One Landes Place

Three

noreply@blogger.com (april) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:32:00 +0000

Tonight I tucked in my sweet 2 year old son for the last time. Tomorrow he will be 3. My second born, my baby for a while. For the first time ever, he asked me to lay beside him as he went to sleep tonight. I had a million other things on my mind and dirty dishes from supper calling my name. I took him up on his offer and my heart was blessed indeed. I laid there and thought about how my first born wanted me to lay beside her every night, I had to often tell her no because I knew it would just prolong her going to sleep. It's sad really that your first child gets way more attention than the second. It's true. No longer is it just one on one, now I am outnumbered and have to find a way to give more of myself. Now add #3 and it's just a circus.

Nathan is my sweet loving little boy. Full of life and curiosity. Looking for the next opportunity to do something he's not supposed to. In one minute he can destroy a room and melt my heart. Time flies by so fast and just the thought of any of my children growing up breaks me into pieces. Nevertheless, I love celebrating the day of their birth each year. Here's to another year full of life with you, Nathan.

Dearest sweet boy,
I almost cannot even think about your sweet face without tearing up. I prayed for a son and here you are. There is nothing in this world that can express how much I love you. From the time you could move around you were into everything and much hasn't changed. At times you make me want to pull my hair out but then you smile so sweetly at me and run up to me for a hug and I cave. Every time. Some of my favorite moments with you are when you are ready for nap or bed and you want to curl up with me in the recliner. I know it's hopeless but it is nice to think that you will never be too big for mommy's lap! You love to pester your sister and I am sure you will have a blast teasing Annalise when she is old enough too. You love everything about daddy. You want to be just like him and that's ok by me. Nothing brings him joy more than seeing you imitate the things he does. What a great daddy you have son. Tomorrow morning we will begin a day of celebrating your 3rd birthday. I am so thrilled to be your mommy and to share this day with you. I pray that God will continue to capture your heart and grow you into the man he has designed you to be. A man of honor, character and a man who desires to be like Christ. I love you sweet boy. Happy Birthday.

Love,
mommy

In a world of "What If's"

noreply@blogger.com (april) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 04:57:00 +0000

This morning as we were about to leave for church, my husband tells me he found a tick on the carpet this morning...nice. We do have a dog so my assumption is he brought it in from the woods. Gross. As we got in the car and headed to church, I started becoming more concerned about the fact that a tick was INSIDE my house where my kids play. I turned to my husband and said "What if that tick were to get on one of us and we got some sort of disease!!" In his most sweetest and sincere voice my husband replied "honey, we don't live in a world of 'what if's'. Profound? Yes. Simple? Not hardly. I began to think more about that statement. When he said "we" did he mean me? I am certainly the worry wart of the family. I have to say I have improved tremendously over the years but there are still times when I live in fear of the unknown and am shaken easily by things that derail my well planned day.

As I sat through church I couldn't stop thinking about that statement. It certainly struck a cord with me and the longer I sat and thought about it, the more my heart began to ache with conviction about my own state of peace. One of the scriptures used in the sermon this morning was Isaiah 9:6, coincidentally the same verse I chose for our family Christmas cards this year. It reads, "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Prince of Peace. I quickly looked up the Hebrew word for Peace, Shalom. It is used over 230 times in the Bible. Hmmm....so what does that mean? I read further and noticed how that word was used throughout the Bible. Completeness, wholeness, safety, soundness, health, contentment, friendship with others, covenant relationship with God, peace from war.

Was my life missing any of these things? If yes, then my life was missing peace. Peace that came from a loving God in Heaven through a son he brought to earth in the form of a baby, a living, breathing, piece of God here on earth for us. Ironic as it sounds, during the Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of this baby: God in the flesh, Prince of Peace, we seem to get stressed and anxious about the things that would otherwise be non-existent if we received the peace that He has brought us.

I was instantly brought to tears as I sat in the pew and examined my heart and saw that I was that person. The one who asked, "What if?", the one who constantly worried about finances, the health and safety of my children, making friends, our government leaders, the economy. I am certainly one to make wise choices about these things, but I also understand that the ultimate result is out of my hands. Peace is not a choice we make. It is not something we get up daily and say "today I am going to have peace about .....". It doesn't work that way. This type of peace is not a prescriptive for the holidays or daily living. It comes ONLY as a result of a broken spirit, in desperate need of a savior, groping to find Him daily by being a student of his Word. Thank you God that it is as simple as that. Adding "find peace" to my already long list of things to do today would just stress me out.

The Return Part II

noreply@blogger.com (april) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 04:51:00 +0000

We spent most of the summer searching for work and facing the fact that moving again was a likely option. Part of me was excited to start over. It had been so hard adjusting to this town that a newer, bigger town just might be the change we needed. As the months moved on, the leads got colder and the opportunities that once were there, were no longer. Hope was beginning to fade in my eyes but Matt was optimistic. We had a game plan and we were about to have to put it in motion.

The thing about a small town is everyone knows someone who knows someone. That was the very thing that landed Matt his next job. So far, things are great. He loves it and they love him. He is home for dinner almost every night and doesn't have to be out of town or work long weird hours or on weekends. The kids are happy to have daddy back and present!

Fast forward. I am now 26 weeks pregnant and expecting baby girl in January. Of course we are beyond excited! Nathan and Sarabeth are adjusting the idea of having a little sister around. They will do great. I am still adjusting to this town and our life as we know it here. I am thankful for God's provision for our family, but sometimes question the path. It is not one I would have chosen but nevertheless, we are on it. It is easy to trust God when things are going the way you expect them to. It is so much harder when you are unsure. This season of our life has been one big uncertainty, but I know it is good.

Returning to my roots has been tough and has required much, much I am slowly giving up through clenched fists. It is causing me to return to a place with God that I have left vacant for too long. He has given us much in the past few years and to whom much is given, much is required. I can feel a new season approaching and I am looking forward to what is in store for this family of 5. So I guess returning isn't so bad, my spot is even still warm.

The Return Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (april) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 03:36:00 +0000

I can't believe it has been so long since I have blogged. Writing has always been my passion, my outlet, something that I have always looked forward to doing. With the rise of Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites, my blog has been totally neglected and I have felt the pains.

I haven't blogged much about the last few years which have been a gamut of emotions filled with surprises, good and not so much.

It has been nearly 2 years since moving to Arkansas from Houston. After moving out of my in-laws in January of this year into our own place in town, life started to look a little more "normal". Matt found a job quickly after moving and the kids and I started to establish somewhat of a routine in our new surroundings. My sewing continued but become so much tougher with two little ones at home and my mother in law not!

Most moms around here work full time and being in a small town has proved to be a challenge when trying to meet friends and find fun things for the kids to be involved in. Nathan turned 2 in February and Sarabeth 4 in November...coming up on 3 and 5! Matt and I continued to become involved in our local church and he is now teaching one of the adult Sunday School classes. I tried my hand at first grade for a semester and it really wasn't too bad. This spring and summer was tough on our family as Matt's job had him working in Dallas for a majority of the time. The kids and I were able to make a few trips up to visit and enjoyed some fun times being in the "city"! As life began to settle down a little, Matt's job ended unexpectedly and we were again faced with the challenge of looking for employment.

More to come.....

DONE

noreply@blogger.com (april) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:34:00 +0000

The last few weeks have been filled with tons of sewing...over 30 hours! I'm so thankful for my sweet friend Keisha who offered to come help get these babies out the door. I will be delivering my first ever order to a local boutique tomorrow morning and I am thrilled! My hope is that they sell quickly and I can do this again in a few weeks. It has been so fun designing these skirts. No two are the same and a lot of thought goes into making each one special. The new fabrics are listed here on the blog and you can order a custom ruffle skirt by contacting me directly or leaving a comment here on the blog. I offer sizes 12 months to 12 years. Prices range fro $40-50 depending on size.

Show Us Your Singles

noreply@blogger.com (april) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:57:00 +0000

I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner blog this week where she is featuring "Show Us Your Single Friends". This is such a great way for people to brag on their single friends in hopes of finding them a match! And so...I'm so excited to introduce you to my sweet friend Whitnie!

Whitnie is 35 and lives in Arkansas. She is a teacher and also has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard and sings in our church choir. What I love most about Whitnie is her heart and passion for God. Here is what she wrote to me when I asked what I could include in my post: "Of course the main thing is that I am a Christian and have a passion for reaching the lost and those far from God. I want a spouse with a heart for God and who desires to be a Godly husband and family leader." I love her heart! She enjoys traveling, going on mission trips, reading, singing ,shopping, decorating and being crafty.
She loves to stay active and go to the gym and attend Razorback games. She is simple,laid back, easy going and ALWAYS has a smile on her face!

One last thing about Whitnie, and I think this is the most important thing. When I approached Whitnie about doing this I also asked her about being single at 35 and this is what she had to say, "I have always believed that God has a perfect and wonderful plan for my life but NEVER imagined it included being single at 35. It is my heart's desire to be a wife and a mom and I know His timing and plan are perfect. God has been so good to me, teaching me to totally rely on Him and let his love alone fulfill me." Not only is she beautiful, talented and smart...she's also one of the wisest women I know.

If you would like to know more about Whitnie you can leave a comment here with your contact information or you can email her directly at whitnie.jones@yahoo.com

Pickin' Wildflowers

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:15:00 +0000

One of the things I have enjoyed the most about living out here is the creative things my kids come up with to have fun. What once was a crazy busy day filled with play dates and Mother's Day Out is now filled with sitting on the porch, looking at this:

A few weeks ago my aunt gave SB this wheelbarrow and told her it was to use in the garden. Once tomato season ended, she used it to roll through the field in front of the house and fill with wildflowers she picked.

We've had the privlelege of spending this week with Uncle Gabe, Aunt Cheryl and their kids Iassac, Julia, and Caleb. Iassac and SB are two peas in a pod. Although they are 4 years apart, they play very well together and often run off and spend the day together. It is so sweet to watch SB with her cousins. She hasn't said much, but I know it must be tough on a 3 year old to not have many friends in a new place. Since we have lived here for 10 months, she has not had ONE friend come over to play. This week she has been on cloud nine and I have been just as thrilled to watch her laugh and play for hours every day. She loves people and having a house full of them this week has been such a treat for all of us.

Slow and Steady

noreply@blogger.com (april) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:30:00 +0000

This business stuff is a lot harder than I expected and waaaaay more work than I was ready for! I am still enjoying it, just at a slower speed. I have thrown away a lot of "learning" projects over the past few weeks, but I am not giving up. I finally finished a dress my daughter has been begging for and I have been reluctant to make. Check out my Etsy shop and let me know what you think!

Small Town Girls

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:45:00 +0000

I finally have my business site up and semi-running. I still have some holes to fill but it is and probably always will be a work in progress. I have started sewing little clothes to help save some money so we can eventually move to town :) I don't have a ton of stuff in my shop yet but I am adding stuff weekly. I will have boy stuff too. Check out my new page and be a follower!

A Boy in The House

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:52:00 +0000

There's no denying that a little boy lives among us. Nathan has made his mark in this family as the cutest, most mischievous little boy! I do love him to pieces but raising him is going to be NOTHING like raising his sister. Evidence:

Somewhere there is a Barbie who's going nowhere


Stealing toys from sis's backpack


Sneaking on top of great granma's table

My children are a joy, but also a handful. They have adjusted so well to our move and are starting to feel like this is their home. I am another story, for another time :)

Humble Beginings

noreply@blogger.com (april) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:30:00 +0000

Everyone has to start somewhere. I have been spending the past few months trying to figure out how all this is going to work. I kept going back and forth about Etsy, blog, website, Facebook...and just became completely overwhelmed. I finally had to just take a step back and realize that this is not Macy's. I am not some kind of big time seamstress with a stack of orders. I'm just a girl who likes to sew clothes for my kid and thought others might like for me to one day sew something for their kid too.

So here I am. With a little bit of confidence in one pocket and some anxiety in the other, I finally listed 2 things in my Etsy shop. Again, everyone has to start somewhere, right? I am hoping to be able to add a few items per week to get some inventory and some sales. I don't have huge expectations right now and I am super excited about just having 2 things available! There is so much more worked involved in this than I anticipated but I am looking forward to what is to come.

My plans for this blog are to keep people updated on new listings on Etsy, what I'm working on, possibly some sewing tutorials or fun stuff I've found. I have met a ton of people in the small world of sewing that I may ask to do some guest posts too. I want this to be a place for people to not only be able to see my finished projects but to also see the process and some of the mishaps...and there have been some pretty funny ones so far!

I'd love to have you keep up with me here at Small Town Girls by subscribing to this blog. Just enter your email address on the left or you can follow along with Google Reader, or maybe you just want to leave a comment here...everyone has to start somewhere. :)

What is going on?

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:16:00 +0000

I have no idea what happened in the past 2 months...really. You would think living on this farm and as slow as life is, I would have all the time in the world to keep this blog going. The truth is...there's really nothing that exciting going on!

I spent the first weekend in March in Dallas with my grandmother, aunt and cousin. We had a great time catching up and visiting and my aunt got me started on this whole new health kick I've been on. My grandmother passed away at the end of March so Matt and I spent a few days in Longview and Jacksonville with family.

April was filled with lots of doctors appointments for all of us and a few trips to Little Rock. Matt was offered a job (finally) in Texarkana and we gladly accepted! We came here with the hopes of eventually moving to LR but once we were settled, the thought of moving to another new city and starting over was exhausting. I am thankful we are still here, although I would love to not be living with my mother in law still. I guess I should be glad we have a place to stay while we save.

In other news the kids are growing up like crazy. Nathan is walking and into EVERYTHING! I can't turn my head without him climbing on or getting into something. Sarabeth is growing up into such a little girl. She's just not a baby anymore. We sit together on the couch and have big girl conversations...it just kills me.

We found a church we love and moved our letter on Sunday. It was such a bittersweet moment for our family. Matt and I started our lives again at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston almost 5 years ago. Both of our kids started out in the nursery there and have grown to love that place just like a second home. Our hearts were torn when we knew God was moving us to a new beginning. After visiting for a few months, we knew Beech Street would be our new home. We are excited about what's in store for our church and how we will play a part. I'm anxious to get involved and watch God work through us.

Easter weekend Nathan started feeling bad so we took him in to the pedi on Monday and they admitted him to the hospital for observation. He ended up with bronchitis so he and I spent the next 2 days at St. Michaels. He was a trooper and did well...even through the tornado sirens and being moved to the hallway for an hour. That night we both just decided to stay awake until dawn! Everyone except me ended up getting sick that week. It looks like everyone is on the mend now and things are back to normal.

I am looking forward to getting my hair cut tomorrow, it's the little things. I also think I will treat myself to a pair of Yellowbox Flip Flops for Mother's Day, I think Sarabeth and Nathan would agree.

*I promise pictures to come (in case our family members were wondering)

Three.Six.Five

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 02:37:00 +0000

365 days ago I held my baby boy for the first time. I never would have guessed how different it would be to love a son. There is no way to explain the heart to heart connection, it's all in the experience and nothing could compare.

My sweet Nathaniel,
You have captured my heart in a way that just can't be put into words. Today you are one. One silly little boy with one little crazy smile and one cute belly laugh that melts my insides. You are so aware of how much you are loved by us all, but deep down I wonder if you really know how much I love you. I can only hope that by my actions, I can show you love the way God teaches us so that one day you will love like that in return to the ones you love (including your wife...boo hoo!)

Some of the things that I love right now is how you wrinkle your nose every time you laugh. How you get so excited that you just open your mouth and scream until nothing is left! How you jump up and down and squeal when I come into your room in the morning and anytime I pick you up from the church nursery. A few nights ago you let me rock you to sleep in my arms. You still love to be held and rocked and I will savor every moment of that. You still aren't walking but I'm not worried. You are a racing machine on all fours, I can barely keep up with you now.

You adore everything about your sister and you two are becoming such great friends. I can't wait to see how this year will bring you closer together.

I love you son and pray that God will pursue you so that you may know Him and follow after Him in all that you do. Happy Birthday Nathan Paul. You had my heart before you were ever born.

11 Months

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:30:00 +0000

Sweet Nathan,

Man what a handful you have become! You are into everything, everywhere, all the time and quicker than I can keep up with. You are the stinker! You love the fireplace, the media cabinet, under the sink cabinet, and your new favorite-the toilet! You have enough toys to keep you busy all day but you would rather play with anything else.

You just got over ear infection #8 and you are scheduled for tubes in your ears on Tuesday. Finally, maybe you will eat. At 22 pounds, I don't think you are starving but lately you have been spitting out anything I feed you besides Puffs! You sleep through the night most of the time but I think your ears just keep you from sleeping soundly.

We are still waiting for more teeth, you still only have 2 on the bottom and that is it. You have been super fussy the past few weeks and I keep thinking that new teeth are coming in any day but still no sign.

You have been waving bye bye for quite a few months now. You love to babble and say da- da for everything. You definitely have an attitude when it comes to getting what you want, especially went it comes to your sister. You want what she has no matter what it is and will let everyone know if you are not happy.

I love your sweet spirit-you are a lot like your sister in that way. I love coming into your room in the morning and after nap time to see your smiling face greet me. You giggle when you see me come in the room and squeal with happiness. I still rock you when I can but you prefer daddy to do that. No one can put you to sleep like he can.

You still are a little scared to walk. You are ready physically but as soon as you realize you are standing alone, you sit down and crawl-very fast too! I guess you realize you can get there quicker that way right now.

The ladies at BSF just adore you. I didn't take you this week because it was so cold and you had just gotten over a cold. The ladies were so sad! You are just a joy to be around all the time. I love you baby boy and cannot believe you will be 1 in just a few weeks!

Who's That Girl?

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:21:00 +0000

Sarabeth,
You have grown up so fast, some times I wonder just who are you?? You LOVE to laugh and make others laugh-especially Nathan. You have adjusted amazingly to having a little brother around. It melts my heart to see you reach over in the car and hold his hand, or calm him when he is upset. You are certainly the little mother.

This week we have started a Chore Chart for you and you have responded ok. It has made you more aware of the few things we'd like to see you do on your own, which was our intention as well as to add in some positive reinforcement to your day. You thrive on structure and I have struggled with providing that lately, however you are such a well adjusted child that you do well either way. You have gotten up every morning this week and brushed your teeth and dressed yourself without prompting or help. Last night you even went to bed without a word-that's a first!!

Your strong will has made for some fierce battles-including EVERYTHING! I only hope I can help you to use that as strong point and not a hindrance in your life. I stand my ground on issues that matter and chose not to tackle the things that don't. So far that's worked and you've learned that I am the boss and you will not win-ever. I love you enough to teach you to be respectful and loving.

Some of the things you say just crack me up. I love the way you ask for a "kissue" (tissue) when your nose is runny. I always just give you a kiss on the nose and you say "no mommy, a kissue FOR my nose, not on my nose".

We have started some preschool curriculum here at home and you have enjoyed it so far. I think you just love the one on one we get together, especially since little man is always into everything around you!

Sweet, sweet girl I love you more than I can say. I pray for you daily that you would grow up knowing the God that created you and longing to glorify him in all that you do. I pray for your husband one day and that he will be the God-fearing loving man that God intended him to be. Those days are so much more near than I even know. I am so thankful for this time I have to teach you the things of God's word and not the things of God's world. I love you much.

Mommy

Farm Life

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:32:00 +0000

Things are starting to feel a little less like a long vacation and more like...well not quite normal yet but we're working on that. Last weekend we made our last trip to Houston to get a few things from Matt's work storage. Sarabeth and Nathan had a chance to visit with a few friends on Saturday before we headed back.

Addy, SB, Ellie, Solly and Latham

The weather here is still pretty chilly so we have been spending a lot of time inside. Our days consist of staying in our PJ's for way too long, playing with lots of play-do, lunch, nap, computer time, more playing with toys, dinner, bath, bedtime and then Matt and his mom and I stay up playing dominoes. I can play a mean game of Moon now!

This week the sun has been peeking out so we have taken a couple of walks in the woods and ventured out to the swing set a few times. This land is beautiful and full of opportunities for adventures for Sarabeth and Nathan soon enough!

My weekly outing has been to BSF, however today we went into Texarkana to look around for a few shops I have had my eye on. One is a little sewing shop so I can get my fix when I need it! I also stopped by the cutest little kids consignment boutique as well. I ran into a girl I met at BSF last week, she is expecting her first baby in a few months, a little boy. It was so funny to run into someone I had just met but it made me feel good, kind of like I fit in even though I don't! The girl that owns the the little store obviously knew her and the other girl that walked in was friends with them too...just a tight little group of gals around here. Seems the only other place in town to shop for cute kids clothes is a place called Peas and Carrots. The deal is, all the fancy moms by their kids clothes there and then when they outgrow them, they take them to 2Sprouts and consign them. Score for me.

Other than that, we are just trying to adjust to life on the farm. I am (against everything in me) trying to find some good things about living out here. So far I have come up with this:

No need to get dressed in a hurry, no one is coming by
No need to dress fancy when I do get dressed since there isn't anywhere to go
A trip to town is both entertaining and worth the drive every time especially when I get in the line to check out and hear 2 middle aged country ladies talking about how so-in-so wears too much make-up and really needs to take a lesson in "blue is not a trendy eye shadow color"
No loud kids outside keeping you up at night-just coyotes
You can hog hunt, squirrel hunt, and deer hunt right off your back patio-that is only a plus if I actually did that

All joking aside (as if to suggest that the previous was even funny) I do enjoy the quietness of this place. My walks are always so beautiful and peaceful. If I ever wanted to be alone with God, this is the place. I am working hard on being forgiving-daily, even hourly. God is peeling back a few layers at a time and revealing to me my selfishness and self-righteous ways. I don't always look forward to the refining sessions I have with Him, but the outcome is something beautiful.

What we've been up to

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 20:38:00 +0000

Silly Face Contest with Mommy

"Not really sure how that snowball got in your face."

Chillin' (literally)

Frosty, Sarabeth was very concerned that we did not have a corn cob pipe for him

The past few weeks have certainly been an adjustment for our family. I am just now realizing how different life is going to be from now on. We have been enjoying the snow and Matt being home with us. He goes for his 2nd interview on Tuesday in Little Rock and we are all hopeful he gets the job and can start soon.

The kids are having a blast, although Sarabeth asks about her friends and her "house" frequently. I know it is just a matter of time before she makes this her home. I am trying to help with that but I know I must make that choice for our family before she is going to buy into it.

Life has defintely taken on a slower speed for us. We spend a lot of time at home, especially since the snow last week. Matt's mom took me and the kids into town yesterday to Lewisville which is about 20 minutes away. She showed us around the town square and then took us to meet her friends at Cafe 29-the only place to eat in town. There was only 1 thing on the menu-that's whats for lunch! It was kind of like going to someones house to eat! The place was full of regulars, the EMS team, local police from three surrounding towns, hunters, and the old ladies who about squeezed Nathan's cheeks off!

I am missing my friends the most and the luxury of being able to hop in the car and go "play" when we get cabin fever. One of the adjustments has been to be creative in finding ways to pass the time. Sarabeth and I have done lots of puzzles, read books, made a tent for her and Nathan, play-do time and we even started a little craft time each morning with a Bible lesson.

We are hoping to go to church on Sunday. Last week was too icy so we just watched it on TV instead. We are super excited about our friends coming to visit this weekend. This was supposed to be Matt's annual duck hunting weekend but with little water in the swamp, I think it will just be a fun weekend to hang out with friends and eat!

I am looking forward to what God has in store for us this season but it isn't going to be easy. My flesh is my biggest enemy and I know the only way I can adapt to this season and do it joyfully is to call upon the power of the Holy Spirit daily. I cannot do this alone. My daily prayer is that God would search my heart and make me obviously aware of the things I need to purge and that I would be stripped of all the things that would make me dependent on anyone or anything but Him. I want to live my life this year in a way where when I look back I would see a clear picture of God's perfect intervention and timing in all things. I want to be faced with the opportunities to only have the option to rely on God, and nothing else. "My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:2. How awesome to do life with Him who made heaven and earth.

10 Months

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:46:00 +0000

Well my efforts to get a picture of you with your little bear each month have ceased! With the holidays and moving, I can't seem to even remember what day it is. Nevertheless, you are still almost 1! This month we have enjoyed watching you cruise around the furniture and stand up on your own. You really want to walk but you just aren't quite sure yet. This was your first Christmas and we had a fun time watching you and your sister open gifts. You wanted everything your sister opened and you were more interested in the wrapping paper than what was inside.

We have started the process of moving to Arkansas and you have adjusted well so far. I was really sad to see your nursery go but you will have a fabulous big boy room soon enough! You still only have 2 little teeth on the bottom but I am sure more are coming as you have been extremely fussy the past few nights. You are a good eater and prefer baby food to formula any day. You still love your paci and sometimes you have one in your mouth and one in each hand.

We said goodbye to your MDO teachers this month, Ms. Faye and Ms. Suzie. We all had a good cry and they are going to miss you as much as we miss them! You are such a good baby for them and all the ladies at the nursery. I know they were sad to see you go too. You are a loved baby! I can't stand that you are growing so fast but I am enjoying each moment with you.

Love you much,
Mommy

9 Months

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 13:38:00 +0000

This month has been all about teething and being sick. Whoa, what a month! You just finished round 3 of antibiotics for a list of infections including 3 ear infections in the last 2 months. Next step, tubes-just like sister had. You have not been sleeping for anything! I finally saw your first tooth coming in last night-finally!

You are incredibly active, climbing and crawling on and in everything. You are learning to stand on your own. You are so proud of yourself once you realize what you are doing. You are sooo happy all the time. You love to be tickled and daddy knows right where to get you! You still adore your sister and watch her every move. She is so sweet to you most of the time:)

I love the way you light up a room. You are far from quiet, so everyone knows where you are at all times!

You love to rock, which I am grateful for. When you are super tired, you will let me rock you right to sleep. Getting you dressed is still a task we are perfecting! You can't be still for a second and it drives me crazy!

You've had some special time with daddy this month watching football and playing. He loves the fact that when he holds you, you sit still and chill. What's up with that buddy?

Sister gave you your first french fry this month, and of course you loved it. Other than that, you still only eat baby food and Puffs which you could eat a whole can of if I let you!

I am really enjoying the holidays with a little one again. Something about a baby and Christmas just seems right ;) You love our Christmas tree a little too much so we've had to really watch you. Thanksgiving was lots of fun with all the family at the farm. We also had a chance to visit with Mimi and Granpa and Paw Paw. You had a fun time with your cousins and enjoyed being outside in the leaves!

I do love everyday with you Nathan. You are such a well adjusted child and love people. You make waking up in the mornings such a joy. I love you much.

Mommy

3 Years Old

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 23:36:00 +0000

I have tons of pictures to post but this will have to do for now. My little baby girl turned 3 this month and it is killing me!

Birthday Pancakes

The much requested Castle Cake

Somebody is 3!

8 Months

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 23:30:00 +0000

It has been tough to keep up with this but I only have a few months left until my little man turns one so why stop now?

Little Nathan,

Daddy's babies

Just a few weeks ago, we left you and sister with Aunt Phyl and Aunt Peggy while mommy and daddy went on a beautiful (much needed) vacation to Wyoming. I was super nervous but you did great while we were gone. Only one trip to the doctor :( Looks like you had a double ear infection and needed lots of TLC from mommy when we got home.

You are surely getting more mobile if that is possible. I put you down and turn around and you are no where in sight! You eat about 2 jars of food each meal and still drink 4-5 bottles a day.

Making new friends with Lexa

You still wear 6-9 months but I can see you are about to need 9-12 any day now. You love to play and love your MDO teachers, Ms. Faye and Ms. Suzie. I love watching you grow and learn new things. You are so smart. It's so fun to watch you figure out how toys work. You've had a few falls recently. The start of many, I am sure.

Getting Daddy's food

You have the craziest hair so I just go with it.

I love that you still let me rock and sing to you when you are sleepy.

Your sister is still you best friend, but I am not sure she knows that.

Did not want to cooperate for pictures this time

I looking forward to the holidays with you and watching you with all your cousins. I love you little man, like nothing else!

7 months-almost 8!

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:03:00 +0000

Little boy,

You are growing into such a big boy. You have been crawling and climbing on EVERYTHING! We finally put up your baby gate this week, whew! Lots of changes came this month. You are standing up on anything you can grab a hold of. No teeth yet but you are a little drool monster. Some of the things you love:

your sister
Daddy's tickles
balls
climbing on anything
your backyard swing
mommy to sing
FOOD

Things you don't love:

the carseat or the stroller
diaper changes or clothes changes (this is a nightmare!)

You still have tummy issues and have extremely bad eczema but we just finally got you some medicine. You and sister both have a sinus infection and you have your first ear infection this week. The doctors still think you have some sort of food allergy so they took more blood this week to check.

Here are a few pictures from this month:

Sweet, sweet Nathan I love you so!

6 Months

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Just Like Daddy!

Happy Boy all the time!

You love the playroom!

6 Months

Big Sister helping out as always

You are pulling up on everything!

Sweet baby boy,

What an amazing 6 months! Nothing has brought me more joy this year than watching you grow and learn the world around you. You started crawling this week and you love to play with your sister's toys. She is gracious enough to share them, most of the time. She does adore you and the feeling is mutual. Sometime when you are crying, she is the only one that can calm you and make you laugh. You two are going to have so much fun together, and probably drive me crazy too!

You still aren't a big fan of solids, but we are working into them slowly. You are over the bouncy seat and are on to being on the floor and into everything. I had to finally put the rail up on the crib before you crawled out! We just had your 6 month check up and you weigh 16.9 lbs. You are wearing 6-9 month clothes and hardly ever wear shoes-much unlike your sister! You just started Mother's Day Out at our church and the ladies there just love you! You are such an easy baby too, so I'm sure they don't mind that. Just a few things I love about this stage:
You get so giddy when you see your bottle-and you want to feed yourself every time!
Anything can make you smile
You are a squirmy thing when I try to change your diaper-it's almost impossible!
You are so proud of the fact that you can cruise across the room to get what you want!
Even though you are growing so much, you still let me hold you, snuggle and put you to sleep on my shoulder! I love you to pieces.

Love,
mommy

Pig Sooie

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:07:00 +0000

In high school I was a crazy FSU fan. I loved anything Florida State-including the cute quarter back Casey Weldon. I never knew much about football, but always wanted a team to cheer on. I soon fell in love with and married a Hogs fan and by default became a fan myself. My father in law coached football for 20 something years and Matt and his brother Jake played football well into college. So it was no surprise that our fall seasons would revolve around game schedules. Don't get me wrong, I love football. Matt and I even used to go on dates to Friday night games in the area. Nothing is more exciting than a good game with friends and family.
Here is one of the newest fans showing off her hog calling skills, thanks to her Uncle Jake.

5 months

noreply@blogger.com (April) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:03:00 +0000

Little Nathan,
You are a giggle monster! These are some of my favorite times with you! You have several tickle spots and your sister can make you laugh like no one else. You are rolling over everywhere and talking up a storm. It does seem cliche' but these 5 months have flown by! You still aren't a great sleeper at night, about 6 hours but I'm ok with that. I love seeing your smiling face every time I walk into your room. You just had a check up and you weigh 14 lbs and are 22 inches. You are short and stocky, like your grandpa Owens and great grandpa Landes. You are trying to sit up but a little top heavy still! You love to play in the floor, especially when your sister will sit and entertain you. You are grabbing at everything and are starting to grab your cute little feet! I've tried giving you some solids but they just all end up on the floor-but that's ok-we're still experimenting. You know I can't wait to see you grow up but right now I am just loving you to pieces.

Love, Mommy