This season of my life...

My mom and dad have taught me about 'seasons'. And I don't mean fall and winter and spring and summer. I mean the seasons of my life. Often times I have commented to them about things like "why do I even take these kids to church? they are wild the whole time and I am in and out taking them to the bathroom and to get a drink and I don't even get to listen and it just wears me out". My dad's answer to that is something I love. He said that I take those kids to church. That no matter what, I show them that church is where we go on sunday and that it is what is important to me. He said that in this season of my life, that is what is important. Even if I don't get to sit and listen I am still doing what is right by teaching my kids that going to church is what will make us happy and that we WILL go even if we are having a rough morning or if we are late or if we have to get up a gazillion times for potty breaks. I am so thankful for the example that my parents are to me and how they just 'get it' and how they often times throw things back in perspective for me! So, in doing this blog, I want to make sure that I capture this 'season' of my life. Even things that seem not that significant to others. This is for me and for my family and to have these special memories captured forever! One day, I know, when my kids are grown and have families of their own, I KNOW I am going to miss this 'season'. I will, for sure, be in a new 'season' that will bring just as much happiness. But I DO NOT want to overlook or forget how my daily life is right now...when my kids are young. All I ever wanted was to be married and be a mommy. Sometimes when I am having a frustrating day I take a second and think to myself "be happy! your dreams cam true! this is what you wanted! you are so lucky and so blessed!". It is true. One of kids favorite things to do is go to the Boyds house. The Boyds are some of the most friendly and giving and unselfish people we have ever know. We are so blessed to know them and I am so thankful that my kids have people like them as examples in their lives. Not only do my kids have so much fun playing with the fun toys, but I have enjoyed so much getting to know Marsha and to talk and laugh and visit with her. She is SO fun and I seriously could just talk to her forever! They live in the most beautiful house and have the best toys and even have a movie theater in their house! But you know what? They are the most humble and sincere and giving and loving people. They open their home and welcome friends with open arms. They want their home to be a place where people feel welcome and safe. One day I took the boys over to ride the four wheelers and Dean and Marsha were leaving to go out to dinner wih friends. They left and told us to make ourselves at home and to lock up on our way out. The boys played out back and I laid on the couch and watched HGTV!

The red four-wheeler is the one that Carter has claimed to be 'his' when he is there. He loves it and seriously rode it for almost 5 hours straight one day! My boys love to be outside!

Brayden rides the green one and this dude has no fear! He goes super fast and sometimes scares thi mommy to death! I love that the whole time they are riding they are smiling as big as can be!

Molly loves to play with my camera. When she wants it, I just turn it on and and it over to her. Sometimes if other people are around they look at me like 'did you just hand a four year old your camera?' Yep, I did! I love this little girl! She is for sure my mini-me which is a good thing and a scary thing at the same time. Right mom and dad? They think it is hilarious that as a mom I am getting pay backs for the way I was when I was younger! :)

This is Molly and Autumn Reynolds. They are quickly becoming best friends! Autumn's mommy, Jennifer, is pretty imporant to me! Jennifer is Robbie's cousin, which makes it so much more special. Jennifer and I talk and/or text every single day. She is one of those friends who just 'gets' me. She makes me happy and I hope to be the kind of friend to her that she is to me! And these 2 little girls...look out world! The both are for sure the Princess of their little universe. Autumn has 3 brothers and Molly has 2...so the idea of hair bows and dresses...for sure news that made 2 mommy's really excited!

Carter turned 10 in June and got his first cell phone. I know. He is spoiled. When I was 10 I don't think I was even allowed to use the home phone without asking permission. Like, the home phone that was connected to the wall. Man, times have changed. I do love that he stays in touch with his cousin Cameron and also his friend Brady who just moved to Florida. I love the texts he sends me. Even when we are just at home he will sometimes send me a text that says "I love you". Or when I leave for Kroger he will send me a text telling me what kind of cereal he wants me to buy.

Ta da!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is Zane. Another sweet little friend who I get to play with a little during the week. This kid is so precious. One thing that he does that I just love is when I hold him he softly pats my back. It is the sweetest thing. I also love how he squeals and smiles and waves at me when he sees me each day. His mom, Kira, is such a great friend. She is hilarious. Like, that dry sense of humor that is just so, so funny. Robbie and I both just laugh when we are with her. I love that she calls Zane her "best friend". Sometimes she looks at him and says "we are best friends, right!" I love it!

Caleigh is our next door neighbor and Molly just loves her. We live close enough that they can just walk to each others house. They love to dress up and to play babies and to color! I love that Caleigh's mom and dad share the same values as we are trying to teach our kids. It is so nice to not have to worry about that and to be totally comfortable with her being that their house. I hope to be the kind of example to them that they can feel the same way about when Caleigh is at our house. Good friends are so important. Even when you are four.

I am so hapy that I have this blog to capture special memories. I know that time seems to go by so, so fast. It scares me to think about looking back and having regrets of not taking the time to enjoy every second with these sweet precious kids we have been given. I am going to do my best to 'enjoy the journey' but also to know that I am not perfect and that I am only expected to do the best I can. My ultimate goal is for these kids to be taught the things they need to know to be good and happy and productive and honest people!