I Don’t Want My Children …
Listen Earnestly To …
Mother’s Day Celebration!
Thankful for an opportunity to be a Mom! Being a Mom is an amazing honor and privilege that quite frankly scares me some days. It’s good to know that the call of Motherhood is not a place for us to be alone, but a place where we get the opportunity to live life alongside other Mothers and sisters who can pray, encourage, and support each other throughout this incredible journey.
I am thankful for my Mother and the many Mothers and sisters in my life that continue to make an impact on my heart. We live in a broken world full of broken people therefore it is impossible to be perfect and being a Mom tends to make that oh so clear. It is essential and refreshing to have people who are willing to speak truth and love into your life on a regular basis. I am grateful for each and every one of these ladies in my life.
Breakfast in bed – fresh cherries, fresh pineapple, yogurt, and an omelet (ham, cheese, mushroom, spinach, and tomatoes)! Delicious!
Jake and the girls made my Mother’s Day extra special. I received breakfast in bed, hugs, and well wishes. After breakfast we went to church together and heard a powerful message that hit home in my heart. When we got home Jake and the girls (okay, mostly Jake) made an amazing lunch followed by a relaxing evening. The girls gave me sweet cards, beautiful flowers, a blueberry bush, a swing cushion, and other goodies.
It is not always easy being a Mom, however, there are more good days and great memories than I can count. Some days are a little tough and I get frustrated with myself for not being able to do better, but I never regret becoming a Mom. Motherhood is one of life’s greatest gifts and callings. It is an honor and a little scary at times raising kids.
Although life gets a little crazy at times I wouldn’t change it for anything. It has been a wonderful gift seeing these two little blessings grow up. They continue to amaze me and it is awesome seeing them use their talents.
One of the several beautiful and Sweet Mother’s Day signs. This one is from Karlie and I discovered it sitting on my desk! Love my girls!
Flashback Friday: 1st Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
So proud of their pumpkin!
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back 10 years when the girls went to their first pumpkin patch. They were so excited to check out the pumpkins. They didn’t like the feel of the prickly hay and grass on their feet, but were fascinated by the pumpkin and it’s stem.
Investigating the pumpkin
It was like a cool new toy to Brina and Karlie
Jake and his sweet girls Karlie and Brina
Karlie and Brina hanging out with Daddy at the pumpkin patch
Our 1st pumpkin patch adventure as a family of four.
Flashback Friday: Celebrating & Fun with Family
Brina trying to steal a piece of Rachel’s birthday cake!
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to September 2005 when the girls were eight months old. We celebrated my brother Lee’s birthday with several of our cousins who were still going to college in town. The girls learned how hold their bottles on their own. They loved being silly and playing together. They could easily make each other laugh.
Brina hanging out with cousins Rachel, Alecia, and Jordan.
Playing a game….fun times!
Daddy gave Karlie a bite of Uncle Lee’s birthday cake. He let her lick off one of the candles.
Ummm….Karlie….I think you might have some frosting on your nose.
They think they are so funny…silly girls playing around before drinking their bottles – Brina & Karlie
Brina happy and playing on the floor
Karlie smiling at all the fun toys around her
Two babies in a bucket, they were ok with this until Jake spun them around. Then both Brina and Karlie didn’t like it.
Brina in the Johnny Jump Up with her feet on Karlie’s walker tray. They thought they were so funny in this position!
Karlie you have a bulls eye target stuck to your nose. She didn’t care.
Brina laughing and making some noise.
Silly Brina it’s time to get dressed not time for playing!
This was a big moment for them. They officially can hold their own bottles. It was an exciting and sad day for Mommy. I was glad they could do it and it saved me a lot of extra time, but I did miss some of the morning snuggles with them. I was able to squeeze in plenty throughout the day though.
Daddy and Karlie reading a book together. Karlie LOVED reading books!
Brina was thrilled to find the blue ball and that she could pick it up and throw it by herself.
Flashback Friday: Silly Girls, Dargo, and a Fall Festival
Watching Daddy bring in a train toy! What is it!? Looks like fun!
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to when the girls were 8 months old. They would get so excited to play with various toys. If you pulled out a new toy that they haven’t seen before they would eagerly check it out. The hard part was when both wanted to play with it at the same time. They were pretty good at sharing back and forth with only a few exceptions at this point. If one would take a toy away the other one would just play with another one, no big deal.
Fascinated by the moving and musical Mickey Mouse train – Karlie and Brina.
Goofy girls – Brina and Karlie
Karlie loved to “talk” with you as you changed her clothes. Her little babbling and smiles were so cute.
We have one thumb sucker (Karlie) and one two finger sucker (Brina)….oh boy. At first we thought it was “cute” until it was time to break them of it. You can take away a pacifier, but it is a little more difficult with fingers…
“Dargo what big nose and teeth you have!” – Brina
Dargo thought Karlie’s belly was the perfect chin rest. He was so gentle with the girls. They could do anything to him and he would just lay there enjoying the attention. He was a big black lab, but was so sweet with the girls.
Karlie more interested in relaxing, but Brina wants to talk and play with Dargo
Where are my Oreos?! Sneaky Karlie…. She had no idea it was food and was more interested in the crinkling of the container.
I wonder who has been watching Brina….. Daddy put the stickers on her face and it didn’t bother her at all.
My sweet babies, Brina and Karlie, playing away and totally ok with the stickers on their faces. Don’t worry we didn’t leave them on long. They weren’t easily upset by that type of stuff.
Happy Karlie Kool Kat
They loved any toys that made noise. It was hilarious when they discovered it made noise for the first time. They both stop and stare at it confused by the noise. Karlie proud of her noise making skills and Brina watching.
Their 1st local Fall Festival. They were fascinating just watching all the activities around them. Karlie got a flower and Brina got a butterfly painted on their face. They did much better with this face painting session.
Karlie won a stuffed pumpkin door prize. As soon as they handed it to her Brina immediately swiped it to investigate it further. Karlie didn’t care she was having fun.
Karlie giving us a winning smile.
Brina and Karlie shrieking and laughing as Daddy lifted them up in the air. They thought it was so much fun playing with Daddy!
They spent most of their time at home when they were eating or sleeping playing – Brina and Karlie
Brina wants the cool toy Karlie is currently playing with. Thankful that the were pretty good about sharing.
Flashback Friday: Hanging Out At Home
Two little critters, Karlie and Brina, who are talking, laughing, and giggling when it is suppose to be nap time.
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back on October 2005 when the girls were 8 months old. They have started babbling a lot more and discovered that they could get our attention when they shriek. Brina especially had a shrill screech she would make followed by lots of giggles. The first time she did it she surprised herself so of course she decided to just do it more.
They are happy babies. We tried to do some fun Fall activities with them this year. They didn’t understand everything we were doing, but were always up for an adventure. They were my little cuddle bugs. Love my sweet girls.
Karlie and Brina very excited about the cool John Deere books Daddy brought home for them!
Brina giving one of her shrill screeches….wish I could transfer it into an audio on this picture.
Karlie is all smiles as she plays
Brina talking with Mommy. While I couldn’t understand what she was saying at this point she loved to happily chat away.
Karlie cutting some more teeth and drooling like crazy, but still a sweet happy baby.
Brina decided that she was going to steal my camera
Karlie in charge of Mommy’s water cup, so proud of her big girl duty! She didn’t even tip it.
Brina loves the riding toys! Anything to keep moving!
What’s up Karlie rabbit! Not sure about these glasses Mom!
Brina our little two finger sucker.
Daddy’s first work trip away since the girls were born to Plano, Texas! It was so good to have him back home again.
They are so happy first thing in the morning. It is cute hearing giggles from their crib in the mornings – Karlie and Brina
Brina and Karlie crashed in their seats
Playing is one of their favorite activities! Brina chewing on a toy and Karlie looking up to smile at Mommy!
Flashback Friday: Fun at Home
Karlie loves hanging out in the Johnny Jump Up and playing with the toys, however, she would prefer spinning over jumping.
Today’s Flashback Friday takes us back to September 2005 when the girls were 7 months old. We spent a lot of time at home when the girls were younger. It was a lot of work to take them out every day and since they were still small they were more likely to pick up germs we tried to keep our errands, doctors appointments, and activities to a minimum at least during the first few months.
We had a lot of fun hanging out at home. They loved to play, laugh, and explore. The weekends and evenings were their favorite times of the week because Daddy was home to play with them. They love their Daddy and always give him a winning smile. He was great pitching in whenever possible with the kids. They were used to having both of us feed, change, and play with them at various times throughout the week sometimes together and other times just one of us.
Brina thinks Mr. Octopus is so funny.
Karlie didn’t see me walk into the room and I startled her. Love the expression on her face.
Brina is thrilled to be riding!
Karlie’s turn to ride now!
Brina loves holding onto your hands and standing up. She can stand for longer periods of time now.
Such a happy Karlie baby
Brina stealing water from Mommy’s cup….looks like she had some help from Daddy
Brina loves going for a ride on Daddy’s shoulders.
Karlie’s hanging out with Daddy
Karlie relaxing, smiling, and playing
Brina is all tuckered out – fast asleep with her feet are on one side of the boppy and her head on the other side
Karlie is clean and ready for bed now
Our girls – Karlie and Brina
There’s a Brina in the toy bucket! She is so proud of herself for “scaring” Mommy. Giggly girl.
Brina ready to try out the swimming pool.
Karlie looking for the toys in the pool.
Karlie – “Wow, Dad these sit ups are hard!”
Mommy reading a book to the girls. Brina is more interested in Daddy who is taking the picture while Karlie is completely engrossed in the book.
It makes my neck hurt just looking at her sleeping in this position. Brina would literally jump until she crash. This does not look like the most comfy position to take a nap in though kiddo.
They think “Little Lamb” is hilarious!
Brina having a blast!
Karlie smiling and sucking her thumb at the same time. That takes talent!
Sleeping beauties – Brina and Karlie
Life is so fun for these two little ones – Karlie and Brina!
Karlie is smiling and talking with the baby in the mirror at the Doctors office, little does she know that she will be getting a shot soon.
Karlie sitting on Daddy’s desk and “helping” him.
Giggling kiddos – Brina and Karlie
Brina and Karlie love hanging out and being silly together.
Flashback Friday: Growing Up
Brina trying to figure out how to get across the floor to Daddy!
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back 10 years. The girls were 6 months old and starting to learn so much every week. They are more mobile and on the go. They love babbling back and forth to each other and to others. It is fascinating to watch them explore and learn new things. Our family is blessed with these to sweethearts.
Brina is the more mobile one, but Karlie is only a day or two behind her. Karlie is the more verbal one, but it doesn’t take Brina to catch up. They challenge each other and neither one wants to get left behind so they do a lot of their fun activities together.
It is cute to see them working together like a small team. Some of their jibber jabber we don’t understand, however, they seem to understand all of it and will randomly bust out laughing about some inside joke they share.
Sweet Brina pausing to say “Hi” to Mommy!
Karlie is always quick to offer a sweet smile which makes my heart happy.
It’s only been a month since they started eating rice cereal and “solid” food. The first time we had a lot of tears because they didn’t like it and wanted their bottles. Now they are all smiles when they get into their high chairs . They look forward to meal time (I think they consider it another form of play time only messier)! Oh, how quickly things change in just a few weeks.
Having fun with Brina as we get her dressed for bed. She doesn’t look too thrilled, but puts up with her goofy parents anyway.
Brina – “Quiet Karlie, it’s my turn to talk now….”
Karlie – “What are you laughing at Daddy?” She is all smiles and has no idea she has tape on her forehead!
Brina so proud of her standing ability.
Karlie and Brina, they had such pinchable and kissable cheeks at this age.
Daddy’s unique way of giving Mommy some cash. Brina wasn’t too sure about this new toy in between her toes.
Brina would get very upset if she tipped over and couldn’t get herself back up again. This time when she fell over I think Karlie was concerned about her crying because she stuck her fingers into Brina’s mouth (maybe to make her be quiet, who knows).
Brina’s first ride on the rocking cow (with pillows on either side and Daddy next to her just in case).
Sweet Karlie
Karlie’s first ride on the rocking cow. They were a little unsure about this moving cow at first, but as they got older it became a popular toy at our house. They loved it.
Happy Karlie girl
They are learning how to use a sippy cup. Karlie sometimes would “act” like she was drinking or play around instead of actually drinking so we had to make sure she was getting enough water.
Brina tipped over Mr. Octopus while playing and couldn’t get back up. She was not happy! Once I sat her back up again she was fine and her happy self again.
Surprised Karlie woke up to a massive stuffed animal on the swing with her. Where did this come from?! “Butch” was a large stuffed dog I got as a kid from Grandpa CE and Grandma Willa. The girls loved to roll around, climb, and play with it when they were little.
Life is good – Karlie
Brina is fascinated with the new toy which we called “Giggles”. It would giggle and move around the room. She loved to followed it around the room and knock it over so it wouldn’t run away.
Karlie on the other hand was a little suspicious about a laughing and moving toy. She was fine with it at a distant, but the first time it bumped into her arm she was hysterically screaming like it attacked her. After watching it a few more times she eventually got used to it and enjoyed it.
Brina riding the “Hungry Hippo”! They could ride on the hippo and as it moved it would pick up block and other toys off the floor and put them into a storage bin under the seat. It made “clean up” more fun for the kids. They both loved riding on it or being pushed around the house picking up scattered toys.
Playing together on “Mr. Clown” mat. They initially would both fit (with all their toys) and stay on the clown mat now they are getting older they never stop moving so even though they might start there they don’t stay very long.
Karlie is happy to play music for the rest of us.
Brina talking and showing off her belly button while Karlie sits there nicely for the picture.
They loved talking (or babbling) to each other. This was one time while I was getting them dressed. Karlie was talking away so I sat Brina up on the changing table with her and they talked back and forth for several minutes. Who knows what they were saying, but they were having fun. They were fascinated by the words and noises coming out of each others mouths and would stick their hands inside the others mouth trying to figure out how it all worked. Loved these little interactions and the cute gibberish they made.
Daddy let Karlie borrow his hat. He was concerned about her getting a sunburn.
Karlie sitting quietly, but not entirely sure about this thing on her head.
A whole lot of Brina mischief was found in my laundry basket. They used to love playing in our laundry baskets. Once they were older they made it a game to climb in and out, wonder how that started? Sweet Brina is distracted me from doing the laundry, but hey that can wait until tomorrow, right!?
Organized Chaos: Health & Beauty Supplies
Health & Beauty Supplies
We have a tall narrow closet in the master bedroom where we store regularly used Healthy & Beauty Supplies. When we find something that it is on sale and we know we will use in the next 1 to 6 months we pick it up and put it in the appropriate container. The containers hold plenty for our family for the next few months so we never get more than what the container can hold. If the container is empty or running low we put that item on our shopping list for the next trip to the store.
As the kids get older I have noticed they are starting to go through more of the Health & Beauty items. Since we try to get these items when they are at a good price we haven’t noticed too much of an increase in use. I anticipate as they get older the use will continue to go up and they may start getting more specific about what they like (or don’t like), but for now they are content with just pulling out something from the container that we have on hand.
It helps having everything organized and available so when an object is needed already we have it. There are a couple items that technically are not Health & Beauty that we keep stored in this area as well such as the Air Fresheners and Small Gifts, otherwise it is all health and beauty items.
Once again you can see that I used the small clear containers with a white lid from the Dollar Tree. These fit perfectly in so many of our smaller closets and help us keep supplies in order. They are easy to see into, pull out, open up, and refill. Anyone in the family can easily get the items they need without assistance. We have not replaced the original wooden closet shelves in this closet because it is such a different sized closet the wooden shelves work for it. The closet is not wide enough to fit 2 of the plastic containers side-by-side so I used a narrow box to slide in next to the containers which contains some of the slightly bigger items we try to keep on hand.
Top Shelf of the Health & Beauty Closet Contains:
- Air Fresheners & Refills
- New Make Up
- Q-Tips & Cotton Balls
- Box of Small Gifts (I try to have a handful of small gifts on hand for last minute parties, teacher gifts, hostess gifts, or something else. Couple examples of what I keep in this box are candles, decorative hand soaps, and more. These items have come in handy when we don’t have time to run to the store, but need something to give someone.)
Middle Shelf of the Health & Beauty Closet Contains:
- Female Deodorant (which now we have 3 people in our household using)
- Male Deodorant (we always have at least 2 of his deodorants out at a time – 1 for everyday home use and 1 packed in a toiletry bag for when my husband travels for work. There have been times when he has had to leave at the last minute so having this already packed and ready helps us make sure he has everything he needs to travel and allows us to get him out the door more quickly.)
- Chapstick / Lipstick
- Box of Toothpaste, Tooth Brushes, & Mouthwash (since these are typically longer or taller in size they fit better in the box on the shelf)
Bottom Shelf of the Health & Beauty Closet Contains:
- Hand Sanitizer & Sunblock
- Dental Floss
- Toothbrushes
- Box of Lotion & Face Wash
All the Health & Beauty items are organized and ready to be used!