What they taught me.

Confidence. This sweet girl gave me confidence.

She taught me that I can do this motherhood thing. 

 I could do it. I was capable of being responsible

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

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

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

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

She made a mother and everything that comes with that.

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

and that I can also believe in her.

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

She has made us happy and proud.

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

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

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

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

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

our life plan will be made perfect. 

My Kensington is my living reminder that there is a greater

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

things can get messy. 

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

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

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

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

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

Today and this Season of Thankfulness

We had a day around here.

Filled with no naps,

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

a 7th tooth budding,

not wanting to eat,

clingy-ness,

"No's!"

spit up

really sticky floors and lots of dirty dishes

No daddy all day kind of day.

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

my little white flag to surrender.

I really did. So, to all you mamas 

who blog and seem to have it all together:

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

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

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

of thankfulness, I turned into a

thankful-mess.

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

the Lord lent me a day like today.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

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

what I am thankful for has appreciated something small in their 

lives to give thanks for. 

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

just a bit better.

Days of Thanks - 23

Its my Mama's birthday today!

Happy birthday mama!!

She seriously makes 51 look like 21

and I am not kidding.

Heres to hoping those good genes live on

through me and my girls!

So of course I would take her special day

and turn in straight into my 

Thankful post for the day.

She is such a fun mama and has set me straight

in so many ways. 

Lets just say that my life would be

upside down without the likes of her.

She loves her pup

(your welcome mom. really.)

and her cat and other pup as well.

She is the worlds sweetest Tama to my little girls

and little Bella girl.

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

I tell you I would be a lost puppy without

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

Love you mama!

Days of Thanks - 22

I have posted about our potty training experience 

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

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

huge success and milestone in your kiddos life?

It seriously takes you from toddlerhood to preschooler hood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They were intense. Day 1 was extra intense.

Intense, but actually a lot of fun.

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

and throw out there that I DO NOT expect

the same results when Kensington is ready to potty train.

Remember my post on how I appreciate their differences?

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

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

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

just flat out ready when went ahead with it.

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

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

related, couldn't I?!)

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

booty to change these days!

Days of Thanks - 21

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

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

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

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

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

attend the A 2008 Trooper Academy class. 

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

his graduation and ever since its been nothing but a lovely

start to his career.

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

September 26, 2008.

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

completed of Trooperhood.

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

I always knew he would be.

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

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

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

We are anxious to know what else is in store,

but we are thankful that he is happy and content

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

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

I am so thankful that Tyler proudly wears this badge

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

He is the best Trooper that the State of Texas employs

(I possibly could be bias)

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

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

and that it is a job

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

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

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

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

Thank you!

Days of Thanks - 20

Uneventful pregnancies.

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

uneventful, worry free pregnancies.

The journey from conception to birth is the most fascinating 

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

Did we not just reach 7 billion this past month?

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

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

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

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

having a baby. I am not sure how you 

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

someone to have had a baby.

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

healthy and thats right, fun pregnancies I have had.

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

Pregnancy is just easy and quite comfortable to me.

I never had high blood pressure.

I never had morning sickness.

I never swelled.

Did not get stretch marks.

I exercised at pretty high intensity through both pregnancies.

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

I did not gain an unreasonable amount of weight.

Anslee and Kensington were healthy at each and every 

prenatal visit. 

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

then I considered myself fairly lucky, and very thankful.

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

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

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

the journey was. 

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

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

away all forms of birth control and is trying for something

that they had always been trying to prevent. 

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

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

fully? There is always something else you can do,

another trip you could take. Another couple of thousand

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

even knowing. 

Other times, you desire to expand your family and make

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

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

with lots of heartache and questioning why.

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

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

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

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

I know several friends who do understand that, and I 

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

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

child that is so special.

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

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

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

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

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

have already shaped their parents into new people

by the journey they already lead them on.

 

Pregnancy with Anslee

Pregnancy with Kensington

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

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

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

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

journey into motherhood begins.

I

Days of Thanks - 19

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


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Days of Thanks 18

I am in Abilene this weekend celebrating

Thanksgiving with my side of the family. I am thankful

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

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

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

We find ourselves being able to quickly make it home 

to both Abilene and Coleman from Brownwood.

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

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

welcome.

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

and Alumni weekend at Hardin-Simmons to have a 

place for everyone to lay there head without having to

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

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

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

I am so spoiled!

Days of Thanks - 17

Everyone knows that there is nothing

more precious than watching our parents loving

on our children.

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

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

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

My dad one day joked saying that having grandkids

makes having kids worth it.

I was not sure whether to hug him or slap him

when he said that. He says he was joking,

but I know that there is at least 1 ounce

of truth in every sarcastic joke.

My girls have 4 grandparents who love them both 

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

can get than to see others loving your children?

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

blessed my babies with grandparents who would stop

the movement of the very Earth for my girls.

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

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

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

Days of Thanks 16

Get ready for the superficial me to come out again.

I am thankful for facebook.

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

organized photo album of my life.

Its also kept me in touch with tons of people

that I may not have stayed connected with otherwise.

I realize that this may seem silly, but facebook

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

I have so enjoyed watching friends children growing up 

through pictures and updates,

and currently I am using facebook to help

plan a fabulous baby shower with friends who live 

in all different parts of Texas!

So even though you could make fun of me for this 

post, and how I am thankful for facebook,

just realize that you probably are too!

Days of Thanks - 15 Thankful Tuesday!

I am thankful for Tuesdays!

Tuesdays are our busiest and most fun 

day of the week here.

We start out like any other day:

wake up

get dressed

breakfast.

On Tuesdays, we head to dance right after breakfast.

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

Then we fall back into line with a normal routine:

Kensington naps

lunch

naps all around (sometimes mommy joins in!)

Then we switch gears again from the norm.

Kindermusik!

Oh how we love Kindermusik.

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

Having fun activities planned where Anslee can interact with peers

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

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

activities. I am really looking forward to when she can

choose what she likes best and is most talented in!

What fun we will have when Kensington gets herself

busy in activities as well! 

Right now we love our Tuesdays so much

we simply can't fit any more fun in!

Days of Thanks - 14

I know that during these Days of Thanks I have mostly

been thankful for physical things. Items I use.

Places I like to go and such.

Today, I am thankful for something not so physical.

Today I am thankful for

Difference.

More specifically speaking,

differences between these two.

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

for who each of them are as individuals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

right arm without one.

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

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

are as different as day and night.

Black and white.

Hot and cold.

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

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

had to be on my toes at all times

and nothing surprises me any more.

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

they are individuals and already made a distinct name for themselves 

in our family. 

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

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

honor of raising them, but I am sure thankful.

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

Days of Thanks -13

I have dedicated this years Days of Thanks

to the little things in life

that give us great joy.

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

appreciate the small things in our world

that make a big difference.

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

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

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

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

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

have become nothing but friends!

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

I love me some sonic!

So today, I am thankful for sonics all over 

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

Days of Thanks - 12

I know moms women everywhere are thankful for 

this kitchen invention:

The Slow Cooker.

Better known as :

The Crock Pot.

Tyler is especially thankful here lately for our slow cooker.

I have really been utilizing it so much more lately,

because at this point in my family's life,

we need yummy home-cooked meals

that take approximately 4 minutes to prepare

and less than 10 to clean up.

So on this 12th day of November

My family and I are thankful for the yummy meals

brought to us straight from

our Smart Pot.

Days of Thanks -11

Thankful just tips the  iceberg on how I feel about 

Hardin-Simmons University.

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

The people that I met while I attended college there

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

The professors that poured into my education were clearly

one of a kind. Its a unique experience

to go to a private baptist University,

and one that I will forever cherish.

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

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

and what you want out of life.

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

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

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

and knew that HSU would be forever special to me.

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

I feel like HSU allowed this native Abilenian 

a true collegiate lifestyle.

I have sense stayed closely connected to the HSU body,

and have no plans of changing that.

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

The Board of Young Associates in 2009,

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

and helping to improve what might need improvement.

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

Days of Thanks -10

My girls need wheels.

Wheels that will get them happily from A to B.

So we knew what we had to do.

We had to get the BOB.

The DOUBLE BOB.

This is the mother of all jogging strollers.

Lots of room.

Comfortable straps.

A good recline.

A hood that will reach to their toes.

Tires that can go on a hike of any kind.

The greatest ride there is for my girls.

Boy to they love BOB.

So does their mama.

Its an easy push.

Swivel to lock front wheel.

Perfect for all of our out and about needs.

Today I am thankful the ride.

Days of Thanks - 9

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

I almost did not sit down to write,

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

Mothers Day Out.

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

Anslee looks forward to going to "school"

every Monday and Wednesday!

Anslee benefits a great deal from being in an 

organized classroom type setting.

All is age appropriate,

but she has really learned so much.

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

Her most recent being that girls and boys are different.

(She does not yet know why or how)

she just knows there is a distinct difference.

Her social skills are certainly put into practice here,

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

 

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

Mrs. Kaylee used to be a public school teacher,

sees the importance of learning at an early age

and sees each of her kids full potential.

She is married to our Chiropractor. 

She co-coordinates MOPS with me,

and she is a mama herself to 

Weston, 4 and 

Wyatt 2.

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

What a wonderful environment Wee Kids is. 

I am also thankful for it right now,

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

with sweet Kensington.

Anslee had that one on one time everyday for 

1 year + 362 days.

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

We love Wee Kids and are thankful for 

all the good it is to us!

Days of Thanks 8 - Friendships

Friendship.

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

The need for extraordinary friendships.

I needed it more than most, I think.

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

of a gift from only God. A blessed relationship between

two or more people.

A source of encouragement and growth.

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

in my life that I call "friend".

There is no way that this particular blog post could 

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

impact in my life.

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

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

they were family. We lived together.

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

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

You know that I love you dearly and literally

Thank my God for giving me you.

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

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

You have given me strength and helped me succeed.

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

You are more than just someone passing through my world.

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

this very world.

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

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

our own ways in the world,

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

and always be thankful for.

I treasure you.

I have not lost the need for friendship post college.

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

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

of each and every one of you.

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

had throughout my lifetime.

I have been forever changed by each of you!

Days of Thanks - 7

Coggin Avenue Baptist Church.

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

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

This blog post could go on for days.

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

Our Sunday School class is phenomenal.

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

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

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

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

accept Christ for their own one day.

Its funny, now that I think about it.

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

with being a part of this great church family.

MOPS being one,

and another that will be posted later.

Needless to say, I have grown in this church.

I have made friends in this church.

I am better because of my tie to this church.

Thank you, Leaders and Members of Coggin Avenue Baptist.

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

Days of Thanks - 6

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

We are getting personal here.

Whatever you do, please don't judge.

I am just a girl fallen victim to

Reality TV.

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

As much as I hate to admit it,

I am thankful for my favorite TV shows.

Its an escape. 

I can watch drama without having any of my own.

What could be better?

Now, not all Reality TV is trash.

I happen to find one series particularly inspirational.

I think most would agree.

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

Its such an interesting take on loosing weight.

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

There is nothing better than sitting down with coke and pizza

and watching these people change themselves from the inside out. 

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

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

silliness as to how we become attached to certain

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

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

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

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

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

Or season 2.

Sigh. 

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

with MTV.

This show has beyond made my jaw drop.

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

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

Drama.

Well what is 16 and Pregnant without the follow up?

Its impossible for me not to know what happened.

Watched all the seasons. I certainly have my favorites.

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

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

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

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

anymore than I just did.

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

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

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

Days of Thanks - 5

Please tell me I am not the only one thankful for

ahem...a few bathroom items?

Seriously. What goes on in the bathroom is important business!

I have a couple of things that live in my bathroom

that clearly need a little shout out.

In other words, I am thankful for them!

Ahhh. Rare Minerals. Its part of the Bare Minerals cosmetic line. 

This is blemish therapy. Let me tell you. Not much therapy is needed.

This is a budding pimples worst nightmare.

Not kidding.

One quick dab of this white, powdery, mineral miracle

and zit free you will be. 

I have NEVER seen any treatments that work as well or as fast 

as this. Love it.

It lasts forever and works overnight.

Every hormonal teenager and new momma needs this.

Speaking of Skin Care.

The Clarisonic skin brush. This will wash away your skin

into brand new. Best thing? Its waterproof. It works off of a battery charge

and will seriously make your pores squeaky clean. 

You can use it with any cleanser. It gets your skin so much

cleaner than just using your hands. It only takes 1 minute.

1 minute for beautifully clear skin. Yes.

So raise your hand if you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?

Thats what I thought. You do, and so do I.

Raise your hand if you keep your toliet in the bathroom as well?

Goodness. 

Does it not gross you out to no lengths that think that every time you flush

the toliet germs {and such} are sent airborne?

Thats why I protect my and Tyler's toothbrush with the Vio Light

toothbrush sanitizer!
Anslee has her own pretty princess one. She even was able to decorate with
stickers. What fun for her!!

You put in your toothbrush bristles downward

turn on a special germ killing light

and a clean toothbrush you have.

My dentist would be so proud. If I went and paid him a visit that is.

*Disclaimer*

Thanks to my sweet mama for seriously buying me all of the above items 

that I clearly could not go a day without now.

Days of Thanks - 4 - MOPS

Today is Friday, and every other Friday, our MOPS group meets.

Every Friday there is a MOPS meeting in Brownwood, and once a month on Thursday,
a working Mom's MOPS group meets.

Myself and a close friend Co-Coordinate MOPS at Coggin Avenue Baptist.

Oh how the city of Brownwood is blessed to have groups of this nature meeting.

MOPS is an national and even international group intended for Mothers of PreSchoolers.

We are so lucky to have 3 chapters here in Brownwood.

This group has been not only a life saver in terms of knowing the 

silly things we encounter everyday are normal,

but also in just making friends who have a mutual respect for what you

are dealing with.

Motherhood is not always easy. Or fun.

In fact, its quite messy a lot of the time.

Within the walls of our church, where we meet, each of us find a sense of encouragement

and like mindedness with other women.

We minister to each other. We share stories. We eat food. We listen to guest speakers. We craft. We lift each other up.

Its an outreach program . Its so many things to so many moms.

Thank you, to all my MOPS mommy friends, who help me survive the journey with a smile on my face. You mean more to me and you know!

Days of Thanks 3

Today I am especially thankful for the parenting books

in my life. Goodness me, where would I be without

these little self help miracle books?

I think it is kind of funny, really, that I am really thankful for these books.

I have never really ever been much of a reader. 

There was the occasional novel that I would read, but besides that,

I did not read often. Yes. It is something 

I wish I did more, but when Anslee was 6 weeks old

I got hooked. I was amazed at how parenting made more sense after reading them.

I was so happy to take bits and pieces from each book

to aide me in planning out our days, and just knowing what life with 

a baby looked like.

I am also thankful that Tyler and I have the freedom to parent how

we see fit for our family. 

I am thankful that with the help of these books and our own parenting 

instincts We can feel confident in our decision making regarding 

the most precious baby girls that ever graced planet earth.

Here are just a few of my favorites!

 

Most of these books have toddler editions that I love equally!

Needless to say, one way I deal with frustrations or anxiousness

is by gathering information. I guess it eases my mind to know what

the experts say.

I feel like even though I love these books, I need to say that I take what works for us

from each book and what I agree with and make it my own.

It would be absurd to follow every "book" down to its last word

when kiddos are as individual as a fingerprint.

I am thankful for the help they have brought me though!

Days of Thanks -2

Today I am thankful for this very blog.

Not that I have a huge audience (or really think that is at all important)

but because I can make it exactly what I want.

I started this blog to document my life as a newlywed

and Tyler's journey through the State of Texas Trooper Academy.

It has evolved into my own little place on the internet

to record how we live our life.

I know that many years from now I will be so thankful I kept up with the 

daily delights of our life. 

I hope that when my little girls can read, they can go back and look on 

mommys blog to see what life was like

when they were my little tiny stinkers.

I like that I write about the big changes that our life takes

and the small things

that make each day unique and special. 

So today, I am thankful for my corner of the world wide web.

Even if I am the only one who knows its here!

Days of Thanks.

When time of year rolls around, I try to really stop and be extra mindful of the good in my life.

Its just good for the soul to reflect on what we are blessed with.

This year I am taking the time 

to document the things I love about my life.

What I am blessed with.

The little things I find simply joyful.

There are things I give thanks for each and everyday.

My Salvation.

My family.

My home and shelter. Dependable transportation.

So during these days of thanks,

please don't think I am not giving thanks about these most precious

parts of my life. I am beyond thankful for them.

Daily. 

Oh I would not be able to enjoy the little things in my life

without each of the above.

Today is Day 1.

Today I am thankful for my running shoes.

I am certain I have never loved a pair of running shoes like I do these ones. 

They fit my foot like like a glove.

Usually I have to have a "get to know you" period of time 

with a new pair of running shoes. 

Not these.

This pair of shoes knew me the minute they arrived on my doorstep.

Via UPS.

I was comfortable in them from the first lace up.

It will be a hard pair of shoes to retire.

 Forrest Gump had a special relationship with his shoes.

Now I know why! :)

For someone who enjoys exercise and running, a good pair of shoes is hard to come by.

So I am especially thankful (and was quite surprised) when these shoes

were the total package from day 1.

What is something simple that you can be thankful for today?

Hope you take the time to find something as simple as a pair of shoes to be thankful for!