think this is how Taylor Swift got started?

A few of my favorite things

Everything about this picture


I finally found a short sleeved, cotton cropped sweater that I like.


(Forever 21 sweater, Old Navy skirt)

My son, the baseball player


Even in the store he's in player mode

Again the candy apples



They couldn't get used to the caramel. I get that-I prefer candy apples, (the red gooey stuff,) but at kroger they had these ready-made so I jumped on the 10 for 10 price tag.


Mm good. Joy got over the caramel fear and had no problem polishing hers off. She's her Mother's daughter.


Praise the Lord it's cool enough to play outside again!

Happy Wednesday y'all!

God works all things together for good

This last week we had an appointment with our beloved pediatrician for Ty's 5 year check-up. We knew going in that this would be the time we talked about his progress in school and any concerns we had before he starts "real" school next year. We talked about the move, (or the 'non-move') as we call it, he told her all about his birthday and what he likes doing now...pretty much baseball from sun up to sun down...and he was downright chatty with her. He knew that he didn't get a shot during his visit so he was relaxed and comfortable. It's during times like this that I see the concerns about his progress diminish. He's come so far in his abilities to talk to people in real conversations and he's expressive and affectionate. I told her that this is the real him and I'm glad he's showing her. Sometimes, (almost every time,) we see her he's quiet and terrified. Talk to me before your kid's 4 year check-up. It can be traumatic. Anyway...

After her examination she said that the way he acted during the time in the room reminded her of a kid with Aspergers. When we first told her our concerns when he was 2, then 3, she observed him and concluded that he was improving in all areas. No regression, no withdrawal, etc. so she wasn't concerned about Autism. We took him to a developmental pediatrician when he was 3 1/2 and that doctor came to the same conclusion. The only diagnosis was a speech delay and he started PPCD. His life has really opened up since starting at his school, y'all have heard all about that. We are so thankful and pleased with his teachers. So anyway she suggested that we have the school test him since he's already in PPCD so that when it's time for Kindergarten we will be able to help him in all possible ways. While right now his only issue in school has been related to noise level, there may be other things that bother him in a classroom of more kiddos.

We are looking ahead and there are a few balls rolling already. Hopefully the school testing can happen quickly since he is already enrolled in a PPCD program. I called four developmental pediatricians the day we talked with our doctor and all of them have huge wait lists. That will likely be a long process from what I can see and judging what I've heard from other parents. Oh, a piece of the puzzle that I forgot to mention is that the doctor we saw a few years ago with Ty is not practicing anymore. She retired and sent referrals for her patients way back when but Lord knows where that list is?????

When we walked out of the office last week we were not surprised. We were not caught off guard. We know Ty and we love him whole heartedly and we are very blessed to have him as our son. We recognize when he is struggling and we try to help him cope and of course none of that will change. But there is another level of unknowns. How will he do in team sports? How will he do once we move and he starts over? The big answer is we don't know. But we are like any other parents-we will adapt and do what we can to help our kid. We will figure it out. We will learn more as time goes on but right now all that we know for sure is that he "likely" has a sensory disorder and also probably meets the criteria for an Aspergers diagnosis. Y'all, I need to post a video of him talking about his love of all things number-related. He has got an amazing little brain. Sometimes he asks me questions like, "Mom what is 81+496?" and I answer, "Uh, give me a minute honey..." and hope he moves on to something easier like 1+1. 11+11 even. I can do that one! Ha!

While we aren't sure what's coming next and what all will change with a new diagnosis we are so proud of Ty and what he has been able to overcome and control in his little 5 year-old life. God has a plan for him and is not surprised by the timing of all of this. The same way God isn't surprised or taken back by how slowly the house thing is going. Maybe, just maybe God has orchestrated all of this for good as He says He will do. WE KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE! If we had already moved before this new development he wouldn't be as comfortable in his classroom. He wouldn't be as sure of his place within his class. And the love between his teaches and him is just precious for this momma to see. So we are still in a waiting period about our house but we feel like it's probably a blessing for Ty. Remind me of that when I complain, will you? :)

Thanks y'all.

The weekend in pictures

"Hello world"


Nothing like putting a puzzle together


I don't know where Charlie gets it?


So proud


Two year-old for sale. Free shipping

Long post coming y'all. You need your rest for this one!

Flashback Friday

Ty edition


Man I love my boy. Happy Friday y'all!

What I Wore Wednesday

For Bible study on Friday
(the church is always cold so I can wear jeans and not die)

Dress: Sundance
Jeans: Levi's (had them since high school!)
Boots: Corral


I even took a cardigan it can be so cold in our church. It's Heaven.

Cardigan: Anthropologie


Tunic: Forever 21
Shorts: no tag left (that old)
Shoes: Ruche

And another kind of outerwear:

Our fence has fallen apart so today we had a side of it replaced. This is the before pic. Kinda bare if you ask me.


I'll show you the after tomorrow. Y'all have a happy evening.

Lately

We went to see Sean's parents for Ty's birthday celebration. Joy rode this horse approximately 700 times.





They gave him these. Wedgets I think is the name of them. So fun. The building possibilities are endless-you can turn them on their side and they all fit together.





We have dressed up as princesses

Even momma:





This is where I find my princess accessories: Little Miss Momma's Etsy store





Hello little guys





Ty went to his first bowling birthday party and he loved it. I had no idea how he'd do since he's never been to Main Event, (I know, I know, he's five...but anyway,) he had the best time.





The birthday boy Gabriel. Gabe is Ty's best little friend from school and this year Gabe is in Kindergarten so Ty is depressed. He comes running off the bus some days yelling, "I saw him today Mom I saw Gabriel!"





Here he is bowling during the party.

Y'all see the number of pictures on my phone? That's why I couldn't video him playing-no more space on my phone. I have an addiction to phone pictures.





We made our presence known at Costco





And some days we just created adventurous places like "the princess castle box," an empty pull-ups box. Praise the Lord it's cool enough to be outside again!

So that's a little of what we've been doing. How 'bout you?

We are

A family



And we are

Full of funny inside jokes that we don't remember the origin of

Often full of junk food we aren't supposed to eat

Enjoying school. All of us.

Longing to live on a farm that boasts high speed Internet capabilities

Trying to survive a really long season of waiting

Laughing often

Starting to have dance parties after bath time thanks to my anniversary present from Sean (ihome player)

Toying with the idea of potty training our youngest troop

But stocking up on princess pull-ups

Dreaming of winter

Putting final touches on Halloween costumes. We start early

Mostly coloring outside the lines

Proud that our 5 year-old baseball player is actually coloring INSIDE the lines

Watching our 3 year-old master the art of wrapping her daddy around her finger

And remembering how far our 2 year-old has come thanks to the prayers of many, our God, and a few very smart doctors.

We are grateful to be here.

Even though we'd move tomorrow.

I guess we're a totally normal family.

Right?

Right?

Bueller?

(little family craft by Charlie)

Breaking Free

This morning we started our Fall Bible study at church. We are working through the study Breaking Free, one of Beth Moore's studies. I'm excited about what will come from this semester mainly because I have no idea which direction God will work in as far as what I'm bound to that I shouldn't be. Things like anxiety, fear, piddling, (what Sean and I call doing nothing,) you name it I'm probably doing it. I am a fallen, fearful mess most days. I like to find the positive though, so I have a good time most days too. There's something about watching your kids wearing only their underwear running laps in the backyard on an early Fall day that just make you happy. Our neighbors? Maybe not quite as happy.

Now for a little secret? I don't actually know any of our neighbors. I know a sweet woman down a few houses and that's it. She came over to greet us when we first moved into our house and she's been a constant encouragement ever since. A few years ago I knocked on the door to my next door neighbors' house and asked for help getting my car started. The man was very nice and helpful and did, in fact, get my car started. I haven't had a conversation with him since.

I'm sure it's starting to make sense why we might be in the market to move to a smaller town. I'm looking forward to knowing people who live by us. Maybe even hanging out with people who live by us. Borrowing sugar or Diet Dr Pepper or what have you. As I'm writing this I'm starting to wonder if we scare our neighbors and that's why we don't know them? Hm something to think about...what with all the naked running around in the backyard. Well, the kids are doing that, not us. Just being clear.

Moving on...

(you're welcome,)

I really want to learn to be efficient with Pinterest. I'm not good at it, y'all. I totally like the idea of it I just can't remember how to take what I see to my own board or pins or whatever. Help me? Okay great.

It's raining right now. This reminds me of last weekend when I was at a birthday party and I looked across the yard and saw my son buck naked from the waist down just standing there. Um. I looked up to see my Mom, mortified at the same scene, telling me Ty's explanation under her breath, hoping I could talk some sense into him. I asked him why he took his pants off. "Well, I don't want them on anymore. They aren't good anymore." (He was wearing his swimsuit before the naked-ness.) "Why aren't they good?" "Well because they're just not. I want to take them off." "Well, no you put them back on. Right now." He eventually did, but it took some serious threats about the taking away of the baseball goodies.

My next point-Ty is loving baseball right now, more than life itself. He is a chip off the old block, that one. I spent my childhood watching my brother's games and love baseball very much. When I think of my adolescent years when I developed new crushes multiple times a day, I can remember that almost every boy I liked played baseball with my brother. It made sense, I guess, since that's the only people I was ever around. I didn't marry a baseball player. God has a sense of humor.

For a post about nothing I sure did write a lot. Sorry y'all. The rain is throwing me off. I'm gonna go watch it. Night Night.

WIWT

Because it's Thursday...and because I had food poisoning on Tuesday and I'm now fully recovered, (thank you, Lord,) plus because I'm so tired from disciplining my newly minted 5 year-old, here are the pics-with minimal words.



Top: Ross
Skirt: Anthropologie
Shoes: Shopruche



Shirt: Johnny Was (hand me down from MIL-thank you Louraine!)
Jeans: Big Star (from Nordstrom 2 years ago)
Boots: Corral (from Sheplers)


Love this shirt. So pretty.


Shirt: Anthro
Shorts: Academy
Shoes: Clarks (from Ross) a long time ago

I took Charlie to Sam Moon for the first time this week.


She's found her new happy place.

"Mommy look at all the pink stuff! I'm so happy!"

Good night y'all. Yes I'm going to bed. Right now.

It's 7:03 pm.

5

Ty's birthday is today. He's 5.


I could have never imagined how much I'd love you Ty. I'm so proud of you and how sweet you are. You are wonderfully made by God. When you were a baby I prayed that I could be a good mother to you. I prayed that God would help me during those sleepless nights when I thought, "God, I can't do this. This job is too hard for me. What if I fail?"

You taught me about grace and how loving me even when I fail is the perfect picture of how God loves and forgives me. Even when you've had a rough day and I've stayed on you constantly you still want me to comfort you and hold you.

I'm filled with joy because of you. Happy Birthday little man.

Never forget

I saw this picture in an email and found it so powerful. Where were you ten years ago today? I remember where I was. I was paralyzed with fear, hundreds of miles away from home. I felt like I couldn't get back fast enough. I drove all night and all day to get there. I listened to the news, then my Ginny Owens CD, trying to figure out what in the world would happen next. And there was no answer but this: No idea. But He knows. He's sitting on His throne and He is watching us.

Praying for peace for the families who have endured horrific loss, confusion, and heartache.

"Come to me you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-29

Hello love

Yep it's time. Bring it on Fall we are ready!

Lunch date

"Really Mom? Really? You're driving me crazy."

Can't you just see it in a few years? You know what he said for real after I took this pic?

Mom I sure do like Tuesdays and Thursdays 'cause it's just me and you. No girls."

Awwwww.

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'm actually a girl.

WIWW: I dye clothes edition

I'm addicted to Rit dye. It's the cheapest way to makeover your closet. Exhibits A and B:



A: This shirt used to be a bright melon color, (but sleeves were too long for Summer for me,) and it's now the perfect Fall color. (shirt from Sams)


B: this one used to be a pale gray and now it's a much more happy color. (JCrew)


Tank top: Old Navy
Skirt: gift
Belt: Fossil (from Restyle)


Fave outfit of the week:

Top: J jill (Restyle)
Skirt: Anthro
Shoes: Miz Mooz a few years ago

I came down the stairs in this and Sean said, "Well that's one way to be colorful." Yes, yes honey it is. I loved it!

Y'all have a great day!

Just another day in paradise

If you live anywhere near me it's safe to assume you've been loving this weather. Today was beautiful and yesterday was too. We've been to the park three times in the last two days. I'm so happy when we can play outside. Like any kids around their ages, my kids are too.

Joy and Charlie went to school today for the second time and they both had a good time. I was a little worried this morning because Joy told me she wanted to "stay him wit yew Mommy" instead of go to school. I knew once she got there she'd have fun and I was relieved that when we got to the door to her room she walked right in. It makes the time away so much more fun when you know they are happy, doesn't it? Charlie loves it of course. Y'all know her-friends and toys with a hint of a snack and she's a happy camper. This morning she ran clear across the room to hug the director of her school and I apologized to the lady, (Charlie like body-slammed her,) and she said, "I love Charlie and she makes me feel like a rock star when she beelines for me every time she sees me." Um, y'all, it's a week into school and apparently she has done this many times already. Lord help me.

I ran a ton of errands during my free time today, (amazing how many places you can go in a few hours!) and I was so refreshed when I picked the girls up. I said, "Thank You, Lord," a hundred times on our way home. Mainly because when I picked Joy up her teacher said she talked more today and danced during their little music time. Those two things mean one thing: She's comfortable. Oh, and she ran back to hug her teacher when we walked away. HUGE.

Okay it's getting late and I've got two loads of laundry left to do. It's a glamorous life. And I'm loving it.

Celebrating

Yesterday our pastor talked about living our lives in celebration of who God is instead of looking at our circumstances and reacting to them. He said that if we truly seek to rejoice in what God is doing our circumstances won't control how how feel. He gave us all cards to put up around the house with words from Philippians in The Message translation. Here is what the card says:

CELEBRATE GOD!

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him!

Make it as clear as you can to all you meet

that you're on their side,

working with them and not against them.

Help them see that the Master is about to arrive.

He could show up any minute!

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray.

Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers,

letting God know your concerns.

Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness,

everything coming together for good,

will come and settle you down.

It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry

at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends,

I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating

on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling,

gracious--the best, not the worst;

the beautiful, not the ugly;

things to praise, not things to curse.

Philippians 4:4-8 (The Message)

I need to put this all over my house and really work on doing it. It's remarkable how much you can face when you go into each day with an attitude of thankfulness and peace. Hoping to focus on Him instead of my anxieties today!

The weekend in pictures

In n out (Ty's first request for his leggos)


New leggo table I found at the resale store for $15


New pink car from the resale store $2


Princess Charlotte

You could say it's been a same-ole, same-ole weekend. No house news but no bad news either.

Oh, and Gig 'em Aggies!

Flashback Friday

Joy edition


The day before her surgery


Today going to Kroger. Eating a whole apple in about four minutes.

First Day

This morning I went into the girls' room and said, "Today we all go to school!" I don't know who was more excited-Charlie, Joy, or me. Ha. It was so adorable watching Charlie teach Joy how to go to school. "First, we take a bath Joy and then we dry off and put on our clothes. With socks Joy because we wear real shoes to school," (opposed to crocs which is what they wear every other day.) "And then we brush our teeth because our teachers like us to have fresh breath, and then mom packs our lunch and we don't go crazy in the kitchen Joy because mom said so and then we get to get in the car but wait for mom Joy...when I tell you..." Ya'll, it's like she's the family narrator. She never stops talking. I love her with all my heart you know that. But she never stops talking. Anyway. When we drove up to the school I had to tell them to calm down they were so keyed up. We unloaded the mounds of stuff and somehow made it out of the car without using a stroller which is kind of amazing. And then they stopped so I could take their picture.




I'm dang near tears just looking at it right now. Off they went. Looking all bright and shiny. I wasn't sad at all this morning thankfully.

And I got to hang out with this little man.


"Yo Mom, whazzup."

He loved having so much attention and I haven't told y'all yet that Sean is home this week so it's been unlimited fun for Ty. Mom AND Dad at home, the girls at school two of the days? Oh man it's like his whole world opened up.

The million dollar question? What did I do with all of my free time? Considering that Ty only goes to school from 12-3 and the girls get out of preschool at 2 it narrows down the outlandish options a bit but strolling through any store for any item seems like the easiest task ever when I'm by myself. Not that i don't get out much-I do get out a ton when Sean is home. It's the secret to me not losing it with him traveling so often. Today was different though. From 12-2, I knew that all of the kids were at school, hopefully happy and learning and growing so they had that much more to tell me about when I did get to see them. So what did I do with all of the free time?





I dyed clothes of the girls because I was bored.

Yep, the secret is out. I get bored without my children hanging on my leg.

I confess I did get to the parking lot at fifteen til 2 but I managed to stay in my car until 10 til. Then I went in. Now remember this was Charlie's second day at this school. Plus she went all year last year, (and loved it more than life itself,) but this was Joy's very first day. She still cries sometimes at church especially if her favorite gals aren't both in sight immediately when she walks into her room. Shout out Amanda and Danielle!! Joy loves you :) So anyway I was thinking of her pretty often during the day hoping she was doing okay. And look



She was just fine. Only almost cried once her teacher said. My response: "Good Lord she cries way more than that at home with me in a five hour stretch!" She made it and said she liked it and it was fun. Charlie ran out of her room saying she had the best day ever, (her normal response when I say, "how was school?") So today was a success.


Other than nearly falling asleep approximately 47 times between getting home and bedtime, Joy acted normal. Not any more insecure or clingy. She played with her Transformer mean guy toy from McDonalds just like any other day.

To make you feel better she actually also plays with baby dolls.

See ya'll tomorrow for Flashback Friday!