Lunch Date With My Girl

I was able to have time in my schedule last week to sneak up to North Mahaska to surprise Banx for lunch. It was the best day ever to see her face light up when I came to her room and join her for lunch. I could tell she felt special by having a guest visit her at school :) I remember those days! It really is the little things in life that make it better. And I am so blessed to be this little puntin's Aunt!

Baine: Turning 2 Years Old

2 years since you have blessed us, Baine-Joe. You are the apple of my eye! You and Beau are polar opposites of one another, and I wouldn't have it any other way! You have been such a trooper this year with not being able to hear, resulting in not being able to talk at all, making great progress at Speech Therapy, and learning to communicate in other ways. I am so incredibly proud of you! I know you get frustrated easily when you can't tell us what you want, but it will get better Buddy! It breaks my heart when people lose their patience with you, but they too, will get better at having a better understanding for your needs. You are our little spitfire, and I love your personality! I never thought I would hear you say "mamma", and now it is your favorite word to say! This morning you walked out of your bedroom saying "mamma? mamma? where you?" Then you went to the pantry, your favorite place on earth :), grabbed the whole box of fruit snacks, and brought them to me saying "mamma nack". Completely melted my heart :) You love to play with your brother and try to keep up with him. Don't worry, someday you will be bigger than him I'm sure :).  

You are trying to potty-train yourself right now, which is amazing! However, please stop pooping and peeing on the floor, especially the carpet in your bedroom! I know you refuse to wear  diaper or have an accident in your pants, but dude, come on! We don't have a dog so we don't have to clean up the floors, but now we have your messes to  clean up!!! :) It's okay, when you look up at me with those gorgeous dark, brown eyes and smile, my heart melts and all is forgiven :)  Or maybe you already know how to play me? Either way, you are such an amazing little boy and we wouldn't change a thing about you!!!

Autumn Acres 2016

Every year, we go to Autumn Acres with our church. The boys love it there, and never want to leave. It was a beautiful (yet windy) night. We had smores, hot dogs, hay rides, tractor rides, playing in the corn box, and went down the slide too many times to count. I loved seeing all of the kids running around laughing and thoroughly enjoying themselves. 

Beau = Soccer Lover

I cannot believe how well Beau is doing in soccer this year. If you would have told me a year ago that Beau would have been the best player on his team, and score almost all the goals in every game, I would have laughed at you...kindly :) But he is! He has learned so much, he loves to compete, and is loving the game. I cannot believe I am now officially a "soccer mom" :)

Beau: Turning 5 Years Old

Beau Paxton, I cannot believe you are just days away from turning 5 years old. You make Daddy and I proud every single day. You are such a good boy who loves to learn, loves school, loves to help Daddy work, loves to help cook/bake, and most of all, you LOVE being a big brother. God could not have blessed us with a better firstborn. You are so patient with Baine, and you always make sure he is catered to and taken care of. You often put your own wants aside, just to help calm Baine down. I want you to know that I love you to the moon and back, and not a day goes by that I don't thank God for making me your Mommy. Your bright blue eyes and beautiful smile melt my heart everyday. Please keep being the sweet, kind boy you are. You are perfect in every possible way, and I want you know that the sky is the limit for you!

Volleyball Season 2016

This was my second year coaching 7th grade volleyball, and I just absolutely love it. I love getting to know my students on a different level, I love the sport and to coach, and just spending time as a team. The girls made amazing growth this year and ended the season UNDEFEATED! I am so proud of all of them!

Progress With Baby #3

I cannot believe we are over half way through this pregnancy already! I have felt amazing, no morning sickness at all. I just cannot stand the smell of smoked meat, or even be around it. Baby P is moving around like crazy, and apparently growing like a weed! He/She is measuring over 4 weeks bigger than what we thought our due date was, so they might changed our due date at our next ultrasound appointment. When we went in for our 18 week ultrasound, the Tech says "woah, now that's a big baby". Oh boy, this should be a fun delivery! 

Homecoming 2016

I absolutely love Homecoming week at school. The themes, school spirit and just the environment is such a positive atmosphere to be in. We took Baine to the parade while Beau walked in the parade with his soccer team. Beau didn't even care that he walked with his team and not mommy or daddy---when did he grow up so fast?!  Baine absolutely loved watching the parade because that meant one thing...CANDY! He had a nice little collection by the end of the parade, and was he wound for sound that night! I'd like to think we have great parenting skills :)

28th Birthday

This year was pretty calm for my birthday. We went to dinner with our good friends and family and were able to have a nice night away.  I am so thankful for everyone who helped make my day special :) Even though I am only 28, I feel 48! The kids are aging me like crazy :)