On My Heart

This summer I have been attending a Bible Study on Nehemiah. It has been a wonderful study. It has opened my eyes and convicted me so much to have a heart for people. I feel like sometimes I get so caught up in my needs I don't take time to think about the needs of others. My dady is so busy but its consumed with taking care of myself and my children. And not that that is not important its just not all there is in life. All summer I have been searching and thinking of ways I can practice missions in my every day life. Right now I don't feel God calling me to Africa...although one day when our children are teenagers or college age I would love to take a family mission trip, but right now I feel like God has called me to be a stay at home mom of my children. I know there are so many ways though I can minister right here in my city, in my neighborhood, etc. I also have the burden of wanting to teach my children these things. Especially Colby though as he is now 4 and starting to understand more. I want him to see how blessed he is but I also want to teach him to have a heart of compassion and to give to people when he sees they have a need. I have thought all summer of ways we can do that. I am still processing thoughts and ideas. I want to take him somewhere to give toys to children. Not sure where yet...I want him to physically see the children who will recieve them. Anyway the more I think about it the more confused I get. So I have decided to pray each day and let God show me ways in our day to day life how we can do this.
So far today God has pointed me to 2 people. One is a girl who I went to college with. I found out this morning via facebook that she lost her house in a fire. I can't even imagine. I know she has atleast 3 young children. Not sure of their ages but I can't imagine Colby going through that. He is old enough that I think it would be very painful for him. I am hoping to soon find out a way we can give her toys or clothes. I think this will be a "real" visual way I can help teach Colby.
The other thing today: Well at Bible Study this morning it was brought up how we as Christians should respond to the homeless and hungry who stand on the streets with signs. This is something I have always wondered about...I hate not doing anything at all but I also don't want to give them money b/c you don't know how they will use it. I have always heard about giving them food...I just haven't ever had the opportunity to have food with me to give them. Well today after leaving my parents I just happened to have a homemade cookie with me that Colby wanted me to take home that my mom made. I pulled up at the intersection and I felt God tugging at my heart...I thought for a moment and remembered I had that cookie. So I rolled the window down and politely said: Sir I don't have any money but I have this homemade cookie. His face said it all...he looked so thrilled. His words also were " I know you must have Christ in your heart" WOW what a statement. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. Its amazing what impact a small thing can have on a person...but I also drove away feeling "guilty" in my 2012 Honda Van, nice clean clothes, my child sitting in a brand new Graco carseat wearing Gymboree clothes...not to say that God doesn't want us to have nice things. But this Bible study has really made me think of those in need around me. Anyway it was a really cool moment. I wish I had had time to talk to the man or give him something from our church to direct him to a place to go. I almost hope he's at that same intersection tomorrow. I think I may bring a Bible and another snack I dunno...but I now feel like I should always be prepared. I think I will stock up on "snack" items to keep with me when I am out driving. It also though was a total God moment that I even had that one single cookie with me to give him. I am still in awe. I also feel guilty b/c I know I lose my patience with my children and today was one of those days where I was trying so hard to get everyone out the door that I spoke out of anger and frustration to my kids. Anyway just a reflection of the day!

The Weekend

Well we have had a pretty good weekend around here. As you know Austin worked the night shift Thursday night so he came home Friday around mid-day which was nice. My parents brought Colby home around 10. They stayed with the kids while I went to the grocery store. It was nice to shop alone! I got it done quicker and more efficiently without trying to keep 2 kids happy! Once I got home we all ate lunch then went down for naps. Austin got home during naptime so we all rested. Once everyone was up he and Colby ran errands. I always enjoy that time of quiet while the boys get out! Lindsay and I just hung out at home. That evening we ordered spaghetti from Speciality and had a low key evening watching the Olympics.
Saturday Austin was off which was really nice. Its rare that he's off on a Saturday and we don't have somewhere to be. We planned a low key day at home since he had just worked 30+ hours the day before. I invited Colby's friend Max over though. I figured this would help Colby since we weren't going anywhere plus his mom just had surgery so I figured it would help her out too. They played really well together. He got here around 9. After we got a few things done Austin took them outside to swim. They had a blast doing that! I think they were out there over an hour. It was a nice break for me to get stuff done inside. Once they came in they played in Colby's room for a long time. Austin and I actually were able to sit down and rest during this time. After Lindsay ate her lunch and we put her down for a nap Austin went to pick up the boys some lunch. They ate lunch then it was time to bring Max home. Its so good for Colby to have friends over. He has so much fun. Once Austin got home from bringing Max home we all tried to rest. Naptime was short though b/c Lindsay was up by 2...Colby never really fell asleep. Atleast we didn't have to be anywhere though. So we just hung out around the house. That evening we had a nice dinner as a family. I tried a new recipe...it was called red beans and rice but it was different...it had a more spanish take on it. I liked it and I think Colby liked it ok but Austin was not a fan.
Sunday was church day. Austin was back at work so it was just me and the kids. It was a good Sunday. They are just so tiring especially when I am alone bringing the kids to and from church. We didn't have as many kids in the nursery as we usually do. In fact it was just Colby and Glenn Paul in his class. Although I know he enjoyed playing with GP by himself. Lindsay and Elias were in the baby room. My mom worked in there and said Lindsay really enjoyed playing with another baby. I feel bad b/c by this age Colby had had lots of playdates with babies but Lindsay has not. Now granted she is around "big" kids all the time but no babies her age. I was glad she got to play with a little boy in SS. I think he is about a month younger then her. After church we did our usual lunch at McAlister's then came home and took naps! It was a great weekend...actually refreshing after the busy weekend the week before! Now looking forward to the week! It will be a different few weeks...Colby is out of camp and school doesn't start until after Labor Day so we will have no schedule really!

A glance back at our Week

So we have been trying to get back into a routine around here after the busy birthday weekend. I say that though and after this week life will be different again b/c Colby will be finished with camp.
It was nice knowing we had a low key week ahead after last weeks craziness. Monday Colby had his 4 year checkup. My mom came over and kept Lindsay. That helped out a lot. I can't imagine trying to juggle them both at the doc alone. Especially when he was getting shots. Plus it was right in the middle of her naptime. It worked out well for it to just be me and him. He did pretty wel considering he had to get 4 shots. He does so well at the doc now and I am so thankful. I remember thinking when he was Lindsay's age and even a toddler that my child may scream at the doc forever! But he now sits patiently and answers questions and is a peach. Watching him get 4 shots though and having to help hold him down for those was hard...really hard! He kept saying "IT HURTS!" I don't want that! I felt so bad for him. He quickly recovered though. I took him to Target afterwards to spend some of his b-day money. He took a good nap that afternoon but other then that seemed to show no side effects from the shots. When he was 1 though he broke out in a rash about 10 days later so I am kinda waiting to see if that happens this year. That afternoon we hung out at home.
Tuesday was a busy day for us. We had our bug person come spray, our house cleaner, Colby had camp, and I had Bible study. Those kind of days I feel like I run around like a crazy women. I wake up get myself ready, get 2 kids fed and dressed, straighten the house, pack lunches. Anyway it was nice to go to Bible Study and have that "me" time. After Bible study I picked Lindsay up and we came home to relax before Colby got home. My parents have been picking Colby up from camp which has been SO nice! It would be really hard for me to pick him up at 2 b/c Lindsay gets up from her nap then and she eats at that time. I would probably have to get him early which would also upset him. So they bring him home which works out nice...it basically gives me an extra hour to get stuff done too!
Wednesday was a low key day for us. It seems rare when we have nothing planned but it usually happens once a week. I haven't done a HUGE outting with both kids yet meaning like the zoo, children's museum, etc alone. I usually like to just stay on the westbank a place we can go and be home after an hour and a half. We usually do the mall, library, barnes and noble, park, etc. I asked Colby what he wanted to do and he wanted to go to Barnes and Noble. We had just gone earlier in the month but I figured why not? Its free Air conditioned fun! He loves the train table and will usually play with it for an hour. Well wouldn't you know the train table was gone! I am praying it returns before we go back! That is the highlite of his trip. He ended up just picking out a CARS book and we took it into the cafe part and ordered coffee....well coffee for me and chocolate milk for him. It was fun sitting there looking at books and drinking coffee with my little man. Lindsay sat in her stroller. Once we finished there we came home just for a low key afternoon.
Thursday was Colby's last day of camp. He also made plans to spend the night with my parents that evening. Lindsay and I enjoyed a quiet day. Austin came home for dinner and we ate together then he had to go back into work that night. I enjoyed the time to relax and spend time with my baby girl. I did miss my 2 boys SO much though! Colby ended camp on a great note I know he will miss it! School doesn't start until after Labor Day for him. He also enjoyed the night with my parents! I am looking forward to the weekend! We will all spend Friday night together then Saturday Austin will be home too! Looking forward to some great family time!

Four

Really where did the time go? I can't believe I am sitting down to do a 4 year old post on my sweet baby boy! Four seems so old to me now! Anyway my 4 year old is growing up into such a sweet, fine young man. His personality shows more and more each day! He is still our little OCD, Type A child. He likes routine and has a hard time coping when things are out of the norm. Not like he gets really out of control you can just tell its hard for him to settle down on those type days. Otherwise he's a very well adjusted child. He's VERY smart! I know all moms say that about their child but I lean to think he's gifted. He's very mathematical. He thinks in numbers. Its crazy to me....b/c my brain does not think that way at all! We compare him a lot to my dad.
He's a very active, entertaining child. He cracks us up every day with stuff he says! He loves being outdoors and doing little boy things! He is still obssessed with CARS! He has fell into the role of big bro quite nicely. He doesn't act jealous a whole lot anymore. You can tell some things still bother him but he loves his little sis. He is very protective over her. This summer I have seen their relatioship blossom b/c he is home more and they are together. He's very kind hearted and very outgoing. He has no trouble making friends wherever he goes. He's not shy at all especially around other kids. He's very trusting with people he knows but doesn't like "strangers" talking to him at all. He has loved school since he started at age 2. He will return this year for his last year at AUMC. He will go 5 days a week ....3 days 9-12 and the other 2 days he will 9-2. This summer he did swim lessons and camp. He loves swimming. He also took soccer in the spring which was not his favorite AT ALL!
He's still a good eater and good sleeper. He has started night waking more then he ever has, but I think its partly the age. He wakes up usually to go potty and sometimes he just wants to see Austin one more time. He's a daddy's boy for sure! He likes kid foods but he also won't complain when he eats whatever we eat.
He went to the doc today. He weighs 41 lbs and is 41 1/2 inches tall. He received 4 shots as well...that was no fun! He wears a size 4T and is pretty average size I would say. He still is a total cutie pie with his blonde hair, brown/green eyes and olive tone skin.
I love you Colby so much! I have enjoyed being a mommy to you the last 4 years! I loved those 3 1/2 years we spent just you and me but now I love seeing you as a big brother and getting to spend the days with you and Lindsay! You make mommy proud every day! You are a sweet, kind boy with a gentle spirit. You have your moments where you get in trouble, but I think sometimes you are just so strong willed you can't help yourself! I can't wait to see what you are like in 4 more years!! We love you so much!!

Colby's Birthday Party Weekend

Colby is having a blast this birthday weekend! Friday started off a little rocky though! We got a monsoon type of rain ALL day long! We knew it would be a day where we were just going to Target then we would be in the rest of the day until that evening but being stuck inside b/c of the rain made for a VERY long day! He was very antsy and kept getting in trouble! I feel like he has been pent up a lot this week b/c we have had so much rain. He was also VERY excited about his mawmaw and pawpaw and cousins coming into town. I guess I can't fault him. I remember being a kid and thinking time went by SOO slow when you were waiting on stuff like that. I know he was just excited and bored all at the same time!
Finally that afternoon we were able to leave the house. We decided to meet them downtown at Mulate's. We left Lindsay at home with my parent's. She is just at a difficult age when it comes to eating out. She's too big for her infant carried but tires out very quickly when it comes to sitting in a highchair. Plus her bedtime is 7 pm. Plus it was raining and getting a baby in and out of the van in the rain downtown would be a nightmare! I am sure she was happier at home with my parent's and we were happier. It gave us more a chance to visit. We were able to stay out later and let Colby enjoy his cousins longer. The 3 big kids did great at dinner. They were very well behaved. After dinner since they all 3 had been so good we took them uptown for icecream! They were all 3 very excited about this! But Colby had 1 thing on his mind...that was going back to the hotel and playing with the girls. This is what they do every year. Austin always gets them a suite at the hotel. We always go down and hang out in the suite and let Colby play with the girls. He always has a blast! So after icecream we went back to the hotel for about 45 minutes. They had so much fun playing together! We didn't get back home until 8:30 and by the time we got Colby in bed it was after 9.
Saturday was the big party day! We woke up early to fix breakfast for austins' family. Since the party was not until that evening we knew Colby would want to hang out and play some with his cousins. They came over about 8:30. Colby had a blast with Shelbi and Maggie. Lindsay got very overwhelmed plus it was her naptime so she didn't get in the mix too much. But Colby and the girls played so well together. They left about 10ish so that we could rest and get ready for the party. Austin took Colby on a couple errands to pick up the cake and get ice for the drinks. After they got home we ate lunch and all took naps. I think we were all exhausted and took long naps. After our naps we did some cleaning up around the house then got ready for the party.
The party was so much fun! I knew he would have a great time since it was at a big pool but I had no idea how much fun the kids would have. They mostly enjoyed the big water slide but they also all played in the splash area. This year he had 10 kids at the party. This included: Jude (5 months), Lindsay (7 months), Jax (2 1/2), Braden (3 1/2), Macie (3 1/2), Max (4), Max (5), Maggie (6 1/2), and Shelbi (8). They all played really well together! The babies stayed inside most of the time and Lindsay even went home early with my parents. I think all of the kids had a blast! I enjoyed seeing Colby have so much fun and seeing him and his friends so happy! I had a blast at the party but I always am so tired when its over. I feel like I spent the whole time running around like a crazy person! I felt like I had to balance taking care of Lindsay, watching Colby, helping out the other kids, talking to everyone, checking on my mom who watched Lindsay most of the night, etc. The kids were having so much fun in the water we didn't even have time to open presents. I hated to stop them from having fun to open the presents nad since Colby didn't ask I figured we would just wait and do them at home. It was definitely easier that way. Austin's parents and my parents were here to watch him open presents so that was nice. It was like he had a mini party when it was all said and done. I figured he would crash when he got in bed but NOPE it was almost 11 before he fell asleep! I guess he was wound up from all the excitment!
Sunday was a much slower paced day. We had church but we actually all slept in. I had set my alarm for 7 but actually turned it off. I figured we all needed the sleep. I figured if the kids slept in then it was meant for us to sleep in as well. Lindsay woke us up around 7:30. So I went ahead and got up and fed her. Colby was after 8 getting up. We just took our time getting ready which was nice. We were at church by about 9:40 though so we weren't too late. Colby still got to be there for about half of his Sunday School class. It was so nice to sit in church with Austin and worship. I really needed that! It was refreshing! I love being in the nursery with the kids but sometimes I just need a break! After church we did our usual lunch at McAlister's. We all came home to rest then Austin and Colby played outside and ran errands. It was a great ent to a great weekend! I am sad to see the weekend come to an end. The week last week was very stressful leading up this b-day but it was so worth it to see the joy in his eyes at the party! I always stress about it and it turns out perfect! You would think I would learn! We had a great time but I think we are all tired! Now we will be getting back to a routine. I am glad though that b-day is behind us...now I have to focus on church stuff for the start of the new church year. This week will be pretty low key for us. Colby has a doc appt for his 4 year checkup and shots...I have Bible study and Colby has camp! It will be nice to get back to some order though!

Colby's 4th Birthday

Today is my little man's 4th birthday! I can't believe he's 4! That just seems so old to me! Anyway its been a busy day for us all. Its been a different birthday I guess the first one he hasn't spent with us all day!
I will recap his b-days real quick...
1st birthday fell on a Friday...Austin and I ran errands with him then that evening we ate dinner out with Austin's family.
2nd birthday fell on a Saturday....his actual birthday party was this day. We ate out that evening with Austin's family.
3rd birthday fell on a Sunday....he took donuts to his Sunday School class at church. We went to church then lunch at McAlister's (his favorite) then went to VBS that night.
Today he had camp. I decided to go ahead and let him go to camp on his birthday and treat it like any other day. I knew it would be fun for him to celebrate at camp aka "school" with his friends. We made cupcakes for him to share. We got him a tent for his b-day so that will be waiting to surprise him when he comes home! Can't wait to see his reaction!
So Colby got home from school he loved his tent and remote controlled car! He had to play in the tent a little this afternoon but it was so hot he didn't last long. My parents stopped by with their gift this afternoon. He has been so excited all day with all this attention! After their visit I had to run some errands for his party. That's the only thing about birthdays I feel like it really consumes all my time! I can't imagine these people that get all creative with their kids b-days! Once I got home we started cooking dinner. It was so nice to be able to sit and eat dinner as a family! I truly treasure those times b/c we don't get it often especially when Austin is working! I feel refreshed after today especially since I got a few "breathers" from the kids! I love my job as a stay at home mom but its tough so it was nice to be able to leave them with Austin today and I got to be by myself some! I think its also good for him to get that bonding time in!
After dinner Colby and Austin spent a lot of time in his tent while I stayed inside playing with Lindsay! We had a great day! I hope Colby enjoyed his day! I am so thankful for the last 4 years we have had with him! I can't wait to see what he will be like in 4 more years! I can't believe then he will be 8! Wow! He's such a blessing to us!

The Weekend

Well the weekend has come and gone. Friday we had a VERY low key day. We had made plans to just grocery shop that day but when we were on our way out the door the sky was black and it looked like it was really going to storm! I decided that risking having to unload 2 kids and groceries in the rain would not be fun! So we just stayed home! We rarely stay home ALL day but it honestly wasn't that bad. Since Colby is doing camp he is missing naps most days during the week. I figured Friday would be a good day for us all to catch up on some rest! We enjoyed staying in and playing. That night we ordered pizza and just had a nice little family night!
Saturday Austin was off which was really nice. It was great to have him around on a Saturday. Usually our Saturdays feel like weekdays since he is usually working. He and Colby set off to the grocery store pretty early. I had a funeral to attend later that morning. I honestly have to say it was nice getting out alone! I rarely get to go anywhere it alone so it was a nice break. I hated it was for a funeral but it was good to be back at Calvary and see old friends. I felt really at home. I think it was good for Austin to have the kids by himself too. It gave him a chance to bond with them without me interfering. Plus I think it gave him a small taste of what I do every day! Once I got home we ate lunch and all rested. It wasn't long though before Lindsay Lou was up ready to go. She went down for her nap way before I got home so she was ready to play soon after the rest of us layed down. We hurried and got ready that afternoon after Colby woke up. We told him he could choose a place to eat for his b-day. His final decision came to be Chickfila at Lakeside Mall. We knew he had other motives for this. He knew the Disney Store was there and we may let him get a car. We invited our friends Honey and Max also. We got there about 4:30 and ofcourse our first stop was the Disney Store. He picked out a package of Towmater's. After the Disney Store we decided to go ahead and eat. It was a little hectic trying to eat with two 4 year olds and a baby but we managed. Afterwards we walked down to PB Kids to let the boys play. They then wanted some popcorn as a treat. Colby had so much fun running around the mall with Max. I think he thought he was big stuff! I love seeing him enjoy his little friends like that! We left after the popcorn b/c at that point Lindsay had been awake since 2 and it was almost 7 so it was time for her to go to bed. I was so thankful for this fun day with Austin and the kids. Austin has been working a lot lately so I think we all needed this day!
Sunday we had church. After the busy weekend and the fact that neither child slept well Saturday night I made the decision to bring Lindsay home after Sunday School. I hated to leave but I knew she needed her rest since we were out the night before. Colby chose to stay with my parents. Since Lindsay and I came home early I was able to get some stuff done and rest as well which was nice. Then when Colby came home I rested some more. I have been so tired lately with Austin's busy work schedule and the kids waking us up at night. That afternoon we had a low key day. Austin got home early and we had grilled chicken ceasar salad and sat down to eat as a family which was SO nice! It was a wonderful weekend and a wonderful kick off to Colby's 4th Birthday!