Baby "Showering"

Today was a MUCH anticipated, VERY special day. My best friend, Emily, and I hosted a Baby Shower for our other best friend, Elaine. I have to say, living so far from home has its difficult moments, but these two girls are my family away from home. These girls KNOW me, and I will never be able to completely express my love for them or my gratitude for their friendship.

SO, needless to say, it was SUCH a joy for Emily and I to host a shower for Elaine!

Here we are with the Guest of Honor

And, I can't forget Emily's Mom, Marilyn. She is such a delight. She helped us get everything set up. We were so thankful!!

Our theme was "Little Peanut". Elaine is one of those crazies that is choosing to be surprised at the birth to find out the sex of the baby. So was Emily!! Ahhhhh! It's killing me! Anyway, we had to come up with a fun "gender neutral" shower theme...not easy! Anyway, I had this idea to make a peanut topiary for decoration...you know when you have those ideas in your head, but your not quite sure how it's going to turn out...well, everyone assured me it turned out ok.

The shower took place at one of Elaine's favorite restaurants Table Mesa Bistro. I have to admit it's one of my favorites as well, but they created a menu of 5 fabulous meals to choose from and guacamole and chips, of course, THEN the piece de resistance, Emily's HOMEMADE cupcakes...that were TO DIE FOR!!

My ever so talented friend, Robin, created the amazingly fabulous cookies...that once again were works of art!!! I sent her the invitations and some of the other paper goods we used, and she matched them perfectly. I was speechless when I picked up the cookies from her. Just amazing! Thanks again, Robin!!

I created cookie bouquets for centerpieces. I found a fabulous seller on Etsy called PinkadotShop. Stacy worked with me to create custom paper goods like a menu, labels, tags, and a banner that matched the shower PERFECTLY!! She did a fabulous job! Thanks, Stacy!

Now for a close up of the absolutely delicious cupcakes. Emily's cupcakes are just AWESOME!! She ALWAYS thinks outside of the box, and instead of the usual flavors, she made Pomegranate, Pistachio, and Chocolate with Peanut Butter frosting. Total yumminess!
We had so much fun watching Elaine open gifts. She was extremely blessed with an outpouring of gifts from everyone. I'm sure Emily is so happy I put this picture up...I didn't get many, but it really portrays her true personality...she's so much fun! I also can't forget to mention that Elaine is a fabulous photographer...like crazy gifted...anyway, most of these photos came from her...the good ones, anyway. It's hard when the photographer is the guest of honor...

I have to add that I am SO thankful for a wonderful husband that watched 3 precious little girls so their mommy could be away for a few hours. Thanks, Wes! Love you.

It was such a special day, and one that makes me reflect on all of the good, great, wonderful people and things God has blessed me with. I can't think of any greater joy than to "shower" those you love.....with love : ).

Keep The Faith,

Praying....

My heart and prayers are with everyone whose lives have been ravaged, devastated, by the absolutely horrific storms and tornadoes that hit the South HARD. Those that have lost loved ones, friends, neighbors, their homes, their lively-hood, their everything....my prayers are with you all.

Happy Easter

I'm a little late, but wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! I hope your day was wonderful!

We started our day off a little earlier than usual in efforts to make the early service at church. We made it by the hair of our chinny, chin, chin....I'm pretty sure you could hear our tires squealing. However, it was an AMAZING service. Dr. Junior Hill, has preached the Easter service at our church for many years now, and we've missed the last two Easter services because of little ones being sick, so it was so nice to go today...and even better, truly such a blessing to see so many people saved today. I'm just SOOOO thankful to be apart of a church, a body of believers, that does not seek to water down the truth....the truth that Jesus is THE ONLY WAY. In fact, God sent His son to this earth, solely to die for OUR SINS, MY SINS, to cleanse me and you, to REDEEM us, so that we would not be eternally separated from Him. AND THE BEST PART IS, HE LIVES!!! I serve a RISEN Savior!! May I NEVER forget or EVER apologize for my faith.

I don't know what we would do without grandparents, but both sets of grandparents sent tons of fun stuff for Easter baskets, so the girls really enjoyed looking through all of their goodies this morning.

Then we got everyone dressed and headed to church.
Our Easter outfits, a la Zulily
Ta Dah!!
Apologies for the laundry basket in the background. It has become a permanent addition to our living room since the twins discovered Ella's dresser drawers and how much giggle inducing fun it is to empty them, and pile them on the floor, and lay all over them...I think I picked up and folded the contents of her drawers probably 20 times before I decided I wouldn't waste my time anymore. I need some "twin-proofing"
Molly is good at the cheeese!Ruby does her own thing...can you tell??

After church, we had a fabulous brunch of bagels and muffins at Panera for our Easter feast.

I wanted to get a picture of all the girls in their Easter attire, and boy, it's just near impossible to get a good pic of all of them together...you will see the effort below...


Ok, now for Molly..."Molly, where are you???"

"Ok, now Ruby, sit down with your sissies...can you sit down here, Ruby?"

"No, no, no...sit down please, Ruby"

"Ok, if you can't sit down, at least look at Daddy, can you look at Daddy, Ruby??"

"Ok, Ella, look at Daddy, too"

"Girls, look here"

Something funny happened...lots of giggles

Well, I guess that will have to do

HAPPY EASTER, Y'all!!

Easter Fun!!!

In preparation for egg hunting today, I had to figure out a cute something for the girls to gather their eggs in. I LOVE all of the adorably cute personalized Easter baskets and buckets out there, and it took everything in me not to order one for each of the girls, but I couldn't bring myself to spend $60+ for three of them. It's no longer possible to just buy for Ella as the twins are now old enough to have MAJOR envy. So, although I really wanted to get them special baskets, my compromise didn't turn out half bad....and cost me a total of $9 for all three. I bought the buckets for $1 a piece from Wal-Mart. I got the stick on letters at Hobby Lobby, I spent $6 for 2 packages because I needed double "L's" because of Ella and Molly. I had the ribbon already. The girls LOVED them, and I figure, that's all that matters, right??
NOW for the completely, totally, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, Easter Bash, put together by my friend Tracy. She hosted an Easter play group for a group of ladies that meet from our Church.

AND, here is the food table at Tracy's!!! Unbelievable!! Every detail! Unfortunately, I didn't get to eat any of this delicious looking food as I was chasing after 3 little girls the entire time, BUT I am a girl that appreciates this type of shindig....I know how much work goes into it, and it was really SOOOO special! Thank you so much, Tracy!!

I have to say that as much as I love getting together with friends, we don't make it to play group frequently. To put it simply, it's just exhausting...I don't ever get to eat lunch or visit with the other mothers more than a "Hi, how are you?" because I'm literally torn 3 different directions keeping up with the girls (AND I'm not saying that for pity, just stating my reality). BUT I felt like I was going to totally lose "good mom" points today if we didn't make the effort to go. The girls had SO much fun...and that's what it's really all about.

There isn't anything my friend Robin can't do when it comes to cookies. These were just beautiful...truly works of art!

Adorable cupcakes tucked inside little nests

Sack lunches for the kiddos...pb&j or turkey and cheese...with cheesy poofs as Ella was saying all afternoon.

AND, not only were there live bunnies for petting, but the Easter Bunny showed up for photos!!

Ella was SO excited about the Easter Bunny! It was so funny tonight when we were skyping Neena, we were talking about our day, and Ella was so animated when she was explaining to Neena that the she saw the Easter Bunny. This was definitely a highlight!

Molly and Ruby totally stand-off-ish looking at the real, live, bunnies

Hunting for eggs...they figured it out very quickly

Ella hunting

My silly Ruby-girl...she was rolling her eyes saying "Cheeeeese"Molly...cheeeese!

Now, to check out all the loot!

Such a fun day!

Keep The Faith,

I'm SO Excited, and I just can't hide it!

I'm SO excited

AND I just can't hide it

My Momma cut my bangs

and I think I like it, I like it!!!

We were looking a little on the shaggadaggy side for the last two weeks...needing a major bang cutting. I usually trim them myself, and ALL of the girls did so good today! I LOVE seeing their beautiful eyes again...I'm sure they love being able to see : ). Of course Ruby was saying "NO picture" above...hence the "deer in headlights" look on her face.

Hope you're having a great week!

Can I Share Something??

I've debated in my head over and over about sharing this with everyone as it is personal for me and an on-going struggle, but I thought if there is one person out there that is going through the same thing I wanted to offer some encouragement.

Can I share something with you?

I'm really struggling right now.

Over the past year Wes and I have made a lot of decisions regarding our future. Some decisions have caused me some sadness (selling our home of 5 yrs that I will forever hold some of the dearest and fondest memories in my heart), and some decisions have caused excitement in my heart (the possibility of pursuing a move to be near family).

Our home sold this past September and we still weren't quite sure what our next move was. OR, I should say, Wes wasn't sure what our next move should be. Because of this, we made a commitment to wait on the Lord, seeking His guidance through His word and LOTS of prayer. In the mean time, we also committed to rent for a year.

It's been six months, and living in limbo has proven to be a HUGE test for me. However, it has caused both Wes and I to pray a lot and talk a lot.

Well, it probably wouldn't be any surprise that my heart has been very hopeful we would try to pursue moving back to Texas. That my heart was hanging on every word Wes could or would say about this possibility. Well, the other day, he came home and told me as we sat down to dinner, that he really felt strongly...deep in his heart we needed to stay put for the time being. That right now, where we are is the BEST place for our family. That as much as we love the idea, as much as I love the idea of being near family, his priority, our priority should be OUR family...he and I, and the girls.

I've been holding onto this possibility for 10 years now (since we moved here). 10 YEARS!!! And, honestly, I'm heart-broken. Not rolling on the floor, pitching a fit and screaming...but, just a hurting heart. Believe me, I've been here before over the past 10 years as this wasn't our first discussion about the subject. I guess you might call it a "thorn in my flesh" so to speak, as there really hasn't been a day, week, year, that I haven't hoped for, hurt for, prayed for God to move us back to Texas so we could be near family. AND-HE-HASN'T. HELLO AMY!!! So, after a good cry, some quiet time in prayer, I read a few pages of my favorite devotional "Jesus Calling". Honestly, I read MANY pages as I've fallen behind lately in reading it every day, and SO many of days applied to the feelings I was and am having, but I thought I would share the one that pricked my heart in a BIG way.

March 23

LET THANKFULNESS TEMPER ALL YOUR THOUGHTS. A thankful mind set keeps you in touch with Me. I hate it when My children grumble, casually despising My sovereignty. Thankfulness is a safeguard against this deadly sin. Furthermore, a grateful attitude becomes a grid through which you perceive life. Gratitude enables you to see the Light of My Presence shining on all your circumstances. Cultivate a thankful heart, for this glorifies Me and fills you with Joy.

I have SOOOOO much to be thankful for, PERIOD.

How dare I grumble casually at HIS almighty sovereignty over EVERYTHING, including MY life. Wow, that hit me hard. I HAVE to trust that even though it hurts my heart...that even though I want to move back home so bad I can taste it and see it, I HAVE to trust and know that HIS plan is SO much better than my plan. SO MUCH BETTER.

I also realized that although I truly am SO thankful for EVERYTHING (I really am), my inward spirit is telling God that He isn't enough. I'm telling God that ALL he has blessed me with and provided is not enough. I'm telling Wes that he isn't enough...what he works so hard to provide every day isn't enough. Is that the message I wish to send?? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

So, as much as I have the "head knowledge" that God should be enough for me. Just Him. I don't have that heart knowledge right now...I'm just being honest. AND my prayer is that He would help me just rest in Him. REST-IN-HIM.

Thanks for letting me share~

I'll keep you updated along this journey of mine : )

Keep The Faith,

Molly and Ruby's Shindig

We had a party for Molly and Ruby last Saturday at a place called Gymnastic Joe's in our area. We go to Gymnastic Joe's frequently for open gym, and the girls love it!! We were able to get the whole gymnastic area for a private party, which was really nice. The gymnastic room has two in- ground trampolines, a running trampoline with foam pit to jump into, and springy gymnastic floor to run and play on. We really had a great time, and are SO thankful for all those that were able to come and play. It really made for a special day. Thanks everyone!

I ordered the cake from Shelby Lynne Bakery in our area. I wanted a "cupcake" cake and asked them to put the alphabet on it, because the twins love to sing their ABC's.

I was SO pleased at how the cake turned out. AND it was DELICIOUS!! I was so glad there was a little left over for a late night snack!

AND of course, fabulous sugar cookies from my friend Robin...I'm just amazed by her...that's all I have to say! Check out her blog It's All About The Cookies, you will be amazed too!

Refreshing beverages for the little ones

Take home favor from the party was a twirly lolli pop, I'm sure all the parents were really glad ; ). But seriously, I ALWAYS wanted one of these when I was little, but never got to have one.

Fun balloonsIt was so nice to have the common area in front of Gymnastic Joe's for our party...that way we weren't cramped in a small party room.

Popcorn and sodas for all the party guests...loved this!! FYI, Gymnastic Joe's is located in an old movie theatre...hence, the popcorn and soda fountain.My Rubster
My Mollster

Blowing out the candles
Neena flew in from Houston for a visit, and I was so happy to have her help and we were so blessed by our visit. We love you, Neena!

Excitement after blowing out the candles

Cake, or cak, as Ruby likes to say, need I say more

Who needs a fork people??

Some of our party guests. My dear friend Emily, or Ms.Emimiwy as the twins like to say, and her precious, adorable, baby boy, Jay. My other dear friend, Elaine, or Ms.Ewaine, was behind the camera, because that's one of the things she does and I am so totally fortunate that I have an AMAZING photographer as one of my best friends. I was so glad she caught a few candids for me, because as much as I love pictures, my hands are always too full to catch any. You can check out her blog here. Thanks, Elaine!!

John Michael

Kaitlin

The "BIG" girls as Ella likes to say : )

Our group of lovely friends that were so kind to include us in the day, we were so grateful!

And, the pinnacle of the WHOLE event, Ella Kate got to have the LONG awaited lollipop. I ordered the lollipops online, and they arrived 3 days before the party and it was KILLING Ella. She pretty much ate all-of-it...guess I shouldn't have underestimated her...she R-E-A-L-L-Y wanted that lollipop!!!

Just feel SOOOO blessed to be celebrating.

It feels like a long time coming...and a blink of an eye all at the same time. The last two years have been full of overwhelming joy, countless milestones, lots of giggles, lots of tears, sheer exhaustion that I cannot quite put into words, and I look back on all of it, ALL OF IT, and find myself completely, totally, GRATEFUL. I AM JUST SO THANKFUL FOR ALL OF IT. I have not only learned SO much about myself, BUT I know SO much more, and have become SO much closer to my Creator...who has gotten be through everyday...sustained me...and given me IMMEASURABLE joy. Thank-You-Lord. Thank you for life's little celebrations.

Keep The Faith,