Thankful Thursday, Funnies and Not Thankful Thursday

Let's just go ahead and get started with the bad news. I'm not totally thankful today. I know, I know, how dare I. But see, I had to say goodbye to my Mama today. And my lovely step dad. And my brother. They are all packed up and moving to Missouri this weekend to be with the rest of our family. For FOREVER! Which I guess isn't all bad. I am happy for them. But the selfish side of me wants to make them stay here. The other side of me wants to jump in their Uhaul and go. After 23 years in Texas I'm the only one left this side of Oklahoma.

After crying all the way home this afternoon and laying down in bed and crying more when I got home, I made this little family a big batch of chicken spaghetti (a healthy version that I must share sometime), put the kids to bed and popped open a Shiner (nothin' finer). I must say my spirits are a bit higher. However, this heart of mine is still heavy.

I'm praying for peace for everyone involved. After all, it seems more applicable than hiding in a Uhaul.

But you know me. There is still plenty to be thankful for.

Playing games of cars and dinosaurs before bed tonight. Nothing takes your mind off things like going "vroom vroom" and "rawr" a million times in ten minutes. The giggles help too, of course.

make believe princesses who have to take their tiaras off and set down their magic wands before they go potty

little boys with fresh summer haircuts (ironically it is May 2nd and in the 30's here in Texas)



And there is more still.

On Wednesday Harper was running a low fever and couldn't go to school. I thought about dropping Kinley off anyways, until it hit me. She actually makes my life easier. It's easier on me when they are both home than when she's gone. I'm thankful for this. She has reached a new stage in her life and I love it. She plays with Harper, runs upstairs and gets me diapers if I need them, always wants to help and makes me laugh constantly. I'm excited for her growth and sweet heart. I'm thankful that she's maturing. 

Monday night Steven fell asleep on the couch right after the kids went to bed. Like at 7:30. He had obviously had a long day, but I didn't care. I was upset that now I had to put our sheets in the dryer and on the bed. I was upset that I had to clean the kitchen and make lunches. I packed mine and the kids' lunches and began to start cleaning. Then I realized what a selfish brat I was being. So I stopped and began to work through my feelings (don't make fun of me), and my attitude began to change. I saw this as a way to bless Steven. I made his lunch and added a sweet note to it. I cleaned the kitchen spotless. I put warm smelly good sheets on the bed. And I was happy doing it. I'm thankful for grace.

I'm thankful for Lime Ricki Swimwear. I bought my maternity swimsuit from them when I was pregnant with Harper and loved it. I decided to try out one of their tankini tops and love it too! I chose THIS ONE. Not only does it match my bikini bottoms perfectly but it fits like a glove. I feel so comfortable and dare I say, pretty, in it. I like it because it is very snug fitting. So many tankini tops are loose around the stomach and I can't stand that. Check out the website ladies. Modest and super cute swimsuits. Have one for the hubby and one for chasing little hellions around.

I'm thankful for raw Christain women writers like Alyssa from Resolved 2 Worship.

"What I know to be true is that even if I did understand all wisdom and all knowledge but do not have love, I'm nothing. (1 Cor. 13)

What I do know is that I want Him in my heart and life and I will ask Him to come over and over again because each day the need for Him to indwell me is revealed once more through my inability to love Him and others.

What my heart yearns for most is not all my questions answered and all the right words to tell my children. I yearn most for the kind of knowing that isn't the mental knowing of facts and theological correctness, but the kind of knowing that just wants to be with Him. It's truly that simple."

And last but not least, I'm always thankful for a little funny. This morning it went something like this...

Me: "Good morning Sweet Girl."

Kinley: "Do you have poo poo in your mouth?"

Me: (laughing so hard) "Umm, no, I just haven't brushed my teeth yet, silly."

So here's to family gone in distance but not in heart, the imprints children leave on our lives, perfect swimsuits, blessing our husband's even when it's not effortless, women writers brave enough to share their hearts and...

mouths that smell like shit.

Kinley Turns Three

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you are probably bored to death over Kinley's birthday. But the little girl who threw us into this parenting gig and flipped our world wrong side up turned three this week. She brings so much joy to this life of ours so it was only appropriate that she had celebrations all week long to sprinkle some special on her. And I don't know about you, but I don't remember anything from my toddler hood so I'm excited that she will have this to look back on one day. I mean photo albums are so last year anyways.

The weekend before her birthday she was spoiled rotten at her Gigi's house (because that's what Gigi's do right?) She ate her weight in cupcakes, opened gifts and drank a twelve pack of Capri Sun's. Our girl knows how to party for sure.

The day before her birthday we made strawberry cupcakes to share with her friends at school. They were actually muffins, but shhhh, don't tell her. She loves to help in the kitchen so we pulled out her own cookbook for kids and got to work. Steven surprised her at school to share in the moment and meet all of her friends.

The day of her actual birthday she woke up to birthday balloons everywhere. We had them in her room at first, but I must have bought the world's stinkiest balloons because the entire upstairs smelled awful. So downstairs they went. She didn't mind. Her and Harper had a blast with them all day. Steven brought her home a cupcake and some clip on earrings. He scored major favorite parent points with that one.

This weekend we swept crumbs off the floor and fancied up the house for her birthday party.

 We had a small laid back get together where she was loved on and got to play with her buddies. This birthday was by far the most fun for her and us. Not that we have many to go on, but it just seemed easy. I had decided that I wasn't going to have a party for her at all, but ditched the - just the four of us family fun - idea at the last minute. I'm glad I did. Kinley is at the age where she actually has friends that she loves (and adults too) and it is heart warming watching those relationships be cultivated through celebrating each other. Even if that means some tantrums and lessons in sharing along side the giggles. The kids played until the mean bounce house man took away their fun and they were covered head to toe in dirt and watermelon juice. The weather was perfect and it was one of those evenings I wish I could bottle up and keep forever.

Sister also got her first Barbie. Does she seem excited about that?

Since then we have been having tea party after tea party and she has been dressed like a princess non stop. Except for when I peeled the dress off her so she could try on her new bathing suit. By the looks of it, I think she is ready for summer.

Kinley,

At three years old you have such a sweet spirit. You are always wanting to help me and daddy with whatever we are doing and you are quick to take care of your brother. You get his milk cup for him in the mornings, make sure he has his dog to cuddle with when you watch cartoons together and hug and kiss on him more often than not. You love to create. Every single day you paint, color, draw, stick stickers everywhere and most recently you have started writing down "your recipes" on notebook paper. You love going to school and church, and know that if the day is Wednesday you get to do both. You recognize all of your colors, shapes and most numbers. You tell me what octagons are and crescent moons. You tell me that Jesus died on the cross for you and that His Spirit lives in your heart. It is such an amazing thing, watching you learn and grow. You are turning into a companion instead of someone who is dependent on us for their basic needs. This is a new stage for your mom and dad and we are intrigued by it everyday. You are so much fun, Punk!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Past Birthday Links

Kinley Turns One

Kinley Turns Two

The Living Room:::Before and After

Okay, so the title of this post might be a little misleading. I'm actually just doing a before and after of one corner of the living room. But it's progress, nonetheless. I scanned through some old pictures to try and find an oldie of this little corner and to my luck found a couple.

Here is what it looked like a month after we moved in during Kinley's first birthday party. The shelves have always messed with me. I mean what are supposed to do with ten built in peach shelves? And don't mind my little belly pooch. Harper was three months along at this point.

Here is what it looked like sometime later when we began to rip out the carpet. All the spots on the photo are probably just dust and dirt particles floating around after being jolted from their home in the nasty carpet pads. Carpet is gross, y'all. If you don't believe me, pull yours up. You will be coughing from dirt and grime for days no matter how often you vacuum.

And here is what it looks like in present day.

Being the plain and simple girl that I am, this corner is dreamy to me. Our entire house was recently painted this light grey color, and I couldn't be happier with the result. It's neutral without being beige. I never want anything close to beige on my walls ever again.

(blame all the stupid peach I lived with for so long)

We re-purposed another old door we had to hang pictures, bought a pew from a neighbor who had picked it up off the street some years ago, cut it in half and refinished it. It's from an old church here in Ferris and has a million stories inside it's old wood, I'm sure. 

I decorated the shelves with odds and ends from around the house. Except for the two pieces on the bottom left. I bought those last week at an antique shop for five bucks a pop, and have a special spot for them. However, the special spot doesn't exist yet, so this is their home for now.

I try to keep the bottom four shelves empty. Cause, you know, two year olds (who will be three in three days!) and one years olds like to throw anything at eye level.

I can't wait for the dining room to be finished. It involves things like chalk boards and old lockers. Swoon!


For past before and after posts check out these links:

The Breakfast Area

Harper's Room

The Master Bedroom

I'm All In

For months on end I have been preparing my heart for what the future holds. Planning and analyzing. Preparing and over analyzing. Feelings of excitement would come  just to be marred by their hateful counterpart, worry. Worry that was doing nothing but wasting my energy and steering my focus away from living in the present.

Hammers, nails and pictures are sitting out, freshly unpacked from the many boxes that lined our dining room a short time ago. This time around they are hidden and overtaken by the fresh flowers in mason jars that tell a story of staying. Just like fresh flowers and mason jars alike draw me in, they also mark a place of contentment for me. I'm happy where I am. I am finding joy and pulling it out of my heart in the form of stems, petals and glass.

Paint and paper create a beautifully messy table. Again, the sign of once leaving is hidden behind the act of creating. Isn't creating, in all it's mediums, one of the greatest gifts from God? From colorful bouquets and water color covered paper to relationships and still moments of gratitude. Still moments of gratitude found in the moment you are living. Not in the future, but in the pictures that need to be hung and in the paint covered fingers of a toddler who is slopping her work to all ends of the earth as you move your paint brush back and forth with hers.

I have longed for a moment like this evening, when the scent of watermelon was strong and my children's faces and fingers were sticky, and contentment was found. All of us here, just being ourselves, and knowing that God has us right where He wants us. That, I know is true, whether I fully understand it or not.

Something else happened today. I was drawn to pick up my camera. To keep it close and snap here and there. I wanted to rekindle my love for capturing the little moments that make up a life. My life. From flowers and paint to watermelon to clean babies that really aren't babies at all anymore.

That alone is a sure sign that I'm here. I'm all in and not just ready to live a life marked by moments, but ready to count those moments as snapshots of still gratitude. My prayer, like it's been so many times, is that God will transform these mundane moments into precious minutes of a life well lived.

The Master Bedroom:::Before and After

It's been nearly three weeks since I last checked in here. Mainly because life has been a whirlwind of minutes flown by and heads ready to hit the pillow after said minutes bring us to the closing of another day.

Optimism did win though, y'all. I ended up making the trip to Austin with my man, two sick kids in tow. (later to find out Harper was traveling with bronchitis and Kinley with a double ear infection) We had an amazing visit nonetheless. Steven's interview went great, we had a picnic in a beautiful park and we did some sight seeing. Maybe it was the point on the way home when both sick children decided to cry and scream the last hour of the drive that doubt started to set in. If it were, neither Steven or I mentioned it. We got home near to midnight and slept on and off in between caring for the two Little's that were hurting.

The following evening, exhausted and quiet on the couch, I looked and Steven and said what I felt in my heart.

"I have doubts about Austin."

"Me too." he said.

It just didn't feel right. Maybe because of the opportunities Steven has in this area to advance his career. Maybe because we are chickens. Maybe because God knew to lay on both of our hearts that it wasn't the right thing. Or maybe all three.

That was it folks. The next morning Steven called and declined to be a candidate for the position in Austin. Two hours later our realtor called us to say the appraisal on our house fell through. The deal was over. Good one there, God. Maybe we needed to live through a nearly year long process of preparing to let go just so we could hold on. I've had several people tell me they are sorry things didn't work out. But the thing is, we aren't disappointed. Things did work out. They worked out the way God had planned all along, and that is where we want to be. We were holding plans loosely in the palms of our hands the entire time. So no need to be sorry.

So we have changed gears. Instead of living in this house that we weren't ready to make a home, we decided to embrace it and make it a space that we love. The entire house has a fresh coat of paint, and we did a little master bedroom DIY makeover. Y'all, if you are tired of your house, paint something. It's a game changer. Our old house still needs tons of TLC, but progress has been had.

First room checked of the list? The master bedroom. Cause if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. And if there is one thing I've learned after living in a completely puke colored peach house for two years, it's that I need color.

BEFORE:

before we sold our bedroom furniture



sleeping on our nice little air mattress



the work begins

This is actually Kinley's room, but our closet had mirrors identical to these, and I didn't get a picture of them before we took them down. And I know she has no furniture. That's because we took it all. But don't hate. Her room is the next project on the list.

AFTER:

Yes, I know this is the worst picture ever taken. The lighting was off so it will have to do.

We painted walls, trim and ceiling. We pulled up carpet. We hodge podged furniture and threw it all together. We replaced the mirror doors with curtains. A cheap fix that I actually love. We bought new bedding and a few other things. I feel giddy every time I step in the room. It feels so good to walk through the door and be in a space that I absolutely adore. Simple yet put together. My favorite thing though? The old door we took from downstairs and transformed into wall art. The perfect picture frame.

We have worked hard on this little corner of our world here lately.

But if we are staying, I'm damn well gonna start enjoying it.

Optimism or Bust

My phone rings.

"Hello?" I say.

It's my girl. You know, my bestie mommy friend.

"What are you doing?" she asks.

"I've locked myself in my bedroom." I reply.

And here I sit. In my bedroom, writing, because sometimes it's the only thing that keeps me from crying. It's been a doozy of a couple of weeks, friends. In the past two weeks we have had our washer go out, major plumbing issues on our inspection day, two car accidents which has left us a one car family again, appraisal issues with our house, a late night trip to the emergency room with Harper who is still recovering and now Kinley is running fever. I have been home all day for the last three days (which feels like an eternity, mind you), and now I probably won't get to go with Steven to Austin tomorrow for his interview because someone has to stay with the sick kids. That someone is me. Oh, man, how the excitement of that trip has been keeping me going the past couple of days.

But! I'm holding on, y'all. When what I really want to do is stand on my porch and scream obscenities into the blue sky, I'm holding onto optimism. In the midst of all these 'first world problems', I'm clinging to the promise that in my weakness, He is strong.

Steven came home from work today and immediately told me to leave. To go somewhere and find refreshment from this burn out. Really, the only place I felt like going was to our cozy little air mattress in our empty room with the computer. So now I'm hiding out upstairs while Steven and the kids pretend I'm not here. I'm thankful to have a man who understands what I need.

Everyday since Harper went to the ER I have received texts, Facebook messages and phone calls asking how everyone is doing. Y'all, those little acts of kindness goes a long way with this Mama right now. Thank you.

In the worrying that comes with how to get a family of four to Austin, work and possible doctor appointments with only one car, someone is allowing us to borrow theirs when needed this week. It's the little acts of kindness that keep optimism obtainable. Thank you.

In the stir craziness that accompanies being a mommy home with sick children, there are moments that bind my heart with gratitude. This afternoon Kinley was standing in the kitchen when she looked up at me.

"Mom, I need to tell you something."
"Okay, what?"
"Jesus died on a cross. Then he was stuck behind a rock (referring to the tomb). And this guy has really stinky feet."

To which she held up this coloring page that she was given at church last Sunday.

My baby girl turns three next month. And when I get lost in my own world, it's such a relief to have a reminder that even when I'm stressed, things in our life are hectic and out of sorts and I have little to hold onto, these children of mine are paying attention. To me and to everyone else that cares for them, teaches them and loves them. They are resilient. Optimism shines.

Perhaps I needed this reminder of Jesus' servant's heart. A reminder that some days serving my sick babies is all I need to be sanctified just a little more.

Last night Steven and I were talking and the most random thing came out of my mouth.

Me: "You know you used to do a lot more housework around here."
Steven: "True. What happened?"
Me: "You became a Baptist."

Humor. Sometimes laughing is the best medicine of all.

Here's to clinging onto optimism even during all of life's struggles.

And to standing on the porch and screaming out obscenities, you know, if that's your thing.

You Should Know

You should know there is this Blogger Lady that I love. Like really love. So I am completely ripping off one of her entries. I'm a copycat of sorts today, plain and simple. Don't worry though, I'm totally going to tell her. Plus, you should check FPFG out for yourself, here. You will be a fellow Blog Lurker immediately. Promise.

You should know that I'm worried about Harper growing up. There are the typical worries like how he might get a girl's name tattooed on his neck. Or that he might turn away from us, the two people that love him most, and join the circus. Then there is this. His name. Around every corner I see babies alive, or soon to be alive, with the name Harper. It is also quickly climbing up the popular baby name chart. Yes, the chart I never wanted my kid's names to be on, but that is the least of my worries at this point. See, the name Harper is apparently a girl's name. Who would have thought that when I decided to give my son my maiden name for a title I would be setting him up for high school failure? I can just see it now. My grown boy Harper sitting in a class full of grown girl Harper's embarrassed and hating me for choosing his name.



proud of himself for being king of the mountain

 

You should know that on the inside I want to be a gardener. Not one that just has cilantro growing in a jar in my kitchen. One that can sufficiently provide food for her family from her backyard. But, after our first attempt at gardening, I'm slightly discouraged. And, now we are moving, so I guess I'll save the garden for a couple more years. You can catch up on our dysfunctional first time gardening experience by reading about  Day 1, here, planting day, here, and our bountiful harvest, here.

You should know that I bought my first bikini, post kids, last week. And although I'm not 100% confident in wearing it, I have to admit the main reason I am contemplating taking it back, is because I'm afraid other people will label me immodest. And in the rare instance that I'm wearing it around people that aren't related to me, and a man happens to notice me, it would be all my fault and I might be cast down to hell by God himself. See, I'm coming out of this phase where I was really uncomfortable with my body (because I had two kids in two years), and I was using beliefs about extreme modesty as a way to hide my insecurity. Not saying that all girls do this or that modesty is a bad thing, but now, I'm not insecure. And, go figure, I like to be tan, and I like cute bathing suits. I've also come to the realization, that for me, bikinis do not equal immodesty. They are simply swimwear. Opinions, ladies?

You should know that Steven and I are completely letting go of most of our stuff. Like for real. Check out his picture of our bedroom.

It feels so good. Well, my back doesn't, because we are now sleeping on an air mattress, but in anticipation for being homeless shortly, it seems like an appropriate time to exercise getting rid of excess, or in this case, our bed. We are taking a trip to Austin on Wednesday for Steven's interview there! Super excited to see how God handles everything in the upcoming weeks.

You should know about Jen Hatmaker. I've shared her stuff a million times, so I thought I might as well share her latest bit of goodness. She is a godly woman after my own heart. I would love to just sit with her and talk to her about anything and everything.

And Then the Conference Uninvited Me to Speak

With nearly 8 million people leaving the American church a year, we need some renegades closer to the margins, building bridges, creating safe spaces to question, wrestle, rethink. Plenty of churches exist to serve the 20 percent already connected. For them, I am grateful. Enough shepherds are on the ground for those sheep. They have a deep well of leadership, and my absence will not even be felt. They are brothers and sisters, and I’ll see them on the other side. As for me, I’m throwing my lot in with the other 80 percent, the ones with their arms crossed, their hearts broken, their worth unrealized. The ones who shake their fists and shake their heads, but still crave hope and redemption, because we all do. Bring me your doubts, your fear. My Jesus can handle it all and then some. He is all of our dreams come true.

You should know that I love all of you, readers, and that although I wonder what keeps bringing you back, I'm forever grateful for the way you choose to take time out of your day to sit here with me.

All About the Hair {and a little thankful thursday}

I go through these phases where I love my long hair. Then I have moments where it just feels like a big heavy boring mess. I know you gals can relate, right? So I always end up chopping it off. Last time I felt like being crazy was almost five years ago when I cut my long long hair into this. And I loved it!

I've been growing out my hair since then, and realized over the past couple of weeks or so that I'm back to the boring flat long hair look, as seen in this picture from last weekend. Don't mind the creepy photo-bomber guy. That's just our friend, Billy.

So, like all tired-of-my-hair-women, I made an appointment to get a cut and color. Then I got scared and just trimmed an inch off. In the following days I regretted my decision and felt like a pansy for not getting a hair cut. It's just hair, right? I searched around for the perfect inspiration picture and decided to do it.

At the last minute, I realized I'm not Sienna Miller and I don't have a personal hairstylist. I got scared, again. So with the help of my lovely friend, Danni, who came and held my hand during the entire charade, I settled for something a little less dramatic.

**DISCLAIMER: I'm not that good at selfies, mmkay? It weirds me out to have large pictures of my face on here, but for the love, you asked for it!
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So there ya have it. A spontaneous haircut. I felt like I was about to go bungy jumping right before I walked into the salon. I'm cool like that. And that dark spot on my neck is not a missed pieced of hair. It is a tattoo that hasn't seen daylight in years. And I hate it. Hmmm, maybe that will be my next project. Tattoo cover up work.

As for Thankful Thursday, today I got this: beautiful weather at the park with my kiddos and my mama. Life is good.

18 Months of You

The last 18 months of my life have been the best yet. Sure, many things have happened that have contributed to this in one way or another, but the main reason these months have been the best is because of you, Harper.

There isn't blog post after blog post about all your latest feats like there were for your sister during her first 18 months with us, but that doesn't mean you are second best. You are anything but second best.

You are the soft place my heart lands. The way you so willingly wrap your arms around my head and plant kisses all over my face never fails to cause tiny love twinges in my heart. The kind of twinges that are so felt, the pattern of my heart beat actually changes. There has to be scientific terms and proofs to this, but I like to keep it simple.

It's because you're my son. It's because I'm your mom. It's because we were made for each other. For these fleeting years, until the day I have to let you go, we are made for each other.

You bring me the deepest joy. Not happiness, no you have to work at that. Joy. Something I don't have to earn. You just give. Something you don't have to try to create. You are it. It is wrapped up in every corner of you, from your squishy thighs to your inner most being. Pure and simple. Joy.

Me and your Daddy pray for you everyday. Pray that you will grow up to be a Jesus loving man. Pray that you will have a soft humble heart. Pray that you will be strong in mind and body. So many prayers, and God hears them all. Your Daddy is a good man, and I pray that you see that and want to follow in his footsteps instead of stray from him. What a journey and adventure these future years hold for us all. But until then...

Some of your favorite things at 18 months old...



playing and exploring outside



time out..okay it's not your favorite but you sure are spending more time there lately



reading books with me and by yourself

 

snuggling and sleeping...you love nap time

 

pulling your pillow in front of the TV and plopping down like you own the place...Elmo is a must



playing hide and seek...you are a rather easy find



Happy 18 months of life to you, Harper. Please don't grow up too fast.

Thankful Thursday With A Smashed Up Update of Sorts

It's Thursday once again, and I made it to the computer. I'm annoying myself with my lack of writing, but y'all, I'm tired. Like how in the world do these mom's with five kids, a job and two dogs write six posts a week? I love to capture the beauty that rests within all the small creases of life, but sometimes it's just a, "Lord, help me make it to 7pm so I can get these Little Hellions to bed, kick my feet up and watch The Bachelor (can you believe he sent Ashlee home?!)" kind of day. Don't for a second forget about a nice big glass of red wine either.

Not to mention we had five showings of our house within a five day time frame. Trying to keep your house spotless with two little hyped up toddlers is some kind of torture. I'm sure of it. The good news is that it's over. The showings, that is. As of today we have a contract on our house and we close March 29th. It has been a nearly year long process of ups and downs, second guesses and gut reactions, but there is light! We are praying the closing process goes smooth and painless. Oh, and we have no idea where we are moving to. Minor detail, huh? Steven's resume was pulled for a transfer position in Austin, TX on Monday (squeee!) so we are waiting to hear back about that before we can process our next step.

Everything seems to be happening in sync (praise God!) so I am trusting that everything will fall into place one way or another. Right now I'm trying to feel normal, but it's hard. I'm stuck feeling anxious and excited at the prospect of something new, unsure and straight up nauseous here in the middle and sad, really sad at the prospect of an ending here in Ferris and being even further away from any family. But! I don't want to get ahead of myself. I'm just along for the ride of life, I guess.

Hmm, what else? I wrote a couple months ago that Steven and I were going to start the process of trying for another baby. Well, guess what!? We tried. It was fun too, but here I am definitely not pregnant. And you know what? We are both so so relieved. Go figure. I think I'm  packing up all of our baby stuff and delivering it to Goodwill. For reals. But then I think about how much we want to adopt down the road and convince myself to hang onto all those bulky tubs of clothes for a few more years.

So this week I am thankful for all of that big stuff up there, but I am also digging in and finding gratitude on a smaller scale. For instance, my hubby turned 32 years young yesterday. We celebrated at the house with pizza, presents, brownies and friends. His guys at work took him to a birthday lunch and one of them sent me this....




The man doesn't have a shy bone in his body. I'm pretty sure he doesn't ever take himself too seriously either. I love that about him.

We've had mornings spent coloring while we wait for the biscuits to finish in the oven. Harper scribbles on the paper, claps and says, "Yay!", then breaks the crayon. Rinse and repeat. We've had nice weather and sidewalk chalk fun. Kinley usually wants to go in after thirty minutes or so, and Harper screams every time I make him go inside no matter how long we have been out.

I'm thankful.

We've had stomach bugs right in the middle of house showings where my house has gone from this to freaky clean in twenty minutes flat. Keep in mind this is one room. There are six more that looked just like this. But if it weren't for the showings there would be no contract.

I'm thankful.

Lastly, I have this strange addiction to getting rid of stuff. Think hoarders but backwards. I take a trunk full of stuff to Goodwill every week or so. With that being said, my kids have like five toys. Okay, more than that but I clean out the play room often. I also hide tons of toys in closets because I get so tired of cleaning them up. Fun mom award, right? Anyways, they often only have bead necklaces and sunglasses left and come around the corner looking exactly like this.

They are quite the pair, these two. And apparently I gave away all their clothes too. Oops.