An end is near

First day                                                                                               Last Day

Sam is finishing up his last week of preschool tomorrow! Really, I feel like at the rate we are going, he will be finishing up college soon!  I took a picture of his first day and his last day- since tomorrow his last day will be set up a little different, I went ahead and took it today-plus I think I still have a little baby brain and won't remember on the actual day.  He has been beyond excited about school everyday and it has been such a great year of growing for him!

May??

Really, where is this month going?  I have a confession, I really like fall and winter.  I do!  And so does the husband which is why we probably are together!  I keep getting up and making coffee and then I get so hot that I don't finish my cup!  Then I remember it isn't winter anymore, and hasn't really been for sometime.  I just love all the things in fall and winter and I really don't like to sweat!  I like things about summer- late nights, the pool, vacation, etc, but I just don't like hot and humid (and wearing a bathing suit).   There, a confession about myself, don't worry I have many more to come.

I am hoping one day to make my blog into a book since I totally stopped scrapbooking and realized that I really hate doing it, but love the outcome.  So I moved onto the best invention ever...photo books!!!! This blog is my other thing to capture some things about my lil guys too.  I am trying my darndest-is that a word-  to blog more often and at least once a week.  After my small big melt down Friday, I have felt a little more calmer and in control of things.  We have had a quiet few days and I will take that! :)

My sweet boy

Getting ready to try some rice cereal

Pretty good! That is the husbands hairy hand if you were wondering :)

Doesn't everyone wear their Lowes apron without pants? Lol

A little photo shoot when big bro is at preschool

Our Friday ritual, watching the garbage truck

My big man on our way to church

Gah! Why must they grow up so fast?

a little weary

When I decided to follow my heart and stay at home, I knew that I would be in for working still, just a different work and I promised myself, my husband, and pretty much the whole world that I would not complain bc, well I wasn't working and that was a pretty hard balance for me when I did.  So this week has really put me to the test.  Ever have one of those weeks where you try to do things right, try your best for you family, but know you fall short? This has been one of those week for me!  It is hard to stay disciplined in every area of your life, but really hard when you are giving it your all.  One of those things is parenting!  I have been really consistent in how I deal with Sam and following through on things.  Even the little things I have really placed as important in his everyday behavior.  This week was a rough one and he was testing each thing pretty much!

Did I ever mention that we want more kids!  Haha.  I have to remind myself on days or weeks like this that I need to enjoy the little years and will look back with only sweet thoughts about it.  When I can't find strength from myself, I have to also turn to God for his help.  I found this from a writer named Carrie Ward from a blog I love to read called 5 Minutes of Faith for Mothers.

"If your head is spinning because you’re sleep deprived, or you wish you could put the activity on pause just long enough to retreat and take a shower, take a deep breath and remember that the physical sacrifices you are making today are for the benefit of some very special people. Hang in there. Ask God for His supernatural strength. Then go wade through the Cheerios, hug your kids, and whisper a thank you to God for this wonderful crazy moment in your life." --Carrie Ward

Our super, super, awesome pastor Missi at church on Sunday prayed for each and every mother and she said to me that God annointed me to have these 2 boys and for me to raise them.  Kinda reminded me that He trusts me of all people to raise these two little guys, and that is a big and super special task.  :)

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

For babies grow up

We've learned to our sorrow

So settle down cobwebs

Dust go to sleep

I'm rocking my baby 

And babies don't keep

Baby G's nursery

A few family members who aren't near asked me about Gabe's nursery.  I loved decorating his big brother Sam's because at the time, I felt that I had a unique idea (now there are bazillions of vinyl trees all over pinterest and etsy).  Maybe I wasn't so creative afterall :(  Anyway, I wanted to do a new nursery for Gabe and had a cute blue and green theme with stripes and alligators, but I had to think of $ and the fact that baby number two doesn't always get an overabundance of gifts and I didn't feel right asking for nursery stuff since that wasn't a necessity.  So let me try again to get back to the room part- remember I said that Sam was just like his mom and so random?

Years ago I found this tree in the Pottery Barn catalogue- if I can find it still, I will post it.  So I hung onto that bc it looked so sweet and peaceful for a boy or girl nursery.  Plus (and I hope not to hurt feelings) but I don't really like themed rooms- where everything has a lion on it or pink bows or something like that....then as a shower gift at the school I used to work at, the kindergarten teachers gave me a mural as a gift.  One of the teachers sisters painted murals on the side.  She happened to be painting it the day Sam was born!  Jarrett made shelves that looked like tree branches and I put up random things that I have found along the way.  Of course it has changed since Sam was using this room but I think I have it just right or close to it!  Maybe it will be perfect when baby # 3 arrives in the next few years. :)

The bedding I got with my points on Amazon.com- I think I spent $30! I wanted something that was outdoorsey-is that a word? :)

The "G" I made- don't get too close cause you can tell-I just covered the G from Joann Fabrics with scrapbook paper!  I found the plate which I adore so so so much, at a store that was going out of business with a giftcard from my dad- man I miss that cute little boutique :(

Target $1 section :) I think he is perfect!

Our little tree!

Found these at Hobby Lobby. Have no idea where to put them so I hung them on the door.

A gift from my dad when big bro Sam was born, it has been well used and it is so darn comfy!

I made the birdhouse (well painted it) not much the wood working kind of gal- again don't look too close!  The picture frame has a birds nest on the corner- a random find at Motherhood Maternity of all places!

Gotta love Etsy!  

The new sign as mentioned below- I can't figure out how to move this pic down so they are in order!  Anyway from etsy and I love it.
And I also love the baby, my little baby G!

It's a small room, but lots of sweet memories and some long nights are spent here!  The only thing left was a total impulse buy yesterday off esty( which I just added a pic of) to go above the crib that says "many of my smiles begin with you" eeek- I am excited bc I was waiting for the perfect thing to put above the bed since I took down Sam's initials and moved them to his cowboy room.  Simple is my new theme- if only I can get the attic and guest room to be like that!

Happy Mother's Day

How lucky am to celebrate Mother's Day being the mama of these two little guys?  It is a bitter sweet day for me bc I miss my mama and want to be taking her out to lunch and celebrate with her, but I did get 23 years with her and that is more than some get to say....and I get to hang out with these 3 handsome guys today so my heart can't be but so sad.  So if your mom is still around even though she might drive you nuts, remember she is not perfect either, and give her a big hug! Nothing is as comforting as a mommy's hug.  Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, soon to be moms, future moms, and anyone who has a loving heart like a mom.  :)

5 months

My baby boy is 5 months- didn't I just post about him turning 4 months?  May is here!  We have lots of friends welcoming new little ones into their families and some celebrating their first birthdays, but I am in no hurry for my little boo to grow up any faster!  Get ready for some chunky cuteness!

Dear Gabe,

5 months little guy!  This month I have noticed big changes.  You rolled over- but we didn't see you!  I was fixing your brother lunch and looked over and viola! You were on your stomach!  You grab your feet and talk now, its so sweet to see your face get excited.  Next month is your big month for having your portraits done, but your feet might not fit into mama's baby shoes like your brother wore, but we are gonna make it work so all my babies will have their pic taken in them.  Soon you are going to try cereal, but let's first work on sleeping ALL night long and not waking for these little 3am snacks ok?  I love you more and more little G!

xoxo,
 momma

                                         The only time rolls like this are cute!

                                                           Sweet boy

                                             And Sam is 34 months old....

                                ......and Jarrett is 349 months old- we were laughing so hard!

This baby has my heart!

Oh, Oh Sam

I have been writing a lot about Gabe lately and need to update about Mr. Energy other wise known as Sam.  This year has been a big one for the little guy.  At first school was a rough start and the crying didn't stop until late October.  Now, Sam has so many good buddies that he jumps out of the car to go to school during drop off.  As mom of a boy, I really want and pray for him to be respectful of people, consider the preciousness of others and be a good boy.  It is hard sometimes when he says that people hit or push at school and I have to tell him to firmly say no and not hit back (even though his mama doesn't always really feel that way)!  He really does a good job of identifying feelings and solving things the right way which warms my heart bc he is still only a little guy.  We do a lot of disciplining at home- redirecting, getting your hear right (time out), and hiney pops, etc.   I figured God made pain for a reason- to know something is wrong-if your throat hurts you know that you are getting sick- so if your behind gets popped you know that you did something wrong and need to get something right with your heart.  We have learned a lot in a parenting class we are taking and that you need to teach your kids that most of their choices are heart issues and you are responsible for how your respond to that- and to stop pointing your finger at others.  Kinda hard to teach that to an almost 3 year old, but each day we add a little and keep plugging away at it and he is getting it-most of the time.  Believe me, we have had many, many "come to Jesus" moments but I figure that I can work hard now and then hopefully as a teen I won't be so stressed worrying about his decision making.  It is hard when you teach your child differently from a friend and there can be issues when Sam plays with other kids because I feel like I am on top of him often for things while he sees others getting away with smacking, pushing or taking toys.  Then I remind myself that God gave me Sam to raise and that is who I am responsible for.  Ok, off the parenting tangent.

Sam is full of life, funny and so random ( just like his mama-the random part!)  He really is a happy guy and loves to help me, daddy and talk to Gabe.  He is a loving big brother.  No issues with moving rooms or seeing his baby toys go to Gabe.  He cried his eyes out when Gabe got shots a few weeks ago-awwww, I know it was so sweet.  He said "they better not hurt Gabey baby again!"  He is pretty verbal and likes to talk and ask LOTS, did I mention LOTS of questions? He thinks I know everyone in the grocery store and wants to know their name and why they are shopping at that time.  Potty training is almost at 100% thanks to jelly beans and some encouragement, just glad he will be done with it before he turns 3! :)  My dad and Sam spend one day a week together and I think it is as good for my dad as it is for Sam.  I know it is important for both of them and Sam really loves the special bond he has with his Papa.

Singing and playing his drums and guitar really make him happy.  He just loves to hear music and sing and bang away on the drums.  He watches the guys at church very intently when the band plays.  I am wondering if we should get him to take some lessons or something just to spark some more interest down the road?  The boy loves ties and loves to get dressed so that is a perfect thing for me!  I was a little worried not having girls that I would not be able to find cute clothes or have kids who liked to dress up, but Sam wears ties to ride his bike or just random ones to school with his tee shirts!

These are busy hands!

                                   Cutting grass is so fun (lets hope so in 10 years!)

                                                  My 3 favorite boys

                                                The little guys growing feet

 It is neat to see what kind of little person he is evolving into.  I want my boy to be the one that others love having over and see respect and kindness in him ( we tell him to show Jesus in his hear to others, maybe something I need to do as well?).  It is an overwhelming thing to think that Sam and Gabe have each other as brothers and I pray for them to be best buddies as they grow up.  Sam's 3rd birthday is coming up and since he is our first, it is uncharted territory, but I am looking forward to going to soccer games and working on little projects as he matures- and work on some joke telling too!