Mother's Day and Life

We had a wonderful Mother's Day Weekend. Saturday evening we took my mom out to dinner at J Alexander's and then went to church as a family. Nothing means more to my mom than having her family with her at church.

 

 

My little sweetie gave me some very sweet gifts and I especially loved the new book I got by Harlan Coben, Six Years. I have already finished it...it was that good.

 

 

 On Sunday morning we slept in and just hung out. We went to Las Palmas for lunch. I've been on a Mexican kick lately and cannot seem to get enough of it.

 

Can you tell Aubrey was ecstatic about chips and salsa too! She is totally my daughter...she loves her some cheese dip, chips, rice and chicken!

 

 

We enjoyed our afternoon together, Aubrey napped and I read! After nap we loaded up and went to my mother in laws for bbq dinner. We had a blast hanging out and playing with Emorie and the family.

 

This past week we have been outdoors nonstop. Aubrey is so busy and into everything so it's just safer for everyone if we are outside!

 

 

I adore this picture. She is bossing the ducks around...telling them where she thinks they should go. Isn't she just a doll!

 

 

 We occasionally play indoors and when we do, we play hard. So hard we forget to put our pants on! Baby doll must be feed...no time to get dressed, mom!

 

 

Aubrey loved this car at her cousin's house. She refused to get out for like 30 minutes! She knows she looks good!

 

 

Papa D brings donuts to all his grand babies when he works nights. Aubrey is in heaven savoring the goodness of this donut hole. She ate half a dozen by herself.

 

 

We went to the Brec indoor playground this weekend and Miss Priss was all about the train. She wasn't intimidated by the big kids around...SHE was going to drive the train.

 

 

Fake horsey's are just not as much fun as the real thing. She's really having a blast deep down.

  

 

 Aubrey loves getting into candles and digging out the wax. Notice her Indian paint on her face?!!

 

 

 My little angel is just so sweet. I'm so looking forward to spending the entire summer with her! It's going to be a blast!

 

Country Living

This past weekend we had the opportunity to take a short trip with our best friends. We left on Friday and headed to Woodville, Mississippi for a weekend in the mountains! It was absolutely gorgeous...we felt like we were in the foothills of Tennessee. It was only about an hour and a half away which made it perfect because Aubrey is not exactly a great car rider.

 

I'm dreading our trip to Arkansas in June because she barely made it an hour in the car. After about 40 minutes she started yelling, "Aubrey get out"! Um...not quite dear child!

 

 

There was so many wonderful activities and relaxing things to do. Seeing the horses was a favorite for Aubrey. She didn't want to touch them or ride them, but she was fascinated and wanted to see them constantly. She kept saying, "Horsey" all day. These were the friendliest horses I have ever seen. They were so affectionate and willing to be petted.

 

 

I took Aubrey out on the kayak and she loved it. It was very shallow here so I felt comfortable letting her sit with me. It was so beautiful and relaxing.

 

 

 I absolutely love to fish and this was were you could find me during Aubrey's naptime. I did manage to catch a few! I did almost freak out because I started to sink in the mud and seriously couldn't get out! Notice my mud holes to the left?

 

 

This was the view from the back patio...the family who owns the property owns 1500 acres so all this glorious view belongs to them. I was a little jealous!

 

 

 Me and my sweetie...enjoying an afternoon snack.

 

Here is the main house...isn't it a mansion? It was absolutely stunning and I cannot wait to go back!

 

 

My sweet friend Corrie bought all of the girls these floppy hats and monogrammed our initials on them as a treat! I felt like I should be headed to the Kentucky derby!

 

 

 

Aubrey and Brynlea enjoying a swing and a swig! Aren't they just the cutest!

 

 

Here is a view of the lake.

 

 

Here are my sweeties! Aubrey is doing her duck face and showing off her counting skills!

 

 

It was such a great weekend. Nothing but nature, relaxing and catching up with friends. The only thing that would have made it better was if we could have stayed for a week! Can't wait to make this a yearly tradition!

18 months old...1.5 YEARS OLD!!

My precious monkey is now a year and a half! Lord help me!

 

 

Aubrey Lane you are 18 months old and boy are you a mess! You are talking up a storm and I am constantly amazed at how much you understand and can communicate with me. Your temper tantrums are getting better now that you can tell me what you want more effectively.

You know exactly what you want and are not afraid to voice your sweet opinion. You love to tell me "no". Most answers to any questions will be "no". Aubrey do you want a snack? "No". Aubrey do you want to go to the store? "No". Aubrey do you want a million dollars? "No".

You are sleeping through the night (a good 10-11 hours). You have a nightly routine of taking a bath, putting on jammies, getting a sippy of milk and watching Curious George. We then say prayers and I lay you down for bed around 8:30. You are usually up like clockwork at 7:00. You will stand in your bed and yell, "Aubrey get out"! It's hilarious...although not really at 7:00 in the morning.

You wear anything from 9 months all the way to 18 months. You are still in a size 3 diaper and a size 4 shoe.

You are a tricky eater. One day you will eat great...the next you won't touch anything. You HATE meat. You refuse to eat chicken, pork, steak, etc. You love fruit and anything sweet. You also love pasta and bread. As soon as I think I've figured out what you like...you change your mind on me! One thing I know you love is cheese! You finished off a whole bowl of queso dip at Las Palmas! HAHA!

 

You still hate riding in the car and that is the main source of our tantrums. We keep a spanking spoon near the carseat for dire circumstances. Really getting you to sit in the carseat and eating your food are the only times you get spankings...for the most part you are an easy baby!

You love to be outside...getting muddy, playing in the sprinkler or pool, swinging, riding your bike...that is where you are happiest! I find myself sitting outside with you for hours and we have the best time!

 

You are such a joy Aubrey Lane. You are truly my little buddy and I love that your little personality is shining through. You make me laugh like no one else can and I just love your sweet smile!

Moving Forward

Life moves on. I've learned that no matter what heartache or pain you are dealing with on a personal level...the world around you moves forward. The world does not stop to mourn your pain or halt to embrace your sadness. Perhaps this isn't a bad thing, if life didn't continue on, we might never find the strength to get back in the saddle. 

I'm gonna be honest, these last few weeks have been tough. Dealing with a loss is not something that goes away in a few days. I struggle to find meaning of it all and there are days I just want to stay in bed and cry.

Things are getting better little by little and I am finding strength in the little things. I'm trying to focus on all the millions of blessings I already have instead of the negatives.

Miscarriage is a horrible thing. Losing a child, no matter how young, is a terrible thing for a mother to endure.

My heart breaks for others who have had to walk this road. My heart breaks for moms who have had to bury children that have spent years with them...day after day...how do people move on from that?

I don't know how people make it through tough times without the Lord. He gives me a peace that could only come from my heavenly Father. In my times of grief, I cry out to Him and He always...ALWAYS...gives me peace and comfort.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

My heart is healing...I am moving forward, but my love for my baby will never cease. I'll pick up the pieces and find joy and love again...but a part of me will always be gone.

In the meantime, I'll continue to find joy in the little things...peace in my Saviour and hope in a new tomorrow.

Easter 2013

I love Easter. I love that Spring has arrived and Summer is near. I love crawfish boils, (although I hate crawfish), I love warmer weather, snowballs, and all the wonderful things that comes with April/May.

 

I also love that we have a time dedicated to remembering what the Lord has done for us. The sacrifice He made for us is so great that we will never really comprehend.  We are saved only because of His grace and love. Because He gave His life for me...I can live in freedom. I'm so thankful He died and rose again...so we could live with Him forever.

 

We have had a packed week with Spring Break. Tons of playdates, shopping trips, and outside fun. Aubrey is loving this weather and would prefer to be outside 24/7.

 

I snapped a few pictures of her this morning and am amazed at how big she is getting. Trying to savor each memory with my sweetie. My sweet sis made her Easter basket...isn't is adorable? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh how I love this little sweetie!

 

I was looking back at her pictures because I love to compare...this was her last Easter. She has grown so much. It makes me sad, but I also love this age.

 

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend! Remember that HE is the reason we have something to celebrate.  HE is RISEN!

In the valley...

I blog because I love to see the growth and change in our family. I love to re-live life’s best moments and learn from life’s toughest. I hesitated to share this on my blog (even though mostly just family reads it) because of the personal nature…but then I got to thinking…my life is not perfect. My life is not always sunny. Sometimes it can bless someone else to know that life is sometimes difficult and we aren’t the only ones walking through a tough time. Sometimes we go through the valleys of life and we don’t understand it. However, when we walk through the valleys we can be assured that there is joy around the corner. We can rest in know that God has amazing plans and He alone can take the devastating and make it beautiful. I know God allows us to walk through things only to make us stronger. I will walk through this valley and search for the buried treasures along the way. If there is one thing I’ve learned… it is this. Through it all…the good, the bad and the tough…God is God. He is constant. He is sovereign. Most importantly He loves me. With a love so great I can’t fathom. With those truths in my pocket, I will carry on. I will walk in faith and trust His will for our family.

It was a Tuesday morning around 2:00 am. I reached down and protectively rubbed belly and I knew. A mother knows. I begged and pleaded with the Lord, “please don’t make it be so,” but deep down I knew what the outcome would be. The next day at the doctor’s office, my greatest fears and worries were confirmed. The moment the technician put the ultrasound up on the screen, I knew. Instantly, I broke down. Never before in my life have I experienced such grief and sorrow. Never before have I had to deal with my world tumbling down around me so quickly. Never before did I think I could love something so passionately and yet have only known it for a short while.

As if it wasn’t hard enough to lose my baby, my body failed to recognize that something had gone wrong and I was told I would have to have a D& C the following day. Thursday was one of the worst days of my life. I begged the doctor before being put to sleep to check one more time to make sure that my baby was no longer there…horror filled me as I envisioned what was about to happen. She assured me there was nothing more we could do and I closed my eyes and allowed the sleep to overtake me. Recovery was physically painless but emotionally, I’ve never felt anything like it. The days that followed are a blur. I’ve not known sorrow like that before and I honestly am not familiar with coping with loss.

It’s only by God’s grace and the love of my family and friends that I am finding my way out from the pain. I’m coming to terms with the fact that my hopes and dreams for my sweet baby are not going to turn out like I had envisioned. I’ll not get to hold my precious angel this side of heaven, but I find peace in knowing he or she is in a perfect place. A place much better than I could ever offer. I will rest in knowing God is comforting me, as well as my precious baby.

I’ll be honest…there are times I breakdown and cry out, “Why God? What could be your reasoning behind this? Why did it have to be this way?” I wait patiently for a satisfying answer, but instead I am left empty and lost. It’s then I hear a faint whisper. A moving in my soul that says, “just trust Me.” I do not pretend to know why God has us walk through the valleys. I will be the first to admit they are not fun. However, it is only in the valley’s that we are forced to look up. It’s in the valleys that we will allow God to carry us because it is the only way we can get to the other side. It’s in the valleys we come face to face with the reality that we are not in control. It’s in the valleys that we cling to the hope of our faith and grasp onto the truths of God’s Word. It’s in the valleys that we are obligated to raise our hands and say, “Your will be done, Lord”.

As I find myself moving forward, I’m clinging to God’s promises. His promises are unchanging and in a time when I feel tossed about, I need the assurance that He is still the same God. He is still out for my good. Even though times get tough, He hasn’t wavered. He is strong when I am so weak.

I keep reminding myself that in the valley there is hope, growth and ultimately joy to come. I will walk through it with tears on my face… but faith in my heart. Faith that God will turn this sadness into something beautiful. Our loss will not be in vain.

 

 

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

A day in the life of...

I'm joining up with Kelly at Kelly's Korner for A Day in the Life of post.

 

 

Our day begins almost precisely at 6:55. I haven't had to set an alarm for over a year because Aubrey is like clockwork. I don't know how she does it...she like down to the minute! I usually lay her back down and can get another 20-25 minutes of sleep out of her. By 7:30 she is ready to go!

 

We do a sippy cup of milk and watch "George" as Aubrey likes to call it. I must say, I am a big fan of Curious George. He really makes me laugh out loud. I often find myself watching it while Bre has moved onto something else like a book or a toy.

 

At about 8:00 we head to the kitchen for breakfast. Bre usually has yogurt and a cereal bar or oatmeal. I'd say breakfast is her best meal so she usually pigs out! While Bre is in her highchair, I take that time to unload the dishwasher, make my lunch or do some laundry.

 

After breakfast, mommy takes a shower and gets dressed for the day. I then get Bre dressed and changed as well.

 

We will play for about an hour and a half...anything from puzzles, books, songs, balls, or babies. Aubrey is busy and will find a way to entertain herself with anything.

 

At 10:15, it's time for mommy to head to work. Bre is either dropped off with Nana or Meme or stays home with daddy.

 

Bre eats lunch around 11:30 and is down for her nap at noon. She will usually nap from noon til 2:45 or 3:00. After nap, it's snacktime! Bre will snack on raisins, crackers or fruit.

 

 

By 3:30 I'm back home and we usually head outside. Aubrey loves to ride her bike (especially in the street! Hello, Mrs. Dangerous!) and swing.

 

 

I will start dinner around 5:00 and Aubrey will entertain herself in the kitchen by destroying the pantry, taking all the dishes out of the dishwasher or perhaps moving all her toys into the oven's warming drawer.

 

 

My sis told me to give her a box of raw pasta, a bowl and a few measuring cups. This worked like a charm. Bre will play for a good 30-45 minutes on this activity.

 

 

We will eat by 5:30 or 6:00 and then head straight to the bathtub. Aubrey is terrified of the Jacuzzi jets in our tub. We call them bubbles and she will throw a fit if we try and turn them on. The other day we bought her some bubble bath and since she hates the word "bubbles" we have to call it "snow"! She loves the "snow"! She will play in the tub for hours if I'd let her.

 

 

By 6:30-7:00, mommy is usually exhausted and I will sometimes put a Baby Einstein video on or even another "George".

 

If daddy is working, he is home by 7:30 so we watch eagerly for him to pull up.

 

8:00 is bedtime for Bre and she goes straight to bed. She doesn't even want me to rock her...just put her right in her bed. I don't ever hear a peep from her until morning! My girl likes her sleep!

 

From 8:00-10:00, I work on design work, email clients or watch a Duck Dynasty with Christian. Lights are out for me at 10:00.

 

That's it folks...a day in the life of...Moots' Style.

Valentine's Day 2013

Isn't Valentine's Day just the sweetest little holiday? You can have such memorable moments without all the chaos of shopping, cooking and endless places to be.  It's usually mid week so it's calm and laid back.  I am beginning to think it's my favorite holiday. Scratch that...you can't beat turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

 

Here is my sweet little valentine.  She is just the sweetest thing. We didn't go overboard with candy and gifts...she just got a few treats and lots of extra kisses.

 

My hubby knows the way to my heart and it is directly through cookies. Cookie cakes are even better! Here's my special treat and love note from my lovies! Doesn't get any cuter than that!

 

Christian actually had to work Valentine's Day so we swapped babysitting with my sis. I got to spend the evening with these two little dolls! Just moments after this Kodak moment...Aubrey knocked over the basket and both babies went flying. Priceless moments are usually quickly replaced by disaster with these two!

 

 

We celebrated our Valentine's Day with dinner on Friday. My love took me to my favorite restaurant...Flemings! If you haven't tried it...you must.  They have this chipolte mac and cheese which will make you want to slap ya momma...heck your daddy too!

 

Pre dinner picture. Bre was insistent upon being in the picture.

And last but not least, we've began a tradition of taking pictures of Bre with a sign for her Nana/Papa, MeMe/Papa D and Uncle D...our very most special people. I hope to keep this up just for Valentine's Day because it is so fun to watch her grow!

 

This was her last year at just 4 months! Time flies...makes me sad.

 

 

Sending our love to all our special friends and family! Hope your Valentine's Day was sweet and special!