Life's a party... of 4!

Pregnant Once, Pregnant 3 times. Its all the same. Or all TOTALLY different.

2012-02-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

I went and saw our sweet surprise on the big screen earlier this week.

It was fun to see him/her again.

Goodness me that child was wiggling and squirming

so much that it took the docotor a couple tries

to get the heartbeat. Oh, but then,

like a good little peanut would,

she/he allowed us to hear the sweet sound.

Back up in the 160's.

Moving and dancing so much already.

love it.

Ok, so there was a new nurse.

She was really sweet. It was just a new face,

and in her efforts to get to know the patients,

she says to me,

"So, is this your first?"

Tyler was off work today so he got to tag along!

Sure do love when he gets to accompany me!

We looked at each other and laughed.

I said, "oh no, this is not our first!"

Then Tyler said,

"this is actually our 3rd baby, our 2nd is just

over a year old now."

The nurse was like, "well honey, I have 4

and once you have more than 2, whats another added to the mix!"

I have heard that a time or two lately, and let me tell you,

those words are music to my ears.

I will always be wanting to hear this phrase over the next 6 months.

It got me thinking though, about how the tables have turned.

How much I have learned.

How things are incredibly different from the first time I learned

I was going to be a mama.

When I was pregnant with Anslee, I wanted to have morning sickness.

I thought it would make me, you know, "feel the part".

Was I crazy? Well, maybe so, but thats the truth.

I was also wanting to feel all the other pregnancy symptoms.

Isn't it funny, how, when you want it to happen, it doesnt happen?

I was later very thankful for the ease at which my body handled

pregnancy.

Oh my goodness. I wanted to show! I wanted people to take notice

I was pregnant! Ha! and Ha!!

I was really disappointed when I was approaching the 3rd trimester

before I bought my 1st pair of maternity jeans.

again. HA!!!

I waited with a great deal of anticipation for each doctors appointment.

It was a sweet time, and just brand new.

I embraced every single thing about the changes pregnancy brought on.

You can bet I had her nursery planned out to every last detail by the time I was 22 weeks.

She arrived. We obsessed over every little thing.
I remember asking the doctor if it was normal that she sneezed so often.
Tyler took about 6098567 opportunities to learn how to swaddle.
We had to have the diapers with the yellow line that turned blue
when it needed to be changed.
(ok, we do still like those)

Then I got pregnant with Kensington.

Yay! We planned out this pregnancy!

The first thing I did was pray that I would not be sick.

Uhm. What good would I have been to my Ans

if I was spending all of our quality time with head over the toliet?

I was so thankful when just not wanting food anywhere near me

was the worst "sickness" I experienced.

I eased through this pregnancy, working out

at high intensity 4 times a week usually.

I also eased through this pregnancy in the sense of

I felt like I had an idea of what to expect.

Ha! Kensington as any regular reader of this blog would know

rocked our world into something brand new.

Bless her sweet, ever so "present" personality

she made herself known (and loudly!) when she arrived.

I was a bit saddened when I busted out the maternity pants around 16 weeks.

I wanted to hold out. Oh I wanted to hold out

(not like the first time around!)

I think I had her nursery done like 6 weeks before she came. Maybe 7.

Then she arrived. I didnt think I would obsess over the little things with her like I
did with her big sister. Then she was colic
and forced that to happen. Mostly out of denial.
After that ended, we eased up and took things in stride.
It was nice to be able to do that.

So back in the early parts of December,

when we found out we were yet again pregnant

I began asking for these things:

1. Please, I dont want to be sick

2. Please let me at least make it the 2nd trimester before the maternity clothes come out

3. Please do NOT let a stranger verbally take notice that I was pregnant for a while.

4. Please, lets do life like I am in fact not pregnant, so I can still be

everything I need to be to my TWO kiddos at home.

While I think pregnancy is nothing short of a miracle, the more you do it,

the more perspective you have that seems to change.

I just think its funny.

Thank goodness for my phone reminders! Its debateable
on whether or not I would have remembered we had
an appointment today if I buzzer did not go off yesterday!

Oh. and you can bet there will be NO belly pics this time. Its been done two times over.

We will take them, and save them for the baby book.

Which by the way, since this baby is coming in early August,

and lets be honest. This poor, very loved little angel,

will probably come home to a crib with a clean sheet

and maybe a changing pad, maybe.

I get a kick out of how experience and time change your state of mind

so very, very much!

The Big News.

2012-01-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

I bet you are not as surprised as I was

(ok, as I STILL am!)

but yes. its true. it has been confirmed.

Baby Moses #3 will join us in the early part of August.

August 14th is the last possible day the doc will keep me pregnant.

(for those who likes dates and such.)

This child was given to us on God's time alone.

Certainly not on ours.

We are grateful.

This has taken us plenty of time to adjust too.

We found out a while before Christmas

and have barely processed the news since then.

Tyler and I agree that each child is a blessing, a reward, a gift, and

nothing to be taken lightly,

so we rejoice that our Lord has chosen

us to be raise another baby for His kingdom.

Kensington and the little peanut will be right under 19 months apart

in age. wow. I thought the 24 months between

Anslee and Kensington was squeezing it.

We will be busy. We will be tired. It probably won't be easy.

Busy and tired will be nothing in comparison to the amount of

love and joy we know this baby will bring.

We saw the doctor in early January

(who told me I was almost as bad as some of his teenagers)

and Baby had a steady heartbeat of 152.

A bit slower than the sisters who rang in at 183

and 178 at their first sonogram respectively.

So there ya have it. No turning back.

Now.

Who will join me in a prayer for a non-colic newborn?

3 and 1.

2012-01-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

3 and 1.

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old.

Can anyone explain how that happened?

Nothing about them getting older makes a bit of sense to me.

I look at each of them like they are

my precious, tiny, helpless, totally dependent,

most needy little babies.

On January 19 Kensington turned 1 and I swear grew 4

inches and 5 lbs over night.

At 1 year old Kensington:

smiles constantly

laughs loudly

sleeps 12 hours at night

takes 2 naps during the day

has no interest in walking on her own

caught bronchitis :(

says mama and daddy

and night night

adores her sister

eats any and everything in sight

really loves blueberries

almost done with a bottle

has started MDO once a week

weighs 19.6 lbs

will let me snuggle her any time I want

will fall asleep on me 95% of the time

hates breathing treatments

still cries quite a bit

does a silly one armed "booty scoot" to get around

likes to read with us

has come SO VERY far since we brought her home.

At 3 years old Anslee:

Goes to school twice a week

has complete conversations with us

has not worn a diaper/pull up since May 9th of 2011

still is an awful eater

takes 1 nap every afternoon

sleeps 11-12 hours at night

loves being a big sister

knows her shapes, colors, letters and numbers through 15

plays well with other kids

and independently

waits anxiously for her daddy to come home each day

takes dance class lessons

gives hugs, kisses, and "I love you's" unprompted all the time

loves Dora, Barney, and Cliford

enjoys trips to the library

is super sneaky

loves junk food (ugh.)

loves to play at the park or anywhere outside

has had 1 haircut

loves to pretend

weighs 26 lbs

would drink apple juice all day everyday if she could

makes her mama and daddy laugh every single day.

Tyler and I give thanks each day for these two precious girls God entrusted

us with raising. We look at each of them like the miracle they are.

We are tired a lot of days, but thats ok because we are full

of joy and very happy.

A birthday party post is in the making!

Blessing baby Landry!

2012-01-14T19:35:00.001-08:00

What a sweet day today was! We spent the entire morning spoiling our sweet Libby, mommy to little Landry Reese who is set for arrival on or around February 9th!

We think Landry is already a lucky little gal with Ryan and Libby being her parents. God has blessed her greatly by hand picking those to raise her.

My prediction is that she will be a blonde haired blue eyed beauty that will break the hearts of many baby boys to be!

Precious Landry,
You are loved. You have a purpose and I can't wait to watch you grow into the woman your mama and daddy will shape you to be. You are so special! We can't wait to give you squeezes and snuggles!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Oh What Fun!

2011-12-04T19:31:00.001-08:00

We have started December out with nothing but fun.

We love this season and all the sweet that comes with it!

I had no idea until last year that Advent Activities

are a great way to make the most precious of memories

with the tiny loves that live with us!

I told Mr. Moses that I wanted to be intentional this season

with fun activities and memory making madness.

He of course is always on board with making our girls feel

like the little treasures they are!

This is how we have started off!

Day 1.

Ninny and Papa wanted the gals to head down to bustling

city of Coleman for their parade of lights.

What fun we had. The weather was perfect.

Papa lead the parade as Chief of Police

and Daddy blocked traffic.

Now don't judge, my camera was not cooperating so this is the best we have.

Gotta love a small town Christmas parade of lights. The girls loved it!

Day 2.

Some days are more exciting than others. I want to make sure

that I take this Christmas season as an opportunity to

share more about Jesus with my girls. Anslee really is starting

to understand, and its such a sweet thing to hear how she talks

about Jesus. I especially love listening to her talk to Jesus.

So we read 3 books about Jesus birth and the very 1st Christmas.

Kensington sat and read with us too, but was clearly more

interested in trying to eat the books.

Anslee loved that these stories really were from the point of

view of the animals. It was a different perspective, and perfect for her age.

Day 3.

Whoa. Day 3 was jam packed with greatness. We barely had a moment to

breath. We had some activities planned,

and I could not choose which one would be our advent activity, so I just

the gals we had an advent day planned of fun, and that all that

we did was to celebrate the season!

First, Southside Baptist Church put on a "Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus" event.

We signed up without hesitation. The girls stayed in their PJ's

and we headed to have pancakes with Santa and the Mrs.

Mrs. Claus read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and was totally

a hit. Mrs. Claus made that story come right to life!

She reminded the boys and girls to stay on the "nice" list too :)

Lets just say that Little Miss Kensington Kay could not get enough

of pancake bites. She thought she was tasting heaven and never looked back.

And Anslee drank all of her orange juice from a big girl cup (no straw, totally open top)

and spilled not one drop. Someone remind her she is supposed to stay tiny

forever and ever. and ever.

The sweet babes had Heather Nix Photography take their photo on Santas lap.

Worry not, Kensington made the deaf hear again with her

most pitiful of wails. Sweet girl needs to get a quick grip!

Can't wait to share that photo with you all when it comes back to us!

We then headed out to Christmas Under the Stars in downtown Brownwood.

What a blast that event was! Sign me up for that every year from here on out! We loved

Every second of it! Just look at our fun!

Anslee did all of the following:

sat on santas lap (again)

pet Mrs. Claus pet Christmas mouse.

got a manicure.

decorated a cookie.

picked out a gumdrop to put on a life size gingerbread house.

and pretended to be an angel. We all know she was not pretending one bit!

and Little sister was the best little trooper. Watching sister be busy as a bee

and thinking of how next year she will join sister in all the fun to be had!

Day 4.

Today was a fun day too! This Sunday started off

with Sunday School, where they made "I love Jesus mega phones"

Anslee was proclaiming this phrase all day long. We loved it!

Thanks to Mrs. Brandy, Anslee now sings This is the Day the Lord has Made

and dances a jig. We sure love that Mrs. Brandy!

Then, we put nap off a bit. (insert a very anxious mama here)

Sometimes we just can't help when things are planned out of our control.

Kindermusik's Christmas program was this afternoon at the Early Mall.

So We headed down and and listened to Anslee and her sweet friends Sing their

precious hearts out. Stage fright was the name of her game.

I could not have been more proud though, as she participated (a little)

So we chalked up a Christmas concert as our Day 4 Advent Activity.

We are sure having a blast and starting off the holiday season of 2011

on a happy note.

We sure hope you are making as many sweet memories as you can!

What they taught me.

2011-11-25T18:00:00.001-08:00

Confidence. This sweet girl gave me confidence.

She taught me that I can do this motherhood thing.

I could do it. I was capable of being responsible

for raising a little life. I could teach her things, and see results!

This was huge, for me, because this was the one thing I did

not want to fail at. She is happy and healthy, and Tyler and I

have a hand in that, with God's watching over us every step of the way.

She made a mother and everything that comes with that.

Over this past year, she has taught me that I can believe in myself,

and that I can also believe in her.

She is capable. With our guidance, Anslee can learn anything.

She has made us happy and proud.

She made me mom and with that she made my dreams come true.

While Anslee taught me to believe in myself, Kensington has taught me

to first rely on Christ. She humbled me. I know somethings,

but I do not know it all. I am capable, but only under the hand of Christ.

Things do not always go as we plan, but if we surrender to Gods will,

our life plan will be made perfect.

My Kensington is my living reminder that there is a greater

path for us to be on, and when we try to take control

things can get messy.

I look forward to the day that I can tell my girls how deeply they have

changed my life. How they brought a new kind of love for Tyler and I to experience.

How I will be forever grateful for how their lives changed mine.

I want to teach them lessons as valuable as the ones they have already taught me

in their most tender of years. As I learned from Anslee, I can do just that.

Today and this Season of Thankfulness

2011-11-25T17:45:00.001-08:00

We had a day around here.

Filled with no naps,

lots of tears (yes, all 3 Moses girls cried)

a 7th tooth budding,

not wanting to eat,

clingy-ness,

"No's!"

spit up

really sticky floors and lots of dirty dishes

No daddy all day kind of day.

Wow. It was one of those days where I thought about waving

my little white flag to surrender.

I really did. So, to all you mamas

who blog and seem to have it all together:

I don't believe you. Nope. Especially if you have

more than 1 child. I just don't believe you.

I think its funny how at the close of this beautiful season

of thankfulness, I turned into a

thankful-mess.

The day after the 1 day a year set aside for being thankful

the Lord lent me a day like today.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

So I took a deep breath and was thankful yet again.

I hope that anyone who has read this blog and kept up with

what I am thankful for has appreciated something small in their

lives to give thanks for.

Also, that you have been able to get to know the real me

just a bit better.

Days of Thanks - 23

2011-11-23T12:47:00.001-08:00

Its my Mama's birthday today!

Happy birthday mama!!

She seriously makes 51 look like 21

and I am not kidding.

Heres to hoping those good genes live on

through me and my girls!

So of course I would take her special day

and turn in straight into my

Thankful post for the day.

She is such a fun mama and has set me straight

in so many ways.

Lets just say that my life would be

upside down without the likes of her.

She loves her pup

(your welcome mom. really.)

and her cat and other pup as well.

She is the worlds sweetest Tama to my little girls

and little Bella girl.

She talks to me on the phone 3+ times a day.

I tell you I would be a lost puppy without

her. Thank goodness she still takes such good care of me!

Love you mama!

Days of Thanks - 22

2011-11-22T18:42:00.001-08:00

I have posted about our potty training experience

one before. I am not one to do a lot of "potty talk"

but who would not want to shout from the roof tops such a

huge success and milestone in your kiddos life?

It seriously takes you from toddlerhood to preschooler hood.

Its a big deal, to be a big kid now.

Anslee has not put on a diaper or a pull up since Monday, May 9th

at 10 am. We started that morning and never looked back.

So today, I am thankful for Lora Jensens 3 Day Potty Training Method.

It was the potty training method we chose and we saw great success.

I recommend it, as it was almost a fail proof for us.

She seriously was a potty training rock star, and was trained in

every meaning of the word in fact after those 3 days.

They were intense. Day 1 was extra intense.

Intense, but actually a lot of fun.

I am thankful that Anslee was so easy to potty train. I will go ahead

and throw out there that I DO NOT expect

the same results when Kensington is ready to potty train.

Remember my post on how I appreciate their differences?

Remind me to go back and read that when its time to potty train that sweet baby girl.

I do believe in the method, but I also have to chalk up

the ease at which she trained to her personality. That, and I think she was

just flat out ready when went ahead with it.

Trust me when I say that this method may not be right for every kiddo out there,

it was just right for us! (I could say that about anything parenting

related, couldn't I?!)

I am thankful for this method and I am thankful to only have 1 cute

booty to change these days!

Days of Thanks - 21

2011-11-21T08:26:00.001-08:00

I married a man who always knew what he wanted to do

with his life. He wanted to be married (glad he chose me!)

and have kids (the sweetest kids he could ask for!)

and be a member of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

He applied in October of 2007 and was accepted as intern with the intent to

attend the A 2008 Trooper Academy class.

He graduated #12 in class! There was a small fan club that attended

his graduation and ever since its been nothing but a lovely

start to his career.

Tyler is a State Trooper at the moment and has been since he was comissioned on

September 26, 2008.

By policy he is to be a trooper for 4 full years. Today he sits at 3 years

completed of Trooperhood.

He loves his job, and he is actually VERY good at it.

I always knew he would be.

Just to brag, he is leading the area in DWI arrests with 28 to date.

The goal he had set for himself in January was 24.

Its exciting to think where this next year in his career could take our family.

We are anxious to know what else is in store,

but we are thankful that he is happy and content

with his Trooper status. He goes to work every single day with strength

to do his very best and work his precious heart out.

I am so thankful that Tyler proudly wears this badge

and that this car sits in front of our house when he is off duty.

He is the best Trooper that the State of Texas employs

(I possibly could be bias)

We as a family are thankful for how is job provides well for our family,

even allows for me to stay home with our sweet angel girls,

and that it is a job

he wakes up each day happy to do. Its such a blessing

to know that Tyler is happy while he away and working.

We are thankful to each and every law enforcement officer that there is.

What a dangerous and courageous job you do for us all!

Thank you!

Days of Thanks - 20

2011-11-20T10:46:00.001-08:00

Uneventful pregnancies.

Today, I am so thankful for not just 1, but 2 super easy,

uneventful, worry free pregnancies.

The journey from conception to birth is the most fascinating

journey to really understand. How is it that there are so many people in this world?

Did we not just reach 7 billion this past month?

So much has to be just perfect for one person to be brought into human life.

I mean its clear that every child is nothing short of a miracle.

Its one of those things that science just can't explain well enough.

God must be in total control of every little detail when it comes

having a baby. I am not sure how you

could not believe if you have ever had a baby or known

someone to have had a baby.

I have been so blessed. So incredibly thankful am I, for the 2

healthy and thats right, fun pregnancies I have had.

Yep. I love being pregnant. I get funny looks when I say that sometimes.

Pregnancy is just easy and quite comfortable to me.

I never had high blood pressure.

I never had morning sickness.

I never swelled.

Did not get stretch marks.

I exercised at pretty high intensity through both pregnancies.

I never really craved anything weird. (other than wanting to chew on ice cubes)

I did not gain an unreasonable amount of weight.

Anslee and Kensington were healthy at each and every

prenatal visit.

If the only thing I had to complain about was a little back pain in the last trimester,

then I considered myself fairly lucky, and very thankful.

I felt like I could enjoy each and every stage of both my pregnancies

for what they were. I never wished any of my pregnant days away,

and I still think back to what an amazing time(s) in my life

the journey was.

Isn't it a journey though, to even getting pregnant?

I think its quite ironic, at how, all of a sudden a couple throws

away all forms of birth control and is trying for something

that they had always been trying to prevent.

Wouldn't you agree that its a feeling of freedom?

Isn't it funny how you can never really be "ready"

fully? There is always something else you can do,

another trip you could take. Another couple of thousand

to save up? Sometimes (like for us) you start the journey without

even knowing.

Other times, you desire to expand your family and make

a conscience effort to the beginning of pregnancy. (like us, with Kensington)

For some the journey to pregnancy is long and hard one. One filled

with lots of heartache and questioning why.

For others, its a smooth ride, and one without many bumps along the way.

Our journey, though different with each child, was one that was

easily acquired, and for that I am unbelievably thankful. In all honesty,

I do not know the pain of not becoming pregnant when I wanted to be.

I know several friends who do understand that, and I

have found myself hurting with them and for them in all the ways I could.

I admire their strength and feel like they have a story for their unborn

child that is so special.

When I hold their baby, I will be holding a child that was

desired so greatly before they were ever formed. I will look

in those little newborn eyes, and be able to tell them

from firsthand experience how much their life means to their parents.

what an incredible gift they are, how they are special and how they

have already shaped their parents into new people

by the journey they already lead them on.

Pregnancy with Anslee

Pregnancy with Kensington

PS: its a little sad that I felt skinner in this last photo than I do now. I was 36 weeks pregnant!

All of this to say that I am ever so thankful for beautiful gift of

pregnancy. What it means (in different ways) to each mother,

and how our lives are changed when the journey from pregnancy ends and the

journey into motherhood begins.

Days of Thanks - 19

2011-11-19T18:28:00.001-08:00

Today I am so thankful for my camera phone!
Most of life's picture perfect moments would not be captured without my iPhone camera! How did we live life when everything we needed was not just tap away?!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Days of Thanks 18

2011-11-19T08:38:00.001-08:00

I am in Abilene this weekend celebrating

Thanksgiving with my side of the family. I am thankful

that we have family on both sides so close to us.

It is so nice to be just a little over an hour away from nearly every

person in my family and 35 minutes away from Tyler's parents.

We find ourselves being able to quickly make it home

to both Abilene and Coleman from Brownwood.

Its so nice to be able to jump in the car and head to see family

basically whenever we want, because the 4 of us are always

welcome.

Its also SO very nice during BYA weekend, Homecoming weekend,

and Alumni weekend at Hardin-Simmons to have a

place for everyone to lay there head without having to

pay a cent! Its a convenience I have probably taken for granted way too much

in the last 3 years. Its always nice to come home!

So, I am thankful for trips home and having family close by.

I am so spoiled!

Days of Thanks - 17

2011-11-17T08:50:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows that there is nothing

more precious than watching our parents loving

on our children.

I have to sit back and wonder, as I see my parents

and my in laws fall head over heels in love with my girls,

if this is how they were with us when we were the tiny ones.

My dad one day joked saying that having grandkids

makes having kids worth it.

I was not sure whether to hug him or slap him

when he said that. He says he was joking,

but I know that there is at least 1 ounce

of truth in every sarcastic joke.

My girls have 4 grandparents who love them both

wholeheartedly. Did you know there is no greater gift a parent

can get than to see others loving your children?

Goodness my eyes fill up with tears when I think about God has

blessed my babies with grandparents who would stop

the movement of the very Earth for my girls.

So today, My thankfulness is directed at Tama and G-Dad

and Ninny and Papa. Alongside Tyler and I, there are no other people

who care for and love my Anslee and Kensington than them!

Days of Thanks 16

2011-11-16T18:36:00.001-08:00

Get ready for the superficial me to come out again.

I am thankful for facebook.

I really am! It has been responsible for keeping a somewhat

organized photo album of my life.

Its also kept me in touch with tons of people

that I may not have stayed connected with otherwise.

I realize that this may seem silly, but facebook

really has been a useful tool to me in a lot of different ways.

I have so enjoyed watching friends children growing up

through pictures and updates,

and currently I am using facebook to help

plan a fabulous baby shower with friends who live

in all different parts of Texas!

So even though you could make fun of me for this

post, and how I am thankful for facebook,

just realize that you probably are too!

Days of Thanks - 15 Thankful Tuesday!

2011-11-15T17:53:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for Tuesdays!

Tuesdays are our busiest and most fun

day of the week here.

We start out like any other day:

wake up

get dressed

breakfast.

On Tuesdays, we head to dance right after breakfast.

Oh Anslee loves dance class and her mommy loves watching her.

Then we fall back into line with a normal routine:

Kensington naps

lunch

naps all around (sometimes mommy joins in!)

Then we switch gears again from the norm.

Kindermusik!

Oh how we love Kindermusik.

So really, Dance and Kindermusik are why I love Tuesdays.

Having fun activities planned where Anslee can interact with peers

and enjoy herself with music has been new since this Fall hit,

and we have so enjoyed her being old enough to be involved in these types

activities. I am really looking forward to when she can

choose what she likes best and is most talented in!

What fun we will have when Kensington gets herself

busy in activities as well!

Right now we love our Tuesdays so much

we simply can't fit any more fun in!

Days of Thanks - 14

2011-11-14T08:11:00.001-08:00

I know that during these Days of Thanks I have mostly

been thankful for physical things. Items I use.

Places I like to go and such.

Today, I am thankful for something not so physical.

Today I am thankful for

Difference.

More specifically speaking,

differences between these two.

I love them equally, and they are equally different and I am so grateful

for who each of them are as individuals.

Anslee is a picky eater. Kensington eats anything in sight. Anslee was a

nursing mothers worst nightmare. Kensington, a nursing mothers dream.

Anslee had a sweet and gently cry. (Its ture, a sweet cry really does exist) Kensington.

Oh wow. I have never heard a child with a more ear piercing scream.

Anslee likes her space. Kensington wants to share space with you.

Anslee had 8 teeth by November 14th of 2009. At the same age, on November 14, 2011 Kensington has four teeth and a month ago, she had none.

When Anslee was teething, she drooled a gallon an hour. Kensington NEVER drools.

Anslee likes stacking toys, puzzles, organizing an sorting. Kensington

wants soft toys, to hold and hug. Anslee's 1st word was mama.

Kensingtons 1st word was dada. Anslee never really had diaper rash.

Kensington has never really NOT had a diaper rash. Anslee smiled at 13 weeks old (I thought it would never happen) Kensington smiled at 5 weeks and 3 days old.

Anslee was an easy baby to read. She was textbook on growth spurts, sickness, teething, and sleeping.

Kensington was a hard newborn. Impossible to read. She is a spirited infant. You have to

watch her a little closer to figure out what is going on with her.

Anslee was the queen of spit up. Kensington has spit up like 4 times.

Anslee slept through the night at 7 weeks old and has not looked back since.

Kensington was 22 weeks old when she decided she liked naps and sleeping at night.

Anslee crawled on all 4's. Kensington crawls with both arms and does a booty scoot (and boy is she quick!) to get herself around.

Anslee sleeps with music playing. Kensington sleeps with a sound machine.

Anslee wanted nothing to do with a pacifier. Kensington would loser her

right arm without one.

I am telling you. These precious babies, being loved on and raised in the same home

under the same two parental influences, with the same parenting strategies

are as different as day and night.

Black and white.

Hot and cold.

They have made parenting an adventure. Its truly something new every single day.

Their differences have made this year of 2011 a complete joy. I clearly have

had to be on my toes at all times

and nothing surprises me any more.

I am so thankful that even at almost 3 and almost 1 years old,

they are individuals and already made a distinct name for themselves

in our family.

I have said this before and I will say it again: God has shown favor on me by gifting me

with these two little lives. I dont know what I have done to deserve the

honor of raising them, but I am sure thankful.

and so very thankful for the differences between these 2 most incredible baby girls.

Days of Thanks -13

2011-11-13T15:12:00.001-08:00

I have dedicated this years Days of Thanks

to the little things in life

that give us great joy.

It was one of my very dear friends who, years ago, made me

appreciate the small things in our world

that make a big difference.

(Thanks Christen, it really did change my way of thinking)

For some, it may be the Pumpkin Spice latte at Starbucks.

I am not a fan, but I understand how for others it would be something to look forward too.

I would have to say that sonic is my "starbucks"

I love it and clearly, the sonic car hops in Brownwood

have become nothing but friends!

(Sorry I missed your baby shower Sheronda! You're baby girl is precious though!)

I love me some sonic!

So today, I am thankful for sonics all over

who bring me the best vanilla cokes this girl has ever tasted!

Days of Thanks - 12

2011-11-12T18:09:00.001-08:00

I know ~~moms~~ women everywhere are thankful for

this kitchen invention:

The Slow Cooker.

Better known as :

The Crock Pot.

Tyler is especially thankful here lately for our slow cooker.

I have really been utilizing it so much more lately,

because at this point in my family's life,

we need yummy home-cooked meals

that take approximately 4 minutes to prepare

and less than 10 to clean up.

So on this 12th day of November

My family and I are thankful for the yummy meals

brought to us straight from

our Smart Pot.

Days of Thanks -11

2011-11-11T12:22:00.001-08:00

Thankful just tips the iceberg on how I feel about

Hardin-Simmons University.

I am so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community.

The people that I met while I attended college there

are those that have impacted my life in the most defining of ways.

The professors that poured into my education were clearly

one of a kind. Its a unique experience

to go to a private baptist University,

and one that I will forever cherish.

It was more that a place to get a great education.

It was a place to be changed. A place to really learn who you are

and what you want out of life.

I was on the brink of adulthood and had so much to learn

in so many areas. I graduated a different person than who I was when I first

set foot on the forty acres. I was proud of who I became

and knew that HSU would be forever special to me.

There is not one thing I regret about my college experience.

I feel like HSU allowed this native Abilenian

a true collegiate lifestyle.

I have sense stayed closely connected to the HSU body,

and have no plans of changing that.

I was humbled and thrilled to accept an invitation to be a part of

The Board of Young Associates in 2009,

where I find myself keeping up with the current events of campus

and helping to improve what might need improvement.

I will forever be grateful for my education enlightened by faith!

Days of Thanks -10

2011-11-10T15:52:00.001-08:00

My girls need wheels.

Wheels that will get them happily from A to B.

So we knew what we had to do.

We had to get the BOB.

The DOUBLE BOB.

This is the mother of all jogging strollers.

Lots of room.

Comfortable straps.

A good recline.

A hood that will reach to their toes.

Tires that can go on a hike of any kind.

The greatest ride there is for my girls.

Boy to they love BOB.

So does their mama.

Its an easy push.

Swivel to lock front wheel.

Perfect for all of our out and about needs.

Today I am thankful the ride.

Days of Thanks - 9

2011-11-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Oh my word! You thought I would not get today's post in, didnt you?

I almost did not sit down to write,

although I thought several times today about how thankful I am for

Mothers Day Out.

What a wonderful experience we have had at Wee Kids this year!

Anslee looks forward to going to "school"

every Monday and Wednesday!

Anslee benefits a great deal from being in an

organized classroom type setting.

All is age appropriate,

but she has really learned so much.

She has picked up on so many different concepts from school.

Her most recent being that girls and boys are different.

(She does not yet know why or how)

she just knows there is a distinct difference.

Her social skills are certainly put into practice here,

being a peer setting and learning to respect each others space.

I am also especially thankful for her teacher, Mrs. Kaylee.

Mrs. Kaylee used to be a public school teacher,

sees the importance of learning at an early age

and sees each of her kids full potential.

She is married to our Chiropractor.

She co-coordinates MOPS with me,

and she is a mama herself to

Weston, 4 and

Wyatt 2.

Wyatt is in Anslee's class and they are precious friends.

What a wonderful environment Wee Kids is.

I am also thankful for it right now,

as it gives me the opportunity to have special one on one time

with sweet Kensington.

Anslee had that one on one time everyday for

1 year + 362 days.

Now Kensington can have some mommy time of her very own!

We love Wee Kids and are thankful for

all the good it is to us!

Days of Thanks 8 - Friendships

2011-11-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Friendship.

I think when I was born something special ran through my veins.

The need for extraordinary friendships.

I needed it more than most, I think.

Ever since I can remember, I have always found friendship to be something

of a gift from only God. A blessed relationship between

two or more people.

A source of encouragement and growth.

I take my friendships very seriously. I am beyond thankful for several women

in my life that I call "friend".

There is no way that this particular blog post could

hold a picture of every single friend I have had that has made a lasting

impact in my life.

While I attended Hardin-Simmons, God saw favor on me. He gave me a group

of girl friends that I hold especially dear to my heart. For a time in my life,

they were family. We lived together.

We truly shared life experiences with one another. You know me on a level

that not a whole lot of people do or ever will.

You know that I love you dearly and literally

Thank my God for giving me you.

I have a few friends who I clearly could not enjoy life without.

You precious women, you have spoke truth in my life.

You have given me strength and helped me succeed.

You have seen me at my worst. You have celebrated with me.

You are more than just someone passing through my world.

I am convinced that I spend eternity with each of you. Our friendship goes beyond

this very world.

I appreciate you and this season, I am thankful for you.

Even though college has come and gone, and we have all gone

our own ways in the world,

we will always share a strong connection that I will never forget

and always be thankful for.

I treasure you.

I have not lost the need for friendship post college.

I have again been blessed with SO MANY women in my life who

continue to grow me. I do wish I had a picture to share

of each and every one of you.

please know that am I grateful for each and every friendship I have

had throughout my lifetime.

I have been forever changed by each of you!

Days of Thanks - 7

2011-11-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Coggin Avenue Baptist Church.

This is where my family and I attend church here in Brownwood.

I really do not have enough good things to say about where we worship.

This blog post could go on for days.

I feel honored and blessed to be a part of such a strong body.

Our Sunday School class is phenomenal.

Lead by a couple that I look up to and have an incredible respect for.

Our Pastor has a heart for God and just wants to love on people (and hunt deer.)

The nursery is top notch. I leave my children in great care,

but I also leave them with people who want to see them

accept Christ for their own one day.

Its funny, now that I think about it.

This post is in fact the 2nd out of 3 that will have to do

with being a part of this great church family.

MOPS being one,

and another that will be posted later.

Needless to say, I have grown in this church.

I have made friends in this church.

I am better because of my tie to this church.

Thank you, Leaders and Members of Coggin Avenue Baptist.

You have made a difference in this womans life for the better!

Days of Thanks - 6

2011-11-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

So this is the post were my superficial self is going to come through.

We are getting personal here.

Whatever you do, please don't judge.

I am just a girl fallen victim to

Reality TV.

I am a reality TV junkie and should probably get some professional help.

As much as I hate to admit it,

I am thankful for my favorite TV shows.

Its an escape.

I can watch drama without having any of my own.

What could be better?

Now, not all Reality TV is trash.

I happen to find one series particularly inspirational.

I think most would agree.

Love the transformations. Love the life changes. Love the accomplishments.

Its such an interesting take on loosing weight.

Giving up everything to focus on health. Health being the #1.

There is nothing better than sitting down with coke and pizza

and watching these people change themselves from the inside out.

Inspirational is clearly not what I would call my next favorite.

This is just good drama. Just trash at its finest. Is it not just straight up

silliness as to how we become attached to certain

contestants? Well shame on me. I don't miss a season.

Then there is The Bachelor's not so distant cousin.

Good grief. I told myself I would never watch this.

Saying it took The Bachelor to a whole new level of no good.

Then for some strange reason, I watched. Didn't miss an episode of season 1.

Or season 2.

Sigh.

So you won't be surprised to know that I spend from 9-10 pm on Tuesday nights

with MTV.

This show has beyond made my jaw drop.

We won't even get into that. So, yes, I watch.

I know the girls. I feel sad for the babies.

Drama.

Well what is 16 and Pregnant without the follow up?

Its impossible for me not to know what happened.

Watched all the seasons. I certainly have my favorites.

I know you all agree that somehow, Caitlyn and Tyler win the prize

for most sensible. There is no telling how that happened though.

Stop acting like you don't know exactly what I am talking about.

I could add a few more to my list here, but I dont want to humiliate myself

anymore than I just did.

Well. Day 6 and I am thankful for trash TV. What would life look like without it?

More conversations? More reading? A cleaner house? A smaller waist?

Well probably, but we all have our guilty pleasures, right?