Spring Break Part II - Fort Worth Staycation

We got home from a long weekend at Nonnie and Pawpaw's house just before Daddy was home from work on Monday. We enjoyed giving him lots of hugs and kisses, and he handled bedtime that evening so I could go on a much needed (mentally and physically) run.

On Tuesday, we met our friends Aria and her mom, Katie, (who was actually one of the girls' teachers last year) at Chick-Fil-A for a play date and lunch. The girls had so much fun together and it felt so manageable and pretty easy. These are huge words coming from a mom, let alone a mom of two toddlers! The girls took great naps and we had a low key evening at home together.

Wednesday morning we went over to the Sanders for a play date with EV (and adult time for the moms). The girls had so much fun, and it was hard getting them home. They all slept so well, which is always evidence of a good play date. After nap, we walked up to Curly's for ice-cream. It's about a 15 minute walk there and the weather was so nice. We brought EV an ice-cream and enjoyed playing outside before dinner.

Early Thursday morning, west Fort Worth had a terrible hail storm. It hailed off-and-on (but mostly on) from 3a.m - 7a.m.! It have never seen or heard anything like it. Between the two of us, we have almost $4k worth of damage to our cars! #thankgoodnessforinsurance After the daddies took off for work, Lindsey texted me and asked what I was thinking: "What are we going to do INSIDE with these kiddos today?!" I had thought about walking over to Bluebonnet Bakery for lunch with the girls, and the Sanders were on board. Linds and I met in the street (per usual) and we headed out on a walk. To our surprise, it was a big success! Moms and the girls all ate lunch and were very happy. We had so much fun! The littles each got a cookie to enjoy on the way home and then everyone took great naps. Rainy day success! That evening, we celebrated Billy's birthday by going to the Family Night Buffet at Rivercrest. Laura was in Pearland (and was so missed), but Rachel and Dom were able to join us and we had a nice dinner.

Friday morning, we met the Amersons (and some of their friends) at the Science and History/Children's Museum by our house. The girls enjoyed running around the toddler area for well over and hour and then we ended the first half of the day with a picnic on the couch for lunch (and Mickey, of course) before napping. Friday evening, George and I enjoyed some adult conversation and low-key fun with Lindsey and Brian on the front porch. What a great end to the week!

We had a wonderful spring break and looked forward to getting back to our friends and regular routines. I absolutely loved the time spent with my sweet girls! They are at such a fun age and are growing and changing daily. I feel so fortunate to be their mama! <3 p="">

Spring Break Part I -- Girls Road Trip

YLast spring break, we started a tradition where I take the girls to my parents' for a few days. My parents always welcome any time they can get with the girls, and I enjoy getting away for a few days. Plus it gives Daddy George a little break from the chaos of living with three girls. This year, we decided to leave Friday after school and come back on Monday. We had just been there a couple of weeks before when George had meetings and had stayed Thursday - Monday. Plus, I wanted to have some time to just be at home with no plans.

The girls are great travelers! We've been going since they were just shy of four months old, and I think that is huge. We also always leave right around nap time. My hope is that they will always get a good 2+ hour nap in the car and then we just have three hours of entertaining. We usually drive thru McDonalds for a smoothie and then once we get to 290 (just west of Houston), I have  no shame and the iPad comes on.

We got to Nonnie and Pawpaw's house about 7 on Friday evening, and had dinner and played hard before bed. They didn't sleep great the first night, and I think most of it was due to Ashley cutting her 2/3 year molars. She was pretty miserable! Saturday, we spent the day playing around Nonnie and Pawpaw's house and spending lots of time outside. We brought the bounce house and even Pawpaw bounced with the girls. They enjoyed swinging and exploring in the giant backyard that my parents have. Such  a difference from our small yard in Fort Worth!

Saturday evening, I met up with some girlfriends at Rouxpour in Sugar Land. A couple had to cancel, so it ended up being just Cortney, Taryn and I (and Kellye for a quick glass of wine). We had so much fun, great conversation, and truly enjoyed each other's company. I am so lucky to have great girlfriends in my life, but there is something special about your first set of "best friends" that have grown up with you and experienced so many of life's milestones by your side. We may not see each other as much as we would like, but when we do, we pick right back up where we left off.

Sunday was spent with more playing at Nonnie and Pawpaw's and then hot dogs for dinner. The girls loved every second! The time change was hard on everyone and we got in bed decently early. On Monday, Uncle Taylor picked up donuts for the girls and played with them while I packed the car. We drove 45 minutes to Sugar Land and I let them play and eat lunch before buckling down for the almost-4 hour drive home. We made it home safely and felt so grateful to have had such a wonderful trip and time with our family.

Hello March!

March means spring is close -- and a break from school for mommy and the girls is even closer! We were excited to welcome March and looked forward to spring weather and wearing all of our cute spring clothes! We have had a very mild winter, so we can't complain too much about the cold, but I just can't put my girls in spring smocks until at least March. 

My February goals went pretty well, but I believe I am going to take a step back for March and just focus on maintenance in all areas. We are busy the next two months and I don't want to invite any unnecessary stress into my life. 

Looking back at February --

1. Read two books -- I made reading a more regular habit and I feel like I can fulfill my goal of reading two books a month going forward. It amazes me how when we get out of the habit of doing something on a regular basis, that it's hard to find time to pick it back up again. 

2. Daily Devotional -- I did much better with quiet time this month. I found another Podcast that I enjoy (aside from God Centered Mom). It's called Inspired to Action and it's wonderful. I may not read my devotional every day, but I am praying, reading Christian books with the girls, and listening to Christian podcasts on a daily basis and all of that makes life so much sweeter. 

3. Be active everyday -- I have not done as well in this department this month. It's so hard again to find time for something when it hasn't been in your routine. Hopefully in March with spring break, I can make this a priority again. 

4. Finish the playroom -- It's done! And I love it. I will have to post pictures. 

5. Meal Plan -- Done! We did well with eating at home this month. In March, we are trying our best to incorporate no-carbs at dinner time, so I will be on the look out for new recipes. 

6. Stick to our Budget -- Well, this one is a big fat FAIL! We had lots of expenses this month, and we did go over budget. The good news is that we get to try again in March. 

7. Laundry Room / Landing Cabinet -- This areas got some major organization and it felt great!

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In March, I hope to just keep the house maintained. I do want to bring working out to the forefront and commit to three days of actually working out, whether it be a class, running, or the elliptical. I have an app that has short workouts that I could do on the days I can't get a full workout in. I also need to charge my FitBit and start wearing that again. Small changes that I think can make a big difference!

Probably my biggest "goal" for March is to start making low-carb or no-carb dinners. I will be on the lookout for new recipes! George is working hard to eat healthy and become active again, and I feel like preparing healthy meals will help him in his lifestyle change. 

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I can't to see what March brings our family! We are so excited for spring weather, a few days off, and celebrating Easter with our families. God is so good! <3 font="">

Life in February -- Friends, Valentine's Day, Pink Eye, and a Road Trip

February felt a lot less hectic than January, and that was welcomed by all. We spent a lot of time at home enjoying the very unseasonably nice weather.

The first week of February was nice, normal and quiet. We played outside a lot, I worked on getting caught up on never ending housework, and George was in town and not working too late.

The next week was pretty easy, too, until I came down with pink eye for the first time in my (almost) 31 years. My eyes were yuck all of Valentine's weekend and but the end of the next week, all of the girls in our house had a turn with it. That meant not much school that week for anyone and a stressed out mommy! George managed to escape it and was out of town for two days. Lucky him!

Rewind to Valentine's Day--it was pretty sweet! Daddy George got all of the girls breakfast and flowers. And we got him his favorite candy and cards. We spent the day together as a family and shared lots of love! I was able to go the grocery before noon and alone, so that was a win for me! We enjoyed an early family dinner eating Mexican and George and I had dessert after the ladies went to bed. It was a great day!

The next week was busy with Junior League fun and prepping for Theresa's couple's shower. We can't wait to love on Baby Camden in April! Following Theresa's shower, we enjoyed adult company and conversation with the Sanders. We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends that live across the street. 

George found out he had some meetings in Houston on a Friday and a Monday at the end of the month, so the girls and I tagged along and spent an extended stay at Nonnie and Pawpaw's house. It was so much fun! Aunt Dixie took off Friday and we met her at the zoo. I think all four girls needed a nap afterwards. We had so much fun! I really wanted a picture with the girls and Aunt Dixie at the zoo and didn't think to try and capture one until the end of the visit. Needless to say with two tired toddlers, I learned my lesson that pictures need to always be taken at the beginning! We had a great day with her. Growing up, I spent a weekend with her each December and we did something fun in Houston. Those memories are some of my most treasured of my childhood. I hope the girls get to share in the Dixie Days tradition. 

Friday evening, we were back in West Columbia and once everyone was home from work we all went to dinner at my favorite hometown Mexican restaurant. It's even starting to grow on George now! We headed back to Fort Worth on Monday afternoon and made it back in time to prepare for school, work, and the month of March the next day. 

February was a low key, but enjoyable month. We really enjoyed each other and seeing the girls grow, talk, and become more independent every day. We are so fortunate, and don't take a second of it for granted! Cheers to March!

February To-Dos/Goals

February is here! January was so busy for us, that I don't feel like I was very successful with my January goals. My biggest goal in February is to give myself some grace and breathe, so that means many of my January goals are getting carried over into February and I am forcing myself to be completely satisfied with that. 

A peek at my January goals:

1. I've decided that it may not be the season in life to train for a long distance race. I had planned on running the Hot Chocolate 15K tomorrow, and had made sure to get at least a longer run in each week. This week I realized (after reading my very appropriate daily devotional) that sometimes we take on too much and although it's all good stuff, too much "good" can actually not be so good. I still may try and run the Rock-and-Roll Half Marathon in Dallas in March, or I may not. I'm not putting unnecessary pressure on myself. 

2. I didn't read the two books I had intended, so that is a goal that is being carried over into February. 

3. Read my daily devotionals every day. Between sick kids and feeling rundown, I was not as consistent as I would like to be with this goal. I would say I did this 4-5 days a week, but hope to be 100% next month. 

4. We did pretty well with our January budget, despite the girls' birthday and party. 

5. The playroom is so close to being complete! I'll continue working in February and hope to have this big item crossed off my list. 


February To-Dos/Goals:

1. Read two books. I hope to read the same two books this month that I planned on last month -- Ever After by Vicki Courtney (wonderful book about marriage that I am re-reading) and Decision Points by George W. Bush (I've begun, but never finished this one). 

2. Devotional EVERY day -- I want to continue reading Jesus Calling, which has a morning and nighttime devotional for a year and also Power of the Praying Parent. My goal is no skipped days this month. My days are SO MUCH BETTER when I include quiet time in them. 

3. Be active somehow every day. I am taking a step back from training for long distances. My new goal is to be active every day (walking 15,000+ steps) and then maybe have a more organized/intense workout (like running or actually going to the gym) 1-2 times a week. I hope to do some kind of short floor work daily in addition to getting my steps in. 

4. Finish playroom. I hope to cross this big (but fun) project off of my to-do list this month! We just have a few things left -- pictures of the girls, more wall art, finish our art wall, buy a large rug, and install a chalk board and mirror. 

5. Meal Plan. I want to get back into the routine of meal planning for the month and cooking at home five days a week. It's so much easier to eat healthy and stick to our budget this way. 

6. Keep MINT updated and stick to our monthly budget. It feels great to stick to our monthly budget and not overspend. We did much better in January and I hope to stay even more on top of our budget in February. 

7. House Focus: Laundry Room / Landing Cabinet -- In addition to finishing the playroom, our laundry room needs some organization. I hope to keep some toys in our cabinets in there to rotate through the playroom. Also, we have a closet in the landing area upstairs that needs to be cleaned out and organized. That space could be used so much more efficiently!

TWO!

Baby Girls--you're two! I just can't believe it. These last two years have gone by in the blink of an eye. I can still remember being so nervous for my first sonogram, only to find out that we had been blessed with TWO sweet angels. Your actual "birth"day seems like yesterday -- I can remember so many of the sights, sounds, and being freezing cold afterwards. I can remember the NICU routine and bringing you home, and all of the crazy, sweetness of your first year. Looking back at pictures from the past summer, I remember that we thought you were so big on our family beach vacation and now you look like babies in those pictures. It has been a wonderful year! You make my heart so full. The first year of your life was so special because of all of the "firsts" of motherhood, but this past year you have grown so much, accomplished so much, and really just come into your own. I have enjoyed every second of seeing you personalities bloom. There have been challenges -- probably the biggest being keeping you two stimulated and safe all day. You both like to go and move like crazy. Having twins means that we can't go and do as much as we all would like, because I am paranoid and maybe a little too "safe" and it makes me nervous to have both of you in a big open area (because you two never fail to run in the opposite direction). But we really try our best to have a lot of fun at home inside and outside and with lots of different materials and toys. I am loving this age so much! I can't say you two haven't had a tantrum (or ten), but the hard moments make the good moments that much sweeter! You two are both dolls and loved by so many people, but none more than your daddy and me!


Annabelle Jane -- 25lbs, 8oz. (38th percentile) and 37 1/4 inches tall (99th percentile)

Sweet Annabelle -- you are so determined, focused and silly. You completely have your dad's personality (mostly). You are very logical and once you have your mind set on something, it's not ideal for ANYONE to stray you in another direction. You don't throw many tantrums, unless we are interfering with your carefully-crafted plans. One of my favorite stories is from Christmas Eve. You wanted to go outside and play so badly at bedtime. Daddy and I, of course, said "no," so you went and put on your jacket and shoes and stood at the door. In your mind, you had taken the necessary steps for going outside and completely expected for us to open the door and go out with you. Needless to say, you slept in your shoes and coat that night. 

You love playing make believe, especially with little figurines (like Mickey, farm animals, and doll houses). It's so fun watching your mind work and your scenarios unfold. While Ashley is definitely the one that plays baby dolls more, you have your moments where you sweetly and quietly go over to the babies and tuck them in, swaddle them up, or push them in the stroller. It melts my heart! You will be a great mommy one day. You love, love, love Mickey Mouse and would watch him all day, every day if I would let you. You love to laugh and love to be tickled. You also are such a risk taker and love to hang upside down, climb, run, and play chase. I love hearing you squeal in delight as you play with Daddy. Lately, you've been extra cuddling and I love it. I hope you always love my hugs and kisses! You love playing with your sister and love it when she tickles you. Hearing you two giggle together is the sweetest sound! You have many words -- too many to count. You have been speaking in two-word phrases for a while and are saying some three-word phrases. It amazes me what you pick up and understand. You are so smart, and your dad and I are so proud of you. We can't wait to watch you grow this year! You are a smart, sweet, strong-willed, beautiful little girl and we feel so lucky to be your parents. 

Ashley Dianne -- 26lbs (40th percentile) and 34 1/2 inches tall (60th percentile)

Miss Ashley -- you are so caring, playful, and cheerful. You remind me so much of myself. You are such a "little mama" and I have been called that my whole life. You are so emotional (just like me) and that emotion can go one way or another. Let's just say we've seen you throw a fit or several, but we've also nearly melted from your sweet kisses and "I wuv woo's." Tonight was one example of your sweetness. You were tucking your babies into their bed, and we sang "Jesus Loves Me" to them together (like I do to you every night). I loved hearing you sing most of the words to them and seeing you rock them. Afterwards, you reminded me that we needed to say the prayer. You folded your little hands and bowed your head while I prayed, and then we said "amen" together. It was one of the sweetest moments of my life! I have never been prouder of you. 

Besides playing babies, you love singing, reading, and watching "Wheels on the Bus." Naturally, your favorite parts of the song is the part about babies and moms. You also love reading books. I love hearing you and Annabelle read books that your dad and I have read to you over and over again (and you know most of the words). I can only hope you both have a love of reading. You definitely are a little more cautious than your sister and are startled/afraid easily (again, like mommy). You still love me to hold you a lot, but I am secretly enjoying every second. You are becoming more and more independent and there are many things you like to do on your own. You are quite the talker and have more words than I can count. You speak mostly in two-or-three word phrases, and say lots of "pleases" and "thank yous." It makes my heart so happy! You repeat everything, and it's a constant reminder that we need to set a Godly example with the words that we use. You love your sister so much and love waking her up from nap. You run in there and practically shriek her name. It's the sweetest thing! You are very in tune to the feelings of others, especially Annabelle. You quickly report that "Annabelle is sad" or "Annabelle is crying" if something is wrong. I hope you and your sister stay this close for the rest of your lives! You are such a smart, strong, kind little girl and truly beautiful inside and out. We couldn't feel prouder and luckier to be your mom and dad!

For your second birthday, we celebrated with family and a few close friends. We had a donuts and pajamas party and everyone wore pajamas. We ate lots of yummy breakfast food and, of course, donuts. Your grandparents and Aunt Lynn got you two a bounce house and you love it so much! That was the best part of the birthday--seeing the joy on your faces as you bounced and played. You two are loved by so many, and I hope you never doubt how much you are loved. Most of all, you are loved by your Heavenly Father, and I hope you always feel His presence and love. If we raise you two to live your lives only worrying about pleasing Him, then we've done our jobs. That's my prayer for you--that you won't work to please those here on earth, but live to please God and live a life parallel with His wishes. Here's to year 3, sweet girls! There's no greater joy in our lives than being your parents. You were so worth all of the waiting and the heartache, tears, and worry that came with it. We still can't believe you are ours! Happy Birthday to you!! xoxoxo

Life Lately...

Holy moly--if I could sum up January in one word, it would be "BUSY!" I told a girlfriend today that January had been busier than December. I feel like I need to hit "reset" on my 2016 goals/resolutions and just carry over my January goals into February. Life did not get the slow-down-it's-post-Christmas memo. But you know, I am thankful despite the chaos. I am thankful we have friends and family who have important life events that desire our attendance. I am thankful that George got a promotion, even if that means more entertaining, more dinners/nights away, and more trips. I am thankful that I am running around like a chicken with my head cut-off to plan a "low key" birthday party for healthy, thriving, almost-2 year old twins (someone hold me--I may start crying now). Here's a preview of what's been going on in our lives lately...

We are back at school and thriving! The girls' vocabulary, independence, and comprehension seems to multiply daily. I am so thankful for our wonderful school. We. Are. So. Blessed!

George went on a three-day pheasant hunting trip in Kansas with customers and some of our neighbors. He had a great time, but nearly froze to death! We missed him dearly and were so happy to have him home. 

Prior to George's hunting trip, Annabelle came down with a fever virus. It was my first time dealing with as a mom, and it scared me to death. Her only symptom was fever. Annabelle's ears were checked (twice), she was tested for a UTI (absolutely zero fun), and she had a chest x-ray. After five days, her fever stayed away (even without medicine), and she seemed to feel so much better. Praise the Lord! Dr. Google is a mom's worst nightmare when you have a sick baby!

Junior League has kept me so busy! Applications for our Provisional Class were due mid-month, so my awesome Co-Chair and I have been so busy with last minute details. Now it's onward and upward to the three meetings we have in February (on top of the three normal meetings we would have as League members). Whew! I am thankful for a husband that doesn't bat an eye when I am rushing around to my many meetings!

We celebrated our best friend, EV's, birthday on the 16th with a fun get-together at her house. We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends across the street. It's been such a fun parenthood ride with the Sanders!

Ashley didn't want Annabelle getting all of the attention for being sick, naturally. She came down with a terrible chest cold (viral respiratory infection) last week. Her little cough sounded awful, but thankfully she responded to breathing treatments and is on the mend! Praise. The. Lord. (Can we all please stay well?)

We celebrated Cousin Blaire's first birthday in Pearland and it was simply fabulous. Aunt Coco did a wonderful job leaving no detail unattended. We love our cousin and can't wait to see what year two brings! Daddy George flew out from Houston on Saturday afternoon (after Blaire's party) for another business trip. We were so glad to have him home four days later. He was very missed!

I'm back on the running wagon and planning on running the Hot Chocolate 15K in Dallas on February 6th. Running is so many things to me--a hobby, therapy, confidence-booster, exercise, etc. It feels good to run again, even if it's super sporadic and I am not nearly as fast as I once was (if I could ever call myself "fast"). 

George's management position keeps him busy. In addition to managing the Fort Worth office, he is still selling, selling, selling (or at least we hope so). He works so hard every day for our family, and we are so grateful. But we miss him sometimes, too! (or all the time)

We are in the thick of birthday planning! Our theme is donuts and pajamas and I am trying to keep it simple. Goodness, it's hard though! I can't wait to celebrate our sweet two year olds. They are such treasures in our lives!

Life is busy, life is crazy, but we are so incredibly blessed! I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything else!