In the spirit of Thanksgiving...

November is the month when most people start thinking about things they are thankful for. Of course, we should do this all year round but it seems the closer to the holidays the more we do it. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving I want to list a few things I am most thankful for:

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

My husband Andrew...who is my rock

My two little boys... who put a smile on my face everyday

Our house in which we have made a home

Our wonderful group of friends

Songs that put you in an instant good mood

Comfort food

Family- parents, siblings, in-laws, and extended

Our church family and preacher

Reading my Nook

My fav TV shows...Revenge, Grey's Anatomy & Heart of Dixie

Decorating our home for the holidays

Seeing Grant's face when we take him to the fair and rodeo

Watching Bryce dance anytime any music is on

Thursday nights eating out with our friends and children

Whoever invented Little Debbie's

Having a great job and working with my friends

Coffee



Bryce is 1

I can't belive a year has flown by. It seems like just last week we were anticipating the arrival of our second little boy. I was worried about how I would spend time with both my boys and not leave anyone out. I was worried about how I would get both ready in the morning by myself, drop them off at daycare, and make it to work by 8. I was praying for everything with the delivery to go smooth and my precious baby boy to be healthy.

What can I say a year later..... Bryce you are a mother dream come true. You are so sweet yet goofy. You smile all the time. You have a contagious laugh and a great spirit. You are by far the wild child. You like to climb on things and just jump off. I'm pretty sure we will be making a trip to the ER soon if this keeps up. You are an eater. And by eater I mean you will eat anything and a lot of it. Right now your favorites are bananas, blueberry nutrigrain bars, french fries, baby puffs, and yogurt. You love to dance. Anytime music is playing you bounce up and down. You are not quite walking. You pull up on everything and will walk behind chairs or any toys you can push. You are a great sleeper. You love to clap and give high fives. Most importantly you make me soo happy and I love you so much. Happy Birthday my little man!

A weekend full of pictures

 Climbing on bubba's recliner

My attempt at getting a picture of the boys

 Cheese!!

Riding the train at the Peanut Festival

Grant & Jeremiah (cousins)

G loves his rides!!

Bryce's first cupcake...yum!

Lunch time at the Davis house

What I found when I went to wake G up from his nap.....too cute!!

Time of the Year

I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last post. I love this time of the year but with this time of the year comes a very busy schedule. We went to the fair, Paradise Pumpkin Patch, and had a Fall Festival at church all within a week and a half. I took a bunch of pictures of each but unfortunately don't have them with me. I will try and do a huge picture post soon.

Also, I can't believe my  baby is not going to be a baby much longer. In less then 3 weeks Bryce will turn one. I'm in the process of planning his party. I decided to have the party in the church building, in case the weather stayes cold. Andrew is going to blow up one of his inflatables for the kids to jump on. I think it is going to be fun. Below is a picture of what the theme looks like. I really liked the colorful dots. Simple but cute!

Here is the only recent picture of my boys I have on this computer. I can't believe how much they have grown.This was taken about a week ago before church. Until next time enjoy their cute faces!

Weddings

To say that we have been busy lately is a complete understatement. We always have something going on, I guess with two kids that is to be expected. This upcoming weekend my mom is coming in town. Andrew is in a wedding and we needed someone to watch the kids. So Friday night we have a rehearsal and dinner to attend. Saturday we are taking the kids to a birthday party and then getting ready for the wedding. I do hope Mom will stay Sunday night b/c i'm off work Monday for Columbus Day.....yes one of the perks of working at a bank. Hopefully I will actually get to spend sometime with her. I don't get to visit with her as much as I would like. So yet again another weekend will fly by. I am excited about spending some time with Mom, seeing some old friends and I might even doing a little dancing Saturday night.

Great start to a Saturday morning

I love starting my mornings off with a cup of coffee. During the work week i'm the only one up while I drink my coffee. On this lovely saturday morning Andrew is at work but Grant is up with me. He is drinking his usual chocolate milk and watching cartoons. Bryce is still sleeping. I love getting this extra time with just Grant. We are snuggling on the couch watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates. I LOVE him!

Where have I been....

taking a blogging break, Homecoming at our church, watching Bryce learn how to eat real food, cleaning the house, shopping for Fall clothes, taking Bryce to his nine month check-up, baking cookies with Grant, spending the weekend with my mom, reading my Nook, catching up on White Collar on my DVR, playing the matching game with Grant, singing songs while driving down the road, grocery shopping, spending time with old friends we don't get to see much, helping host a wedding shower, getting kids bathed and dressed for bed, cleaning out my closets and reorganizing part of my house, watching cartoons with my babies, taking pictures, and most importantly loving and being loved by my family.

As you can see we are super busy and I love ever minute of it.

Rodeo, Anniversary, and Dominos

This past weekend we took Grant to the Rodeo. He had a wonderful time. Grant even made friends with one of the cowboys. He was trying to get Grant to ride the horse with him . Grant was being shy and wouldn't but the guy did give Grant a present. He gave Grant his pocket knife. He told Grant to be a cowboy when he grew up and to use it. Grant thought it was the coolest thing ever. He strutted around the rest of the night with his hand on his pocket.

little cowboy

Dancing at the Rodeo

I love him!

G was proud of his knife.

Saturday was also our wedding anniversary. We have been married five years. I can't believe it has been that long. I know in the grand scheme of things five years isn't that long but it is for us. I pray that our love and relationship continues to grow. Andrew is a wonderful husband. He helps whenever I ask him around the house and with the kids. Sometimes he even surprises me and cleans or cooks on his own. He is very funny. His sense of humor is one of the things I find most attractive about him. We enjoy watching movies and playing games together. Of course, having two small children's hinders a lot of date nights... so we have to make due at home. This could be why our relationship is so strong. We truly are just happy being in each others company. And when we do get special date nights it makes them mean even more.

Today has been two weeks since Grandma's brain surgery. She is doing better each day. She is at Rehab now and will hopefully be going home by the end of the week. We went to visit her Sunday afternoon and she was in good spirits. She even played several games of domino's. Speaking of domino's it was the first time I had ever played. I really enjoyed it. I think I will be investing in a game soon, especially since two people can play.

Wordless Wednesday

playing catch up

This week has been interesting to say the least. Grandma had her brain surgery Tuesday. Andrew went down early Tuesday morning to see her before they took her back. I had to work but did manage to get off early and see Grandma Tuesday night. She is doing very well. She has some swelling but that is to be expected. She is eating and speaking well. Grandma is definitely a tough old woman.

Last night I had a flat tire on my car. I am thankful that Andrew was there to take care of it, even though I kept telling him to get it looked at because it was low. If it would have been before work today I would have been in a heap of trouble. Hopefully it will be an easy fix and I will get my car back this afternoon.

This weekend we don't really have any plans. Andrew has to drop off a few inflatables and I need to grocery shop. Other then that I hope to relax, play with my children, and get my house clean. Sunday is my niece's birthday party at the SportsPlex. Grant is excited about swimming in the pool and birthday cake....but who can blame him on the birthday cake part. I'm looking forward to the cake myself.

I have had a lot on my mind lately. I am doing a better job about praying for other people and praying for strength to overcome my shortcomings. We are also trying to make a better effort about going to church on Sunday nights. We usually just go Sunday morning and sometimes on Wednesday nights. Since  Bryce was born I haven't went on a Wednesday night. Bryce likes to go to sleep at 7:30 and church isn't over until 8. I really don't want him to pitch a fit. I know ultimately that it is just an excuse. I really do hope to get back into church more than just Sunday mornings very soon. Bryce is getting older and Grant loves to go. I also plan on continuing to work on my relationship with the Lord.

More surgery

Thursday morning our (Andrew's but now our) grandmother had a seizure. She was taken to the hospital for more test. The test showed she has a softball size mass on the right side of her brain. They will do surgery tomorrow morning to try and remove as much a possible. After the surgery she will be in the hospital for two weeks and then rehab for two weeks. They are going to biopsy the mass to see if it's cancer. The doctor feels pretty confident it's not but can't be positive without the test. Grandma is being very strong. She hasn't talked to much about whats going on. She is just being her funny self and telling stories about when she was growing up. Grandma is one of the best people I know.  She is like my real grandmother. She treats me like I was born into the family. She is so loved. I think there was about 15 people in the room Thursday and Friday night. Some of the nurses even said they wanted to take her home with them.  I would greatly appreciate some prayers being sent our way. I know its going ot be a long road for Grandma to recover. I pray that the Lord will do his good will and that everything will turn out for the best. I also pray that the family sticks together during this time of need. I will update you on the status of grandma periodically through my blog. Until then please keep her in your prayers.

Bath time photos

Bryce's 1st bath in the big bathtub.

Bryce and Grant's 1st bath together

 Both boys loved their bath together. Grant kept pouring water on himself and Bryce would laugh so hard he couldn't breath. It was absolutely hilarious. I hope to catch it on my video camera next time. I'm so glad my boys love each other so. I know time will change their closeness but right now they both adore each other. I secretly hope this never changes!

Grant's surgery

Yesterday we had our first experience with one of our children being put to sleep. Grant's pee pee hole was not big enough, to be blunt. I can't remember the medical terms but basically they put him to sleep and cute his hole. I was very nervous for him. I thought he would be in a lot of pain and all doped up afterwards. Apparently kids are more resilient then I thought.
We had to be at the hospital at 6am. They were very quick about taking up back and getting things started. They gave Grant some liquid medicine that made him drowsy. It took about ten minutes before he started talking all crazy. He was hilarious. Andrew and I laughed. He was seeing double and making funny faces. The doctors took him back and gave him the "goofy gas" to get him asleep. Once asleep they put in his IV and his anesthesia. The procedure only took about ten minutes. The worst part was when he woke up from the anesthesia. He was disoriented and cried a good bit. The doctors assured me he wasn't in pain, just reacting to the medicine. Grant finally calmed down and went back to sleep. When he woke up he was fine. We had to wait until he peed before we could leave. Of course, the first time was painful but he finally went and we left the hospital around lunch. I'm so proud of Grant. He didn't freak out or anything. Sometimes he seems so much older then three. Being the mom that I am, I took several pictures to remember our first surgery.

 on our way at 5am

right before the medicine kicked in

look at my IV mom

watching cartoons

after the goofy medicine...seeing double

Wordless Wednesday

8 months

Happy 8 months Bryce. We love you!

Future Ideas

I was reading my Proverbs daily devotional earlier and decided to document an idea. The story was about a mother suggesting to be "breakfast buddies" with her child in hopes of getting him up and dressed quicker. She would get up early to be ready and would wake her child up in plenty of time to enjoy a meal together. I was thinking about how this is a great idea. When my boys get a little bit older I would love to do this. I decided to document this b/c I know years down the road I will no longer have that email. My blog is a place where I frequently go back and re-read post I have written....so what better place to post something that I strive to do. I think it will be good to become breakfast buddies. This can be a time when we pray and talk about the Lord while enjoying a meal together. I love to have family meals. In fact, we sit down every night together for our family meal. Grant is only three and is the slowest eater, mostly because he is too busy talking. So most nights we have had the family meal and he is still sitting there eating while momma cleans up the kitchen. I'm sure I will be begging him to sit down and talk during our family meal one day, so I should just enjoy this precious time. Becoming breakfast buddies is definitely something I want to do in the future. Grant is feed breakfast at school now but I know in just two short years he will be starting kindergarten. I think this will be a very influential time in his life and what better way to start off your day...with the Lord and your family.

"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you." Psalm 143:8 (NLT)

Dessert

Thinks something might be wrong with my three year old. He asked for yogurt, milk, and blueberry craisans for dessert. Not typical three year old food.

Definitely not complaining though.

Thinking.......

Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking about my life. Things I need: to do, work on, move past, pray about, etc. I know I have said before I wanted this blog to be about everything and not just the great aspects of my life. And believe me there are a ton of GREAT aspects to my life. I have a wonderful family, great group of friends, reliable job (which is rare these days), roof over my head and food in my pantry.....what more could a girl want? So here goes a little bit about everything.

I was reading a blog today that really made me think. I take life for granted way to often. I spend so much time worrying about things I can't control and things I should have done. I should spend more time in the moment instead of worrying about the moment.  No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Yes, i've thought about this before but reading this blog about someone I know and her pregnancy complications just gets me thinking. I should spend more time playing that little farm game Grant likes instead of cleaning the house. I should hold Bryce and cuddle more instead of playing on the computer or whatever it is that is keeping me from that extra time with him. I should also make more time with the hubby. Life in our marriage is just as precious and not guaranteed.

Most importantly, I think I need to spend more time with my lord. Our family is a church going family. I volunteer at our church and we read Bible stories to Grant. I pray and thank the Lord for the blessing I have in my life. However,  I do believe that I need work on my relationship with the Lord. I think I need to make time to read my Bible. A few weeks ago, Andrew came home from work and mentioned us starting a Bible study together. I thought it was a very good idea. I was actually a little surprised this was something he wanted to do. But of course, we got busy and haven't started it yet. Maybe it is the Devil working on us. This is something that has been laid on my heart but once again overlooked. I was not brought up in church and talking openly about the Lord outside of church is still hard for me. Some of you may not understand that, but it is another thing I need to work on. I know in my heart where I am in my walk and where I would like to be. I also know that I am a sinner and will continue to be a sinner throughout this process. I have hope that this journey will improve my parenting, my marriage, and my friendships. I know putting the Lord first is important and I struggle with it most days. I know I will not always understand why things happen but that my Lord has a greater plan, far better then any plan of mine.

just some sentences

Last night I had a girls night out with some women from work. We went to eat mexican and watched the movie Magic Mike.  I had a great time. It is nice to go out with friends and forget about getting kids feed, bathed, and in the bed for one night. The movie was full hot men and wonderful dancing. I think it is definitley one I will buy on DVD.

Grant went to school this morning in his "fatman" outfit. That is what he calls Batman outfit. He looked so cute I couldn't resist letting him wear it to school. Bryce is feeling better. He has an ear infection and Broncialitis. I stayed out of work with him Friday and took him to the doctor. He is also getting his front teeth in. I can't believe he will have four teeth soon. He is growing way too FAST. Andrew has started running and playing basketball more. He says I called him fat.... which I didn't say in those words. I did however indicate that he could use a little exercise. I think he will feel better and be less moody which, I will love.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July. We are going to our friends Whitney and Wade's house to swim and grill out. I am very excited. I think we will have a great day. The weather is so hot lately. Grant can't even go outside and play. So it will be nice to be able to go outside and be in the water. This month is also my birthday and my neice Maddie's birthday. So we will have some celebrating to do later this month.

taking a break

I have been taking a major blogging break. I'm not really sure why other then being busy. So here goes some catching up. Grant went to two bible schools in the past three weeks. He absolutely loves it. We have another nearby church that Grant wants to go to this Friday and Saturday for VBS. We are so lucky to have a young child so eager to go and learn. He makes me very proud.

Grant had his three year check-up last week. He was 32lb and 38 1/2 inches. Bryce also had his 6 month check-up the same day. Bryce was 19lb and 28inches. Both are right on track and healthy.

This past weekend we had kids water day at church. Andrew's company Incredible Inflatables LLC blew up a big water slide. We had a great time. The kids loved it and so did the adults. Bryce is too little to slide but he played in the baby pool and just enjoyed being outside.

Speaking of Bryce he is changing so much lately. He can wave bye, fake cough,  and can sit up by himself for brief periods of time. He is almost big enough to start snacking on cherrios and puffs. I know he will love it b/c he is so interested in our food. Sometimes I can't believe that he is 7 months old. Time flies by way too fast.

Andrew and I also had a date night this weekend. We went out to eat Saturday with the kids but we stayed up and watched our Netflix movie once they were asleep. I know....we have such exciting date nights. Actually I don't mind staying around the house and watching movies. It's way cheaper then anything else. Plus we are alone and that is what is important.

Last night I cooked a new EASY recipe I got off Pinterest.
 Ingredients:
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pack of powder ranch
1 pack of pork chops

Place all ingredients in crockpot on low for 3-4 hours.

-very simple and was delicious.

I love to try new simple recipes. I especially like it when they turn out good and the family likes them. I have several other recipes on Pinterest I need to try.

Well I guess that does it for catching up. I will post some pictures from Kid's Day soon. Until next time, I hope everyone has a great week.

Father's Day- picture post

Daddy and his boys

Andrew and I

Andrew and his dad

Andrew, Dad, and Jeremy

3 generations

sister-in-law's with Mr. Bobby

Random thoughts

This past weekend was very rainy. While a lot of people probably were upset, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Usually we are super busy and don't have time to rest. Since the weather was no good this weekend..... I laid around in my PJ's watching movies and reading my Nook.  Andrew and I watched The Vow and Act of Valor. Both movies made me cry but I equally enjoyed them. I finished my last book of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. I also started Fifty Shades of Grey. I wasn't sure if I would actually read this book because it very descriptive and not reserved. That part of the book is new to me as a reader. It is quite different then anything I have ever read but I can't seem to put it down. There are three books in this series and i'm sure I will have them all read very soon.

When I started reading it was because of Nicholas Sparks. I had one of his books as my summer reading in high school. I have since read all of his books and added a few authors to my list. I'm not sure what direction I will go with my reading after the Fifty Shades series. Any suggestions on good authors?? Reading seems to relax me. I especially like to read before bed.

I received a very nice suprise from my hubby last week. He sent flowers to my work for no reason. Usually I don't like him to buy my flowers because they just die. However, I did enjoy this nice suprise. It was a very sweet thought. Brownie points for Andrew.

Here are a few pictures we took before church on Sunday. Usually I don't have any with me in them but I managed to get one this weekend. Now if we can only get someone to take on of Andrew and I.

I love my men. I know I mention my wonderful children a lot and I love to post pictures because they are so cute. My family truly is my world. Andrew is a great father and husband. I just hope I make him as happy as he makes me. Aww, i'm so sweet.....I know.  Until next time I hope everyone has a great week.

It's Okay Thursday.....

It's Okay:

... that i'm super tired this week b/c it is VBS at church and we have been BUSY!

...that I haven't blogged much lately.

...that I'm looking forward to this weekend. We don't have any special plans. I hope to hang out around the house and play outside.

...that I ask Grant multiple times a day what his Bible story and verse are.

...that I ate chocolate donuts for breakfast b/c they were yummy.

...that Andrew and I need a date night. It has been a while since we have been anywhere alone. Hopefully, we can do something soon.

Bath tub fun

Yes the crayons are washable and yes those are his feet. Just in case you were wondering.

Memorial weekend fun

This past weekend was Memorial weekend. We had a wonderful long holiday. We went swimming several times. We went to a cook out at church and even had our own cookout yesterday. Andrew grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for our family. He blew up his inflatable waterslide and we had a blast. Here are a ton of pictures from the weekend.

Bryce's 1st time swimming

Bryce after his 1st time swimming

Grant sliding

 Daddy and Grant sliding

 I love my boys

 Bryce is such a happy baby

Maddie loved the slide

Aunt Heather and Grant

G driving his truck

My sweet boys....I love this picture

Cheesy faces!!