Random thoughts from the Underbelly

Nothing much new here except the mountain of tasks to complete...We are making progress.
I even got to cross things off my list here.

37 days away from Sister's Big Arrival. Am I ready? NO!

I am still prepping items for the big consignment sale in a few weeks. Currently I'm at 120 items and have 2 more piles to work through. (I swore I was done with big sales like this and in the move I found more of the boys clothes.)

The Christmas Tree is still up. Jan. 31st deadline is fast approaching. I'm hoping I can do that tomorrow once I get all these clothes entered in for consignment.

Seriously, ATT? I'm not interested. I said that when you knocked on my door in the middle of the afternoon. As you continued to try to sway me for whatever it was...I'm still not interested. I do not feel bad for being rude after I said the 3rd time I was not interested and then promptly shutting the door.

The b-day party is just around the corner. I am letting a lot go. We are using what they provide even if it doesn't match. It is what it is. And I'm letting my 5 year old party planners call the shots. Letting it go...

I love a good party!

I have a dilemma! I love to plan parties for my boys! I love celebrating them and this very special gift I have received!

I think they got that from me because they have LOTS of ideas on their party, too.
This is such a big birthday and I really want it to be special!

So many Factors have me nervous that it won't be special.
1. I'm having a baby 2 wks later. I'm going to be 37 wks pregnant at this party. Ha! Let's get real-they will have to roll me in!
2. Bc I'm so close to the baby coming, I booked their first destination party @ the gymnastics place. Fun=yes. All the unique party decorations or coordinating with their theme=no.
3. They supply cupcakes with rings. What?! No precious Lindi cake?!
And invitations. Fill in the blank and be done. Totally fine, but takes away all the creative fun that I enjoy.
4. We still are "new" here and are working to establish friendships. Will any of their new friends come? And with winter birthdays we have dealt with this every year: Will the boys be healthy? Will the guest be healthy?

I am just struggling with letting all the details I love so much (and they do,too) go or just doing it anyway. It's their 5th birthday! I don't want sister's arrival to take away from this very special celebration !

Decisions, Decisions!

Home Goals 2013

Just read a blog and thought about my list.
Ha! Just about everything is on my list and I am pretty sure it will take till the year mark to actually get to the list given all the transition and busy winter we have!
1. Moving dump zone turns into Baby Nursery
2. Finish the basic plan for boys' room
3. Hang up all the art, frames, ect.
4. Finish having the house painted.
5. Pick a carpet and have them replaced.
6. Get boxes out of master bedroom! Paint end tables and upgrade from a box to an end table again! And get new bedding for bed. ( I really had hoped to be able to get a new bedroom set complete with a king size bed, but this move didn't go so smoothly and ate up all my extra $. Phooy. )
7. Re-unpack & settle guest room

All these goals have like a million dollar price tag and a million sub-goals to complete.

Guess I need to get to work! Who wants to order some Scentsy? Because that's my budget now. ;)

Well see what December looks like!

2012 Jeers and Cheers

1. Jeer/Cheer: Michael accepted a new job in Arkansas. Jeer for having to move and leave Abilene. But, cheer: After 13 full time years in youth ministry he was really excited to have this new opportunity to be a preaching minister.
2. Cheer: We sold our house in 4 days...while we were out of town! I cleaned it and then we left. Best blessing! And quite the change from the 14 mo and 4 day sale from the last move!
3. Jeer: Michael started his job in Arkansas while we finished the school year in Abilene. We missed Daddy, but the 3 of us became experts at flying to visit him! Such big boys!
4. Jeer: My body completely revolted by March. The whole 30 diet helped me identify the triggers and although food has become really hard for me ( food is so social, y'all! It's impossible to go to lunch with friends or have a meal @ someone's house.) I'm thankful to not be in so much pain.
5. Cheer: After 4 years of the thyroid yo-yo, my Hashimoto disease is leveling out!
6. Jeer: the hardest transition: Nothing went or has gone smoothly. Our life basically blew up. Still trying to get through the mud. (p.s. Texas and Abilene, I miss you!!!)
7. Cheer: say, what???!???? I'm finally pregnant in the mist of all the transitions and chaos! There's my promise of 2012.
8. Cheer: it's a girl!
9. Cheer: Getting to spend a lot of time with my bubbas. We are the 3 musketeers! We have been through it all together. This move has been way easier with the joy and light they bring to my life! 4 has been so fun-their vocabulary and conversations are deep at times or super silly at others. Either way, I'm smiling. Their love and compassion towards me as I have been sick and even towards others warms my heart. I know 2013 brings a new sibling and Kindergarten and I am enjoying every second with my bubbas.
10. Cheer: 9 years of marriage and 13 years of being together with Super Dad, husband, and friend. This year (at least half of it) I have had to rely on him for everything! I'm sure he's ready to have his wife back!

Even though it's been a challenge and at times quite rocky through 2012, it really has been a year of healing, renewal and finding promise.

I only have been diagnosed with new 2 diseases/health issues this year. I know to some that sounds discouraging, but after 2011-"the year of the loss" for me it's a step in the right direction. I spent so long in the dark tunnel searching for the end, a glimmer of hope and light. She arrived this June. I don't know what 2013 holds, but I have been dwelling and listening.
For this new year I am claiming as my word:
JOY

A Texas Size Christmas!

* a beautiful, snowy drive to Texas
* lots of awesome family time even though it was quick
* blessed with gifts aplenty
* a real football bowl game in the Texans stadium
* Ikea and other shopping
* our favorite Texas treats- Pappasitos, Lupe Tortilla, Whataburger
* time to be still as a family
* 30 week milestone!!!!

Sister sure was trying to make a Texas appearance with all the contractions I was having! But she's gonna have to wait and embrace AR on her birth certificate!

So, who's going to put away my Christmas? I'm thinking Christmas through the month of January is a-ok!

Snow!

We woke up the next morning to a foot of snow! It was magical!

White, fresh powder...

You would think we were living in Colorado!

Nope, just Arkansas and for the first time in 80+ years to have snow on Christmas.

You're Not Dreaming. It's a WHITE CHRISTMAS

Here's a peek at the family Christmas!

He came!

Legos, Nerf Guns, Bikes, a Sled

Ready to RUMBLE!

My New Sleeping Bag!

Practicing with our candy light sabers

Goooo Texans!

Trying out the new ride inside since it was sleeting outside

Brody and Mama & my gift of the "foofa"
Brody wanted to buy me a purple "foofa" (loofa scrubber) and was very sure and specific in his purchase.  Michael took the boys to Bath and Body Works and Brody searched high and low for the purple "foofa." When he couldn't find it, he walked up to the sales lady and asked her if she had any. (BIG, HUGE DEAL FOR MY SHY LITTLE MAN!) When she returned with a huge box of purple ones, his eyes got so big and excited about getting to pick from all the purple one.
I got the perfect one picked by a perfect little boy.

Daddy's gift to sister
Just like he got for the boys 5 years ago Christmas

Legos here, Legos there, Legos everywhere!
All day was spent Lego building!
Blessings on Michael!

Snow began to fall about 5 p.m. Sledding was soon in order!

Dylan got me socks a plenty. One just wouldn't do!  He wanted me to have every design there.
Sweet heart, Sweet boy.
Me sooooo lucky!

Daddy and the boys