainbow during the reception. We are so thankful to our photographer (my cousin whose graduation party we first saw each other) that she got this incredible picture that we will treasure forever.

Anybody else get married in 2004? I can't believe it's been so long and yes we were babies when we got married. I was barely 21 and he was 25!