Being YOU Bravely

     In our culture it is SO easy to compare. Especially as a mommy, wife, and woman. I remember when Billy and I were trying so desperately for a baby after we got married and several fertility treatments had failed. We were at a cross roads. Do we go on with in vitro? Do we take a break? Do we look in other directions like adoption or fostering? We weren't sure.  So we went to see our Pastor at the time Pastor Mark Cummins. He was wonderful at giving us wise counsel, praying with us, and showing us scripture. We prayed. A lot! We had God show up for us in mighty ways at that time. We were sure God was calling us forward with In Vitro. It was about doing what God had called US to do. Not comparing my life with someone Else's. He simply chose me to be the mother of Tanner Heath and Holden Russell. He gave me boys. He knew I'm not into doing hair. :)  Seriously though that is what it is all about. Being ME BRAVELY. (This is our theme for MOPS this year) I don't have to compare myself to others. I never really was a follower. Not my personality. My mom and Grannie Elsie always told me I was a leader. I pray daily to LEAD my 2 small children. I have to seek God every minute. I also pray to help others in my life. Sponsees, family, friends, or even strangers. I am amazed how God uses me at times. He has placed a lot of strong women in my life to show me. Teresa, My mom, My mother in law, My sister Whitney, and all my sister in laws (Elaine, Lisa, and Jamie) are all super strong women. They each have different strengths. That is what is so awesome about our Creator. He made us all so unique. This week Billy has been gone all week for school. He is working on a doctoral degree in Social work. The idea is that I can be home with the boys for the next several years and this will help him in his private practice. He is one of the most driven people I have ever met. He is truly a great husband and father too. We miss him. Tanner has been wonderful this week. He is on the letter G at school and he is loving it. He is also working on writing his name, counting his numbers, and just learning lots of responsibility such as being line leader or bell ringer. I love St. Paul's. Holden is talking up a storm. He loves scarecrows lately and points them out where ever we go. That is what he  is being for Halloween. We went to the pumpkin Patch yesterday and Meme gave the boys money to get pumpkins. We ended up with several as Tanner loves decorating them with the pop in pieces. Our porch looks so cute. Holden is a hoot these days. Getting him to eat anything besides cheese has been a challenge. I made him oatmeal, eggs, and fresh fruit this morning. NOPE. All he would eat was dry cheerios.The things he would eat last week he has no interest in this week. AHHH Toddler hood. He is a little firecracker. So loving. So adventurous. So curious. The boys and I ordered pizza last night and watched Wizard of Oz. All the windows were open and we snuggled up to watch as Tanner drank his chocolate milk and Holden with his strawberry milk. They loved it and I am surprised how they actually watched the whole thing. Holden only getting up a little here and there. :) It has been a great week. The boys are growing fast. I am listening to them play outside as I sit and type on the blog. They are at an age where they play well together. (most of the time) and it is so fun to watch them. Perks of a fenced in back yard. :)

Beautiful Boys

     Well I will start by saying that it is awful when you have a sick baby. Holden has been sick since yesterday morning. He has a bronchial infection and is on antibiotics and breathing treatments. He had a fever yesterday and slept for most of the day. Thankful his Meme picked up all his prescriptions for him and her and Grampy even took Tanner man to his open house last night. Billy always works late on Tuesdays and I had to stay home with the baby so I'm glad Tanner was able to take his grandparents to his school and they even bought the boys some new books at the book fair. I love his little preschool and Tanner loves going to school. This week he is on the letter F and learning lots of new things. Holden will be on the mend soon as I can already see the antibiotics starting to work. I love that little boy and hate seeing him so sick. He is so funny and really starting to talk a lot more. We call our boys several different nick names but as of late we starting calling them "HOLDIE" and "TANNY" So now Holden will say"TANNY" or after we drop him at school he'll say "Where TANNY go mommy?" It is so cute.  We took the boys to the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on Sunday. It was beautiful and the boys were awesome. We rode a couple rides at Magic Kingdom. The Buzz Lightyear ride is one of Billy and Tanners favorite. We got a coffee and treats for the boys and then headed over to Hollywood Studios. (My Favorite) We all rode the Toy story Mania Ride. It is so fun. Holden was able to sit in his own little seat and play the game (You shoot things as you ride) and he even kept on the 3D glasses the whole ride. Tanner loves that ride too. Then we ate dinner outside. The sun was already setting and it was nice and cool and just a peaceful night.   Tanner rode the TOWER OF TERROR. I haven't even rode that ride. He has rode it twice now. And he was so funny telling me about it. He said "mommy when you go up you are o.k. but when you fall down it is SCARY." Man I LOVE this kid!! I love my boys. I am so grateful for the fall and I am enjoying planning their birthday party. I can not believe my boys will be turning 5 and 2 next month. I love October SO much!