This Little Piggy

Linguine A'la Brianne

2011-10-27T11:46:00.000-05:00

Alright, so that's not the real name of this dish but in the Goode house it is. Super cheap and easy, and feeds a large family.

1 package linguine noodles
1 package diced ham
1 bottle Alfredo sauce
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 package croutons
Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta as directed on package. Slice bell peppers and saute over a little bit of olive oil (don't overcook or they will because soggy in the oven. After draining the pasta, mix with Alfredo sauce, half of the ham and half of the croutons, in a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle top with remaining ham and croutons, followed by Parmesan cheese and bell peppers. Cook in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes.

I omit the bell peppers because we aren't very big into peppers, but Matt loves this stuff... he has even been known to eat the left overs cold!

Let Go and Let God

2011-10-18T00:53:00.000-05:00

Matt and I have been "not trying but not preventing" getting pregnant since earlier this year. We have gone back and forth on whether we would like to add to our family or not. Then when the tragedy of losing our niece happened earlier this fall, we realized how precious life really is and that we do not want to prevent any blessings God has in store for us. We knew then that we want more children, and not just one more. Those of you who know me, know that when something as big as adding to our family is decided, it tends to consume me! But then my heart was torn... I didn't want to cause grief to my still mourning sister by announcing that we were seriously trying. My head was saying "you can't do this right now" and my heart was saying "I really want to grow our family". I was constantly looking at the calendar, stressing. We have to get pregnant this, this or this month, or we will have to stop trying for a few months because I don't want to be due on Desi's birthday or due date... it wouldn't be fair to Desi or the other baby. I would call my best friend, who lives 20 hours away, crying, asking for prayer, asking for reassurance. Finally I realized that I was wearing myself out for nothing.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Not only does God call me not to worry, but also to have faith in His timing.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

So I have had to let go of my controlling attitude, and let God do what He wants for our life. I need to love on the two children I already have and continue to pray for Meagan and Derrick. God knows not only when Matt and I will be ready to welcome a new baby, but also when Meagan will be ready. And with that my heart and mind are at peace.

Pulled Pork Loin

2011-10-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

OK, so my cousin asked for more recipes and I was going to post a few last week but I was out with a cold/flu thing... we even missed dance class because of it! So here I am today trying to fill the order for easy, delicious dinners. I just winged it with this newest one. I bought a HUGE pork loin a Sam's club and cut it into four chunks. When that day came where we had been eating chicken in some fashion all week and needed to change things up, I thawed a loin only to discover Matt wasn't in the mood for pork chops, so I got creative :).

1 lb. Pork loin trimmed of excess fat
2 tbs veggie or olive oil
salt
pepper
paprika
garlic salt
cayenne
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup juice (apple or grape work best)
1to 2 cups BBQ sauce

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. Rub loin with seasonings. Brown in skillet on each side for about 3 minutes, you want to lightly crisp the outside to lock in flavor. Remove from heat and place in crock-pot. Top with brown sugar, broth and juice. You can cook it at high heat for 3-4 hours or on medium heat all day while you are at work (6-8 hours). Add BBQ sauce 30 minutes before serving. remove the loin from the pot and shred in a bowl or platter. Top with some of the juices. serve on a bun or baked potato.

Both time I have made this we have been out of juice so I used Diet Dr Pepper, don't you judge me ;). So yummy and makes more than enough food for our little family of four. Sorry, when its a Kelli original recipe you dont get very detailed meaurements on the spices.

Free Halloween Wreath

2011-10-06T10:53:00.002-05:00

We got a cool snap this weekend here in Houston, it's finally feeling more like fall. According to the Weather channel it won't be around much longer, so I decided to decorate a bit for Halloween. I'm not super big into All Hallows Eve, but it's a fun thing to do with the kids so I tried to spruce things up without spending any money, at all! This is what I came up with...

I managed to scrounge up some left over pumpkins from last year, feather boas from my "Little Diva" baby shower supply box, a wire hanger, purple tulle from making tutu's and plumbing insulation from last winter.

I molded the wire hanger into a circle and wrapped my insulation around it to give more girth to it. Next I hot glued the boa around the "wreath form", I used 4 six-foot long pieces.

That's when Brooke realized I had the camera out...

and had to start posing...

Boy am I in trouble. Back to the project, I painted the pumpkins with a black base coat and then metallic purple. I clustered them off to the right side. Made a tulle bow to top it off, and voila!

I'm thinking I will probably scale back the bow a bit... it swallows the wreath.

We might make little ghosts to hang from the trees out front, still not sure. I guess it depends on how much time and supplies I can pull together. I hope you enjoyed my completely free wreath! Yay, I actually got something up before the day of!

Playing Catch-up: Day 3

2011-10-05T10:39:00.002-05:00

Just in case you were thinking that I am playing favorites because almost all of my pictures are of Brooke, this is what I get from Maddux when the camera is on him...

The first one is pretty good

Then there are about 5 or 6 of these

Then I get a big "stop mom!", from him and the camera is turned off.

But, I still love this little man more than words can express. It is so true what they say about the special relationships between a mom and her son, its inexplicable. If you have a son then you probably know what I mean, you can't describe it but it is just something special. Matt always say that if God blesses us with another child he would like another girl (as would Brooke, she is always asking for a sister). I on the other hand would love another cuddly boy. Maddux likes being the baby so he doesn't want any little brothers or sisters. Like I said before, I am learning to just embrace my blessings as they come and not focus on the what ifs.

Playing Catch-up, Day 2

2011-10-04T08:07:00.000-05:00

We have been thinking about putting Brooke in Pre-school for a while but it just never worked out.Even with dance providing a social outlet, I needed to find better teachable opportunities. We needed to add a little bit of structure to our day. So I decided to order some home school material to work on together.We picked Mother Goose Time because it comes with everything you need; lesson plans, craft supplies, even decorations for your "classroom"! I haven't mastered the everyday thing but it is nice to pull out crafts on ~~rainy~~ days that are too hot to play outside. Here are pics from our first day of school.

Brooke and Maddux making their name tags

I did it mommy!

Brooke showing out while their puppets dry.

Like I said before, forever posing!!!

Playing Catch-Up, Day 1

2011-10-03T09:35:00.001-05:00

As I have been flipping through my picasa account I realized there are so many things I haven't gotten to share. Since I am returning to my roots, I figured it's time to catch everybody up! After all, you guys are probably the only ones interested in how things are going in the Ham house! So Day 1 is dance class! Brooke started at the end of August and absolutely LOVES it. These pictures are from her first day.

All ready to go!

Fabulous!

Silly Pose

Maddux thinking, "can't we just go already!"

Where are my priorities??

2011-10-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

It was a year ago this month that I decided I was going to try to branch off and become a "professional blogger". I wanted so badly to be recognized for doing something well. I wanted to have 10,000 followers, be asked to visit conventions and test new products. I just wanted to be somebody important. Well it quickly became apparent that I am not good at blogging regularly or coming up with new stuff to talk about. Professional blogger would not be on my resume.

After the holidays passed all I could think about was how badly I wanted to go to college and get a degree so I could start working. I prayed for almost a full year for God to show me what to do. Which leads me to 6 weeks ago... a family friend mentioned I should start an event planning business. I thought, this is God giving me the go ahead to start working, woo hoo. I took on two volunteer jobs and lined up a paying gig. I have been focusing all of my attention on these three things, day and night it has consumed me.

Recently, in the wake of our families loss, I have been feeling this overwhelming emotion of guilt. I have not been counting my blessings, I have not been a good steward of the gifts God has given me. My children have been living off of cereal and pb&j. I cut out the only time Matt and I had together most days because I needed to get research done or send out a quick e-mail. I have been tired and short tempered. Most of all I have been confused. I was so sure I was doing the right thing, I was so sure I was in God's will. I was enjoying the adult interaction... why does it feel so "off"??? This evening I read through some of my old posts on "This Little Piggy", a woman after God's own heart, fully devoted to her husband and children. A woman who's hearts desire was to make a welcoming, peaceful, warm home for her family... Where has that woman gone??? As soon as I started trying to get attention from the outside world, I lost track of the most important things in life. I put the people who love me most, and I love most, on the back burner. There is so much shame in my heart that it is hard to even write this in words. So here I return, to my safe place... my only followers are family and friends, asking for prayer. Was God just trying to remind me where my place is at this season of life??

Many Faces of Brooke

2011-10-01T20:32:00.000-05:00

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord,Children a reward from Him."

Psalm 127:3

I often hear that Brooke is me made over. She is my heritage, she is my reward from God. What a blessing to be her mom! She always knows how to make her momma smile. Every time I whip out the camera she has a pose down...

Happy Birthday Brooke

2010-11-03T09:28:00.000-05:00

Last week Brooke turned 3, in some ways time has flown by and in other ways I can't remember life without her. We started off the weekend on Thursday night with girls night, this was originally supposed to be mommy's night off but Brooke really wanted to come. We met a good friend of mine, Lesley, at Pappsitos in Houston.

At the end of the meal she was surprised with a happy birthday song.

Friday we headed out early for the Houston Zoo for zoo boo. The kids got to wear their costume, go trick or treating and decorate mini pumpkins. Doesn't she look like the cutest little fairy perched up on this bench.

Brooke went home with Bri after the zoo and spent the night until it was time for her birthday dinner on Saturday. We decided to keep it pretty low key with just the immediate family but that didn't keep her from getting lots of fun gifts. These are her two favorites, meet Alli (her first American Girl) and Melman.

I can't resist sharing this picture of little MC, he was supposed to be a police officer for Halloween but the costume was too small so he just went as a rock star. Both of my kiddos are growing so fast!

We redecorated Brooke's room for her birthday, I will have pictures on my new blog next Monday. I am trying to get things ready this week and have it up and going after the weekend.

Look What I Found!!!

2010-10-25T22:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, just so you know, I am a thrift store junkie. I can never leave empty handed and I think the ladies at the shop down the street have realized my love for fun quirky household items.

This is my latest find, a beautifully old brass bowl. Isn't the bird so cute? It's not new and its not "antique" quality either but I just love things that have a story to them, a personality. I find that they give my new home a little more warmth and history. I originally picked it up thinking it would be great for a table display on my coffee table, but it found it's resting place on the desk in my office as my "inbox". It will be my inspiration for my mom cave project. I could paint the room a nice Robins egg blue or maybe Canary yellow, it will be a surprise. I will have to keep my eyes open at the zoo Friday :).

Maybe since it is so beautiful I will keep it cleared out a little better. Who says function can't also be beautiful? Now if only I can stay away from the store for a few weeks... Matt is sending me out in search of an entertainment center, this could be trouble!

My Mom Cave in the Works

2010-10-25T08:58:00.001-05:00

Over at Centsational Girl they are doing a give away for a gift card to Home Goods to make-over your "mom cave." You all know how much I LOVE Home Goods so I couldn't turn down the chance to enter.

This is my mom cave/home office and it's a work in progress. It is were I go to pay bills, organize the family calendar and do my quiet time. This is also where I do many of my projects and where I will be doing my classes for school whenever the kids start preschool. It may not be grand but it is so special to me. With Matt working nights and sleeping during the day, my bedroom is pretty much off-limits, so this is were I go for peace and quiet.

This is command central, but after this week the book shelf will be in Brooke's room, anyone want to help install built-ins?

The only one I have to share my space with is Ms. Jessie, our dog, but I don't mind at all.

Do you have a space all your own? Do you feel like you need one? What would be your dream space?

Kiss my... Polenta???

2010-10-22T09:12:00.000-05:00

So the menu is set through next week and all the shopping has been done. We are venturing out and trying foods we have never had before. We are attempting cook things we normally don't like in new ways (specifically veggies). Although our parents offered veggies at every meal neither one of us ate many of them, and the ones we do like are opposite from each other. The things he likes, I don't care for and the things I like, he doesn't. So tonight I made a new recipe from one of my Martha Stewart cook books, Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Polenta. Matt doesn't normally eat mushrooms and I had never tried polenta before (or so I thought), so we decided it would be a great starter for us. It was incredibly easy and oh so yummy.

Last night, I learned that when cooked the right way my husband will eat mushrooms (in fact not leave any on his plate) and polenta is just a fancy word for what us southern girls call grits. Savory or sweet I love grits and it was a perfect balance to this light and tasty meal. Just wait until you see whats for dinner the rest of the week. And since I still had my camera in the kitchen this morning I took a few pictures of my little beauty (bubby was still asleep).

I think she is enjoying her bagel and cream cheese :)

Smiling pretty for the camera!

Pouring Out My Heart

2010-10-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last night I had a major breakdown, I had been carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders and it finally all came crashing down. Many tears were shed as I turned to my best friend for a lot of venting and encouragement. After talking to her, still more emotions were released as I tried to explain what I had been going through to Matt (it was a little hard to do through text messaging). I went to bed still unsettled but knowing the kids would be up in a few short hours, I said a short prayer for peace long enough for me to sleep. Little did I know what the Lord had in store for me this morning.

Joshua 1:9- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.

In my quiet time I was led to a passage in 1 Kings. Elijah is in the desert running from Jezebel who is out to kill him. He feels like he is the only one left who loves God. He is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually drained, he cries out to God "I can't take it anymore, I give up!" It is at that moment when God feeds him, gives him rest, rescues him. My God saves, He is the knight in shining armor who sweeps us off our feet when we can not go on any longer. There may not be much that has changed between last night and this morning but one thing I know is true, I don't have to do it alone.

Long Lost Pictures

2010-10-12T16:16:00.000-05:00

I promised picture of the kids this post and here they are. These pictures were taken this past summer and I am just now getting them off my camera, the kids have grown a lot even since then.

This one is after Maddux had a good cry after I told him he could not play with my camera.

My little drool bucket!

Baby blue, was the color of her eyes.

Miss Priss playing dress-up!

What a week...

2010-10-04T20:14:00.000-05:00

Well the media change was not the only change made in my household. Last Tuesday I cleaned out my closet and dresser. I got rid of everything that was stained and/or ill fitting. I had gotten used to laying around my house in my "grunge" clothes all day everyday. One day not too long ago I got dressed ( not even super fancy or anything) and Matt said "where are you going today?". It was at that time I realized that I never get "dressed up" for my husband anymore. The one person I should try my hardest to impress everyday I let myself go for. So I left myself no choice, even when it comes to PJs... if its not something I would wear in front of my "room mates" at the women's retreat then I don't need to wear it at all. In continuing with keeping myself attractive for my husband I broke down and colored my grey hair and got a membership to the gym. I have to admit these things were also for me. I get a nice hour and a half break from the kiddos everyday while I work out, which is something I loved to do before I became a mommy. Also my hair is getting to that point where it drives me nuts and I usually cut it to change it up, so dying it has somewhat fixed that. We are still spending lots of time outside playing at the park or in the yard, but the less TV thing has been hard. Even when I gave it up I didn't realize how much it consumed my day, so the last week I have had many feelings of loneliness. Since before Brooke was born I have been struggling with separation anxiety when it comes to my family, especially my parents and Brianne. In high school my mom was my one constant friend who I told everything to and Brianne and I shared a room for almost our entire lives. Even when Matt and I got married she was always hanging out with us. Meagan of course has always been one of my best friends but she abandoned me as soon as she could get out on her own so I was used to being away from her :), j/k! Anyway, you would think after 3 years I would be over it but it's still pretty rough, even more so when we miss a family event or impromptu Sunday supper. I got off on a tangent there, point is that I am realizing my need to form a group of friends near me. My friend Tammy and I are going to try to get together more often since we only live 5 minutes apart (if you hit every red light), but we both need to get out and make some more friends. I have been going to a church since we moved to Rosenberg but I have yet to really connect with any other moms, many of them are working mothers and all are quite a bit older than me. I am praying about whether I should look for a new church or seek other ways of making new friends. I tried a play group last spring but it was so large that there were never the same people at each play date I attended. I also looked online for a MOPS group but didn't see any in my area. So the brainstorming will continue. I am hoping to meet some new people at the gym and I am trying to find a volunteer group to get involved with. So that's what has been going on. I promise the next post will have pics of the kids.

The Perfect Day...

2010-09-27T17:06:00.000-05:00

... to start fresh! I have had this nagging on my heart recently about all the things that come before God in my life and have been trying to ignore it. Yesterday was one of those days where you feel like the pastor has a hidden camera in your home and is preaching directly to you, so I can no longer ignore God speaking to me. Those of you who know me well know that I am addicted to two things, facebook and reality TV, now these things are not bad in and of themselves but I was to an extreme. I would check FB every 10 minutes on my phone, record two hours a night of shows. I would stay up after Matt went to work to catch up on my tv and spend hours flipping through new photo albums online. So today I deleted my FB account and cancelled all of my shows ( I would have gotten rid of the cable all together but my husband would have killed me). I think it was a good thing for me. I have spent all day today hanging out with my kids, no cartoons, no movies, just pure fun. We have played outside, colored, practiced letters with falsh cards and gone to the store. Now everybody is down for a nap. So now this will be my main source of connecting with people, so please feel free to leave comments :)! I will try to keep things updated on a regular basis and let you all know how I am doing on my media diet.

Open the eyes of my heart Lord!

2010-09-21T09:46:00.000-05:00

Last night i sat down to do my quiet time and I didn't really have anything in particular to study so I said a little prayer asking God to speak to my heart about where He is at work in my life and what He has in store for me. I plopped my bible down and decided to read whatever passage it opened up to, Psalm 144 and 145. The theme of these two chapters is rejoicing in the Lord and praising Him in times of prosperity or adversity, but the big thing that hit me last night was a small paragraph my study bible has to explain what the verses are referring to.

144:3,4- Life is short. David reminds us that it is "like a breath" and that our "days are like a fleeting shadow"... Because life is short, we should live for God while we have the time. Don't waste your life by selecting an inferior purpose that has no lasting value. Live for God- He alone can make your life worthwhile, purposeful and meaningful. (Life Application Bible)

OK God, I asked for it and I guess you answered... now I am left trying to figure out what this all means in detail but I have to remember that God doesn't usually give us details, He simply says go.

Weekly Menu

2010-09-06T09:17:00.000-05:00

I sat down last night for the first time in a long time and wrote down our weekly menu, I thought I would share it with you in case you need inspiration for a meal sometime this week. I try to change up the type of foods but there is always at least one Italian and one Mexican dish on the menu.

Mon: Pineapple Chicken, white rice and house salad

Tues: Stuffed Meatballs, steamed broccoli and garlic bread

Wed: Chicken Enchiladas, charro beans and spanish rice

Thurs: Bar-B-Q Shrimp, mash potatoes and corn on the cob

Fri: Pad Thai Chicken and spring rolls

Sat: Burgers, cole slaw, baked beans and Watergate salad

Sun: Dinner at church

So that's about as fancy as we get in the Ham household. I am not great at including all the food groups into every meal but somehow we are all still pretty healthy. I will be posting again later about some things that have been running through my head, it may be pretty long so I will have to wait until nap time :)

Next Up... My bedroom!

2010-09-03T11:25:00.000-05:00

I have been fighting with myself about getting my bedroom done, partly because of my regrets in the dining room, partly because I am sleeping in there at night and Matt sleeps during the day, I don't want to mess up either of our sleep schedules to move furniture and paint. Well our TV in our bedroom went out (don't even get me started) so since it has to come off the wall to be fixed and Matt has off this weekend, its the perfect time to paint. Now I am not a huge fan of the actual act of painting but I love having color on the wall. So I stayed up for a while last night trying to figure out what I wanted to do in our room. First of all, I want it to be a retreat for Matt and I, it needs to be dark for Matt when he is sleeping and I want it to be romantic. I started with the colors, I picked something that is to me, dark, calming and sexy. So I chose Benjamin Moore's Venezuelan Sea.

It dries quite a bit darker and is neither super masculine or feminine. I have a love for very saturated colors but a fear of making the wrong choice, I have decided that it is time to let that fear go.

Next, the accent color, a few months ago I stumbled upon this picture in one of my magazines and fell for this headboard. Matt thinks it looks a little too "ethnic" for us, but I can still use the gold as a stepping off point, so our ceiling will be painted in a metallic Gold color. I am going to try to find some bedding in the gold color as well. (Maybe I will steal my moms quilt :))

Now, I just have to execute my plans and go thrift store shopping for the rest of the accessories. I know it may be a little bold for others tastes but I have come to the realization that I have to do what makes us happy and not care about what other people think. Luckily I have an amazing hubby who says, "you want to be the interior decorator, you do what you want. I just better look good!" So it's off to work I go, I cant wait to have a completed room so I can post pictures of my own work instead of just inspiration! Pictures are from housebeautiful.com, one of my favorite design magazines :)

Busy as a Bee

2010-08-28T22:11:00.000-05:00

Well I am trying to update my blog at least once a week, but I have had a very busy week this week but not a heck of a lot to mention. Mostly the never ending pile of laundry and dishes with MANY play breaks between with the kids. I have been working on a few projects the last couple of weeks, I am putting some plans together for a couple of rooms at moms house and spent a day last week painting and rearranging furniture in Will's room. Just a few accessories and then I will be done with it. I am also trying to get the guest room done before Brian gets a chance to move back in, just kidding ;). I have been asked to do some decorating for our women's retreat at church which I am super excited about. My drill team from high school is having a reunion at my house in a few weeks. Last but certainly not least I am planning Brooke's birthday party. This is a fairly big event considering there are five kids in both mine and Matt's family's plus spouses, children, cousins and close friends... even a very informal get together requires a bit of time and effort. So a good bulk of my time has been spent researching, drawing up plans and trying to execute. We also got some work done in our yard this week. We had a tree that got pulled up during a storm and died so we transplanted our crepe mertyl and put a border around the bed to make for easier mowing. This week I will have to rearrange my other plants to fill the void and put fresh mulch down. So as you can see I have been busy but not alot to write home about. Oh yeah and I found my dream dining room table, some of you may not know but I have been looking for the right one for over a year now, but I will have to get a few dozen more design jobs under my belt before I can purchase it :). Oops I forgot the sprinkler is still one, gotta go

You Make Me Wanna SHOUT!

2010-08-14T20:04:00.000-05:00

I was debating posting anything today because I don't really have many followers but I just can't contain the joy I am feeling. First of all I had an AWESOME day today, my MIL purchased tickets for Brooke and I to go to the theatre with her and have a girls day. We headed out at 9 to pick her up and then on to The Hobby Center in downtown. There was absolutely no traffic on the way there so we made it by 10 and the show started at 11. We took a few pictures of our "Prima Donna" and then went on in for a snack, cotton candy and a Capri sun. Nick Jr's Story Time Live was great, Brooke was so engaged the entire time. After it was over we picked up a few shirts and toys and then made our way to the car. on the way home we stopped at Fudruckers for lunch which is so laid back Brooke always has fun (especially since she gets a cookie with her kids meal). After we dropped Billie off at home we picked some lunch up for Matt and Maddux, where Brooke got some free ice cream... can we say sugar rush!!! All in all it was just so great to see my little girl so happy and well behaved. The joy that came over her face as each of her favorite characters was introduced, I couldn't help but smile with her. These are the days that I treasure as a mommy. It's not only this great day that has me on cloud nine today, it's also Dr. Laura... Dr. Laura!?! Yes, you read it right, I have been reading one of her books that my mom has gotten me "In Praise of Stay- At- Home Moms". Although I haven't finished reading the book it has already brought to my attention so many things that have been weighing on me in the last several months. I have been listening to the negativity from people all around me about why being a SAHM sucks, I am a slave to my husband and children, I have a thankless job, It's not a real job, I can't do anything for myself. ENOUGH!!! I have the greatest most important job not just a woman, but a person can have! I am shaping my children into wonderful little people, I'm not letting someone else do it for me. I am making myself available to my husband and making many great memories with him. I am blessed to be able to be the center of my home, the person my husband, kids, family and friends call when they are in need. Yes, some people may take advantage of that but I love to help anyway because God gave me a caring and nurturing heart. I get to pursue any and all of my hobbies and apply them to my home and family life. My amazing husband encourages me to seek knowledge purely for enjoyment with no expectations for me to make our first million off of it. I know I am rambling but this new lease on my life has been so freeing. I no longer envy my friends who are stuck behind a desk, missing their children, feeling rushed to get dinner on the table and house cleaned up before the next rat race begins. I will gladly deal with an afternoon of "tantrum wars", as we like to call it in this house, because the next day I can plan a last minute trip to the zoo. Anyway, I can't wait to finish the second half of this book as it has given me the boost of moral that I needed, Dr Laura is my cheerleader! :)

Brooke enjoying her cotton candy, Daddy wasn't there to regulate her sugar intake!

Brooke by the stage door, I am sure one day she will be the one coming outside to sign play bills :)

Brooke looking up at the poster, she was so excited she wouldn't look forward

Challenge #2

2010-07-23T10:34:00.000-05:00

My favorite vacations are as follows:

5) Disney World with my high school drill team
4) Our first eight hour trip to Arkansas with Derrick (four grown men, two pregnant girls, mom and Bri in one car!)
3) Any of our many stays at the resort in Port Aransas
2) Disney World with my family (Mamaw Jenkins had just passed and it was nice to spend time with family and take our minds off of it)
1)San Antonio with Matt (we had both gotten paychecks from our new jobs and decided to go to away for the weekend... within an hour we were on the road) This was before kids and pets when all we had was each other.

Summer Challenge

2010-07-12T22:44:00.000-05:00

What does summer mean to me... it's hard to tell a difference between summer and any other season around here since our schedule stays the same year round but since we are preparing for Brooke to start school in 2 months we are really trying to fit more bonding time into our week. Whether its little outings, family vacation or playing in the yard together we are enjoying time as a family. Last week we went to the circus, date night for Matt and I, and a baseball game. This coming up week we are going to the library for the first time and Brooke and I will be going to a movie. Oh yeah and summer also means working on projects around the house... its still light outside when i put the kids down so I try to get as much done as I can. I will post pics at another time because I just moved them all to an external hard drive don't have them on this computer.

Going Grey!

2010-04-20T19:03:00.000-05:00

So I am standing at my bathroom sink washing my face this morning when something shiny caught my eye... A GREY HAIR!!! I thought surely this can't be right so I looked and looked and looked hoping somehow I would realize it was blonde or just had some makeup on it, nope. I have always said I would embrace my greys when they came but that was when I thought I would be getting them at 42, not 24! Matt says its time to start high lighting my hair but I still haven't made up my mind what to do with it. So next time you see me, if you look very closely, front and center you will see it. Other than that we had a great day today. We went to a mommy group in the area and met a bunch of really nice people. I will post more later but right now I hear mischevious giggling in the next room... I need wifi!

Easter Pics

2010-03-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

Here is our first attempt at Easter picture for the year... I didnt get any really good ones of the kids together. Hopefully we can get some on Sunday when Bri is manning the camera. Its hard to pose kids and take the picture at the same time!

Color Poll

2010-03-25T10:36:00.001-05:00

It is time to pick the main color for the house. This is the color that will be in our entryway, living room, kitchen and hallways. I have it narrowed down to two colors but cant decide, so cast your votes. Below are the colors in the different areas of the house. Some of you may think I am crazy because the colors are so similar but I think its such a large area it will be a bigger impact.

The top dark blue is the color of my formal dining which flows into the entryway and the kitchen. Below the samples is our sectional sofa.

Here are the samples beside our Fireplace, as you can tell currently it just blends into the wall. I would love for it to stand out a bit more.

Last, here is each color in the kitchen, with the tile below and the cabinets to the right.

So what do you think?

Coming to a Close

2010-03-22T21:52:00.000-05:00

Sadly I only have one more monday night left in the "Experiencing God" bible study. This bible study and the women involved with it have been such a blessing. It has grown my understanding of who God is and what He has done for me so much. Being that I grew up in the church I thought I knew everything there is to know about Him but I was wrong. It has shown me that God is not just some foreign being I have to believe in for eternal life, He is real and personal, He is involved in every facit of my life. He created me and not just for the sake of creation but for a purpose. He is "I AM", everything I have ever needed and will ever need, I just have to fill in the blank and that is what He is. Praise God for being real and involved. I have to admit that even among all the joy of this revelation I am a bit sad and worried. I don't want this time to end, I don't want to lose momentum. Before this bible study I had never really dug deep into God's word on a daily basis. I tried but I had no direction or understanding. I would get discouraged because I would just flip open my bible and look at a passage and think "Ok, what does this mean? What do I do with it?" I don't want to get back to that place. So now I am praying about what to do next. Should I do another bible study on my own to hold me over until the summer bible study? Should I start reading a book of the bible and pray that this time God will help my understand and apply it? I have no clue but I want to do what God leads me to do. My original thought for this post was to see if anyone has a good bible study I should look at doing but I think I will just ask for your prayers instead. If He puts it on your heart to share a bible study or book of the bible that may be good for me, you know how to reach me :)! But please just keep me in your prayers in general, as daily I feel like I need an army praying for me in some way shape or form. Praise God for being the Good Shepherd who leads us, and comes back for us when we wander off the path!

Spring Break

2010-03-18T15:20:00.000-05:00

Can you believe Spring Break is almost over? Without the kids in school the only reminder that it is Spring Break is that there are so many people out and about during the day. We have still managed to have a bit of fun this week though. Monday I spent most of my day at the rodeo with my mom and my sisters. We had a GREAT time, which we always do when it's just us girls. Matt kept the kids until he had to go to work and we had the girl next door stay at the house while they slept until I got home. Tuesday was the same old daily grind. Wednesday Matt got home around 6 in the morning and slept until lunch time. I had just put the kids down for a nap when he woke so we were able to enjoy a nice lunch with each other and catch up on our DVR list. When the kids got up we gave them a quick lunch and took them out to the park. This weather makes me so happy to have a house near the park. When we got back I put the kids back down for a short afternoon nap while Matt went to the gym and I cooked dinner. It was just a great day at home with my kids and my hubby. It is rare to get that kind of time all together without having to run errands or get cleaning done or going to the doctor (lately this has been a big one). The kids really enjoyed it too, Brooke kept going over to Matt and giving him a big hug and saying, "Thank you, daddy, for taking me to the park and playing monkey bars!" She is such a sweet heart and definately melted our hearts. It just goes to show that you really dont have to buy your kid all the new toys to make them happy, they really just want time with their parents. Well i just heard little Brooke open her door from nap time, we are heading to the store for some more milk... we can't keep enough of that stuff in the house since Brooke was taken off juice! Hope you are enjoying your Spring Break!

What a mess!

2010-03-09T09:15:00.001-06:00

I just got up from the breakfast table with my two little munchkins a little more enlightened. Yes I do learn lessons from my children! We were all chomping away on our cereal when Maddux let out a huge sneeze and snot filled his nose (yummy). I got up to wipe it for him and him being a baby got frustrated with me and cereal went flying off his tray and onto the floor. Immediately Brooke said "No Bubbah, bad boy." I guess she didn't get the affirmation from me that she wanted for repremanding her brother so she said, "look momma, Maddux made a big mess." The only thing is that she was sitting in front of a mess of her own. You see, she recently started asking for milk in her cereal and though she is very good with the spoon she hasn't figured out the drip factor. She wanted to make sure that I knew about Bubbah's mess but didn't even notice her own. This was a lesson two-fold. How often does God come try to clean me up when I am a mess and I fight Him kicking and screaming? How quick am I to point out someone elses little mess when I have a big sticky one of my own? Man, either God was trying to speak to me or I am taking this job way too serious. I will place my money on God revealing Himself to me, as He has done that so much lately. Time to get ready to head out for the morning. What is God saying to you this morning?

edited to add: keep scrolling I had a post yesterday too! I know, nothing for months and now 2 in less than 24 hours. What's going on here??

New Post, New Post!

2010-03-08T22:05:00.000-06:00

Well I have been trying to post this all day but I haven't had a spare second until now. I know it has been a long while but things have been so crazy. The kids have been off and on sick since the new year, he had a pretty bad car accident almost two and a half weeks ago and the best part is that I joined the womens bible study at church! This study has been so wonderful, God knew just what I needed and when I needed it. I have learned so much about my Heavenly Father and His will. It has been life changing! He has brought me peace about things I have been worrying about, He has wrapped His loving arms around me when I felt alone and most importantly He has spoken to me when I questioned if He even cared. Our God is awesome isn't He! Not only has it been great for my spiritual life but He has also brought a great group of women around me. When I was thinking about doing the study I was very hesitant because I always think of womens groups as older women, I am the youngest in the group probably by a good 10 years but what a blessing each one has been to me. When my kids were sick they prayed with me, when we had no car I got calls almost daily offering help. These women who have only known me a few short months have embraced me as a sister no matter how young I am :). I am just so thankful to God that He made all of this happen.

Not to take away from all that God has been doing in the Ham household I also wanted to share some pictures of the kids. We are trying to get Brooke ready for Pre-school in the fall so we are slowly getting into more of a routine. The other thing we have to work on is potty training but for obvious reason I decided to tackle the schedule first. I am trying to find activities to do with Brooke that do not include sitting in front of the tv for hours. Last week we talked about Noahs ark and Brooke made this rainbow with her Mamo on Friday.

This week we are talking about the Fruit of the Spirit so this is today's craft.

Here are a few pictures of Maddux's birthday that I am finally posting. I know I am such a bad mom.

Again I cannot find the spell checker so I am sorry for any misspellings... my best subject in school was not English or Writing, or even Math or Science for that matter!

Welcome 2010... A week late

2010-01-08T09:37:00.000-06:00

Much has happened since my last post almost 2 months ago (sorry). I celebrated my 24th birthday which sounds so young but feels so old! I guess it is because I have been focusing on going to college and will be put in classes with kids 8 years younger than me, and thats if I make it this year! I was told my birthday present was this beautiful house we just moved into but to my delight my wonderful husband bought me a new car! It's used but new to us, an '08 GMC Acadia, I love it! We hosted thanksgiving at our house for Matts side of the family. Tere were 3 new babies this year so it was a very fun celebration getting everyone together. I made my first turkey which turned out well thanks to my neighbors mom who came over to show me the ropes.We also had Matt's siblings over for Christmas dinner in early December. We spent Christmas eve with Matt's parents. There was a blackout and ended up ordering pizza for dinner since the oven wasnt working, luckily the power came back on just in time to open presents. Matt had to work Christmas morning so the kids and I met him at my parents for Christmas brunch. We had such a great time with both sides of the family. We spent New years in Arkansas with my dads side of the family and went to the Liberty bowl. It was VERY cold but lots of fun. We got back into town Sunday night and it has been a whirlwind ever since. Not my ideal way to start the new year but my cousin Naiz says we must be getting all the bad stuff out of the way early! Now I have to get planning Maddux's first birthday party, how time flies! I hope you had a great holiday season!

PS I can't find my spell check, if anyone is familiar with posting blogs and can help me out.

My Babies

2009-11-17T22:35:00.003-06:00

Nothing super exciting has been going on lately, that is why I haven't posted in over a month. Brooke had her birthday, which was a blast! She also got to trick or treat for the first time. Matt is still working long hard hours so the kids and I have been staying home so we can spend time with him when he is off. We took family pictures last week but they are top secret until after Christmas. We will be hosting thanksgiving here next weeks so i am getting ready for that. My 24th birthday is next Tuesday but it will be pretty low key with all the family out of town. Anyway, here are a few pictures of the kids, I just uploaded all of them for the past month.

My little cheerleader! She had this on for her b-day party but it was cold during trick or treating so she had to wear a jacket... she wasn't too happy about that one.

This was the day after her birthday, she is pretending to be a puppy :)!

Bath time!!! I love how focused they are on their toys.

My little man hanging out of the bath tub. He loves bath time and even crawled in by himself the other day... good thing there was no water in there!

recap

2009-10-10T21:43:00.003-05:00

Much has been going on in the last week or so. Lots of unpacking and running errands. I have some pictures of the house and the kids on my camera, but the cord to my camera is still in one of the packed "office" boxes. The kids have adjusted wonderfully to the house and enjoy the freedom of being able to go anywhere they want. I am on the hunt for a sewing machine so i can start working on the curtains for the house. I haven't done any sewing since my senior year but i was awarded student of the year for the home economics department, so hopefully i can pull of a few box pleat curtains. My dining room is half painted right now. I got some of it done yesterday while the kids were napping but I didn't get a chance to finish today because there was cleaning to be done. Anyway my reason for this post is because I am loving the weather outside! Me and the kiddos played out in front with the neighbors this evening and it was so nice. It feels like Christmas to me. Christmas to me means candy tins, peanut butter balls, chocolate covered pretzels and turtles. My mouth is watering right now and it is still two months away! So I want to know if you have any special Christmas candy or cookie recipes you would like to share. I just hope these cooler temperatures stay around for a while. I will hopefully have the pics posted before the end of the next week.

We're in!

2009-09-29T14:51:00.002-05:00

Well we are in the house, actually we got moved in on Friday. It was kind of crazy around here. The movers were about 6 hours early, our appointment was for late afternoon because that is all they had open and they called Thursday to confirm for 8AM. So I headed over there around 6 to get the last of the packing done. We also had the cable company, rooms-to-go and the people hanging the TVs in throughout the day.

When we moved in we decided to put Brooke in her toddler bed. She is loving the freedom and we are finally getting used to it. The first day she didn't even think about being able to get out of the bed, since then we have been playing her game. It has been getting better, she only comes out of her room once or twice each time she goes down. Maddux is loving the fact that he can crawl around anywhere he wants to go. The carpet was a very wise choice for us. I have already met several of our neighbors. The people across the street have an 18 month old little girl and the guy is a cop. The couple next to us have a 12 year old, a 3 year old and a 2 year old. So Brooke will have lots of friends to play with. I will have pictures of the house up when I get rid of all the boxes. Hope you are having a great week!

First Sentence

2009-09-14T21:57:00.002-05:00

Brooke said her first sentence complete sentence today... I was upstairs changing Maddux's diaper and she called from the bottom of the steps for me to come down. I told her I couldn't come down right then and to go play with her daddy. She responded with a big "NO", I asked "Why not?". At this point she was half way up the stairs and clearly not happy, " because daddy said bad girl to me." Hahahahaha I could have died from laughter. I called to Matt and asked him why he called her a bad girl and he had no clue what I was talking about. We usually only use the terms "good girl, bad girl" when we are trying to explain why she is in time out. Any way, this is one for the books so I thought I would share it with you all. As of today she also has a new favorite word, people. She has started to point at everything and ask "what's that?" so when her daddy replied "people" to a picture in a book she was hooked. I am not sure she knows how to use it because when we were driving home from Wal Mart today she kept saying it and there were no "people" around. Everyone important in her life has a name and the ones she doesn't know are boys and girls. When we tell her I am a girl and Matt is a boy she says "No, mommy and daddy". How we all have names, be boys or girls and be people?? So confusing for such a small child. She is just now understanding that Bubbah and Maddux are one and the same.

Brooke was a very lovely flower girl this weekend. She didn't throw the petals but she was soaking up the spot light. We definitely have a little diva on our hands! I will see if I can get some pictures, I forgot my camera in the rush of all that had to be done Saturday.

Where has time gone?

2009-09-05T10:51:00.003-05:00

There once was a time when life just crept by in the Ham household but these days it is going so fast I find it hard to keep up! We are just 3 weeks away from the big move, and those weeks are sure to pass by quickly. My sweet, happy, precious baby boy is completely mobile... that kid can get from one side of the house to the next in a matter of minutes!!! I thought I had my hands full before, I am in big trouble now! As for Brookie Bear, well the "terrific" twos are in full swing and she has lost all sense of fear. She has found ways to climb on top of tables and counter tops, she knows what she wants and figures out a way to get it. We went to Katy Mills the other day for lunch with some friends, they have two little girls Megan, 3 and Ashley, 5. Brooke absolutely loved hanging out with the girls. After eating at Rainforest Cafe we made a lap around the mall, this was the part that almost had me in tears (and kicking myself for not having my camera). Brooke, Megan and Ashley were all holding hands walking through the mall. They were big girls leading the way. They could have cared less if we were behind them or not. Every time Brooke would get side tracked looking into a store the other girls would redirect her and they were on their way again. I know it won't be long before she will be asking me to drop her off at the mall and not need me at all. As crazy as life may seem sometimes, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love to watch my babies grow and explore. I feel so blessed that I have such a great husband to provide for us and allow me to stay home with our kiddos. I would be devastated if I had to miss even one second of this. I know being a stay at home mom isn't for everyone but in my heart of hearts I know that this is one of those things God made me for. Well I have a million and one things to get done today, I hope you are enjoying your long weekend.

Oh yeah Rita, I got your message super late the other night, I am sorry your hair didn't turn out the way you wanted it to. That is the beauty of hair, you can always grow it back out and try again.

Great Day

2009-08-20T17:04:00.004-05:00

Today was Maddux's 6 month doctors visit, it was a week late do to the doctor being booked solid for school physicals. Maddux is 24 inches tall and 17.5 lbs. The doctor said this makes him 90% for height, 50% for weight and 100% perfect... but we already knew the last one. Maddux was really good up until shot time. He got 4 shots and one medicine by mouth. We have been cleared to start giving him some table foods along with his baby food, so tonight I am going to go get some biter biscuits to start him out. We have a few of these really cool net things that are like a paci but instead of a nipple it has a net. You put the food in it and he can gum on it without the worry of him choking. The first picture was taken at dad's birthday dinner which was the day after his official six months and the second one was from today when we got home from the doctor. He is growing so fast!!!

In other news, our GC called today and gave us our closing day!!! I am so excited to actually have a solid date! It makes everything seem so much more real. We have one month and four days to get packed up, which sound like a lot of time but I figure I will pack a few boxes everyday during nap time so I don't get overwhelmed. We have a few thing to get sent in to the lender for the mortgage but everything looks great from that end. Now I can start getting things in line for the move, such as setting an appointment with a mover, getting the electricity and cable scheduled for activation, etc. Is there anything you wish you would have gotten done early for your move or something you forgot you really needed? I would really like to know, I seem to always forget things on the list that would have made the move go smoother.

Last and probably least on the scale (but still pretty high up on my list), I got my hair cut!!! If you have seen my facebook in the last two days you will know this was a big ordeal. I have been wanting to cut my hair for a very long time now, but Matt wasn't to sure about it because I have always had pretty long hair since we have been together. So for my husband I kept it the way it was. Recently he saw pictures of short hair styles on the computer that I had been looking at, so he told me to go ahead and do it, worst case scenario I could grow it out in a few months. I came home from lunch with mom and Meg Tuesday and the kids went right to sleep so Matt suggested I go get it done then while he was home. Not having time to make an appointment anywhere else I went to the place down the street (I have been going there since 8th grade but haven't been happy with the service the last year or so.) I went in with a picture of Selma Blair from Hellboy 2 but came out looking like Johnny Depp from Willie Wonka. I could have cried! I think there was a communication error and me being the non confrontational person I am, I told them it was just right and left. Before I had even made it home I made an appointment with a girl at the beauty shop my mother in law goes to to get it fixed. Matt thought it looked fine and like any other man didn't understand the need to get it fixed. Well the happy ending to the story is that the girl was able to fix the mess up and it is even better than I could have imagined. I can't exactly explain it but I feel like a new person... or more like the old me before kids. It is no secret that for a while now I have felt like I was in a rut. Not that I was depressed, I just felt like I had lost a part of myself in the shuffle of being a mom and a wife. I am sure it is all in my head but I feel like I am alive again. When I was younger I was so goofy and outgoing, I feel like it has been pulled back out. For the past day I have been flirting with my husband like we did when we were dating and talking to people while I am out and about. I know it sounds crazy but I think my haircut changed my life! haha... lesson learned that it is cheaper to go to the nice place and get it done the right way rather than paying for two haircuts in the end. Anyway, I feel like I am on top of the world and couldn't be any happier with my life! Well I hear my little angels rustling around up stairs and I have got to make dinner. I hope you are having a great day too!

Jail Birds!

2009-08-07T22:29:00.003-05:00

Here are my two little jail birds... Mom got these outfits in Cali. Don't they look so cute all ready for bed time??

This cute sibling affection quickly turns into this..

Brooke pushing away as soon as Maddux starts to grab her back!

But in the end we know she loves her brother.

Here's the cop with his inmates!

These picture were taken about a month ago but I just found them on my computer... I thought they were lost forever but apparently I just put them in the wrong file. I hope to get some new pictures tomorrow.

Mixing Things Up

2009-07-29T18:00:00.002-05:00

I am getting so tired of having the same things every week for dinner, the menu rarely changes. it has gotten to the point where I don't even enjoy cooking anymore. Do you have a favorite meal you would like to share? It can be a quick meal or one that takes all day to prepare, I just want to mix things up a bit.

Color Inspiration

2009-07-28T16:32:00.004-05:00

So I have finally gotten a solid plan for one room in my house, Brooke's. As with every other room, I was having trouble figuring out what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted it to be her retreat and something a little larger than life. I want her to enjoy playing in her room so that our living room doesn't become the toy room. Right after Tammy's shower mom mentioned having a quilt made for Brooke out of the left over fabric from the sugar and spice table cloths, this gave me the colors for her room. Although I love pink and I love chocolate brown I couldn't figure out how I was going to paint the walls without either color overpowering the room... Tammy took the chair rail idea and I am not a copy cat, lol! So this is what I ended up with...

The pink chair was one of her Christmas presents that we will put in her reading corner.

I found these two pillows at Home Goods today in the clearance aisle. I had already decided on green for the wall color but needed a way to bring it in, I think these will work nicely. The big green pillow has piping similar to the front pillow. These will probably lay on the floor with a few others that have not been found yet.

These are two HUGE baskets we will be using as toy boxes. I was a little worried about it being overkill on the patterns since the quilt will have several different ones, but I am hoping these stay nice and organized in the closet so it shouldn't matter anyway.

This is a REALLY rough draft of a wall mural for her back wall, the background color will be green and the pink blooms will be a lighter pink (I didn't have the right color pencil). Now I need to find a projector to shoot it up on the wall, I don't think I can draw free hand. The tree also won't look so sparse, my hand got tired by the time I got to the bottom branches. I think I will get creamy white sheets and silky curtains. I am still debating if I will keep her doll house book shelf or put a low one under her window to make use of the space. Here is my big question, I really want to put one of those round tree swings hanging from the ceiling like it is hanging from the tree (we won't have any trees big enough for a swing until Brooke is too big for them), what do you think? I would put those big pillows under it to keep her from falling and hang it really low to the ground, but this is where the bigger than life part would come in. Thanks in advance for your input, I am sure some of you are thinking I am crazy.

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-07-10T15:22:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my two men. Matt turns 24 today, I have been calling him an old man, he says he feels like one. Never in a million years did he think he would be married with 2 kids and be a police officer at this age. I guess I changed his plans! Maddux will be 5 months old tomorrow, time sure does fly! I love you two very much!

Looking Back

2009-07-07T12:21:00.007-05:00

At this very time 3 years ago I was sitting at Chili's with my parents and siblings enjoying my last meal as a single woman and a Goode. Since then it has been a whirlwind. Matt and I went into our marriage too young to even get a hotel room for our honeymoon, Matt's mom had to make the reservations. We were both pretty much unemployed. Matt was tutoring and going to school and I was a nanny making $200 a week. Soon after we got back from our honeymoon God blessed me with a job that would provide Matt the opportunity to continue school and not have to work full time. Like most marriages there were still times when all we had left in the pantry was tuna and top raman, but I cherish those days. The only thing we could afford was to pick up Chick-fil-a and cuddle on the couch. In August we got our fur baby, Jessie. Matt got her for me so I would quit asking for a baby, but sure enough in February I found out I was pregnant with Brooke. We had always planned to have me stay home with our children so Matt set out to find a new job. In April he started the application process with HPD and it wasn't until October when he finally started the academy. Just after our first anniversary we welcomed our nephew in to the world. Mom and Dad made the move out to Waller which shook my world, I cried like a baby cause we couldn't just pop in for dinner anymore. It was a lesson in independence that I desperately needed. October 29th, 2007 Brooke was born, I had never felt such a outpouring of love deep inside until I saw her face. WE as a couple became WE as a family. We moved to our bigger apartment in December and things only got crazier from there. Matt's schedule was ever changing and the academy took a toll on us all. I suffered from postpartum depression for a few months but thankfully we all made it out sane. Almost exactly 6 months after Brooke was born we got pregnant with Maddux. We knew we were going to need even more space so at the end of our lease we moved into mom and dads old house. What a blessing it has been, we have been able to save money and are now in the process of building our dream home. Maddux completed our "typical american family" on February 11, 2009. They say that having a baby, a change in careers or building/remodeling a home is the most stressful things on a marriage, Matt and I have done all of these things before we have even gotten out of our newlywed stage. It hasn't always been easy but having such a loving and thoughtful man by my side has made it all worth fighting for. I look forward to the decades of married life I have ahead of me. I hope things do slow down a bit once we get settled but I know that God will never give us more than we can handle.

Matt,

You are the love of my life, I have known that from the first date. I can't imagine going through any of this without you. Everything great in my life has been with you and because of you. I look forward to growing old with you. Big kisses! I love you!!!

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-07-05T23:37:00.001-05:00

Hope you had a great day today... We love you so much! Enjoy the rest of the week at the beach.

It takes a degree to register for college!

2009-06-26T23:03:00.002-05:00

I have spent the last week or so trying to get things lined up for Matt and I to take classes this fall... it has been so confusing! I have been in touch with people at both schools trying to figure out what I need to do to register, what classes we need and I am still praying I did our FAFSA forms correctly. I just remembered why I got turned off from going to school right after I graduated. We are making slow but steady progress. I have picked my classes for fall, they are waiting in my 'cart' until we hear back about financial aid. I just started on Matt's stuff today so he is supposed to have a meeting with the rep from Mountain State to find out which classes will transfer from UH. I was very excited after my meeting to find out that I get to start on all regular college courses except math... I was expecting much worse. I only have to take 2 math classes that are below college level, there are 4 total. Anyone who knows me knows I hate math and never excelled at it, I probably would have done better if I put forth more effort in high school, but you can't change the past. So I am signed up for one of my math classes, Texas history and an intro to college type class. I haven't declared my major yet but I am pretty sure it will be early education. I thought about going for interior design but teaching is more stable and I would have off most days the kids did. Anyway, that is what is new around here... adding more to our plate on top of new baby, buying a house, Matt becoming a trainer at work... I think I can handle it though!

June Pictures

2009-06-26T12:54:00.006-05:00

I am finally posting pics from June. It was a busy month, I have 207 pictures in this months file. I erased a total of 1092 pictures from my memory card yesterday cause it was almost full.

These first two are from our play date with Colton at the beginning of the month... Brooke loves Colton!

This one is of Matt and Maddux playing baseball on the XBOX360... I thought it was so funny how into it Maddux was.

This last one is of us at Brian's graduation party... Brooke and Maddux were both napping.

I am hoping to get a really good picture of all of us when we go to the beach next week but we will see how that goes... it is almost impossible to get everyone in the same place at the same time and have everyone looking at the camera.

Nemo Me Impune Lacessit

2009-06-24T10:18:00.003-05:00

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of officer Henry Canales who passed away last night. Anytime HPD loses an officer in the line of duty it is very hard on everyone. He is survived by his wife, 17 years old daughter and 15 year old son. Rest in Peace.

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T10:31:00.006-05:00

Dad, All my life I have looked up to you, followed you around with a hammer or drill, I wanted to be your little side kick. You taught me to be respectful of others and myself. You showed me how to self reliant and not have to depend on other people to take care of me. You were the only one who could defeat me on Monday Night Raw nights in the Goode household. You were brave enough to teach me how to drive stick shift, even though I almost ran us through a brick wall in the suburban. You showed me how to just sit back and enjoy the quiet in a deer stand or fishing on the lake. You fell asleep sitting up on the couch when I had colic and in your arms was the only place I felt at ease. You showed me the "proper" way to mow a lawn and wash a car. You always greet me with a big hug and tell me I am beautiful (even when it is obvious I have been up all night with one of the babies). I will never forget the weekend you let me "hang pipe" at Phoenicia or the countless evenings by the grill, talking on the porch swing watching the sunset. You constantly encourage me to do my best and succeed. You are always just a phone call away when my car won't start or there is a strange dripping noise coming from behind the wall. You gave me my dream wedding and made me feel like a princess. Thank you for all of these things, mostly for always showing me how much you love me and letting me know I will always be your little girl. I love you dad!

Matt, You are such an amazing father to my children. You are a great provider for our family. I know it isn't easy working 50 or 60 hours a week but you still carve out time to play on the floor with Brooke or change Maddux's diaper. I know that we are your number one priority and I couldn't ask for anything more. We love you so much and I hope we show it to you everyday so you never forget. I know I don't say it enough but thank you for your many sacrifices. I love you babe!

Progress on the House

2009-06-21T10:21:00.004-05:00

We finally made it by the house with our camera. I was hoping to walk through and take pictures but we totally forgot that Matt's days off are when other people are working, so no one in without a hard hat. Anyway, we got a few pictures from the front... to me it seems like this part should take the longest and since they are almost done with the framing we should be moving in next week, I know it's not the case. We still have quite a ways to go. Still it is neat to see your house coming together in stages. We will have a walk through in 2 or 3 weeks after the electrician and plumber come out before they do the dry wall.

Busy Busy Shockingly Busy

2009-06-17T16:32:00.002-05:00

Well we have had a busy month this past month. Brian' graduation weekend we had to take Maddux to the hospital for a really high fever. By the time he got well it was time for Matt and I to head out to Port A. We had a great weekend together without the kids. We didn't get to stay as long as we would have liked but Matt had to get back to work and we needed to let Billie get some rest before she headed back to work on Monday. It was really nice to reconnect with each other, we have both been so busy for different reasons and haven't had much time for each other. Matt also enjoyed hanging out with my family, his work schedule prevents him from going out to Waller most weekends so he misses out on a lot. We mostly sat by the pool all weekend although we did sneak out for a late lunch just the two of us and I was treated to a pedicure (something I haven't done since Meagans wedding). We also went to the aquarium with Will but I think I prefer the one at Moody Gardens. All in all it was a good weekend, one of my favorite parts was the three and a half hour drive to and from where we had nothing to do but talk and it wasn't two year old talk!!! I sure did miss my kiddos though. When we drove into Rosenburg and I started to recognize stuff I got little butterflies in my stomach I was so happy to pick up the kids. The big smile Maddux had on his face when he heard my voice just melted my heart, kids are the greatest. Monday I went to visit Miss Tayler, she is so beautiful! She is a mommas girl though, I don't know how Tammy does it because that girl doesn't want anything to do with anyone but her. I have spent much of my week so far purging our home of all the junk we don't need anymore. It was kind of sad boxing up things like some of Brooke's old stuffed animals but she never uses them and would be appreciated more at some other house. I am really bad about keeping stuff even though I know I will never look at it again so I am trying to break that bad habit. I have a few pictures of the kids I need to post but Maddux just woke from his nap so it will have to wait a while. Hope this post finds you well!

The Week in Pictures

2009-05-19T17:12:00.007-05:00

We had a big week this week

My baby boy turned three months old this week... time flies!
Here he is in his big boy bouncy seat, he is holding up his head so well.

Brookie Bear finally let me put her hair in a pony tail... I think she is learning it is a lot cooler off her neck.

And we had Tammy's shower... we took a belly picture at my shower but apparently we aren't able to do that when one of us isn't pregnant anymore, lol

Doesn't she look GREAT!!! Only a few more weeks until Tayler graces us with her presence. I just hope she doesn't come while I am on vacation!

Someone snapped this picture of Brooke while we were at the shower, she is starting to look more and more like a big girl and less like a toddler. I love my babies!

My family also had a stomach bug that daddy brought home from work. We went to the zoo last Tuesday with Aunt Meagan, Auntie and Davin, I didn't get pictures because I am scared to take my camera somewhere it might get lost. Billie took off yesterday because they were having people working on their house so Brooke went over "to keep her company". I got a lot done around the house. Matt started his new extra job this week so he is even more busy than before. I am trying to get my house totally clean before Friday so I can go over to Tammy's house for a play date.

Why I love you mom.

2009-05-10T08:22:00.003-05:00

This is for the four special moms in my life. There are many more that I love and have made an impact on my life but these ladies deserve a BIG thank you.

Meagan, You are such a great mom... and sister. You work so hard and are always on your feet (in heels no less) I wish I could get as much done in one week as you do in one day. Davin loves you so much. Thank you for helping me be a better mommy to my kids and letting me rant and rave when I get frustrated. I am so thankful that you and I have been able to go through this side by side. I love you c-ster!

Tammy, I can't say enough to express how blessed I have been to have your friendship. It isn't always easy being a wife to a cop or a pregnant mother of a toddler/ preschooler, you are the only person who knows exactly how I feel. Thank you for letting me text you at 2 in the morning to vent or helping me to see the light at the end of the tunnel or for fueling the fire when I am right! lol... You are such a great friend, I couldn't ask for better. I will always admire your strength and determination. I promise I will be by your bed to keep you company and make you laugh when Tayler is born. Love you girl!

Billie, Thank you so much for loving me like a daughter. You have come to my rescue countless times when I am dead tired and need some rest. You always drop everything to be a last minute babysitter just so Matt and I can have a night out. Thank you for coming to keep me company when I am lonely. These last three years we have shared many laughs, tears and yes even a little gossip. I couldn't ask for a better mother in law. I love you!

Last and most of all...

Mom, I could say thank you a million times and it wouldn't be enough. You make me the woman I am today. You never realize how much your mother has done for you until you become one. Thank you for holding me even when I cried relentlessly through the night. Thank you for taking my hand and catching me when I fall. Thank you for waking up several time through the night to put cream on me when I had chickenpox. Thank you for holding my hair when I got sick. Thank you for telling me 'no'. Thank you for making me stick with things when I wanted to give up. Thank you for the countless hours you spent at football games, competitions, fund raisers and sitting outside of the dance room when practice ran over. Thank you for taking us to movies, bowling alleys, amusement parks and awana camping trips. Thank you for making every homecoming and prom so special and sticking up for us when dad couldn't understand why we didn't just wear the same dress as last year. Thank you for going to the gym with me at 5 in the morning before practice everyday. Thank you for walking the mall with us every fall for back to school shopping even though that was the last place you wanted to be. Thank you for always trying to find fun new yummy stuff to put on the table for dinner. Thank you for making my wedding so special even though I changed my mind a lot and we went a little over budget. Thank you for coming home early everyday only to drive half way back to the office just to get me to work and then coming back at midnight to pick me up. Thank you for taking us to church even when we put up a fight. Thank you for staying up all night waiting for me to get home from a date. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be a wife, a mom and most of all a woman of God. I can only hope to be as great of a mom to Brooke and Maddux as you have been for me. I love you!

Happy Mother's Day Everybody!

Done and Done

2009-05-08T15:50:00.002-05:00

Well we went to the design center today to pick everything out. We got almost all of the upgrades we wanted. The only thing that I really wanted that didn't fit our budget was hardwood floors through the house. We settled for tile in the wet areas and carpet in the rooms that will be used most by the kids. We figure the little ones will have the carpet worn out in about 5 or 6 years so at that time we can put the wood floors down. We got the new front loader washer and dryer which was a big must for me. I was very worried about making such final choices but Matt reminded me that it is our house, we can change whatever we want whenever we want to. Now I can start thinking about paint colors. We are going to just hire painters to come in after we close because the home builder wants to charge too much for doing each room a different color. It is a relief to know that stage is done. All we have to do now is meet with our contractor once a month to make sure everything is to our specs. There were so many choices but it helped that I had a good idea of what I wanted. The consultant was great because she ran the numbers for everything we wanted and from there we decided what was most important to keep. End of August is when we should be moving in, I can hardly wait. I hope everyone has a great weekend! Happy Mothers Day!

Writers Block

2009-05-05T14:36:00.002-05:00

I have gotten on my blog everyday since last Monday but when I sit down to post my mind goes blank. The only exciting thing that has happened was Saturday when we went to see Rent but mom already posted about that. Brooke went to the Dr on Wednesday for her 18 month visit, everything went well. She had to have 4 shots and a skin test... I am not sure what it was for, I hope that doesn't make me a bad mom. I have been trying to keep the kiddos home this last week since that baby died here and Houston from the swine flu. Matt took off Saturday and Sunday night to relax. He stayed with the kids while I was at the play and we all had a lazy day on Sunday. We are going on Friday to pick out the stuff for the house at the design center. I am totally nervous about it, being that I have always been a renter I have no clue what my style is. I don't want to get into the house and regret everything that I put into it. When I lived with my parents and finally got my own room, I painted it once or twice a year, beautiful bright colors. I would change my bedding and rearrange my furniture all the time. Now that it is our house I am scared to be that bold. I think it is a combination of wanting it to look like an adult space (not a teenagers) and wanting it to suit every ones taste that comes in. My mother in law likes a more traditional style, my mom has more of a country "lived in" style, Meg has a more contemporary style, I have... no set style. There is a great designer on HGTV named Angelo Surmelis, who's blog I follow, a lot of his designs are very eclectic but in a warm welcoming way. If I could afford to hire him to do my house I would, but I am not going to kid myself. I have been looking at design magazines and cutting out things that catch my eye,but I don't know how to bring it all together. I also have tried to figure out my style by my closet but most of the stuff in there is from pre marriage time when I was a teenager. My biggest worry is the kitchen and the bathrooms, you can easily change paint colors and accessories like light fixtures but flooring, counter tops and cabinets are another story. I guess I better figure it out in the next few days. Well at least I thought I had nothing to write about. Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Celebrating small steps

2009-04-27T20:58:00.002-05:00

You know how in elementary school, when you did a good job and the teacher would tell you to pat your back, well I am patting my own back tonight. For the first time in a long time I have felt in control of my home and my life! I straightened up yesterday before Tammy, Meg and Bri came over, so when I woke up this morning there wasn't an overwhelming mess. I got Brooke set up with a glass of milk while I fed Maddux. When he was done he played on the play mat while I made some pancakes. After we finished eating we played a little bit and then laid down for a nap. We woke up around noon so Matt fed Maddux while I made some lunch, for the first time in a long time we ate at the table as a family. What a difference this makes, Brooke is much more calm. Afterwards I unloaded the dishwasher from the night before and washed what was in the sink. Brooke and I read some books while Matt played some video games then it was time for the kids and Matt to take an afternoon nap. I relaxed while the house was quiet. Maddux didn't sleep long but I was still able to check my e-mail and pay bills with him in my lap. When Brooke and Matt woke up I got started on dinner. Brooke helped me pour the can of peas into the pot and stir the potatoes. She has become quite the happy helper in the kitchen. She even loves helping unload the dishwasher, her job is to put away all the Tupperware and hand me the silverware. While everything was cooking Brooke and I sat at the table and played with stickers, Matt and Maddux had male bonding time. We sat at the table again for dinner and when we were done Matt took the kids into the living room while I did the dinner dishes. I finished just in time to watch our shows at 7. I got some laundry folded while we were sitting there. Afterwards Matt gave Brooke a bath while I picked up her room. After she went to bed Matt and I enjoyed a bowl of ice cream with each other and I fed Maddux. He just laid down with his daddy, I have to wake Matt soon so he can go to work. I just felt like everything worked today. I know it can't be perfect everyday but my goal is to have more days like this one. I especially enjoyed our meals at the table instead of in front of the tv. We talked with each other and I wasn't caught up on a tv show when we finished so it was easier to get the dishes done right away. I still got a 2 hour nap in the morning and watched my favorite shows this evening. I am just proud of myself and Matt for working together to get stuff done. Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to write everything down so I could show myself how productive my day was so I will keep it going. Hope your day was as enjoyable!

The wait is over!

2009-04-24T15:00:00.002-05:00

We have officially been approved for our loan... up until today we had only pre-qualified for it. We are very excited. It certainly was a tense week around here while we were waiting to hear the final word. The best part is that our monthly payment is going to be less than we had expected. Now all of the fun happens!

Maddux on the move!

2009-04-23T11:46:00.002-05:00

My baby boy rolled over for the first time yesterday! I put him down on his tummy for his nap time and when I went to get him up he was on his back. I don't know how he did it, I don't think Brooke rolled over until she was around 4 months. I guess this means no more unattended naps on the couch for him. In other news Brooke is putting everyone on punishment. She spent 10 minutes trying to get Jessie to sit in time out, when she realized that wasn't going to happen she put her favorite stuffed animal Joey on the time out chair. It was funny because she would be playing with him and all of a sudden she would say "No No Joey" and run over to the time out chair, turn her back on him for a few seconds, then pick him up and give him a big hug. I think he went to time out 4 times yesterday evening. I worried at first because she took him over there so many times but at least she gave him a hug when he got up. She also brought my cell phone to me and asked to talk to daddy, so I dialed his number and she talked to him for a few minutes and then he had to get back to work. Both of my babies are growing so fast, Brooke will officially be 18 months in 6 days! Makes you stop and enjoy it while you have them this way. I wouldn't trade staying home with them for any money in the world.

More pictures...

2009-04-21T11:18:00.006-05:00

Here are some more pictures I wanted to share. My little man is getting so big, I can't believe it has been 2 months. Matt says he is beginning to look like Brooke but I still think he has my dads forehead and chin.

Here he is laying on his play mat.

Big sister keeps a watchful eye on Maddux.

Here is my fur baby, Jessie Poo... Brooke loves her (I'm not sure if that love is mutual)

Brooke is a total Ham in front of the camera... nothing like her mommy :)!

Catching Up

2009-04-21T10:25:00.007-05:00

It has been over a week since my last post, one long crazy week. Easter Sunday the kids and I went over to my in laws house, while Matt stayed home for some shut eye. We had planned on doing an egg hunt for Brooke but it rained all morning. Instead I took Billie and Sarah out to the model home since neither had seen it yet, Billie loved it and Sarah was wanting one of the huge houses for herself. On our way home we stopped to take pictures in the blue bonnets, that wasn't very successful either. Both kiddos were tired and Brooke was terrified of the cars driving by the field. We stayed home Monday and Tuesday, during nap time I was getting paperwork ready for the mortgage company. I was really regretting not unpacking those boxes when we moved in. We will only be here for a few more months so I just got what I needed and left the rest. Wednesday was Sarah's 21st birthday so Billie and I took her out to eat with the babies. Thursday my mom and I went out to the house so she could see it, the cleaning crew was there so she didn't really get to look at everything. I think she liked what she saw though. Friday morning Bri came over to watch the little ones while Matt and I went to the design center. Our appointment to pick everything out is next week. We only have 3 hours and they charge for any time over that so we wanted to get an idea of what upgrades we would be getting. That night Billie came over to stay with Brooke and Maddux while I went out for Sarah's birthday party. I had tons of fun, Matt wasn't able to go so I invited Cristina to come with me. Us moms showed those college girls up, they just sat there while we danced the night away. I guess when you don't get out much you make the most of it. Saturday I met Bri and my cousins up at the mall, then went to mom and dads to celebrate Greek Easter with them. For the last three days I have been been trying to catch up on everything from sleep to chores to just hanging out with my babies. This week should be pretty relaxed, just sitting by the phone waiting to hear from the loan officer. Below are some pictures of Brooke and Maddux in their Easter outfits.

SOLD!

2009-04-11T16:14:00.007-05:00

I am proud to say that Matt and I are owners of an empty lot! Construction on the house will begin in the next few weeks. Matt went to look at the house yesterday and loved it as much as I did. he wanted to put down the earnest money right away but I talked him into waiting a day so we could talk about everything. We got up this morning and were even more sure about it than when we went to bed last night, so we drove out to the office and signed our contract! We are on a lot that backs up to a baseball field and is across the street from the park. There are already 7 officers in the neighborhood. On or way out this morning we met one of the sheriffs and amazingly ran into a lady who's son goes to Southwest Christian Academy. Billie used to tutor him. We are very excited about this next step in our lives. It was pretty nerve wrecking to write the biggest check of my life today, I can't imagine what closing day will be like. Here are a few pictures of our lot... I will be out there often to check on the progress and will post more pictures as we go. This is the baseball field out back...

We picked out the brick and trim colors today. We will go to he design center and pick out the interior things in about 2 or 3 weeks.Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement both on the home buying and Matt's work. Love to all!

Prayer

2009-04-08T18:28:00.002-05:00

Matt really needs prayer right now. He has been getting so discouraged about work lately. He loves his job and works really hard, he has even been offered a brand new "shop" (police car) as a sort of reward for being proactive during his shifts. The only down side is that the media has been giving our boys in blue so much flack lately. We don't get the newspaper so Matt reads articles on chron.com and the negative comments show how little appreciation people have for what they do. These men and women serve our city and put their lives on the line everyday and all anyone can do is point out the few bad situations that have occurred lately. It gives everyone on the force a bad reputation and no respect. It isn't just strangers who feel this way but people we know as well. I think if people walked in their shoes for one day they would see how hard it is on not only these men but their families as well. Matt has been on the streets for a year now and I still worry about him. My biggest fear is that someone will come to my door at 3 in the morning and say that my husband has been injured or killed. I have told him that if it comes to it I would rather him shoot than get shot, of course we both hope that it never comes to that, but in the area he works in there is that possibility. Please just pray that the moral of not only Matt but all police officers will not be crushed by the things being said about them and the way people treat them. I know that there will always be people critical of them but hopefully they will be able to see past that and remember why they do what they do.

That Feeling...

2009-04-06T22:44:00.002-05:00

This is the only way I know how to explain it...

You have been dreaming of your wedding day since you were a little girl, now the day is fast approaching. You try on what seems like a million dresses. You have almost lost hope when the sales lady brings in one of her favorites. Looking at it on the hanger you can tell it isn't really what you had in mind, but you decide to try it on to make her happy. You get help with the zipper and turn to look in the mirror... you begin to cry. This is the dress, you feel it. For the rest of the day you can't stop smiling. It is all finally real and you can picture the rest of your life with your soon to be hubby.

I got that feeling yesterday. Billie and I drove out to a new neighborhood we saw online to see what they had to offer. Matt's time is so limited I wanted to make sure it would be worth him making the trip out there. We went into 3 beautiful model homes, they were either way out of our price range or a little too close to our max for my comfort. The kids were getting tired and hungry but I wanted to look at the last models before heading home, so Billie stayed in the car. I looked at the two two-story homes first, which were amazing!!! They were my favorite so far. Then I decided to look at the one story, it was more towards the middle of our price range and figured it couldn't hurt. As soon as I walked in I got THAT feeling. I walked through the rooms and I could picture this house with our furniture, our pictures, most importantly our family. I probably would never have looked at it if it weren't so conveniently located next to the big houses. All I can think of is how perfect it would work for our family. It doesn't have all the formals and play rooms that I had in mind but to be on the realistic side, there is nothing I dislike more than cleaning... fewer rooms would probably be best for me. The way the neighborhood is set up, no one has a neighbor behind them. Every lot backs up to a lake or a park. There are probably only about 20 houses complete so far and 5 of them are owned by fellow "men in blue" (cops). Everyone we passed waved, lots of young couples with children riding bikes, walking and just hanging out outside talking to each other. I even saw a girl walking two dogs like Jessie. Matt is interested, he will go take a look at it on Friday, but him being the practical one wants to look at more options. I know that is the smart thing to do but in my heart I feel like we will come back to this house. For the time being I am praying that God will help me to really see the other houses. I want to make the right decision, even if it means not building this house. I just wonder if I will get this feeling again.

Addiction

2009-04-04T23:43:00.002-05:00

As I am sure everyone knows, looking at houses can be tiring and overwhelming. I thought if I started thinking about how I want to decorate my very first home it would keep me upbeat. I bought a few decorating magazines and started watching HGTV. I am addicted to that channel. Brooke watches her shows while I make breakfast and we eat but other than that every free chance I get it is on. I watch the shows about buying and selling houses, decorating indoors and out. The only problem is that now I want to take little things from almost everything I see and roll them into one. I think it will be even harder for me to settle on a house. I would really like an older ranch style home because they have so much personality and potential. But with older homes come the likelihood for major problems. I don't want that! I would love to build our own home but I am sure that it is way too expensive. I have found that most of the homes in Houston area are cookie cutter, it may not be the same as your neighbor but you can bet someone else on the street has the some floor plan. Why can't you have the best of both worlds? Newer and pre built with lots of personality and charm. I am sure I will walk into a home and fall in love with it when we actually start touring the houses... pictures online just don't do them justice.

I hope to take Easter pictures of the kids this week... weather permitting.

I'm still here!

2009-03-30T17:01:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I have blogged, a combination of not knowing what to say and not really having anything to say. I have noticed that no one I "follow" has posted anything new lately either. I guess everyone is on break. The kids are all doing well, Maddux is totally out of his sleeping stage and keeping me busy. Brooke is learning a new word everyday it seems like, today she came up to me and asked for a banana... it is nice to know exactly what she wants and not have to deal with crying as much. Jessie had a friend over the other night, Ziggy is her best friend. They spent all evening out in the yard running around. Matt has been working a lot, in fact he is leaving for overtime in an hour or so. Meagan and I went to see Les Mis on Saturday, I wasn't a huge fan but it was nice having a girls night out with my sister... Ms. Robin, you will be happy to know I almost finished my margarita at dinner (I don't think I can keep up with the grandmas but I am working on it :)! I have to go get dinner out of the oven but I hope to see some new posts this week!

overwhelmed

2009-03-21T13:05:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had so many things going on in your life that you can't even think straight? It is taking everything I have to not retreat to my room and sleep until everything clears up. We are trying to get ready to buy a house, keep our current house in decent enough condition for the real estate agent to show it, keeping the kids occupied (Jessie being home has helped with that) and trying to reconnect with my hubby. They aren't lying when they say buying a new home, or having a new baby put a strain on any marriage... we are doing both. It's not that we are fighting, we don't have time for that. We just miss talking to each other and being able to hang out. He is working a ton of overtime and when we do talk it is about stressful things like filling out loan applications or calling the insurance company to make sure Maddux is covered. Our opposite schedules don't help things... I thought I would get used to Matt having night shift by now. We are in agreement that it is all in God's hands but at the same time God helps those who help themselves... we aren't going to wake up one morning and be in a new home. I guess all we can do is keep on keeping on, it is only a season. I said I wanted to become more dependant on God and He is seeing how serious I am about that.

The difference 24 hours makes!

2009-03-16T13:39:00.002-05:00

It is so beautiful today! Not anything like this past weekend. The sun is out, there are birds singing and it is warm enough to wear shorts. This is the most exciting because I still can't fit in my blue jeans very well but I can wear my shorts from last summer. I still haven't been able to join a gym yet, we are waiting to see where we will be moving to in the next few months. Until then I will continue chasing kids and walking when it is nice enough outside. Today I will be doing my walking indoors unfortunately, we are in need of a wal-mart run and those are never quick. At least pushing the cart will help work out my arms. I guess I should go wake up my brood so we can get going. I hope you are enjoying your day!

A Means to an End...

2009-03-15T21:12:00.002-05:00

Just be forewarned, I will probably not make much sense of this post as I can not repeat the entire sermon from today, but I will try my best to explain the things that stuck out in my mind most... with out writing a novel.

So I went to Riverpoint today, they had a great worship service that led into one of those rude awakening sermons... you know the ones that you need to hear but don't want to? The Sermon came from 1 Samuel when Saul became jealous of David and sent out his men to kill David. God said he would deliver Saul into David's hands and let him decide what to do. So we are in a scene where Saul is in a cave "taking a leak" (as the pastor ever so gracefully put it) and David sneaks up and cuts a piece of his robe off. When David went back to his men he felt bad for doing so and told his men that no one was allowed to harm him because, even though Saul was trying to kill David, Saul was still his master. I am sure you have heard the story, moving on. Even in the midst of his life being in danger, David saw God and trusted his will. He showed mercy to a man who surely wouldn't do the same for him. My troubles are so much smaller than David's and yet how many times do I forget the things he has promised me and screwed up. How does David keep from letting fear get the best of him? He could have easily killed Saul and been able to go back home and stop hiding... but he knew the things God had in store from him and let God take care of Saul. David doesn't use God as his way to become king, becoming king is part of his journey following God. Do I use God as a means to get to the end I have planned (my goals in life)? I want my ultimate goal in life to be to follow Him, and just let life happen. I am far from this point and I am only human. I know it will take a lot more work and dedication than I have probably ever put into my relationship with God but I am willing to work. Two things the pastor said that I think I will use to help me with my journey:

Don't just try to cope with difficult times, grow from them. Just coping will make you bitter. (Oh so true for me)

I am more interested in my comfort than my faith, God is more interested in my faith than my comfort. (We all know doing things God's way isn't always easy.)

Anywho... I really enjoyed church and I think we will visit again next week. Brooke really enjoyed it as well, she is becoming quite the social butterfly in the nursery. She loves being around other kids. I am off to bed now, it has been a LONG day, actually weekend.

Brrr... It's cold out there!

2009-03-14T20:56:00.005-05:00

We went out to mom and dad's today for their 4th annual company crawfish boil. This is one of the events we look forward to all year, good food and good fellowship. It was wet and cold but we still had fun. Brooke and Davin were soaked cause they wanted to play outside where it was sprinkling, we couldn't keep them in the tent! We were tuckered out by the time we got home... Matt, Brooke and I missed the afternoon nap that we depend on these days. Hopefully Brooke will sleep all night. She has been running a fever for the last few nights so she hasn't been sleeping very well. She seems to be a lot better today so the odds are in my favor. I am going to church with Matt's mom tomorrow morning, which I am very excited about. I hate going by myself so I haven't been in a while. Brooke really loved Sunday school last week which really got me thinking that I need to get her in church now. I know she doesn't know the difference but I want her to grow up with the Christian values my parents instilled in me. I am hoping that if I have Billie to go with I will be more consistent in going. I also want to get plugged in somewhere. I really loved our old church but I didn't feel like I was plugged in anywhere. They have a great newlyweds group but I was normally the only one without my spouse there, and as a stay at home mom I didn't really fit with the college and career group. Billie's church is a little bigger than our old one so I am hoping to meet some other young mothers. I guess I will report on it tomorrow or Monday. I wanted to post a few pictures of Brooke in her new tent.

pictures!

2009-03-07T10:53:00.006-06:00

I haven't put pictures of the little ones up in a while, mostly because Maddux sleeps a lot and Brooke likes to be on the other side of the camera. I finally got Brooke on a good day... Maddux is sleeping in his.

I trimmed Brooke's bangs on Monday after mom and Meg said they were getting too long.

This is Kitty, Nonna got her for Brooke while we were at the hospital.

She was pulling Kitty all around the house in her shopping cart.

Here is my little man doing what he does best.

Revelation

2009-03-05T13:12:00.002-06:00

I have been having a rough few days, in general nothing has gone my way. I have really let my state of mind set the mood for the entire family, even my children have been more grumpy. I was at a loss as to what I could do to make things better. I turned to my mom and my closest friend for advice, and although it was great advice and encouragement something still wasn't settled in my heart. Then this afternoon as I was driving home from the store a song by Third Day came on the radio and it helped me reset. The chorus says, 'give me a revelation, show me what to do, cause I've been trying to find my way, I haven't got a clue' I realized that I haven't gone to the Lord broken and open to His guidance in a VERY long time. I try to keep total control of my life and never lift my burdens up to Him. As I shed a tear at the steering wheel I felt a total calm come over me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Don't you just love that feeling? I wish I could feel that way all day everyday, without it ever fading.

Time Flies

2009-03-02T16:30:00.003-06:00

You know that saying "time flies when you are having fun"... it also flies when you add two people to your daily routine. Not that we are not having fun, there just don't seem to be enough hours in day to get everything done. Up until today I was breast feeding which made me immobile a third of the day. I feel kind of guilty quitting but I gave it a try and it wasn't right for us. I am so used to it being just Brooke and I so adding Maddux and Matt to the mix has been a little hard on me. Not that Matt is not capable of taking care of himself but I don't feel like I should subject my hubby to the pb&j's we normally have for lunch. The laundry seems to have doubled as well. Needless to say I am VERY behind on my cleaning.

The doctor says we have a keeper on our hands, which is his way of saying Maddux looks healthy. I am so ready to get back into the gym. After Brooke was born I went through a period of PPD which kept me in bed most of the time, then before I knew it I was pregnant with Maddux so it has been almost 3 years since my last really good work out. I wish there was a way I could have all the time in the world to work out like I did in high school but I would settle for an hour 3 or 4 times a weeks right now. I go to the doctor next week so I am sure I will get the clearance then. Well it has taken me an entire day just to write this post, hopefully it won't be another 2 weeks for my next one.

I'm Back!

2009-02-16T17:31:00.002-06:00

Well, I am easing back into the real world. These last six days have flown by, and dragged on all at the same time. I didn't get to bed until 11ish on Tuesday night, I couldn't sleep with all those emotions going through me. We got to the hospital at 4 a.m. sharp but my doctors office forgot to send the orders for the medicine so we didn't get things started until 5. My contractions went from 0 to 50 in about 2 seconds. We had a little bit of trouble with the epidural at first but once it kicked in everything was smooth sailing. I pushed for about 5 minutes and had my little man in my arms in no time. Matt actually cut the cord! (He didn't get to do it with Brooke.) Maddux Cade was born at 12:07 p.m. weighing in at 7lbs 5oz, 19 inches long. We have been doing pretty good with the breast feeding, although I wanted to give up within the first day. We go in on Wednesday for his first check up, I'm pretty sure he has gained at least a little weight.

Brooke has been quite a busy girl as well. She had Grandma (Billie) stay with her on Wednesday night and Nonna stayed with her Thursday night. Friday she visited Miarim and Jackie at the office. Saturday she had a sleepover at cousin Davin's house. Yesterday we had the Goode's, Rodger's and a special surprise from Grammy (my mom's mom) and my cousin Britney. Today we are all just relaxing!

As for mommy, I feel great! I love having my husband and babies here bonding with each other. Brooke loves being a big sister even more than I thought she would. We have only had one jealousy issue and that was because Aunt Meagan was holding bubbah, she isn't jealous when he is with me or Matt. We have had so much amazing help and support, I don't think we could have done it without our parents and siblings. Thank you guys! And thanks to Tammy who came to the hospital to keep me company, I really think that laughing for 2 hours straight has led to a speedy recovery... I will be sure to return the favor. I will try to keep everyone updated as often as possible.

Last hours as mom of one!

2009-02-10T18:53:00.002-06:00

I am sure everyone already knows that Maddux will be here tomorrow... I meant to post earlier but things have been a little crazy! Brooke just left to spend the night with Nonna and Papaw. I almost didn't want her to go yet, I wanted to savor every last second with her. I can't believe that tomorrow I will be a mother of two! You would think it would sink in over the last 9 months but I think it is just now hitting me. I have so many emotions right now I don't even think I could put them into words. I am excited to meet my little man. I am a little nervous about being able to split my time so Brooke doesn't feel pushed to the side. I am worried as to how Brooke will react to her brother. I am scared about labor... labor with Brooke was so perfect, I have high expectations for tomorrow. I am a little frazzled because I didn't get everything done today wanted to get done. But most of all I am thankful that God has blessed me with not one but two healthy, relatively stress free pregnancies. I am thankful that I have a wonderful husband by my side, who is also a great dad to our little girl. I am thankful for both my parents and Matt's, they are so supportive and always lending a helping hand. I am blessed beyond measure. I hope that I can sleep tonight with so many things running through my mind! I hope to be posting before too long... mostly to keep me sane!

how did people live without internet?

2009-02-08T05:29:00.002-06:00

For as long as I was old enough to use a computer I remember having an e-mail... Mr Carlos gave my family an old computer and put Juno on it. The connection was slow and I had no one to really e-mail but it was there if I needed it. If you would have told me back then that my mom was going to "journal" online I would have called you a liar. We were not allowed to have our names or initials anywhere in our e-mail address for fear of identity theft or child predators. Now she tells great stories about our family and friends for anyone to see... but I digress! So in these wee hours of the morning I am up once again with an aching back. In an effort to pass the time before everyone wakes up and I can go soak in the tub in mom and dads room, I get on my social networking sights to catch up on things going on. I usually just look at new picture my friends have posted, check on some of the girls from high school who are planning weddings or having babies, but this morning was a special treat. My cousin who lives in Arkansas was up as well, we got to chat and catch up on things since Meagan's wedding. He got to hear about how my husband and children were doing and I got to hear about his many college adventures. This is someone that I see maybe once a year but we are able to talk non stop for an hour and a half. I am just so thankful for this thing we call Internet where I can stay close with family. I think it also prompts mom and dad to talk to their siblings on the phone more often. They are always so shocked to hear that we have the latest news from our cousins before they do. I think I am going to challenge myself to be better about sending an e-mail or text when I am thinking about someone. Life gets so hectic that I never get around to doing it but I really enjoy getting a response when I do take the time. Thanks Al Gore... lol just kidding!

Burst of Energy and CRASH!

2009-02-05T18:11:00.002-06:00

So I was totally convinced Maddux was going to make his big appearance last night. I woke up around 2 in the morning and couldn't sleep, I had to clean or do something. I did some laundry so I wouldn't wake up my hubby or Brooke. I kept waiting for the contractions to start or for my water to break but they never came. I went to bed two hours later. Wouldn't you know that today would be the day Brooke decides to stop taking her long naps twice a day... I was exhausted all day. I guess it is a good thing I didn't go into labor because mom and Davin are sick right now, I don't want anyone to miss Maddux because they are quarantined. Brooke finally laid down at 5:30 so I got started on dinner and more straightening up. I know mom will keep everyone updated if I am not able to. I hope to have new pictures up before too long, my camera is packed in the hospital bag so I don't forget it. I find out on Monday when exactly I will induce if Maddux can wait that long.

getting caught up

2009-02-01T10:39:00.002-06:00

Wow, this week has flown by for me. We had a very busy week this week. Tuesday we went to the zoo with Meagan, Bri and Davin. It is so cool seeing the kids finally getting to enjoy the animals. The last time we all went together was when my moms cousin Shelly was down with her husband and daughter to visit, I think the little ones were only abut 6 months old at that time so they mostly slept. This time they were up walking around and playing. We got there just in time to see the sea lion show, Davin got splashed every time they jumped up out of the water (I think he enjoyed it!) Of course I forgot my new camera on the table at home so I don't have any pictures to share. Wednesday I had my doctors appointment... I was slightly disappointment that there was nothing new to report on the progress of the baby, then again no news is better than bad news. Thursday Brooke had an appointment for her 15 month routine well visit. When they took her measurements the doctor said that she is about the size of an average 2 year old!!! I knew that girl was big. Poor baby had to have 5 shots, she was pretty grumpy for the next two days. Friday all three of us were in bed with a cold pretty much all day. Yesterday my sister and Ms. Robin hosted a shower for me. It is so nice to celebrate a little one coming with close family and friends. It is amazing how we can go a while without seeing each other and just start back up where we left off. That is how you know you have great friends. Thank you to everyone who was able to make it, I can't wait to share baby Maddux with you all... 20 more days... give or take!

Oh yeah, I went earlier this week to get some indoor and outdoor activities for Brooke and I to do. It was only warm enough one time this week to play outside, Brooke loves sidewalk chalk and playing ball. The indoor activities don't keep her attention as long but she still enjoyed coloring with her markers (the color wonder brand... I wasn't brave enough for real markers) and I got some flash cards with shapes, colors and animals on them (thanks for the idea Ms. August!) Daddy has already banned one item... stickers. I bought them for Brooke to stick on construction paper but when I got up to answer the phone a couple of them ended up on Daddy's new TV. I got them all off so there is no harm done but we will wait a little while to bring them back out.

A swift kick in the pants

2009-01-26T20:20:00.004-06:00

Lately Brooke's tantrums have been getting bigger and more often, in a desperate attempt to fix this before it gets any worse I went on a christian parenting web site. It is hard for me to determine the right disciplinary action for her because she is only 15 months old. Am I expecting her to know more than she is capable of knowing at this age? I just wanted a little guidance on what is appropriate. Low and behold in the very first paragraph of the article they say to determine the reason for the fussing, maybe they are tired or hungry... or BORED. As much as I feel like a bad parent for admitting it, boredom is probably Brooke's number one reason for acting out. I have to make more of an effort to do things with her and keep her entertained. It is far too easy to turn on Noggin and put toys in front of her. My goal in the next 4 weeks before Maddux gets here is to find fun things we can do together and put them into practice. Hopefully this will help some with the whining (from both of us)!

In other news, we had our first sleep over on Saturday night. Davin spent the night to give Meagan and Derrick a night off. We got home from Ms Robins birthday party pretty late so the kiddos went right to sleep. We woke up bright and early to make pancakes. Then the little ones took a bath and played house until Derrick came to pick Davin up. I must admit, after that I totally crashed! I guess I got a small taste of what it will be like with 2 around here. I tried to get some good pics but I can never get both of them in the same frame, here they are playing with sunglasses.

They are both such hams in front of the camera!

What a B-E-A-U-tiful morning!

2009-01-22T15:23:00.006-06:00

Today is the most beautiful day! Although we have crazy weather here in Houston, snowing one day and wearing shorts the next, days like today are the reason I can't see myself living anywhere else. Matt did some yard work while Brooke and I played ball and drove her 4-wheeler. She just loves being outside, picking blades of grass or crushing flowers to see the petals fall off. I thought I might post a few pics while Missy Prissy is down for a nap.

Thank you Lord for beautiful days like today!

What a great day!

2009-01-20T21:12:00.002-06:00

Today Matt, Brooke and I spent the entire day together. One very nice thing about Matt having off on Tuesdays is that we can go to the mall without the crowds... it is much more enjoyable that way, especially when your little one hates the stroller! We had lunch at Chick-fil-a and walked around the mall, I spent the last of my Christmas gift cards on some post pregnancy clothing. It was nice to shop for normal clothes, though I could only get tops because I have no clue what size jeans to get. Then we went to a doctors appointment, the babies heartbeat is nice and strong and we can expect him to be here at any time. Brooke thought it was funny when they put the jelly on my stomach to check the heartbeat. Then we made a quick trip to Wally World... another place that is a lot less crowded during the week. Brooke was so good, even though she missed her afternoon nap, I was so proud.

In other news, Barak Obama was sworn into office today. I didn't vote for him in November but I really hope he does well and that he can help get the country back on track economically. We will see how the next four years go.

My New Years Resolution

2009-01-18T21:04:00.003-06:00

I have spent the past 18 days trying to figure out what my resolution for 2009 would be... there is the obvious 'get into shape' resolution that so many people make, but I am still pregnant so I think I will just make it a goal later on. I also thought about making one to keep my house in better shape, anyone with a curious toddler knows that it is a constant battle never to be completely won. Then I read my mom's blog about noticing all of the wonderful things God has done in our life, it is then that I realized what my resolution would be... drum roll please!

I resolve, for the year of 2009 and beyond, to look for the joy in my life everyday and not sweat the small stuff.

So why start a blog of my own? To hold myself accountable, put down in words everything that is great in my life and recognize how God turns trials into opportunities for growth. As my children grow I want to look at them everyday and appreciate the new skills they are developing. I don't want to take these fleeting moments of childhood for granted. It has been a year and three months since Brookie Bear was born and I feel like in the blink of an eye her infant stage was over. Matthew and I were just talking today about how when we found out we were pregnant again she was barely rolling around and scooting inch by inch, now she is walking and talking (some words can even be understood by other people!) I am sure it sounds like such a simple task, but with all the hassles in life it seems way too easy to let them take control and consume you... I want my children to look back on life and remember a happy mom, not one that is always stressed out.

Of course I have to add a picture of my cutie patootie, Brooke. This was Christmas Day, she was giving her new dolly a kiss. I know she is going to be a great big sister. Just having her and Matt in my life are my number one joy. I am so thankful for my little family.