Chicken Bones

Since Anna Kate was born several families in our church have been so kind to bring us meals. One night we had a chicken and vegetable meal. I don't think my boys have ever had chicken on the bone. Jim isn't a fan of any meat on a bone so I always buy boneless chicken breast.  I grew up eating drumsticks and had forgotten how yummy they taste. BUT I must say that my boys loved the chicken so much more and we enjoyed watching them eat it almost as much. 

Quote of the Day

Jim has started something called Quote of the Day. I thought I would share several things Jake has said to me since Anna Kate was born. I know that Jim would never post these quotes.

While I was pregnant with Anna Kate Jake always asked about my belly and he would ask me if it would be small again after the baby came out. I would tell him yes.

The first belly comment came three days after Anna Kate was born. Jake and I took her to the pediatrician for a check up. While we were waiting I picked him up to look out the window and he asked me if my belly was little again. Of course, I told him yes! My sweet little boy looks down and rubs my belly and says "It's not that little mommy." Thanks Jake:-)

The second comment came several days later. All of us were playing upstairs. The boys love to tickle and blow on our bellies. They were blowing on Jim's and then Jake started tickling my belly. As soon as he started I could tell by the look on his face that he was thinking something. This is what he said as he was pushing on my belly, "Mommy, your belly is so squishy." Once again, Thanks Jake:-)
Little ones keep you humble!

All Alone...

 Anna Kate will be two weeks old on Wednesday. This has been a busy couple of  weeks. My mom, Mema, and Benny came to visit the day Anna Kate was born and stayed until Sunday morning. Mom took the boys to run errands and all of my clothes were washed for 5 days straight. Not to mention all of the diapers and other goodies she hauled up here for us. 

This is a picture that Mom took after Anna Kate's first bath.

Jim and Benny stayed busy doing jobs around the house. Their greatest accomplishment was painting all of the shutters on the house and the front door. The shutters and door are now black and I am very excited. It looks great. We really enjoyed having them come and visit for a few days. Benny told me that he isn't planning to make that drive again unless I have another baby. "See you again in 2010"

Nana, Jim's mom, arrived Sunday afternoon and stayed until Thursday. Nana was also busy helping us with sewing projects and trying to keep up with the boys. Nana even swept and mopped the floors the night before she left. :-)

Thursday Jim and I had to face the three of the all alone. I think we did a pretty good job. 

Uncle Jim arrived Sunday for an overnight visit. It was good to see him and he got to play with the boys and meet Anna Kate.

It's Monday, Jim is at work and I am at home with the boys ALL ALONE. They are down for a nap and I must admit today hasn't been bad. We went to the library and to Walmart to pick up a few things. I am glad that my first day went smoothly. I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds for this stay at home mommy of three.

I hope to update Wednesday. We are taking all three of the them to the doctor for there well visits.

Little Bitty Bulldog

Baby Boy

Look at this ADORABLE picture of my baby boy!

edit: My mom took this picture. Judd is not supposed to be on the table, but it did make a great picture.

Best Friends

Anna Kate is 3 days old and she is doing great. We went to the doctor this morning and she is very healthy and almost back to her birth weight.

These are a few pictures that we took yesterday with the boys. Anna Kate lost interest very quickly.

"Best Friends" explanation: One of the prayers that we have for our children is the kids would have a genuine love for and bond with siblings, so recently we started teaching Jake that Judd was his best friend. Jake has really caught on to the concept and he now says that he has two best friends, Judd and Anna Kate. Enjoy the pictures of the "best friends."

The last picture is one I took of Anna Kate before nap time. I will update more very soon.

Meet Anna Kate

Today has been good. Anna Kate is doing well and passed her first test (hearing) this afternoon. We are looking forward to going home sometime tomorrow.

She's here!

I started having contractions at 10:00 PM or so tonight. We arrived at the hospital at 1:20 AM and I was already at 9 centimeters. It was too late for ANY medication or epidural so I delivered her completely natural at 1:54 AM. I pushed for two minutes.

She was born April 9, 2008, at 1:54 AM. She weighed 6 lbs and 15 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Still no name yet but that update will come soon!

We are going to the hospital

I am having contractions every 3 minutes and we are leaving now! We will see what happens!

It's Official

It's official this is the longest I have ever been pregnant. After having two kids and being pregnant with this little girl this is the longest I have ever been pregnant. Jake was born 13 days early, Judd 9 days early, and here I am 8 days away from my due date wondering if I am going to carry this little lady until April 16. A whole 40 weeks! I don't think I can be pregnant for 10 months! Yikes! I just hope she isn't getting to big staying in there baking so long.

I have been doing aerobics everyday for a week and then walking at night several times. Today she seems to be very low, but that could be a my imagination. I am either really sore from working out so hard or she has dropped lower because I am in full waddle mode.

I go to the doctor for my 39 week check up tomorrow. We will see what he has to say. Hopefully, she will come before next Wednesday. Actually, Thursday would be fabulous!

When is she coming?

Jim has a poll on his blog. He wants to know when everyone thinks she is coming. Go to his blog and comment on her due date. Let's see who is right.

I hope you are having a great day....

Have I ever said that I have the most amazing husband in the world! 

These flowers were delivered to our house today. He just hoped I was having a great day.

Side note: He sent me flowers on the Friday before I had Jake. It makes me a little nervous getting flowers on a Friday again so close to my due date.:-)

Easter Projects

This is a picture of the projects Jake and I complete the week of Easter. Judd did make one of the palm branches at the top. It was hard to get him to stop eating the tissue paper, but he had fun. 

We started on Palm Sunday and did various activities throughout the week. We also read Benjamin's Box and hunted the Resurrection Eggs throughout the week. He loved finding the eggs and discussing what was in each one. Then on Sunday morning we made Resurrection rolls. They were yummy!

Here are a few of the questions Jake asked me while we were making the cross picture:

Mommy, why did that man on the other cross make a bad decision and not want to go to heaven with Jesus? 

Mommy, if those men beside Jesus had to die because they did bad things then why did Jesus have to die if He never did anything bad? 

This one will make you laugh:

"Mommy, does Jesus and Baby Trey live in your heart?"

"No sir, just Jesus lives in my heart. Baby Trey is in my belly."

"Oh!"

Easter 2008

This week we have been celebrating Easter and teaching Jake why this day is so important. I will post pictures of our projects a little later, but here are some pictures of the boys in their Easter outfits.

We had a great day at church and the preacher was awesome! I am so thankful we have a Risen Savior!

Happy Easter!

36 weeks and 29 years

Today is a very special day. It's my birthday and I am also 36 weeks. I had a great birthday. Jim surprised me with an awesome birthday present. He bought me a new camera. He bought me a Nikon D40. It is really great, but I have a lot to learn in order to use it the way I would like. I have a great husband!

I also had a doctors appointment today. He said that Baby Girl is in position and that I am 1 cm and 50%. She is progressing, but not too fast which is fine with us.


These are a few test pictures taken today with my new camera. I am excited! It just so happens that Jim took all of these. Maybe he is the photographer in the family?!?!

Silly Boys

Here are a few of the boys silly faces. Jake started making us laugh last night at dinner so that explains the blueberry and spaghetti faces.


Are we really adding a girl to this wild world of boys!

Is Spring Near?

It has been 75 degrees here the past few days so I wanted to get some outside pictures of the boys. We have been sick all Winter so we have very few pictures of the last few months.

We went to the playground at the church today and that is where most of them were taken. The others were taken at our house.
Enjoy!

Speaking with Grace

The past few months I have caught myself being a mom that is frustrating and raising my voice at the boys to get them to obey. We spend a lot of time trying to train them to "obey the first time with a happy heart" and it is very frustrating when Jake obeys in action but then proceeds to whine or cry while "obeying." You see we define obedience as the complete act "obey the first time with a happy heart" not just action. Life has also gotten interested as Judd is really starting to test us and we are training him to obey also. Yes, many days I feel like I am correcting them all day whether it is their actions or their attitude, (their heart).

I have prayed that God would show me areas specifically how I can be a better mom. He has been answering my prayers more than I would like in one specific area, speaking with grace. The Holy Spirit has convicting me as I yell, fuss, whine, or beg my boys to listen and obey. So yesterday I was praying that my speech would be pleasing to Him and then I read this verse:

Let your speech always be seasoned with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Col 4:6

I find that I try VERY hard to speak with grace to Jim and even others, but so many times I "lose it" with the boys. I know that more hurtful words are spoken when I am angry or frustrated than at any other time. I don't feel that my words are nearly as hurtful as the tone in which I speak. Many times see my tone and reactions imitated through Jake when he is trying to communicate with Judd. This is when the Holy Spirit gently nudges my heart and reminds me that if I want my children to know Jesus, I must be Jesus to them. I must speak gently to them, but in order to do that I need to spend more time with Him. I need to be closer to Him so that I will know how He would respond.
As a child of God and a mother to two precious boys (soon to be girl), I want this verse to represent me and the way I speak to our children:
"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26
Here are a few things to remember when I feel frustrated:
1. wait. Cool off before I speak. This will give me time to think rather than react. I must remember that I will most often react with words that are from my old nature than my new life in Christ.
2. speak softly. Frustration and anger is fed by an increase in volume. I want to speak softly and take down barriers.
3. Ask God to help when the temperature begins to rise. He alone can change me.

I pray that He will keep me sensitive in this area. I want our home to be a haven for our children as well as my husband.

I found this quote and I thought I would share it:
In every conversation we choose whether we are going to

• affirm the positive or dwell on the negative
  
• spotlight the growth or the weakness
  
• celebrate the victories or rehash the failures
  
• encourage (give courage to another) or discourage (take courage from another)
  
• think the worst or assume the best
  
• draw them to Christ or push them away
  
• And what we choose will make a difference in someone's life. . . . one way or another.
  

I want to begin now setting healthy patterns of communication children. If I am not their primary source of encouragement to, who is going to encourage them?

We only have a few more weeks before Baby Girl joins us. I want to cherish each day since these are the last days that I will have with just "the boys."

More Snow Pictures

This morning we got up and went outside to play in the snow. Jake was so excited to go outside and run through the yard. Judd still didn't find must interest in the snow. He just wanted us to hold him the whole time. We tried to build a snowman, but it didn't work. I guess building snowmen are not skills that are developed when you live in the south your whole life.


Jake was so excited that they were all wearing Carhart Overalls.


Can't you tell just how excited Judd was to be standing in the snow? He was watching Jim make the snowman. 

Edit: we took both boys to the Dr. after lunch and found out that Judd has double ear infections and Jake has another infection in his right ear. This could explain why they didn't enjoy the snow as much as we had hoped.

Snow

It is snowing! When the boys woke up from their naps we took them outside to experience the snow. They were not as impressed as I thought they would be. I guess they are still a little young. They were freezing and I was being a good mom and taking pictures for them. :-)

I think Skye enjoyed the snow more than anyone.

Thinking of You, Jim

This post is for my sweet husband:
This is a list of the 100 reasons why I love you...

He...

1. loves the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength
   
2. loves me more than I deserve
   
3. is a great Daddy
   
4. has an incredible work ethic
   
5. is very wise
   
6. makes me feel secure by providing so well for me and the family
   
7. makes me feel secure because he is always loyal and faithful
   
8. his kisses are terrific!
   
9. is my favorite person to be with.
   
10. a great leader
    
11. is an incredible husband
    
12. loves me unconditionally
    
13. loves to be at home; it is his favorite place
    
14. is always ready to play with the boys
    
15. always knows the “right” thing to say
    
16. is always cool, calm, and collected.

    
17. is positive
    
18. is SWEEEEEEEET!
    
19. is understanding.  He has to be with a nutty wife like me!

    
20. is brilliant
    
21. studies God's word faithfully
    
22. has devotions with our  children
    
23. serves me
    
24. prays for me and our children
    
25. prays for my family
    
26. reads my blog
    
27. is neat
    
28. is understanding when the house is a mess
    
29. does dishes
    
30. doesn’t like coffee
    
31. doesn’t like chocolate
    
32. has put up with me faithfully for 5 years.
    
33. loves Georgia football
    
34. loves football
    
35. loves baseball
    
36. is self-controlled
    
37. spurs me on to righteousness.
    
38. loves to encourage me after long days with the boys
    
39. eats whatever I cook
    
40. is willing to let me use all my words at the end of the day, even when he is very sleepy
    
41. is really good with money
    
42. is teaching the boys how to be godly men
    
43. is an awesome Pastor
    
44. is an excellent preacher
    
45. preaches the Gospel with passion
    
46. looks so sexy in a suit…My preacher man
    
47. plays the guitar
    
48. sings better than me
    
49. can type faster than me
    
50. he still loves me, when I am grumpy
    
51. he is my best friend
    
52. he always puts me before himself
    
53. he completes me
    
54. holds the key to my heart
    
55. is simply irresistible
    
56. has a very forgiving heart
    
57. IS my better half
    
58. loves me without make-up
    
59. loves me when I stay in my pj’s all day
    
60. he compliments me
    
61. is sensible
    
62. teaches me how to be more like Jesus
    
63. wants to honor God in every area of his life
    
64. makes many animal noises
    
65. has been used by the Lord in so many ways to help me.
    
66. is a willing vessel
    
67. reads a lot
    
68. will go shopping with me even though he doesn’t like to shop
    
69. is gentle in speech
    
70. has great vocabulary and understands grammar rules
    
71. loves to study God's word.
    
72. loves his boys and wants to see them love Jesus more than anything else
    
73. is very supportive
    
74. has dimples- Very Cute DimplesJ
    
75. is so cute
    
76. I love how he makes me feel when I think I am nothing
    
77. loves music
    
78. takes wonderful care of us
    
79. keeps me focused
    
80. rarely complains
    
81. is almost perfect...I said almost...just in case he reads this ;)
    
82. loves racquetball
    
83. loves to have family time
    
84. loves to watch the boys play
    
85. works really hard
    
86. is silly
    
87. helps with the boys more than any other dad I know.
    
88. is tender
    
89. I know he was chosen for me by the Lord.
    
90. is definitely a kindred spirit.
    
91. likes my friends
    
92. they like him
    
93. inspires me
    
94. I love him more than I did the day I married him.
    
95. Things are better when he is around
    
96. Things are easier to manage if I can feel his hand in mine
    
97. Things are easier to decide if I can talk to him
    
98. Sleep is definitely easier if he is beside me
    
99. I love sharing my life with him
    
100. My husband is more than worthy of respect. I pray that I bring honor to him.

SHMILY!!!

Meet Jonah

My mom bought Jake a blue male betta fish for his birthday. Jim and Jake named him Jonah. What a great name for a fish! Jake is funny. He tells the fish to be good and not to jump out of the bowl when we leave the house. 

Meet Jonah:

Jake Turns Three

I can't believe that my oldest baby is three years old!

This has been a great couple of days with a couple of emotional moments. 

For several months we have been telling Jake that he was moving into his big bed when he turned three. For those of you that didn't know, Jake loved this crib. I think he would have stayed in it until he went to high school. 

On Tuesday the day before his birthday, I put him down in his crib for the last time. It was at that moment that I realized he was getting big. After I laid him down I called Jim at work and started crying..... I was sad because that was the last time I was ever going to put him in his crib. It was just one of those mommy moments!

Wednesday: February 27-The Big Day

Jake and I spent the morning together cleaning house and then Jim came home at lunch to spend the rest of the day with us. After lunch, Jim and Jake took the crib apart and gave it to Baby Girl. Jake was excited to give his sister the crib, however, he did ask us if he could have his bed back after she was finished using it. We told him yes. By the way, he will be five or six and I don't think he will want it back at that point.

Once we got the bed set up in the baby's room, we opened presents and then it was time to take a nap. This was the moment we had been anticipating. Jake climbed in the big bed and didn't fuss at all. We were excited, no crying. He didn't nap at all, but he didn't cry so we were pleased. That night he went right to sleep and we haven't had any problems with the transition. Once again, Jake has proven to transition very well. I am so thankful!

Sleeping through the night:

Jim and I gave him a play shot gun or as Jake calls it a "shoot" gun. He LOVES it. 

Friday: February 29- The Party

We celebrated Jake's party on Friday night. He was allowed to invite three friends since he was three years old. We had a Diego Party. It was very small, but he enjoyed having his friends over to play. I was thankful that my mom was able to be hear. She flew in on Thursday and is leaving Sunday. It is great to have people from home visit.

Saturday: March 1- Go Diego Go

This morning was the end of Jake's birthday. Jim and I bought him tickets to go see Diego Live. We got up this morning and drove to Memphis to watch the show. He enjoyed seeing Diego and Baby Jaguar. I was nervous buying the tickets, but he really did enjoy going. 

Happy Birthday Jake!