Last Day of Summer & Apple Streusel Bars

I can't believe the summer has come to an end for us!  It has been unusually cool for Oklahoma, and we  just had to spend our last day of summer outside this morning!

Love my happy and carefree girls.  

Although there can be a LOT of fighting, pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth in our house...these girls truly do love and care for one another!  It's such a beautiful thing to watch them grow up together.  

I also have to share this recipe.  I have been craving apple pie, apple crisp and apple oatmeal lately.  These are wonderful.  They have a wonderful, flaky, pastry-like crust and a nice crumble topping.  I did make a few changes to the recipe which I will post in italics!  I hope y'all have a wonderful rest of your summer!

Apple Streusel Bars

Our Best Bites

Sweet Pastry:

2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 egg, beaten

Apple Filling:

1/2 cup sugar (i used 1/4)

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon (i used 2 teaspoons)

4 cups sliced, peeled apples (i used gala and fuji)

Glaze: (i cut the glaze recipe in half)

2 cups powdered sugar

3 Tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon almond extract (i used vanilla)

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish (i used a 9x9 to have thicker bars...just increased baking time by about 10 minutes).

For the crust mix the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a medium bowl.  Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two knives until you have pea-sized crumbles.  Stir in the beaten egg.  Gently press about 2/3 of the mixture onto the bottom of the dish.

To prepare the filling toss the apples with the sugar, flour and cinnamon.  Spread over the crust.

Sprinkle the remaining pastry mixture over the apples and bake for 40 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.

Allow to cool completely and prepare the glaze.  Whisk the powdered sugar, milk and extract until blended.  Drizzle over the bars and allow the glaze to set.

ENJOY!!!

Baby Bump Update - 100 Days Left!

I can't believe we will meet our little guy in just 100 days (countdown set to my scheduled c-section)!  I was shocked when I looked at my countdown app a couple nights ago!  This little guy keeps me up at night.  On average I have slept maybe 3-4 hours a night the last couple weeks.  I have to visit the bathroom at least once every hour.  I have to ice my back throughout the day. I HAVE to eat cereal and look at Pinterest late at night.  Usually at 12:30 on the dot.  My allergies are so brutal right now, I can't breathe.  But the funny thing is, I enjoy it.  It's quiet, and I get to spend time with just Beckham.  It's the time he is most active, and I know that I won't be pregnant again so I'm really soaking it all in.

Beckham's due date is Thanksgiving Day.  Of course, he will be here before that, but he's our little Thanksgiving Baby!  I really enjoyed summer, especially since the heat has been so mild here in Oklahoma, but I am SO ready for fall.  The weather, the activities, the FOOD, the multitude of pumpkin desserts, and the holidays with a sweet new baby boy.

The next couple months will FLY by I know, so I'm also trying to enjoy these moments with my girls.  Brooke starts school on Thursday and turns FIVE in just a few weeks.  The twins start school (one day a week) in September.  Tear. They are all so excited....I can't believe how big they are getting to be.   

We got a LOT done this weekend in Beckham's Nursery.  I wanted to add a few rustic elements to his room, so I found a branch that worked perfectly (and was free!) for the curtain rod.  I finished making the bed skirt with stitch witchery, of course.  Total cost for the skirt was $5!  I love looking in there and seeing it all come together!

Here are a few funnies from the sisters lately....they are really cracking me up with all their questions.

"Did Beckham go poop?  You need to change his diaper, he stinks" - Lauren (while going #2)

"Did Beckham take a nap when I did?  Oh he's still sleeping - WAKE UP BECKHAM!!!" - also Lauren

"I need to give Kep-bam kisses and hugs" - Lily (sometimes she confuses his name, but she is always hugging and kissing my belly)

"Does Beckham want some of my cookie (as she smears a fudge round all over my shirt)?" - Lily

"Wow mom your belly is getting big, but not too big yet.  You look so cute" - Brooke

I love them.

Baby Bump Update & a NAME!!!

We finally came up with the perfect name for our little guy.  

Beckham Andrew. His initials will spell "BAM" which wasn't intentional, but very fitting if any of you know Landon's personality.  We love it and think it fits our family just right!  I can't wait to see what he will look like!  We had our major ultrasound at 22 weeks.  We saw all his little fingers and toes.  Everything looked great, and he is even measuring a week (his head TWO!) ahead of schedule.  I'm thankful for a healthy baby and a very active companion.  During the ultrasound we thought he looked just like Lily!

Here's Lily on the left at 21 weeks.  Beckham on the right at 22 weeks.  I just love technology!

I've been really praying and researching VBAC options.  I have a great doctor who is also a great surgeon, and I was able to recover from my C-Section fairly quickly than I expected (even without pain meds). With three girls and a baby, I really would love to avoid the surgery if possible and talked to my doctor about options at my appointment.  We scheduled a C-Section for 39 weeks.  If I happen to go into labor before then, we will try to pursue the VBAC.  I am finally at peace with the decision, knowing that if God wants me to deliver VBAC He will allow everything to fall into place before the surgery date.  I kept in mind the trauma with Brooke, and almost having to be taken to a C-Section. I want to do what is best for Beckham and I.  I know God is going to take care of us either way and I am trusting Him completely!

I have been SO indecisive this pregnancy.  About everything.  I second guess almost every decision I make, and that's not like me!  After returning two sets of bedding, I finally decided on something that I just LOVE!  It's very neutral, clean and simple.  I am currently working on a bedskirt out of the chevron fabric, and am almost done refinishing a dresser to use as a changing table.  I can't wait to see the room come together in the next couple months!  Of course, I will post some pictures when It's all done!

I'm so thankful for sweet girls that are so excited to meet their baby brother.  There are times where I get overwhelmed and wonder how we will get along with 4 kids.  Then I remember that God never gives us more than we can handle!  I can trust Him to take care of us just as He always has!

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."   -Isaiah 26:3

Twins at Three

THREE years old.  I still can't believe it!  I never got a chance to take their three year old photos, and these kind of came about as an accident.  I was trying to take a sister pic with Brooke in the middle, but she wasn't in the picture taking mood.  I did get a few of the twins that I absolutely LOVE and wanted to share them with y'all!

Silly.  Only Lauren would pick her nose.  This photo session lasted about five minutes - and all I did was click away while they did their own thing. I love how silly, playful, sweet and fun these two are with each other.

Sweet memories - each their own little person, yet so much alike.  What a gift they have in each other as constant companions and friends!

"half-baked"

Well we made it to the HALFWAY mark!  Every time I feel our sweet baby kick, I smile.  Which is a great thing....the last couple weeks have been a little rocky around here for me physically.  I have also really struggled with worry, fear and discouragement.   God is good ALL the time, and I can definitely say that I have been worse.  I'm really trying to enjoy this last pregnancy, soak in all the happy times, and trust in God to take care of my family.  God has reminded me over and over again how blessed we are.  How He always takes care of His children, and that HIS plans are best.  Those little kicks are a constant reminder to me of how amazing He is. 

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." 

Isaiah 26:3

I have my "big" ultrasound in two weeks....I can't wait to see our little guy in detail!  Of course I will update with pictures!!!

We are excited about preparing for our sweet little boy. Here is a little collage of a few of my favorite things....

My Girls // Summer is hard.  It's hot, we are bored, and I can only do so much physically.  Sometimes I feel guilty that I can't be "super mom" (or even normal mom) to them, but they know that I love them and that's what matters!  I have watched them adapt, and learn to play together.  Brooke is the Mommy, Lauren is the Daddy and Lily is the Baby.  And it's a HOOT.  Whenever the twins see me in pain or sick, they come and put their hand on my belly and tell me they love me.  It just doesn't get any better than that.  

Ralph Lauren // I love when my girls wear their clothes, but I have always gazed longingly into the baby boy section at the store.  It's just my favorite...there was a GREAT sale at the outlet in Texas and I just couldn't resist this cute polo.

Target // I have some pretty sweet friends that are throwing me a little baby shower.  I feel so honored and blessed.  I know this is my FOURTH baby after all.  :)  I registered for a few things at target, and received a great goodie bag with free products and coupons!!!

Boots //  Who knew the North Face made infant booties???  I just couldn't resist...

Diapers // I decided to order some diapers from The Honest Company.  They are plant based, non toxic disposable diapers AND they come in the cutest patterns! I used a 40% off coupon on my first "bundle" and then cancelled my subscription after I received my first shipment.  I'm excited to try them out!

Baby Steals // I'm not sure if any of you sign up to receive alerts from Baby Steals or not, but I LOVE their deals!  They have deals on great products like Aden + Anais, Petunia Pickle Bottom and Ergo!

***name update - we are still debating - this baby will have a name, even if it's after he arrives!***

Jill {letting go}

Letting Go… to Watch Them Grow

Last August marked a new life event. My baby girl got engaged to her dream guy! We all knew this was coming. Almost from day one, she was sure he was “the one.” No unrest or anxieties involved with this relationship. It was very assuring to see God work in their lives and in the details of their relationship to confirm that He was orchestrating it all. We were all on board. It was and is a very happy and wonderful time. What follows is an ordinary mom’s perspective and the transition involved.

{last sippy cup in our house}

Engagement is such a joyful event. You really are thrilled in every way that your daughter is going to spend the rest of her life with the guy whom you’ve prayed for - for years. It’s a very special time for a mother to be a part of her daughter’s biggest dreams and plans. What a sweeter blessing could there be! Yet, in the midst of all the happiness, I sensed a change coming.

I felt like we had done our best (not perfectly mind you) to raise this child with all the morals, values and beliefs we’ve held near and dear. We attended every school function, every game, every violin recital, every church activity, and every kind of banquet. We took her to church, sent her to a private school, had family devotions, and tried to make as many special family memories as we could through the years. Yes, we’ve poured our life into this child. No reason to feel anything but sheer joy, right?

For some reason, this event later brought some feelings I was unprepared for. The transition is subtle, but it moves right deep into your heart, undeniably so. This daughter is going from a place where you had all the say - to a place outside of that. Yes, slowly, but surely. You watch up close, yet feel at a distance as you see her growing up and moving on to a new life. She is starting to live out the “cleaving” process. And, this is right and good in every respect, especially biblically. As you watch, you realize this new life status means she’s moved into adulthood. So now you are faced with a choice in the way you parent and relate. Is this easy? No way. You’ve cared for and nurtured this child since day one. Now parenting will take on a whole new twist. It becomes more about their choices and decisions, not yours. Ouch.

It is easy to feel a little “left behind” while this transition takes place. Pity-party you ask? I guess I was feeling maybe the reality of the fact that I wasn’t “all that” any longer. Humbling is a good way to describe it. However, in the midst of reconciling all that, it is comforting to know that God is really at work, in your very own heart. He is my Father, ready and waiting to give His sweet grace to me. Let’s be honest, it’s not about me (or you). What I started to see more starkly than ever was that in order for her to grow and become what God intends for her in life, I must step back. I must let her join her heart with his. I must not try to cling to what was. (Hear me preaching to myself?)  Holding on or looking back stunts. Growth can only come through letting go and embracing the new. There will be new life for her and also new life in our home and hearts as well. God is doing a beautiful work and I must join Him. He has plans that are good that include a bright future. He IS orchestrating what we have prayed for and trusted Him for to do in her. I must now look to what He wants to accomplish in the present and the future, not stay in the past. I must not wallow in any regret. I certainly have made many mistakes. We were/are far from perfect. Would those mistakes adversely affect her - the rest of her life? These kinds of questions now came to my mind. “Did I do enough?” “Did I raise her to be what God wanted from us?” “Did I properly equip her to be a godly wife and responsible adult?” “Did I really say all that I’ve wanted to say and do to teach her as a beautiful young woman going out into the world?” Definitely no easy answers here. Only a twinge of indescribable thoughts came to mind through those questions. All of this put a heightened sense of awareness of the days left before us. So there is a choice, stay in the past and pretend like it’s not going to change, or move on and embrace what is before you.

One very important statement I was told early on that was tucked away in the corner of my mind was “Guard your heart.” This means protecting your heart and mind with truth. Put on the truth of God’s Word daily and pray. Major transitions are not easy, but God is in the midst of them - if you step back and see. He teaches us so many valuable lessons that may not come any other way. Don’t let the enemy wreak havoc in your relationship through emotions that go unchecked. I had plenty of emotions and didn’t handle them all in the best way, all of the time. But there are apologies and forgiveness. There is a relinquishing involved, and we can’t fight it. Tell God all about your feelings. He understands them, even if no one else does. And lastly, enjoy the new relationship - both with your daughter and also your son-in-law to be. It is truly a precious, God-given gift to gain another family member that also deeply loves your child and has their best interest at heart.

 

His Plans...

When I look at these photographs, tears come to my eyes.  Being a mom of three can be a struggle at times, but the blessings definitely outweigh those hard times.  I am also reminded of how great His plan is for each of us is.  When Landon and I got married, we "planned" to wait a couple years to start trying to get pregnant.  Well, God had something greater for us and her name was Brooke.  Even on birth control, I became pregnant with her soon after our wedding.  That day wasn't full of excitement for Landon and I.  We sat on our couch crying, wondering how we were going to be parents.  It took a few days for us, but we started to get excited about our little "bean".  We also weren't prepared for the horrible pregnancy I was about to encounter.  During my pregnancies I suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum.  I spent several times in the emergency room, and a couple overnight stays in the hospital getting fluids during this pregnancy.  God was so good to us and kept Brooke perfectly healthy.  She is such a blessing to us with her sweet spirit and loving heart.  

We knew we didn't want Brooke to be an only child, but our plan was to have only two children close together.  We tried for almost 8 months, which I know isn't that long compared to many of you, but it seemed like an eternity to us!  We were overjoyed when we found out we were expecting again.  Those next couple weeks were a trial for us as I was extremely sick, and was in the emergency room for a LOT of bleeding.  I went to Tulsa for HCG tests every other day, since there was no other way to tell if the pregnancy was still viable.  At 8 weeks, we waited in the ultrasound room just praying that the baby was alive.  Not only did we see one babies heartbeat, we saw TWO.  God had blessed us greatly, and again we saw that our plans are not always HIS plans.  Our family was about to go from three to five!  Countless emergency room visits, hospital stays, trips to the cancer treatment center for nutrients, many precious prayers and twenty weeks of bed rest later we met our beautiful twin girls Lily & Lauren.  They were born at 36 1/2 weeks and never saw the NICU.  Wow, His goodness, love and strength are so amazing.

Brooke is almost five, and the twins will be three in June!  I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.  I sometimes questioned if we would have another baby in the future.  Over the last six months, I had a peace in my heart that we would not be having any more children.  I was a little sad, but after potty training the girls and selling every baby item we had in our home I knew that I was ready to focus on the girls and our future together. 

 Did I mention that our plans are not always HIS plans???

Rewind to April Fools Day.  I have been having some problems physically (to spare the details) since the twins were born.  Even though I didn't think it was possible, I had an overwhelming feeling to take a pregnancy test.  I packed the kids up in the car and headed to wal-mart.  Yep.  You guessed it.  It was positive.  

Is my husband going to believe me, it's April Fools???

What are we going to do?

We just sold EVERYTHING baby!

What is everyone going to think about us???

Sigh.  Sadly, those were the first thoughts that came to mind.  I called Landon (i wish i had that conversation recorded) and he brought home more tests.  Yep, no false positives.   It took a few hours to get over the shock.  It was a comfort to know that God wouldn't give us anything we couldn't handle, and this was no surprise to Him!  Children are blessings, and I know He is going to give us everything we need to take care of this little one. We saw the doctor a few days later and our little baby was 6 weeks old!  He or she will be here right before Thanksgiving! Believe it or not, Landon is hoping for another girl!  We will be equally excited either way, although I would love to experience that mother/son relationship!

The girls are all of course, expecting a little sister and love talking about the baby!

Thanks to medication, I am feeling a lot better than my other pregnancies.  I have gotten to see our little baby 3 times already, and it never gets old.  Seeing his/her little heart beating is the most amazing miracle.  We have had amazing family and friends encourage us along the way.  I'm so thankful for His blessings, and that His plan that is greater than anything I could ever imagine.  

Our sweet baby at 10 weeks - may be a soccer player - look at that kick!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE."

-Jeremiah 29:11-

Doubly Blessed...

In June the girls will be THREE years old.  I still am amazed daily at the amazing gift God has given us by blessing us with twins.  Sure, they have their moments, but the love that these two share is just amazing.  They are always looking out for one another and are partners in crime.  It's amazing how much they look alike, but how different their little personalities are developing.  

Lily Reese.  We always wanted a boy, but God decided to bless us with three girls, and we are SO thankful and wouldn't have it any other way.  Lily is like a boy.  Wild, free, crazy, sporty and adventurous.  She takes after Landon.  Lily would wear her OU jersey and tennis shoes every day if I let her. She does have a soft side, and loves to touch.  If you are holding her, her hand will be on your face, on your neck, or rubbing your back.  It's just the sweetest thing and she has the softest hands.  Lily was "baby a" in the womb.  She was the wild and crazy one doing summersaults in my belly, and that's why we named "baby a" Lily Reese since Reese means "enthusiastic".  Her name suits her well.  

Lauren Grace.  She is our girly girl...sweet, sensitive, emotional and prissy.  She is Brooke's biggest fan and repeats everything that comes out of Brooke's mouth (good or bad).  She would love to live in a dress and her princess heels!  She is also our little comedian, and will go around the house pulling down her pants and flashing us her bottom (I don't know where she got that from!).  People always ask us how we tell them apart.  Lily has a chipped front tooth, and Lauren has one dimple.  Other than that, I still get confused if I don't take the time to look.

Yes...I get stressed.  I have 2 year olds x 2.

Yes....I get tired.

Yes....I have my hands full (if only had a dollar for every time I heard that)!

BUT, I am truly blessed with three girls who are all amazing in their own and unique way.  

Sarah {life as a new mom}

I know Tammy from our college days.  I admire her as a friend and as a mom.  Her blog has encouraged me and challenged me so many times.  Tammy is so transparent and honest and I deeply appreciate that about her.  The posts in her "mom series" have been encouraging and challenging to me as a new mom.  When she asked me if I'd be willing to write for her blog I felt very inadequate.  I've never written a blog post and I don't have anything deep or new to share.  I've only been a mom for 4 months!  But somehow, between the sleep deprivation and fussiness, I want to use this opportunity to share some of how God is growing me in the early days of motherhood.

Being a mom is hard!  Rewarding, yes.  But I've found it's harder than a lot of people wil admit.  Not in a "oh that diaper change was hard" kind of way.  But in a dying to self kind of way.  In a "I don't have the patience or energy or love to do this right now" kind of way.  Anna Grace can be the sweetest baby and there are moments (like the first time she smiled or when she's asleep in my arms) when being a mom is better than I could have ever imagined.  But I have a very fussy, unhappy baby who also has reflex   And sometimes it's just overwhelming.  When I find myself so overwhelmed and exhausted and frustrated, when I realize and admit I can't do this on my own, that's when Christ is strong.  God is definitely using parenthood to show me how incapable I am and how much I need Him.  The Holy Spirit who lives in my enables me to live beyond myself.  

But, this best sums up where I am right now in my journey of motherhood and why it can be so hard...

"The constant battle of motherhood is more subtle, more everyday, more hideable.  At the center is one question:  Will I sacrifice?...The everyday Question, however, asks no just about what I do but also about my attitude." The Everyday Question of Motherhood 

This week I've been thinking about Easter and parenthood.  I understand a little better the perfect, sacrificial, unconditional love God has shown us through Christ.  He loved us when we were sinners, and there was nothing good about us, and gave His only Son to die for us while we were in that condition.(Romans 5:6-8)  That is amazing love!  I fail daily to love Anna like that.  But His grace covers me.  His finished work on the cross covers me.  And because He lives, He sustains me with His Spirit and gives me hope.  "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

Wow!  Chist is in me.  He fills me, sustains me, sanctifies me by His Spirit, enables me to be a mom, and to show His to others, to Anna.  That is my calling as a mom.  My calling is not to have a happy, content baby who is on a perfect schedule or who reaches her milestones at the appropriate times.  Christ is my hope.  Everything else we set our hope on will disappoint in the end.  Marriage, motherhood, wealth, achievements, possessions, whatever it is.  only Christ.

Put another way:
"Laying down your own life, in any way, is terrifying...But a Christian should have a different paradigm.  We should run to the cross.  To death.  So lay down your hopes...Stop clinging to yourself and cling to the cross  There is more joy and more life and more laughter on the other side of death than you can possibly carry alone." - from Motherhood is a Calling 

So between Easter and motherhood, this is what God is teaching me right now:

"At the very heart of the gospel is sacrifice, and there is perhaps no occupation in the world so intrinsically sacrificial as motherhood.  Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to live the gospel." from Motherhood as a Mission Field.

"For the love of Christ compels us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died, and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live or themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

I pray that God will enable me to live this out so Anna Grace will know Christ and live for Him!

Preserving precious memories...

happy moments...

sweet friends...

laughter...

a mother expecting...

sibling love...

precious smiles...

sweet baby cheeks...

I'm no photographer, but I have thoroughly enjoyed taking photos of my sweet family and friends.  They make great memories, and the behind the "scenes" has kept me smiling ALL week.  If only you could have seen us on Sunday night when we took Derek & Molly's photos.  It was 41 degrees and WINDY!  My sweet kids watched from the car, and my even sweeter husband held a GIANT beach umbrella to block the wind from his pregnant sister.  Molly and I had Pinterest up on my iphone and were standing there freezing, trying to mimic the poses of all the amazing (non cheesy) maternity photos I had pinned. We won't forget that night, and I really love how their pictures turned out.  More importantly I love the sweet memories we made together, and we are looking forward to meeting our nephew this summer!



Amber inspired me to make these cute bunny shirts for the girls.  She made one similar for Will last year, but it had a little button on the tail instead of the flower.  My girls ADORE "Ammer" and just love Will to pieces.  I mean - the kid is always smiling so whats NOT to love about him!  And Jackson...those sweet chubby cheeks make me smile.  God has blessed us with their friendship and I'm so thankful!

I have to thank my amazing husband for getting me the camera I have been wanting for years...so I can capture these moments to remember everything that is special and beautiful to me!

january {in an instagram}

Wow - where did January go?!?  For us, the breathing treatments and sleepless nights left us in a haze.  January was a pretty rough month physically on our family, but we had some pretty sweet times regardless.  We spent a LOT of time at home, worked on projects, painted, crafted and took road trips to get coffee.  I'm so thankful Lily and Lauren are past the RSV, lung infection and MAJOR ear infections. I'm also thankful that they are pretty tough cookies.  They took those three (long) weeks like champs.  God is good in every situation. It really made me more aware of praying for my friends that have very SICK children - children with heart defects, chronic lung problems, cancer, pnemonia, etc - and it made our trial look so small.  I'm thankful for his love and strength during that time, and for the many prayers of our family and friends!

Here's a few pictures from my instagram account of our month!  I was inspired by my friend Marybeth to create a picture collage in black and white.  I always love looking at her weekend updates in black and white collage form.   She has a great tutorial here.  

We said goodbye (yes I cried) to the cribs.  The twins took over the bunk bed in Brooke's room, and we did a makeover on Brooke's "new" room.  We sold the newer crib, dresser, quilt, crib mattresses, and purchased a beautiful headboard and french provincial dresser for her room.  We ended up paying nothing out of pocket to re-do her room (yippee!) thanks to craigslist steals and clearance buys. We did save Brooke/Lauren's crib to repurpose.  I hope to make a bench with the crib, and we made a picture/bow/artwork holder with the crib springs.  

I really would love to start a new "series".  I get a lot of emails from you when I write about what God is teaching in my life.  Although it is hard, I like to be transparent, hoping that something I have learned from God's word is an encouragent to someone else.  I would like to feature one mom every Monday - someone who is willing to share what God is teaching her as a parent or as a wife.  I would love to write more, but just don't have the time to commit.  I think it would be great to hear from other women in all walks of life (expecting, new mom, mom to teenagers, grandmas) who are willing to share what God is doing in their lives.  If you are interested in sharing, please email me!  

Looking back at 2012...

It seems like just yesterday I was writing this post to review 2011. Here's our year in review picture "collage style"!

January - Landon graduated from college - I am SO proud of such a hardworking husband/daddy!

February - We celebrated Grandpa & Grandma's 50th wedding anniversary - I also had the opportunity to make my first "wedding cake"!

March - My Dad & Mom came up to visit and we were outside enjoying the beautiful weather. We all enjoy when they come to visit since we don't get to see them as often as would like!

April - Brooke played on the "Y" soccer team.  Don't ask Landon how that went...
May - This picture of Landon & Brooke just makes me smile.  If I could choose anywhere to live it would be by the ocean.  The twins don't share that love, but Brooke and I both teared up when we waved "good-bye" to the ocean at the end of the week.  We had a wonderful family vacation to Destin with some of Landon's side of the family.  

June - We celebrated Lily & Lauren's TWO year birthday.  These two just make me smile SO much.

July - We love the USA!  We also spent a LOT of time inside since it was a very HOT month here in Oklahoma.

August - I turned 30!  It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be....

 September - We celebrated my beautiful Brooke's fourth birthday.  She is a very tender-hearted girl - always taking care of me and letting me know she loves me.  I'm so thankful for her.

October - A pretty cute cowgirl and two adorable little indians LOVED all the candy they got!

November - We spent a lot of time as a family this month and I really enjoyed that.  Landon and I spent a weekend away in Branson for our 5 year anniversary and spent Thanksgiving with his side of the family!  I have so much to be thankful for!
December - December we celebrated the birth of our savior.  We went to the Christmas Train which will have to be a tradition for our family.  We got to travel to San Antonio to spend a few days with my parents and enjoyed spending time with them. It was a bit of a rough month for us as most of our family was sick (and very sick on christmas), but we got to spend A LOT of quality time together.  The down time really gave me the opportunity to think about my goals for 2013. 

Blessed....that is how I would describe 2012.  It was a hard year for me personally and spiritually, but God taught me a LOT about His love, strength and forgiveness.  My hope for this year is that I will learn from those trials and grow to be more like Him...which will ultimately help me be a better wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law and friend.  I'm excited about this year and what God has in store for our family!  

Lily & Lauren Update

I can't believe it.  December 10th marked Lily & Lauren's half birthday making them TWO & A HALF!  Wow - I can't believe it - I still try to rock them to sleep and call them babies but they are growing SO quickly.  I'm so thankful for them and believe it or not, I am STILL in awe every time I think about the fact that they are twins.  It's amazing to see them growing up together.  They have their own little personalities but are always looking out for one another (and Brooke!).  

 Lauren is always VERY affectionate to Lily and gives out kisses and hugs freely!  Landon and I gave each other a camera last week for Christmas.  I a SO excited to have something to capture these special moments.  

Lily loves her baby - she doesn't leave home without her.  She loves boots, meat, singing, playing the guitar and dancing.  She is very loving and my favorite thing that she does is when she wraps her arms around me and plays with the back of my neck.  

Lauren is a little more on the crazy side.  She follows Brooke wherever she goes and that little dimple on her left cheek makes her look even more mischievous than she already is.  :)  She loves shoes, carbs, singing, jumping on the bed and spanking her own bottom.  ha ha.

So BLESSED.

family photos...

I LOVE getting family photos done - I just love all the memories that photos capture.  Let's be honest though I am ALWAYS stressed when it comes to picture day.  We had a mini session with my favorite photographer Stephany on Saturday.  Landon and I decided that we were going to make this session as stress free as possible with the girls.  We wanted it to be an enjoyable experience.  Did I mention I had EIGHT dozen cupcakes due that morning/afternoon?  8 dozen cupcakes and 45 baseball cookies were made in my kitchen, and I finally got a chance to get ready at 2, wake the girls up, get them ready, deliver cupcakes at 2:30 and made it with just a minute to spare at 3.  We pulled up to this BEAUTIFUL location and Stephany greeted us with her cheerful self.  I mean honestly, who needs to be stressed out when you have a photographer that loves your kids and loves to work with them?

Brooke smiling for the camera

Here's a side by side of Lauren who ALWAYS wants to be just like her big sister.

Lily is usually the wanderer who does her own thing.  I love it.

We had a FUN time - I realized I had two dramatically different earrings on towards the beginning of the shoot and we had lots of laughs about that.  This photo that Stephany captured brings a smile to my face and really tells a story about how crazy our life is right now, but how BLESSED we are.  If you live in the Tulsa area and need an amazing photographer please contact Stephany.  You won't ever be disappointed and she is one of the sweetest friends to me now!  

FIVE years of wedded bliss

This Saturday we will celebrate 5 years of marriage together!

 Looking at these pictures bringing back memories of some amazing friends that we haven't seen since our wedding day.  It's as good thing Landon's not home to watch me sob at the computer screen. :)

It's amazing how fast time going by.  Everyone in this photo is married, and most of them have had their first child since this photo!  How young we all were....

This collage represents some of my favorite moments through the last 5 years.

*Our very first Christmas together - we were expecting our first "surprise" baby and didn't even know it yet!

*The birth of Brooke - such sweet memories I can remember like it was yesterday.  

*Our trip to Branson to see Santa for the first time.

*Brooke at 6 months - such a pretty girl!

*Brooke talking to her sissies - I was 8 month's pregnant here on bed rest.  Brooke kept me company and kept me smiling.

*The day the twins were born.  Relief, excitement and thankfulness is what I remember the first time I saw those sweet faces.  God is so good to us to give us two healthy baby girls through such a rough 9 months of pregnancy.

*I love this picture of the girls.  Brooke was such a pro at being a big sister.

*The twins 1st Birthday - the cutest little girls that keep me laughing (even when they cause trouble)

*Our family this fall - I can't believe Landon and I GET to be parents of 3 little girls.  I'm so thankful for the most amazing partner God gave me to walk through this life with.  We are so blessed!