Will run for.....

One of the things that I've missed the most about running is that release of endorphins, and that feeling that you get when you're all finished, a feeling of accomplishment. Like so many moms, I have, in many ways neglected myself. Between the babies and the house and the garden and the job and church and friends and family and my husband, I forgot that the person taking care of all those things might need a little attention too. Trust me, moms, if you completely neglect yourself, spiritually, physically, or mentally, it does not benefit those that you care most about.God designed women to be able to juggle so many things, but if we never slow down,and we never allow ourselves a portion of time to recover, we can become bitter and resentful, or just flat out exhausted. Then we are no good to anybody! for me, part of dealing with my fibromyalgia is to exercise. If I don't exercise, it becomes much worse. So this last year I decided to get back into shape and pick up an old habit from years ago. I have enjoyed running in two separate 5 K's this year, challenging myself,and enjoying that time with friends. There is so much more to running than simply exercising. I accomplish several things at once..Soooooo, I will run to stay healthy, meditate, spend time in prayer, enjoy my music, unwind, release stress, lose weight, build strength, ward off fibromyalgia, be a better mom, and a better wife, and, drumroll please.....have fun!!! I hope you are inspired to do the same!

Settling in

Long time no writing! Last time I blogged, we were in the process of moving. We have been so busy, all the way around, with life in general. I finally have time to stop and smell the peonies! Within the first week of moving, we were mostly unpacked, other than some odds and ends. We didn't have enough furniture to fill the place, which was fine. We were just happy for all the extra space. Since moving, we have painted and decorated Drews' room, in kind of a vintage car theme, and Alli Carolines' room, (yellow, of course), and hers is also a little vintage as well, with bird décor, and my antique dresser, and some really sweet lanterns hanging around her bed. We painted our living room and it's almost finished as far as décor, and we painted and decorated the playroom, which turned out sweet and whimsical, just as I was hoping it would be. We are still working on the kitchen, but so far we have had the cabinets painted by Jasons' dad, and he did a beautiful job. I have spent hours peeling the 1972 wallpaper, my dad and Jason pulled out some cabinets to give it more of an open concept feel, and we just hung two red pendant lights over the little island/counter area. It is coming along! The rest of the rooms still need painted, but they are totally livable until we get to it. I am enjoying only having to go to work three days a week, and Jason just got a new and wonderful job, after many years at the same place. It was hard for him to adjust at first, but they seem to hold him in high regard, and have really shown him how much they appreciate them. He is now an IMI assistant manager, and he loves his job, and it has been a huge step up income-wise, so I am thankful for that too! Drew and I just got done planting our veggie garden about a week and a half ago, and we already have 7 to 8 veggies that are popping up and well on their way! I enjoy digging and planting so much, probably more than any other hobby, so it has been quite gratifying, as it is for most gardeners. Alli C is now 13 months old, and she has been running since about 11 months...yes, running. She is afraid of almost nothing, and is into everything. She is a snuggle bug, and loves to eat. There isn't much she won't eat, hence the sweet chunky thighs! She babbles all day, and she loves her Bubby Drew. Drew is 4 now, and will start pre-school this Fall;( It's hard to believe he is ready for school, but I am so proud of him. He is charming, and quite a comedian. He has a beautiful voice, and loves to go around the house singing. He is also rather quirky, and likes things a certain way. (Too young to diagnose, but I'd say OCD, for certain). All the parents are doing well. Justins' boys are growing like weeds, and they are the sweetest. Jordan just attended his first prom, and he is driving now (what????????!!!). Amanda is getting married in July! She has a great, Christian, loving man, who also happens to be super cute. (Good for her). I am so happy for her, and I think she has met her match. They are very much alike, both super intellectual, and have common interests. God had something in mind for her all along, and all we had to do is trust Him. He is SO good. He is unbelievably good. He is good in storms and in sunshine. He never leaves us and He is always waiting when we wander. I can't imagine life without having a personal relationship with Him. Every single thing we have, every earthly blessing can be removed from us. People die, move away, betray, and material things break. Jobs can be lost, health will decline. He is the only thing that remains. For all of the blessings he has given us, we are eternally grateful. For his Son, we are even more grateful. I am so glad I have friends to remind me of these truths during the hard times, because there will ALWAYS be hard times. And there will ALWAYS  be Jesus. #feelingthankfulandblessedbeyondmeasure

Summer Recap:)

 

Here are a few of my favorite summer pics, as it quickly comes to an end. Alli Caroline is now four days away from being five months old. I can't believe it! She is a definite go-getter. She is already trying to crawl, and says "Mom-mom". She rolls all over the place, which she started doing at four months old, and tonight we caught her wiggling right out of her swing. I suppose it's time to strap her in! We never had to do that with Drew-he was so laid back. His personality has changed quite a bit, though, and he's a little more hyper these days. ;) We got to enjoy lots of back- yard- baby- pool days, going to the park, the lakes, birthday partys, the fair, and the Childrens Museum, and even a few days at the movie theatre. Plus, add a couple ER visits for Drew. Ha! (Luckily, it was nothing life threatening). I totally enjoyed my maternity leave, and it was hard to go back, but I only have to go in three days a week, so it's very manageable. I just have to choose sometimes- clean the house and be on top of everything, or play with my kids....and I will ALWAYS choose playing with my kiddos. They are my greatest earthly blessing, and I realize that they will only be little for so long. I have also been able to really enjoy my womens bible study-and deepened my relationships with those women who I already loved, besides starting a few new friendships. That was one of the greatest blessings of the summer. We are leaving to go to Illinois next weekend for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary celebration. I am very excited! Not too many couples are together that long any more. Then, we are moving, on the following weekend!!! We are so excited to finally have more space, though itll be a little sad to leave our cute little bungalow where we have made so many memories (but not THAT sad, mind you). :) It has been a wonderful home, but we have expanded and need to be able to spread out a bit! Right now I share a closet with both kids, and we are running out of cabinet space. We don't yet have enough furniture to fill a two-story house, but that's ok! We will have lots of room to run for a while, and I am looking forward to taking my time with it and making it a really fun and beautiful place to raise our children. I am constantly thanking God for taking care of the people I love. He is SO good.

Announcing Allison Caroline

She is here! I am so late getting this up...but I have been too busy enjoying her! I've also been too busy getting up to nurse and change a bazillion poopy diapers, and playing in the sun with Alli and Drew in the back yard. Allison arrived on April 20th, at 12:56 in the afternoon, and weighed 9 lbs 5.9 oz. Big girl! She was delivered c-section, and it went very well. I have an excellent doctor, who always respects my wishes, and is very knowledgeable. I was brought back into the surgical room at 12:32, and 24 minutes later, she was out. Jason did awesome, and was right by my side to bring me some calm. He was able to spend some time with me at home before he had to go back to work, which was nice, and my mom helped, too. Recovery is truly different with a c-section, but otherwise, I'd choose it over the other way any day of the week.

Allison sleeps much better than her brother ever did, which I'm thrilled about. She does have severe reflux, which we suspected, and then discovered during tests at Peyton Manning, since she wasn't gaining weight and spit up so much. She is on medication now, and I am hoping it improves things. Alli looks quite a bit like her brother Drew, especially when she's sleeping, but she also looks almost exactly like my baby pictures, which I am thrilled about! I at least got one child who looks like me, since her brother is pretty much a replica of Jason! She couldn't be any sweeter, and is such an AWESOME gift from God. We are so thankful for our baby girl!

8 months pics

 Here are my favorite maternity pics from the photos Vicki Lyndsey did! It was fun.....although it's very hard to pose, or feel pretty, when you're 8 mos pregnant and swollen! However, she did a good job of making me comfortable. She is an excellent photographer.

RECENT (FUN) PROJECTS...

Recently, I finished the dresser for Drew and baby girls' room! It started as an unfinished pine dresser, and is now a "denim dresser" which the two kids will share, until we move. Then it will belong only to Drew. I wanted to do something different and interesting, and have wanted to try drybrushing, as I am into the weathered/beach cottage decor more than anything. I started with a coat of white, and then began the process of drybrushing the blue, then the white, and so on. It still needs a good coat of poly, to give it a slight sheen, and a more finished look. I have been waiting for a nice day to let it dry outdoors. I had some help from one of my best buds, Katie, too, which made it more fun! I was, all in all, very happy with the outcome, and it definitely gave more room for the kids' clothes.

The next project, after the dresser, was my belly mold, which I have always wanted to do, since I discovered them. I wish I'd have known about them when I was pregnant with Drew. It is literally a process of casting, as you would a broken arm. Next, you have to add more plaster, then sand, then paint. The finished project hangs in babys' nursery. My mom did the casting, and seemed to have a really good time doing it! She did a great job! I still have to smooth it with more plaster, and then sand. My sister has agreed to do most of the painting, in babys nursery colors, grey and yellow. I am very excited to finish it, and will post pics as soon as it's done! Right now, though, I am working on painting a mobile for the baby...too many things to do, and only 3 weeks left!

Catching up!

Whoops.....it's been two months! Boy, does time fly around the holidays. Firstly, we are happy to announce that we are expecting a baby GIRL, for those who don't already know! I think I almost fell off of the exam table when they told us. I really was expecting it to be another boy. Tears rolled down my face, and Jason smiled and cried, and said, "you got your girl." However, ten seconds later he told me, "we are gonna have to pay for a wedding now."  REALLY?! Oh, that was good for a laugh!!!
Second, Drew had a fun 3rd birthday at Escapades, and got the usual mountain of toys and games, etc, that we now have to try and fit into our ever-shrinking house (we are still trying to sell), but he was a happy little guy. He is bigger and brighter every day, and surprises me constantly with how much he knows. I am so proud of him. His latest phrase is, "well for heaven's sake, Mommy."

Lastly, Christmas was wonderful. The people that are the very closest to us know about Jason, and his incredible decision, which made it really special. We saw some of the family, and had several Christmases. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but am glad it's over since it's always so hectic. I am now looking forward to a few snows (but not too heavy), and Spring, when baby girl will be here. I am working on Drews' room, to try and "thin it out", so we can fit her in it, and am getting ready to paint a dresser that they will share until we move. I know it will all work out. I have been talking to some of my most creative and inventive friends, who know how to make small spaces work! Happy new year and much love! Here are a few of my favorite pics from the last 2 months:)