What I Learned in 2011

January - It's amazing how much you can love a little baby.  You don't think that you could love someone so tiny so much, but it's amazing how your heart grows every time you have a child.

February - We can survive anything if we're doing it together..we all had the flu, trying to keep all the germs away from a baby is no easy task!  We did make it through our flu/cold fog and we've all been much better since then!

March - Good friends are hard to find, but when you do, you'll know that you've found them.  We've made some really good friends since we moved to Johnston County, along with ones that we've had all along,  and I couldn't ask for a better support group whenever I need them.  I hope that they know I'm always just a phone call away.

April - Your life can change in an instant..Luckily, with Nixon, we just had a scare. But, there are families that deal with cancer everyday and I can't imagine how it must feel to know that there's nothing you can do to take away that pain from your baby.

May - There's no one more perfect for me than Chris.  We celebrated 8 years this month, 12 years total between dating and marriage and I love him more and more everyday.  He's such a good husband and father to our kids.  He works harder than any person I know so that we can have the things we want and need.  I couldn't ask for a better husband or daddy to our kids.

June - I could never be more proud of my little boy. We had Landon's Awards Day at school and I was one proud momma when I saw my little boy get so many awards.  I know it was only kindergarten, but it's amazing how much you can love one little person. 

July - The beach is much more fun when your kids get to the age where they can play independently.  Our boys are at the age where if you have toys to play with, they're pretty much good to go.  I had forgotten how much work it is to have a baby on the beach!  Luckily, she's a beach bum and mostly slept, but I was stressing the whole time if she would burn, etc. 

August - Sometimes you have to let things go..I just knew I was going to be running marathons after starting my running program, but my body had other plans.  I had to stop running all together.  I took a break, but I'm starting back after the New Year.

September - Thirty isn't so bad..I thought I would have a really hard time with my birthday, but I ended up embracing it and it wasn't so bad..although I will say that I feel like I'm falling apart since I've turned 30!

October - Missing Trick-or-Treating can be a tragedy when you're little.  This year it was pouring, but I couldn't stand the looks on my little boys faces, so off we went.  It's amazing how many kids were out in the pouring rain!  I guess other parents had that guilt too!  The boys had the best time and came home soaking wet!

November - Family traditions are so much fun!  It's crazy that even at a young age, my boys know there are just some things we're going to be doing when the Holidays come around.  I hope that they continue to enjoy it for a few years before they get to the ages where they think everything I want to do is boring! 

December - A year flies by when you have kids..I can't believe my Lily Goose is a year old already!  Also, it's never too late to get a plan together to pay off debt.  Chris & I finally reached that plan together and if all goes according to plan, we'll be debt free (including the house) in ten years!  We paid three items off in the month of December and I couldn't be more excited!

Here's to a Fabulous 2012!!

Christmas 2011

This year, I was looking so forward to Christmas. Our boys are just the right age and I was so excited!  A few days before Christmas, Lily got sick one night, but she was in the middle of a coughing fit, so we chalked it up to that.  Christmas Eve came.  We got ready, went to Chick-fil-a and let the kids play for a while.  Everyone was having such a good time.  Then, we went for our annual Christmas Eve Movie.  We decided to go see "Arthur Christmas."  As soon as we got seated, Lily actually went to sleep.  Just about that time, Landon leans over to me and tells me that his tummy feels really bad.  Chalking it up to too much sugar, we watched the movie.  As soon as we were walking out, Landon said he felt like he needed to throw up.  We headed to the bathroom, but he said he was fine.  We headed to the mall because I had to get a last minute gift.  We had also planned to start a new tradition at Build-a-Bear.  As soon as we got out of the vehicle, Landon let it rip.  Luckily, we were in the parking deck..gotta love being a Mom!  He said he felt better, so we went ahead and did our bears.  We made it home and after about five hours, he was asking what he was going to have for supper.  It was the craziest thing.  Unfortunately, Chris & I were not so lucky.  We both got sick right around bedtime.  Christmas morning, we were a pitiful sight.  Poor Nixon..he was the only one who didn't get sick and he was just running circles around us.  Of course, he does most days!  After opening the presents Christmas morning, we all took about a two and a half hour nap.  Well, except Nixon..who played right on through everyone sleeping.  After waking up, we all felt much better.  Chris & I still were exhausted and achy all over, but we decided we couldn't stay away from family on Christmas, so we headed back home.  It was definitely a Christmas that I'll never forget and I hope no one is sick on Christmas for quite a while!  It was no fun at all!!

 Landon was missing from our Christmas Eve picture because he was sick :(

Poor little buddy..opening presents wore him out!

Merry Christmas!

I've got to say..this year has been the best yet!  My boys, 6 & 4, are so excited for Christmas.  I think it rubs off on Lily too because she's been so excited lately!  I can't wait for tomorrow morning to see their little faces after Santa visits!  I hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and remember the Real Reason for the Season!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. Christmas is only 5 days away!! Craziness!
2. Lily has learned how to snap..and she knows how to use it..she'll snap her fingers at me to get me to do what she wants..can we say spoiled??
3. Does anyone else get worried that they have left someone off of their Christmas list?  Every year, I get so worried that I've forgotten to buy someone something and it drives me crazy!
4. I've downloaded a couple apps to my iPhone for debt.  One is DebtPayoff Pro which I love but it keeps freezing when I try to see how much I've paid off and the second is Pay Off Debt, which I love, but it doesn't summarize my debts.  Either way, according to my debt snowball, we'll be completely out of debt (house and everything) in 10 years!!  Can we say excited??
5. Even with the Christmas holiday, we've managed to pay off two debts the month of December.  We're on a roll folks!
6. Landon is so excited to be on Christmas break.  Basically, he's excited to be able to play his DS non-stop!
7. January is not looking good..I'm starting a diet, workout routine and CPA Review..you might want to steer clear of me until I get a routine down!
8. I tried something new today..it's called "White Trash" and it is delicious!  I think I might try to make it tonight.  You can find the recipe here.
9. Nixon is growing up so fast.  I look at him lately and wonder where my little baby went.  Seems like just last week, he was a rambunctious little toddler and now he seems so grown!  Luckily, he still loves to cuddle like a little baby!
10. I've been thinking lately about all that my family has been blessed with.  We are extremely blessed with health, happiness and freedom to do what we please.  I couldn't be happier where I am in life right now (except maybe a little less debt, but we're working on that). 

I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and remember the Real Reason for the Season!

Growing Up

It's hard for me to believe that Landon is six years old already.  I'm starting to really notice differences that scream to me he's not my little baby anymore.  For instance, most nights when I tuck him in, he kisses me on the cheek instead of right in the smacker like he used to.  When I drop him off at school, he just runs along and doesn't even tell me goodbye.  When we go places (birthday parties, school functions, etc), he doesn't cling to my side anymore..he's off having fun on his own.  And the biggest thing is when I look at those baby pictures and realize that cute, pudgy baby face

is gone.  Instead I'm looking at a handsome young boy.  In one sense, I'd love to have him as my little baby forever..and then on the other hand, I'm ready for him to grow up and see what he becomes.  Chris & I talk about our kids all the time and what we think they will end up doing in their lives.  We pretty much agree that Landon will do something that involves a lot of attention to detail.  He's so OCD about EVERYTHING that we think he'll be an engineer, a surgeon, or maybe even a lawyer with his desire to argue with a wall!  Even though it is sad to see your baby grow up, it's also so fulfilling to know that you've given him the tools to feel confident and go out into the world and make something of himself.  And in the end, he told me that he would always be my baby (even when he's 100), so I'm okay with that!

Lily - 12 Months!!

I know..I know..it's been a while again.  I love to blog, I really do, but I just can't seem to get into a groove!  Onto to the subject at hand..can you believe this little bundle of joy...

is now twelve months old...and looking all grown like this...

She's such a sweet girl, but definitely all girl..with the temper tantrums and attitude to boot!

At 12 Months, Lily:

-Weighs 19 lb, 5 oz. (25%); she moved down in her percentile for weight, but Dr. Garrish didn't seem concerned
-Is 29" long (50%)
-Has a head circumference of 44.5 cm (50%)
-Will walk a few steps, but chooses not to on most days
-Will eat any and everything you give her, until you make her stop eating
-Loves to play patty-cake
-Loves her "babies" and "Dougie" when she is sleepy
-Has two little boyfriends at school that she loves to play with...Noah and Lathan
-Loves to aggravate her brothers, especially Nixon, but she loves to chase Landon
-Hates to wear shoes..she didn't wear them until she was 11 months old!
-Still only has four teeth..and so far not a biter like her brothers were..fingers crossed!
-I have to say that she's pretty spoiled, but it's not entirely my fault..she's spoiled by her Daddy, brothers, Grandparents and even the teachers at school
-She hates to wear hair bows and will yank them off of her head while giving me the stink eye

Ten Things Thursday

It's been a while since I've done one of these, and it's actually supposed to be on Tuesday, but I guess there are no rules if it's my blog, right?

1.  Landon has finished all 500 of his sight words!  I didn't even know he was supposed to be reviewing them every night until around word 300..and even then, if I'm being honest, I didn't make a really big effort to review them with him.  He's just naturally smart and I'm so proud!
2.  Nixon started his new preschool this past Tuesday and the teacher gushed about how smart he was and how much he knows already!  Yes, I'm one proud momma!
3.  Lily is finally getting a tooth up top.  I was beginning to think she'd only have those two little shiners on the bottom!

4.  Chris got another class added on to his load at JCC.  Now, he'll be teaching 7 classes I think.  We're hoping he can work there as a full-time professor before long.
5.  Starting Monday, I'm going on a diet!  My goal is to lose about 30 lbs and I have to stick to it this time!  First step, quit drinking so many Pepsi's!
6.  It's hard for me to believe that in two short months, my baby girl will be a year old!  Where does the time go?
7.  Lily's last bottle of formula was this morning.  She's been drinking whole milk from a sippy cup with her meals, so we'll see how this goes!
8.  I love my little family so much that if I think about it too much, I can bust out into tears.  We're very blessed and I wouldn't trade it for anything for the world! (Well, except the debt!  haha)
9.  I've changed my hours at work so that I can pick Landon up from school everyday.  He's loving that and so am I!  I get to pick the kids up earlier, do homework, and cook supper..all the while not feeling as rushed as I was before I changed my hours.
10. We went to Wayne County Fair last week.  The boys love the fair as much as their momma!  They rode every ride that they were able to ride on, ate the good ole' fair food and then played about five games each.  Everyone left with a tired, happy smiles on their faces!

Dirty 30!

In September, I turned the Big 3-0!  I really can not believe that I'm 30 years old!  I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes, but 30 to me feels SO old!  I had a relatively low-key birthday where Chris treated me like a queen.  He bought me a chocolate/white diamond turtle necklace, along with some diamond earrings that I've been dying to have!  That night, I got to relax, while he did homework with Landon, grilled steaks and potatoes and gave baths to all 3 kids!  Yeah, I'd say he's pretty great!  Now, I'm taking the dirty 30's by storm but I still think that...

Nixon - 4 Years

On September 1st, my little Butterbean turned four years old!  I can't believe it!  I still feel like he's my little baby..mainly because he lets me pretend that he is.  He still loves to crawl up in my lap, rock, and sing songs..and I wouldn't trade it for the world!  At four years old, Nixon is 34.8 lbs (75%), and 3'2" tall (10%).  Because of this, his BMI was kind of high, but the doctor didn't seem worried..he's always been our little butterbean, staying in the 10th percentile in height consistently.  He's still a ball of energy that will drive you to the point of insanity, but sweet and cuddly at the same time.  Here are some facts about Nixon:

Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food:  Cereal
What he wants to be when he grows up:  Super Boy
Best Buddy:  Ben
Favorite Toy:  Army Men, Cows, Space Ship

The Tooth Fairy

On Friday, Landon lost his third tooth.  Seems that a lot of kids must have lost teeth on Friday because the Tooth Fairy didn't even have time to come pick up his tooth Friday night!  Imagine the disappointment when his tooth was still in the pillow on Saturday morning!

Luckily, on Saturday night, she had time to come by our house.  She left a note for Landon apologizing and even threw in an extra two dollars for not showing up on Friday night.

All is well once money is involved :)

Landon - 6 Years

In July, my sweet Landon turned 6 years old!  We had perfect weather at the park that Saturday.  It was a huge blessing to have cooler temperatures, even for just one day, in July.  He enjoyed playing with all of his friends and just being a kid.  He's always my serious child, so I love when he lets loose and just acts silly.  I feel like he wears the weight of the world on his shoulders some days.  I know that's hard for some people to believe because after all, he is only 6.  But, I'm afraid he's going to be a worrier like his momma and you can already tell it.  He is so focused on everything, schoolwork, sports, even his DS so it's not often that he just plays and enjoys being a 6 year old.  (We're working on it though)  I've changed my schedule at work, so that I can pick him up from school everyday.  I can tell a big difference in how he acts at home since then.  I think maybe he just needed a little extra tlc from his momma.  At six years old, Landon is 44.2 lb and 3'9" tall.  It's crazy how much he has grown.  I can see that pretty soon he'll be towering over me, but he's assured me that he'll always be my baby!

Favorite Color:  Red
Best Buddy:  Jayce
Favorite Sport:  Baseball
What He Wants to Be When He Grows Up:  Baseball Player
Favorite Food:  Chicken
Favorite Holiday:  Halloween

Man..time flies!

Lily - 9 Months

It's so hard for me to believe that my baby girl is 9 months old already!  When I took her for her appointment, she weighed 18 lb, 10 ounces, is 28 inches long and her head is 17 inches big.  I don't know any of the percentiles because the computers were down..you don't realize how much people rely on computers, the appointment was crazy because the doctors and nurses were trying to get all the information (questionnaires on milestones, etc) by memory whereas normally they just do it all by computer.

At 9 Months, Lily:
-Crawls like crazy..she thinks it's so funny to crawl away from you when you chase her
-Pulls up on everything, she actually let go and just stood up for the first time on September 21
-Still only has two teeth
-Has climbed up the stairs in our house (1/2 way up before Landon ratted her out)
-Is eating baby food 50% of the time and table food 50% of the time
-Still will not give kisses if she doesn't want to.  She'll turn her head..she completely knows what she's doing when she does it too
-Has started drinking from a sippy cup a little..she still seems to prefer her bottle and will not hold either one if she doesn't want to...what a little PRINCESS!
-Her hair is curling up on the ends

What No One Ever Tells You About Becoming a Mom...

It's amazing how many things people don't tell you before you become a mom...

*No one tells you how tired you'll be when you first have a child..spending sleepless nights barely awake while your baby eats, but yet when that baby sleeps through the night the first time, you can't help but wake up thinking something is wrong!
*No one tells you that you'll be so excited to see your baby grow and see what they're going to be like, but when they get older, you just want them to be a baby again so that you can protect them from everything.
*No one tells you how having one baby will change everything in your world, two babies will rock your world more than anything, and anything over two is just adding one more to the craziness!
*No one tells you that when your child gets sick, you'll worry like crazy until they're better..no matter how small the illness is.
*No one tells you that when you're away from your kids, you'll miss them like crazy, but five minutes after you get around them, you're ready for a break again
*No one tells you that you'd move Heaven and Earth to make them happy and content and that you'll do anything to make them have the best childhood possible.
*No one tells you that you'll say the things your mother used to say to you and then cringe a little because "you'd never tell your child that"
*No one tells you that you'll enjoy Christmas and all other major holidays ten times more with kids.
*No one tells you that a smile, hug, or kiss from one of your babies can make an otherwise bad day wonderful.
*No one tells you that once you have kids, you might as well be wearing your heart on the outside of your body for the rest of your life because you never really understand true, unconditional love until you've had a child of your own!

Disappointment...

Romans 8:28  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Ever have that feeling that nothing you do is good enough?  I've been having that feeling a lot lately!  Well, actually it's something I've always struggled with, but there's something about being a wife and mother that brings it out more.  It's one of those topics that you'd rather push under the rug and not deal with, but what does that really accomplish?  Sometimes you just have to let things out.  So..

*I'd love to be able to run a 5k; really, a half marathon is my big goal, but I just can't seem to get past the pain in my legs.  No matter how much I WANT to be able to do it, it's like my body shuts down and says, "Nope, it's not gonna happen!"  I want to accomplish my goals and enjoy doing it!

*I want to lose weight, but no matter how many diets I try, I can never lose any more than 10 lbs..when you need to lose 30,  ten is not much!  I want to be someone who reaches that goal of 30 lbs lost so that I can feel confident the way I once did. 

*I want to be a good mother and not raise my voice.  I miss my babies when I'm not with them, but ten minutes after picking them up, when they're whining/crying/yelling/fighting, I'm ready for a break again.  I want to be a mother to children who know they're loved and they remember nothing but good things about growing up.  I want them to remember their mom dropping everything else just for a quick snuggle or to play, not worrying about if the house is clean or if my e-mail is checked. 

*I want to be a good wife, but honestly, sometimes you can only fill so many roles in one day and that's usually the one to get thrown to the side.  I want to be a wife that my husband is proud to have and one that doesn't push her husband into last place because that's definitely NOT where he deserves to be!

*I want to be a good friend.  I have a lot of people that I've been friends with for a long time (you know who you are), but if it wasn't for them, we probably would never talk.  I love them all to death, but they're constantly the one who contacts me and not vice versa.  I want to be the kind of friend who calls for no reason, just to check in and see how things are going. 

My goal is to try to change and be the person that I want to be! 

Rockin' the Baby

Not too long ago, we were rockin' the belly over at Shell's Blog..now we're rockin' the babies!  I love being pregnant..but I can't help but look at the glow on that first time pregnant mom's face and think, "You have no idea what you're in for!"  Sure, it's great being a mom, but we all know it's the hardest job that you'll ever love!  So, on a positive note, at least when I'm old and grey, and the teenagers are driving me crazy, I'll have these sweet faces to look at!

Landon at 3 Months..look at those chubby cheeks..he was definitely my good baby..probably why he was first..so I'd have more!  He loved to eat and sleep and hardly ever made a peep!

Nixon..my challenge (to this day!)..he is so sweet but 100% boy..who knows why he's my middle child..he didn't do well with his formula..he had colic..it's a miracle we had #3!  But look at this face..how can you resist pinching those cheeks?? (5 Months)

Who doesn't love a good oreo?  

He's loved his "babies" since Day 1...he still does this with it now when he's tired!

And finally my Lily girl...she's definitely high maintenance like any girl should be..but overall she's been a great baby..especially since she's finally getting her napping schedule figured out..girl loves to eat and sleep just like her oldest brother, which makes momma and daddy happy!  Just a couple weeks old here..

My sweet baby girl...

I absolutely love my babies and I love being a mom..even when they're driving me insane..I can't wait to see them grow, but at the same time, I want them to just slow down!

Have One More or Leave It Like It Is??

Growing up, I always wanted three kids.  Chris, being a middle child, was dead set against having an odd number.  I knew that I wanted more than two, so four was the next logical number.  After having Lily (finally a little girl for me to love on), I feel as if our little family is complete.  But the problem is, I'm scared that I'll regret not having the fourth child.  I didn't really get to "enjoy" my last pregnancy by knowing it was the last time..if that even makes sense!  I know I'll be sad whenever I am done having kids, so I feel like I need to KNOW it's the last time.  Plus, Landon and Nixon kind of pal around together, so who will Lily have to be best buds with growing up?  I absolutely LOVE having a big family and I can only imagine what it will be like when they're all grown up and come back home for holidays.  It will be wonderful!

My other problem is my husband!  He's says he's done for now!  The man who was dead set against an odd number!  He's ready to be able to enjoy family outings (not worry about taking your whole house with you when you go).  He's worried about being able to provide (at a comfortable level) for every child.  He's ready to not pay daycare anymore.  These are all valid points, but I still want that fourth child (I think).  How do you really know when you're done..how do you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that your family is complete and that you'll never regret having just one more baby to love?  That, my friends, is the million dollar question...

Pierced Ears!!

On Friday, I took Lily to the pediatrician to have her ears pierced.  When she was first born, I decided I wouldn't have it done until she was old enough to tell me she wanted them.  But then, something came over me and I just had to have them done.  If the doctor's office didn't do them, I never would have done it until she was older.  But, a RN pierced them for us.  She was so meticulous.  I know she marked Lily's ears a couple hundred times before she was happy with the location.  She was so careful to get them just right and I think she looks just precious!  You decide...

Couch to 5k

On May 23, I started the Couch to 5k Program.  For those that are not sure what this is, you can find all the information on it Here.  I also downloaded the couch to 5k app on my Ipod which allows me to listen to my own playlist and the voice just comes over the music to tell me when it's time to run/walk.

My original reason for starting the program is because I want to lose around 30 lbs and I figure that I've never seen a really obese runner.  Running is hard work, so I'm bound to lose weight, right?  Well, I can say that with 6 weeks completed, I've yet to lose any weight.  I've actually gained 3 lbs since I started.  But, in all honesty, I haven't changed my eating habits at all.  I'm trying to get an exercise routine under my belt before I go for my diet!

Starting the first week, I was already ready to quit.  My biggest motivation has been that it's only 30 minutes for 3 days a week.  And, as a mother and wife, if I can't give myself that much time, I have a pretty sad life.  We all need our "me time", right?  Anyway, week two was even worse and I didn't feel I was ready to move on, so I did that week twice.  Moving on, week four, I was at the beach on vacation and for the first time, I actually worked out on vacation!  I must say that I'm completely hooked and this is probably the most dedicated I've ever been to an exercise program.

My first goal is to run in our Selma Railroad Run (5k) the first weekend in October.  Once I've mastered a few 5k's, I'd like to train for a 10k and my final goal will be to run a half marathon!  I want to be one of those moms with a "13.1 Mom" sticker on the back of my vehicle! :) The only thing I would suggest to anyone who is looking to start a running program is to get some good running shoes.  I've yet to get a pair and my legs are paying the price!  I plan on buying some within the next few weeks so maybe I won't be in so much pain.

To all those out there who are scared to get off the couch, if I can do it, anyone can!

Rockin' the Bump

I can honestly say that I have LOVED being pregnant all three times.  It's the one time in a woman's life where you can eat whatever and still be cute!  I'm joining a blog link-up today, Rockin' the Bump,  to show off my bump..all three of them! 




This was around 30 weeks with Landon..even though it was my first baby, that belly just shot out there right away!

And the day he was born...oh the anxiety/depression that followed..but for this moment, I was in love!

This was around Week 20 with Nixon..Huge, I tell you!..but still happy as can be!

And the day Nixon was born..not as much depression this time..just overwhelmed with two babies to care for!

Week 18 with Lily..one of my all-time favorite pictures!

 Week 36 with Lily..look at that giant belly..the more kids you have, the bigger it gets!

 The day Lily was born..pure happiness and contentment!

A Letter to Lily

My sweet little pumpkin Lily,

I waited a long time for a little girl, and Lily, you were well worth the wait.  You've had my heart since Day 1.  I know you'll be a spoiled little princess one day because you already are!

I love that you're so serious one second and laughing the next.  Your eyes and face show exactly what you're thinking at all times.

I love that when I pick you up from daycare, your eyes light up and you smile as big as you can.  I love that, in the small walk from your class room to Nixon's, you snuggle so close to my neck like you want to get that little bit of time with just momma.  I love that when you get really tired, you just stare at me.  It's like you don't want to go to sleep because you'll miss something we might be doing.

I love that when I wake you up in the morning, you wake up smiling.  I love that you are already a diva at the young age of six months; and when I put your hairbows and headbands in your hair you look at me like you're saying, "Really Mom?"

I love that you love your baby as much as your older brother Nixon loves his.

I love that you laugh uncontrollably at Landon when he makes silly faces at you.  I love that you're a momma's girl more than a daddy's girl (for now anyway).  And I love that you dance just like Landon used to when he was a baby.  I love you more than you will ever know little pudding!

Love,
Mom