Our Plexus Beginning!

If y'all know me or have read about our family's health struggles and challenges over the past few years then you probably know that I'm super cautious about the types of treatments and supplements we try. I also tend to do lots of research before making a decision on if something seems like it will be good for us and help with our issues rather than making them worse or just not benefiting us at all. That being said I've been hearing about a company called Plexus for several months now but honestly at first just passed it off as another product line that claimed miracles but with a closer look wasn't as healthy as it said. Add to that the fact we were in the middle of new treatments for Daxton, a move to FL, and a dozen other crazy changes and I pretty much just wasn't interested in looking into anything else right then. But fast forward to a few weeks ago and I kept seeing stories about how much the Plexus products had helped people with so many things (and some of them specifically very similar to issues I knew we had) and I decided I couldn't ignore digging a little deeper any longer! After much reading and discussion plus prayer we ended up taking the plunge to try the basic set-up called the Triplex. 

Something that greatly impressed me when researching these products was the emphasis on gut health and the need to heal that in order to help so many other issues. We've faced many challenges in our own health journey due to problems with our gut so I know that it is the basis for a huge variety of both ailments if it's out of balance and achieving optimal health when it isn't. Add to that some of the other great results you can see from just drinking the pink drink alone and I was very encouraged that these products could help us in our ever changing journey to helping our bodies be the best they can be. I also love that it is plant based, has no artificial colors, and is sweetened only with stevia. There's so much more I found out but for sake of time here's another graphic to help explain the process of taking these three products together:

We've only been doing the protocol for a couple of weeks now so can't testify to any amazingly different results yet (other than noticing better energy levels for me which is definitely a plus!) but I am looking forward to what is in store for us in the coming weeks as we keep on taking it. I will be sure to report back as we notice more changes!

 

Last but not least, I wanted to share that if you're interested in trying these products for yourself Plexus is offering a one time 15% off code for all purchases made by April 15th. You can go to my website here to browse and order with the code THANKS or comment or email me with any questions you have. There are 3 different ways to order that can save you money depending on the level of use you intend to have with the products so please let me know if I can help explain things in more detail. I would love to have you join us on this new health challenge and am excited at the benefits we can all see in the future!

 

Blessings,

Tyra

 

A New Look, New Year, New Start?

I can't believe it's been an entire year since I posted here! So many things have happened over the last twelve months that I doubt I can ever completely share it all. Hopefully I will get around to some of it in the coming days. For now though I just wanted to share the new simple look of the header and also the fact that this beautiful picture is where we've called home for the past 5 months. We sadly are moving again this weekend (prayers for that please) but plan on staying close by so I will still be seeing these gorgeous sunsets in the future. I'll be sure to share more pictures of that too. :-)
This past year has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs that has challenged our faith and exhausted us physically and emotionally in many ways but I'm thankful to look back and see God's grace through it all. I look forward to getting back in the groove of blogging about our craziness and hope to "see" some of you coming back around to catch up with us! Until later....

                                       Tyra 

A Long/Short Summer!

Since I've been missing in action around here for the past few months, I figured it was time for a little update on what's been going on. The hard part is in knowing where to start exactly in all the craziness?!

In case you don't already know, we have a lot of health issues including allergies and especially chemical sensitivities. Unfortunately, we also live in an area where the farms are large and have gradually become more and more dependent on pesticides and other sprays that are toxic. (ever hear of Monsanto? they pretty much own this area I think. ugh) Anyway, this year we noticed an even bigger change in our reactions as they started spraying the crops in the spring and by the end of May and first of June we were hardly able to go outside without side effects since the chemicals are just so strong in the air.

Although all of us suffer from various reactions at times, the worst part by far though has been Daxton's skin issues, with him eventually having something that looks like a cross between burns and severe eczema all over his body. I'm not even exaggerating either, but I wish I was. I could go on and on trying to explain how horrible it has been but let's just say that nightmarish pretty accurately describes it best. He has been in almost constant pain in some way or another for the whole summer and is still not over it. Putting him in footie pajamas to keep scratching at a minimum, rubbing him down with oils or creams multiple times a day, giving him meds, staying up half the night, and just working to do anything to keep him calmed down has been the norm for us these past few months.

And of course with all that we've been limited on taking him out very much so it's been challenging to do things (especially all together) and the summer has felt like it has just passed us by while at the same time dragging on forever. Sounds crazy I guess but it's true! All that being said though, I have had moments of extreme thankfulness even in the midst of all the pain and frustration of dealing with this. Thankful for answered prayers and moments of relief when we were literally at the end of our strength. Thankful for grace and the help of a wonderful husband. Thankful for time with the kids where we had fun in spite of feeling yucky and more thankful than I can say that I get to stay home with them and their health issues aren't any worse. Thankful for grandparents who love to help out in so many ways. Thankful that even though I can't see a purpose in what we've gone through this summer, I can trust that God still has one and just keep coming back to Him when I question and doubt.

So yes it's been a long summer as far as going through hard times and short in that it seemed like we weren't able to enjoy it, but we've almost made it past it now and are looking forward to changes ahead! I had planned on sharing more about those tonight as well as some photos but it's late and I need to try and rest while Daxton is sleeping (since we never know how long that will last!) so I will be back soon...


                                              ~Tyra~

Summertime Randomness {a what we've been up to post}

Is it just me or has summer literally flown by?! Seems like only yesterday we were finishing up our school year in May and now it's already the middle of August! Anyway, I haven't written much about things we are doing these days so thought I would share some of the fun and crazy moments of our lives the past couple months. Here are the 4-D details, in no certain order.....

~ Daxton is taking a couple steps here and there but hasn't totally started cruising yet. It definitely doesn't stop him from getting around though! He also seems to love climbing so we have to keep a close eye out for that.

~ Delancey has discovered sign language in the past couple months and is loving it! It's so fun seeing her so excited about learning something new. Can't wait to see how she progresses in the future.

~ Dathan is still loving making his own movies. He writes scripts, takes pictures, records, and then puts it all together on the computer. I really think he may go somewhere with this when he's older!

~ Darcey has grown up so much in the past few months! I have to sometimes remind myself she's still only 2. She loves learning new things, writing, drawing, reading, and watching her favorite shows. Her vocabulary never ceases to amaze us.

~ The kids have all loved swimming at my parents, of course. The liner had to be replaced on the pool this year so they didn't get as early a start as usual. And now it's already seeming cooler than normal so the water is getting chilly. I'm sure they will try to get in as much of it as possible before they start freezing!

~ We've done some school days here in there finishing up various subjects and grasping a few concepts a little better after having a lighter load with the new baby last year. The kids weren't totally crazy about it but it's been good for them I think.

~ A missionary friend of ours is home from Brazil and has made a couple of trips down to see us this summer. He is a great man of God and the kids absolutely love spending time with him! So glad that they can have real heroes to look up to in their lives instead of what the world would have them admire.

~ Got to attend a campmeeting in TN back in July for a few days. It was such a blessing to fellowship with other believers and hear some great singing and preaching. The kids had fun making new friends and Delancey got a new penpal as well.

~ Allergies and other health issues have abounded this year. Some days, well, weeks really have been rough as we struggle with reactions to the chemicals they put on the crops nearby. It can be challenging to try and do just normal life stuff when the way you feel isn't normal. Not to mention, how it effects our sleep habits. Chronic tiredness is the worst. thing. ever. ((yawn))

~ We've enjoyed doing some Bible/Character studies in the past couple months. I think I've learned as much and been convicted over certain behaviours more than the kids! It's amazing what the Lord can show you when you're truly desiring to learn. Another neat thing was that several times what we had been studying about during the week was the same or similar to the devotions Blake would share with us as well! No coincidence there I'm sure.

That's about all I'm thinking about at the moment! It's definitely been a summer full of good and not so good times but looking back I'm thankful for every single one I got to spend with my kiddos. We are getting back into the swing of schooling more full time again. But first we have a couple of birthdays to celebrate in the next week! Can't wait to share the details of all the fun with Dathan turning 10 and Daxton turning 1. Until then.....

                                   Tyra 

Walk for Life Fundraiser!

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to volunteer at our local Choose Life pregnancy center as a receptionist. Some of the things I saw there was heartbreaking, but it was also encouraging to see how many young ladies received help. They provide several different services but the most important by far is the free ultrasounds that so often are what makes the abortion minded clients change their minds.

I haven't been able to volunteer since having our last little "D", but we are excited to be a part of their Walk for Life fundraiser  this Saturday to try and help them get more money for the ministry they provide. We would greatly appreciate you visiting our page to get more info and donating to our team if you feel led. And if you can't give then please pray for Choose Life that their needs will be met as they work hard on this issue. We need to be doing all we can to save the lives of these precious babies!

If you happen to be local then be sure to come out and join us for the Walk as well! There's free food and fun for the whole family. Either of the above links will take you to a page with all the details or you can click on the picture below. There's only a couple more days left so don't forget to spread the news. Thanks and have a blessed day!

Some Ideas In the Works

Just wanted to write a quick post about some things I've been considering getting into lately. I am really interested in some of these things but would definitely need to hear feedback to see if they are really doable. So in no certain order here are the ideas:

Lilla Rose ~ this company makes all different hair accessories. I've been eyeing them online for awhile but finally got to see them in person and purchased a flexi-clip to try. I love it!! It's such a great, easy way to fix your hair besides just the regular 'ole ponytail. Delancey and I can both wear it different ways so it's fun to share it too. Now that I've purchased one, I'd like to make it available to people I know as well! I'm trying to decide if I want to host a party, which would be either online or here at our house, or just become a consultant myself. What I need from you is to know if you're interested, if you know others who would be as well, and if you prefer just ordering online without seeing them or would like to be able to try them out before buying? Be sure to click the link above to see what they have if you haven't before!

Essential Oils ~ This subject is one that has become popular in recent months on various sites. We've used oils occasionally before but I made the plunge to order a kit from Young Living back at Christmas. It's another thing that I am loving!! There are so many things you can use them for and it's so good to have a natural way to boost immunity, clean, make bug spray, etc. If you're interested in trying their products please let me know and I can order at wholesale prices for you! This isn't a way for me to make money or anything but just something that has been a huge help to our family that I wanted to share.

Swim skirts ~ Here's another popular subject since summer has arrived. If you're interested in modesty and have looked around very much, you know that swimsuits can be hard to find or just plain too expensive if you're looking at handmade. I've been playing around with the idea of getting material and making some cute, easy swim skirts that you could wear over a regular suit or with a swim shirt. I've found some material I like and will be getting some soon to try it out for my girls. My question for you is, would any of you be interested in purchasing one if they turn out well? If so, what would be a price that would seem reasonable? Depending on what kind of feedback I get and how my first experience with making them goes I will have more info on this in the future!

Simple Haircuts ~ Okay, so this one may seem a little strange (but most of you already know that I am so that won't be a surprise! lol) and feels weird mentioning really but here goes anyway. I have always loved to cut hair and even went to beauty school for a couple months after high school (long story) and then worked at a beauty shop for several months as well where I learned a lot. I've cut hair for several family members and friends over the years and always enjoy it. Long layers, trims, simple bobs, and basic boys/mens cuts are what I typically do but maybe one day I'll even get brave and try something drastic! (I should probably get a dummy for that though so as not to lose any friends. haha) All of this to say that I've been thinking a lot about using my small talent to help out those who might need it! Haircuts can be pricey or if you try to go cheap they don't always turn out the way you want. Nowadays it helps to save money whenever we can so I would love to be able to give cuts for just a small amount to anyone local who would like me to! So would you be brave enough to use someone that isn't certified? If so how much do you think would be a fair price?

Well, there are a few of my newest, crazy ideas!! (I'm sure there's more but I don't want to be too overwhelming;) Please let me know of your thoughts, interest, questions or whatever in the comments either here or on facebook. I would LOVE to hear from you all!! :-)
 
                                         Tyra
                                         

Rather Overdue Update {with some keeping it real randomness too}

With all of the craziness life has provided us the past few weeks blogging quickly went way down on the list of priorities.  But I know some of you have wondered if we're still alive and kicking so I'm gonna try to do a quick update on how things are going around here. I'll probably be sharing the good, bad, and everything else in between. With lots of honesty thrown in for good measure. {deep breath} Here goes...........

~ I can't believe Daxton turned 2 months old last week. Sometimes it seems impossible that it's been that long since he was born and other times it seems much, much longer.

~ To answer the question of whether he has allergies/health issues like the other 3, the short one would be yes. Not as bad in some ways but enough that he requires a lot of extra care and it's pretty impossible to take him out anywhere.

~ Although determined to make breastfeeding work this time around, it just didn't. Without going into tons of details we made the hard decision for me to stop around 3 weeks. And I still struggle with it. Lots.

~ For those who have never experienced life with a sick baby or one who for whatever reason just struggles with not sleeping, hurting a lot, crying, etc it can be difficult to understand what it's like. But please believe me when I say it is one of the hardest things  ever to deal with. It leaves you feeling tired, hopeless, discouraged, frustrated, and with any other number of emotions you can probably imagine. Multiply all that with the fact I've experienced it 4 times over and you know exactly what I've been feeling the past few weeks.

~ Don't get me wrong. Not every day is as bad as some. And not every minute of those days' are either. I'm thankful more than I can say for every good time of him sleeping while laying down or just being able to lay for a few minutes without hurting and crying. I'm doubly grateful that in comparison to 2 of the others he doesn't cry constantly for hours on end regardless of what we do. That may sound crazy but it's true.

~ The older kiddos are struggling to adjust to this "new normal" since Daxton requires so much care, which of course means they get very little a lot of days. The most heartbreaking thing I've ever felt was Darcey grabbing me around the legs while I was holding a crying Daxton and saying, "I miss you, momma." Let's just say that Daxton wasn't the only one crying after that! Once again, every single day isn't that way but the ones that are tend to be rather difficult.

~ On a lighter note, Daxton has grown like crazy and is so big already! He has been wearing 3 months size clothes for a few weeks now (and even a couple 6 mths things) and size 2 diapers as well. From all appearances he looks perfectly healthy and is seriously a happy, fun baby when not in pain or feeling bad. Love seeing his sweet smile and hearing him "talk" and laugh out loud! 

~ We hadn't been able to figure out who exactly he looks like until I found an old baby picture of Blake I didn't realize we had. It is the spitting image of him! I can't wait to see if that will change or if he'll stay a daddy look-alike when he's older.

~ Once again a big part of our days tend to be spent on an exercise ball since bouncing seems to settle Daxton down the best. As tiresome as it can get sometimes it is hands down better than some of the stuff we tried with the first 2.....before we knew an exercise ball would work! Some other things that come in handy these days are Colic Calm, various homeopathics for allergies and stomach issues, probiotics, a bouncing seat, the swing (sometimes), chiropractic visits, propping him up to sleep(when he's able to lay down), and chocolate. Lots of chocolate. Oh, wait, that's for me not him! lol

~ I'm beyond thankful that Blake is so good at helping out, both with the baby and around the house. I would definitely not be able to to make it without his help! My parents, especially my mom, have also been great at giving us a break, bringing food, or taking the older kids out places since we can't. I would probably be out of my mind (um, more than I am normally?! haha) if I'd had to do everything on my own since Daxton was born.

Okay, so I'm sure there's more I could write but my tired brain has thought of all it can at the moment. Let me just add that although there have been some dark, hard days for me in the past few weeks, I know that most of all it's been God's grace that has brought me through it. And even in the midst of all my questions and doubts and yes sometimes anger, at the way things are....He's been faithful. Prayers for grace and strength are still appreciated for the future. And wisdom for the decision about all of our health issues. It's hard not to worry and just trust that things will be okay, but I know that's the best thing to do so I'm trying extra hard to learn how! Now I'm really done for now. Hopefully I'll get back to blogging more often one of these days. Until then just know that life in 4-D is never dull for sure! :-) Oh, and enjoy this photo of our newest little cutie....

Some Crazy Days!

Last week was so all over the place I'm not sure I can even remember it all to write about! But I figured I might as well make an attempt at it anyway. So here goes....

Sleep was practically non-existent most nights due to Darcey waking up and crying several times. We still aren't totally sure what all was bothering her but it definitely was no fun for any of us! Thankfully she has done a little better the past couple nights so that is a huge relief.

Allergies are at an all time high here as well with all of us dealing with reactions in our own yucky ways. I know most people picture allergies to just be sneezing, runny nose, etc (which we do have sometimes too for sure) but for someone with severe allergies it can be so much more than that! I think our biggest problem at the moment is all the chemicals they are spraying on the crops around here. It just weakens us down to where we react worse to all our other ones on top of it. Frustrating to say the least!

Between those two things and the fact we also made several trips to the allergy doctor to try and get some help, it definitely made for a looooong week at times. Add in super tired to feeling bad and let's just say there was quite a bit of irritableness and not so great attitudes going on. (and to be honest some days where the kids watched way more shows than I would prefer just so we could all get a break!) Now that we have the not so fun moments out of the way though let's move on to some of the good parts.....

We kicked off our Bible Bee studying this past week and enjoyed doing the daily stuff it recommended. I will say that it's alot to cover though and due to the kind of week we had we didn't get it all done each day but it was still nice to get started on it and we are looking forward to hopefully getting into it more in the next few weeks. Has anyone else been involved in that before? It's a new thing for us this year so I will try to update more later on how it goes or if we liked it.

Thursday our van decided not to start back up while we were out in town. (yeah, huge bummer!) Thankfully my parents were there as well so we caught a ride home. It ended up being a bigger deal to fix than what we were hoping so not the best news but then again I guess it could have been worse. On Friday we had just found out how much it was going to cost and I was a little down about it but trying to just not worry over it. (wasn't alot I could do anyway!) We were out in town and decided to grab a bite to eat at Cantina Laredo before heading home. It was kinda the early supper shift starting when we got there so due to some miscommunication we ended up having to wait awhile for someone to come take our order. They felt so bad about it that they gave us free appetizers and a dessert to begin with....then the head manager ended up just covering the whole meal! It was definitely a nice blessing after being upset over bad news. :-)

After eating the kids asked if we could check into riding one of the boats they have there at Bridge Street. (it's a local outdoor mall with a small, man-made lake) We decided to see about it and ended up renting a small pontoon for 30 minutes. So fun! The kids all loved it, at least until Darcey saw the carousal in the distance and wanted to ride that instead. She coudn't understand why we couldn't just get out and walk over there on the water. lol We did let her ride after getting off and she had a blast doing that too. It was great enjoying time with the kids and seeing them have so much fun but I was definitely ready to get off of my feet and head home by then!

Saturday was a lazy day mostly with me trying to recuperate from the week. We did pick up the van and carry my parents vehicle back to them. (where the kids of course had to swim for awhile and we ate supper before coming back home.) Today, I am shot and trying to rest and keep my feet up some to hopefully feel better. Not sure if it's just all the stress and business of the past few days or what but this pregnant momma is more than tired! Blake is off at the moment visiting a new church we had heard about while I am trying to pray that we'll find God's will in that area of our lives soon. I know He has the perfect place in mind for us and wants us to be there as much as we do. Sometimes it's just the in between times of actually finding it and getting there that seems the hardest!

But there's a impossibly long post  run-down of our hectic week. Hopefully this didn't seem quite as long as it did! haha I am trying to remember and post some cute things the kids are learning and doing lately but it seems like by the time I get around to writing about them I've forgotten what they are. Maybe I should take notes?! Anyway, more to come soon and until then I am definitely hoping for a quieter, slightly less stressful week starting tomorrow. :-)


                                 Tyra 

Some Things I Really Want

It's not.....

~ all the stylish, new clothes and jewelry I see on Pinterest that I really don't even have a need for.

~ the pretty hairstyles that might look great on someone else but I will probably never be able to achieve on my own hair.

~ a bigger, better, (cleaner?) house, newer car, or more gadgets and toys for us or the kids.

~ a perfect body that looks great in (or out?) of clothes. (which after four kids and multiple health problems is really impossible for me anyway!)

~ to seek after more carnal pursuits (like ungodly,worldly movies, music, or other entertainments) that only satisfy the flesh momentarily but leave your soul feeling empty and 'vex your righteous spirit'.

~ to be popular or accepted by those around us or have to let down certain standards in order to fit in and have more friends.

But it is.....

~To be a woman who is content with just trying to be the best Christian, wife, and mother I can be. (1 Ti. 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.)

~ To focus more on who I am on the inside than what I look like outwardly. To treat others around me well and show my kids that attitudes of the heart are what's really most important. (1 Ti. 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh a woman professing godliness) with good works. Prov. 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.)

~ To realize even more that being commended by the Lord for how we live is a far greater achievement and blessing than to be liked or approved of by others.....and to rest in the fact that no matter how many don't understand the decisions we make or choose to turn against us, He is the one we're trying to serve and please. (Luke 6:22-23a Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall seperate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice you in that day, and leap for joy; for great is your reward in heaven.)

~ To remember how important the battle we are in against satan is. And that no matter how tired I get some days of trying to do the right thing or be less like the world, I can't give up. Even if so many around us seem to be. Not only for my own sake, but the sake of my marriage, children, and others who don't know the Lord! (2 Ti. 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2 Thes. 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.) 

Yes, these are the things that the Lord has been speaking to my heart about lately. And ones I've realized that I truly want more than anything, even though they might be hard. Because they are the things that really matter in the end and will count for eternity. I'm praying that He'll help me to not only want them, but work for them as well! I don't want to just be a hearer of His word, but a doer also.

(Just to be clear, some of the things I named above that I don't want may not all be bad in and of themselves, but are just things that can become too important and turn into wrong if we focus too much on them I think. And again this is stuff the Lord's been showing me personally that I felt like sharing! Not intended for any other specific purpose.)

What We're Up To!

Just a little update on what we've been up to around here the past couple weeks. The month of February seems to be flying by! (except for those days when I'm really nauseated, of course. ha!)

We celebrated my 30th birthday on the tenth. Blake surprised me by staying home from work to help take care of the kids that day since I'd been having a hard week. They brought me breakfast in bed, Dathan gave me a new Bible that he'd secretly asked his dad to buy, and Delancey made me the sweetest card. I got a haircut that afternoon (which I unfortunately do not like) and then we had a yummy, home-cooked supper with my parents and brother that night. All in all, it was a good day.....even if leaving behind the 20's for good was a little bit sad I guess. :-)

Valentine's day was a little rough with me being super sick for most of it. The kids and I had a good day together though and Blake brought home some fun, little gifts and sweets to celebrate. The girls actually ended up going somewhere with Grandma so we got some unusual one-on-one time with Dathan. I think he really liked having his dad all to himself for a change! :-)

And on all the other many "normal" days, we've been mostly hanging out here and just doing life. Lots of laying around time for me with the kids playing together. It's great that the older ones can help with Darcey so much....one good thing about there being a few years difference in age between them! They are all growing like weeds and seem to learn something new or do some crazy funny thing every day. It's really hard not to be able to do alot right now but I'm still thankful to just be here with them.

To wrap things up I guess we're just hanging in there! If we all manage to eat good meals, do a little school work  read or play, and just survive then it's been a good day. :-) As tired as I am at the moment of being sick, I know it will pass one day and I'll forget how tough it really was.....especially in light of how special this new baby is gonna be! Please still keep mine and the baby's health in your prayers in the days to come. And I'll try to check back in again soon...... 

Things I Love {Thursday}

I have a confession about this Thursday post......I get so excited writing about the things I love so much around here that I just had to get a head start this time! I've been updating  as I go so I won't forget any of the fun and crazy moments in our family that happens daily. 'Cause you know after 3 kids the memory part of your brain just doesn't function the same anymore for some reason! :) But anyway now that I have that off my chest, here goes the list of things I love for this week.......

~ Running foot races in the backyard with the kids. (and realizing that it won't be too long until they can actually outrun me!)

~ Watching Dathan play flag football and have fun doing it.

~ Having serious conversations with the kids about important things and seeing them really "get it".

~ Darcey learning how to "rock-a-bye" her baby doll and her bringing it to me so I can do it to both of them.

~ Getting back rubs from Blake cause I'm hurting....without even having to ask.

~ Hearing good news from a friend about something we're praying for her about.

~ Sharing the only slice of lemon icebox pie with my sweet husband.....and him giving me the last bite. :)

~ Watching Darcey decide to just take off with her walking all of a sudden.....and hearing her laugh because she's so excited about it!

~ Me and the kiddos eating supper, going to the park and visiting with Grandma.....and hearing her say it made her day better.

~ Feeling God deal with my heart over things I need to change and knowing that it means I'm His and He loves me and wants what's best for me.

~ Several hours of uninterrupted sleep last night! (which is a RARE occurrence around here I assure you)

~ Looking forward to another chance to volunteer at Choose Life again today!

Well, there's my list! Now it's your turn......what things are you loving this week? Be sure to leave a comment and share them! :-)

This Crazy Life!

I decided that considering all the stuff that's gone on the past couple of weeks that I haven't gotten around to blogging about yet I could just do a post where I list them randomly on here. If I can remember them that is! Okay, so in no particular order and as few details as possible, here goes....

~Dathan lost his 6th tooth while using a snorkel in the pool at my parents house the other day. That kid seriously has the most hilarious stories to tell about every.single.one! But for times sake I won't get into all of them at the moment. :-)

~I had the privilege of volunteering at the Choose Life ministry in Huntsville for the first time last week. It was thankfully not busy so I could get the hang of things a little and I look forward to helping out again in the future! If you don't know anything about that place you should definitely check out the link.

~Directly related to the story above is the part before going there when I was running late getting home to get ready and got locked out of the house because I was driving another car and didn't have my own keys. I had been working outside and was a mess so I was hoping and praying to get in somehow rather than drive over there sweaty and stinky! (I figured that would be the end of my volunteering! lol) After climbing over the privacy fence in a skirt and praying that no one was watching me in that rather unladylike endeavor the back door had thankfully been left unlocked so I was in luck. Hallelujah! I arrived there right on time and at least semi-clean I think. ;-)

~We had an awesome after birthday party for Dathan so he could make use of his cool new army stuff. I think there ended up being about 15 kids here between the 4 families that came so that's pretty impressive! It was a crazy but fun night complete with a campfire and homemade s'mores. Yum! The only two drawbacks were me totally forgetting to make any pictures and one of the little girls who came falling off the swing and breaking her arm. Thankfully it isn't serious but we're hoping that next time we can do without that part of it!

~After being at my parents to help with a yard sale for a couple of days I realized that my severe cat allergies I developed as a child are still exactly that. SEVERE. I'm about 99% sure that being around the kittens she found caused me to start having asthma symptoms and let me tell you I have a new found understanding of just how bad and scary that stuff is! I'm still not back to normal and wondering if I need to make a doctors trip just to get checked out. I guess it could always be worse in the future if I don't. Prayers about that would be greatly appreciated!

Well, I know there's much more that's gone on but I guess that's enough for now. (there's only so much this sleep-deprived momma brain of mine can come up with at one time.) Of course throw in the every day normal family stuff that gone along with all this and it's pretty much been exactly what the title says....CRAZY! But it's our life and we love it (mostly). Even on the days when we really do feel like we're at our "whits end"! :)

Things I Love {Thursday}

Although I fully intend each week to write other posts besides this one I am obviously not getting around to it since this has been the 3rd one in a row with this title! That's okay though... we definitely have plenty of other stuff going on around here that's more important than blogging. :) That being said, it's still nice to check in at least occasionally to just keep up a little so this is a fun way to do that I guess. Here's my list for this week. Hope you'll join in with sharing things you love too!

~ Cuddling with Blake in the same chair and laughing over the fact that it's a little more crowded than it used to be! ;)

~ Hearing a little baby girl voice say "momma" over and over throughout the day.

~ Watching Dathan and Delancey playing outside and giggling over whatever crazy thing they've come up with to do.

~ Seeing Darcey stand on tiptoe to peek out the window trying to see the older kids play.....and then laughing when she does.

~ Knowing that God hears and answers prayers and is working things out in your life for good. Even if you can't alway see how at the moment.

~ The way Darcey crinkles up her cute little nose every time she smiles or laughs.

~ Another good report at the doctor and Delancey being so excited to have her cast off.

~ Planning Dathan's birthday celebrations and hearing him talk about how much fun it will be.

~ The kids having so much fun doing our new schoolwork this year and the fact that even though it might not be what's "expected" by some...it works for us! :)

~ Watching Darcey taking her first step(today) and me and the kids going crazy clapping and cheering for her!!

~ Wrestling on the floor with all 3 kids and feeling blessed all over again to have them.

~ The couple of cooler days we had at the first of the week. (and also the idea that there might be more of them soon!)

So what are you loving this week? Come on, you know you want to join in with me!! :) Just leave something in the comments below.  (please and thank you, of course!)

Things I Love {Thursday}

Is it really Thursday again already?! I have no idea where this past week has gone! But gone it has so I'm ready to share some more stuff that I'm loving around here. Hope you'll join in me this time and share some of your own! But for now here's my list....

~ Greeting the kids as each of them wake up in the mornings and seeing the big grin on their faces.

~ Dathan's excitement as he signed up to play football again.....and the fun we had picking out new cleats together!

~ The fact that Delancey always wants to wear a "fancy" dress, no matter where we're going. :)

~ The way Darcey wrinkles up her nose when she smiles or laughs.

~ My understanding husband who makes late night runs to the grocery store for things like formula. Without complaining.

~ Playing out in the rain with the whole family and then seeing a beautiful rainbow in the sky afterwards.

~ Teaching fun stuff to the kids with our new school curriculum.

~ Watching Darcey start standing up on her own and feeling bittersweet that she's growing up so quickly, but yet excited that she's learning new things.

~ Reading and talking about things in the Bible with the kids.....and seeing them understand it for themselves.

~ Hearing Delancey ask if I really know I'm saved and then wanting me to tell her about when I got that way. One. more. time. :)

Wow, I think this week I could just keep going!! There's so much to be thankful for around here. It's amazing how good the Lord is to us. So what about you? What kind of things are you loving this week? Please don't forget to share about them in the comments!

Baby Bloopers!

This post will probably be a little scattered and probably more than a little silly so just consider yourself forewarned! :)

Adjusting to life with a newborn after so long has been quite a pain, ahem, I mean an adventure these past few weeks. Lack of sleep, stress over her being sick and requiring constant care, and just overall changes have made things pretty crazy around here at times. (to be honest, that's putting it a little mildly...but I digress) Okay, where was I? Oh, yeah, craziness....here's just a few little things that have happened or been said lately that I thought was funny. Figured I would share so you all could get a laugh too! Cause sometimes when life is rough you might as well just laugh instead of cry, right?! :)

You know the saying, "don't cry over spilt milk"? (actually, sometimes that reaction is totally appropiate in my opinion, especially when you're paying $9 a can for it!) But when you try pouring it into a bottle without a liner in it and it goes everywhere, it really is more funny than sad I have to admit. I mean, who would do something like that anyway? lol Or maybe when for no apparent reason you pick up the jar and it drops out of your hand to run all over the cabinets and into the drawers and you stand there thinking how in the world did that just happen? I don't think I've mentioned how clumsy I got with this last pregnancy(which I read is perfectly normal, but I think is debatable depending on what you consider normal!). Well, unfortunately the clumsiness has stayed with me and doesn't look like it's gonna get better anytime soon. Which is probably why I managed to somehow slam the cabinet door extremely loud the other day....right after we had commented on the fact that Darcey had just fallen asleep in her swing for the first time ever! Can anyone say frustrating?! (and in case you wondered, yes, she did wake up. immediately. crying.) I think that's enough about my awful lack of gracefulness slight clumsiness for now though. I'm making myself upset all over again. lol

As for funny things that the kids have said here's a couple that come to mind at the moment. Dathan told me a couple weeks ago that my stomach was so much smaller since I'd had Darcey. Yeah, I was really encouraged...until he continued with saying that now I only look maybe 2 or 3 months pregnant! I did try to have a heart to heart about considering what you say and if it might hurt someone's feelings(not for myself but in case he did it to someone else!) but I have to admit it was more than a little comical cause he was just so cute and honest. I couldn't help but laugh and just agree since it was true anyway. haha
Delancey's funniest thing was when she told mom about how we were getting ready to go somewhere one day and that Darcey had been so good, but then before we could leave 'she started to scream bloody murder!'. Then she thought about it for a second and said, "No, it was worse than bloody murder!" lol There's nothing like the things kids say sometimes. It's priceless! :)

Last but not least is the funniest thing by far that has happened since Darcey was born. (well, I think so anyway... Blake might not fully agree. haha) We had finally gotten to where we were attempting to lay Darcey down propped up on pillows between us some at night a few weeks ago. It was still very challenging to get her to sleep and her actually stay that way for very long though so sometimes I would bounce the bed a little after I laid her on it to hopefully keep her settled. This particular night she was pretty fussy and I had been up with her for awhile before trying to lay her down. Blake was already in bed and had fallen asleep sometime before.(I should probably note at this point that he has been notorious for doing things in his sleep ever since we've been married...starting with on our honeymoon...which is a story for another day) So anyway as I started to bounce on the bed he jumps up, pushes away the sleep mask he had on, and with a rather wild look started to run to...well, somewhere I guess. I'm still desperately trying to keep Darcey asleep but not let him go running off all crazy so I start whisper yelling(ya'll know what that is, right?)at him to lay back down. Surprisingly enough he actually stopped and listened long enough to sit back on the bed and stare kinda blankly at me, albeit still with a rather panicked expression on his face. I quietly ask him what he was doing and he whispers back,"Getting out of bed!". And when I said why he looked at me like I was crazy and said,"Cause it was shaking!" You would have thought there was an earthquake or something the way he sounded. I had to really get a grip on myself to not laugh out loud and wake up Darcey myself at this point. lol I finally was able to reply long enough to tell him that I knew it was because I was the one doing it! haha He sat there for another minute and then evidently decided that things were safe enough so he could lay back down. After which he was immediately back asleep of course. And the funniest part?! He doesn't remember one little thing about it..... :-)

Okay, so there's some of the insanely crazy stuff that's been going on at our house lately. Hope you all got a kick out of reading it, if you managed to make it to the end of this impossibly long post that is!