Friday, July 11, 2014

In the Kitchen

     When I found out that I was having a girl when I was pregnant with Brooklynne my mind immediately began to daydream of all the things I would do with her.  Teaching her to sew, crochet and knit .  Making mud pies and having tea parties, there were so many things that I began looking forward to and it has been so fun to begin to do those things.
        A few days ago Brooklynne and I had a date in the kitchen whipping up some Rice Krispy treats. Once I just came to terms that this was going to be a sticky mess we had a blast together; we even had to bust out some sprinkles!  Watching her count each cup of cereal that she dumped in the bowl and sneak marshmallows was surreal because it was something that was only a dream a few short years ago.  

       The sweet, sticky treat wasn't her favorite to eat but she was beyond excited to deliver them to Grand dad and MeMe.  She helped me wrap each square and filled a basket and then began to beg to take them to her grand parents house.  How can you resist that!? 

(ETA: This was during a small kitchen remodel, that's why the walls look so terrible!)

One Year Later

    July first marked one year of finding out that I was pregnant for the second time.  That day I couldn't help but reflect over the past year and the weeks leading up to one of the best days of my life.  As I replayed all my frustrations and tears in my head I remember how desperate I felt.   Sadly, I felt so alone at times and although I knew Jared was wanting to expand our family as well I convinced myself that there was no possible way that he could really understand.  I replayed my fears, that something must be really wrong with me.  That since it didn't happen in the past 18 months or more then it wasn't going to happen.  My sadness replayed in my head that Brooklynne may never have a sibling.  My anger that I desperately tried to mask was right there being replayed.  And even sitting with two beautiful healthy boys with me I almost got sad again....almost, but then I reflected on how much God really helped me grow in that time.  The way I learned in almost two years to lean not on my own understanding, to be vulnerable with others, the compassion that I gained for other couples.  How He loves me enough and how His grace is enough.  I've seen the way my relationship with my husband has been strengthened, that we learned to pray first.  And all I could think at the end of the day was God is so, so, so good.  

    Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says The Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

A Happy Fourth

       This past weekend was a full,  fun one as we celebrated the fourth.  What could be better than slow cooked ribs and grilled chicken? Not to mention hand cranked home made ice cream.  Can you tell holidays are all about the food for me?!  Well the food and some wonderful family time too! 


 


 
      We started out the day by waking slowly and just hanging out at the house together just the five of us (I still have to double count because I can not believe we are a family of five!).  Then we headed over to my parent's place for some time in the kiddie pool for Brooklynne and some good eating for us grown ups.  The boys seem to have some of the same temperaments as Brooklynne and really prefer to only sleep in their beds so it's always a bit of a struggle to get them to take a nap when we are out and about, however, a five month old needs a nap, but two five month olds absolutely, positively must have a nap!  So I put Josiah in the Ergo, his favorite place, and Jared had sweet Grayson and they both had a nice little rest.  Soon after that we headed to my in laws.  I love that the dynamic between our two families is so different.  At my parent's home it's just our three children but not at my in laws!  They are almost at thirty grandchildren!  And I am so happy to say that at family get togethers (which are quite often) most of them are there!   It's always loud, crazy, fantastic fun.  We spent the rest of the evening there eating some more and sitting outside watching the kids run all over the backyard.    


 


  


 


 


 


 


 


 

          Brooklynne doesn't like the loud, booming sound of fireworks so we headed home just before dark and got all the kids to bed.  As Jared and I sat and just watched tv together I couldn't help but feel so incredibly thankful.  For our children and family and for him.  Any holiday really turns me into a sap!  Getting all the extra time with family and a day to just be is such a gift.  




 

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