Standing Strong

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Happy Birthday Lincoln!

Dear Lincoln,

I can't believe you have been with a us for a whole year. In some ways it seems like you were just born and in other ways it feels like you were always part of our family.

You came a bit unexpected and have continued to keep us on our toes!

I cried tears of joy and happiness when they laid you on my chest. Baby boy, you were prayed for and loved even before we met you!

You are the face of God's faithfulness. We couldn't love you more if we tried.

I love how you fit right in with our family. I love you sweet boy!

Months 1-4

Months 5-8

Months 9-12

Happy 1st Birthday Lincoln!

May you know how much you are loved today and every day of your life. No matter where life takes you, I will always be proud of you and be your biggest fan!

Love, Mommy

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Nature Preserve

On Mother's Day I wanted to do something together that would be fun and different. We heard of a Nature Preserve that was pretty close to our house, so we thought we would give it a try.

After church, we came home to change and then picked up Firehouse Subs to take out to the park.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch before going down the trails.

We hiked on several half mile trails. Jackson was so excited to be out in the woods. He was really hoping to see a snake!

Brian being Brian:)

The big boys leading the way

It was sprinkling when we got there, but it never got worse. Jackson walked the whole hour and half that we were there and never complained. He must have loved it!

Lincoln was a trooper!

He was fascinated with the big trees, but also teething and tired.

Thankfully, we never saw any snakes!

It was fun to get out, hike, and explore God's creation with my boys.

Looking forward to going again!

Monday, May 12, 2014

Brian is very thoughtful and always does a great job of showing me how much he loves and appreciates me. The boys bought me a bike for Mother's Day this year. I love my new bike, but I love the note that came with it even more!! He is so creative!

The Mom Cycle

There are many never ending cycles of work for a mom

“Get the boys ready for school” cycle

“Pick up after the boys” cycle

“Cleaning the house” cycle

“Preparing for work” cycle

The actual “work” cycle

“Making dinner” cycle

“Dishwasher” cycle

“Putting dishes away” cycle

“Laundry” cycle

“Folding laundry” cycle

“Putting laundry away” cycle

“Making lunches” cycle

“Bathing the boys” cycle

…Just to name a few.

Sometimes it may feel overwhelming and unappreciated, but we know we couldn't live without you. You pour out your love into each of these cycles making you an outstanding teacher, the best mommy in the whole world, and an irreplaceable gorgeous loving kind gentle wonderful God fearing smoking hot wife. We thank you for all you do and are truly blessed to have you as our wife and mother. So, since we love spending time with you soo much we decided to give you a “cycle” that is much more enjoyable and will help create many new family memories for years to come.

Love,

Brian, Jackson, and Lincoln

At bedtime on Mother's Day, Jackson asked me if I liked his video or the bike better.:) His video was the sweetest thing ever. "He loves me a lot and loves me because I make him the best dinners every night!" LOVE that boy of mine!

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Mother's Day 2014

It was a wonderful day!

I woke up to Lincoln having slept through the night!, a Starbucks on my nightstand, and sweet notes and gifts from the boys.

My 1st Mother's Day as a mom of two!

(Lincoln came 2 days after Mother's Day last year.)

He made me a mom! Love him and this picture of us.

Oh, Lincoln! SO thankful for your sweet life.

Blessed to be called "Mommy" by these two!

Last Mother's Day we had just come home from the hospital with Brian. I won't forget that night ever, but I also won't forget the peace I experienced from God. I am thankful this year's Mother's Day Weekend was much less eventful in terms of hospitals, and that God was with us each step of the way.

"I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you." Psalm 9:1-2

Friday, May 9, 2014

#hartzeveryday2014 Week 18

Day 119: LOVE coming home to a clean house on Tuesdays, even if it only lasts 30 minutes!

Day 120: This boy cracks me up! Just this week he has told me he is a professional bird scarer, can rock out better than the Newsboys, and is King Ninja.