the broadus bunch

Simplify.

2012-02-22T13:03:00.000-06:00

the past 2.5 weeks have been chaotic.

We had Adoption Classes m-f 5:30-8:30, 45 minutes away from our house 2 weeks ago. then last week we had revival at church. Both were a blessing and much needed but BOY did it cause havoc on our house. Its a big ole mess right now.

So, I have decided to join in with "White House Black Shutters" and do 40 bags in 40 days. I am really hoping I can do this. The hardest part of being a working mom is the few hours a day we are actually at home. So I am saving the big stuff for weekends and hoping to knock it all out!

I have such a desire to have a simply life. All the clutter and such just drives me crazy. I am going to do my best to "rid" of it all. Who knows...I might even open the garage full of good picks and have a sale.

We will see!

In other news, I would like to introduce you to our newest family member, Minnie.

Minnie is our newest rescue. Todd and I are huge animal lovers. We currently have 2 cats and 3 dogs living at our house. Plus we have 3 more with my parents. Minnie was dropped off in Todd's work parking lot (as was Roger) She is the sweetest little dog. She minds well, sleeps through the night, doesn't run off if she isn't on her leash, doesn't chew on things..her only fault is she will not potty train. So it looks like we will be going to obedience school.

Rescue dogs make the best pest! If you are thinking about getting a pet, I highly suggest adopting one.

Looks like we are going to need a new family photo.

Momma, it wiggles.

2012-02-20T09:25:00.000-06:00

This weekend we took a trip to Mobile to visit Todd's dad, stepmom, and grandmother. We haven't seen them in over a year and they were down for Mardi Gras, so we decided to pack up the car and join them.

We hadn't been in Mobile 45 minutes when Madyson came to me and said, my tooth hurts. Figuring she had bumped her mouth playing or she was getting a cavity, I said, "Well let me see". I was looking in her mouth and I asked her "where?" and she pointed to her little bottom tooth. When I touched it, it moved!

I didn't say anything and she responded with "Momma, It wiggles!!!" This is a huge deal for her. I didn't loose my first tooth til 2nd grade, so I was assuming my children would be the same, and stay babies forever. Boy, was I wrong!

Within 20 minutes of discovering the loose tooth, it was dangling on a string of floss.

The Tooth fairy came to visit. Leaving $2 for her first tooth. She was so excited to "sell" her "old" teeth.

My baby is now a kid. and yes, I cried.

Our annual love day.

2012-02-18T08:26:00.000-06:00

This year's love day was alot different than the past few years. In 2010, we saw a wreck, that ended in death...missed nap...melted down before dinner..you can read it here Love day 2010. Then on
Love Day 2011 we were suffering from the flu :(.

This year however, we seemed to make it through the day. I woke early and prepared the girls favorite simple breakfast (eggs and pancakes) they woke up to happy treats of a tshirt, shaky cup, candy, and suckers. After breakfast they got dressed and went to school for their valentines parties.

After their parties we headed to walmart to pick up a few things for Aubrie Kate's birthday party! (I can't wait for you to see it!!!) Here is my "crew" at walmart. I make them all ride in the buggy to prevent someone ki*nappin* them. (have you seen that video??)

They came home and ate alot of candy, then the 4 of us went to our favorite spot to have dinner. Pizza Hut. We are always the only ones in there and they get the whole play area to themselves. (Plus dinner is under 17$ bucks for all of us ;)

Todd got off work and met us at church and we attended a life action service. It was a great way to spend our Love day.

Happenings

2012-02-16T08:23:00.002-06:00

Life Action is over. I am so sad. I really do enjoy coming to church everyday and being fed the word of God. Once they leave, its reality and I know have to do it own my own. I can though.

The greatest thing about Life Action is last night, my dad was in church. Its been a long time since he sat in church for something other than a funeral, wedding, or musical performance. I was so happy he was there.

There has been alot going on in our family so lets catch up, shall we? and excuse the terrible phone photos, my big camera is in todd's truck and I keep forgetting to get it out!

Madyson and her class had a field trip to the Rodeo. Then they had a "Cowboy Lunch" afterwards.

Aubrie Kate had a school music class "parent's day" she loves singing and music.

Finally, after 2 years of praying, wrong roads, etc. Todd and I have completed our 15 hours of adoption training, turned in all paper work, been fingerprinted, and tested for TB.

Next we have our homestudy update then it will be baby time. We have a prospective mom, but we are also looking into the foster system at ages 2 and under. No decisions have been made, because we haven't felt a direct answer from God on which way to go. We knew though we had to finish all this first.

These are my new obsession. I adore them. I also like the smore flavor. great for a quick snack.

We survived valentines day! more on that saturday. Here are the valentines I made for Aubrie's class. Thank you Pintrest!

This weekend we are taking a quick get-a-way to visit Todd's dad, stepmom, and brother. We are excited about our little road trip!

Glory: Life Action post #2

2012-02-14T13:11:00.002-06:00

Last night Steve & Jeremiah both taught. I really enjoyed Jeremiah's lesson on Glory. And have decided to share my notes from it.

What is Glory? When God's holy life goes public. Lesson from Jeremiah 13:1-11

Questions asked:

Do you understand your responsibility when you call yourself a Christian? To do it all in the Glory of God. To Honor Him, To put nothing before him.

What is an idol? Anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God.

Jeremiah then asked us, "what is an idol in your life?" Immediately a word popped into my head. I said to myself.."no, thats not an idol."

He gave the diagram of: When you Refuse to Listen ->you become stubborn ->which leads you to create idols ->and makes your life worthless.

He gave the illustration of standing in front of a mirror and said, "Whatever is in front of you is what you will reflect." I began to think of how many time I have watch a popular reality tv show that is about singles throwing themselves at a man..is that what I want to reflect? Or how about being too busy in the morning to sit down with God, first thing. An idol?

Jeremiah then said, "I asked you earlier what was an idol in your life. I am sure something popped into your head, and you said to yourself no...thats not an idol"

So he gave a list:
~Work: do you work more than you spend time with God?
~Kids: do you spend so much time being a good mom, you lack the time to be a Godly mom?
~Marriage: Do you value your spouse more than God?
~TV: Do you watch more television than you spend time with God?
~Shopping: Do you spend more on stuff than you give to your church?
~Eating: Do you invest time into food when others are hungry?
~Money: Do you store away money while your church needs help providing?
~Reputation: Do you value your reputation as a "good Christian"? It takes more than showing up for worship, going to Sunday School and tithing to be a Christian.
~Fear: Does your fears control you?

At the end of the service he asked us to write down that word(s) that was our idol. And then he asked us, if we felt led, to come and place it on the alter and give it to God. I took my word down, prayed and asked God for his guidance in this matter.

What are your idols?

Life Action post

2012-02-13T12:32:00.002-06:00

This week, we have the pleasure of hosting Life Action at our church. They were here last year and I took away so much from their teachings. We have alot of friends that have moved or on mission trips and are missing this week, so I am posting my notes from each lesson. They will not be in order of how they were taught to us, but I will do my best to post them all.

Our first lesson is from 2/12 pm service. Steve taught about "The sport of fools"

We as humans, find it normal to look at our life and compare it to others. I spoke about coveting a few weeks ago, and this lesson, spoke words to me. Here are the steps that he discussed how we become discontent with our lives.

*Discontentment: A lack of gratitude for what God has provided.*
Discussion from 2 Corinthians 10:12 & Psalm 73

I. Comparison: we compare us to them.
a. Home: examples: They are building a new home, our house is small, we need a big home...even if we can't afford it.
b. Mate: examples: we see their spouse at their best and ours at their worst. Then we compare the two.
c. Finances: examples: I would love to go on a European vacation like them, but we can't afford it. We can't even pay our bills. I bet they never have that problem. It must be nice to be rich.
d. Clothes: examples: I can't wear these shoes! They are old and ugly. I wish I had shoes like hers.
e. Acceptance: examples: She is so outgoing, and has lots of friends. I don't fit in anywhere, I don't belong to anyone.
f. Marital Status: examples: Why am I still single and my little sister is engage? why did my marriage fail and theirs work?
g: Parents: examples: I wish my parents had of done that for me. Why does my dad wear black socks with sandals?
h: Future: Never in a million years will my life be as good as theirs.

II.Complain: Ways we whine.
a. Negative: When you are always negative eventually you become...
b. Angry: and after being angry for so long you just become....
c. Bitter

III.Criticize: Your spouse, your boss, your friends, your children....

IV. Condemn
a. Assume negative (the worst about a situation)
b. Judgmental
c. Gossip

Steve shared a story about a family whose 5 year old was diagnosed with leukemia. Instead of the family going into the initial meeting with the doctors having a "why me" attitude. They decided to "Make God look good in all circumstances". Throughout treatment dr.'s and nurses commented on how great their outlook was. And they shared that it was because of the Lord. How often do we allow God to look good in all circumstances?

How can we fix our discontentment?

I. Confess
a. Specific areas
b. self pride
c. the need to rejoice

II. Change your focus
a. yourself
b. pride
c. others
d. insecurities

at the end he challenged us to get in groups of 3/4 and talk about where we have discontentment in our lives and to pray that God helps us remove these. I was in a group with some of the older members of our church. We shared, then I led the prayer. I am not a group prayer (hard to believe with as much as i like to talk...) but I felt God saying, "let go of your pride, and speak to me, just like you do when its just us."

Working Mom

2012-02-10T13:16:00.001-06:00

I am taking a break from Fun Friday to talk about my life as a Working Mom (for Kelly's Show Us Your Life) I am the mom to two wonderful little girls Madyson (5) Aubrie (3) and my husband and I are in the domestic adoption process for our precious #3.

I have been a working mom for all but 6 months of my children's life. At the beginning I worked insane hours, climbing the ladder of success, and state hopping for meetings just to fulfill my goal of becoming a successful woman.

Then God grabbed a hold of me and took me on a wild rollercoaster. He snatched the reins of life out of my hands and planted me in the church that I grew up in. (Feel Free to Read all of 2009 post to see the plan of God unfold infront of your eyes)

I have been apart of this team since June of 2009. And I am so thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to work at a place that understands family is most important and doesn't make me feel guilty for being a mom. I might not make as much money as I did before, but the ability to have lunch with my kids, bring them to work, and be off with them when needed is worth more than money.

So here is our daily schedule.

6am: wake up/shower.
6:30am: wake kids up, feed them breakfast, get myself dressed
6:45am: get them dressed, teeth brushed, hair done, etc.
7:15am: Dad leaves for work
7:30am: Drop madyson off at school
7:45am: Drop Aubrie Kate off at Preschool
8:00am: arrive at work. Have quiet time with the Lord/coffee.
8:30-2pm: Work
2:00pm: Leave work to pick up Aubrie Kate from Preschool
2:17pm: get in carrider line
2:30pm: Madyson gets in the car
2:45pm: Home/ Snack Time
3:00-4:00pm: Play outside or Movie if its raining
4:00-5:00pm Homework, read book for AR, get lunch ready for the next day, pack backpack for next day
5:00pm: start dinner. Girls Play
6:30pm: Todd gets home from Work and we eat dinner
8:00pm: Girls get in bed

On Mondays both girls have ballet from 4:15-5:45 so we do homework and such while the other is in dance class. Then we go to Family Bible Study at 6:30 were we finish homework, and study together.

On Wednesday Nights: we have Church so we eat dinner at the church then have service and such.
One Thursday Night a month: Madyson has girl scouts, Aubrie tags along.
and starting this Spring, Aubrie will be playing T Ball.

Our life gets very chaotic sometimes. Todd's work doesn't allow for him to miss alot, so when he is off, we stop whatever (including missing dance...etc) to be a family. That is the most important.

A few things that help me is:
1) we have a family calender where I write out everything for that month. It is positioned in our pantry for all to see.

2) We do everything for the next day before dinner. Picking out clothes, getting bags ready, etc. that way in the mornings we aren't rushing around. NONE of us are morning people so it helps alot.

3) We keep a chalk board in our kitchen that we write out grocery needs, things that need to be done around the house etc. we all help out on this so its not just one persons responsibility.

4) Stopping when I see fit. I do not care if we are at every dance class. Sometimes, life is too much and the girls need a break. By not trying to be everywhere at all times, it helps us relax and breath.

Thanks for visiting the Broadus Bunch! We would love to have you join us as a follower so you can keep up with our crazy life!

growing up

2012-02-09T10:44:00.001-06:00

Madyson is growing up so much right now. We are well into our 2nd half of kindergarten and I am seeing such a huge change in her. She adores school. I have no doubt in my decision to send her to school, and public school at that. She has 2 amazing teachers and she honestly looks forward to going each and every day.

In January, she started the Accelerated Reader program. She loves to read and I find I can no longer spell out words to Todd, because she will sound them out and catch me.

Her handwriting is slightly better, she is def. my child when it comes to writing. We do not boast at having good penmanship, ever.

Spiritually, I can see her growing more in Christ each day. Yesterday, her heart blew Todd and I out of the water. At school, if they stay on the green light they get a treat at the end of the day. Madyson had a snicker bar (her favorite) she got in the car and proceeded to tell me all about her "SNEEKER bar" then her sweet friend that rides with us, said "I didn't get one because I was talking". Me, not thinking much about it said, "well thats okay buddy, you can get one tomorrow" Just then, madyson spoke up. "Here, you can have mine. Its a sneeker bar, its peanuts and caramel and chocolate, its my favorite, but I want you to have it." She then, turned her snicker bar over to her friend and sat back and was okay with her decision. My heart stopped. My five year old, has been listening. We have been talking alot about Grace in our house. The definition we use is "getting something great that you don't deserve" She deserved the candy bar, because she stayed on green. But because her friend did not, she shared her "something great" with him.

I was so moved by her decision and attitude. I told Todd about it and he just hugged her and told her how awesome she was. On the way home from Adoption Class last night, we stopped at the store and bought her a bag of mini snickers. When we got home, we explained how proud we are of her for showing grace to her friend. How she made us happy and God happy, just by using her heart. we presented her with the bag of snickers and told her these were not a reward for showing grace, these were a gift from us to her, because we are proud of her achievements in school. She was elated and ate one at that moment.

While all of the above sound fabulous, she is dealing with the pressures of "mean kids" at school. She wears glasses, has eczema and has dark arm hair (like her Italian momma). The arm hair thing, I totally relate to. I was made fun of alot for having more hair than normal girls. I was called things like Hairy Goat, Wooly, and other hurtful names. My mom would say, "your hair is beautiful"..um no mom, its weird. So right now, we are learning how to cope with hurtful words. I feel the urge to bop little kids on the head, but instead I remind her that God carefully creates each of us. He designs our eyes, our skin..he knows the number of hairs on our head...and I am sure he knows the number on our arms as well. We talk about how he doesn't make mistakes and sometimes children see "differences" in others and use that to hurt them. But thats because they haven't been taught how to love everyone, despite their differences.

She is growing and learning and understanding. My baby is no longer a baby, but a child. and a wonderful one at that.

Weekend and crazy weeks ahead

2012-02-07T13:08:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the world of overbooked/crazy weeks. and YES...i know I did this to myself.

First the weekend.

Saturday morning Madyson had a girl scout activity. It was lesson of Zink the Zebra. Zink teaches us to love each other regardless of our differences. She had a great time. While we were at Girl Scouts, Aubrie Kate was hanging out with Todd's Mom, and Todd was at work!

After our morning we went and met grandmomma and aubrie kate at Corner Bakery for lunch. The kids love going there, as do I.

Once we ate all of our lunch, we headed to Target to pick up a birthday gift for a friend. We drove home in the monsoon and then Todd and Aubrie jumped in the car to head to a birthday party. Madyson and I stayed home and made our grocery shopping list.

When Todd and Aubrie Kate got home from the party, we all headed out to Sams & Kroger to get stuff for our Super Bowl Party. (which, I have NO pics of :(

Sunday Morning we got up, went to church, taught our classes first hour, second hour we worked the preschool hall. Then we went home to get ready for our party. we had 24 of our sweet friends and their babies over! The house was full, the food was off the charts, the fellowship was great. I love our friends!

This week Todd and I are in adoption classes Monday-Friday. We are so excited to be marking this step off of our to-do list. The classes are in Vicksburg, which is 40 minutes away from our house, so we have to drive there and back. But whatever gets us closer to our little one!

This weekend is LIFE ACTION! if you remember last year I blogged about the revival we had at our church. We enjoyed it so much and are so glad they are coming back this year! Saturday they will be doing a "Home Life Cafe" that discusses Marriage...Finances, etc. If you are in the Jackson area, I would LOVE for you and your spouse to come! Childcare is provided its 9am-1pm. Let me know, and you can sit with us!

Next week we will be doing revival until wednesday and then *hopefully* a little road trip during the weekend! Plus both girls have field trips and valentines parties! (and yes, I am homeroom mom for BOTH!)

WHEW....are you as tired as I am?

one last bit. Madyson sold 408 boxes of girl scout cookies! I am so proud of her!

Fun Friday! The Ellen Show

2012-02-03T13:28:00.000-06:00

The Ellen Show is one of the Broadus' favorite shows! The kids and I dance along in the afternoons then Todd and I watch the DVR show at night!

The best part are the audience dancing before the show! Todd says this would be me.

11 things

2012-02-01T12:36:00.000-06:00

To help you get threw your hump day. My eleven things.

11 Random Things About Myself

1. I secretly want to have a blog alias so I can write about BIG things: politics, laws, etc.

2. I am working on going totally vegan. This is a slow process. Right now I am cutting cokes out of my diet. 1 a day is my allowance. This is a choice I have to make for myself.

3. My biggest regret in life is NOT going to culinary school. Stupid nursing school.....

4. I am the worst speller, grammar user EVER.

5. I teach first grade Sunday School and adore it. My kids are the most remarkable learners.

6. I sit at work jamming out to Glee soundtracks (in my headphones of course)

7. As stated in the previous post, I hate socks. It has to be below 20 for me to wear them.

8. My reading has been blah lately. I am having a hard choice deciding what to read.

9. I haven't watched home improvement shows on diy since the kitchen remodel. Still recovering.

10. However, I love me some nate berkus.

11. I am planning a junking trip to alabama soon.(p.s) this is my 400th post!

11 Questions to Answer:

1. What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
Tori & Dean Home Sweet Hollywood.

2. Name one song that you like to jam out to that is totally embarrassing.
probably vanilla ice, Ice Ice Baby...I rapped it, on stage, at a club once, in front of people.

3. Where do you want to send your kids to school? Public/private/homeschool?
For now, its public schools. We have an amazing district with awesome teachers. We are the random family that lets our kids pick. Madyson adores going to school and her friends. But if a situation ever arose that she asked to be homeschooled, we are prepared for that as well.

4. One food you will never grow tired of?
Quesadillas. I love them and eat them everywhere.

5. What is your favorite Pinterest search?
I love repurposing pins. Finding new use for old things.

6. Did you order Girl Scout cookies? If so what kind?
Yes! Since madyson is a girl scout we ordered alot. a few of each. We love them all.

7. What color do you decorate with most?
Blue & Green

8. Which store is a total guilty pleasure?
Target

9. What are your favorite baby names?
we have alot. but i am not sharing :)

10. What is your dream home vision?
country chic.

11. Is your current job your dream job?
I love what I do. I wouldn't say it is my dream job, because that would be being a wedding planner for Disney. But I do enjoy what I do. I love the people I work with and the atmosphere.

Feel free to participate!

Strong Willed and Spirited

2012-01-31T11:50:00.000-06:00

If you follow me on twitter you know that I tweet a lot about the strong willed child that lives at my house. At times she is the most precious, loving creature and others I wonder how she belongs with us. Todd, my adoring husband, is always quick to humble me and remind me that she is MY daughter.

The past few days, her "spirit" has been making me question what I am doing wrong. As I was ready to throw in my towel, Kelly posted this post by Lisa TerKeurst and bam it hit me.

Growing up, my strong-willed self made my mother insane. She didn't understand why I couldn't do it the way she wanted it done. Why I had to make everything a production, even the simple things like wearing socks.

I believe her best parenting advice story stems from when I was around Aubrie Kate's age. Every morning my mom would get me ready for daycare and I would fight her because the seam in the socks hurt and I didn't wont to wear socks (random fact#1 still hate socks) she was at her whits end when finally my daycare teacher said, "well, why does she need to wear socks?" At that moment, I believe my mom learned its okay to pick and choose battles. Why did I need to wear socks? My shoes fit, they didn't hurt, it wasn't cold. Why fight everyday over socks?

She allowed me to go to school, without socks and guess what? I turned out just fine.

Over the following years my mom had to face the "sock battle" on more than one occasion. She wanted me to be a cheerleader, I did it, despised it, quit it. It killed her, but why did I need to be a cheerleader?

She wanted me to be a nurse, I studied, I tried, I hated it, and it hated me. My lack of compassion confirmed I would be committing my life to a career where I had no freedom to be myself. I will always remember the conversation I had with my parents when I told them I was going to study "Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations" They were baffled by that idea. My dad's exact words were "So someone is going to pay you to communicate? In public?"

The biggest one was when she found out Todd and I were getting married/already married. She didn't see what I saw. I had spent my life in relationship with people (and yes, serious relationships) that pleased my parents. Socially acceptable young men, who had promising futures and could one day provide a better life for me than imagined. I, chose the guy who worked with me at a restaurant, who had dropped out of college, who had long dyed hair, and earrings. It was totally "un-OK" with her that I was making such a huge decision based on something as simple as Love.

My mother begged for prayer from her friends. All which are wonderful Godly women. She needed them at that time and they prayed her through it all.

Fast Forward a few years and now I sit as the mother of the strong willed child. I find myself wondering, "what am I going to do with her?" I call on my friends to pray for me as I go about parenting a child with such a big personality. I find myself having the "sock battle" all over again but with roles reversed.

After reading Lisa's article I am planning on taking a different approach. Do not pray for Aubrie Kate to understand me and my goals for her. Pray for me to raise a child that grows into a God-honoring Adult. If you can do that for me, I promise to do that for you. Just comment below, and I will add you to my list. At least you know if we run into each other in the mall, and our children are naked, dancing in the fountain, I wont judge you but hug your neck and say, "one day, they will make a huge impact on the world. Hopefully with clothes on :)"

A little publication

2012-01-31T08:21:00.003-06:00

We were featured in a little publication this month. Southern Child Magazine is a magazine with the theme of adoption! See page 20 for our little feature!

weekend in pictures...

2012-01-30T11:48:00.000-06:00

This weekend was a wedding weekend for me! I had the privilege of coordinating the ceremony of my friends Ken & Bridget. We went to high school together, then life took them different paths, then FINALLY they figured it out and got "hitched" :) So Friday Night I had their rehearsal and All day Saturday was wedding stuff. But luckily, Miss Madyson knows how to document the weekend.

Here are some camera photos she took.

Well, this is an aubrie photo. Madyson in her new glasses. She has 6 more months of wearing glasses til we can say she is healed from surgery! she picked out some new fushia frames. (notice the mess in the background...thats just a little bit. apparently when mommy is away, all the junk/toys comes out. Our house is a disaster right now)

This is our Mudroom! We have this tiny little space between the garage and the kitchen. It use to house the extra fridge (where the chair is) and all the cabinets were dark brown. Well we removed the doors, added shelves, paint, and some accessories and here is our new mudroom. Total Cost $0. we had everything we needed. the green isn't that intense...i think its just the camera.

On Sunday, after church we had some errands to run. We stopped by Grandmommas bc she bought Ken a new outfit. (we only have one ken and he is old school and all his clothes are gross) well. We put on the outfit and those are some SKINNY cords. Apparently New Ken is alot slimmer than the 90's version. Madyson and I BOTH agreed no man, plastic or real, should have pants that tight.

We went by TJ MAXX so I could pick up my Rachel Ray pot.

Then we came home and worked more. Todd is out finishing the pallet wood for the pallet wood wall treatment.

Busy weekend. But fun! Next weekend Madyson has a girl scout outing, Todd has to work, and Aubrie is spending time with Grandmomma!

Fun Friday: "Ninjy Chop"

2012-01-27T10:08:00.000-06:00

Being from the South I can always enjoy redneck humor. This video was shown to me yesterday by a fellow coworker.

You got your Judy Chop, Your Kungfu Chop, and Your Ninjy Chop.....

A pintrest project

2012-01-26T10:33:00.003-06:00

We go through headbands at our house like we do toilet paper. Both girls adore headbands but take them off and throw them down bc they had no wear to store them. (the bin labeled "headbands" under the sink wasn't cute enough) So I searched Pintrest for a headband organizer and found this:

Source: organizingmadefun.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

It is an Oatmeal Container with Modge Podge Scrapbook paper on top. simple. free. easy.

So I asked Madyson to pick out a piece of scrapbook paper out of the craft box and she came to me with 3. "I want them all..." well okay, its your headband holder. I did the Modge Podge (which if you haven't ever used it is a fancy glue) and she "designed" what she wanted it to look like. we let it dry over night and the next morning....WhaLa!

the greatest thing? You can store hair elastics, brushes, clippies, etc. inside. So a free project...a recycled project...an organized project!

To see what else we are pinning!!!

How Does She Do It?

2012-01-25T12:47:00.001-06:00

Last night Todd and I watched "I don't know how she does it" with Sarah Jessica Parker. I thought it would be a relaxing film that I could watch before bed and maybe have a few laughs. What it turned into was a big case of Mommy Guilt.

I have been suffering Mommy Guilt since we returned home from California. I LOVED being home everyday. Even though here there isn't snow covered mountains to play on...I still adored waking up everyday and doing whatever. (And for those who have read this blog since the beginning...you know thats NOT me!)

I adore my job(s), I love working, I love meeting goals, planning events, being a go getter, a people pleaser, a hard working, "working mom". I adore it all. But lately, it hasn't been my heart. Being home, with my kids...has been my heart.

So in the movie (if you haven't seen it) SJP works for a big bank doing fancy financial things...she has to jet set across the country multiple times a week all while trying to maintain life at home. Her and her husband have 2 kids and at one point in the movie they both get big projects at the same time. When she is being "mom" she has to do the mom things...bake sales, birthday parties....all while trying to make sure the "super" mommies don't realize...she bought that pie...

At times I feel like this. Well all the time. I have this image of myself, in my head, that I have it all together. I work M-F 8am-2pm. at 2 i leave to go get the kids from school then we have afternoon activities like ballet, choir, girl scouts, and now...T-Ball, then we come home..I cook dinner. Todd gets home at 6:45 we eat, do homework, take a bath, get everything ready for the next day, go to bed by 9:45 then start the whole day over again....Same Routine. On weekends I have been trying not to plan things for us to do, but I do have 2 other part-time jobs that play apart of our lives 1x every 3-6 months...

So what does this mean for our family? Well nothing really. Not unless someone has a work at home job that pays what I get paid at the church. 2 incomes are a must. #Bought.old.house.must.fix.it.up
But I have been sharing life on this blog for years, and I want to continue doing so. Who knows, God put working at this church for a reason. I am still trying to figure out what reason. But I know He has plans. Plans that will surprise me, delight me, and make me go...OOOHHHHH. Just thankful for the opportunity to work in a place that understands what "family" means.

Fun Friday: The "Bark" Side

2012-01-20T10:01:00.001-06:00

A sneak peek at an upcoming Super Bowl commercial. Since the Saints and my future son-in-law Tim Tebow isn't playing...the commercials are the only thing worth watching...

just cruising by

2012-01-19T13:16:00.002-06:00

Life is just life right now, which I guess is a good thing. This past weekend I spent time clearing out clutter so we can finally get our life on track again. Todd and the girls hung out, went to the movies, had some great D&D Time. This week has been one thing after another...dance, lifegroup, choir, girl scouts (cookies go on sale saturday)...We are just cruising by.

We did have a bit of excitement last week in the form of an email. But all I can tell you right now is just to pray, that God's Will, will be done. I haven't heard anything else so I am just sitting and waiting, patiently Lord.

Other than than...Life is just life. I wish I had more to report. I promise though, tomorrows Fun Friday is a good one :)

Fun Fridays! #1Shake what your momma gave you

2012-01-13T12:24:00.001-06:00

Fun Fridays! 2012 Fridays will be dedicated to something fun I have found via the web! Today's pick is Brian's surprise Dance for his Bride! I am sure they will live happily ever after, and have tons of fun throughout marriage!

California (part 3): The Family

2012-01-12T10:00:00.001-06:00

Alot of people have asked if we have family in California. And yes we do! ALOT of them!
Like I said before, this trip was a gift (A VERY WONDERFUL GIFT) from Todd's Stepdad and his mom. His Stepdad's (but we just call him Grandaddy) sister and her husband and son live in June Lake. We stayed with them on this trip. But also my biological dad, his wife, my two brothers and my sister and her girls all live in California as well!

I was so excited when I found out BioBob and Paula and my WONDERFUL little brothers were coming up from SouthernCali to visit before Christmas. They were there 3 days and It was wonderful to see them.

me and my oldest little brother, Tristen :)

Me and Bob! the morning they were leaving

Me and Paula! I love Paula, she is the sweetest person in the world

Also on this trip, I had the chance to meet my sister Renea for the first time! Renea and I are a year apart (shes older...but I am taller :) She and I have the same Mom. It was so great getting to meet her and my nieces! One thing you don't realize as an adopted child is what its like to look like someone. Renea and I look the most alike out of all my sibilings (there are 6 of them! 3 older and 3 younger). Same Eyes, Same Chin, Same mole...just in a different spot. Both little, high voices.

This is Renea with the girls. We went to eat dinner the night she arrived and this was "dessert"

Aubrie Kate and Kenna. They are a few months apart.

Me and Renea. I look rough, we had been to the Ghost Town earlier that day (more on that tomorrow)

The big sisters McKenzie and Madyson

2 sisters with their 2 girls.

Family is such an important part of my life. I am truly blessed to be an adopted child, who had an wonderful family growing up, and now as a grown up I have the opportunity to have my biological family in the mix as well. Best of Both worlds!

California Girls (and Todd) Christmas in California

2012-01-11T13:47:00.002-06:00

Christmas Morning the girls were all snug in the bed! Until Momma came in and flashed the camera :)

Then it was up to see what Santa delivered! And to open presents with the family!

The girls got lots of fun stuff!

Aubrie's favorite was this dollie and ....

Her rapunzel dress....

and all her lalaloopsy stuff! This was a fun Christmas with her

We all sang Jingle Bells as we opened gifts!

After all the gifts were open, we headed into Yosemite National Park for a day of play!

Then after our hike, we cleaned up and had an amazing Christmas Dinner!

California Girls! (and Todd) part 1

2012-01-10T12:35:00.003-06:00

We left on a jet plane for California on Dec. 17th! This was Aubrie's first trip on a plane and she loved the entire thing! Our plans for the trip were to Have fun, Rest, get back to normal, and make snow angels. We succeeded at all of these.

We (the girls and I) attempted to snowboard. Daddy Broadus is an expert, and he loves it. His little mini-me (madyson) took after him. She had a great time going up and down the mountain with her trainer.

after her first run down the mountain!

Aubrie Kate....Well, lets just say within the first 2 hours she had pitched 2 of the biggest fits because she didn't like the helmet and hated the boots. They didn't match. She was removed from ski school and spent the rest of the vacation doing all sorts of things...

Aubrie loved playing in the igloo

madyson...waiting. Aubrie Kate having a break down over non matching accessories.

being a speed bump for all who were skiing down the mountain.

And Momma? well momma tried to snowboard. It was entertaining for all. I could do it really good, but I couldn't stop. And that is a BIG part of it.

So after breaking my tailbone(not really, but it felt like it) I opted to spend my ski lift money on something that will last me a lifetime...

=) It was on sale, like a good sale! and I love it! We ate a ton of good food, and we all show from it.
The girls and I were awed with the scenery

God does some amazing work!

Tomorrow...Christmas in California. Santa even came to visit :)

Well...Crumbles

2012-01-09T10:46:00.004-06:00

Source: kristanlynn.com via Sweet on Pinterest

Keep Calm. I have tried for 2 weeks to post our California blog. But it will not post. I have purchased more memory space, I have deleted pictures...I have tried it all and nothing. I will continue to work and you might get a christmas update in february!

Right now, I wanted to share a little bit of married life with you.

During the recovery of "the miscarriage" Todd and I did not talk. I couldn't talk without crying and he didn't understand why. Communication is a strong part of our relationship but for weeks it was like living with a stranger (for him) It wasn't until a few days before we left for vacation did I finally spill my emotions.

During vacation Todd went into total caregiver mode. He works alot when we are home (80+ hours a week...Thanks Enterprise RAC) and he doesn't get to always be the husband I know he wants to be. But on vacation he really stepped up and took care of me, letting me rest and heal and took care of the girls. He did laundry the whole 12 days we were there. He was always hands on with the girls, it was wonderful. Since we've been back he has done his best to continue this.

Last night, we dropped the girls off at their Mission Friends Meeting at church and we headed to the grocery store. While we were there we were talking about dinner and came up with something that sounded really good =) so we went home, and we cooked together , like we use to when we were dating. It was a simple yet deep experience. It took me back to when we met (we worked in a restaurant) and the feelings that I had when we were "hanging out" I had forgotten those feelings and was excited that they returned!

So I began to think, I wonder what yall use to do before marriage, that you don't anymore....who knows, maybe your feeling will return if you try to do it now!

working out blog issues....

2012-01-04T12:36:00.003-06:00

I promise i have not deserted you. I have having blog issues (storage...design...etc) and hope to have them all fixed soon!

In the mean time, take a chance to read some of our stuff from 2011!