a new adventure

Yes, yes I know. I'm in trouble. It's been far too long since I've posted. I have no excuse.

Since my last post, so much has happened. Luke is now almost 7 months old and such a big boy! Brylee is 21 months old. Time to plan the big #2 birthday party. Already have it all in my head. Time to start buying party supplies and get everything lined up.

For months, I've wanted to share some exciting news with everyone but I had to keep it a secret. WE ARE PREGNANT!!! Oh wait, just kidding. I think Jeremy would leave me if I told him we were expecting #3. Which honestly I don't see how 3 would be any different than 2. I don't sleep now. I would have to become a stay at home mom. It's hard enough to find a sitter for 2. I have started a new venture though. I'm now a consultant for thirty-one. I know I just said how busy I am, but this is something great for not only me but my family.

For those who aren't familiar with the name. Here is the mission statement. It summs it all up and more.
Our mission is a reflection of this philosophy: to celebrate, encourage and reward women by offering quality products and an outstanding opportunity to become successful business owners. We have seen this mission play out through the years in the individual lives of so many women who now have their own "Thirty-One story." Many work full-time jobs and use their Thirty-One income to help pay for those extras in life like vacations. Some of our Consultants had a dream to be debt-free and have paid off houses and cars. Others have seen Thirty-One become a lifeline to their families in difficult economic times. Despite all the bad news we hear today, our Consultants are selling at record rates.

Just a few of the products from Thirty-One

I just held my very first show on Friday evening at my wonderful Mother-in-law's home. Check out the wonderful products on my website. The best thing I love about Thirty-One is that you can order right there online!!

Dear Jesus, Thank you so much for this new venture in our families lives. I'm so excited to work for a faithbased company. This is just something to do on the side that will hopefully in time provide things for our family that we couldn't afford before. Thank you so much for opening this new door. I know it was definatley one of those God-things. I love you so much. I loved just being in your presence this morning. It was such an awesome service. I'm so thankful for everything you have done for me. It is because of you that I am FREE!!! I love you so very much!!!



What I'm Loving Wednesday

Well it's Wednesday again. Yes, I know I missed last Wednesday. I honestly didn't even realize it was Wednesday until I say Kelcie's post.I'm Loving that it's Spring. Happy Spring. Yes, I know it's late. I'm a mother of two. I'm late about everything. I'm not so crazy about this cold weather we have been having lately but knowing warm weather is around the corner puts a smile on my face.

I'm Loving my family. Candace Skarda Photography has been having March deals all month, and I've been patiently waiting for today to enter her contest. This week is Family Week. You enter what family means to you and if you are the winner then you get 1 FREE 11x14 Print or $35.00 print Credit. Candace, has been taking BAM's pictures since she was born and now has taken LAM's newborn pictures. We have had family pictures taken only once so far since we have been married. We went to Wye Mountain. I want more!!! Family is so important to me. I've not written my story yet to Candace, but when I do I will post it.... I promise!! It might be two weeks or even two months from now, but I promise I will get it done. Ha

I'm Loving my new clothes that I got from Ruche. I found this clothing store online and got two really cute things. I wish I could say whose blog led me to this place so I can thank her so much, but I honestly don't remember. I was clicking on one blog and then went to another and to another. Got my clothes in and I love them. Wearing the dress today. Have got so many compliments. Now time to order me a shirt to match the kids Easter outfits.

I'm off now to see my Loves (BAM & LAM) and my first Love (Jesus Christ). Well not see him exactly, but go spend some time in his house.

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me another Wednesday. I love how you love me no matter what I say or do. I love how you are there for me when I'm in the worst mood or in the best. I love that you love me when I look my worst and best.  I love how you are going to accept me into your loving arms when it's time for me to leave this world behind. I just love everything about you! Amen

What I'm Loving Wednesday

After reading Kelcie's, Then There Were Three, What I'm Loving Wednesdays for the past few weeks, I thought I would jump on the bandwagon. Maybe this will help me to post more often.

I'm Loving my mother-in-law and father-in-law. They celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on Monday. Happy Anniversary Tommy and Beverly, better known as Pawpo and Meme.

Beverly & Tommy - 1980

Tommy & Beverly - 2011

Funny how Tommy looks almost the same. He grew his facial hair out to stay warm in the cold days of working outdoors. He wanted to keep it until their anniversary so he could look the same as he did on their wedding day. How cute!

I'm Loving the fact that my children don't have to go to daycare. First, because it is so expensive. Second, I don't have to worry with them getting sick all the time. Third, I don't have to get them ready in the morning. Last, they get to spend time with their Meme and Mandy. They love their sitters.

I'm Loving that Brad Womak chose Emily! She is so very pretty. After watching Monday Nights After the Final Rose, I sorda wish he had chosed Shawntell because Emily sounds like she doesn't know if she is ready for a commitment yet. I hope everything works out.


DATAPPLE

 I'm Loving that I get to be in church tonight. There aren't many Wednesday night services I get to attend due to Jeremy and I working so far from Des Arc. I can't wait to hear what God has laid on Pastor Pat's heart this evening to share.

Dear Jesus, I thank you for giving me today. It is the little things like waking up every morning that I take for granit. Please be with me tonight and open my ears that I might hear your word.

I love you, forever.



First of Many Scares

Yes it has been a while! So sorry. As most of you know I work for the March of Dimes. Our largest fundraising event is coming up in a month, March for Babies. So my life has been a little busy.
This past weekend was absolutely beautiful so we headed up to Wye Mountain to the Daffodil Festival for some family pictures. Angel Babies, MfB team, set up Photos for Babies. All the money went to the March of Dimes.

Shutterbugz Photography

When we got home, we decided to go back outside and enjoy the wonderful weather. Brylee can now open and close our doors. She decided to go back inside. I gathered Luke up and headed back inside but there was no Brylee. She has started playing hide and go seek so I started hollaring for her. When she didn't answer, I checked the front yard, but no Brylee. I then went into panic mode. I started running through the house. Mind you Jeremy was asleep the entire time. Something told me to check the front yard one more time. I open the door to find my 1 an half year old daughter standing at the front door. It was the scariest moment of my life. I just picked her up and held her tight. I was so thankful she was ok that I couldn't get on to her.
I thought Brylee running outside alone was pretty scary but nothing as scary as last night was. When I got home from work, I ordered us pizza to pick up because we were all so sleepy. Well, Brylee was the least bit sleepy. She was playing with Aden's boots and then in her boots that are a little too big and have a little heel. Jeremy and her went out in the garage to play. Few minutes later I hear a scream and then Jeremy busting in the house with Brylee gushing blood from her mouth. I was feeding Luke. I've never ripped a child off me so fast. My first thought while cleaning her up was OMG I'm going to be using Arkansas Children's Hospital for the first time in my life. The bleeding wouldn't stop. I finally figured out it was only her lip bleeding. We decided to take her up to the ambulance bay to make sure it didn't need stitches. They said that they thought it would be ok. She is going to have a big lip and a sore face for a little while. So glad we got family pictures Saturday. In the process of getting her cleaned up, I discovered 8 new teeth coming in. This explains her fussiness lately.Two scares in a few days is two too many.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the many blessings you have given our family. Thank you for protecting Brylee when she fell. It really could have been a lot worse than what it was. I've never been so scared in my life. I love you!

Rub A Dub Dub - 2 babies in a tub

Luke, yesterday you turned 2 months old and in celebration I let you and your sister take your bath together. Well, it was your fist intentional bath together. Last week Brylee jumped in the tub with you with all her clothes on. I think she about gave your Meme a heart attack. I thought it would be very difficult to give you both a bath at the same time, but it turned out great! You loved it so much and so did Brylee. This is the first of what I'm sure to be MANY baths together.

Brylee & Luke - 1st Bath together

2 months old

You are such a good little baby. You eat, sleep, pee and poop (wish you would poo more so that you wouldn't be so uncomfortable but we are working on that). Only two months old you hold your head up really good. You like to sleep on your belly. I know that the doctors say not to because of SIDS, but I check on you often when you are on your belly. Right now you wake up twice a night to eat and then you go right back to sleep. You are a mommy's boy. Last week you started cooing. I'm pretty sure you said "good". Next week we go for your two month check up. There you will get shots and we will find out how big you are. I suspect you are about 15 lbs. So much bigger than your sister at this age. Brylee was only 8 lbs at her two month check up. You were more than that when you were born.

Dear Jesus, thank you so much for the many blessings you have given me. The best ones are my loving husband and my two precious children. Please watch over each of them everyday. I pray that they will walk in your ways and never stray away. I love you!

When I Came to Rely on God More

I was raised in church from the time I was born. I was saved at a revival held by Brother Charles Thompson from Wynne, Arkansas at a young age. I hate that I don't even remember the date. It was the Spring and I believe I was about 9 years old. I still remember what I was wearing to this day. My best friend, Mandy and I were saved on the same day and then baptized at the same day by our Pastor, Don Jones. I say this to tell you that I've been a Christian for many years, but didn't really fully give everything to God until the summer of 2010.

July ~ This is a busy month for Mommy for work. I work on a campaign called Jail and Bail. I get to put people in jail, set their bail at $1,000, and all the money goes to help babies. I love my job. Every year since I graduated High School, I've helped Mrs. Lora and Mr Mike with the America's Cover Miss and Boy pageant. (Mommy did pageants back in the day and this was my favorite). This year I got Daddy to come with me so we could take you, Brylee. We also took Meme and Papa Tosh along to help take care of you so Mommy and Daddy could enjoy Florida as well. This was your first time out of Arkansas. We drove 15 hrs to Daytona Beach.

9 Month Check up

 We went for your 9 month check up and what a big girl you are now. Finally catching up to the other babies your age. You were so small for so long.

This month Candace Skarda took your 9 month photos. Here are a few of my favorites.

This is also the month we find out that you are going to a BROTHER!! Our family will be equal again. Mommy and Daddy will have one little girl and one little boy. All we need.

August ~  The month I will never forget. When I went for my monthly check up Dr Sellers found that my cervix was short and placed me on bed rest for what began for just a week and lasted until three weeks before I had Luke. Mommy also turned the big 24! I don't really remember much of my birthday just like every other birthday since I was pregnant with you, Brylee.

September ~ Brylee turns 1! I started planning the party when I knew you were a girl. Is that crazy? Maybe a little but you will understand when you have a little girl of your own. (I already have yours and Luke's party for this year planned) Candace took your 1 year pictures and we had an ice cream party.

Birthday Invitation

 

 

 

October - November ~ These two months consisted of A LOT of Dr appointments, sleeping, watching TV, movies, eating, drinking, and most of all PRAYING. I was scared and happy all at the same time. It's a scary thought knowing you are already dilating and have a short cervix and still have two months left in your pregnancy. These months I prayed more than I ever have before. I really became closer to God. I was released off bed rest on November 10. I went to the biggest razorback game of the season LSU vs Arkansas. We brought the boot back where it belonged.

Daddy and Mommy (9 months preg) and Uncle Brando

December ~  The BIG day finally came. The day we welcome baby Luke into the world. The rest of the month consisted of Dr appointments and all the holiday parties.

Candace Skarda Photography

First of Many family photos

Luke Austin

Dear Jesus, What a year you gave us in 2010. I know that all things happen for a reason. Going through all of this brought me closer to you. Thank you for all the blessings you brought to our family this past year. Watching Brylee grow this first year and bringing Luke into the world has been so special. I love you!

BNO ~ Bloggers Night Out

Last night was the first of our what could be many Bloggers Night Out (BNO). My friend, Kelcie, messaged a few of us girls a couple weeks ago wondering if we would want to do a BNO. Everyone said YES. I'm not sure at this point if it wasn't just an excuse to have a GNO.

Savannah came to my house last night along with 5 other mommy bloggers and Aunt Ginger! Ha Love ya Ginger. We learned so much last night that I'm still overwhelmed this morning.

All these girls came to get away from their kids for a night and come to my house where my two children are. I'm so sorry girls. Brylee kept being a little girl going through everyone's purses.  As she was going through Candace's she found one of those female unmentionables. Jeremy, my husband, walked by and saw her with it in her mouth and just started laughing and saying I'm not touching that. It was pretty funny and nasty at the same time. Not sure which was worse, Camp swallowing the ball yesterday and going to the ER or Brylee chewing on Candace's tampon.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for blessing me with great friends.