Random thoughts

Lately, there have been some thoughts floating in my brain (well that's a good thing hopefully) that I want to write down. I am a thinker, analyzer, over thinker, and even more of an analyzer. So here it goes...

Lately I have felt SO blessed with the friendships God has brought into my life. I am amazed at my friends who are having babies and make it look like a walk in the park. Let me tell you something, I love sweet, precious, snuggly babies, but all three times I didn't feel like myself on not a whole lot of sleep. I am not wired that way. So I became a recluse and still talked to my family and a handful of people, and felt like God was letting me know that was ok. If all I could handle was taking care of myself and my family for a season, that is what God blessed me with, and I knew it would be ok and I would come out on the other side. So now, I am being blessed with restored friendships, new friendships that came at the right time,  friends that have kids my kids ages, and friends who never left my side. I feel like God knew who I would need in my life and when I would need them and kept speaking to me to trust Him. His timing is perfect. I am leading a moms Lifegroup now that I LOVE doing. I love connecting with other moms and no matter how many kids we have, our parenting style, or our individual unique personalities, we can connect with each other and just be us. No two moms are alike and although some handle the new born phase with grace and get a lot of help from friends and family, others feel like you do it alone at times and have nothing left to give to others at the end of the day. I am loving this new phase of life I'm in. I am exhausted at the end of most days, but I am enjoying my kids so much. I love being a boy mom and they bring me so much joy. There is really nothing more challenging yet rewarding at the same time than being a mom. 

Also...I am at the point where I am ready to start thinking about me again. Now that we know our family is complete, I am excited to probably start something part time or full time depending on what door opens next year. I have loved this stay at home mom gig, but I am excited for the next chapter. I know God knows the prefect fit for my family and I will be able to be the best mom I can be, but at the same time will still be pursuing my passions and will be using my degree again. 

SUMMER

Summer has been a whirlwind of a couple months. Swim lessons, beach vacation, vacation bible school, 10 year anniversary Branson trip, swimming, play dates, splash pads, creeks, playgrounds, library events, Rogers museum, Amazeum, and so much more fun! Although it's been exhausting, I am so very grateful for the time the boys and I have had together. I have seen so much growth from each of them. 

Owen has grown taller this summer! He is getting so handsome and is growing into quite the handsome little fella. We cannot believe our sweet little boy will be starting 1st grade! Owen already has quite the little engineer mind. He will focus on a task for the longest time without a care in the world of who is around him. He LOVES Legos and is getting so good at building things. 

Brady is starting Pre-k soon (WHAT)! He hasn't gone through any growth spurts this summer, but he was already 90th percentile in height so I'm good with no huge growth spurts. He is such a great helper and is so sweet. He loves to play and be active and just kind of goes with the flow. 

Reece is turning into quite the spunky little guy at 18 months old. He FINALLY started walking full time (was still half crawl-walking) at 17.5 months. Lately he has been teething and is not a happy camper at times (teething and just being a toddler is not a good combo.) He is getting so much more curious about the world around him and loves to play. 

As we enter back into the school year, it is fun to look back over the summer and all the time we have spent together. Reece and I are sure looking forward to some alone time a few mornings a week. We can't wait to see how much these boys grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically this year. 

Summer, you've been great, but bring on the school year!