He Makes All Things New

I love to write. I always have. Since January I've wanted to share about so many things. 

The amazing trip Jason and I took to St. Bart to escape the winter blues. It all started with an offer from my parents to watch the boys for a long weekend. After tagging my in-laws on for a few more days our trip turned into a week!

Our much anticipated ski trip to Snowmass with my side of the fam. Colson's first time to ski!

Our spring break trip to Sea World in San Antonio with a stop in Waco along the way. Taking many walks down memory lane at Baylor (the boys kept saying, "You've already told us this, Mom!") and visiting Magnolia Market for the first time. 

How I was sick but too afraid to take a pregnancy test in March because all I had seen was negatives over the past year. I knew GOD had put such a strong desire and hope in my heart for another baby. I had fully trusted God through each fertility treatment. I had seen my husband change before my eyes and become willing to have another baby. We had stepped out in faith after great hurt. Then. Nothing. But. Negatives.

Last fall I had a crisis of faith like I had never had before. I doubted GOD's goodness for the first time in my life. I despaired for my life.

I believed in Heaven and knew my eternity was sealed but I didn't know this GOD and didn't want to. The GOD who saved me when I was 9 years old. The GOD who blessed me with an amazing family and friends. The GOD who held the pieces of my heart together when Reese went to be with Him. The GOD who protected my marriage as we faced the brokenness of losing a child.

Even though I wanted to write about Zach and Colson and all the silly in our lives, I couldn't. I didn't want to be fake because the Lord is so woven into our daily lives, and I was struggling. I've shared so much of my faith on this blog. It became difficult to write so I just didn't.

I threw myself into our boys and regular life and redecorating our home. Yet I still believed GOD's promise to me of another child. I held it close to my heart, although I had no idea when or how it would happen. I knew He hadn't forgotten.  

The month we stopped all fertility medication I became pregnant with our fourth baby and third little boy.

From the second I found out I was pregnant my main prayer has been, "All I have is praise in my heart for You, Lord." We had done everything we did and endured many hopeful and hopeless days for another baby. Not a gender. I had complete peace about this. 

I'm not sure why GOD's answer to us continues to be a "no" for another baby girl, but to me GOD has shown a greater goodness in our newest baby boy.

It's like He said, "Katie, My answer regarding another daughter is still a no, but because you and your family and friends have nearly knocked down Heaven's door praying for another child, I will give you another baby. This baby will be a boy. He will keep you focused on Me and bring great joy to your family."

The Lord is still healing me. He continues to turn my heart towards Him in many ways. He never left me even when I wanted Him to! He's so faithful.

For Reese's 6th birthday in August we honored her with a Hope Box party. The celebration included our families and friends creating HB to be donated to moms facing loss in the hospital. We pray to give them hope when they feel their world is crashing. It was truly an incredible time!

My fingers have been itching for my laptop, but for now Instagram and printing out Chatbooks are what works best for me in this season of life. ; )

I still may return from time to time. This blog is dear to my heart! I'll have to see how it goes with our little Crew after he arrives. A new chapter I can't wait to begin!

"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

A Little More Christmas

We continued celebrating Christmas at my parents' house where Santa dropped by a little early on Christmas Eve morning.

 I say this every year but the boys are at SUCH a fun stage with Christmas. 

 They know it's Jesus' birthday and that He truly is the greatest gift. 

 Santa is an added bonus to the fun!

 We spent Christmas Eve and morning with Jason's grandparents and more family.

 This boys is HUGE into legos. It's amazing to see his mind working as he puts them together.

 They are getting too big!

 Our last stop on Christmas day was Jason's parents' house. 

 Doesn't Cols look tired of opening presents? Ha!

 All smiles

We spent the rest of the day together playing and eating and competing in a little gingerbread house contest. We are serious people! Not really. ; )

Love them so much!

Happy New Year!

And He that sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new..."

Revelation 21:5

Christmas Started Early

I have the BEST intentions to post but it just hasn't happened lately. Instagram is too easy to post little snapshots of our lives. ; ) My poor blog. ; (

Did this month fly by or what? I really feel like we squeezed everything out of it we could. It's almost 2015!

The boys have been SO excited about every little thing. The advent calendar, the elf, presents under the tree with their names on them...you just felt the "magic" of Christmas at our house.

We celebrated early with my side of the family. I LOVED doing this! A focused weekend of just being together instead of running around from place to place. 

 The whole crew!

"Christmas" morning

Happy kid

My Dad made a hayride for the kids. He had as much fun driving his new tractor to a neighborhood party as the kids did riding. ; )

 Hot chocolate and cookies please!

 Of course the firetruck was a hit.

Cheese!

 Colson took his time decorating his gingerbread man. ; )

Kids' room

 The front of our Christmas card

This is the first back of the card...

but this is what we finally decided on. I LOVE the angel wings.

I always incorporate Reese into our family pictures, but this year I had no idea what to do. I literally grabbed the angel wings on our way out the door, and it may be my favorite idea yet.

I hope your holiday has been full of celebration and memories!

And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.

Psalm 39:7

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Lots of cooking going on at our house today. By me. ; ) With the occasional help from Cols. We are staying home this year for the first time since Zach was born, and it's so nice! My Christmas wreaths are on the front doors, the stockings are hanging, and our tree is up without any ornaments. Soon!

We celebrated Zach's birthday at Fast Lanes this past weekend. It was a rainy day so just perfect for an indoor party. He loved every minute.

 Adore them

 Both of our parents came and as always were such great help!

 Love the cake

 How is he 7?!

 Z wanted to sit in my lap, and I was not about to let that opportunity pass. ; )

 Cols is smiling SO big because he had just won 1000 tickets. Oh yes. Who does that? My dad behind him became his "ticket holder." Crazy!

I thought this was so funny of Cols and Westin. They were serious about this game and anyone close better stand back. ; )

So much to be thankful for this week!

And God is able to bless you abundantly...

2 Corinthians 9:8

Happy birthday, Zach!

 Zach is seven today! From the moment I first looked into his eyes I knew he was going to be strong with a tender heart.

 He is sensitive, serious, and silly. ; )

 I love watching his life unfold. So thankful he's my son!

May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You.

Psalm 33:22

Balloons & Pumpkins

I'm back! Thank you for your sweet emails checking on me. Ah it's hard to know what to say. There have been a few reasons for my lack of blogging. One is that life is just busy! You get that. ; ) The boys are at such fun ages, and I'm squeezing out all the moments I have with them. 

School, homework, church, awanas, choir, and tennis keep us running these days. Both of my boys are homebodies, too so we love playing at home.

I've also been leading a Hope Group the past seven weeks. We have one more week in our fall session. I have ten hope moms in my group, and they are amazing. I'm so honored to walk beside them in their journeys. 

I've dedicated this week to blogging about what we've been up to, and it's my goal to keep it up! Since I print out my blog posts each year I want and need to continue writing and capturing moments of life.

Several weeks ago we learned of a SHARE Walk to Remember and decided to go. I knew the boys would enjoy it, and in the car they talked about several things we do to honor their sister. They even reminded me of things!

Grief is a crazy thing. When I'm in a good place, it's far off. I never forget about it though, but it's not always in my face. Sometimes it's fresh, and I seem to be in a season where Reese's life and the loss of her are close to the surface.

Sweet brothers

It was a beautiful day.

Our families and friends are almost too good to be true in their support and love for us.

Zach had his first 1st grade field trip to a pumpkin patch. I can't get over his long skinny legs in this pic. Sweet boy.

He'll be 7 on Wednesday. I can't believe it!

Tug-of-war

His buddy Kohen and little brother Wyatt

So thankful he loves first grade!

I hold fast to Your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.

Psalm 119:31

September Stuff

September was full! Lots of things going on, wonderful things and hard things, but it's not time for serious talk.

Zach just "graduated" to the Kids' Theater at church. It's a big deal!

He was given a Bible by our pastor during the morning service.

We've caught some Friday night football games. We asked both boys if they want to play football when they are older. Zach says, "No" and Colson says "Yes" so we'll see!

The boys had Grandparents' Day at school. They look too grown up!

                                           Jason's parents were able to come, and the boys loved showing them all the details in their rooms.

 Last weekend we went to Dallas to call those Hogs at Cowboy stadium. This was our fifth time to go to a game as a family, and of course I loved being with them. Ah it was a heartbreaker though!

Not all the cousins were there, but these four had a blast!

A friend texted me this picture, and this is a Scripture passage that has become close to my heart. 

Fall is in full swing!

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.

Psalm 119:30