April and May 2012

Ok, just realized it has been a couple of months. Infact so long blogger redid their website. I also realized It has been since Easter. I almost decided to quit this. It has been so hard for me to keep up lately, but it has been my only documentation and I see my boys growing right before my eyes, so once again I will try to do better... So here goes a quick summary in pictures of the last few months. Sweet Kindergarten Class Baby shower for Leslie Easter Spring Break Started TBall Got new carpet. This is what was under the old. We didn't realize how nice the wood was. Well, at least it's protected from the boys and we can enjoy it later... Celebrated Mother's Day Henry's End of the Year Party Finished TBall and got a trophy Zoo with Bluffton friends Sweet Kennedy was born Splash Park That's about it! My goal is to be more intentional with my time and not let these precious moments pass me by!

Henry's 4 year old survey

I did this last year and have a little varied one this year. It's so funny how they pick things they just did. I guess I do that too, though. Here is what our sweet Henry loves at age 4!

What is your name? Henry
How old are you? 4
What is your favorite color? green and orange
Who is your best friend? Christian (His name is actually Tristan, and we met him yesterday) so I asked him who is your best friend all the time? Carter (his cousin)
What is your favorite animal? tiger and lion
What do you want to be when you grow up? Green Lantern
What is your favorite movie? The Lorax (we haven't seen it yet, but he wants to)
What makes you happy? when mama gives me kisses
What makes you sad? When somebody hits me
What is your favorite food? quesadillias
What is your favorite song? Lightening McQueen (I think this is the Cars 2 theme song, he hums this when he plays cars)
What is your favorite book? Jesus StoryBook Bible
What games do you like to play? freeze tag

New Beginnings

I decided this year to run my first half marathon. I completed it February 11th in Hilton head. 2 hours and 12 minutes. Not super fast, but completed non the less.

My other project was to find a part time job for next year when Henry goes to school. I wanted to teach at one of the church preschools, possibly where Clay could come with me. Be careful what you wish for. Not only did I find a job, it would start within 2 weeks of me interviewing. Even though there would be some juggling, I decided to take the Kindergarten position. It is Monday through Friday 9-12. I have 12 students in my class and Clay has a program at the school too! I started 2 weeks ago and have been so blessed already! My mom and Jeff's mom are helping with Henry (I didn't want to pull him out of his school) until next year when I will be able to drop him off and pick him up. We've had a lot of changes lately. Busy, but good! Don't give up on my blogging, I've just added a few more children and responsibilities to my life!

A look at my kiddos during Clifford Week

Happy 4th Birthday Henry!

My big, big, boy!

You are 4! You've been saying for a while, Mom I'm going to do this when I'm four, thinking it was a long way away and now the time is here. You continue to be fearless, and love to do all things hard and dangerous. This causes us to butt heads a lot! You are very bright, catch on to things easily, and are very independent. You love to be the center of attention and love to make jokes to make people laugh. I have really seen you grow into a big boy this year. There's no turning back now. You will go to an all day 4 year old program next year at the same school you will graduate from and you start on your first tball team this Saturday. You are an expert negotiator, and make me laugh daily with what comes out of your mouth. You are very opinionated from how your sandwich is cut, to what shoes you wear, to what car door you get in. You definitely know what you want! The thing I treasure most about you at this age is that you are not too big to cuddle with mommy and tell me you love me all the time. As you grow, I'll try to "watch" a little more, but I'll always cherish our sweet cuddle moments.

We love you so much! You keep us on our toes!

Mommy, Daddy, and Clay

4 year old stats: (This one was painful. A finger prick along with 5 shots!)
weight 39 lbs. 80%
height 43 in. 90%

After looking at his growth chart, Dr. Durant said Henry is estimated to be 6'2" 190 lbs. Remind you of anyone? Like father like son.

Clay 15 months

I know I am way behind, but we've had a lot going on and I want to back track and document the most important.

Sweet Clay,

Mommy has not forgotten you. I love spending my days holding and playing with you, but when you and your brother go to bed I am exhaused! You are growing so fast right before my eyes. My sweet baby boy has turned into an even sweeter, dimple smiling, laugh out loud, faster than you think he is, into everything toddler. You are trying to copy words we say and ones you're really good at are ma, da, bro, dog, ball, bath, night night, nack (snack), side (outside), down, done, and milk. You take two naps most days the first being about an hour and the second around an hour and a half. No real long naps for these active boys. I think they think they are missing something! You love all food, and have only turned down some veggies and strawberries just recently. You've got to taste a lot of sweets a lot sooner than Henry, and you love it. Both of my boys are ice cream boys just like their mama. You love daddy and light up when he comes home. You chase Henry around everywhere and have to do what he does. You even know how to push his buttons! You have the best smile and it's usually the first thing people notice. That and your head full of blond hair! Daddy and I joke that some people try to be funny, but you really are funny with out meaning to and get everyone laughing! I love the sweet boy you are becoming, and can't wait to see what gifts God has given you!






Stats:
27 lbs 4 oz above 75%
32 1/2 in. 90%
18 3/4 in. head 75%

We love you sweet boy!
Mommy, Daddy, and Henry

A Full Cup

This weekend I attended a Women's Retreat with the women of First Baptist Church. Jeff and I joined this church when we got engaged, got married there, and were members until we moved to Bluffton. It was our first church family, and there are a lot of special women there.
The speaker was a women from Columbia. She was very passionate, and encouraging.
Being a stay-at-home-mom is one of the hardest things I've ever done, and the most important. When you read my blog, there are a lot of great memories documented. I do a really good job of making things "look" really fun and easy, but there are many struggles and trials that come with daily life. I am so glad I have a Savior that forgives me for all of my shortcomings and showers me with his grace every day, because he knows that I need it!
Some of my favorite truths from this weekend...

The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; he will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be discouraged. Deut. 31:8

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach.
Deut. 30:11

Some words from Beth our speaker:
We don't need to strive for victory, Jesus did it on the cross.
We must surrender daily to him. We have a daily choice.
Always be expecting great things!

Even though we fail, it's comforting to know that Jesus never does. He has a perfect plan for each of us, and the end result will always be for our good and for His Glory! That is my Joy!

New Year's at the Beach

We decided last minute to join Rick, Katie, and Karsen at the beach to celebrate New Years. In the past, we have spent it with our good friends Dave, Alexa, and their daughter Roen but they are currently in New Zealand finishing up their residences so hopefully next year! We had a great time at the beach that was nice and low-key. Katie and I made dinner, the boys got to play on the beach a few times, and we all got to relax a little. Henry loved laying in the sand and racing cars, and Clay loved running and chasing the birds and eating sand. It was so hard to keep them out of the water! This summer is going to be fun! Even though we haven't made it to midnight in quite a while, I love spending the first day of the New Year with all my boys!










Oh, and I turned 31 so we had to celebrate. Any reason for cake. Notice we had no candles, but the glade votive worked just fine. Jeff came home and surprised me with a bag of goodies all wrapped separately, and the boys helped. So sweet! I also decided on my 31st birthday to sign up for my first half-marathon. Hilton Head here we come! I've been training for a while, but probably not as strict as I should. I've done a couple of good long runs the last couple of weekends, and tomorrow I will peak at 12 miles and start going down until the race. I'm really excited, but a little nervous too. I just hope to finish, and look for my three biggest fans at the finish line!