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! 

Brady is 4!

Brady,

We absolutely cannot believe you are 4 years old! You are growing into such a sweet little boy. You make us continuously laugh and smile. We are so blessed to have you in our family. 

You had a joint birthday party at Fast Lanes with your buddy Ryker. Your family and a few friends were there and you had so much fun! 

You went to preschool this year on Tuedays and Thursday mornings. You love school and love the friends you made. You are such a great listener and helper. You know all your colors and shapes, and we're working on your letters, numbers, and writing your name. Your teachers name was Mrs Bea. In the fall you will start Pre-K and will go 3 mornings a week. On the days you're home we have so much fun playing and you get to play with friends while mommy leads a bible study one morning a week. 

You have such a contagious and fun personality. You love to laugh, are so silly, have tons of energy, and have such a gentle heart. You are a pleaser and love to help with anything we need. We love you sweet pea. You are a great brother to Owen and Reece and friends love to play with you. 

You are one of those kids that will just join right in with what anyone is doing. You love anything superhero and love to pretend. You play so well with others and at times get a little too rough because you are, after all, all boy. You love to paint and color and love to do anything active. 

This year you played soccer. You loved it and did such a great job. We had so much fun watching you.

You are in the 90's percentile for height and weight and are growing like a weed. 

We love you. We love having you as our middle child and you fill the roll well. You bring so much balance and laughter to our family and we are so blessed to have you as ours.