Charlie's TWO!!!

I can NOT believe my baby is two years old! Where does the time go?? I feel like it was just last week when I was nursing every three hours and wondering if I would ever get a full nights sleep again...

Oh to my Charlie....

     You are such a sweet and handsome little guy. You love to play with blocks and build "towers" just to knock them down and build it back up again. You have such a big vocabulary, you say "peese" and "tank oo" all the time. You have learned over these past two years how to stand up for yourself and you like to be heard! You love to have books read to you, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" Is one of your favorites, you have it memorized! You love when I read you any book though... Just like Henry, you love the song "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" but you refer to it as "Christ the Lord" and you know some of the words and sing along. You love a bath and would go outside first thing in the morning if I let you. Recently you learned how to ride your little bicycle with training wheels and it is the cutest thing ever! You love your family so much and get so excited when you see any of them. I could go on and on.... I am so proud that God has given me YOU! You are such a blessing and I love to watch you grow and unfold into a little boy. I love you so much Charlie boy! Happy Birthday!

Meeting your brothers for the first time... Aug 22 2010

One Week Old

AWESOME Hair!

Boomer Sooner!

Happy Boy!

Wild Hair for a Wild Boy!

Loves Ash and Cor's Christmas Tree... :)

Silly boy with your tongue ALWAYS out... 

Just one month before your second birthday!

August 18th, 2012

What a special day... I do not think I can put into words what this day was like, the ones that come to mind are incredible, miraculous, unbelievable... you get the picture!

The excitement from this day actually began on the 17th... I got up early that morning because I was observing the first day of school, (went through the day checking my phone several times) got home and the kids fed, bathed and in bed, relaxed a bit and just as I was dosing off I got a text from the BFF... contractions for several hours and just minutes apart, she was on her way to the hospital, it was GO TIME! The excitement began! I got out of bed and dressed only to find out my car wouldn't start... grrrrr!!! Luckily I have another best friend who so graciously came to pick me up and off we went to baptist hospital.

After a good twelve hours of labor (and not receiving an epidural for several hours makes it HARD labor), the world was about to be blessed with a beautiful little boy... I was so incredibly blessed to be able to be in the delivery room with Ash as her son made his debut into this world. I can not describe the emotions that went through me that day and even now as I am typing these words. I have always been a sensitive person, but put a baby story in front of me and I've lost it... the water works begin.

I am not exactly sure why this delivery has had me overcome with emotion for days now, but it has. I was so honored to be apart of such a special moment, I was proud of my sweet friend, I was nervous for her, I was excited and I pretty much cried like a baby through it all... Being present when a baby is born into the world is like nothing else I have ever experienced. It allowed me revisit my own deliveries and meeting my children for the very first time. It is so hard to believe that my time was so long ago. There is just nothing like becoming a mother and every single time and every single baby is just as special.

So I am so happy to say that Truman Jennings White was born on August 18th, 2012 at around 1:15 in the afternoon, weighing 8lbs and 21 1/2 inches long... he is beautiful and I love him.

So proud of you Ash! You are an incredible Mommy!

Psalms 127:3 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him."

Wrapping Up Summer...

Is summer really coming to an end? It always feels like we just started our summer adventures when the end creeps up on us. Tonight was our last night for all of our family to be on break, Justin goes into work tomorrow, James goes next week and I go the following week. Too bad summer break doesn't stretch until the end of August?!

So much has happened this summer, I finished 13 hours of school. Justin began and finished his first semester of graduate school. Henry and Charlie started at our church's learning center, and in a week James will begin at a new school. We are full of and accepting change as it comes our way. As our schedule begins to go into full force, I am anxiously awaiting the routine.

Today I took Mr. Henry to get the staple removed from his head. Last week about ten minutes after I dropped off my kiddo's, the director at the child care center called my cell phone, (this is never good). Henry had fallen off a riding toy and hit his head. A rock had punctured a hole in his head and the rock was stuck in it!!! Talk about the longest ride of my life... to the center to get my boy!! As we arrived Henry was acting like nothing had happened, just as he continued to act in our four hour wait in the emergency room. That boy is so tough, as the doctor removed the rock, he screamed (which was more from us holding him down so the doctor could pry out the rock) but he only shed one tear!!! I am thankful for his toughness, I however was a complete mess.

A mother can never imagine anything bad happening to her child. You do not ever think about freak accidents happening to YOUR children. I am thankful that our accident was minor and he was all fixed up within a few hours and today his head is completely healed. The thoughts and feeling that went through my mind while driving to pick him up were horrific, and anticipating the pain he might endure while getting the rock out was treacherous... I hope that I never have to go through that again... (I am sure there will be more to come, but I can hope right?)

I pray for my kids ALL THE TIME, but I am pretty sure the Lord heard from me more that day than he has in a long time! I am just so grateful for these three boys, we are blessed beyond measure and I do not know how I can ever praise God enough for these blessings.

The crazy thing is... as much as we love our kiddos... God loves us even more... Can you fathom that kind of crazy love??

Forever Grateful.

Until Next Time...

Scremin' Babes...

So last week when I posted about my kiddo's starting daycare, I said they were adjusting well.... now the past two days I have left the center hearing my children (especially my 3 year old) Shriek and scream!!! It just makes me sick. I know that he is in good care and I know that he probably stops soon after I'm gone, but seriously this sucks! I have been known as being a bit overprotective of my children, which is why I probably kept them home up until now. I am "that" mom, who calls several times a day, who seriously can't stop thinking about how my children are doing and behaving, I'm checking my phone every hour to make sure I haven't missed a call... Will the insanity ever stop?!!!

I absolutely loved the time I got to be home with my children, I know it was a HUGE blessing and decision to be home, but now I feel like I have done them a dis-service by keeping them home with me or another family member... (including my wonderful sitter who was pretty much family). I know they will adjust, I know it will take time, but man right now I feel like my heart is being ripped out every time I take them to "school" in the morning.

On the up side... the one great thing about taking them is getting to pick them up. It brings such joy to my heart to hear my little guys scream "MOMMY!'  When I get to their "school" at the end of the day.


On another hand I am getting through the last week of summer school!! YAY!! I am so excited to be moving on to another chapter in my school life. Two more semesters and then student teaching... I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 


The stress never stops...


Hoping for a better morning tomorrow...


Until next time...  

Summer Time...

Well it has happened again... I put my love of blogging and writing on the back burner :( There is so much to catch up on and I am going to try to get up to date and continue to make time for this love of mine.

This summer has been crazy! I enrolled in a total of 13 hours from May-August.... CRAZY! It has all been time consuming and demanding but I am making out just fine... and have all A's at that! Summer school is slowly but surely coming to an end.

My knight in shining armor also started school this month. He has started is masters degree in educational leadership and I am so proud of him for beginning this journey! He is my rock and I am so blessed to be his bride!!

The kids have had a fun filled summer with daddy! Justin was home with the kiddos for the entire month of June and the boys got to stay with DAD!! They are so attached to him and I love to see the relationship between my hubby and boys grow and grow!! This month the two little boys stared going to Choctaw Christian Early Learning Center (ran by our church) and I could not be more please with how well they are adjusting! I am so thankful for the path God has put us on and the people who are standing beside us through it all.

Henry turned 3 yesterday.... I could seriously cry for hours at the thought of my little guy being 3 years old!!! The day he came into this world was one of the absolute most happiest days of my life! I love being a mommy to my sweet Henry Asher. Unfortunately he started his birthday morning with a stomach bug and spent the day on the couch puking, every now and then coming out of his little naps telling me "I'm 'tree' years old today".... make a momma weep! Henry is a natural born leader... (of course I should have known that when giving him a name that means "head of the household" lol) He loves to sing, his favorite tune is still "Oh come all ye faithful" which he refers to as "Christ the Lord" or "Born the King of Angels"  and now he has Charlie singing it. He loves to play outside, and swim, and play on the slip n slide. His favorite books are "Brown Bear, Brown Bear.." and "I Love You Through and Through"... he has them both memorized. He loves to write the letter "H" for Henry and he is obsessed with anything angry bird, power ranger, cars, or airplanes. The kid knows what he wants! He loves chocolate milk first thing in the morning and you better not talk to him before he finishes the glass... (its like his "coffee"). If I could only put him into words.... I love you Henry!!!

Although our lives are crazy busy, I am ever so in love with my family... every single one of them.

Until Next Time...

New Beginnings

Hello blogger... for some reason I can not keep up with you these days!! I am so excited about the weeks to come... Next week is my final week at UCO... and then two more at Rose State and then I start up again with intersession classes and summer classes... It will all pay off, this is what I keep telling myself...

I have made some recent changes in my life which I am excited about but also scared out of my mind.... As of May30th, I will no longer be working in a salon. This frightens me so because this is all I have ever done my entire adult life. It has been so good to me. My clients are literally like family. I am so sad to let them go. I told a friend of mine that I wish I could put them in a jar and take them home with me... I know it sounds creepy but I love them what can I say?? The reason behind this decision is my school schedule... I will be able to graduate December 2013 if I continue to go full time, the problem is the classes I need are only offered during the day and I had to let something in my day schedule go. I have prayed about this and talked to Justin about it until we are both blue in the face... I was having lots of reservations, really just about change in general, I knew what I needed to do- it was just hard to make it happen. I know that I have had lots of confirmations lately and I know this will benefit my family so much in the long run... its just hard to say good-bye...

On a more positive note, Justin was accepted to the master program at UCO and will be working as a graduate student in Educational Leadership, in hopes of one day becoming a principal. I am so proud of him. He is such a wonderful, supportive, motivated and hardworking man. I really do not know how I got so lucky. I love him with all of my heart. So for the next year we will both be going to school... crazy- I know!

The boys are doing great, Charlie is talking more and more... Henry is my strong willed little guy... and James is growing up... These kids will never know what they truly mean to me. I never knew I could love like this... I am so honored to be their mom. I am so excited about what the future holds for our family, it will be so nice to have summers off and winter breaks off... and be on the same routine and schedule as my kiddos... I do not look forward to them growing up but I do look forward to being done with school and being able to enjoy my kids to the fullest...

Until next time...

m.i.a.

     Oh dear blog how I've missed you! Writing my thoughts and memories of my family is such a joy for me! Why do I let it get away from me??? Well tonight I have so so much I would like to say so I am going to try and re-cap the last three weeks briefly... (is there such a thing?)

     Well after we finally all got over our puking sickness, we have been so busy and been having much fun with our boys! The weather has been unbelievable for March! We have spent most of our days outside playing... going on walks in the double stroller (which can be an extreme workout for me)... James started soccer and the weather couldn't be better!

     James' very first soccer game was this past Saturday and I am so proud of that boy!!! He is accomplishing so much at such a young age. The past few years he has participated in a few musicals with the high school, playing the kid role, this year he has taken up piano and he seems to really enjoy it! His most recent adventure though is soccer. He has not really been much for sports, but he is very excited about soccer! I am loving that he has found something that will keep him active and out doors for a bit! He did a great job at his first game, his little team won (the score was a lot of goals... to very little goals :) He would get so excited when they would score pumping his fists in the air, and while on the sidelines he was encouraging his teammates... loving every minute! His brothers were there on the sidelines to cheer him on... Henry kept yelling for "Jameser" "Go Jameser" "Run Jameser" it was too cute... while Charlie just kept trying to sneak on the field to join in on the fun himself. Our little James is growing up way way to fast but we are so proud of this little boy. What a joy he has been in my life. I can not put in to words how incredible blessed I am to be a part of this little guys life.

     Henry is growing like a weed. He will be three years old in July which is just four short months away! I can not believe three years have already come and gone with that little fella. He is so funny right now, he will talk your ear off too! He loves to watch movies, eat popsicles, play with cars and trains, ride his little four wheeler and play with his little brother. His newest thing lately is to play "pow-pow" which consist of him making a hilarious "serious" face and posing his arms like he is about to attack you. He does this ALL THE TIME. I have got to get a picture of this pose. He loves to be read to and he likes to read to you. He has "Brown Bear Brown Bear... " memorized which is so cute to hear him recite it. His favorite song is still "Oh Come All Ye Faithful", yet he refers to it as "Christ the Lord"... He request this song just about every time I put him down for a nap or to bed for the night. He likes for you to kiss (and he kisses his own) boo-boos and then it makes them all better. I love this little boy more than he will ever know. He has changed me for the better... he tests me, he needs me, and he loves me.There is no greater thing than love from your child.

     Charlie is getting closer and closer to being a two-year old. I could cry at the very thought of this. I feel like just yesterday we found out he was going to be joining us... a little tiny baby who has some how grown up to be two years old in the blink of an eye!!! I love this little boy. He talks non-stop now too! His words mostly consist of everyone and everything surrounding him. He likes to announce who is in the room (about ten times) he pulls you where ever he wants you to go... He LOVES fruit snacks and chocolate milk and popsicles, these three things alone could cure just about anything. He is such a good little napper... when we put him to bed he literally dives into his crib. He is a cuddly baby and I will forever cherish his little hugs that linger. His newest thing is saying "I love you" with hand motions.... it is the cutest thing ever! He will repeat just about anything you say. He loves cars, trains, and airplanes. He LOVES the outdoors as soon as he gets out of bed he would like milk and to go outside! He is such a morning person, happy and cheerful as soon as you get him out of the crib (unlike Henry, who needs a full glass of chocolate milk and some alone time before he talks to anyone). He also loves the word no... oh the joys of being 1 1/2.... What a sweet blessing this boy has been. I  love Charlie with all my heart...  I love to see he and Henry play together and help each other. Sometimes when one is hurt or in time-out the other goes and checks up on his brother. This is probably the sweetest thing I've ever seen. These two are bound to be close. I love my kids more and more each day. I love each one of their individual personalities. I love how they take care of each other and play together (even James gets down and plays with the little ones... its music to my heart). After having one child it is hard to imagine just how you could love another... but this is the mystery of being a mother, some how God gives us an incredible gift- that of motherly love and there is so much of it sometimes you fill like you could just explode. The more kids I have, the more love I have, the more joy we all have. It is truly incredible.

    This week is our first after a very full spring break. We went to the lake for a few days, the boys went fishing and we went on a boat ride... we had some days lounging around the house, watching the OKC Thunder play and James' soccer game. Too much fun for one week! I'm sad that it has come to an end but so glad to have all the memories we created! Charlie had his 18 month check up today and all is well... he is a healthy little guy. I am so thankful for my children and my husband (who puts up with the good, bad and ugly). I do not know how in the world I landed such a great man to call my hubby, but I did. He is my rock, with out him I would not be the mother/woman I am today. I am stronger because of him and I love him with all my heart.

     Well I could go on and on about my little family but we all have to be up bright and early tomorrow so I best go to bed and get some rest!

My Mommy Days...

Whoever knew that being a mommy would be so so much fun! I haven't written much this past week because our schedules have been quite crazy and I simply have not made time for this.

I would like to brag on my kiddos, they have been such a joy this week. Sometimes I think my day to day life gets so hectic and busy that I forget to enjoy the simple things. So tonights post is pictures of my boys and I throughout our week. We played, we laughed, we napped, we cuddled.... I could go on and on. I love my life. I am blessed beyond what I ever imagined and this evening I am thankful.

Henry 

Charlie playing with cars. 

my little climber

cheese!

they love watching movies on the "computer"

i love this guy

Howdy partner, my names Henry!

this makes my heart melt

playing with cars outside on a beautiful February day

Henry almost has this book memorized

James enjoying the iphone camera

yes, Henry loves to wear the hooded towel

this little booger melts me.

So this week try to slow down and enjoy the small stuff. My little guys won't be this small forever and I am trying to soak it all up.

Until next time... 

My Valentines...

Valentines was this week right...??? WOW... I have to say I am glad this week is coming to an end! We started our week with a sick baby. I woke up Tuesday morning to a sick little Charlie puking in his crib... YUCK! I just hate when my kids are sick, I would just do anything for them to take their pain away. So of course I took off work on Tuesday, then Wednesday I thought we were in the clear... boy was I WRONG!!! Wednesday night I began... and then Henry started... I will refrain from giving you any details, but I will say how thankful I am to have such an incredible hubby. I don't know what I would have done with out him. He took off work to take care of his puking family...  I don't know why it always seems to hit the parents worse than the kids, but it has taken me two full days to recover from this sickness!  I do have to say though, I am thankful that all we are dealing with is a simple stomach bug and nothing more serious. Lately I have been reading tons of other blogs and seeing what other people go through in their day to day lives. Some of the stories I read are absolutely unimaginable and yet so inspiring at the same time. Seeing the world through someone else's eyes every now and then can make you incredible thankful for the hand you've been dealt. I love reading people's stories, they all are so inspiring. I love to see how other people put their hope in Jesus and are proof that He is faithful. So tonight is a simple post of how thankful I am for my family and our health. I am so grateful that God has given me a few of His children to care for during our time here. A mother's love is something you just can not explain in words... I am so thankful I get to experience this kind of love in this lifetime.

So to wrap it all up... we all spent this week super sick, but at least we had each other...
here are a few pics of my little valentines...

Here is Charlie wearing his famous "Captain America" pajamas and feeling much better!!! 

Henry boy enjoying a delicious valentine cuppie!

Snow Day Ahead... (hopefully)

     Man does the weekend go by this fast for everyone??! I mean just as I feel like I get ready to settle down, it is 10 pm on a Sunday night and my eyes are burning and my body is screaming at me to "go to bed!!" This evening I am reminded of my school days, begging my parents to let me go stay the night with a friend so that when we woke up the next morning (on a snow day) I would have some entertainment... now I am still begging for a snow day but looking forward to having a day to relax and catch up on everything (my house needs to be cleaned in a bad way!). I hope when I wake up tomorrow we all get to stay in doors and find some much needed time to simply relax! I feel like a kid again when I look out the window and I am so giddy to see little flakes falling and sticking to the ground. :)  I have to give a little shout out to my amazing hubby... he is wonderful! Today I got a two hour nap!!! I can not tell you how amazing this sleep was! We both laid down to nap while the kids were resting and of course just as we begin to, one of the kiddos is up... and today it was Daddy to the rescue! (Yay for me!) 

     On another note, here are a few things I am loving right now...

     I love my church. I do not think I have ever felt this way about getting up for church on Sunday morning. As a kid, we really didn't go much... here and there and of course to the youth on wednesday nights. As an adult, I have really come to appreciate what our church is and what the people do here to make a comfortable place for us to come, learn, and worship. I am EXTREMELY thankful for a very special woman who is in the nursery with my kids every single Sunday, words can not express the gratitude I have for her. She is an angel. 

     I love to worship. I think my favorite part of a Sunday morning is praise and worship (I always hate when I am late because this is what I miss the most of!) I really love praising God with song. I love that even though I have a terrible voice, God finds beauty in it.  I also really enjoy hearing my husband lead, he is a gifted man and even though he doesn't always realize it, his talents are bringing glory to God and touching other people. I am very proud of my hubby. 

     I also love the message. No matter where you are in your walk with God or the life you live, somehow God finds a way to reach us all. We serve a mighty and powerful God. It is truly amazing to witness HIS works here. I love how today our pastor talked about marriage, but I also got something completely different out of his message as well. I love hearing stories from the bible and putting them to use in our daily lives. God is working in me everyday. He is working in my marriage, the raising of my children, and all the things I encounter daily. Put your hope in HIM, he wants to work in you and trust me He is faithful!

This song is from the set list today, it is dear to my heart right now...  Enjoy!

"HE is faithful, He is glorious and He is JESUS and all my hope is in Him, He is freedom, He is healing right now, He is hope joy, love, peace and life!!!" 

Encouraged...

     This week has been unbelievable!!! I have had such a busy busy week and it has gone by so fast! I have decided to change my major to early childhood education. I have realized that I gravitate toward the material of the little bitty kiddos and I am excited to get finished with my college career! Also this week, I signed up to take to OGET test, (which I am totally scared of at the moment!) and I finished my week with Scentsy and some of the powerful women behind this wonderful company.
   
      I started today off at the Salon at eight a.m. and then swallowed some lunch whole... and was off to a Scentsy training for directors by noon. I have been so blessed to have this company in my life. I totally fell into Scentsy, I hosted a party and signed up because I liked the products and thought it would be nice to get some free stuff from time to time, little did I know this would be the most amazing decision I have made in a long time. My first month selling, I got my first recruit... one year later I promoted to director and now have a team of almost thirty women becoming successful leaders in their own Scentsy businesses as well.  Scentsy has given my family so much, this year my Scentsy check completely funded our Christmas and then some. However, since the new year, I have really needed someone to light a fire of motivation in me!! I (just like everyone else) was needing to be encouraged! Today I got the encouragement and motivation I was longing for... I was able to meet with some incredible and successful women of this business. Today I received some wonderful enlightenment and met some great women who want to see me succeed! I am ready to make my goals become my reality! Thanks to the ladies who took the time today to come train and encourage! I am grateful!

2012 is going to be an INCREDIBLE year... would you like to join me on this journey to success??

Day 1 as Mrs. Mann...

     So today was just like any other usual Monday... get up, have some much needed quiet time before the kiddos get up and around, and get ready for the day ahead! Today was what I would like to call the beginning of my teaching days.... Which I did none of (teaching that is), but it was my first day of field experience. The real teacher introduced me as "Mrs. Mann", which I was not prepared for... sounded so weird to hear... Heather is what I was thinking, but of course the little ones began chit chatting with me as Mrs. Mann... I don't know, hopefully I'll get used to it one day...  I was assigned a sweet second grade classroom to observe over the next few months. As I entered the class today, I was quite the distraction... all of the sudden the quiet reading children became very inquisitive children... some quotes from today include:

"Who is she?"
"What is your 'teacher' name?"
"So your a man?" (Mrs. Mann... I'm sure that won't be the last time I hear that one)
"Are you a tutor or somthin?"
"Can I read to you?"
"I need some lotion!"
"sup"

And my all time favorite... "Hey, you got any dollars?" to which I responded "daughters??" then my little friend quickly responded back with "No DOLLARS, cash money, you know?!
me: "Oh no, I do not have any of those either"
my friend: "What you don't have any?!! Well I got twelve!"

Oh children. Too cute.

I'm sure there will be much more funnies ahead. I'm looking at this like the beginning of the end of my college career. There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel, it is faint but I can see it :)

Until next time...

Out on the Town...

     We began our evening in the minivan... (yes I drive a minivan and most of the time I actually like it), My how our lives have changed... If you would have told me I'd have three kids (all boys), a mortgage, and a minivan all by the age of twenty-five, I think I would have laughed out loud!!! I'm so in love with the life we have been given, never in a million years though would I have thought it would have worked out this way... (so thankful it did though)!!! So back to our evening out on the town...
     We picked up James from school, went to the bank, then decided to go out to eat with everyone (by everyone I mean the five of us, we are daring on a Friday night). I was not planning on going to dinner... I was still in the sweat pants and tee-shirt I had been cleaning in all day and not a lick of make-up... (Some how my hubby talked me into going) So we eat and the boys were very good, which makes me a proud momma... On our way out Henry tripped over his own two little feet while I was holding his hand and I look down only to notice his shoes are on the wrong feet!!! Who put those shoes on his feet??? ME!! Good grief!! So I tell Justin, I'll changed them when we get to the car... (or van whatever)... So then we are off to our next destination... TARGET!
     It is amazing to me how my two little ones always fight over who gets to sit in the seat in front, Henry cried because he had to sit in the buggy... Oh to be two again... I am sure we are a sight to see in Target with all of our kiddos... Henry is VERY loud saying every item he sees at the loudest volume he has, Charlie is usually trying to wedge his way out of the seat in front and I look back to check on James and he is lagging behind us reading a book he picked up in the dollar bin :) Oh how I love moments like these... it is so funny how much I love each one of those boys, and to see how different each child is!!
     Normally in my single, pre-mom days, I would go through each rack of clothes, shoes, stationary, and home decor.... now my Target days consist of walking straight past the clothes, shoes, etc. and immediately to the diapers, wipes, toothpaste, trashbags, etc.(and I still enjoy Target as much as I ever did before...) As I gathered up all of our staple items, we stop for a gift for our friend Preston (he is having an Angry Bird themed birthday party tomorrow and we are EXCITED!) and to the check out we go...
     On the way home Justin and I decided to treat ourselves to a little starbucks drink... full of unnecessary calories, but totally worth the cheat! As we are driving home, he and I were just talking about how great our kids were at the restaurant, how we just spent our Friday night running around town, how close to bed time it was, and then I asked him if he had seen the new ford taurus... and then he just started cracking up laughing... it is so funny how much our lives and conversations have completely changed... and we absolutely love it! Justin was telling me earlier today how incredibly happy he was right now, how sweet our lives were with our three kids. We are blessed!
     So I know I totally just bragged and blogged about how awesome our kids are and how much we love them and how blessed our life is and I'm sorry if that bored you to death... but I'm just a bit giddy tonight about my little family, its funny how everything works out :)

 So to end I'm going to share a few pics of our night out...

Henry wearing my shades 

Charlie boy... a little ray of sunshine

James with his new book... Oliver Twist

Oh yes and I forgot to let you know... I totally forgot to fix Henry's shoes and didn't realize this until we were getting dressed for bed!!! Mom of the year right here!!! HA!

Rise Above...

     And just like that another weekend is over! Life just flies by these days... I had a very busy weekend!! I started my weekend off with an epic fall in the UCO  library, yes I said fall. As most of you know, I am trying to finish my bachelor degree which is in elementary education. The deadline to apply for the program was last Friday, and of course I was up there on the last day trying to get it all done. I had a few bumps in the road last week while trying to finish up my application and get it turned in, which resulted in me rushing around like a crazy women! As I had finished up all the signatures, meetings, and the scheduling of interviews, I had it ready to go! All I had to do at this point was take my paper work to room 207... As I'm walking from the very back of a very crowded library, I completely lose my footing; and instead of just falling to the floor right then, I try to catch myself... this resulting in a completely ridiculous me flailing around trying to catch myself... At this point in my life, I was just glad I could get myself up and together to continue walking (30 more feet, might I add) out of this library and to my destination. I was and still am very sore from the wonderful fall... but, I got everything turned in on time and will be excited for this month of testing and interviews to be well on its way! 

    Saturday was Scentsy's annual "Spring Sprint", I love going to these types of events! I love motivational speakers, and I love to hear other peoples stories! It is amazing to hear how different men and women have been blessed, and in turn how they have been able to bless others! I am so excited about the opportunity ahead and can not wait to put everything I learned this weekend into practice!! Through direct sales, you are always hearing advice from other people, what works for them, how they run their business etc. and you can hear and write notes and be motivated all day long, but until you get up and put these "ideas" into practice all you will ever have is a dream. I think there is still so much to be accomplished in this business, so many ways we can be blessing other people and I am so excited about setting goals and achieving them (and hopefully blessing others along the way)!!! 

     Tonight my mind is on overload... from school, to the kids, to work, Scentsy, church, and bills bills bills!!! I was thinking about this weekend, about how I literally fell on my face, but some how got up and kept on going. In life (and in business),  we hit walls... barriers, obstacles, negativity... I know this all to well. I think it is during these times that we let ourselves fall short of what God has planned for us.These are the times we need to push forward and grow. One of the studies I am reading through my You Version app is called "living a divinely inspired life", (I told you I love motivation), today's reading began like this:

 "Break Barriers"

     "When you face barriers that threaten to hinder you from achieving your dreams, or you encounter obstacles that want to discourage you, GO HIGHER."

    

     "Rise above your circumstance in the spirit through prayer. Boldly approach the throne of grace and seek the grace and anointing of God to overcome everything that threatens your destiny."

    

     "Ask for the courage to break down barriers that have risen against you. Let God give you divinely inspired strategies to use in every situation."

     

    "Do not let anything or anyone stop you from reaching your divinely assigned moon."

Mark 2:3-6

Luke 19:2-4

     So this year I am going to set goals and dream big and pray though it all, because I know that the Lord has some great plans :)

Until next time...

Thankful...

     I have to start out by thanking everyone who have been reading and praying for baby Ryker, he has made it through three heart surgeries and is still going strong. He seems to be taking two steps forward and one step back, but with our prayers and God he will make it through this!! Please continue to pray for recovery and rest for Ryker and his family!
     I have had such a long day today, sometimes when I am going through my daily grind I don't really know how I am managing it all... but it all works out! I am really excited about tomorrow... I am meeting with some of my Scentsy directors to make some fun projects for our team and then I will be getting my hair done, its funny because I used to some what dread going and sitting for two hours at the salon, especially when I started working there, but now it's so nice to have some girly me time. I look forward to this so much.
      Saturday is Scensty's Annual Spring Sprint... I am so excited this year, I have a team of twenty-four people last year I had a team of two!! So awesome to see how things can change in one year!! I am excited to see what the future holds, as far as Scentsy goes! If you are looking for a wonderful business opportunity please talk to me... I've been very blessed through this company!!
     The deadline for the teacher education program is tomorrow and of course I am waiting until then to turn my application in... I would love to be more on top of things and more organized but I'm just not... So tomorrow begins a new journey in my busy life... let's just hope I make it in!!
   
     Although today was somewhat stressful and long, when I come home to hear a sweet little voice "Mommy come lay with me", I am reminded how incredibly blessed we truly are. I can't imagine life with out all three of my boys.They are what keeps me going, what makes me want to be a better person, and a better christian. I think it is crazy to think that I never knew this kind of love until the kids were brought into my life.  There was a time in my life when I didn't know if I would be able to have kids, I was actually told this by several doctors.... HIS plan is so much bigger than we can ever fathom... I will be forever grateful!

Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?"

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."

UPDATE

     Last night, I told you about a family that was going through, what I would describe as unimaginable. I know that we have been praying all day for Ryker and his family. I believe the Lord will answer our prayers and HE will be glorified through it all. Now for an update...
     So Baby Ryker had his open heart surgery today, he did quite well through surgery and was off life support shortly after... Praise God! However, he is having some complications and the doctors are not quite sure what is causing this. Please continue to pray for healing, rest, and strength. I know the family of this precious baby is grateful for everyone of you who have lifted them up.

All this are possible through Christ...

Keeping the FAITH and the prayer chain going!

A Simple Request

     My heart is hurting tonight for a family, a family with a three week old baby boy who is having open heart surgery tomorrow. I can not imagine the emotions that this mother and father are feeling this evening. Just as my heart hurts while I watch this video of such an innocent baby, it is filled with joy at the same time. Times like these call for believers everywhere to get on your knees and pray, calling out to the Lord for his healing and mercy.  I am overloaded with joy because we serve such an incredible God, who is very faithful. His promise to never leave us, he is with us ALWAYS. When life is going good, he is there to be praised. When trouble hits, he is there to bring us through and to be given ALL THE GLORY! I know that many people will be reading this blog and facebook posts on numerous pages, and my hope is that you will say a prayer for baby Ryker and his family. That the Lord will bring strength and healing and that He will be glorified through it all.

Matthew 21:22 "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will recieve."

Lamentations 3:41 "Let us lift up our hearts and hands To God in heaven."

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with them."

TEAM RYKER
(here is a link to meet this precious boy)

     My simple request is that you would share this with someone and lift up your hearts and hands to the Lord for this sweet family.

God is good...

An eye opener...

     I don't even know where to begin... I can't believe I am about to share this with you but here it goes... Henry has been potty training (and doing quite well, might I add). Over the weekend we had to pull over on the side of the road to let him go pee, he couldn't hold it and we were in the middle of no where. So ever since then he has thought is was amusing to stand up to use the restroom (until then he had just been sitting). So for the rest of the weekend he has been standing up to pee and he comes and tells us every time so we can clap and cheer... So this morning as I am getting ready for church and the boys are playing, Henry comes running into my bathroom and begins to use the restroom... I decide to check on him just to make sure he's got every thing under control and then it happens... so fast I didn't even know what to think or do... some how, some way his stream of pee is shooting straight up in the air and hits me right in the eye!!!!! Yes, you read it right... my son peed in my eye!!! I didn't know where to begin... so I rinsed out my eye and cleaned Henry up. The things that happen to you as a Mom... This was a real "eye opener", I would have never thought this could happen. I have had lots of advice about how to potty train a boy, but no one ever told me "watch out for your face"!!!!

     In other news I had a two hour nap today thanks to my hubby! What a wonderful man :) So I am probably going to be wide awake for quite some time. We had a pretty great day. I was extremely late for church this morning... which is so disappointing because I really look forward to the worship all week long and of course that is what I miss when I am running late. This evening we got out the video camera and recorded the boys all playing together. What fun it is to watch them with each other. They are so entertaining. I hope one day they will be able to look back and see how adorable they all were at this sweet age.

     This week Rose State College begins, I am taking two classes there because they are half the price of UCO. It is nice to be close... stay close, go far right?!?! As this week begins, so does my grind of being a full time student. My schedule this semester is a little more demanding and intruding. I will be doing my first round of observations this semester and that is thirty hours outside of everything else we have going on. I know I will make the time and with God's help, it will all work out... this will be interesting! Here's to a new great week ahead...

Weekend Oh Weekend...

    Oh there is so much to share... first off let me start by saying I am not a fan of board games... not at all. First of all I am absolutely terrible at trivia... especially pointless trivia and I get a bit embarrassed when put on the spot during some kind of "team" game, afraid of getting stuck just saying... "uhhhh..." Last night however Justin and I went over to the White's and we had so much fun! We never have a Friday night to hang out together, usually Justin is working one of his many jobs so there really isn't much fun to be had. So last night he was off work and I was off work Saturday (which never happens either) So I called my niece to come over and sit the kiddos. We hung out with some awesome friends and I have decided after last night and a trial run at trivial pursuit, I still dislike  board games (and I'm still no good at them) but, Taboo... I love. We had so much fun... we are so lucky to have such great people in our lives. We need to make more time to have nights like these!
     Today was pretty wonderful and productive! It was so nice to be home today with the fam... watching the boys play and dance... it makes my heart so happy. This is what life is all about :) I have been working in a salon for almost six years now. I have always worked on Saturdays and I have always hated that about my career. This week though I took off and stayed home with the family. I can probably count on one hand how many times that has happened. I really love my job, and even on Saturdays I love it once I get there, but I feel like I am missing out on so much when I am working on the only day that everyone else is off. Justin and I have never had the same days off. Saturdays I have always been at the salon and Sundays he goes into church before we ever wake up. We do have Sunday afternoons together, but usually we are so exhausted from our week we nap and do dinner then before I know it, its time for bed. It was so nice today to be able to sleep in, eat a big breakfast with my boys, and stay in my pj's until well after noon :) We deep cleaned each of the boys bedrooms and rearranged James' room. I don't know what it is about a freshly clean and organized space that makes me feel so accomplished, but it does  (it's probably because my life in general is unorganized and crazy). If only I could have got to my room today. :/
     My baby sister came home from OSU this weekend and is staying with us tonight... I love these nights that we get to hang out. It isn't very often but it sure is nice to spend time with her. I have been looking for gas friendly cars (if there is such a thing) ever since I started driving to Edmond twice a week and today I thought I had found an answer to my car prayers... So since Tayler was here she stayed with the boys for an hour or so and Justin and I went to look at a car that I had found online. Before we left, I asked God to make it clear to me whether or not to buy this car. It seemed a bit too good to be true. I even told Justin, I just need to go look at it... So we get there, they get the keys and we walk over to the car only for the sales man to get inside and the first thing he says is "I guess someone must have stolen the stereo..." So I'm thinking 'it doesn't have a stereo??!!'... then just as I'd asked, it could not have been more clear... the salesman's next quote... "I can't get this car into gear... what's wrong with this transmission..." I then silently just said a little "thank you Lord" ;) I honestly felt a little bad for the guy, but oh well. It's funny how God can speak to us in all kinds of little ways. I was once told by a Sunday school teacher that you shouldn't pray for silly things but I have to say I completely disagree. I think God wants to hear about everything in our lives and I love when God can speak to me or hold a bold presence in such an incredible way.  I am thankful to serve a faithful God.Where would I be with out him?? I just might have bought that "lemon" of a car... :)

     So tonight I'm encouraging you to speak to God about anything... believe in the power of prayer.

Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."

Until next time... 

What a day...

     I am so tired and yet I'm up at 1:39am blogging away...  (maybe the diet dr. pepper I had at 10pm has something to do with it) I am so overwhelmed by what is to come in the future! Scentsy launched their new products so hear it goes... these first two I am sharing with you are extensions of the line Scentsy. Did you know that stamps are going up to .46 on Monday? Worry no more! Scentsy Inc. added a new fabulous product and it will be available to purchase March 1st!! Introducing Sincerely Scent... with this product you can buy the card INCLUDING postage for $2.85, they are scented, you can schedule it 364 days in advanc, you can upload a photo and a digital signature, and it is automatically mailed out... that's right... NO walking to your mailbox or going to the post office! Let Scentsy make you life easier... more to come soon....

http://www.sincerelyscent.com/

Next we have Layers by Scentsy... This line extension will offer body spray, perfume, hand cream, lotion, body butter, shower gel and cream. Also, we will be offering a laundry care line with a dryer disk and scents for you laundry detergent. Now you can enjoy the scents you already love and layer them throughout your life! I am so excited to try all these new products!

http://scentsy.net/layers.aspx

There will be a new brand launching in May.... Welcoming Velata.... 

A chocolate fondue warmer... with 14 warmers and 4 flavors of chocolate you will be able to 

melt every moment with Velata! 

http://www.velata.net/

I told you I was on overload... now you see why! I will have much more information about these new line extensions and new brands very soon! Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have! Here's to 2012 and all the fun and exciting things to come!

Until next time....

01/17/2012

     What an exciting week I have had! A new semester means all kinds of new things for our family, our schedules are somewhat centered around each "semester"... This always means a new sports schedule for Justin, a new school/work schedule for myself and the boys (and my gmas) are adjusting to a new schedule themselves. I am so blessed and down right lucky to have such and incredible family who is helping us in a tremendous way this "semester"... grandmas keeping babies = free child care! Because I am not working much these days in the salon, and funds are kind of tight, it is so cool to see how the Lord provides in times of need. We always have more than we need and I will be forever grateful!

     As far as my school goes, this is my second week at UCO and I am loving it! I thought I would hate the long drive and the late nights, but it is giving me some time to myself, some quiet time, time to reflect and I have to say Although I miss my family terribly, I am growing to really appreciate those quiet drives to Edmond and back. I will be starting my first round of observations in a couple of weeks which excites me! Also, I am able to apply to the teacher education program for the first round of applicants (praying I pass the OGET)! I am starting to see a small light at the end of my education tunnel. On another note, Justin is considering finishing his masters.... He is a such a strong willed, smart, and successful man I know whatever he puts his mind to he will be great at. We are looking into different programs to see which best suits him and our family. I am beyond excited about this because it will only allow more positive opportunities to come his way. I am blessed beyond measure to have such a hard working hubby... I appreciate him so much. It is so crazy to think about life before him, I am so giddy to be sharing my life with him :)

     The boys are getting rowdy these days!!!!! I know God doesn't ever give us more than we can handle, but sometimes I am a bit fearful of how my future will be in this house surrounded by all these BOYS! ;) (I'm kidding... well kind of) Early on this week I caught the youngest two (2 & 1) 'trading hits' and cracking up... they push and shove and wrestle and they are only one and two.... Justin keeps telling me this is only the beginning.... Henry is becoming a bossy little two year old, I sometimes hear him scolding Charlie "Charlie Mann, NO SIR!' I usually remind him that he is NOT the mommy.... Charlie is learning new words every day but it at that stage where communication is some what of an issue... He knows exactly what he wants, but can't always let you know what that is,  so this results in lots of moments of an EXTREMELY frustrated Charlie. poor guy. We went over to my grandmothers today and he loved being outside and kept going over to the dogs to pet and play. James has now begun his second semester of third grade, I keep reverting back to the days when he was Henry's age and I can't get that vision out of my mind... I can NOT  believe he is a third grader!!! He is still as smart as a whip and loving the performing arts at the young age of eight. My boys sure keep me on my toes and I love them more than anything on this earth. Crazy how much love you can have for each one of your kids. :)

     As far as work goes... SCENTSY has some very exciting news they are sharing sometime Friday and I can not wait to hear details!!! They are going to be releasing new brands with new products for customers to buy and consultants to sell. This is going to be an incredible ground-breaking opportunity and I am so excited to be a part of such incredible happenings!!

     Well it is now past midnight and I should really be getting some rest... long day of work and school tomorrow. One last thing before I end here...  Justin and I are trying to come up with a devotional/reading plan that we can do together, we have never actually done this before. I have my own quiet time and he has his... but we are feeling led to do something together (quite honestly we should have done this long ago, but better late than never!) One thing I am feeling led to do right now is to pray more... and be a believer in my prayers. I pray on a pretty consistent basis, but I'm talking real intimate moments with God every single day. I absolutely believe in the power of prayer and I'm challenging myself to more of it! I read this scripture on my twitter feed today and it really spoke to me. Sometimes we don't understand why we are going through what's in front of us, in struggles and in good times, but God's plan is so much bigger than we could ever imagine. I know right now for our family, we are beyond blessed and we are so grateful for those blessings but there are times when I get down and confused, but tonight I am reminded that every moment we live God has a purpose and a plan for our lives. I am so grateful to serve such a loving, gracious, and faithful God.

Mathew 11:22 "...Have faith in God!"

Quiet Time...

   As I sit here while my babies are sleeping, enjoying some quiet time to myself, I am overwhelmed with all the amazing stuff that is going on in our lives right now. It is official... the new year is here and with that come some changes! Changes in everyday life and changes for the future. I had been very lazy during the holidays in 2011, eating like crap! So since Justin's birthday I began to diet, mainly not eat carbs and sugars and drink more fluids! The first week was really hard to stay on the strict diet itself, but very rewarding loosing 8 pounds in one week. Now I am stuck and at what most call a plateau... I lost a total of 11 pounds but I am stuck here! This is very frustrating! At least I haven't gained I guess... Anyway everyone is back to their routine, Justin and James are back in school and I started at UCO this week and will start at Rose in two weeks. This semester is going to be a bit crazy for me...I am in class pretty much every day Tuesdays are going to be extremely busy... class at 12:30 class at 4:30 and at 7:30... thankfully that is just one day a week! Justin is having to step into the role of Mommy and Daddy at night, it will be an adjustment for all but we are handling it well. We have been very blessed this semester because my grandmothers are helping us with the kids, coming over to our house and watching them while I work or go to school. This is a God send. The money we will be saving while they are helping us is unreal. Childcare is soooo expensive and I actually had a really good deal going... It has been so incredible to be able to keep the kids home, easy on Mom and easy on them. They are getting to play with their own toys, sleep in their own beds, and spend some much needed "grandma" time, which I'm sure they both love! In times like these when people such as family, step out and lend a hand I am reminded how fortunate we are as a family. I am so blessed to have so many people loving us and our children.
     On another note, I am trying to read more of God's word daily. It is amazing how every day he speaks to me through scripture, and the stories of other people. I have a lot on my heart these days and God is working me through it all. As I try to keep up with all my duties and titles in life... daughter, mommy, wife, hair stylist, scentsy consultant, student... etc. I am trying to remember that God loves me as just Heather... not how good of a hair stylist I am or how clean my house is (thank goodness ! ha!) or how good of grades I make or how I look on the outside... He loves my heart and I am so thankful for that today.

1 Peter 3:4 "Instead, make yourselves beautiful on the inside, in your hearts, with enduring quality of a gentle, peaceful spirit. This type of beauty is very precious in God's eyes."


And I think I hear someone crying... that didn't last long :)


Until next time... 

And it Begins... 2012

     So much has gone on in the few short weeks that I've written... Christmas... Christmas... Christmas...
We are so lucky to have so much fun on Christmas break. I do not know what I would do without having the hubby home for a good two weeks! Love his school breaks! We have so many Christmas celebrations it is unreal! Sometimes I find myself dreading the hustle and bustle but then again I totally enjoy the madness! We began this year with Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Carolyn's house, James got an awesome telescope, Henry and Charlie got talking big bird and super grover (which we brought with us everywhere for the rest of the weekend). We had yummy food and fun with family! Christmas morning at our home was next, my sisters came over to spend the night. After dinner we all piled in the minivan and went looking at Christmas lights! This will become a tradition! We went all over looking at lights... some were so bright I felt my retina's burning! On Christmas morning, my parents and grandparents came over at 7:30 to see the boys open their gifts... of course I was waking them up at 8:30 (they decided to sleep in). We all had several pots of coffee and watched my cuties open presents... Henrys reaction to everything was "WOOOOW!" He was so much fun! Charlie opened one toy and that was all he wanted... the "mater" out of the box...  After all the presents we all got ready for our delicious family lunch at the Richardson household. My grandmother has a tradition of making an amazing lasagna on Christmas day... I seriously could eat this everyday! It is my favorite thing to eat! After lunch we headed out to get James and bring him home to open gifts... he got some great stuff this year... Santa really does bring awesome gifts to good little boys! Then of course we were off to our final destination... Grandma Doris and Papa Rex's home. My boys love to go to see their grandparents... Justin has a HUGE family, he is the youngest of five boys and they all have multiple children :) There are 15 grandkids. Needless to say the kiddos have tons of fun! I can not imagine not having all these places to go and people to see on such a glorious day celebrating the birth of our King! I am so excited to have a young family of my own, start new traditions and continue old ones! This is what its all about!
     After Christmas we have a very important day to follow... Justin's birthday is December 30th... He was pleasantly surprised by my grandparents who gifted him a BRAND new sound system with speakers! (if only you could have seen the ghetto setup of a "sound system" we had before) I had no idea they were going to give this to him and he was like a kid in a candy store! We celebrated Justin's 34th birthday watching the Oklahoma Sooners with friends and family! (which as I am typing this very second he is now re-watching this game... I will never understand his love affair with football...) Other than getting to bed after 2am it was a great night!
     As for the new year ahead.... I can not believe it is already here! Time flies so fast as you age... this is true and especially when you have children and are as busy as us!!! I spent this new years eve at home with my baby boys... I think I was in bed before 10... (also the fun you have differs greatly when you become a mommy) Today is the first day in 2012 and it has been a great one! I got to start the day with my babies, go to church and hear the most beautiful voice lead us in worshiping our God! He has been so very good to us and I love more than anything praising him with song! Justin and I are beginning our diets today... we need to shed those pounds we gained over the holiday! It is nice to have a Sunday where we get to be lazy and hang out... (Although I spent most of my day studying for an interim class I am taking-which I will NEVER do again!) The boys all took long good naps and woke up ready to play! Tomorrow is one of our last days together before the work week starts up again... and school begins for James. We get to get our little James back tomorrow and I am so excited to see that boy! Well I am sure I will have many new adventures and stories in the future! Here is to 2012...

Happy New Year!