Living for His Legacy

Apology

2012-01-23T04:09:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to apologize if my last post sounded arrogant. I was and am very fired up about the whole topic and was excited to share some thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I love pinterest, checking out FB, and decorating my home. I just wanted to show that you aren't alone in finding refuge and worth in those things. I do too! BUT, I think we all know that isn't the true self worth, that there is something more out there and that was what I was trying to write!

I am also amped up on raising my boys. I have an awesome opportunity to raise three Godly men who will someday lead a family and prayerfully love the Lord. I have found an intense book on instilling morals and Godly virtures in children and it has me all excited. Also disapointed because it has pointed out several flaws about myself. I can only try to get better at it right? Anyways, I am sorry if I sounded arrogant. I struggle with "trying to fill the hole in my heart" more than you know. I pray that God is able to use those words in some way, for some one:-)

Time to get all serious.

2012-01-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

(what the Morris family came up with to teach our boys...I pray they become Godly men that fear the Lord)

What is it that motivates you? I know that it is mostly my sister, mom and girlfriends that read this blog. There probably aren't many people that I don't know that chew over these words...hopefully there is chewing. But seriously...what drives you? Is it that cute living room design? That awesome storage unit that would look perfect in your closet and would let you fill it with the finest things? Is it the tastiest casserole or best looking dessert? Is it the most well behaved child or best dressed baby?

Are we authentic anymore? Is there anything that is deep down true and genuine anymore? Is Pinterest the only thing that keeps us going?

What I am getting at is our lives...yes I am serious...our deepest desires, our needs, and what we have been called to by the Greatest, Most Holy, Gracious, and Loving God. Most of us are just mothers who are dying to identify by something other than our failing child. Get this...our kids are NOT going to be perfect! We CAN'T and shouldn't be defined by our children. Well then...how about our dearest husbands? Shouldn't we find security and worth in them...yes, of course the Lord gave us these wonderful men, yet our foundation and self love is founded in non other than our self sacrificing Jesus, who holds every tear in His hands.

Those incredible photos on FB, or on Pinterest...how much do we compare ourselves and COVET after those things? We have the worst lives; so others feel sorry, we have the best lives; so others are jealous...To be one of those people who is known for that success...whether it be that awesome photo we took, or that revolution we had, or the family that we created. We just want to be KNOWN. To be special for something. Guess what...

WE ARE

God says we are His. No one can snatch us from His hands. Therefore, lets run this race, go for that prize that ONLY matters to Him and NO ONE ELSE. He doesn't look at what we have worldy accomplished here on this planet. He looks at our scarred hearts. At our wounded, bleeding, and begging-for-love souls. He picks us up, holds us, and breathes that fulfilling life into us. No longer should we wake up trying to be someone that we aren't. No longer should we compare our children to those of our friends. My kids are different than yours. God has instructed me to disciple (notice I did not say discipline) my boys differently than your daughter, son, or both. God works all...yes ALL things for his good. Did you hear me? ALLLLLLLLL things for his good. Trust Him in this...and you will see His faithful hand reach out and save you.

Because we are adults and we shouln't be living on baby's milk. We should actually be feeding that to our kids (not literally). We should be teaching them the basics. Being the basic example for them so that they can see Christ in us. If you think about it...see what you do daily for your kids so that they see Jesus. Even a 1 year old can see Jesus! Don't EVER underestimate them...they are SO much smarter than we think. They sin from the womb...did you hear me? Yes they do! Those beautiful innocent looking children know how to sin! It is in their nature and God has give us this glorious responsibility to disciple them. To guide, teach and show how to be Jesus to them.

The next question is...how can we be Jesus to them if we don't know Him. Do we know that the same Spirit that knows God is in us? How wonderfully exhilarating is that???? The Holy Spirit that knows the mind of Christ, dwells in us. Oh how peacefull and exciting is that!!!! Let us turn to God and ask for knowledge and wisdom in raising these "little" people...who are actually brothers and sisters in Christ.

OOOOfta! What a rant right? I have personally experienced the depths of despair and also the heights of God's peace and love. I chose the latter and know what it takes. Relationships don't just happen...it takes lots and lots of devotion and wonderful work. Thank you my wonderful and loving Lord Jesus for being in my life and showing me what it means...what it means to live, to parent, to be a wife, and to follow you humbly.

PS....my goal in this post is to hopefully encourage you, to spur you on. Please, please share with me if this incorrect or if you don't care for it. I only want to please the Lord, but I also want to grasp the hearts of my dearest friends and family.

Jumping back....Christmas pics finally!

2012-01-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

I don't have too many photos from the day. Wish I would have taken more throughout the ENTIRE day and not just a few from opening presents...oh well...there is always next year!!

Here are few snippets from our day:-)

Night before....the kitchen all set up and under the big bag, and all the goodies under the tree! There were gifts from extended family as well. We started a tradition of the boys sleeping in our room on Christmas Eve. I thought they would keep coming down once put to bed, but they stayed put and we were in bed no latter than midnight!

The unwrapping began and messes were started! The boys got many gifts for both of them and they did great opening them together!
Everett crawling around checking it all out:-)

The dogs got a new bed...they love it!

Logan got many legos and lego type toys...such a big boy!

One of Austin's favorite from Auntie Kelly...his apron:-)

Already playing before the gifts were all opened

Goofy brothers!

My Santa Baby! First Christmas and in that Santa suit that Logan wore 5 years ago!

Great outdoor toys and hilarious when used indoors!

Getting ready for the family shot:

Merry Christmas Everyone! Thank you all for spoiling us once again:-)

The common...GOALS FOR NEW YEAR!

2012-01-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

I know that everyone has been posting about new goals this year, but I think it really helps to write them down. Especially to other people because it holds us more accountable. So please...if you see me slacking...yell at me!

Me Goals:

1-Get up early to work out and/or get time in the Word. My days are ALWAYS better if I do either of those in the morning. No matter how tired I am I know it will help me. Anyone have any good study plans? Any good ideas on what to do for quiet time? I have been reading a book about raising Godly boys, so that gives me motivation during the day. What about you?

2-Get my house in order. AAHHHH! I have had to let go of my house so much! I have a cleaning schedule (not crazyily particular) but just the clean the bathrooms this day, dust that day, etc. I need to stick with it! I am hoping with Everett turning one in two months (YES!! can you believe it?) that I won't be so tied down with nursing still and he will be much more invovled and distracted with his brothers.

3-Make prayer lists for each boy. (including the one taller than me:-) I started reading (never finish a book it seems) Power of a Praying Parent, and one thing she said was to make a list of things you wanted to pray for that child for that year. I think that is a swell idea. Yes, i just said swell. I have found that no matter how hard I try to teach certain characteristics and lessons to the boys, and be an example to them; the most powerful thing to do to help them is to pray for them.

4-The over rated....lose weight. Yes, the holidays put on some lbs for me. I am not happy with what is going with that. I know that I always lose weight faster after nursing a baby, so that is something I am looking forward to. I have started a p90x workout in the morning and soon will be trying Shakeology. If you are intersted in what that is please ask. I want to lose at least 15lbs. You may think that seems like a lot, but I really, really want to get back into the 120s...so that would actually be over 15 lbs. But since we are done having kids, I can work on it for a while and focus on my body for myself!

5-Save money and learn to budget better. We have the most incredible opportunity to pay of our debt recently, and even though it seems to be a vicious cycle with that (pay it off, get in it again, pay it off...) I am really REALLY going to stick with it this time. I am hoping to use my photography money as the extra stuff too.

6-LAST ONE:-) Photography! I have been so blessed to have had so many sessions this past fall, and learn so much about it, I hope I can bless more people this next year. And have fun while I do it! Definitely need to amp up my indoor studio, and prop collection; but I am excited!!

So yeah...there are MY goals for this year. I know I have goals for the little ones, like help Logan start to read, get Austin ready for preschool next year, and get Everett walking at some point! Mike is always a goal...he has a long year ahead with lots of training physically and mentally. We are so stoked, but unfortunately have the looming "might get kicked out" feeling that will be with us every day. After this year of training we will sigh a huge sigh of relief! Please be praying for him!

Comment with you blog and your goals...maybe I will get some more ideas!

Back into the blogging world...

2012-01-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been so MIA lately friends and family!! Life has been busy as usuall and the blog hasn't been a huge priority on my to-do lists. I do enjoy it and want it to become more of a habit...so we will be working it into my schedule! I thought I would start where we left off (kinda) and just try and catch up...so I apologize for the Christmas pictures later this January.

Everett turned nine months on December 23rd and I didn't get around to his 9month photos until 2 weeks later...so technically he is 9.5 months:-) It is getting hard to get him to sit still for these photos as he wants to just crawl around and play! I managed though. His personality has really come through lately and is proving to be a very intelligent baby! He communicates with us all the time and lets us know if he is upset about things. He is kinda a drama-king at times. He learned to wave and actually says "HI"....so that is is first word! I recently was at target and saw a little stuffed lion and I was "roaring" at him, making him smile, got a kick out of it and then walked away from it. Then all of a sudden I hear "raaaoooorr" come from Everett! I thought it was so cute and he kept doing it, so I HAD to get the stuffed Lion...he still roars for us when we say lion or show him the animal. I am having so much fun seeing the difference already in him compared to the other boys. The Best!

He is starting to get some eczema patches which is a bummer because we already have to deal with it for Austin. It didn't start up till after I started feeding him solids so I am curious if there is a food that aggrevates his skin more.
He has started wrestling with his brothers, and Logan tries to squeeze him all the time. The other day I told Logan to not squeeze him and he says "But I just love him so much!!" Hehe...gotta love it!

He looked so cute in the hat, but he was crabby at the time so I had to get one of him being crabby:-)
Check back soon for Christmas photos!!

4 Days...6th Disease...and 1 Day at a time

2011-12-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

Why so many numbers you ask? And what do they all mean? Our lives here seem to be living by the numbers around us...4 Days until Christmas, Everett has 6th Disease (Roseola) and I am taking things 1 Day at a time now...

Poor little E has been through so much lately! He recently got his top two teeth only to have the ones right next to them about to break through. Four teeth at once is a doosey and sure explains why he hasn't been wanting ot nurse very often. (Back on track with that now). He recently had a strange high fever for about 3 nights/4days and caused a lot of concern. It got up towards 104 and even his soft spot was bulging out a bit. I took him to the ER, but with a lack of other symptoms (no cold like things, diarrhea or vomitting) they chalked it up to a virus and told me to watch him. Not the best answer from a Children's Hospital. The fever eventually went away around Monday morning and he has been recouperating since then. I had his 9 month well baby scheduled for today for about a month and it was quite convenient considering his recent health. It definitely turned out to be more than a routine visit! As soon as I took his clothes off, I noticed this crazy rash all over his body. Small red dots and blotchyness. The nurse noticed it too and seemed concerned or curious.

(such a swee pic of my man, can't see his rash here, but I am so in love with him! God gave me the perfect third child...He knew exactly what I needed)

I immediately thought back to what I first thought it was in the beginning of the fever (after doing research on the internet) and thought it was Roseola...and I was right! It is basically a benign childhood illness that doesn't have a treatment besides controlling the fever. The rash appears once the fever is gone and only lasts 1-3 days and isn't a bother to the baby. These pictures don't do justice as the lighting in my house isn't that great. But you can kinda see it.
None the less, he is a healthy happy baby! He wieghs 22 lbs and is 29 1/4 inches long. Meeting all the milestones and sure wooed the doc despite his crazy rash.

4 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!!! I think I am more excited than the boys. We have only a few gifts for them this year, but they are so perfect. What fun it is to be a parent and give joyfully to our children! This is an advent calendar I made last year. Each day they put up a new ornament and on the back as a verse to read from the bible about Jesus' birth. Logan and Austin both enjoy it very much.
Logan very much understands what is going on this year and it is great to be starting or continueing our traditions. It is definitely hard being away from family this year, but like I said, I am stoked for our family Christmas!!
Like my star wars snowflakes I cut out? go here: http://mattersofgrey.com/diy-star-wars-snowflakes/ to do it yourself!
Fits in real well huh?

1 Day at a time...so yeah...I am putting my foot down to forgetting and not having a schedule...I am not talking about narowing my day down to every 15 min, but knowing what needs to be cleaned when, what appointments are when, deadlines, birthdays, etc...So so so.....sick and tired of having "mommy brain!". I am doing my best to write things down and keep track of it all. Hard to start a new habit, but hopefully soon I will have it down.
Found this amazing cleaning chart template and it is helping immensly! Go here to download yours and create your needed chores!!

Anyways...not much else going on...one big thing...today Mike re-enlisted! Yup, we are in it for another 6 years, which inevitely will keep us in till the end. Right now we have 9.5 years in so in 6 we will have 15.5 and would be silly to get out. Please be praying for the long year ahead of us with Mike training and going through a rigorous program. We know God has his hand in our family and we are daily striving to glorify Him through all that He has given us!

Merry Merry December

2011-12-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

Oofta! What a month so far! The testosterone led family is doing great...and the trying very hard to be feminine lady here is doing might fine too:-) I have started to try and take a new approach on things lately and bought myself a handy dandy personal calendar. I am tired of forgetting (still do) and procrastinating (working on that also) and want to cross things off a list (so accomplishing). It is hard to adapt something like that into my daily life because I am always on the go and don't have a set "station" or desk that I can leave the calendar. It is working for the most part though.

Other updates:

Logan just had his Christmas Program...which I had to miss because Austin was strangely sick just for that morning. Mike was able to go and video taped it. Logan and I watched it later together and he sang me every song:-) He was so proud! I had told Logan that I was sad I wasn't able to go and to prepare him for the worst told him gently that neither Mike or I would be able to go. I hoped that Mike would be able to and like I said he did. Mike caught Logan's reaction to seeing his Dad on the video and it was priceless. Soooo glad Mike went.

Austin is doing well...his old self. Still quite the funny guy with such an independent persona. He is enjoying Everett more and more and I think they will be good buds. Austin loves to pretend play and recently pretended to be a doctor "Mom...are you a boy or girl (girwal-is how he says it)" and then writes it down on a pretend clipboard. Love him!

Everett is cutting the top four teeth right now...seems like it has been over a month since this started and I can't WAIT for them to come through! He is crawling all around the house, and I am really enjoying this curious stage. He doesn't really crawl full force, just kind of meanders around putting random things in his mouth...like dog hair. He has pulled himself up several times, but it still isn't consistent. He still nurses, but is very active so it can be hard to get him to any where else besides his quiet room. I am struggling with if he is getting enough from my milk OR if it is just his teething...we are gonna give it some time and do some experimenting with other foods to find out. Other than that...he is still the happiest baby!

My photography sessions have slowed down, which is nice for the holidays, but I am so pumped for this next spring and summer...got some awesome new places to take people and new ideas! Somehow I do still have time to do some home-made crafts. This fall wreath (yes I know it is winter now) took me about a month, but I got it done in time for Sept! No one ever told me how much burlap sheds...it is awful...it turned into an outside project. One of my favorites though!

And since I didn't have much time to make a Christmas wreath...I just tweaked the fall one with some Christmas tree branches and ornaments and wwwhhalllah!

Funny story...I missed watering the tree one day and after that noticed that it stopped soaking up water. So, in my craziness I asked my incredible husband to help me cut some more off the bottom of the tree in case some sap covered the bottom preventing water being drunk by the tree. In his awesomeness...he did it with help from a friend. That was much more of a project than we expected. The tree is now about 4 inches shorter and lost all the bottom branches. It looks cleaner and healthier though! Oh well!
Hope you all are having a good December and have a Merry Christmas thus far! Miss you family and friends!

PS...oh I will have a good story for you guys next time hopefully...seriously...God is really wanting us to trust Him lately in the most crazy circumstances!! All Glory to Him!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2011-11-29T20:09:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS!!!

Yup...this season has been pretty good so far! Great decorations, beautiful tree, awesome traditions, telling and retelling of the REAL Christmas story, deals on presents, and MIKE is HOME for it! I saw a tutorial on how to make your Christmas Tree glow and I had fun playing with it...basically you close your aperature (F number...as high as possible) open your shutter speed to over 5 seconds, USE A TRIPOD and set your timer on your camera so it doesn't shake. I think my ISO was around 800. Only have your tree lights on and the rest of the house dark or very dim and shoot away! I believe my settings were "10 shutter speed, 22 F, ISO 800. Then I added a slight boost with photoshop...but it really didn't need it.

Then the bokeh tree...I may be wrong on this, but the way I did it was by manually making it out of focus and I could see the bokeh through my camera. I believe my shutter speed was 1/50 and a 2.2F, ISO stil 800. Good thing about this is that you don't really have to worry about shaking too much.

Hope you all are enjoying your Christmas season so far! Wishing we were closer to home for family, but we will make do this year...:-)

Unedited, SOOC, Family photos:-0

2011-11-22T20:01:00.001-08:00

Love this place I found to take photos and I love fall colors! Oh...most of all...love my boys...

Chaos among the calm...

2011-11-21T10:51:00.001-08:00

By the obvious lack of posts...life has been quite chaotic. Which is always good right? Well, in this case it is. I have had numerous photo sessions during the week and weekends for friends and friends of friends. I seriously thought once I started charging people, then it would slow down a bunch, but it is amazing how my second job now is to edit pics and be creative! Loving it!

The boys have found new ways to entertain themselves while I sit next to them on the computer..."little legos" is one of the things they do:-) Hence my table being full of them, while I sip on my coffee and enjoy the chitter of two imaginative buddies. This pic was also taken with my new prime lens...LOVE IT!

Mike has been enjoying getting the boys out and running around (still wishing for a swing set in our backyard) but the obstacle course will do fine for now. Boys sure will be boys!!
Such a big guy climbing the ropes!
Always a teaching moment for Daddy and Son. Austin is so independent and so brave...but sometimes he does need help! Notice the look on his face?

I FINALLY got to meet my wonderful nephew! And yes, my great sister and brother in law visited also:-) It was so awesome to see them as a family, growing their own precious boy. It is always so fun to have them visit because of how laid back we can all be, the video gaming by the men, and constant conversation for me and Jillian. They were amazing though...they saw a glimpse of my chaotic life and the messiness that goes along with it...and yet they still wanted to be here. Josh (my BIL) did the dishes several times, and Jillian as well. So great to have helpful visitors! Anyways, we stayed home a bunch, but got to take family photos of both our families, did a little shopping, movie watching, and mothering.

Here are all four boys together...Logan 4.5, Everett 7.5 months, Noah 3 months, and Austin 2.5!

All in the tub one night:-) Everett is obsessed with splashing, more so than his older brothers and poor Noah got so much water in his face! He was a trooper though...I know there will be pay back some day:-)

Crazy kids...Everett was a little interested in Noah, but mainly like to have something to climb on...the bouncer!

I got to hold him while he was sleeping one time...oh HEAVEN! He kept smiling and making silly expressions...love him!

Here are a few shots of Everett exploring...I think he really wanted to go outside that day!

On the move:-)

Beautiful Mommy and her handsome son!

Yes, Logan was in love with Noah and we had to keep reminding him to be gentle with him. "Noah doesn't have brothers like EVerett does" (who is used to the roughness by now).
Logan kept making the funniest faces when we were taking pics of them...Noah enjoyed the attention.

Stay tuned....I have plenty more photos coming!!

Still here!

2011-11-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll...we are still here! SUPER busy and growing up fast! Everett is officially a crawler and is hilarious. He basically uses one foot and drags the other leg under him. Kinda like a hurt let. Oh well! Gets him around places huh? Logan was super excited at first but now has to constantly move his toys and keep things on the table. Oh the joys of a little brother.

Halloween was fun...we thought the boys would be more into it, but they were done in about 10 minutes. Austin actually walked into the first two houses and was very upset when we told him he couldn't go into strangers houses. What a goof! Overall, they had a good time and got lots of candy for only an hour!

IronHide

Spidey and his web
Me and my cute puppy:-) Found it at a thrift store!
Going around the neighborhood!
I made some Santa Fe Chicken Chili the other night and it was quite beautiful in the crockpot before it cooked!! From www.skinnytaste.com

Me finishing my 10K. It seriously was the worst weather...so windy that when the gust of 30-40 mile and hour wind hit my jello like legs at mile 5, I about fell over! I ran the whole way though, I was determined to do that even if it wasn't that fast. This was a halloween race, so you were encouraged to dress up. There were some hilarious costumes like slinky dog, Michael Jackson on an IV running with his doctor, several Flinestones, etc. Great race. Haven't run since though because I am trying to heal some severe shin splints. I can't wait to get back out there!

So proud...

2011-10-19T17:26:00.001-07:00

(could this be?!?!?! 2 posts in one day!?!?!) yup...i am so proud...so so proud of my big man Logan. It has been fun to see what he has learned in pre-school and how much things have "clicked" for him. He is trying to sound out words and is getting Austin involved. He loves to write his letters over and over again, while getting so much praise:-)

It is fun to see him come home with his papers and see his name written on his work. I can imagine how diligently he worked on writing his name and how proud he must be every time he does it. I know I am:-)

Motherhood Conviction

2011-10-19T04:40:00.000-07:00

The other day I woke up quite crabby. I had a sour look on my face, and mean touch. My patience was long gone and I just wanted to sit until I felt better. Pretty selfish huh? I love my Pandora radio that we play on our PS3...I knew that listening to some music praising the Lord would probably help get me out of this funk. So as the morning was going on, a much over played song came on...BUT it was exactly what I needed to hear and boy did it stab me deep!

(chorus)

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Ouch right? Not sure if you do this, but I often think about how my kids will remember their childhood. Will they remember the slow and easy mornings, the family dinners, the clean bedroom (or messy these days), the van rides, bath nights, etc. What will they remember about all this? I think as a woman I really associate moods with memories...so for me when I remember my childhood I have a lot of peace and contented memories. The family dinner memories are full of family time, love and routine. Playing outside are feelings of being carefree and trusted.

When I was convicted yesterday morning, I thought to myself...are my boys remembering a mom who loves and shows grace? Or a mom who stays mad and yells? The song and my conviction are not a selfish conviction...I am not trying to be remembered for my sake, but for the Lords sake. The kind of legacy that Jesus left is the kind of legacy that I want to leave (hence the name of the blog:-) Our intern pastor said something quite emotional and profound this past Sunday. Now...it won't really be like this and we won't be thinking about this when we get to Heaven, but this is a good earthly way to think of life now with the eternal perspective.

~When my boys (yes all 4) stand before God, will they be better off because of me? Will they have made better choices in life because of what I taught them and how I loved them?~

Anyways...lots of heaviness, but I am very thankful for that conviction because I needed it yesterday and all the days I have the moments that I just want to scream, but really I need to love more. Oofta...mothering is hard but soooo worth it.

Here is the video of the song if you are interested. Like I said it is a well known song so maybe just listen for some "conviction or motivation!"

Everett...oh Everett...

2011-10-12T17:07:00.000-07:00

Wow...did we kick ourselves in the butt!! We boasted about our two older boys being great sleepers at night and now...we have the worst. Well, I know there are a lot of terrible sleepers out there, so he is one of the worst. For the first few months I chalked it up to on demand nursing and him not having a schedule because of our busy lives. Then I hoped once he started eating he would sleep longer...nope. I also hoped that he would get on some kind of routine at night...like getting up at certain hours and eating, then going back to bed easily...nope. NEVER has the same night twice. And I am not talking about one night sleeping for 4 hours and then the next night up every 2...I am talking about just plain inconsistency!

For the past 4 weeks he has been the worst. First he was sick...ok kid, you get extra attention at night for being sick. Don't like seeing and hearing my baby have croup. Then once that was over he started teething...two teeth later he gets sick again. I just couldn't believe it! I thought breastfed babies weren't supposed to get sick so much! So I took him into the doc yesterday and she said he has "baby asthma"...WHAT?!?! So here goes trying to figure out if it is asthma or not. She gave us an inhaler and singulair to give him daily. I feel so bad giving him the inhaler because it amps him up so much. He looks like he was given a cup of sugar! I just wish we could figure out what really is wrong and get him to sleep.

Last night he was up till 1230am...a first for him and a first for our marriage. Let's just say the strain of no sleep and conflicting ideas on how to deal with this isn't easy for us. I have ordered the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child because I have heard rave reviews about it and am waiting now over a week for it (come one person, don't you know I need to sleep!?!).

Anyways...I really shouldn't complain because I know some people have it worse. And I am so grateful for my little Everett. Even though he is sleeping horribly right now, he is still an easy baby. He plays a ton by himself and the other boys. Is sitting up totally on his own now, just waiting for him to figure out crawling. He is going through a screaming phase...and yes I mean high pitch shrieks. If any one has been on the phone with me while he does it, you know know what I mean. I count every day a blessing that he continues to nurse because this was about the time when Austin stopped. He loves to nurse and we are pretty good at it still:-) He is so chunky and may be the biggest of the boys. Over 18 lbs and over 27 inches long. Well into 12 month clothing! He may be a ninja for Halloween...if I can find the costume. That means that all three boys were this ninja for their first Halloween. Hand-me-downs are starting to be sentimental! Well, if you have any tips please let me know. We are going to start the cry it out method soon and try and wean him down to 1 feeding a night. Pray for our patience with our little guy!!

Three sweet monsters

2011-10-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Went to the park, took some pics, loved them:-)

This one makes me laugh

This one makes me happy

This one melts my heart:-)

Moving Forward

2011-10-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well, he did it! My hubby passed this PT test that he has been trying to pass for months. I know that may sound bad to him, but he has worked harder for this than I have seen him do for other things. We have prayed harder over this and had some tough lessons learned. And today he did it! Not to brag...but I am gonna...:-) This is a HARD test! 15 pull-ups, 90 situps/3min, 80 push ups/3min, 3 mile run in 22:30 (that is a 7:30 mile) and a half mile swim in 14 min. Just to try and give a little example of how hard it is, I was at the gym the other night and I thought to myself...why don't I try and run a mile in ...lets say...8 min? So I started off feeling pretty good and then it started to wear on me...and I had only been going 2 min!! HA! Also, after having 3 kids the whole "peeing when you cough" thing came true and it wouldn't have been safe for me to continue running that fast. Sorry if TMI.

AAAHHHH....what a relief! I think this was so important for him to just pass it to say to HIMSELF that he passed it! Now we can move forward...he still needs to train and get ready for a possible new job. Still all in God's hands and that is one lesson we have learned and have had stamped into our minds and hearts lately.

Also...one thing out of this is teaching his boys to not give up. Despite the times he failed, he did it again and again, worked harder and kept focused. I am just beaming right now I am so proud of him!! Anyways, just had to share that...thanks for letting me air out my excitement!

I title this photo: "He has the whole world in his hands:-)"

Momma In Focus Friday!

2011-10-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Casey does this on her blog and I haven't done it in forever! Now, it can be hard to get ALL of my boys together for photo, so here is my littlest one and me. It was a beautiful night and the other boys were all sweaty and playing hard on the playground while I just sat and starred at this beautiful creation.

I am starting to think that God knew what he was doing giving me all boys:-) There is something so special about them, so tender, yet rough. When they tell me, a momma, they love me I know it is meant with all their hearts. With boys you have to let go a little more and sooner so they can become a boy/young man/man of God, so this time as little ones I am cherishing more and more. Don't get me wrong, they aren't easy all the time! They fight and punch each other, climb furniture and flip each other over while laughing, and they think dirt is the new clean. Anyways, I am just so happy with my three men that I get to see grow up:-)

Life as a Diet

2011-09-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

I figured out a good way to put my feelings tonight. I feel like my life is a bad diet. HA...sounds awful right? Well, there are always things I want to start...tomorrow, or on Monday. So it inevitably, it gets put on hold. Then I try a new schedule, routine, choosing to be joyful no matter what mood and it only lasts two and half days. Or, it literally is about food. I try and eat healthy...don't buy snacks and stick to the non-processed foods. Then I buy a three musketeer bar and eat only a bite because I feel guilty. Leave it in the car cuz I don't want Mike to see it, and then find a chocolate mess all over Austin because HE DID find it and he doesn't have to worry about calories. I have a love-hate relationship with new routines...I know they are good for me, and probably would make my life easier...so I set up a great new routine. Takes about 2 hours to get it all written out and less than 3 days to realize I can't commit. Or I can commit, but the rest of life takes over.

I guess I have to realize that there are many things that I want to get done right now, but just can't. I can't have a clean floor for 5 minutes because I have a kid who crushes up goldfish crackers and spits them through a straw on the floor, and 2 dogs who are loosing their hair. I can't eat a hot meal because I have to get milk for Logan and as soon as I sit down I have to get water for Austin...oh...then Everett wants to eat. I won't get a shower every day because I would rather TRY and cook that home-made bread that never turns out, or edit those 10 pictures. I won't get to finish that craft or do the laundry at night because I would rather watch a Numbers with the Husband and cuddle some before bed. So many boxes that I want to fill: decorated and matching house, fit body, disciplined children, happy hubby, FILLED SPIRIT, working budget, etc...HOWEVER: not all have to be filled at this point in life. My bad diet will just stay bad, and I will have to learn to live life every day. Take the next step and make the best and right choice.

Guess my next best and right choice would be to go and apologize to the hubs for being crabby tonight. Thanks for letting me vent blogworld.

Getting a grip

2011-09-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

It has been a while...lets say over a year, since I have felt I have had a grip on things. My house, my mothering, my walk with the Lord, and being a wife. Not sure what it is today because usually the rainy days turns me sour the minute I wake up, but I am feeling on top today. Very happy about that.

Life in the Morris household continues with little boys growing up and babies getting bigger. Mike's job situation remains the same...unknown:-) I am hoping in the next month or two we will have a more clear plan. I have "started" my photography business and am very excited about it. My portfolio is fairly complete for now and am starting to charge people. Who knew that I would be doing this someday? I guess it is a good way to bring in a little extra money for the house and I get to be artistic. Something I miss terribly! Mike and I have been budgeting tightly lately, which has made us realize going home to MN really isn't in the picture for Christmas time. We are sad about that, but also excited because our boys are so much older that they will be totally into it. Very excited to explain the Christmas story again to Logan because I am sure he will understand it all the more this year. Oh man...the questions he asks...

"What is inside a tree?"

"What is inside teeth"

"Why do we want to go to heaven?

oh and then he says one night in his bed..."mom, I am afraid of the skeleton inside my body". HA!!

Austin has his own funny things....he points with all of his fingers, makes the funniest confused faces, is starting to potty train a lot more...been dry for about 3 days...except for about 2 accidents. And I love how he says Chick Fil A...."Chik-A-Fil-A"

Anyways, that is quite the tangent. Basically, we are chugging along...things coming up this month: Running a 10K, mike continues training, visit from Papa, more photography and school for the boys!

OH...I have a 6 MONTH OLD!! Here is the little guy in action learning to sit up. A few facts about the little guy:

He has brown eyes still...getting more and more brown every day. Mike is in denial. I think they are beautiful

He has almost mastered sitting up, but I still put pillows next to him so he doesn't bonk his head.

He had croup this past week...awful sounding, got some medication for it and learned he weighs a whopping 18 POUNDS! YIKES! His six month check up is this wednesday.

Still wakes up 2-3 times a night for a feeding and it is hit or miss if he wants to sleep past 5 or not.

Takes about 3 naps a day...two short and one long one.

Eats 3 meals a day usually...rice cereal for breakfast, a small fruit for lunch and a small veggie for dinner.

Has started this funny thing with his lips, he sucks in the top lip and then spits with his lips and toungue...tonight when he was done nursing before bed, he looks at me, sucks in his lip, then spits milk all over my face...couldn't help but laugh at him.

He is in 9 month size clothing, and almost 12 month size pants with his cloth diapers. Which, by the way, have become second nature to us...very glad for that.

Logan still LOVES to play with him, although he has become more rough with him lately. Just today Everett was on his belly and with his cloth diapers his bum is pretty padded. So we found Logan squatting and bouncing on Everett's bum. Seriously kid?

Everett must know he is our last because he is such a cuddle bug. After every time he nurses he just lays his head on my shoulder while I pat his back or rub it. It melts my heart every time! Just the other day he fell asleep on my shoulder! He can be so lovely and smiley at me...it just makes me so happy:-)

I will have his 6 month photos coming up soon!!

Beautiful boy...I know I am partial though

I tied some strings for Logan and he hung his super heros on it...so fun for a little boy with a growing imagination.

Woody hanging on for dear life!

Getting down and in Everett's face...but making him laugh!

Not Against the Flesh

2011-09-20T04:11:00.000-07:00

I have been reading the book "The Power of a Praying Parent" and have only got in the first several chapters. I already feel like I have been missing out on a wonderful part of parenting...praying! Definitely recommend this book because there is so much going on in our children's lives that we can't control. Specifically this chapter struck me...especially since my kids are so young and tend to always do this: rebel. I was very curious as to what this chapter would say, and it was the ending few paragraphs that really got to me.

It says that our battle (when dealing with rebellious kids...which to me is not honoring the parents by argueing, fighting with siblings, throwing fits, etc) is NOT with our children. Huh? Say that again?

Our battle is not with our son or daughter. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" Ephesians 6:12. The sin that is in our children that causes them to disobey is from Satan and that is who our battle is with. To pray over our children that he doesn't get near them and they can resist him. Jesus has given us authority "over all the power of the enemy" Luke 10:19. How reassuring that is!! The greatest One is on our side, the One who conquers over all will help us and help our children.

So the next time my boys rebel and I start to get frustrated I will remember that my anger shouldn't be toward them, but toward the devil. I need to start praying for them when they have a hard rebellious heart and that they will see their ways and turn from them. Sounds so easy right? Sounds like our days of fighting kids should end...it won't and I will still struggle with it all...but I have a new encouragement now!

Now to leave you with a cute photos of Logan playing with Everett. Sometimes I can't believe how long Logan plays with him...what a wonderful big brother!

Big Boys and Bigger Boys

2011-09-08T12:10:00.001-07:00

Today, Sept 8th, was Logan's first day of Pre-K! Now, he has gone to "preschool" last year and a PDO program the year before. But this year is quite a bit different. This is the year they really start to teach them school-work and they prepare them for Kindergarten! Honestly, I wasn't that nervous or anxious about him going today. I am able to drop him off, I make his lunch, know about all the kids in the class, is at a church, and I get to pick him up. So it is all safe and since we have been going there for 3 years, I am fairly comfortable with the whole process. Now, when thinking about NEXT year...Kindergarten...that is a whole other story. The other night I was up for about 2 hours just thinking about him going to school, the type of school is going to, and all that goes in to it. I got overworked and almost starting crying. Just remember...Kindergarten is NEXT year...I have a whole year to go! If this is how sensitive I am about it now...I am going to be a basket case next year. Aaahhh...i don't want to start crying, so we can change the subject. Man...I didn't know what a softie I was!!

Logan getting ready for school, getting his shoes on.

It was bright out and a jet was coming...so hurry up and smile!
Don't forget about your brother! I can see this being a picture in future slideshows at graduation or weddings:-) These two...I don't think they realized the bond and love they have for each other. Austin had a hard time today with out him...kinda mopey and didn't behave very well. Hopefully he will get used to it! Austin will have his first day (and only day a week) next Wednesday...he is excited!
Tried to get one last shot...this is what I got:

2PM...picked up Logan! He went to school with no fusses...always so excited to meet new people and try new things. So brave! The teacher said he had a good day and he was all sweaty when I got him, so we know he was playing hard. They two boys are just relaxing watching a show right now...together at last!

Big boy Everett is learning to sit up! He is the earliest out of all the boys to get it this fast. The others got it closer to 6 months, but at 5.5 months he has it down practically! As you notice I still protect him and help support him with pillows, but last night in the shower he was sitting up for about 5 minutes with NO help! So fun!

Such a happy baby:-)

You see that? See that? BROWN EYES! AH!

Pictures Galore of my sweet boys!

2011-09-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

Everett's double chin. Gotta love baby chunk! So squeezable, kissable and lovable...

Everett is definitely his own man, but I see parts of his brothers in his face. He is so sweet and LOVES to eat. I have made him peaches, apples, bananas and sweet potatoes (need to increase the veggies for sure!) My girlfriend Laura gave us this awesome baby-food making machine and it is a breeze to whip him up some delicious goodies! I did it the old fashioned way with the older boys (hand held blender and ice cube trays) but now these containers have little smiley faces on them and a mini-blender to help! I will have to take pics for you.

These pictures are a little out of order, but when the hurricane hit last weekend we got OUT of here! We have several large trees in our back yard and they have been known to throw down massive branches that have broken our deck and fence. We did not want a tree coming into our house. So our good friends Casey and Joe graciously opened their house to us once again. That saturday we decided to give our friends a break and went to a Children's Museum (as stated in the previous post) and here are a few more photos of the wonderful event!

Austin having so much fun. I remember Logan being absolutely obsessed with Monster Trucks during this age, always having one or more in his hands. Austin is passionate about cooking and his food. We have a ton of play food here at our house, but no kitchen. So he just pretend plays where ever and almost always asks to help us cook dinner. He is so funny when he does help, always trying the ingredients (even the oil to heat up the pan) on the tip of his finger. We keep him safely away from the hot stuff, but he is a great helper.

Two mini chefs
It does something to a parents heart to see a child so passionate and enjoy something so much. I know he is only 2, but there is something special about this chef thing. At this huge kitchen at the museum, Austin was in a different world. He went right to work making his work station and gathering food. He sucked his cheeks in a bit and had a very concentrated look on his face. As you can see, we think he is going to be left-handed...always coloring and cutting with his left hand. If we could go to this kitchen ever day, I would just to see the happiness and joy on his face:-)

Mike went off with Austin while I played with Logan and built a jail around him:-)
This is what I came around the corner to:
Everett just chillin in momma's arms:P
LOVE my Beco! (the carrier)
Working with REAL tools...yes, REAL tools
Sawing the wood with Daddy (ooo those strong arms look good:-)

Building their own cars to race...this was a neat station that I would love to have in my house.

Grocery shopping.
Everett in the stroller...I think he looks like Austin here...just a bit. So edible though!

Fireman Logan!

Now just some random photos. This was before we decided to leave for the hurricane. Caught my hubby off guard, but so glad I actually get photos of him. So handsome:-)

The emergency light for the "big storm"
Austin...yes you are a character
Everett's arm chunk...or should I say muscles?
Logan...yes he is starting to be goofy in pictures. Now it all begins.

He starts three day a week preschool next week. I can't believe that next year I will be getting him ready for KINDERGARTEN! Oh how my sweet men grow up so fast!

Everett doing his thing...we are thinking he will be sitting up by the end of his 5 months and I think crawling in 2 months. We shall see if that holds up! (after I posted this I realized you can see some spit up...sorry!!)

This is what I have been needing the past several days to weeks...my lovely coffee in my clean crisp white mug. Everett has been making my mornings quite early while getting up a few time during the night still. I think we might have to start doing some night training. I was spoiled with Austin who started sleeping through the night at 6 months while nursing...but Everett likes the night feedings too much. Sometimes I wonder how long he is awake at night before he starts making noise...because he plays quietly a lot in his crib! ANYWAYS...going to go make myself some coffee right now. The boys just woke up and Mike decided to go run a half marathon this morning...just another day in our house!

cell phone picture goodies!

2011-08-30T04:29:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I think our cell phones capture the best moments and memories...even though the quality may not be the best. The memory outweighs the blur! Here are a few from the past few weeks:

In our new/used BOB stroller...he loved it!

Logan was asked last minute to be a ring bearer in a wedding and I couldn't get over how old and HANDSOME he looked! He was so proud of his job and wouldn't put the pillow down once. We were so nervous he might have a freak meltdown during the service because he wasn't sitting by us, but up front. He did fantastic though and behaved incredibly. We were so proud of him:-)

I asked for a nice picture and this is the cross-eyed look I got. Guess the goofiness starts now!

I love how Everett puts his hands on me...so precious

Everett's first time in a high chair in a restaurant! He loved it!

First swing ride! He laughed so hard:-)

The boys climbed a tree and I tried to get a happy picture of them...tried

Smiles!

Austin fell asleep in the car in such a strange position...crazy kid

This past weekend we escaped the danger of Hurricane Irene and went to a friends house in a safe part of NC. We decided to give our friends a break on Saturday and go to their children's museum...the MOST awesome place ever! The boys had a blast going from one room of pretend play to the next. So wonderful to see them have so much fun. Austin at first was obsessed with the Ambulance and all the medical equipment...future doctor perhaps! He kept putting the IV in his mouth though...maybe not

Then we found the best place in the world for him. I will do a whole other post on this, but Austin was in heaven with this kitchen place. Had to wear the apron and hat, and used the knife properly to "cut" the velcro food in half. He was there for over an hour just going to work in the kitchen. I loved every minute watching him:-)

Too cute!

Logan enjoyed building cars and playing marbles. Then Mike decided to build a jail with these huge legos and trapped the boys inside.

Everett sure enjoyed the car ride because he constantly had his hands up in the air like he was on a roller coaster. I am not a crazy driver so I am not sure why he thought it was a such a crazy ride! HA!

The menacing hurricane clouds. These were the outskirts too. The day before it even hit landfall! What a HUGE storm!

God is so marvelous. In such awe of His beauty!

The neighbors in our backyard weren't so lucky. When we got home we had no power and figured out it had been out for over 36 hours, but no damage, Praise God! This tree however, if fell towards our house, would have damaged our house badly. No one lives in this house so in a way, if the tree had to fall, we are glad it fell that way. On the left the top of the tree is on the roof, and on the right the bottom of the tree on the garage.

Got a little bored with an area in our room, so I redecorated it! LOVE IT! Now to just have a quiet morning in my comfy chair with some coffee and the Bible!

Question for you Photographers!! HELP!

2011-08-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

So... this is kinda a vague question, but I need some advice with it ALL! I have had the itch lately to really start up my photography as a business. I have a degree in nursing, but I haven't practiced as an RN in over two years and I know it will be a while till I go back to work (when the kiddos are older). I have really enjoyed photography in all the aspects. From learning about my camera and doing new things, to capturing special moments, having people love the shots of themselves, and even editing! So my question to you is...if you have started up photography as a business what is the one (or more) piece of advice you can give me?!?! I know there is a lot to starting a business with legal things and what not. That actually kinda scares me about it all. Have any of you had any problems with it legally? What about the one piece of equipment you suggest I have...from studio accessories to lenses to business cards? What do I need?

Thanks so much for your help! Not sure when I will take the big leap, but I think sometimes you just gotta do it!

"A lesson in wrestling" by Austin

2011-08-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

The boys had a fun night wrestling and I got a kick out of how Austin narrated his wrestling moves "Punch!" "Kick!" Too funny! These boys can get sweaty with all the wrestling hence the no shirts, or pants in Logan's case. It has been fun watching Logan wrestle lately because he is so serious about it. He has his moves that I swear he practices in his head and then carries them out while we try not to laugh too hard. What fun it is to be a parent! I love it when the boys do something funny or cute and Mike and I both catch each other's eye smiling at one another thinking how wonderful and special they are. I love having my man as their Father and my Best Friend to share these memories with!

PS, sorry about the hunk with no shirt on...:-)

Cute Story

2011-08-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Just had to share one of these funny moments in being a mom:-)

Tonight it was just Austin, Everett and I since Mike took Logan to a fun work thing. I was going to the bathroom (sorry if TMI) and realized that I was out of toilet paper! So I recruited the next thing that could walk besides the dog, to get me some TP. I asked Austin to get the new bag of TP in the hallway, in the blue bag...he said sure and scurried off to help. It was about 30 seconds and I couldn't hear him getting the bag and actually I couldn't hear him at all! I started to look around looking for something to use (again sorry for TMI) when I hear his fast little feet running back towards my bathroom: "I got it mommy! I got it!" He runs into my bathroom with this small quarter sized piece of TP crumpled up in the palm of his hand. He had gone to the OTHER bathroom upstairs and tore me of a small piece of TP for me to use. I just burst into laughter at how sweet and cute this little man is.

It has been interesting having three boys, and realizing that Everett is our last. Just something about knowing that we won't be going through this baby stage again really tugs at my heart. I feel bad, but I play more with Everett than I ever did the other two boys. Then again, because of that I am cherishing the moments with Austin as a two year old and Logan as a 4 year old. I know that these years fly by and the wonder and awe I have for them at these stages are so special. I am very grateful then, for the way Everett causes me to soak in the older boys. I can't get over the young boy Logan is and how smart he can be, how sweet and passionate Austin is, and how lovely and smiley Everett is. I pray these boys have a bond that is stronger than anything else and continue the love they have for each other now in the future years.

Just for remembering sake...some things the boys enjoy lately

Logan: making guns out of his legos, still wearing his costumes, and his ultimate favorite is playing with Everett "Boo! boo!" is what he says, and constantly spits. We have to remind him that he can't do that in Everett's face.

Austin: he is obsessed with cooking and the movie ratatouille . He helps us cook dinner almost every night and can even get the step stool out himself. He enjoys his books while he uses the potty, and any toy that he can push a button to make noise. Still has his blankie that he cuddles with every night.

Everett: not much that he likes right now besides eating and being held! He loves his exersaucer, rattles, and rolling over and over and over. He never stays on his mat and I think I need to start vacuuming more. He is in size 9 month clothes...yikes! and he is only 5 months old (next week). I think it is partly due to his cloth diapers, but truly, many of the 6 month clothes are just too tight! I think he might be finding his feet soon, so that will be fun...next we are working on sitting up!

Sorry for no pics, I will try and get some up soon!

By the way, my sis had her baby boy Noah! I am SOOOO stoked and that will be a whole other post in itself. Sure makes me want to be in MN!

Little things going on

2011-08-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

Logan will be starting a 3 day preschool program this fall and I am super excited to see how he enjoys it and what else he learns. I feel that he knows many things already, so hopefully it will start the reading process...oh boy is that funny! We have tried to teach him about 911, and the dismal swamp fires going on...he asks so many questions and has an AMAZING memory. He just baffles me at how smart he can be! So...why then when I tell him 5 times to not jump on the couch he does it a 6th time??? God must have thought it would be funny to give me 3 boys. Just the other day, the older boys were playing upstairs and I hear Logan yell out "Lets run into each other!!!" like it is the newest bestest thing....then you hear Austin "yeahhhh!" BAM! Oh boy...my poor house.

Just like coloring for most girls gets them to settle down for a few minutes...little legos and play-dough do that for me. It is so fun to see what they create and their little imaginations go wild.

hhhmmm....been a while since I did a quick post/update. The older boys are doing well...Austin's personality is coming through more and more and it is so interesting just how different Logan and him are. Logan is such a perfectionist and actually tries to control Austin in how he is playing, dressing, where he stands to brush his teeth...etc. Basically Logan just likes me to sigh a lot. Austin tests our patience and discipline more than Logan does, but I feel that he understands his wrong doings earlier than Logan. Austin hates the heat and just mopes around until he begs us enough to go inside. He gets frequent bloody noses which he has been seen about, which led to an blood allergy test, which showed him slightly allergic to eggs and next week will have a skin test done...Who knows...the doc says with his eczema and year round allergy symptoms, he may be allergic to dogs! YIKES! Still potty training off and on. Most of the time he does it on his own (THANK GOD!) but I know in a few months we will need to kick it in to gear and get it done!

Just wanted to share some photos and get some blogging in since it is so rare these days. Hope all of you have a great weekend! Mike and I get a date (yes all three boys are being watched) and we are going to a friends wedding...actually the couple I did a photo shoot/engagement photos for. It should be fun!!!

Having Abundance

2011-08-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

I was driving home from NC yesterday and for some reason I just wanted to eat at every fast food restaurant, get any chocolate shake I wanted, and all the candy and coffee drinks I could find. Of course I didn't, but oh the temptation was there! I having this conversation in my head about how it can be so frustrating to have delicious food (not the fast food stuff...just food!) available BUT if I have too much of it, I will be fat! HA! Of course I am quite food conscious most of the time, since right now I am trying to loose the rest of the baby weight. Anyways, I was contemplating how we have to have self control in almost every situation! I mean...why are our bodies made this way that if we have too much food that we will become unhealthy? Now, I am talking about just eating and eating, even if you aren't hungry but just for the pure pleasure of taste. We have to eat in moderation! Then it dawned on me, and I am sure all of you smarty pants have already realized this, but we have to monitor ALL things in life!

Can you think of one thing in this WORLD that we can have an abundance of, and it NOT have a negative effect on us? Think about it...alcohol...too much and we will be drunk, throwing up, and over time diseased! Money...too much will cause negative effects...like greed, not being satisfied, and idolizing possessions. Even good things like too much husband, or too much of our kids...they will become our idols and all we live for! For me...too much crafting will take up all my time so there is none left for my family or...the most important person of all...GOD!!!

Then another realization...and the obvious thing: the ONE thing in this whole world/heavens that we can NEVER have too much of...is our great Lord Almighty. He gives in abundance: grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, etc and for some reason...we limit it! We say no thank you to Him...we do this when we don't seek after Him first in our problems, when we put other things (money, food, our desires, and even our families) before Him, and when we don't put our trust and faith in His will for our lives. We were created to worship something, to idolize something and with God's perfect plan, we should be worshiping Him in all that we do, putting all the things of this world that we want so much of; behind the Lord.

So that was my realization...quite simple, yet hopefully will help me when I desire too much of something in this crazy world.

Chunky Monkey Everett

2011-08-07T04:01:00.001-07:00

I thought I would update about my littlest (not so small) man. I recently had his 4 month check up- shots and all:-( He wooed all the nurses and the doctor; laughed and flirted his way through the appointment. But screamed, yes a high pitch scream, during his shots...poor baby!

He weighs 16lbs 3oz, 25 inches long, and not sure about head, but they kept asking me if he was C-section since his head was so perfect. I was like, "heck no!" I had that baby and have been blessed to have a round head! HA!

Other little tid-bits about E. He LOVES to be on his tummy, yes he is still a tummy sleeper, but now that he rolls both ways, he wakes up a bit easier when he rolls onto his back during the night. He never stays on a blanket since he just keeps rolling and rolling; it is quite funny to see where he ends up! He doesn't make much noise when he wakes up at night, but one way I know he is awake (he is in the pack and play) is I will hear this scratching sound. Once he is awake, he scoots to the end of the pack and play and scratches at the siding of it...keeps him entertained, but kind looks like he is trying to get out of jail or something:-)

He is back to pooping normally. No not sleeping through the night and is never consistent at night any more. We started rice cereal once a day now and he is doing pretty good with that! He still LOVES his brothers and is just captivated by them. I have to tell Logan to be gentle still as he plays with Everett as if is a doll...Yikes!

That's it so far! He is still our easiest baby, which is such a blessing!!

Papa and Grandma Visit Part 2

2011-08-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

Long time coming...Part 2!! We had some relaxing time the rest of the days, date night, singing times, black berry picking, and dinning out!

Here is my handsome, strong man, wooeing me in front of the camera...yeah...almost dropped me:-)

My older boys playing in the fountain. Tonight Logan was riding his bike next to the stroller where Austin was sitting and he goes " Austin...you are my favorite Austin". (Cue the melting heart please!)
Some carrots from our garden! With the G-parents here we could garden together outside more. It is nice to observe the growth and change in our enchanted palace and we dream of adding more to our back yard! The carrots were yummy and we have even more now!

We went blackberry picking. We were told there wouldn't be very many, but there were tons! We went to the back of the field and far from the road and found tons of golf-ball size berries. Yum Yum! Mike made a delicious blackberry pie (as he usually makes wonderous pies) and we ate them with cool whip for days afterwards.

Be ware!!! -of looking below! I was about to pick 3 gorgeous blackberries behind a thin spider web (just gonna brush it away) and thank God I looked for the spider because I saw this!!! YIKES! It seriously was as big as my fist. I freaked out beyond freaking out...soooo wish I had a different camera at this point!

Got my macro out:-)

SOOC

14 lbs of Blackberries!

We went out to PF Changs (one of ALL of our favorites) and enjoyed a quick trip to the fountain afterwards. It was sooo hot and humid out that EVerett was falling asleep on Grandma! So sweet...love love this picture:-)

Papa, Grandma and their g-boys! Soon to add another in MN (Jillian is due in 2 weeks!)

Family of 5! I thought the water in the background was kinda cool after I took the photo. Didn't do that on purpose. Next time I should have noticed it and tried to slow the shutter speed!

Almost 10 years after meeting each other, he still gives me butterflies, swoons me, and makes my heart skip a beat when he kisses me!

There wraps up our trip! I SOOO wish I had taken more pictures, next time I won't put the camera down. Thank you Papa and Grandma for coming out here, please come back soon...the boys miss you!

Papa and Grandma Visit Part 1

2011-07-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Well, this will probably be picture overload, but that seems to be my style lately. I just get it all done at once! I have decided to be more purposeful in life (very long story) and I would like to get back on track with blogging. Do more craft/project posts, photography posts, and family updates. I feel so behind in everything that my attitude is "why even try?" I start one thing and get interrupted and then start another. My brain has never been so forgetful or ...i guess just gone! Not sure if it has to do with the third child, but I know life has changed and I need to catch back up. I haven't been the friend, or family-member that I need or want to be. I get frustrated at myself for not doing something and once I remember it I still don't get it done! AHHHH! Anyways...long rant. I have a great post about idols, and what has been put on my heart lately from the Lord. To sum that up in two words is...shaken foundation. God is good, all the time:-)

So back to the title of the post! My parents came to visit, and as the boys get older and older it is so fun to see them so excited for family to come out. They got in later one evening and poor Everett just couldn't stay up! Cutie pie though, did let me hold him and snuggle while we all waited. Once the g-parents got here, Logan was a non-stop chatter box. I have NEVER heard him talk so fast and so much! It was so fun to hear what he thought was important enough to tell them. Oh...and Everett is "my (Logan's) Everett" when Logan refers to Everett.

Here are a few shots of Papa and the boys. They did LOTS of wrestling and block playing. Even got on his iPad a few times.

Went out and about on base and around town. My mom wanted to get some pictures near the jets on our nearby base. I don't believe this is one that flies 200 ft above our house. (not exaggerating)

Papa and his newest Grandson (soon he won't be! YEA Jilly!)

Grandma and her little man. He LOVED to cuddle with her and just sit in her lap. He was perfectly happy and spoiled rotten with her here!

We went to the beach! It was pretty good yet warm weather while they were here and of course we had to make a trip to the beach. We decided the bay since the waves would be smaller and the boys had a blast. I even got in the water this time, and got some sun!

Here is Everett after being fed...content and playing in the shade!

Me and my three sons. I am proud to have such handsome and fun boys. I can't WAIT to see who Everett will be and how he will fit right in with the older boys. What an adventure we will have!

Quick nap

Going for a dip!

Got his floaties on...he actually ended up swimming around. I was so proud of him!

The sun brought my freckles out...oh boy! I hope my boys don't get this little gene of mine!

Logan swimming out to Dad and Austin

All Austin wanted to do...swim and be spun around. Thank God for Grandparents!

This was funny because Austin was muttering "Cheese" under his breath the whole time he was shivering.

We wore him out! Nothing sweeter than seeing his face in a deep sleep. I just want to eat him up!

Even Everett got sand on him.

Stay tuned for more! We went blackberry picking, played in a fountain, and hung out in the house!

A little bit of E...

2011-07-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long its been since I updated! Yikes! We have been busy with family, landscaping, and just every day life. Here are some photos until I get some more up!!

Everett loves bath time and has always calmed him down from about a month old and on. Here I was giving all three boys a bath at once, so he got an extra long soak.

I love LOVE LOVE to kiss Everett's cheeks! They are so squishy, tastey, and smell sooo good! I love my little man! I tried Rice Cereal tonight on the eve of his 4 month birthday, and found out he is just not ready for it! I think I will keep him a baby as long as possible:-)

Dreaming of our Deck!

2011-07-07T12:34:00.001-07:00

Mike and I have recently been dreaming of re-doing our deck. This is after we have had several branches fall on a section of it, breaking the railing. We had decided to tear down more than half of it and leave a section of it by our back door, while gardening and sodding the area that we are taking off. So...the part that we are keeping we are trying to decided what to do with it!

We could either stain it or paint it and even though we LOVE the stained look, because the wood isn't the best and is fairly worn, we will be painting it! But not just any old paint decor:-) We were thinking of painting it some brown/orange/red tones that will match the brick from the front yard and the brick that we are also bringing in the back yard when we garden the new area. We want to chose about two or three colors and paint the planks shown similar to the photo below. I have fallen in love with the painted look and all the great designs we can do! These are a few photos that I have enjoyed looking at:-)

We are also thinking of painting a "rug" of some sorts! Probably a deep red and yellow stripped or square design with perhaps some antique stenciling that I have! So excited!

Perhaps in our new corner without the deck and our large tree we can hook up a hammock! Doesn't that look cozy to you?!

This is something I would also like to do; set up a bird-house collage on our fence. I have seen many different beautiful birds and we can create as a family some beautiful birdhouses! Either bright colors like this or maybe some white-washed distressed bird-houses?

What does your dream deck look like?

My independent man

2011-07-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

I kinda knew from the beginning that Austin, our middle boy who is almost 2 1/2, would have to grow up sooner than "normal". From the start he was forced, in a way, to self soothe, to be on his own, and keep up with his older brother. With Daddy being gone from 6 weeks old to 8 months and again from 1 1/2 to 2 years old, he has had to be more "mature" as I needed him to be. (As mature as a 2 year old could be:-) These past few months he has shown me a glimpse of what life may be like with him in the future. He tries to do things by himself so much and just tries and tries until he succeeds. For example, I have countless times found him on the toilet trying to go potty (diaper off and kiddie seat on) instead of napping, trying to brush his teeth, buckling and unbuckling himself, getting crayons out of a difficult cupboard and setting up a place to color, etc. He has a very spirited personality, yet a sweet and cuddly one when he wants. I love that he still wants to cuddle in the morning and I will gladly sit on the couch with him for 20 minutes scratching his back while he wakes up.

With him being the middle child I don't want him to grow up any faster or feel that he has to do everything on his own. I vow to spend extra time and attention to him since I feel that he will need it. He has no fear with many things such as bugs, heights, food, dirt, and water just to name a few. I often think about what the "no fear" mentality will be in the future and of course think of the awful things that could come of it. I pray that he comes to know the Lord because with his attractive personality he would be an awesome ambassador for Christ. Anyways, I love my little Austin and wish sometimes I could go back to when he was a baby and soak up more of the sweet time with him. I realize with Everett that they grow up so fast and am trying to take it all in ssslllloooowwwwllllyyyy. I love Austin's little face and I couldn't get enough of it this morning, so I thought I would share it:-)

(the middle picture is before his recent hair cut, the others are of his bed hair...NOT the haircut)

ps, while I wrote this, his mischievous or curious side (that comes out a lot) had him putting his yogurt from his bowl to his plate. Now he has yogurt toast.

Randomness!

2011-06-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had a special visit from my younger sister Jillian AND her husband Josh! Jillian comes often to visit, but it was extra special to have Josh with her. He works 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off so there are many times when we are home and barely get to see him. This was a treat! The boys sure had a blast wrestling him and playing with his iPad. They are about to become parents in August to a little boy, Noah, so he was getting plenty of boy practice:-)

Little Everett playing with his toys! I have been enjoying Everett so much lately. Not sure if it is because he is our last baby, or that with Austin I was overwhelmed with deployment and wasn't able to truly enjoy his baby-hood, or that Everett is such a chill baby, or that I just adore him! Not sure what color his eyes will be, they are pretty dark though!

Baby Noah was making the cars move on her belly, and Logan was laughing so hard when they would get kicked off! Already cousin friends!

Wrestling as usual! 2 Ironman's up agains the Uncle:-)

I thought this was pretty funny, she was resting him on her belly. So cute! She is going to be an amazing momma. She is an incredible Auntie to my boys!

Our spirited child. Not sure where he came from, but he is so independent, so willful, and so edible! Just when we are fed up with him, he does something so cute and adorable that both Mike and I's hearts melt.

We went to the beach a few times with Jill and Josh and there was an area with some wading water. Here is what my boys did...I can't imagine how nasty the water probably was...good thing for baths!

Nice shot Jillian! Having a good ol' time

Oh my word...could I be any more in love with this little face! So excited to see what kind of little boy he will be. Ironman or superman, artist or cook, legos or blocks?

These next few pictures are from several weeks ago when we went to a state park. We didn't realize that we had to walk 3 miles with no shade to get to the park, so we just hung out at the beach near-by. The boys climbed the sand-dunes and waded in the water. There was this crazy mist that kept going down the beach...eerie and yet very serene!

Here I caught Mike in mid-jump!

Austin's turn!

Logan's turn!

So much sand in his bum after this!

See the eerie mist in the back ground? They are looking at crabs. At one point we look at Austin walking behind us, sticking his whole arm down one of the crab holes...guess he will learn someday!

Here is typical mom...carrying Everett in the Beco, getting a cute kiss from Austin.

Everett having a blast!

2011-06-29T03:25:00.000-07:00

I am trying to upload photos but blogger isn't working!! So here is a video in the mean time:-)

Candyland Lessons

2011-06-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

This story is too funny not to share:-)

One thing about parenting that I have recently very much enjoyed is witnessing my children experience something for the first time. Their amazement and awe is so innocent and refreshing. What a precious gift we have been given as parents to impress upon our children the teachings of the world!

Last night we as a family, decided to play Candy land. It was Logan, me and Dad/Austin teams. It started off so nice and fun, Logan got ahead in the game and kept saying "I am going to beat you up!" I think he meant " I am going to beat you". So we gently told him that it wasn't nice to brag during a game and you can say things like " I am winning!" instead. Eventually Logan was 2 spaces (green and orange) from the finish and we was so excited! Dad/Austin and I were still really close to the beginning. Then he drew a card that wasn't ideal at all...the cupcake card. This card would send him back nearly 10 spaces from the beginning. His face immediately fell and he tried to put the card back and he said " No, I need an orange or green card". Mike and I looked at each other like 'oh great, this definitely needs to be a learning lesson, but how sad is it that he was so close to winning!!!'

I was actually kinda surprised that Logan understood the whole winning thing and that if he went back to the beginning he probably wouldn't win. If he understood that, then he needed to be taught the rules of the game and to start learning to not be a poor sport. While we are trying to explain to Logan that he needs to go to the cupcake space, and him fighting us, Austin shouts out in the manliest voice "Go to the cupcake!!!" and points to the cupcake! HA! Mike and I are practically rolling in laughter at the whole situation, but trying to keep a straight face so Logan knows we are serious. Eventually Mike took Logan on his lap, and quietly explained again the reason why he had to go to the cupcake space and prayed with him. Logan kept saying that he had to finished and win with the green or orange card. (All this over a game! But we knew the importance of teaching this now) Logan looked with a long face at the game board and said "But the cupcake doesn't understand where I am going!"

Bwaahhhaaahaha!!! Poor kid. Why couldn't he just win?!?! Guess there are always lessons in life, even in Candy land. Logan soon realized what he had to do and took his piece and slowly back-tracked all the pieces, jumped over Mike/Austin's piece and then jumped over my piece and tracked all the way to the cupcake space. We kept playing after that and to Logan's disappointment I won...or according to him "I beat him up!" Me winning took another break in the game to explain to him about others winning and being happy for them...yikes! This whole lesson teaching thing was hard when they don't want to understand it! Mike/Austin and Logan kept playing to see who would win next (should have been Logan, so we thought it would lift his spirits some to get him to win second place). Because we had played for so long we had to recycle the cards played from before. Logan was fairly close to winning again, when to his demise...he pulled the cupcake card again.....

I know this was probably more funny in person, but what a great responsibility we have as parents to teach them even these little lessons in social skills and game playing! There were plenty of times when I just wanted to let him win because he is ONLY 4 and I love my son, but I agree with Mike that even these little instances make a difference.

Everett is 3 Months!

2011-06-23T04:43:00.001-07:00

Yikes! Does time fly or what? This also means that I have no excuse to get out and exercise any more, and I need to eat better...aahhh man! Yes, my little baby is 3 months. One more month until we can try rice cereal, 3 more months until solids, 3-4 more months until he is sitting and CRAWLING! AAAHHH! (only if he follows in his brothers footsteps.) Speaking of brothers...it is so fun to see how much they adore him! Austin has his blankies, and likes to share them with Everett. And no he doesn't lay them flat on Everett, he balls them up and puts them right on his stomach or back when he is on the floor. Logan is a BIG help, makes him laugh and loves to lay near him when playing with his own toys.

Everett is such a joy to us, and we are very grateful for the ease of this baby. He sleeps fairly well at night, about 3-5 hour stents. Yes he sleeps on his belly...and yes I get worried sometimes, but I am at peace with it.

He is starting to not like being swaddled, so we will see how much longer that lasts.

He nurses great and I am enjoying it the most this time around. No worries or what ifs...just enjoying it.

He seems to be on the schedule of pooping every 5 days. Pretty predictable and very strange. Logan did this too, but for not as long. He isn't constipated or in any pain so we let it be.

He started batting at his toys a few weeks ago which made me forget how early they do those things!

He loves his play mat and I know some of you will sigh at this, but he will play on it for about 45 minutes at a time.

He is a pretty chill baby. In fact, he is just laying on my lap right now while I type this fully awake.

He LOVES the baby carrier. And I LOVE my Beco. Almost the second he is put in it, he falls asleep. Pretty sweet!

He is a smilier and sometimes when he gets fussy, if you can just make him smile again, laugh a little, he will be good.

At his two month check up he was 13lbs 4 oz and 24 inches long...so we have a growing boy!

I had a blast doing his photoshoot, and there are some more props that I may be getting in the next week or so that I found at an antique store down the road. So I may add to them. The blue blanket in the photos was made by his Nana and I LOVE it...so beautiful! Forgive me for the overload of pictures...I just couldn't post a few!

In Response to "Sick and Tired"

2011-06-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I am not alone! Not sure if that should make me feel better or not. I mean, why should women these days feel so alone, not special, and like they make no difference. When in reality, (speaking about moms here) we have the most important job! No matter if you work out of the home or not, motherhood is the MOST important and taxiing job. Why should we feel that we need to compete, or stand out to other people? I know I can answer that in a few short words, but before I do let me tell you how I was convicted and encouraged this week.

So after posting that last blogpost about not feeling unique and talking about how I could do things if I just had the money or time, I was slammed in the face yet again by God (of course in the most gentle way) Our sermon on Sunday talked about being bitter...how dare he!!! HA! Ironic isn't it? How we don't always understand, and WON'T understand God's plan and why our lives take the route they do. He also touched on idols. And no I am not talking about the shiny gold statue or the cliche money and possesions. I am talking about even the good things in life being idols. Like our husbands, work, and yes...our children. Anything that is put before the Lord in time, thoughts, energy and sacrifice is an idol. One statement that was said that truly struck me hard was "If your life doesn't have meaning with out that thing/person/hope, then it is an idol" BAAAM!

Ok, ok...there it was and there I was convicted. Don't get me wrong...when I have those feelings of inadequacy...it is OK, but when I let them rule my life and feel that I have no meaning without being this kind of person, or doing that kind of trade...then yes, I am putting it before God and idolizing it. Ooofta! Who wants to hear that?

So encouragement...right? Later this week I opened my Bible to read the next chapter or section of what I was currently going through...and to my delight it is my favorite chapter in my favorite book of the Bible. Romans 8. I won't re-write the whole thing here, but I encourage you to look it up and read it today.

Conviction:

Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will LIVE"

Encouragement:

Romans 8: 18 " For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are NOT worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us"

vs 26: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

vs 31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, then who can be against us?"

After reading your comments and talking to a few of you friends, I pray that we all have a new-found hope, importance, desire for the lives that we lead. That we use our talents for good in and outside of mothering, and that we leave a Legacy following the Lords.

( PS. stay tuned for Everett's 3 month photos! We had fun!)

"____" kind of man, makes a "_" kind of Daddy

2011-06-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to all your Dads, husbands, etc! I am sure there are no dads reading this:-) Just wanted to share my love and appreciation for this wonderful man in my life. He amazes me every day as I watch him parent, love and guide our boys. His patience surpasses mine by a mile, and the fun he has with them is priceless. I am so grateful that our children have a Daddy like him to raise them! Here are a few photos of the man and some thoughts of mine:-)

"Cuddly" kind of man, makes a "sensitive" kind of Daddy. I like how he appreciates Everett's smiles, and loves to make him coo and laugh.

"Gardening" kind of man, makes a "growing" kind of Daddy. He learns how to grow and adapt as the boys get older. He also realizes that each one is a different kind of "plant" (silly analogy huh?).

(Just had to include this card Logan made at school for Fathers Day)

"Passionate" kind of man, makes a "crazy" kind of Daddy. When Mike gets an idea in his head, gets his sights set on one thing...he goes full force! Mike has been very passionate about running lately and pretty much just woke up one day running 7 or 9 miles! He got a crazy idea in his head to run BAREFOOT! Now...he already wears minimalist shoes, but for some crazy reason he got up one saturday and ran 7 miles barefoot...this is what happened (picture below). This makes a crazy kind of Dad because he is always up for anything! Wrestling becomes an adventure in super hero land, poles become magic bean stalks, and all characters in stories have an english accent:-)

"Compassionate" kind of man, makes a "treat others as yourself" kind of Daddy. Austin gets frequent nose bleeds and this is one way we are trying to stop them. (I get many and I can't imagine having them as a 2 year old!) Mike often says "Am I whinning? Then you don't whine...Am I crying? Then you don't cry" So in this situation Mike showed Austin that sticking a kleenex up his nose doesn't hurt. They both sat there like this until it stopped bleeding. Compassionate in his own ways, but very loving as well as growing masculine men.

"Strong" kind of man, makes a "Hero" kind of Daddy. Sorry Mike, yes, I posted this picture. Mike puts an importance in eating right and working out and it is fun to see the boys doing the same. Food has "tools" (like hammers and screw drivers) and exercising is a contest. Austin can pretty much do a real push-up! Logan has said that he wants to be a good guy like Daddy when he grows up and it makes my heart smile to hear that.
Thank you so much Michael for loving our boys and desiring to be the best you can be! Happy Fathers DAy!

Sick and Tired...

2011-06-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

...of this stupid feeling that I have! I am so tired of feeling inadequate and like just another grain of sand in the sandbox. It cycles around...and maybe it has to do with the hormones of a woman, but I want it to stop! I do so well, and feel like I am someone...worth something special. Then I see things that I desire to do or be and I am jealous or realize that I am just not that good. (this is very hard to me admit because it is so sinful and shameful). I think...if I only had the time or money I could do that. Of course I wouldn't trade my kids for anything else, but if I had the time/money WITH them...HA! Then I think about how those are not the things that should define me, but my relationship with God is what I should be desiring. I should be known for how I love the Lord, and teach my children about God, and how joyful I can be deep inside. So from that I start to feel guilty! AAHHH! Such a stupid cycle.

Is it wrong to want to be unique and exceptional at something? I know that sometimes for me it becomes an idol, and that desire to be "good" at something drives my mood, how I treat others, and where I spend my time. I know that isn't good, but why is it so hard to look past that? Why are there people out there who seem to have it so put together, love the Lord, shine their lights so well, and are so joyful with all that they have and all that they are. I don't know, I am just venting right now.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

In the midst of these feelings I am finding those sweet moments that bring such emotional love and joy towards my children and family. I know how blessed I am and how much God loves me. I just wish, and now pray daily that serving Him is my purpose daily. I am tired of comparing myself to others (does that ever stop as we get older?). I am tired of not seeing the strengths that I do have (there has got to be a few). I am tired of focusing on the wrong things in life (instead of being concerned with others that I may not know in a few years, focus on how I can raise my boys to love the Lord, to be a serving wife, and to desire only God's love and companionship). Again, I am not writing this to seek approval from you all...you all give me so much love. I am just venting because I feel like when I write all this out, I see the selfish, shameful ways of thinking and it truly helps me to divert my focus.

Here's a question...what do you do to feel unique but not focus so much on it that it overtakes your life? What can I do to keep my focus on my family and walk with the Lord?

(photos courtesy of my enchanted garden:-)

Momma In Focus Friday! and a VIDEO...AGAIN!!!

2011-06-10T04:21:00.000-07:00

YEAH! Another Friday and guess what tonight is...DATE NIGHT! Yup, we are leaving all three boys...(long sigh inserted) and I KNOW it will be great...minus the distraction of thinking about my baby boy. Anyways, we are thinking a dinner and possibly movie (typical date) but oh so nice! It has been a good week with it's rough patches...very rough patches. The great moments are definitely making up for the tough ones. I have purposed to be a more joyful mom, play and tickle my boys more, and LAUGH at everything if appropriate. Like this morning at 5 am when Everett was nursing and all of a sudden he straightened his body in a jerk and let out the loudest fart and went right back to eating in his sleep...oh boy oh boy:-)

Here are my Momma in Focus photos and a video! Hop on over to Casey's Blog to link up and check out her adorable daughter!

Making faces with Logan (sorry about the line in the photo...computer was open)
My silly boy

This one was taken from my phone, Logan usually goes to school on Thursdays so that is my day with Austin...we had just finished playing with play-dough and were starting lunch. He impressed me so much yesterday when he was putting puzzles together all by himself!!

This is one of my favorite things to do with Everett...snuggle and tickle his neck...I swear he is laughing after I do it. Love this precious little man!

Puzzle time video!

2011-05-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Molly does this on her blog...videos of her kids. I LOVE it! It is so fun to see her kids in every day life and the cuteness of them! So wish we lived closer so our boys could be friends!

So here is a long boring video (I think it's cute) of austin doing a puzzle and of Everett! Here you go Grandma!

Whats been on my mind...

2011-05-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'll...I feel the need to apologize to my family a friends on this blogworld. I haven't been keeping up photos, stories, etc AND I haven't been keep up with my friends over the internet! I feel so out of the loop, yet I feel so busy....what do I do every day? I shouldn't be sitting down to writing this right now, I should probably be wiping a table, reading the Bible, or sitting with my kids...but I need some grown up time (and a time to vent in tangents).

I am dying for the day in the next year where we actually have a plan as to where we will be in the future. There is so much uncertainty and anxiousness over it all. I just want my hubby to happy and have a small amount of job satisfaction! I can't even begin to tell you how much of a difference that makes for my joy and happiness. We have plans for the house and for where Logan will go to school. We have friends that we have been very blessed with here, and there comes a point where I don't let myself get any closer with them because I know our lives will probably have us move again soon. Oh just for something to be consistent!

My days don't consist of much...basically washing the same dishes, wiping the same bums, kissing the same faces, and trying to do something extra like clean a toilet. I never thought in a million years that my house would look the way it does, or that I literally wouldn't have time for things that took 5 minutes before. I know this is a season in my life and I need to not worry about the house, the extra projects, and much more...and I feel that I am doing a fairly good job at letting it go. To be honest from the bottom of my heart though, I feel that I am lacking joy in all of it. I get frustrated with the kind of mom that I am and more so the kind of mom that I am not. I feel like another white shell on the beach...not unique with no purpose. Going back to work wouldn't fulfill me because then my heart would be devastated with leaving my three boys. I can't neglect my house any more than I do, and my dear husband has stepped up times 100 in helping out-so I can't ask any more from him! I know that this joy and this passion for being a mom, wife, friend comes from the Lord...but that is another side that I am trying reconnect and draw near to right now.

I think I have to admit that I am a bit frustrated with what God is doing with our lives right now. I don't understand it all...I don't understand the job situation, my lack of patience (yes that is my choice and not His doing), why we have three boys-so incredibly grateful for each of my sweet men, why we have our money issues, and why I just can't seem to feel on top again. Sorry for the downer post, I am not feeling sorry for myself because I know how incredibly blessed we are and how much more we have than most people in the world. I just needed to vent and to write out feelings. I think of posts to write about often, but then I forget or I realize that no one wants to know about that.

Anyways, on a lighter note, we had an icredible 4 day weekend, lots of family time spent together which was so nice. I get to go to MN this weekend just me and Everett for my sisters baby shower and a girlfriends wedding (so awesome!). I hope that all you had a great weekend and are ready for summer...its coming quickly!!

Momma In Focus Friday! and a VIDEO!!

2011-05-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

To join in on the fun, head over to Casey's blog and link up!

YEAH! I have a moment this morning to blog! Actually, the kitchen is a mess, the boys are watching tv and Everett is cooing in his bouncer...lovely morning:-) I had Mike snap a few shots of us this morning (forgive my appearance, I just went for a run!!!!) We are all IN LOVE with Everett and playing with him! Of course we are in love with Ironman, nerf guns, and tickle bum (Austin):-) We are looking forward to this fun four day weekend!!

Here is a video of Everett cooing! I had JUST missed him laughing! YUP! He laughed at his Daddy! I don't blame him though...do you?

Antique Living...

2011-05-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

It has been about 5 years since I visited Mike's family in Northern California. They live on a large plot of land and are in love with all things cowboy. After getting into photography over a year ago and then going back to their house this past month...I saw sooo many great photos that I could take. Their decorations around their house are old, antique, rusted, and perfect for creative photography. I got as many shots as I could with the one lens I brought. I wish I had more time to capture their place and the uniqueness/beauty of it! The fun thing I learned is that Mike's Uncle is the person who does most of the shopping (garage sales) and decorating! Great job Randy! Here are a few of the photos I captured

The first two are SOOC...then I tried some different antique/vintage editing...which one do you like?

Lots of Life!

2011-05-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Our plans in life may not always be on our terms, or what we thought it would be...but something I heard today at church, was that God invites us, gives us our lives and wants us to accept it joyfully...especially if it isn't on our terms or not necessarily what we wanted or thought it would be like. This isn't a downer statement...rather it is an encouragement for me. I know that God has only good for my family and me, and when I accept the gifts He has given me and embrace them wholeheartedly we will be in line with the Lord.

We have been busy and had lots of laughs lately. Never a dull moment here:-)

Still getting into boxes

Always fun to see the boys playing in Daddy's tools

He sleeps a lot in many different positions...so sweet and cuddly

Everett Michael Morris

3/23/11

Dedicated on May 15th 2011

Romans 15:1-3

"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the week, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself."

This one is the Morris family personalities portrayed in a photo...

Praying for our children...thank you Lord for these wonderful sons that you have given us to raise.

What life is like...

2011-05-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

...for THIS mother of three. I have so many thoughts and words to write, but my brain just doesn't work these days. Here is a snippet of my life:

I haven't cleaned the bathrooms in 2 weeks

I have pacifiers in the couch cushions

I will cry if I can't find the swaddling blankets

I get to watch the older boys "do-do-do-" on Everett (tickle him)

I live for that little smile

my husband and I know that our "time" is limited but very needed

I haven't crocheted a thing in almost 2 months and going through withdrawals

I have so many people I want to call- but the minute my phone goes up to my ear something falls and breaks

laundry is NEVER done (diapers in the wash as we speak)

and I am a HORRIBLE blog friend!

BUT

I have three of the most beautiful and sweet boys in the world, and a husband that I can't stop staring at while dreaming about our next vacation, and a house that is beautiful and keeps us warm, AND a garden/yard that is a gorgeous pass time (while I walk from the car to the house), and I pray I have my priorities right...

the progression of the cutest smile...i wasn't going to miss it this time!

Easter...better late than never!

2011-05-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yup...pulling out the Easter pictures! Life has been BUSY to say the least, but I was able to snap some photos this past Easter Holiday. It was a BEAUTIFUL day filled with reflection, friends, and fun! Logan has really started to talk about and mostly understand (what a 4 year old can understand) what Easter is and means. Even about Jesus dying for us and rising again. He still talks about it to this day. SO awesome...so blessed to have a child so curious and the opportunity to tell my son the Good News:-) Anyways, enjoy the photos!

Logan just looked so old here...wow

My handsome boys:-)

First family Easter...it was fun setting the camera and running to sitting down with baby Everett in my arms! HA!

Laughing yet? yeah...love this photo

Cheese!!!

I pray they will be the best of buds

Finding eggs! Lots of candy!

Big ol belly!

Run Run!

I hope you all had a great Easter too! I will be catching up with blogging for quite some time coming up, as I will be catching up with all of you! Life WILL get back to normal someday I swear!!

Fixing up our garden

2011-04-25T04:47:00.000-07:00

It has been so fun this year to see the plants and flowers come back thicker and in full force in our garden. There were several plants that we had thought died only to be watching the planter and be surprised that we saw double the amount! We ran to the local nursery and had the boys pick out their own flower plants (annuals) so they could water and watch them grow. It was fun to plant them with them...perhaps this can be a new tradition?!?!

Getting Logan to touch the wet dirt can be trying, but he did it and did a good job!

Smile for mom!

Putting it in!

"Smile for mommy!" and this is what he did

Austin loves getting his hands dirty

Smile for mommy...again:-)

The garden! Hopefully we will have some veggies growing up in the back soon!

PS. We are heading out to CA soon! Blogging will be scarce (not like it already isn't though...sorry) I will be getting lots of photos and will be blogging those later. We are very excited to go even though we will be flying 7 hours with 3 kids (yikes!). I can't wait to smell that CA air again, and reminisce in the city that Mike and I started our lives together. Well, I better get packing!!

Momma in Focus Friday (a bit late)

2011-04-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

Yes I am a bit late on this, but at least I am trying! I know you have also seen a picture in this, so I will purpose to get more with my older boys! Hopefully one with ALL of them next time!

Everett's Newborn Photos

2011-04-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

Yes I know these are WAY overdue since he is now 4 weeks old! Actually a month old on Saturday. CAN NOT believe that it has gone by that fast. I need to soak up this time! I was able to do his newborn shoot when we was almost 2 weeks old. I wish I would have done it a bit sooner since he was a konked out sleeper before this shoot. Of course he was wide awake for most of it. Oh well, still love my Everett! Poor kid is going to be sooo used to the camera as he grows up. Can't wait to catch his smile soon:-) Which ones do you like? Please do share so I know what style looks good with babies!

Pictures and more pictures

2011-04-16T06:53:00.001-07:00

Here are a bunch of random pictures of what has been going on recently in my life:) There is so much that I want to post on...like crafting ideas! OH how I want to paint or put fabric on a headboard, re-arrange my kitchen, paint a bathroom, etc. And my poor garden! I need to get out there and get those veggies going! AH! Anyways, I have been very blessed to visit with some good friends of ours twice this month! She took my camera a ton and captured so many photos of me and my boys. I am very picky however, because I am still not comfortable with the baby weight. I know I know, with time it will come off! Anyways, not a long wordy post, just some fun pictures! More to come later!

Here is my friend Casey and her little girl Daisy who is growing up sooo fast!

She is such a good momma and reminded me how important and fun it is to spend time with my youngin's. She spends lots of time with Daisy and you can tell because Daisy is in love with her momma!

All my men...I am sure I will have many more photos of all my, but this is the first of all of them!

Dad and Mom with their little baby!

Sweet man, so alseep

Close up (thank you Casey!) she took so many fun close up pictures of him. Here you can really see his birth mark under his nose.

What we do best:-)

My melting heart

2011-04-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

proud older brother

squirting daddy:-)

Who knew that little boys; as dirty, rough, and hyper as they are; could melt a momma's heart so quickly!?!?! Seeing how my three boys have such distinct personalities (yes Everett has a personality already) I melt in different ways for each of them.

Logan is my people pleaser and gets excited over the little things. To show you how tough it can be to parent this kind of child, here is a story. Mike and I are sticklers about finishing dinner before any kind of dessert is considered. Since we have been SOOO blessed with people bringing us dinners and desserts, there have been many delicious cookies:-) The other night, Logan tested our rules during dinner time. He was taking his sweet time eating his lasagna, thinking that at some point after he eats for 40 min he would wear us down so he could get his cookie. Well, it was bath night and late already, so we gave him 10 minutes to eat about 2 tbsp worth of food. I was sitting there, watching him eat, knowing that he was taking too long. My heart was breaking for him! How sad am I? It is just a silly cookie! But I saw how hard he was working at eating the food even though he may not like. So when there was a minute left and I knew he wasn't going to finish it, I also knew what was to come when we told him no cookie. The tears flowed and the face of disappointment and surprise of not getting a cookie appeared. Mike had to handle it because Logan has realized I am one big softie and he looked at me with those big blue eyes saying "but MOMMY!!!" . As I write this I realize what a small moment this was and I can't believe that I almost gave in to him! It is hard to be strong in moments as small as these, but we know that you have to be consistent in all situations.

Water table fun!
yes that is a turkey baster

bending over to get wiped...

Austin is such a character and crack up. He does this little hop when he stands up after sitting on the ground or after falling down. His hair flops up in the air and back down and his little chunky body bounces. Too cute. He has been having a hard time staying in bed at night lately and it is so hard for me to keep a straight face when dealing with him. He usually comes tip toeing around the corner and says "what you doing mommy?". Or walking slowing half bent over with his hands on his knees looking at me out of the corner of his eyes. Seriously, where does this humor come from? The other night I was putting him to bed and he did a sumersault on his own and now when he tries to do it he just put his head on the ground and lets his arms go limp thinking he will roll. He has also decided to potty train himself! We weren't even working on it with him, no rewards or anything, because he isn't afraid of the potty chair and he willingly sits on it. So for the past several days he gets out his potty chair and takes off his clothes and sits with his "puters" (computer toy) and goes to the bathroom! In fact tonight I found him in our bathroom with the lights off, pants and diaper off trying to get on the toilet. Oh how my heart melts at his cuteness!

Everett...yes this 2 weeker definitely has my heart around his tiny fingers. He is going to be such a momma's boy. And by momma's boy I mean that he wants my company. The other boys never made a fuss whether they were being held by me or not, but Everett definitely LOVES his cuddle time. Yes, he loves his cuddle time with Daddy too. He is such a great nurser, and just loves to eat just to snack. I guess I am enjoying it since he will be our last. Trying to soak up every moment! I have gotten most of his newborn pics, but I definitely wished I had done them sooner...when he was a konked out sleeper...oh well, still got some good ones!

perhaps those will be brown eyes someday? You can notice he has a birthmark right under his nose. Just a reddish color. The doc says it should go away after a year or so.

I love this sweet photo...so kissable! Another distinction about Everett is his folded ears. This pic makes it look worse than it really is, but they are both folded! Kinda cute and very different...we shall see if it goes away as he gets bigger

Sorry about the rambling, I am just really enjoying and am really proud to be a momma to these three boys!

Everett's Birth Story

2011-04-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Who knew it would take me almost a week and a half to get this story out! By this time, most of you have already heard it in some version or other. But I thought I would just write it down for memories sake:-)

Most of you know we did not know what we were having. It was a suspenseful surprise all the way up until the moment of truth, where Daddy made the big announcement. This picture was taken about a week prior to the big day for my mom, so she could see how uncomfortable I was...yet already in love.

The 23rd started off as any normal birthday-day would! I got up early to decorate for my 4 year old. Balloons and banner, presents wrapped and set up before he woke up. Very nice start to the day! The boys had school that day and Logan's cupcakes for his Birthday celebration were done and decorated, ready to go with him. The boys got up and I was feeling great! I got them off to school and I headed over to my doctors appointment. I had been seeing the same Captain throughout the majority of the pregnancy and had begun a great relationship with her. Very rare in the military community. Being the 23rd was two days from my due date and seeing the doc who was probably going to check me, I was weary because this was the ONLY day I truly did NOT want to have our baby! I mean, two kids sharing the same birthday?!?!? How awful right?!?!

Unfortunately when I got the OB place my doc was running very behind and Mike and I needed to get some things done during a "childless" day. (he was off from work). There was another doc free and so I thought, well, why not!? This gal proceeded to check me and stated that I was 5-6cm! WHAT?! I knew since the past saturday I was 3-4cm and I could stay that way for weeks, but I wasn't having any contractions or anything! She proceeded to check me further which was basically stripping my membranes pretty hard. Then she told me she was going to call labor and delivery and that I needed to go in. I was totally shocked and totally not ready mentally! I thought I was going to talk to her about an induction day!

I called Mike and told him what was going on, and we ended up getting the boys early from school and dropped them off at our friends house. We are so grateful for this family...they seriously just took our boys in as their own and I don't think I could ever repay them! We headed down to the hospital and I started getting uncomfortable and having contractions, but they were about every 8 minutes apart. At least they were regular. I was however, determined to not be "forced" into labor when we got to the hospital. I wasn't going to walk to make the baby come and make me progress. We already had a day of false labor and I did not want that to happen again. If it wasn't meant to be, it wasn't meant to be.

At the hospital I was 5 cm so they kept me and started the process! Mike went back to the car to get our bags only to find out we FORGOT OUR CAMERA! YIKES! I was so disappointed, but there was truly nothing we could do. We live 40 min from our hospital so there was no sending him back home. We only had our phones to take pictures with. We got plenty:-) I decided to get an epidural with this labor because with Austin I only had a quick spinal block at the end and endured the labor without pain meds. It was incredibly painful with him, and I felt very overwhelmed. I also knew that once my water broke the labor would go quickly, so we got set up with the epidural before my water broke. We found out then that our anesthesiologist also shared a birthday with one of his siblings...how strange! It was then that it began to hit me that yes, Logan and this baby will be sharing a birthday as it was only 5 oclock and there was no way this baby was waiting for the next day.

My water broke about 6, right at shift change and the new staff came on for the night. Mike and I were goofing around...well, actually he was goofing around. At one point they didn't like the baby's heartbeat so they gave me O2 via a mask. Mike thought it would be funny while rubbing my back to stick his face in mine and try and "sniff" some of the O2. Of course I couldn't help but laugh and that made the monitor on my belly go nuts. The nerve of some husbands:-) Just kidding...it was a good thing. Because of the epidural I couldn't feel the pain of the contractions but I could tell they were only minutes a part. (I was truly blessed with a pain free labor!) I then felt "open" down there (sorry if TMI) and I asked them to check me and sure enough with-in two hours I went from 5cm to 10cm and ready to go! So tons of people flooded the room and I got my mirror to watch myself push (always helps me push harder). They were placing bets on what the gender would be and even at that point I really had no clue or intuition.

I pushed about 4 contractions worth and the baby's head was out. Only thing wrong was the cord was wrapped snug around his neck. Of course I got the doc who was training someone and this trainee wasn't doing a very confident job. She shoved him out of the way and said " I gotta get this baby out"! Of course once I heard those words I pushed the hardest ever and he came right out. We asked them to not say the gender but to let Mike tell me what it was. I was desperately searching his eyes as he looked and as soon as he turned to me, before he spoke a word, I knew it was another little boy:-) Everett Michael 8lbs 9 oz, 21 1/4 inches long...I started crying and laughing at how big he was! So healthy, which makes me so happy. He was born at 8:07pm, which I later realized was the about same time that Logan was born on the same day, 4 years earlier. By the way, if you want to know the story behind his name, here is the blog post about why we picked his name.

Despite the cord around his neck, several low blood sugars and a slight fever in the beginning, he was perfectly healthy and oh so beautiful!!! Our family is now complete, 3 boys in tow, a God given gift:-) He started nursing great and hasn't stopped yet, he pooped the first 12 hours at least one an hour, and he LOVES to sleep! At first he was startled a ton by just the littlest noises, but right now as the music plays loudly and the Logan and Austin play crashing their cars, he sleeps soundly in his bouncer.

I felt the labor and the delivery went extremely well. I only got once dose of the epidural which was a blessing that I was pain-free. However, because of the uncomfortableness of the "sleep/dead" legs and the shivering, etc; I almost wished that I hadn't gotten it. I am glad that I have been able to experience both a painful and a pain-free labor just to know what it is like. I think Mike enjoys the pain-free one more as it is very hard according to him, to see me in pain and not be able to do anything about it. He again, showed what a great coach he is, knowing exactly what to do for me, always being there even if I just needed a pillow adjusted an inch. I love my baby daddy:-)

It has been a whirlwind week and a half at home! I think I can let my breath out about Everett being a good baby. In fact I actually called a nurse and asked about him sleeping so much! I have had to wake him up every 2-3 hours to eat! This is SOOOO unlike Austin who only took short cat naps his whole first year. So thank you Jesus for this little Easy Everett!

Logan is in love with his brother and can't wait till he is older so Everett can join in the fun. Logan enjoys holding him and Austin likes to sit next to him and look over his shoulder. It is going to be a crazy house at times, but it will be so much fun to see their bonds.

4 years earlier...

2011-03-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Before I let out all the details of the 4th best day of my life, I would like to bring us back about...oh lets say...exactly 4 years ago. March 23rd, 2007 is when the second love of my life took my life by storm. Logan...my big boy, turned 4 last Wednesday! I can't believe that he is four years old and that hits me every time he slows down to talk with me and I just stare into that face. I stare into those big blue eyes and try and grab that glimpse of the baby he was and the man he will be. What a blessing he is to me, and I pray that I can be a blessing of a Mother to him as he continues to get older.

Logan is still on the bigger side of his age, weighing about 45lbs and well over 40inches (haven't measured that one in a while). It will be interesting getting him his summer clothes as now we can shop in the little boy section of the stores instead of the toddler area. As much as it is nice to have an older child, there are sooo many new challenges on our plates. Like teaching and showing respect, social appropriateness, loving his little brotherS, and responsibility in chores. On the other hand there is getting self dressed (including jackets, shoes-on the right feet, etc), wiping own bum, buckling and unbuckling himself from the car seat, and many more. You don't think that would be hard, but we adults see them as common sense and basic abilities, but to a 4 year old...all new territory.

Because of all the excitement this year around his actual birthday date, we had a delayed family party for him. Good thing I had his actual party a few weeks ago! He was able to share cupcakes with his classmates on Wednesday, but waited somewhat patiently for mom to come home with Everett for his cake and present opening. It was simple and good family time. Last birthday-day to himself!

Yum yum Chocolate Cake...nothing like last years frosting Monster Truck

Look at him...what a boy, what a wonderful little boy.

Singing Happy Birthday

Not too much spit on the cake when he blew out the candles

Opening presents...yes I know he looks naked, but he likes to just wear his undies

Not sure what was up with the flash here, but it was fun to see Austin's reactions to the presents...still has some chocolate cake around his mouth

My little man...the new 4 year old

Momma gets to clean up:-)

Prince Charming has arrived:-)

2011-03-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

That is right every one! We are happy and excited to announce the birth of our third and wonderful BOY: Everett Michael was born on Wednesday the 23rd at 8pm. He weighed 8lbs 9oz and was 21 1/4 inches long. It was a quick labor which I do plan on sharing the "fun" details of that in another post. I just wanted to get the info out and some photos! We are looking forward to the busy life, action packed house, brotherhood and bonding, loving mommy, and heart breakers these boys will be. We couldn't feel more complete and in love with our little Everett. In fact I think Logan is more smitten with him than any of us. Especially since they do now share a birthday...crazy huh?

TOP: peacefully asleep

BOTTOM: biiiiiig Yawn:)

What he does best right now:-)

Momma In Focus Friday!

2011-03-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

Today was an unbelievably gorgeous day...yes shorts and sleeveless shirt kind of day. We went to the park at the beach and I had fun with my camera!

Austin is just melting my heart lately. Last night after trying to put him back into bed about 10 times, I told Mike that he was being "too cute" for me and I needed him to do it. I just couldn't keep a straight face and be a tough mom! I just wanted to cuddle with him, kiss him and lay with him. (I did multiple times too). I love this kids personality. So carefree and all boy.

Logan is mastering so many new skills and LOVES the encouragement and praise from doing them. He sometimes goes into these question rants where it is just one question after the other, after the other...like opening Pandora's Box...oh the things that he asks:-)

Trying to get a picture...thanks to Mike!
A Momma and her boys!

Painted Toes-ready

2011-03-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

39 weeks...that is what I will be tomorrow. Good and ready to have this little one out and in my arms! It is gotten stronger and stronger in it's movements over the past week and actually is starting to hurt when the bum comes out one side and the leg stretches itself out the other:-) Something I will miss for sure, but do admit it hurts! Had a doc appointment on Wednesday and after I told her about the false labor she checked me and said I was 3-4 cm and 50% effaced, very soft. She said she thought I would go in the next few days and I wouldn't see her next week...what excitement for me! Then she stripped my membranes (sorry if TMI) and caused some major cramping and other stuff yesterday, but unfortunately did not put me in to any labor. I remember with Austin I was so disappointed when I didn't go early like I did with Logan. I was so crabby and upset, I even went running at 40 weeks to try and get him to come out! HA! I do have to say my attitude is much better this time around and time has flown up till now!

(no Mike did not paint his own fingernail...a pelican case-very heavy duty case, fell on his finger and bruised it)

We do have most things ready now, bags packed for me and the boys, diapers ready, bed set up, and even my toe nails are painted and beautiful! Yes, I made the hubs paint my toe-nails. He picked out the color and took the time to do a very good job! What a sweet man:-) When I had my false labor on Tuesday, it did hit me that I may not be as ready in other ways. I mean...this sweet bum that sticks out half my belly...soon I will be changing it and wiping it every 2 hours! The little hands that punch, will soon by folded in a burrito swaddle. And that sweet face that I can't WAIT to see will be zonked out after a satisfying nursing session. Another little one to raise, guide and love with all our hearts. To just watch in awe of how cute and perfect they are...am I ready for this flood of emotions? For my heart to be stretched yet again and overfilled with love, care and concern? aaaahhhhh yes...I sure am:-) Now I just need the patience to wait for this little babe to come on out!

Again, if you want to guess the gender, weight, date, etc...go HERE and put in your vote! Who ever is closest with all the stats will win a crocheted item from me:-) Just to let you all know, the doc says I am 3-4cm and good to go any day now...but I do feel like I will go over my due date. We shall see!

Which one do you like?

2011-03-16T18:19:00.001-07:00

There are some GORGEOUS trees around here blooming these awesome pink/white flowers. I don't think they are cherry blossoms because they are huge, but I sure had fun with my Macro! Here are some shots I got and played with the editing...which one do you like?

May favs are the top left and bottom left.

These are just so SOOC macro shots of the inside of the blooming flowers...perhaps some editing tips?

Logan's Transformation/Super Hero Birthday Party!

2011-03-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Little did I know how much my "baby" would love Super Heros, Action figures and Transformers. It is quite hilarious to watch him be a boy sometimes...just today I saw him "hunting" around the house with one eye shut holding his gun and bending his knees. THEN I saw Austin copy him...so much fun:-)

We decided to do a Birthday Party for Logan this year since he hasn't had one yet (just a large family one when he turned one). When asked about a theme for his party he couldn't decided between Transformers or Super Heros. Since he is always dressing up in his costumes, I thought it would be fun for the other kids to dress up too. I refused to have it at my house with kids of this age, plus our house just isn't big enough for 15 kids plus parents. We found a great park where the playground wasn't too scary for little kids, but large enough to run around on it and not get bored. The day couldn't have been more beautiful for us, 65 and sunny:-)

I wanted a low-key party with very little games or stress. The kids played for the majority of the two hours, with a pinata, cake, and presents squeezed in the middle. Logan had a blast having "all his friends" to play with:-)

Here is the invitation Mike and I created. Mike is very creative when it comes to wording and sayings.

The simple decorations set up at our park shelter, and the boys playing.

The Transformer cake. I wanted something written on it so I did it myself. I think it ruined it, but I love what it says (again Mike came up with it)

HAPPY TRANS-4-MATION LOGAN!!

Family photo...I couldn't help but laugh at what Logan did by resting on my belly...HAHA! 38weeks!!

More playing and the pinata ...all the kids got a turn and then Logan pulled the strings and all the candy fell out!
I can't help it, but I think Austin is the cutest Buzz Lightyear there is! He kept his hat part of the costume on for the better part of it and looked so cute running around the playground:-)

I love my boys!

PS...update on Baby #3...totally had false labor yesterday and today. Last night I started having contractions and I was just feeling uncomfortable. I went to bed thinking either this will wake me up through the night or just go away. I was able to sleep through the night just fine, but as soon as I woke up I was doubled over in cramp/back pain and contractions. I even had some other symptoms, but not sure you would want that much information:-) All I wanted to do was lay back in bed, so I called Mike and told him to come home from work. I thought to myself, if this is it, then I better get ready! So I crawled in the shower and started to get ready while Mike got the boys ready. I figured with this being my third, the labor would go fairly quickly. While I was in the shower the contractions were coming every 3-4 minutes. After I got out and got dressed, things started to calm down and the cramping faded. About two hours after that the contractions were irregular and more than 10 minutes apart. SO FRUSTRATING! I didn't have false labor with either of the boys and didn't go "naturally" with them...both of them were from membrane stripping so I expected labor. We went for a walk today and I had more contractions, but they aren't going anywhere. sssiiigggghhhhhh. I have an appointment tomorrow so we will see what they say!

First Soccer Game

2011-03-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, a beautiful God given day, was Logan's first Soccer game. I unfortunately did not attend as I was getting ready for his Birthday party (pictures to come) and making sure Austin napped. However, Mike did a great job capturing those first moments! Not much to report on, I think the game went a little long...one hour...even though there were many breaks. But still, one hour is quite a long time for kids at that age to do that. He supposedly scored twice...YEAH!! But he did end up crying toward the end of the game. Not sure what started it, either a collision with another kid, or just being overwhelmed with the situation. We shall see how the next game goes next saturday! Here are a few shots of Logan in action:-)

Momma in Focus Friday!

2011-03-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

One of my good friends started up a link called Momma in Focus for every Friday! In this link up you momma's get in the photos WITH your kids! Not just be behind the camera:-) I think this will be a fun link up as it will create many photos of me and my kids...something I definitely don't have much of. Thanks Casey!! Check out her sweet blog HERE and link up!

Stick out your tongue!
Funny Faces!
Poke your sibling:-)

Saving Money in Poopy Places

2011-03-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

So as you all know, Mike was on deployment for 6 months and during that time (as most military couples do) we decided to save money! I mean, we would be getting extra money for the separations and with it just being me and the boys, we don't need to spend the same amount as when it is all of us together....right? Well, a little more than half way into the deployment, we re-evaluated our finances and budget. Me being very transparent here...we realized we weren't saving much money at all. I felt and still feel really guilty about the whole situation and we can give excuse after excuse about why money was spent here and there. In the end, we knew we needed to change our spending habits.

Just so you newly marrieds or even long-time marrieds know...I feel like finances are a tough cycle. Over the past seven years of marriage we have saved, then spent, then re-budgeted, saved, then spent, then re-budgeted, etc. And God has been more than faithful to us! We have seen Him give us money when we needed it most and we have seen Him strain us when we needed to be pulled back into submission. Anyways, finances are a horrible thing, and I don't think we will ever EVER get it right.

Since this last time was such a wake-up call for me personally, I started to find ways to save money. One of my vows, was to NOT use a credit card for six months. (Either you are saying to yourself...I never use mine, or I always use mine...what is she thinking!). What would end up happening is I wouldn't keep track of how much money was in our account so I would use a credit card just in case we didn't have enough in our checking. Basically the WRONG way for us to budget our money. I am VERY VERY proud to say that since that decision I have NOT used a credit card! (2.5 months) That means I have adjusted where money is spent, when and how...it feels sooo good! We have still saved:-) It is also crazy to think of the money spent that didn't need to be. Ok...this is a MAJOR tangent so I am getting back on track here.

One of the ways I discovered that could save us much money on our tight budget was....yes...switching to cloth diapers. AAAHHHHH! I know some of you do cloth diapers and love it and some of you may never consider the idea. Well, I was one that just never really thought anything of it! I never knew anyone who did it and really thought it old fashioned. I have met several people as I have more kids that do cloth diapers and after MUCH discussion (thanks Kaylee and Lindsey!) and MUCH research (thanks to Mike for those late night debates) we did a comparison chart for just the first six months; as far as cost goes. It was so undeniably cheaper to do cloth diapers that we are jumping right in, even with Austin. I have to admit that part of me was a tad disapointed and nervous when we realized the cost difference because now I am committing to something that isn't too convenient, very messy at times, and some what time consuming.

I do like the fact that it helps the environment and it is more gentle on my kids sensitive skin, but about 90% of the reason we are switching to cloth is the cost factor.

So we got our first AIO (All In Ones) the other day which are going to be used for Austin now and the new baby once it gets older. For the third baby as a newborn and the first several months we are going to do pre-folds with covers. Those basically look like these AIO's but inside the pre-folds (cloth) is laid out and changed with every diaper change but the cover doesn't have to be. Very convenient for newborns since they pee and poo so much. Plus with this babe, the poos shouldn't be that bad for the first several months since it will be breastmilk poos. I had my first day with Austin in the cloth diapers and so far no leaks and even the poopy diaper I changed wasn't that bad at all! Now ask me in several weeks when I have two kids in cloth diapers...hahah! Mike and I both know that if this just doesn't work for us (since we are an out and about family) we can resell the diapers and get pretty much all our money back. Disposables are still in our future, but definitely used less! Well, that was a LONG post...sorry, just wanted to give a background for our new decision and our fun new adventure!

Afraid to Pray...

2011-03-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

This is very hard for me to admit, but yes, I have been afraid to pray lately. I know God's strength is mighty, His will is overpowering, yet his hands so loving, never going to forsake me. Still, I am nervous to pray...

You see, Mike and I have some MAJOR major decisions to be made in the next several months. Mostly about his military career, moving, working, etc. I am going to be very vague about the details of our lives because one: I need to bring it to God and not only seek advice from those around me, and two: it is SUCH a long story with so many possible endings. I am a very practical girl who is forced to live a flexible and constantly changing life. I like to have some control just to be able to at least feel the ground beneath my feet, but lately these days, God is carrying me. I am, and I HAVE to give it all to the Lord because Mike and my desire is to live a life for His glory only. Therefore, I can't have any control over this!

Kinda makes me think about this little one inside me...I hope and dream of what a family with 3 boys would be like, and I hope and dream of what a family with a little princess would be like...however I do not have control over it! I never did! And if we found out at 20 wks compared to waiting till the baby is born what the gender was...it still wouldn't change. God has things planned way in advance. Sure some of you would say...but then you could plan and prepare...just as I would say to Mike about our future decisions. But wouldn't that be trying to have control? Wouldn't that be making and preparing my own plans, rather than relying on the Lord for my next step? I pray that I am not overlooking our responsibilities as parents and adults by not preparing to a "T", but that God will see us trusting in Him to plan our course...

...guess I should get praying huh?

In other news: we now own some very cool bunkbeds! Yes, it has taken the 2.5 weeks of having them for me to get used the idea of little Austin climbing the ladder and the awful thoughts that weigh down my mind of "what ifs". Actually I am still NOT used to that idea...but the boys have been respecting the furniture very well and we have had very little injury.

This is also Austin's first big boy bed. Went straight from a crib to the bottom bunk and after a few...actually a week or more of rough nights of him getting out of bed, he now understands what to do! Such a difference from Logan. When Logan went into a toddler bed, he NEVER got out of bed unless we went in there to get him out...in the mornings he would still yell for us from his bed until we went and got him! HA!

It is fun I tell ya, to have boys. To see their imaginations and hear these two little guys become best friends.

Soccer Mom and other updates

2011-03-03T17:53:00.001-08:00

Dare I say that I am a Soccer Mom? When did this HAPPEN? HOW did this happen? My baby is only 4 (in a few short weeks he will turn 4) and I am already one of those moms. Not sure how I really feel about it...good or bad. As we (the whole family) were on the way to his first soccer practice I kinda realized, whoa...he is so young and we are starting this toting around now? I want to balance my kids out, have fun things for them to do, and become well rounded. I know that being on a sports team will build confidence, help with listening to authority, social skills, and not to mention sport skills...but in the long run, was this a tad too early to start him on this adventure? Mike and I decided that it may have been a rushed idea, and we will see how the "season" (a few months) goes and probably hold off for a little while. Our kiddos get lots of play time and we want most of the guiding and training for their little minds and hearts to come from us parents...not coaches or team-mates...which there is NOTHING wrong with that. I know that many coaches and team-mates can be wonderful mentors and I am looking forward to them having that in the future:-)

Besides all those thoughts, it was a BLAST to watch Logan participate in the shortest practice ever, run his little legs all around, and probably fall in love with soccer.

His first cleats and shin guards

My grown up boy. Scar above his left eye and a bruised right eye from bonking heads with another kid at church. True boy

Running around at practice

Not soo good with long distance photography...sorry he is blurred!

Can you find him? The coaches were trying to teach the kids what part of their bodies they use in soccer, so he was having them stop the ball with different parts of the body. Here it was their hands...he even had them try head and bum...pretty funny!

Life is going well here at the Morris house...Dad's work schedule is kinda crazy as he is helping the other groups adjust to being home or leaving. We have actually had him home quite a lot, so that is nice. I have been incredibly tired the past few days...like that groggy sleepiness from the 1st trimester stuff. My belly feels low, so not sure if I have dropped, but I am still getting awful heartburn at night. No food after 7 for me! I had a baby appointment a few days ago and baby is good, heart rate in the 140's-150's, positioned head down. The movements have been slow the past few days so I am assuming a little growth spurt along with lack of room. Weight gain has been good for me, less than 30lbs, but these last few weeks I could honestly care less as I just want to eat enough to not feel hungry and not get heartburn! HA!

The boys are growing up fast. Not sure if I have mentioned, but we got bunk beds for the little daredevils! I will have to get photos up of that soon...once their room looks decent:-) Logan has impressed me as a mom so much since Mike has come home. I love to watch how Mike inspires and encourages Logan to try new things and how much trust Logan has in Mike. He has already done so many new things that I would have never thought to try or help him learn. I love it! Austin right now is sick...cold/fever/cough sick. Not sure where he got it, but he just looks miserable. You know, the sick eyes. But he is still a hilarious little dude as I think the fever reducer medication makes him a little loopy as he just talks up a storm about things that make no sense! One cool thing is that he has had a little interest in the potty! He has gone poop/pee on it at least once a day for the past several days! He enjoys flushing it down the toilet and the little dance he gets from Mom or Dad. We aren't doing any rewards right now because he isn't fighting us to sit on the toilet. The only thing is, is that he doesn't ask to sit on it, we always have to prompt him, so in reality he is just getting comfortable with the toilet and it will be a while before he actually tells us. Still a new step!

ummm...what else...not much! I will try and get some more fun pictures up as we start up our garden again, rearrange the house getting ready for baby#3, and just plain have fun!

Thanks for everyone's guesses about the baby...I am so stoked to see who wins! I hope this baby is as small as everyone thinks it will be for my sake:-)

Wanna Play a Game??!??! (my first giveaway!)

2011-02-28T12:57:00.001-08:00

Thanks Molly for the clue on how to set up a good guessing game! I got my game set up, please just click on the orange ExpectNet button on the right and it will lead you to a website where you can put in your guess for the third Morris Baby! Some info you might want to know about the past pregnancies/births, etc:

Logan was born 37wks+4days, weighed 6lbs 14 oz, 19in and was born at 7 at night (i think).

Austin was born 40wks +5 days weighed 7lbs 4oz, 20in and was born at 6am.

This baby is due the 25th of March and has measured a few days behind (more towards April) according to the US taken. It supposedly weighed 4.5lbs at 32weeks. But that is always give or take a whole lb. I am hoping to last at least till AFTER Logan's birthday party on the 12th of March. My doctor appointments have been in the beginning of the week (Mon-Wed).

The giveaway part! Who ever ends up being the closest on all counts...gender, birthday, weight/length (the website will calculate it for me) will win one crocheted item that I have done before (just so I know I can do it). I have blankets, cocoons (great photo prop!), hats, headwarmers, etc. And yes, I will do this after the baby comes so we can talk about color and sizes for what you want. You might think I am crazy for wanting to crochet after the baby is born, but life won't be that crazy right:-) HaHA! I can't wait to see all your guesses!!!

So many realizations:

2011-02-28T04:06:00.000-08:00

This was taken of me in my homecoming dress for Mike. 35wks 2 days (I am now 36+3).

So now the anticipation and excitement over the return of my Husband and the boys' Dad has come and gone. Don't get me wrong, it is still incredibly exciting and fun to have dad home:-) BUT now my attention is brought to the next big thing happening in our family. Baby #3!!! YIKES! So it has really hit me this past week that our family is about to change drastically. We barely have things ready for this little tyke! No diapers or necessities for a newborn, if I even remember what those are, and the bassinet isn't even put together yet as we have some major room rearranging to do. The idea of not knowing the gender stirs me up sometimes. It is just so crazy not knowing what will be joining your family, or even preparing myself and the boys for what is to come! I pray that the transition is smooth and that there is no disappointment. I do know that it is going to be amazing having that little one brought to my arms and have a flooding of emotions no matter if it is a boy or girl. Now I am getting all warm and fuzzy inside!!

Since Mike has been home I have been able to "breath" again and get SOOO much more help with everything around me. Because of that my body has been able to relax more and realize that I am 9 months pregnant! HA! The aches are more real, the swelling has started and the peeing every hour during the night began last week. I think because this is our last child (yes Mike and I are ready to move on from this stage in life) my body is being mean and giving me horrible acid reflux during the night (I had 4 pillows one night!) and even more stretch marks on my legs...BOOOO!!! Such a small price to pay though for a new little blessing in our lives.

Mike and I sat last night during dinner just laughing and being silly with our boys. What a joy they are, such hilarious yet individual personalities. Can't wait to throw another one into the mix and see the person they will be:-)

I don't have a belly shot for 36wks, but I will work on that today...if you really want to see it. Please pray for me because I have been having this sharp lower right pain in my abd a lot lately, and it even woke me up last night twice, sweating, in bed. I have a doc appointment tomorrow so I will be bringing it up then unless it continues more today. By the way, please give me your vote on when you think the baby will be born, gender, weight, and length! I may decided to do a crochet give away for the person that is the closest...stay tuned!!!

Unveiling a secret Blog:-)

2011-02-24T19:40:00.001-08:00

Many of my close friends and family know that I have fallen in love with taking pictures, using a camera to capture moments in life that people can look at and feel like they are right there right then. I have slowly but surely learned my camera and have gotten better, but am in no way a professional, I am still an amateur. I like to draw attention to creative angles and creative shots to perhaps capture something someone didn't see at that moment or realize about that person or landscape. So without further ado- I would like to share a blog that I started almost a year ago (yes I haven't had the confidence to share it yet).

http://tryingtopic.blogspot.com

I am currently NOT charging anyone as the people I shoot are mainly friends and family. I am doing this so I can build a portfolio, learn how to photograph with my camera, edit with my programs and create products people enjoy while having my "touch" show through. I just recently did my first Cake Smash and had such a fun time with it. So glad I was able to do that with a good friend and her adorable daughter!

So why am I sharing this? So YOU ALL, you all wonderful photographers out there that I LOVE stalking your photos and interpretations of life, can please critique and help me along! I love getting advice in this area of life because it is something where I can take the advice and try it out for myself and if it works, it stays and if not, then it wasn't for me! Anyways, please be brutally honest and have fun seeing the photos! Thanks for all of you who have let me take your photos and practice on you!!

Our Family is whole again!

2011-02-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

What blur these past few days have been! Still so surreal to have Mike home and also surreal to think that he wasn't here for the past 6 months. We are adjusting slowly but surely, soaking up every moment we can. Mike goes back to work tomorrow and we will hopefully establish a routine.

My girlfriend was able to come to the airport when Mike got back and used her amazing skills as a photographer to capture our wonderful and special moments. I have been putting together a slide show of some memories from the past 6 months and the homecoming. Please enjoy the the movie!

Living for His Legacy

Apology

Time to get all serious.

Jumping back....Christmas pics finally!

The common...GOALS FOR NEW YEAR!

Back into the blogging world...

4 Days...6th Disease...and 1 Day at a time

Merry Merry December

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Unedited, SOOC, Family photos:-0

Chaos among the calm...

Still here!

So proud...

Motherhood Conviction

Everett...oh Everett...

Three sweet monsters

Moving Forward

Momma In Focus Friday!

Life as a Diet

Getting a grip

Not Against the Flesh

Big Boys and Bigger Boys

Pictures Galore of my sweet boys!

cell phone picture goodies!

Question for you Photographers!! HELP!

"A lesson in wrestling" by Austin

Cute Story

Little things going on

Having Abundance

Chunky Monkey Everett

Papa and Grandma Visit Part 2

Papa and Grandma Visit Part 1

A little bit of E...

Dreaming of our Deck!

My independent man

Randomness!

Everett having a blast!

Candyland Lessons

Everett is 3 Months!

In Response to "Sick and Tired"

"________" kind of man, makes a "_____" kind of Daddy

Sick and Tired...

Momma In Focus Friday! and a VIDEO...AGAIN!!!

Puzzle time video!

Whats been on my mind...

Momma In Focus Friday! and a VIDEO!!

Antique Living...

Lots of Life!

What life is like...

Easter...better late than never!

Fixing up our garden

Momma in Focus Friday (a bit late)

Everett's Newborn Photos

Pictures and more pictures

My melting heart

Everett's Birth Story

4 years earlier...

Prince Charming has arrived:-)

Momma In Focus Friday!

Painted Toes-ready

Which one do you like?

Logan's Transformation/Super Hero Birthday Party!

First Soccer Game

Momma in Focus Friday!

Saving Money in Poopy Places

Afraid to Pray...

Soccer Mom and other updates

Wanna Play a Game??!??! (my first giveaway!)

So many realizations:

Unveiling a secret Blog:-)

Our Family is whole again!

"____" kind of man, makes a "_" kind of Daddy