SNOW much FUN! 1st snow day of 2017

The kids were a little bummed I had to go to work for a couple of hours, BUT our sweet Mia came and played with them till I could get home and then we had some major snow fun! 

A couple of hours later daddy came home and we went out for round 2. 

We spent the day going in and out, eating lots of yummy food, and getting in a warm bath. Such a fun day with my favorites!

NEW YEARS......Wonder what this new year will bring?

2016 is about to expire and as I reflect on what the year has meant I can't help but thank God for a new day every morning. All 365 of them. The effects of 2015 left my family a royal mess at the beginning of 2016 but I must say the ending of this year I am beginning to see the light. More smiles are present, more life is being lived and more peace is beginning to be felt.  Don't misunderstand me some days are still the WORST and fears have not been erased but we are healing.
This new year I'm not making resolutions but yet I want to focus on being more intentional, more relational, and present.
In 2016 I have felt my faith come to a standstill. I hate to admit it, but 2015 put me into a spiritual warfare. I was so angry, sad, bitter, jealous at God, the world, others who hadn't felt tragic loss, I could seriously go on and on. I was drowning in a never ending pity party. I kept asking questions and felt like no one had the appropriate answers. That attitude or mentality followed me into 2016 and slowly I began to get control on it. Journaling, prayer, reading books that dealt with tragedy/death/suffering/grief,  reaching out and communicating with others who had handled tragic loss began to rebuild so much that 2015 had destroyed.
I am constantly searching for sweet peace. Tragedy has robbed me of that peace I long for, but it will not control me or have victory over me. I serve a God too big, have a saint for a husband(I say that because at some points over that last 15 months I'm not sure I would even want to be my friend), have friends that have let me pour out my heart over and over again, and have sweet angels that God has sent me in friendships that I have gained despite the ugliness of tragedy. (Disagree with me if you will, but I could tell you stories that give you chills of how people have literally sought me out to tell me their stories and help me overcome huge hurdles this year.
2017 I am ready for you.....

My prayer for 2017
God may you be ever present in my life. I pray I am intentional with my relationship with you and that our relationship grows more than I can ask or imagine. Let me explore, study, discuss and pray without ceasing. May we be so intwined when others see me they see you. God keep me grounded when I fall, because let's be honest I will fail. Sit with me when I am tired, hold me when I want to weep, but God let's jump high with joy when times are happy and joyful.
Help me put myself out there in my relationships with others....with my husband, my kids, my family, my friends, and strangers who might cross my path. Use me in these relationships to minister to people so that I am your hands and feet. Keep me present in their lives and a example for you. When I am transparent in my relationships with others your story comes out. God please give me the wisdom, courage and strength to let this happen in your name.
God have your way with me. I am unaware of what this might look like, excited for the possibilities and ready for the challenge. I want this to be a year where I am ablaze for you and your kingdom. I pray mighty things happen for your kingdom, in our human eyes these things might not even be a big deal to us, but God please I beg don't let me get in the way of your work. I may not have the ability to understand but God use me.
God I pray your richest blessings over my husband, my kids, my family, my friends and those I have yet to meet. God give us your wisdom so that we are able to face the days ahead. Rain down your fruits of the spirit so that your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control are so evident in our lives that people ask and question it so that they to find your fruits and in return find you.
In your sons name, AMEN!

The last post from 2016, just not published til 2017...SHEESH!

One morning I let the two littles decide what we would do for the morning. A fresh pedicure later and a extreme beating in the game of "beat the parents" and both were satisfied and I was sure a happy momma! 

EEK! Isn't it pretty!!! 

Look at this guy, he sure is a humble little man. He beat me 5 to 15 and he was so proud of himself!!! 

The kiddos got a hatchimal for Christmas from Meme and Pawpaw. The kids were very intrigued by the entire process. It has a name, a bed, and they are precious taking care of it. 

We played Speak out with the kids at Meme and Pawpaws...all I can say is ENJOY! 

Mommy got lots of packages before Christmas. One in particular came with lots of lots of bubble wrap...Little miss has quite the imagination and became a bubble wrap princess....

Mia sure celebrated BIG with these two!! We are so grateful to have such a selfless Mia, who makes sure they are happy and cared for ALWAYS! 

While watching the Kentucky game, we had to get in uniform, didn't you?? I love this little man, his dreams, his disposition and the zeal for life he has. 

And little miss couldn't believe I didn't take her picture SO here she is in all her glory being a cowgirl princess for the day! 

 This may look like just a cheap ole football to you, but to this guy it is a ball that reminds him of his Uncle J and all the memories we made as a family during Christmas break. I love that though he lives 3000 miles away my brother has a way of making a HUGE impression on my kids!

When Uncle J and Aunt Steph call, all bets are off! Emmy must see them, talk to them and just be silly around them!! 

We took the kids to eat sushi with us and look what we got...

They love their rice and lo mien noodles so success, another restaurant we can eat at together as a family!!! This one came away with a blue tongue from the sucker she swooned from the hostess. She makes a new friend wherever she goes! I want to be just like her! HA! 

The day after new years eve...post party face! She is one tired little miss!