Have yourself a Merry little Christmas

I'm sure most of you are enjoying this busy time of year. The holidays this year have been crazy. But I love every minute.....

 We began by celebrating Thanksgiving with the boys in their school and  Church programs and spending time with our families. Price's kindergarten had a Pilgrim and Indian Feast and Price was an Indian. Then the boys sang for the First Family Thanksgiving at our Church and Owen got to be the Indian and Price was a Pilgram. They were too cute and did a great job.


Then, we began moving into our new house on the day after Thanksgiving. We are finally settled (mostly) and ready to celebrate our first Christmas in our new house.

Price and Owen had their Church Choir Musical on November 30th  where they preformed Max Lucados, "The Littlest Lamb" and Price was asked to be Joseph and Owen was a little lamb. The Lamb had a little trouble staying still but apparently everyone thought he was cute.......everyone, but me!

Then the boys participated in our annual Church Christmas Pageant. It was a committment because we practiced the entire week before and there were 5 shows that filled up our church all the way to the 3rd balcony, but the boys enjoyed every minute, and so did I. I am so blessed to be a part of such a special church and have such an awesome Church family. We had so much fun sharing in the pageant fun! They were the cutest little Christmas lights EVER! :)

Even Owen did a great job waving at the crowd and blowing them kisses during the parade! They made me very proud.

We also got invited to the annual Gingerbread party, hosted by my friend, Traci's, MIL. Price was in school but Owen had a great time making his gingerbread house with his best buds.

There is the finished product. He ate way more then he decorated.

This past week was busy with school festivities. Owens school party was first. The kids sang a little jingle for us and then we had fun eatting all the goodies.

On Thursday, Price's class did an Authors Showcase where they put on a little play, did a sing along and each one read a book that they had written and illustrated. It was so cute. Way more then I expected from a class of 5 and 6 year olds. In the little play, Price was the little boy in the "Gingerbread Man" and he did a wonderful job!

Then on Friday, Price had his class Christmas Party. I took Owen with me and it warmed my heart to see how excited Price was to have Owen there. He shared his craft with him, and included him in their sing-a-long and dance party and also got him to sit in his lap during their movie time. It was the sweetest thing.

Then we had the Josh's family Christmas on Saturday night and you'll never guess who showed up........That's right, SANTA, himself!!! Their Aunt Jessica knows him personally and asked him to stop by. The boys loved sitting in his lap and wouldn't leave him alone.

Meme and Grandpa even got in on the Santa action!!

This is our first day out of school and we have enjoyed it by sleeping in (at least I have)  and we went to see the Chipmunk Movie with some of our best friends. We have lots of fun stuff planned for our break but mostly we will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I hope that I can make sure that with all the fun things going on, the most imporant reason we celebrate is to remember HIM!!!

I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful time of celebrating with your family and friends as well.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

It's A GIRL!

I'm sure most of you already know this, but IT'S A GIRL!!!

It took me a little longer to find out the sex this time because I was scared to get too attached, but you can imagine my excitment when I found out I would be adding a little pink to my life!

If you know me well at all, you know I have had pink dreams for a while......but obviously, I wanted a healthy baby first and foremost.

I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for this precious little one. The Lord is sooooo good to me. I feel more blessed then I deserve. I have prayed for this baby for a very long time and still have 16 weeks to go, so now I'm praying that everything continues to be healthy. I feel confident that the Lord is watching over us.

We have decided her name will be Carolyn Ann.
She will be named after my grandmother (Carolyn) and my mother (Ann). Two of the most wonderful women in my life. My grandmother passed away when I was pregnant with Owen and I know she would be so proud to have this sweet little baby named after her. She was the most Godly, kind hearted, giving, loving woman that I have ever known, and I can only pray that my Carolyn will be like her.
So, prayers still appreciated and more updates to come. Thanks for all who have continuously prayed for us on this journey.

Drs Visit Update

Apparently I'm not doing my job updating my blog as I should! I didn't realize how many people read it! :) Well, I went to the doctor on Tuesday and the baby looks healthy. No signs of anything wrong at all.
I did not find out the sex of the baby, YET. But I will. I just guess I'm afraid to get too attached right now. I go back on December 1st and I'm almost positive I will find out then.
We close on our house on November 30th so I should have plently to do to keep my mind off overthinking things. I am so appreciative for each of your prayers. Keep them coming! I'm half way there!!!

Refiners Fire

On Sunday at church, a sweet friend asked me how I was doing. I told her that so far, I was good but it was hard to feel confident in anything right now.
She proceeded to tell me that in her Sunday School class, they were talking about how God refines us to make us pure by turning up the temperature. And without struggles we wouldn't be who God wanted us to be. Just like precious metal has to be refined to make it pure, my heart needs refining to make it pure as well.
Although I have known this concept, I don't think I had ever thought of it as it applied to me....

It made me realize that the Lord is helping me! I have faults! Some of them are too deep, too embedded or even too painful to change myself. I know. I have tried. I struggle with and am aware of many of them. I just can't change them no matter how hard I try. But guess who can? And He is! Once I thought about it, I felt a sense of peace. I have changed. My heart might not be exactly where it needs to be, but its getting there. I'm getting better.
And in that, I know that no matter what lies ahead, I know its for my own good and to draw me nearer to Him! To make me who HE wants me to be, not who I desire to be.
So with that, I vow not to worry any more. Life is too short and there is too much to be grateful for.

I have always loved it when our choir sang "Refiners Fire" but now I have a new appreciation for it.

"Purify my heart

Let me be as gold and precious silver

Purify my heart

Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire

My heart's one desire

Is to be holy

Set apart for You, Lord

I choose to be holy

Set apart for You, my Master

Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from within

And make me holy

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from my sin

Deep within"

Thank you, Lord, that my struggles aren't in vain!

Thankful!

It's NOVEMBER! Can you believe it?
Time is flying by and we are excited about all that is in store for us this month.

First, the baby is doing good. I have had an ultrasound every 2 weeks since I was 8 weeks and everything has looked great every time. I'm trying hard to stay positive and not worry. I go back on the 15th and I will be 19 weeks then. I haven't found out the sex yet because the thought of getting too attached scares me but, maybe on the 15th I will be able to handle it. We shall see...... (Yes, I will keep you informed!)

And this month we will finally move into our new house. We have been told we could close before Thanksgiving but haven't actually been given a date. I am excited and anxious about getting everything ready for Christmas but hopefully my friends will come and unpack a box or two! (Hint, Hint!! :))

And THANKSGIVING! There is so much to be Thankful for. My Lord and Savior who keeps Blessing me beyond my wildest dreams (and way beyond what I deserve)! My WONDERFUL family! My Church Family! My fabulous Friends! I am so blessed and I couldn't imagine my life any different. I am sure each of you feel the same way I do!

I also know that there are many out there dealing with sorrow of some sort, but I know that the Lord has a plan regarding all situations and although we don't understand it, I am certain there is a reason. I hope that we can see the good over the bad, even when it's hard. Just "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5) Does anyone have the "Hide them in your Heart" CD? If so, you just sang that song while reading it and now it's stuck in your head. YOUR WELCOME!!

And, no post is complete without a picture of my adorable children, right?!? So here you go.....



Fun at the State Fair!



Thor & Green Lantern at the Fall Festival!

Preschool Choir singing at Festival.

I hope everyone had a Fabulous Halloween!!

Happy Fall!!

Price had a few days off from school last week and we decided to go to Cease Farms with some of our friends. It was a great time and the boys had so much fun......especially on the slide. I practically had to drag them from that place. There is so much to do. I highly recommend a visit if you get a chance.

Then today I got to go to the Fair with Price on his VERY FIRST FIELD MGES Field Trip! I am so thankful to be able to share in such special moments with my children and Price was so excited to have me with him.

Everyone got to see all the animals and then they had several demonstrations and shows for the kindergartners. They even got to see the pigs get a bath. I think everyone had a great time and we are looking forward to going with our family on Thursday!

Calling all Prayer Warriors!

Yes, I once again need your prayers!
We are expecting a sweet bundle of joy! Its been hard to tell people because as many of you know, the last 4 pregnancies haven't turned out as hoped and the last one was definitely very hard on me. I am  asking  BEGGING for your prayers, because I believe in the power of prayer. I don't know why I have such a desire for another child, but I do..... and I have to believe there is a reason for this. I know the Lord has a great plan for our family and I am excited and anxious to find out what it is. I just hope it includes this precious little one.
Please pray for our family. Everyday that passes gets harder instead of easier and until I can hold this sweet little one in my hands, I'm pretty sure its not going to get any easier.
I am currently 14 weeks along. Two of my miscarriages have been at 16 weeks and 18 weeks so this is a critical time. Josh and I are so blessed with such great friends and family and I know I can count on you all to be praying for us during this time. I thank the Lord for each of you!!!

Obessed.

Wondering why I don't update my blog?  Well, it's because I'm too busy spending my internet time HERE!

I'm obsessed. At first it was for decorating ideas for our new house. Then it turned into cooking. Then holiday ideas, photography, organizing and sewing. Then I began looking at friends posts and now it's for all of the above!

I love getting ideas! Currently working on my master bedroom even though Josh has put me on spending restriction. But a girl can dream, huh!?!

Just in case you need something to waste your time doing, just know I highly recommend.

New Beginnings

We have been a busy bunch since my last post.

First, Price started Kindergarden! He is at Meadow Glen Elementary and LOVING IT. His teacher, Mrs. Catone, is fabulous and he has learned so much since the beginning of school already. I was so sad to drop him off on his first day. It was an adjustment to have him gone all day long, but it was much harder for me then it was for him. He adjusted very well and enjoys going to school each day. I am so proud of my little man. I can't believe how grown up he is. Today I went and ate lunch with him at school and he was so excited. He loved showing me all his new friends and telling me all about the rules. He is too funny.

Next, we moved out of our house. We are currently staying with my in-laws until our house is ready. They are so sweet to let us stay here because I know we aren't an easy bunch to live with. There is never a dull moment.......Our builder said the latest we could move in would be mid-November but it looks like it could be ours a little earlier. I am so excited about our new house and ready to get in and settled ....but I am patiently waiting. :)

Then Owen started 3 year old Kindergarden. He has Mrs.Dunlap & Mrs. Boyd who were Prices teachers when he was this age so we already knew how awesome they were. He has lots of friends from church in his class and is loving it. He also started speech at Meadow Glen and he loves it there as well. He is excited when he gets to go to "Price's school"!

And Price started his 4th season of soccer and had his first game this past Sunday. His coach is the best he has had and he has already learned so much this season. I hope he continues to be enthusiastic about his sports! :)



If you were wearing this color, you wouldnt be smiling about it either.

(And really, this picture doesn't even do this color justice!:))

We have a lot going on around here, but we are excited about all of it.
Thanks to all who helped us during our move, and for those of you who prayed!
We are really blessed with the most terrific of friends and fam!

We're Moving!!

We finally sold our house!!! Although I am ELATED, a  part of me will miss this place. This is the first house Josh & I bought. We came home from our honeymoon to this house. We brought our babies home to this house. We have a lot of memories in this house.
I know our new house will not have the nostalgia this one holds.
But I am certain there are new memories to be made. New adventures to be had. And I am excited for all that the future holds for our family.

One Whole Hand!

Last Saturday my big boy turned 5 YEARS OLD! (I know, I know....Hard to believe I have a 5 year old, right? :))
I remember the excitement and unknown when he was born. I remember how scared I was to love something soooo much. I remember anxiously awaiting his arrival, when he decided to come 2 weeks LATE (In JULY, I might add)!!!
He is the one who made me a mommy. He is the one I am learning with. He is the one I get to share my "Firsts" with. He is my heart. I love this sweet, precious little boy more then words can describe. The Lord has been good to me, for sure!

My Sweet P only gets better with age.