Easter pictures

Kristyn Rose took these amazing pictures of my cutie pies!!



Message to my younger momma self!

My friend Ashley posted this on Facebook this morning...such a good reminder. I find myself constantly reading different books on how to parent by stubborn little 3 year old. I guess nobody has the perfect parenting skills otherwise we would all know about it and do it right?

My Message To My Younger Momma Self

http://livingingraceland.com/2013/03/18/my-message-to-my-younger-momma-self/

If I could somehow travel back in time and give a message to my younger momma self, I would grab hold of my shoulders, look myself in the eye, and say – Girl, RELAX!

I would tell myself to stop worrying about getting it right, to stop that quest for the one, right way to be a good mother. I would say — For goodness’ sake, quit it with all the books! And especially the books by the authors who claim to have figured it out. And for all that’s holy and good, stop it with the authors who promise their way is God’s chosen parenting method! I’d grab those books right out of my younger momma self’s hands and throw them straight into a bonfire and roast marshmallows over the flames.

Because there is no one right way to parent children. And if God felt so strongly about a particular parenting method, I’m pretty sure He would have nudged Moses or Solomon or Paul or Timothy or somebody to write it down in the Book that does include all that is near and dear to His heart.

I would tell myself — Stop feeling guilty for napping on the couch with your infant sleeping on your chest! No, you’re not ruining her sleep patterns forever! Because that girl is a teenager now, and TRUST ME, she can get herself to sleep and keep herself asleep until I force her to get out of her bed on a Saturday morning.

I would tell myself to stop fretting about whether I should nurse that boy again so soon after his last feeding, to stop beating myself up over not sticking to a schedule. Because in a BLINK, a FLASH, he will be ten years old. And if I could actually travel back in time, I would beg my younger momma self to let me hold this one for just a few more minutes because I miss his little head nuzzled in my neck and I miss the smell of baby shampoo on his head and I miss his sweet milk breath as I try to burp him.

And when ten years have gone by — I’ll tell my younger momma self — you won’t even remember whether he slept six hours or eight hours at night when he was nine months old. And nobody can tell by watching the stinky, sweaty boys on the soccer field which boys cluster-fed and nursed to sleep and which boys were on a more predictable nursing routine. It. Just. Won’t. Matter.

Whether you take away the pacifier at six months or one year or eighteen months — nope, it doesn’t matter. Whether you potty train at two or three or have one who refuses to go until you tell him he isn’t allowed to turn FIVE, for heaven’s sakes, unless he goes in the potty — when they’re reading books and writing essays and wearing shoes nearly as big as yours, it just won’t matter.

When my magic time capsule lands in the park and I see my younger momma self trying to get a rambunctious preschool boy to get down off the slide and into the car, I would give myself a big ole’ hug and tell myself not to make it a battle of wills. I would encourage myself to make it a fun game, to keep a sense of humor. I would tell myself to stop worrying about whether I’m letting him win because when his momma is smiling and loving on him and not making every little thing a big obedience issue, we all win.

I would tell my younger momma self that it’s not my job to fashion perfect little children, molding their behavior to look just right. I would tell myself to lighten up, that shaping hearts is God’s job and He can handle it much better than I can, thankyouverymuch. I’d tell myself to love them, teach them, consistently repeat over and over the lessons they need to learn, and then I’d tell myself to trust God to really work in them. Trust Him.

And when my time travels delivered me to the middle of my living room, beside a three-year-old having a massive tantrum about the most ridiculous thing, I’d tell myself to not take it personally. That there are many more where that one came from and if I’m going to take every one personally, it’s going to be a long, long haul. I’d nudge myself on the shoulder and whisper — Pick up that kid and hug her. She’s tired and grumpy and she’s learning how to handle not getting her way. Don’t give in and give her what she’s throwing a fit about, but hug her and kiss her and tell her you know it’s hard when we can’t have what we want. Let her be sad about it for a few minutes. And then tell her it’s time to suck it up and move on. Then play some music and dance with her. And laugh. Laughter makes everything better.

I’d give my younger momma self permission to be imperfect and have imperfect children. I’d tell myself to stop spending so much time correcting and training and just ENJOY the children. Dance more. Giggle more. Play more.

I’d be tempted to grab a megaphone and shout — Savor this! It’s going to fly by! I know every old person you see in WalMart tells you that, but it’s TRUE! Slow down. Commit these moments to memory. Stop worrying about getting it all right and just LIVE IT! Live the heck out of each moment!

And when you’re too tired to Carpe Diem, give yourself a little mercy and a nap and some chocolate. That’s OK too. Some days it’s enough just to keep everyone alive.

Finally, I’d tell myself to ask for help. To invite friends over even if the house is messy. To be real with people. I’d say – You don’t have it all together. And it’s ok if people know that. Just breathe. And admit you need help sometimes. Because we all do.

Yeah, if I could somehow travel back in time and sit down for coffee with my younger momma self, I’d say – Take care of yourself. Love your children — unconditionally love them. Go after their hearts. Give HEAPS of grace to yourself and your kids. And don’t sweat the small stuff.

What would you tell your younger self? 

On Becoming Preschool Wise

We used the book "On Becoming Babywise" with both kids. It worked amazingly with both kids. They both got settled into a routine super fast and sleeping through the night by 8 weeks. I love routines and still today we use a routine and I think it helps the kids have boundaries.

Well since that booked worked so well I decided to buy the 3rd book "On Becoming Preschool Wise". The 2nd one was Toddlerwise but Parker is a little past that one. I have read only 2 chapters so far. I read the first chapter then applied it the next day and then the same with the 2nd chapter. WOW! This book is really good and our children are really smart. Parker picked up on the first idea super fast and remembered it the next day when we forgot lol. 

The first thing is morals/respect. Parker is very good with please, thank you, no ma'am/sir, yes ma'am/sir, asking before doing things, etc. One thing she really needs help on is patience and giving respect to people while they are speaking to others. She will say mommy mommy mommy mommy a million times until we answer her. The technique they teach is for the child to place their hand somewhere on mine or tanners or anyone's arm, leg, hip and that let's us know she has something to say after we are finished with our discussion. We as the adults, need to acknowledge her hand there by lightly squeezing it. We told her once and it worked like a charm!! All day Sunday and Monday. It's helped me being home with the kids this week too.

The 2nd technique is taking some choices away to show we are the parents and we make the decisions. This doesn't have to be on everything. It says and I believe that they should get choices on some things with either outcome being a good one. Parker has been very bad lately about saying what she wants for breakfast even if I'm fixing something else... And I get it for her. She will want chocolate milk and ill pour it in a cup but she will say she wants a different one and to spare a breakdown ill change the cups. This is just a couple examples but it goes on all day long. It suggested letting your child know what you are going to do. I told Parker this morning hat more choices during the day are going to be made by me. I started by just making her breakfast and a drink without asking her what she wanted. She asked for different things but when I said No she just kept on with what I gave her. No we will see how the rest of the day goes... 

Whew this is just 2 chapters in...this mom and dad have some learning & adjusting to do :)

Move Update

This past week was a much anticipated one for a lot of people here at COP. March 1st was a deadline given to us when we first heard of the relocation. It was a date that seemed FOREVER away at the time. It came pretty quick though I have to admit. So on Friday they gave out offer letters to everyone. The letter basically told you your title, supervisor and move date. It then asked for you to check yes, I accept this job & move or no, I decline this move. There are several that declined because they know they have offers here in Midland still with the company. They were able to make spots for a few people. Tanner & I both checked YES. We are saying YES to God and giving over all of our fear & doubt to Him. He has given me a peace about it the past few weeks that has taken a lot of stress off my shoulders. They really need it because my shoulders have been killing me the past couple months. I guess I know exactly where I carry stress :)

Our move date is September 16th. About 75% recieved this move date while the other 25% that are going got a July 1st move date. Most of the July 1st movers have young kids that need to get there to register for school. We are among the few that are happy about the later move date. July is a big birthday month for us and I really wanted to have the kids' birthday parties, here in Midland, before we pack up. This also give us more time...not really sure for what but just more time. A lot of people know they are moving so they are ready to move...now...not months from now.When relocating we go through a relocation company who pretty much walks you through every step. Well we can't start that process until 3 months before our start date in Houston. June 16th is when we can start trying to sell our house and look at houses to buy in Houston. So we have some time.

I hardest part about this is change. I am not good with it but I am trying to be positive. This move will be what we make of it and I want it to be a fun learning adventure for our little family :)

I read this yesterday while waiting for Parker at dance class...

March 4

Refuse to worry! In this world there will always be something enticing you to worry. That is the nature of a fallen, fractured planet: Things are not as they should be. So the temptation to be anxious is constantly with you, trying to worm its way into your mind. The best defense is continual communication with Me, richly seasoned with thanksgiving. Awareness of My Presence fills your min...d with Light and Peace, leaving no room for fear. This awareness lifts you up above your circumstances, enabling you to see problems from My perspective. Live close to Me! Together we can keep the wolves of worry at bay.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
—Luke 12:25–26

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 - http://bit.ly/eF5kSq

Weekend

Last week at school was Dr Deuss week. This is as crazy as I could find around the house...

 Bunny ears and an old snowman hat thing haha

 We had fun with crazy hair day though!

Friday night Parker let me blow dry & straighten her hair with my chi. She was so good and sat still the whole time. This girl has a TON of hair so it took some time.

Saturday morning we woke up and curled it with a curling iron for Easter pics...she looked so much older!

Brother was worn out from Easter pics

Later that day we went to Laney's soccer game!

Laney wanted to hold Liam, so sweet :) 

 Love these 2 like they were my own!

 Me & my girl...though she looks like she is giving the stink eye ;)

I LOVED the weather this weekend and the fun time we had with family!!



Liam 8 Months old

My sweet little fatty turned 8 months yesterday! These last 8 month have been so fun watching Liam grow & having 2 sweet kids to love on. Eventhough he is 8 months old he still doesn't want to roll over, crawl or do anything that requires much work :) He is still working on teeth. Not one has popped through but we keep thinking anyday now since he usually has a small pond around him from his drool.

I have tried a couple times giving him puffs, yogurt bites, etc. and he would gag & we would have to throw him out of his chair and pound his back while giving his mommy a mild heart attack. I gave up for awhile! I decided last night to try again since it had been awhile and he sat & ate puffs like a champ!

He also said "dada" for the first time this weekend and now is on "dada" repeat :) I worked really hard with both kids to say momma...it must be harder to say ;)

My sweet little guy is growing up!

We had nice 80 degree weather here yesterday! I had bought this chunky guy 18-24 month mesh shorts & tshirts while in Houston. I didn't think he would be able to wear them this soon but we decided to pull them out on this hot day!

Pulled out sisters Lion!

Poor baby boy was sick last week. The dr said he just had a cold but sure acted like it was something worse! He passed out watching cartoons :(

So content!

Of course his buddy Coop stayed close by.

Sissy giving kisses before she heads to school.

We are glad he is feeling much  better and that none of us caught what he had!

Valentines Day

I spent the week before Valentines buying fun Pinterest projects for the kids valentines parties & their teachers. Of course, Parker could care less for all the fun extra details so this is really for my enjoyment.

Brownie Points for the Teachers!

Ring Pops for Parkers Class. So I printed this bag toppers that say You Rock, Valentine! Well I meant to buy pop rocks for them. Well when I was at HEB I saw a whole box of ring pops and thought what a fun idea so I bought them (not even thinking I already printed for pop rocks). So I start putting them together not realizing they dont go together. Oh well...they were still cute!

Liam's age is hard since he doesn't eat anything. I went with Teddy Grahams since most of the kids in his class are older.

Parker's class party

Love this little girl!

My sweet little heartbreaker!

Daddy made Parker a little snack (her favorite things) while he cooked dinner.

Heart shaped pop tarts, thin mint cookies, cheese & tortillas with honey :)

Hope everyone had a great Valentines Day!!

Valentines Date

Since Tanner & I really don't celebrate Valentines Day the last couple of years he has gone above & beyond for Parker. This is his time to spend some good quality time with her. This year he decided to take her on a special date. Parker picked out her dress. A big fluffy pink dress that she said looked like Cinderellas. She also helped him pick out his outfit & tie. She said that she was Cinderella, daddy was the Prince and that I could be the "Wick mother steps" (Wicked Stepmother) haha. She even kept calling him Prince the whole evening.. :)))))))

 

Tanner decided to take her to Swensons for ice cream & cokes :)

A little pre-date pictures for mommy

These 2 melt my heart. So thankful for their relationship!

Having a little fun :)

And I got to spend my Valentines with this sweet little guy who definitely holds a big chunk of my heart!



Little man at 7 months

7 months came and went so fast! Having 2 kids makes everything go even faster. Luckily we don't have a 7 month check-up. I hate going to the doctor. The only fun part is seeing his height and weight. Our little fat boy is growing and soaking in so much. He still thinks Parker is the coolest person in the world and his smile will brighten anyones day. We still get that he looks just like his daddy but I think he looks just like his sister did and his ears still stick out like mommy and sisters :) Liam still doesn't roll...either way. We have gotten him to do it a few times but that's it. I think we all just gave up on it and moved on to trying to stand. He does really good, with our help of course.

At 7 months:

Sleeping +/- 13 hours at night

about 3 naps during the day

gets really cranky if he is tired (daddy all the way here)

takes 5 bottles a day with 7 ounces + oatmeal

Eats fruit & oatmeal for breakfast

Veggie + meat for lunch & dinner

Still not eating finger foods (we have tried the cookies and rice cake things for babies and he give us a heart attack evertime. He chokes and we have to pull him out of his highchair, tip him over and beat his back.,,everytime!!)

working on a sippy cup

Has waved a few times

Loves Babey Einstein movie..in particular the shapes one..he giggles everytime the lion comes on

We now let him ride in the basket at stores

loves his school & his teachers (they are amazing with him, I am going to be soooo sad to leave that place)

wearing 12-18 month clothes

Still working on teeth...I wish they would pop through so his pain will go away!

Watching Baby Einstein ;)

Parker's dance had visitors day last week. We got to see what they have learned the past 6 months. They were precious!! Of course, Parker is next to her best friend Lillie! I don't know what these 2 are going to do without eachother at school & dance :(

Ms Kelsey is the helper & they LOVE Ms. Kelsey. Taylor is their teacher and she was on the other side dancing so I didn't get her picture. Taylor is a couple years younger than me and we grew up in this studio together. Her mom is the owner. How fun is it that she is now my daughters teacher?!?!?

First position :)

Ice cream for our cute little dancer!

This past Monday I turned 29. Parker, with the help of daddy, gave me an early birthday present on Sunday. Parker picked out this super cute dress and matching necklace from Target. She did awesome! I think I am going to have my own little personal shopper. I wore it to work on Monday & Parker was excited!

Dinner for my birthday! My momma & best friend :)

Love these girls! We have been through a lot together the past year but have grown so close over it! Thankful God arranged for us to become best friends!

Making the move

Well unless we get some awesome job offers soon we will be making the move to Houston! Kinda crazy, exciting and sad all at the same time. I've only lived away for 6 months but got so home sick that I came back. This time I know it will be different because I will have Tanner, my kiddos and work friends as well as friends and family that already live there. 

There is still so much info to come out at work but right now we are guessing our move will be around July or August. We have decided to live in Katy, TX. They have great schools, homes, shopping and everyone says its a big Midland next to a really large city. Tanner and the rest of his team have a work thing in Houston the end of February so we are making it a neighborhood & daycare shopping trip. I have done so much research on Katy that I probably can tell you everything you need to know about that town. Ok, maybe not that much but I have done a ton. My cousin, Renee, and her family live in Katy so she has helped us a lot as well as some old coworkers. I think the biggest transition will be the commute to work and being away from family. Right now we can wake up at 7, get kids ready, fed, dropped off at daycare and to work by 8. Yeah, that will never happen there. I am looking at getting up at 5:30 or so. Trying to find the perfect neighborhood and then a daycare that is on the way to work is a little challenging. I am hoping by making a trip there we will able to be sure. As for family, I don't think I will ever like living away from family but it's not forever...that's what I keep telling myself. With technology these days we will be able to chat all the time and really Houston isn't too far away. A 4th bedroom in our new home is a must for guests :) My granny, aunts, uncles, cousins and their kids (my dads side) all live in Houston so I will still be close to family but nobody can replace my mom & dad :)

The neighborhoods in Katy are amazing. Almost all of them have fun pools, splash pads for kids, lakes, ponds, fun walking trails, etc. We have tried to let go and let God. It's much easier said than done but we are becoming more "ok" with His plan for us. And who knows...His plan might end up being for us to stay here in Midland. My boss is very very nice and has told us plenty of times that if we find jobs here to do what's best for our family and stay. So only time will tell but for now we are going to soak in as much family time as possible and do a lot of house searching :)