Ready 2013.

Somehow, we were in 2011,

and I woke up with it almost being

2013.

2012 was a quick year, bringing its joys -

and its tials all in the same way.

We started out 2012 by celebrating a

3rd and a 1st birthday.

I couldnt believe it,

my girls were 3 and 1 -

and I had known for 9 weeks that

another angel baby was headed our way.

So a couple weeks after the girls

big birthday bash,

We posted this:

Wait. Didn't I already have a tiny baby?

Yep. Sure did.

And a toddler who was quickly becoming

a pre-schooler.

We were thrilled.

We found out in the first few days of April,

that a SISTER was on the way to make

3 dressed in pink.

July 31st came in a wink,

and happines found us all over again.

Our family was born - into one of five.

Shortly after Laynee joined us,

we celebrated with Tyler,

as he made an advancement in his career.

He took his Trooper II test -

and passed with flying colors.

His oral board interview could not have been better.

We took this photo 4 years ago in September on his first day

as a commissioned Officier.

He took the next step by graduating to Trooper II.

A lot of people don't understand how the Department

of Public in Safety operates.

I happen to be one of those people -

but

I do know this:

Trooper II level troopers are now eligible

to promote to other investigative positions

within the Department.

He has many plans and dreams that are now

beginning to take shape -

and while I can't really publicially discuss what he wants to

just know God is working on making Tyler's

dreams come true

and me and 3 little girls are lucky to tag

along on this amazing journey of his.

Right around the same time that Tyler promoted,

we welcomed our 3rd neice!

Cadence Ruempolhamer was born on September 26 -

healthy and happy.

We are so thankful for her little life.

That sweet girl is probably the most laid back baby

that ever graced planet earth.

Not one thing upsets her. EVER.

Earlier this month Tyler and I headed to

Frederiscksburg, Texas to

enjoy our 5 year wedding anniversary.

We had a an amazing time! Thanks to Tyler's

parents, who braved taking on all 3 girls overnight!

All in all its been a special year.

Our family became complete.

We are so enjoying where we are now in our life,

and are so thankful for

We have some goals for 2013. I thought I would share -

mostly to hold myself to some sort of accountability to them!

1. Tyler would like to continue the process he has started with DPS.

2. I would like to help Anslee do these things:

-memorize a bible verse, once per month.

-count to 100 before she turns 5.

-recognize some sight words.

-teach first time obedience and work on heart issues.

3.I would like to help Kensington do these things:

-ABC's

-count to 20

-continue helping her learn shapes/colors

-have her sit while I work with A on scripture
Big girl bed

-POTTY TRAIN.

4. I would like to help Laynee do these things:

-move from 3 to 2 naps.

-help her through all the babyhood milestones
(sitting up, first words, walking, etc.)

-at the end of the year: teach body parts

-help her to understand simple commands (No, come here)

-enjoy her baby days

and it looks like she got a head start eating solid foods, as she started today.
She did well, and I am pretty sure she was ready -
though I was not. Not even a little bit.

5. I would like to do these things:

-loose the rest of Laynee weight

-learn to sew by taking lessons

-look for a 4 bedroom home.

-support Tyler in his job as he needs during transitions
-have the next post from this blog be one on a new blog layout
(this is in the works!)

then of course there is always to stay better organized and do some type

of community service project as a family.

Here is to a happy, healthy start to 2013 from all of us to all of you!



A Mom to the World.

So to say that I have been devestated by the

Newtown, Connecticut -

Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting would be making light.

 

I am crushed. Personally attacked.

I have not stopped being emotional since coverage

on Friday morning began.

 

I have been especially struck by this particular

little angel.

 

Emilie Parker. 6 year old little girl.

Precious blonde hair, blue eyed.

I bet when she left for school Friday,

she was excited about life.

I bet her biggest worry was pair of scissors

she was going to use.

 

I saw her picture all over the internet.

Then, I saw this.

 

 

Emilie is on the right. Accompanied by her sisters,

and mommy and daddy.

 

You see, this is my family.

My family, 2 years ahead, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

 

Emilie is my Anslee.

 

I bet this photo was their 2012 Christmas card.

 

I can't help but wonder,

did their Christmas card 2 years ago look something like this?

 

 

Maybe something like this, with blonde hair and blue eyes?

 

To Emilie's Mom.

Your loss must be undescribeable.

I can't begin to imgaine your pain.

The life you live today, is different from the one you lived

this time last week and I can't comprehend

the devestation you feel today that you didnt then.

Emilie is beautiful, and you were a good mom to her.

I hope that Jesus comforts you during this time,

and I pray that hold fast to the hope of being with her

again someday.

 

 

One of my friends gave great perspective to me on Friday.

She said,

"Once you are a mom, you are a mom to the world - and those

kids are your kids."

 

This made perfect since as to why the tears would not stop.

Why, honestly, they still have not stopped.

 

The 2014-2015 school year will be here before I know it.

Anslee will begin her journey. Soon to be followed

by the journey of her sisters.

 

On that day, I know I will think of Emilie Parker. I pray a prayer

for her mama. I will let go of Anslee,

and pray that she be in a place where the evil she sees

is little in relation to what is really there.

 

God Bless the families. God Bless those who had to spend their work

day investigating such tragedy.

 



4 months old.

If November had a 31st,

My sweet girl would have turned the big 4 months old.

So, since November doesn't have a 31st,

can I still just consider Laynee to be 3 months old?

Can she stay tiny forever?

Please?!

She grows physically and developmentally every second.

Its such a wonder to see,

no matter how many times we have done it,

I still always seem to be surprised at how the first year of 

life unfolds. So much happens.

I blink

and she has grown by leaps and bounds.

Laynee Blair at 4 months old:

rolls over both ways.

grabs toys.

sleeps 12 hours at night.

Is in between 3 and 4 naps a day. Most of the time, 3.

At her max she can stay awake for 1 hour and 20 minutes at a time.

smiles.

coos.

blows bubbles
babbles

brings her hands together.

brings her hands to her mouth.

has no teeth, and shows no signs of teething.

has been on 3 rounds of antibiotics (sickening, I know.)

drinks 21-26 ounces per day in 5 feedings.

has a bedtime of 6:15.

Is in 3-6 month clothing.

Size 2 diapers during the day, size 3 at night.

does not take a pacifier
follows objects with her eyes.

loves to sleep in her woombie
loves the supported sitting she gets in her bumbo.

 spits up terribly.

has dealt with a few 45 minute naps
hardly.ever.cries.
recognizes her name
focuses her eyes on faces, chandliers, fans, and toys.
Recognizes mommy - small seperation anxiety has happened twice now.
 

Weighs 13.7 lbs

is 24 inches tall

So thankful that this sweet baby is growing.
So sweet. So healthy. So happy.


It was one year ago today we found out she would make us a
family of 5.
Praise the Lord for sweet surprises.
Our life just would not be as full if she was not with us.

The Truth in Tinsel day 1&2

We are loving this advent season- and have had a great start! These girls are so fun and get so excited to do little crafts.

This mama loves turning off the TV- opening our bibles and reading about why we celebrate this blessed time of year- each year.

I want to burn the real reason of the season on their tiny hearts- so doing and activity and a reading each day I hope will re-iterate just how special this time of year is.

Thank You 1+1+1=1 for the Truth in Tinsel ebook for us to follow long with.










I had Tyler print off the ebook and we put into a binder for easy use.

Here are some pics from day 1 and day 2

Isaiah 9:2-7 is the Old Testament prophecy of a savior being born as a light into place of darkness- so we made stained glass window cut outs of candles :) it's an ornament that hangs on our tree.






Day 2 continues in Isaiah 9:2-7 and also talks about how Jesus, who is born as a light - is a long who will govern and rule over the kingdom of David and peace will increase as rules justly and righteously. So today we made little Kings crowns and decorated them. We punched a hole for an ornament hook and hung it on our tree.

Next year we will have enough "handmade" ornaments from the girls that we will have an entire separate tree in our house that will be home to those little masterpieces alone.

I love this season- and hope that my kiddos will soon understand the precious gift we received upon the birth of a King!





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