Thanksgiving Break-All in one post:)

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving Break has come and is almost over. It is a break that I have waited for in great anticipation and prayed that God would slow time down long enough for me to capture every single moment. This past year has been a year of tears, joys, question, rejoicing, hardships. BUT it has also been a year to look back on and give THANKS to God....in every situation. In the last few posts, I have written down things that I am thankful for. Here are a few more to go on the list...

I am thankful for...

*God's unfailing love. For His provision. For His grace. For His mercy. For His faithfulness. For His provision.

*Family movie nights...complete with popcorn and snuggling.

*Age 3...it is an AWESOME age and I am absolutely loving every second of it.

*Antibiotics for my little boy who is a complete mess with an ear infection. 

*Christmas decorations and Christmas music...no matter what mood you are in, it automatically turns into a jolly mood when you look at a Christmas tree or hear the music:)

*Warm weather on November 26.

*An education.

*McDonald's diet coke.

*A king-sized bed...:)

*Prayer...I have found myself on my knees this past year more than I can ever remember. It is the one place where I can cry out to God and be completely real. 

*The Bible. 

*A car that works.

*A house that feels like home.

*Date nights...they are far and few in between but I look forward to them and LOVE the time I have with just my husband.

*2 healthy, beautiful, sweet babies. 

*The opportunity to watch 

There are so many more things I am thankful for, but it would probably end up being a book:) So I will stop there. 

Anyways, here is a look at what this break held for us...

Nic and I took the kids to Concord's basketball game on Tuesday night. We started the night at Applebees, where the kiddos loved the huge booth we had to just the 4 of us:) They actually watched the entire game. Colt sat right on his daddy's lap and had the look of true concentration on his face...it was quite precious to watch, not to mention it made his daddy proud.

Kris and Sarah came over on Wednesday to bake. It was wonderful. We watched a Christmas movie while baking our little hearts out...Sarah and Hayden made turkeys. Despite giving Kris a hard time about baking, we were able to make our own Chex Mix in the crock pot and monster cookies.

(I forgot I took these pics on my sister's camera...oops! I will post them when I get it from her!)

Later that evening, Nic, the kids, and I decorated the house with Christmas decorations. I loved the reactions on Hayden and Colt's faces when we turned on the lights on the tree. It was priceless.

Brooke spent the night to help prepare for our meal the next day.

It was finally Thanksgiving day!! Yummy food. Awesome company. Good day...that ended in another visit to the theatre with Tara and Kris to see Breaking Dawn...again.

 Colt got a little fresh with Hannah girl

 I love this...so much

 Apparantly I was the only one who thought we were doing a "fun" picture...oops!

 Hayden camping out in Rara's room 

Friday and Saturday were low-key for us. No shopping. Just hanging out around the house. Hayden spent the day with her Gamma and Poppy and her aunties. She was in heaven. Colt, on the other hand enjoyed his one on one with his momma and daddy. What a little ham!! We later celebrated Brooke's birthday over a VERY good dinner! Hayden and Colt LOVED having their food cooked in front of them!

We had an unexpected visit to the doctors this morning that resulted in finding out Colt had has a severe ear infection, which explains the sleepless last 2 nights and a temp that got up to 103. Poor guy. He is miserable. Hopefully this medicine kicks in SOON! 

I seriously can't believe tomorrow is Sunday, which means the next day is Monday, which means back to work. Now the countdown to Christmas!! Let the Christmas movie watching begin!! 

I am blank because...

I seriously can't believe it is Thanksgiving week! I am soooo super excited to let the festivities begin....one more day of work...one more day!! I can do this:)

So, as I was reading through my daily blogs tonight, I saw a post and thought it would be fun to do. Sooooo....here ya go:)

I am weird because...

I would rather watch I Love Lucy or Friends over any other show on TV.

I could eat chips and salsa for any meal...including breakfast.

I will eat the pizza crust without the rest of the pizza.

I sleep on the floor of our family room with our dog when Nic is away.

I can't sleep in our room by myself.

I pick at my head until it bleeds, and then get upset when I have blood under my nails.

I get my feelings hurt over stupid, stupid things. 

I have to read my daily blog roll ever. single. day.

I hate to shower (don't worry, I still do shower).

I LOVE getting mail via snail mail.

I don't like loud music.

I make a weekly dinner list...but never follow it.

I hate to exercise.

I don't like to cuddle in bed...I feel claustrophobic.

I have anxiety attacks during the night.

It takes me FOREVER to fall asleep.

I would rather be cold than hot because I can cover up with a blanket.

I'm a bad friend because...

I am insecure at times.

I don't return calls/texts in a timely fashion.

I forget to return calls/texts.

I am bad about sending thank-you/birthday/Christmas cards.

I'm a good friend because...

I love my friends' kids like they were my own.

I would die for anyone of my friends...seriously.

I would do anything any time of day for my friends.

I want to see my friends succeed.

I am proud of each of them.

I love to laugh hard and am not afraid to act silly.

I am sad because...

The pain from losing my first child is still very real.

I want to see my brother, sister-in-law, and niece.

I want to stay home with my kids.

I feel that I fail my family and friends a lot.

I carry momma guilt...a lot.

I am happy because...

I am sitting here with the fireplace on and my husband and baby are by my side and baby boy is talking away in his crib.

my children played all evening together without fighting.

our house smells like apple crisp.

I have been blessed with amazing coworkers.

I get to see my sisters soooo soon!

my husband and Steve watched all 3 kiddos while Tara and I (and my parents) went to Breaking Dawn.

tomorrow is my last work day for the week.

I get to watch my hubby play and read with our children...and they absolutely adore him.

the laundry is almost ALL done...for today.

my hubby helped me clean ALL the dishes and clean out the fridge.

Hayden hasn't had accidents in a while. 

I am loved by my family and friends.

I am excited for...

Turkey eating.

Christmas music.

Christmas decorating.

Family time.

Puzzles with the sisters and mom.

Craft night with Tara.

Christmas movies.

Family time.

Moments like these...

Tonight I had one of those moments...one of those moments that take my breath away...one of those moments that I just want to pause and remember that feeling forever. Hayden and I have been forming our own little routines, if you would say. I am really loving this stage that she is in because it is like she is my little friend. Yes, there are fits, but then there are those times that you just can't believe that she is a little person because her heart is so big. One of our special routines is we have been popping popcorn and then cuddling on the couch to watch Dancing with the Stars (don't judge me...she loves it). Tonight we were getting all ready and of course, she gets really excited to do this, she looks up at me and says, "I like this, momma."Man, talk about a precious moment. "I do too, sweetie, I do too." We continue to snuggle and laugh together while we eat. She of course holds the popcorn, allowing me to have one piece at a time. I just breathe in the moment.

Then, as we watch our show, she looks at me with questioning eyes and says, "mom, that's my dress." She points to the dancer on the screen and I have NO idea what she is talking about. She then gets up, goes into her play room, and comes out looking like this: (for some reason my computer won't let me rotate the pic:( )

I love this little girl more than words can say...or write:) 

Blog Block...again

I gotta be honest...I am finding it harder and harder to figure out what to blog about. I think my thoughts go in and out of my head as fast as I can blink:) I think it is just the lack of time to actually sit my booty down and just be left alone with my thoughts?! Ha...alone...I wonder what that means:) I don't have much time to myself, and therefore don't have the time I used to to just blog.
Soooo...because I have nothing really interesting to tell ya, here are some things we have been up to:
*We finally saw the doctor and have talked about possibilities to Hayden's accidents. Praise the Lord there is no infection, just needs some medicine to clear her out:) She is now 38 inches (75%) and 31 pounds (50%). The nurse even took her blood pressure (something they start at three years of age) which was normal. She sat very still as the doctor examined her. I was so proud of her! The doctor said she looked perfect and is growing beautifully! I walked away thanking God for her health and growth.
*I think we are finally over all the sickness...PRAISE THE LORD! The kids are back to themselves, which makes my heart happy. I have never seen these kids that sick before and it completely broke my heart. I did like all the cuddling though!!

*Nic and I have joined a gym...hehe. Time to get my booty into shape! I have to admit, I really enjoy working out WITH Nic. We took our first cycling class...oh dear...I am pretty sure if there were cameras in there someone could turn the video in for America's Funniest Videos. BUT, we will improve! Cause I am telling you right now, there is no way we could do any worse! (I am pretty sure I mentioned this in the last post, but I am pretty sure I am too lazy to check!)
*It is getting dark here VERY early. I swear it is 9:30 when it is only 5:30! Thankfully, the kids are finally adjusting to the time change and are back to sleeping a normal schedule.
*We had our first snow of the year....very mixed emotions. The kids at school were SO excited and I LOVED watching their eyes light up! It was even better watching my own kids running around and trying to eat the snow:) Hayden kept saying, "I wanna eat the snow, mom." Oh to be a kid again:) Wait, who am I kidding, I still like eating the snow too:) Of course the clean snow.

*Nic has been home a lot more since soccer and football are over...and I LOVE it!
*I have been really trying not to struggle about the fact I keep getting invites for play dates and other things of the like...it is still a sore subject for me. But, I am thankful for God placing me in a work environment that I enjoy. I pray every day that God will use me in a way that would please Him and use me in a way that would make a difference in the students that I come in contact with. But it still stings when I know that I won't be able to participate with different things that I would be able to if I were still at home.
*Our house smells like Christmas right now. I love, love, love it. I seriously cannot wait until the day we get to decorate for Christmas....and listen to Christmas music:)
*I get to see my sisters in a couple of weeks to celebrate Thanksgiving. We get to be surrounded by family and I am stoked. SOOOO much to be thankful for! Oh, and my mouth is watering already!
*I stayed up until 1:30 last night...well...this morning. Latest I have been up for a long time. And I blame Tara Spivey for it:) J/K...Nic was working so I packed up the kids and camped out at her house and helped her get ready for her booth at the Farmer's Market. Ok, ok, so maybe I distracted a little more than helped but still...it was a good time.
*This little bullet is a little random, but tonight we had some friends over and we stopped and got pizza. Nic came out of with pizza to which Hayden said, "you got 4 pizzas, dad." Nic and I stopped what we were doing and just looked at each other. Folks, she can't tell you she is 3, but she can count the number of pizza boxes. And yes, there were four boxes:) Made us laugh.
*Hayden is back to not sleeping in her room. She has been sleeping on the couch. It is not our room and she is sleeping, so I guess that's ok?
In case you were wondering, I have been jotting down the things I am thankful for, so here is the updated list. I know, I know...you were worried:)
Thursday: Today I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful that they see my faults and insecurities and love me anyways. I am thankful for the laughs, the tears, and everything in between.
Friday: Today I am thankful for Pay Day. I am thankful for God providing. I am also thankful for all the sinkin' food that people bring in on these days. Doesn't help with the whole 'losing weight' thing, but it sure is good.
Saturday: Today I am thankful for my siblings and sibling-in-laws. I am thankful for unbreakable friendship. I am thankful for God blessing me with such amazing siblings. I miss them greatly and wish we were all in the same area again. They are my bestest friends in the universe:)

Isn't God good? Yes, yes He is:)

Start the Working Out!

Sunday: Today I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful for his partnership and his love. I am thankful that he knew I got no sleep last night because of Colton's sickness and told me to go back to bed for a couple of hours. 

Monday: Today I am thankful for my job. Although I would stay home in a heartbeat with my children, I am thankful for God placing me in a place where I feel like I belong. I am thankful for the staff I work with and the children I get to see every day.

Tuesday: Today I am thankful for my dad. I am thankful for his support and for his love. I am thankful that I can call him at anytime day or night without him getting too annoyed:)

Wednesday: Today I am thankful for my mom. I am thankful for her wisdom and for her encouragement. I am thankful that I don't have to worry about my kids today because they are with her. 

Ok, so on a side note...

Hubby and I are now working out. We did our first spin class today in which I was dominated. It was fun though to be doing it with Nic:)

Do you ever have one of those moments where you are listening to your children laugh hysterically about nothing and you wish that moment could last a lifetime? I had put the children in the bath tub after dinner and they laughed the entire time. They each took turns trying to blow bubbles in the water (disgusting if you ask me) and just laughed and laughed. It made my heart melt. I absolutely love that sound. God knew I needed to hear that sound. 

Giving Thanks

As we all know, it is NOVEMBER. It is my favorite time of the year by far. Leaves are falling, the pumpkin spice and Christmas tree scents are out, sweaters are being pulled out as well as boots, Christmas songs are playing on the radio (even in the grocery store), and everyone is just in a jolly mood all around.

But the biggest reason I look forward to these next 2 months is because I know it I will be surrounded by family. I know that my sisters will be coming home and we will be able to talk, laugh, play games, watch movies, etc...(Adam and Jamie...this is me BEGGING you to come home!!!). I have said it time and time again, my family members are truly my best friends. It kills me that they aren't like 20 minutes from me anymore. Anyways, back to the whole time of year thing. 

Thanksgiving is coming up this month. As I look over this past year, there are more reasons than I can count to be thankful to God.  

As Colton was laying in my arms tonight after being sick all evening, I kept staring at his precious face. I took turns watching him sleep (and throw up...but we don't need to go there) and watching Hayden as she played on the floor. I couldn't help but truly feel thankful and overwhelmed for what God has entrusted me with. Sometimes it hurts so much to think about the love I have for my children. If you are a parent, you know the feeling. Now that my babies aren't so much 'babies' anymore, I often miss just holding them. Not just holding them to walk in and out of the store, but actually hold them in my arms...to really wrap may arms around them and just love on them. If you know my children, you know they do not sit still...at all. This past week Hayden had the flu...and unfortunately Colt caught it and is now sick. It is such an awful feeling to watch my children so sick, not being able to do a thing for them. But out of all this sickness, this momma got to hold her children again like when they were babies. I got to care for them and rub their backs and sing "Jesus Loves Me" a million times until their eyelids closed. I got to breathe in their scents. I got to rock them and feel their heat against my skin. Even after they were asleep for some time, I still just held them. I felt needed. I felt my arms full again. I felt blessed.   

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to hold my children in my arms. 

Loving and Learning

Things I have been loving recently...
*The way Colton puts his arm around my neck so he can get even closer to me
*Pay-day breakfast at school-seriously AMAZING!
*The way Hayden runs as fast as she can and climbs up on the counter when I say, "It's bake night!"
*Colt running into my arms when I walk into the door
*Watching movies with Nic when the kids go to bed
*Waking up only to realize I can sleep for another hour:)
*The way Hayden and Colt are becoming great friends...well...besides when he full on tackles her
*The thought of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season coming up
*Watching Colt and Nic play catch EVERY day after work for 30 minutes straight
*Watching Friends on the computer while Nic watches his sports
*How loud our family dinners are:)
*The way Colt is always asking, "Where daddy go?"
*How cuddly Hayden has been recently...doesn't happen often
*The way Colt shows off to people by being a complete ham

*Jean Fridays at school
*Evening time with Hayden...she loves the one-on-one attention
*Having a daily routine

Those are just some of the things that have had my heart smiling recently. There are many more, but we would be here all night:)
Tonight Nic had to do security at the football game, so it was just me and my babies. After throwing all the different balls back and forth with Colt, chasing him all around the house just to hear him giggle, snuggling with Hayden, putting Colt down for bed, I got out some paper and markers for Hayden. She is such a busy little bee that when I try to do anything academic, she totally ignores me and goes about her business. She is just not interested. It makes me laugh sometimes at the fact that I taught 3 years and am back in the schools that I can not get my daughter to want to start learning letters, or learn anything that has to do with colors, numbers, etc...  So I thought maybe if I had glue (which she never gets to use) I could coax her to learn as she does a craft with the glue. Worked like magic! We worked on the letter 'A' and then she wanted to do 'B'.

So proud of my little girl! She enjoyed it so much:)

Catching Up

Fall Break has come and gone...it was a wonderful 4 days at home with my family. The best part of the break was that we didn't really even do that much:) It was wonderful. It was fast. We did, however, celebrate Hayden's third birthday (for the second weekend in a row) on her actual birthday.

 We let her go pick some things out at the store with her b-day money...and she chose the above:)

 Bubby wasn't thrilled

 This is me not having a daughter that would cooperate:)

Seriously can't believe that she is 3 already. It seems like she has just grown so much in the past couple of months.

Even though we had a relaxing weekend, it didn't end quite the way we thought it would. Nic and I were so proud that we got the kids to bed early Sunday night and then got ourselves into bed at a decent time for once. I thought to myself, "wow, we are starting off the week with a good night's sleep." WRONG. Not 30 minutes after we got to bed did we hear a sounds that isn't pleasant. It was the sound of our 3 year old puking ALL OVER HER ROOM. And friends, this is no 'spit up' anymore. I am SO thankful that Nic was home. He took over like a champ when I almost got sick myself by just the smell. I know, I know...this isn't all that fun to read:) So as he cleaned up, I got Hayden into the bath. That was only the beginning of the night. Our "early" night turned into the longest night that I can remember. Again, I can't thank God enough for the husband he gave me. We both were out on the couch with Hayden until about 1:30 when Hayden FINALLY stopped getting sick and fell asleep for good. Nic timed how long it was in between her getting sick. It was 15 minutes...on the dot...every.single.time. I know you wanted that detail:)
Nic decided he would stay home with her in case she needed to go to the doctor. I am telling you, whatta dad. He not only took care of both the kids ALL day, he did laundry AND cleaned the house.
Yesterday was Halloween, of course. We were supposed to go with our best friends and take our kids around together, but because 2 of the 4 kids were sick, we decided it wouldn't be the best idea. So, after dinner, we thought we could still dress Bubby up and walk him to a couple of houses. When Hayden saw him dressing up, she wanted to too. She was supposed to go as Minnie Mouse, but she wanted to go as Tigger instead since it would be warmer....and it had a "head". She was feeling a little better, so we thought it couldn't hurt. We only stayed out for about 15-20 minutes, but the kids loved it. They walked up to the doors and thought it was the coolest thing ever. The pictures below aren't the greatest, but you get the picture:)

Happy November!!