Yea.....

Well...as you can see I was busy from Spring Break till now...I have a ton of things to catch up on (including, but not limited to): Dance recitals, school functions, birthday, painting of the kids rooms, what they look like now, updates on the kids and on our family.  Man....stinks when you get behind.  :)

Spring Break??

So it is already spring break!  Amazing how time flies by!  I have so much to write, but the big kids are gone this week and I decided to paint both kids rooms.  Not sure what I was thinking, but I am doing it.  I have till tomorrow (Friday) to get them done.  The kids come home this weekend and I need to have at least their beds ready!  I will post more after I return from my paint infused coma, and will be firing off a bunch of posts!  Have a great day!!

After my own heart!

Caleb loves to help me in the kitchen. He completely enjoys cooking- and I love that! I love to get in the kitchen and create, cook and bake. One of the things he has been helping me with and I actually let him do on his own, was to make pancakes. He measured, mixed and cooked them all by himself. I was near by, of course, observing and ready to help if need be. We got one finger a bit warm, but he was brave and kept going. The pancakes were eaten quickly as they were very yummy!!!

Celebration!

We were blessed to be able to celebrate Jaiden with many of our good friends and family. We had so much fun eating and watching Jaiden open presents and eat cake. I do believe that he loved the tissue paper more than the actual presents. But he is now enjoying the toys much more. :) I ordered his cake this year, as I knew that it was going to be a busy week and I wouldn't have time to make it myself. I did feel a little guilty as I always make the kids cakes. But I must admit that Hermitage Bakery did an awesome job!!! The cake was delish, and as you can see from above, Jaiden loved it as well.

My baby boy is 1

January 2011
Just born 2-2
Our precious baby!


Well...today was the day- my baby boy turned one! It was bitter sweet for me, knowing this was the last one. But at the same time, I knew that it would be so special. Jaiden has grown into such a sweet baby, he is crusin, almost to that walking point. He loves to eat and play. His laughter is SO infectious!!

I think back to the day that I discovered I was pregnant. Shocked is the only word I have to describe my feelings. Soon after (well maybe a month) I was happy and elated to have a new life growing in me. God knew what he was he was doing- he gifted us with a little man who has made our family complete. He is the laugh in a tired day, he is the snuggle in the evening, he is a ray of sunshine to our family.

I love you so very much, Jaiden. I praise God the day you entered into this world, and I will hold you dear till you leave it. You have brought so much joy and laughter to my life, and my heart grew a size bigger with you. Your brothers and sister delight in playing with you and taking care of you. You will never lack for playmates!!! I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you and I am blessed to be your mommy. " Love you forever, like you for always, as long as your living...my baby you'll be!"

That time of year...

Every year about this time, I begin to look at the next school year. Many of you know that I teach special ed. I love it and have been blessed by it. But around this time, I begin to evaluate if me teaching is working for my family. Being a working mom (outside the home- I know sah mom's work too!), while trying to keep up with everything else at times is very tiring. When I took this new job, I told the principal that I took it year by year. I could only commit to one school year at a time. I am not going to lie- this year has been ROUGH! By far the "worst" year ever. Of course this has me thinking "Do I really want to do this next year???".

I know God led me into special ed and teaching. I have now doubt about that at all. God knew that my heart was for children with special needs. But, at the same time, God blessed me with 4 beautiful children. He entrusted them to me, and my most important job is to make sure that I am training them up in Him. I have no doubt that God will lead me to where he wants me to be and what he wants me to do. My job till then- not to worry (which is SO hard for me). Why do I worry so much....is it not knowing , not having a plan? Yep- I am pretty sure that is it. :) I like to know what is going on, or at least know what direction I am going. But as part of the ME makeover, I am doing my best to be still and listen. Listen for Gods nudge on which way to go. Listen to His voice as He speaks His will for me. Praying constantly that my worry will not interfere with, or over shadow His voice.

Do any of you find it hard not to worry, or to give up that control that you "think" you have over it all??

Decluttering EVERYTHING!!

Do you ever just feel like there is so much "stuff" that you just don't know what to do? I am there....so there in fact that this weekend is being spent cleaning out and donating lots of "stuff". I am starting with my home, but will so move on in to myself.

First things first (I wish I had taken before and after pictures) I organized the bookshelf. That may not sound like much, but oh my word it needed it BIG TIME! Next I moved to my kitchen cabinets. There is one that is truly a catch all, and was getting rather annoying. So they are not straightened and ready to go. Next I moved on to a drawer that was begging for some attention. Then to all areas of the downstairs, were I sorted baby toys, and cleaned like a mad woman.

Riley and Ian have helped by picking up their rooms. Now, at this time they just have Rubbermaid tubs to hold their toys and stuff in. Matt and I are going to be building a storage unit for the boys room and for Rileys room this spring. Once we get those built, it will be easier for the kids to clean up and keep their stuff up. at that time we will also sort through toys and let them choose what to keep and what to donate. I plan on continuing to rotate some toys (2 tubs in the attic, and then I can swap them every few months) but most will be in their room.

I am going to tackle the attic and garage tomorrow and Monday. I am so ready to be able to walk in the attic and to park in the garage :)

I know this post wasn't too interesting I am sure....but at times it helps me to list what I am going to do.....next post how I am decluttering my life!

Today I am reminded...

of just how blessed I am. I am blessed that at this time, God has seen fit to bless my children with health. Sure- they get the occasional cold and have some allergies. But they are healthy- free of disease. Others are not so lucky. We have known of several friends/acquaintances who have been diagnosed with cancer, or their children have been diagnosed with it. Every time I hear of this- my heart breaks. My prayers rise to the King of Kings for healing, restoration and peace for the family. There are times where my prayers are answered, but not in the way I had hoped...they are made new - a perfect body free from pain and disease and living with the I AM. Each time, I weep in pain for the family, but also with joy.

My children have prayed for these young fighters. One in particular, Hailey Ann, they prayers each night that God would heal her, and if she went to heaven that God would make her family happy about it. They prayed unprompted, but from their heart. The only death they know about takes them to heaven where it is the best place to be! And they are unafraid. One of Caleb's baseball teammates, Jackson Williams, is going through chemo at the moment. Another child in our community, Savannah Swandal, is struggling as they just got word that her cancer has spread. These families need our prayers. These children need our prayers. I have included their CaringBridge sites below. should you choose to visit.

Lord- help me not to ever take for granted their health. Help me to see the blessing when they are clingy because they are not feeling well. Help me to always treasure every moment with them, because those moments might be gone too soon.


Jackson Williams:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/actionjacksonwilliams

Savanna Swandal:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahswandal


An Angel in Heaven, Hailey Ann Trainer:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/haileyanntrainer

New Year, New Me and New Goals

How did you like the title of that one! I am super excited to restart this blog. It has been way too long and I love being able to look back and see what has happened with the kids. Blogging sporadically over the last 2 years or so makes me sad as I miss those moments to look back on. I have vowed in the past to do better about blogging and failed, but this year- it is on!

Not only have I usually said I am going to blog more, but I find myself wanting to work on me. I think I am half way decent ;) but there are some areas I want to work on. I want to be more disciplined- not only in taking care of me (eating smaller portions, exercising), but also I want to grow in my spiritual walk with Christ. I have found over the last year that I feel more stagnant. By that I mean that I feel like my progress in learning and studying has slowed so much. To be the best wife and mother, I need to focus on my life with Christ. I need to model for my kids, digging into God's word to find answers and to be prepared for spreading His word!

I have many photos and events that I want to document, but I will get to those later. I know I don't have many readers out there anymore. And I am ok with that. Hopefully some of my friends will come back :)

Can't forget the Baby :)

Oh how this sweet baby boy just melts my heart! I cannot imagine my life without him. He has truly made our family complete. He has been such a trooper on our recent travels. He smile is infectious, he learns and changes each and every day. Watching him grow I am reminded just how amazing and awesome our God is. I love and am so happy that God is in control of his life, that He already knows what and who Jaiden will become.

Little man is working on crawling, and from there it will go so fast. He is shy at times, and loved his mommy and daddy so much. He squeels with delight when Matt walks in and if he doesn't get picked up right away by him, will scream till he does :) He looks so intently at you that you wonder what he is thinking at that moment. He loves to buzz his lips and adores his siblings. He loves to laugh and he loves his school. He just soaks it all in and loves each day.

The 3 Amigos

How I love these three!!! They are amazing, wonderful and pure joys to have in my life. I am blessed beyond measure with all of my kids. The thought that God would entrust them to Matt and I is very overwhelming at times. I look back and think of all the mistakes that i have made already in their short lives, and I am astounded that they love me despite it all! A true gift of grace.

Caleb is growing way to fast for me. He will soon be 8! To think that 7+ years have flown by is sobering. I am so blessed that he has a tender heart for others, loves me unconditionally, loves his Daddy and his brothers and sisters like crazy (although he will tell you that at times, he is not particularly fond of them) :) He is playing flag football and loving it. He is now in 2nd grade and doing well. He loves school and loves that I am next door to his school! He continues to be a leader and example to his brothers and sister. He is such a HUGE helper to me and always strives to please us and God. Sometimes he asks me questions that just blow me away, and he remembers everything!

Ian is growing just as fast. He is now in 1st grade, and has made such a huge improvement in maturity. He loves his teacher and tries his best in everything. He loves going to skate church with Matt and hanging out with all the kids! He loves to be outside and takes every opportunity to be out there. He lives his life with such abandon that I hope I can do that as well. At times that abandon gets him into trouble, but I love that he is passionate about so many things. He is so bright and inquisitive. He gets bored easily, so keeping him entertained can be a struggle. He is getting more into having a baby brother....of course it helps that Jaiden is getting more interesting :) He loves his sister and brothers like crazy, he wears his heart on his sleeve which can hurt him at times. He loves God and loves going to church!


Riley is also growing up way to fast....She is still little, but growing in maturity like crazy. Seems like a little adult already. She will be starting Dance/gymnastics soon and I think she will LOVE it! She loves school, her family and life in general. She is now at school with the boys, at EPE. I love that she is right next door and so close. She is back with Ms. Sebrina, who was her first teacher when I started with Wilson Co. She is so smart and very observant. Matt and I think that she is going to be a song writer. She is forever making up songs and preforming them for us. She loves Jaiden immensely and will always help with him. She is longing to start Kindergarten and to turn 5. Insane that she will be 5 so soon!

These 3 keep me on my toes and constantly checking on myself to make sure that I am modeling who I want them to be. I am constantly humbled that I am their mother, and that it is my job to train them in God. I struggle with that responsibility each day....hearing the whispers in my head that lead me to believe I can't do this and that I am not good enough to teach them. I have struggled with that responsibility since the day they are born. But today starts something new. I refuse to listen to those voices and to give into that insecurity. I will not let fear get in the way of my job as their mother and teacher. I love them with all my heart..

M/M Update

WOW....where to start?? I guess I will start with the love of my life, and my best friend.

Matt is still with Vanderbilt, but in a new area. He is now with the Cooperative Human Tissue Network (CHTN). He is really enjoying this job, but at times it is stressful. He is the "it" guy now :) I am proud of him for taking the leap to this new job. Matt has become involved with Skate Church here in MJ. Every Thursday, he heads to our skate park and gets to know the kids. They do a devo and skate. The kids really look up to him and he loves that God has used him in this area.

I am still with Wilson Co Schools, but am now close to home :) I am working at Mt Juliet Middle and I am loving it. The change itself was rather stressful, but I love the kids and people I am with. They restructured the whole SPED department, so there have been some stressful moments and hiccups along the way. I am sponsoring a Campus Life club at our school and some of the Skate Kids are leading it up. I am super excited that God is using me in our public schools.

We are both loving our church home. Friendship has become our home now. We love the people, the service and the community that we are in. Matt is working in the Recreational Ministry and I am working in the Ladies Ministry. We have been blessed with friends and the ability to jump in to work with our church.

God is continuing to bless our lives and our marriage. Since our move here 4 years ago, we have grown not only as individuals but as a couple. God has moved our relationship more towards each other and him. I am truly blessed to have Matt in my life. He is my best friend and I love spending each day with him.

A New Start

Well...in all the craziness of starting a new job and having 4 kids, our blog took a back seat to everything else. So today, in a way, is the start of something new. My hope is to update at least once each week, and this will continue to be a blog about our family, with work and my thoughts mixed in.

The next few days I will be doing a few blogs to "catch up" on the things going on right now. There is no way that I can completely catch up, but I can at least get on here what is going on right now. :) So be on the look out for all the changes that are coming up.

You could win....

New beginings in a lot of ways

Well, our summer has officially started. Although we have been extremely busy I have loved every min of it. I am hoping I can keep up with our blog better than i did through out the year. At the moment I am a SAHM. I am still looking for a job, but we will have to wait and see what God has in store for me. I am trying to be still and patient in this process, but it is difficult.

The kids ask every night before going to bed, "do we have school in the morning" and each night I answer no. They get all excited :) Jaiden is growing like a weed. I am amazed that he is 4 months already. Seems like yesterday that he was born. Riley,the poor lonely girl in our family has hit the drama stage. I am hoping it is short lived, but I have a feeling that it will stretch out since she is the only girl. I just repeat to myself several times a day " it could be worse, just breathe and correct". HA! Here are a few previews of pictures I will be posting on here soon.

Saying Goodbye

This post is dedicated to my students who will never see it. I have applied for a transfer closer to home. If I do not get one, I will resign from my job at LHS. I have now been there 3 years and I love my students. They have all been amazing kids and I was blessed to be there teacher. I will post more, as these were taken when we were not in our room, but thought I would do a preview.

First taste of cereal

Although it looks like I am feeding his nose, he actually did well with the first try. He has had some since, and is slowly liking it. I tried mixing it with formula, but that was a no go. So we stick with water. I think that next month as long as he keeps doing well with the cereals that we will start baby food.

Ian's Performance and Ceremony

Well- Ian had his Kindergarten Graduation. It is nuts to think that next year I will have a 1st grader and a 2nd grader! He has had an amazing teacher this year. Mrs. Jernigan was amazing and helped get him into school. She has a son who loves Star Wars, so that was right up Ian's alley! She will be leaving this year to become a Librarian at another elementary school. We will miss her greatly, but we are also so excited for her!! We are really proud of Ian!!

Ian and Mrs. Jernigan
Checking out his portfolio for the year
After the program
Ian getting his award for curiosity! I asked if that meant he was into everything, but Mrs. Jernigan said that he always asks the why questions and the deep discussion questions- wanting to know more.
ABC Rock
He spotted us! We were supposed to be in the section right in front of him, but there was no room- there were tons of people there

Riley's Debut

Well- One day I will figure out how to get these in order- I have tried every which way and I am giving up for the sake of getting them posted- any of you who still read this- tell me what to do!!!

Riley had her Nursery Rhyme performance for her class. It was really cute and Riley made a very cute kitten. She sang Pease Porridge Hot, and was a Little Kitten who had lost her mittens. I am excited to see her in dance in the fall- she is loving the stage!

Daddy and his baby girl! (LOVE this picture of them!)
Papa, Riley and Grandma
The 3 amigos...I mean kittens: Lily, Riley and Emma
Singing Pease Porridge Hot
Jaiden was enjoying the show...he was in front of Matt and I- I think he was trying to figure out how we got back there
3 little kittens, momma cat and Mother Goose
Riley and Lily- best of friends
Matt putting on Lilys nose
My little performer
Getting her nose and whiskers on

Long time...

Well- I am finally getting around to posting pictures of the kids. This one will be dedicated to Jaiden- you will see more photos of him in the next ones to come as well. He is growing like a weed and it is so hard for me to think that in June he will be 4 months!! That is insane! He is full of laughter and smiles. Here are some shots of my baby boy!

I am amazed he is smiling while in the car seat. Of course having mommy do silly things to get h im to smile could have been the reason! :)
Sweet boy after bath time
We call him Chunky Monkey- he is FULL of rolls!
Not sure why this is sideways, but every time it loads this way- so turn your head to see those beautiful blue eyes!
Loves his bath times! He will be a water baby just like my other 3!