Friday Thoughts

1. I have loved having this "extra" week in November. Since Thanksgiving was early this year I feel like we have more time to celebrate Christmas and let it linger. ; )

2. The boys helped me decorate our tree this week. We completely changed it up this year. Instead of using our sentimental ornaments I went generic. The main reason being was the boys accidentally break some every year which leaves me in tears, and it's just not good. Kind of puts a damper on the Christmas spirit.

 So I bought non-breakable ornaments, and they are pretty and perfect! I don't know why I haven't done this before. I did mix in Reese's of course and a few other special ones. 

 Ornaments tend to group at the bottom when a 2 and 5 year old help. ; )

3. It's been so much fun driving the boys around at night to see Christmas lights.

4. Colson has had RSV this week so we've been at the house mainly doing breathing treatments three times a day. He's been doing really well with them, thank goodness! In the past it's been a big struggle, and I usually end up sweating from holding him down. Bless his heart!

5. I am having a hard time with the colder weather and the days getting shorter. I do love this time of year and all that it means, but the darkness makes me a little crazy, too. Is anyone else this way?

6. I think I've accepted that Colson is trying to stop napping. Zach napped until he was almost 4, so I never thought Colson would stop this soon. He still naps two or three times a week, but definitely not every day. Hopefully it's a phase. ; )

7. I love the song by Jonny Diaz, "Scars." It's beautiful.

Hope you have a good weekend!

...fear the LORD and worship Him in sincerity and truth.

Joshua 24:14

T-shirts

For Zach's birthday I really wanted to try to make him a shirt.

I followed the instructions on Shannon's blog for the "freezer paper transfer method." It was fun and easy once I got everything I needed, so I also made one for Colson with a "C." I now have enough freezer paper to last me forever, so I better make some more!

 The boys were thrilled can't you tell? ; )

 I love the boys' ages and love watching them grow up together. They keep me on my knees!

I will be found by you...

Jeremiah 29:14

the Great Outdoors

We spent this Thanksgiving with my sister because we went to the Cowboys' game on Thursday. Jason bought some tickets at an auction this summer. He was going to take Zach, but he didn't want to go. My brother-in-law passed on going too, so that left me! It was a lot of fun.

 I just had to share this picture of Abby and Zach. SO sweet!

My loves

We stopped by Jason's grandparents' house for a night before heading home. So thankful for the sunshine! I always love seeing the boys with their cousins. Colson and Westin were too cute chasing each other around. 

 I love this picture because it's exactly what my dad used to make my sister and me do...pose by whatever he was taking a picture of. This tree is the biggest on their property.

Jason and I are so blessed by our families!

Time to decorate for Christmas. ; ) It's one month from today!

I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places, in order that you may know that it is I, the LORD...who calls you by your name.

Isaiah 45:3

Thanksgiving

We've had a very non-traditional Thanksgiving, and it's been a lot of fun! Just a few things I'm thankful for today...

I'm thankful for our boys and their cousins in pjs.

I am thankful for the pictures we have with Reese.

I'm thankful for cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

 I'm thankful for my amazing sister!

I'm thankful for my hot date to the Cowboys' game and sweet friends.

I'm thankful this Thanksgiving was "Happy."

...weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

Birthday Boy

Yesterday was Zach's birthday. For some reason Zach turning 5 has made me reflect back on a lot of things. So much has happened in his life. We've been at the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

This picture was the first time I held him. We just stared at each other, and I wondered if the nurses spiked his hair as a joke. ; ) He was the cutest thing I had ever seen!

He is so precious.

He brings such laughter into our home. I love seeing the LORD work in his little heart! I'm so blessed to be his mom.

Happy birthday, sweet boy! We love you more than you'll ever know.

Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

Psalm 119:11

Candles & Christmas Lights

Last night we went to a candle lighting service at the memorial gardens. It was our third time to go (last year was cancelled because of rain) and just as beautiful. 

Shannon, Cody, Westin, Reagan and the Johnsons went too. Having them there made my heart lighter.

Shannon brought Reese flowers, and Colson helped me put them on her marker. He was really sweet.

After the service we took the boys to see the lights on the downtown square.

They loved it!

Seeing the lights is always one of my favorite things to do during the holidays. Jason first took me to see them when we were dating in college. A lifetime ago!

So thankful for a special night. Thankful for our boys. Thankful for the hope of Christ this season brings to each of us.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more.

Psalm 71:14

Fall Friday

Zach was in two Thanksgiving programs this week, and I have LOVED it! It's so much fun watching him on stage.

First was his PRE-XLR8 (choir) "Thanksgiving Meal" program. He whipped that spoon as fast as he could!

Cutie pies Z and Kohen. Of course they got separated during the program. They do great together they just like to talk. ; )

Yesterday was his school program, and I could tell they had been working so hard on the songs and motions.

Z took these monster cookies to school today for his birthday treats. They are so good. I hope he has some extra to bring home, but I doubt it. ; )

Last night I made Jason shrimp for dinner. Or really just boiled. It was easy! I'm not a big fan of seafood, but Jason ate it so that was a good sign.

Happy Friday!

GOD...acts on behalf of the one who waits for Him.

Isaiah 64:4

Peanut Butter Pie

I wish I was a better cook. I like to cook, but I just wish I was a natural like my mom. She can whip up something amazing from what seems like nothing. She says my grandmother used to say, "Any dummy can read a recipe." Very lovingly of course!

I blame it partly on the fact that I love all things green and Jason wouldn't touch a vegetable for $100. I could easily be a vegetarian. Not that I have anything against meat I'm just fine without it, and Jason is a meat and potatoes kind of guy. He's gotten so much better though at trying new things. ; )

 Thankfully we both love sweets, so that's easy! When I saw this recipe for peanut butter pie I knew I had to make it. Yum!

The boys got haircuts yesterday. I love it when they get their hair trimmed. The Elmo houseshoes are a nice touch, aren't they?

This little turkey is trying to give up his nap, but I'm staying firm. I'm crossing my fingers it's a phase. Zach napped great until he was almost four! I know I got lucky with him, but two is a little young. Goodness me.

I am going to send an Angel before you to protect you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared.

Exodus 23:20

Champs

This weekend Jason's 6.5 combo tennis team competed in state and WON! So exciting. I had thought about staying at home with one of the boys, but I'm so glad we all went to cheer for him (even though the boys stayed with the grands most of the time!).

Jason and his partner Andrew were a lot of fun to watch.

Colson was happy to see his daddy after he finished a match.

Gran with two of her rowdy grandsons

I am loving all the bright fall colors!

Jason and Andrew never even lost a set all season. So proud of them!

the team

I am so thrilled for them I feel like I'm on the team myself. Ha!

Make the most of every opportunity.

Colossians 4:5

Gift

Yesterday I spent several hours with two amazing women. One is a new friend and the other I've known most of my life. We have one main thing in common. Heaven is much more beautiful because our three baby girls are there.

It was a gorgeous day, so we sat outside on Catherine's porch drinking coffee surrounded by the beauty of fall.

We talked about loss and hope, how great our pain is yet how others know much greater tragedy. How GOD is greater still.

We laughed and cried. The hours flew by, and before I knew it I had to pick up the boys from school. I don't usually "give up" my time without the boys very easily, but I could have stayed there the rest of the day.

They know where I've been. Catherine if further down this road than I am, and Joanna is still in her first year of loss. They know what it's like to feel like you've died but yet be forced to live. Our hearts are joined because of our daughters and because we serve a GOD who is sovereign.

I saw this picture on another friend's blog, and it just took my breathe away. I've had it saved on my computer for awhile, but today just had to share it.

Catherine often says, "He is God, and I am not."

Three years later GOD continues to be tender to me, heal me, and daily shows me His faithfulness knows no bounds. I'm amazed at His goodness!

Those hours yesterday were a break from the routine of life. It's strange to say it's a comfort to meet other moms who are like me, but it is. Each of us have someone precious missing, yet we believe in a GOD who redeems.

I pray your day is filled with redeeming moments!

But I trust in You, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands... 

Psalm 31:14, 15

Puggles

Colson is a "Puggle" in AWANA at church. He is always so proud of his "crafts" each week. 

1. Don't you just love the word Puggle?

2. The rain boots add a nice touch, don't you think? 

3. How in the world did I deserve something this CUTE?!

In Your presence is fullness of joy...

Psalm 16:11

Zach Lately

I recently took the boys to get flu shots/mist. I told Z he could have the mist this year, and he said, "NO! I want to get a shot so I can get in the treasure box." Seriously? He didn't change his mind and got a toy from the treasure box after the appointment. Even our doctor thought he was a little crazy. ; )

 For Zach's "Show & Tell" he had to bring something with the "Dd" sound. I asked him what words started with "D" and he said a few including "Daddy." I said, "Zach, what a great idea! You can take a picture of Daddy to school." He said, "No, I want to take something cool, Mom."

When I was getting ready for Zach's birthday party he went to Hobby Lobby with me. As we walked in he said, "I've been to this store too many times."

Before we went trick or treating on Halloween I told Zach, "When people see you they will say you are the cutest Robin they've ever seen!" He immediately said, "NO, Mommy I don't want cute!" Oops.

A few friends with older kids have told me that every stage their kids have been in is their favorite. I want to be this way! Yes, our boys are growing up, but I also love seeing the new things they do at each step along the way. I want to live fully in the phase where they are (as long as it's good!). ; )

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...

Romans 8:1

Pumpkin Patch Party

Zach's 5th birthday party was last night at the pumpkin patch. His actual birthday is not until the 19th, but I really wanted his party there and yesterday was the last day they were open. I've never done anything like this outside, so there's been lots of prayers about the weather. ; )

It was a beautiful fall night. Just perfect with our family and friends! Thank you, Lord.

Sweet friends Candy & Kyle

Our boys are best friends. We love Wyatt and Kohen! I wonder what Colson is thinking in this picture?

Love this of Reagan and Shannon

This pumpkin patch has horse rides, a tractor ride, corn mazes, corn boxes,  and a petting zoo.

Colson was named after my dad "Pappy." ; )

Who knew cows like tortillas?

the Colemans

Jessica & Andy (Jason's brother)

Zach always wants a cookie cake for his birthday. He wanted a dragon on it this year, but I told him it really didn't go with the pumpkin theme. Ha!

Pumpkin pinata

Clint got Z a Shiloh football jersey with his son Chandler's number on it. It will be fun for Zach to wear it to the games.

Releasing his balloons after the party

G-Daddy took over when we got home. ; ) Our parents are always such a big help at the boys' birthday parties. 

How do I have a five year old little boy? We love you, Zachary John! We are so proud of you. We love seeing the LORD work in your heart and know He has great plans for you.

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.

Romans 8:25