6 Years for us!!!

Yesterday Justin and I celebrated our anniversary.  And we've done it with a childless weekend that has been just perfect.   It has been a fun 6 years!  I am thankful every day for Justin, he is an awesome husband and daddy.

6 fun things you may or may not know about us!

1. I have had a crush on Justin since I was in 1st grade.  I told one of my best guy friends in 9th grade that I wanted to marry Justin Hicks and he laughed at me....(Justin had a very serious girlfriend all through high school.)  This chick knows what she wants :)
2. Justin's mom told my mom at a high school football game...that we would make beautiful children!  My mom thought she was crazy because Justin was almost more like a brother to me at that point (or so my mom thought... ha ha ha)
3. We both love the lake...our favorite summer spots and times are when we are at the lake (Eufaula or Compass) and we both love nothing more than to veg out on the dock!  Although when at Eufaula that involves a fishing pole for him...not me!
4. If we chose to live anywhere else it would be Nashville
5. Neither of us are cleaners...which means that our house is sometimes a mess...BUT we produced a child who loves to clean and is slightly OCD - see God does have a sense of humor :) and a good plan!
6. We both watch Nascar.  Yes, I do to and I enjoy keeping up with it. 

It has been a fun weekend just the two of us.  We have been slightly lazy and somewhat productive (we have done some cleaning and nursery preparation) We have laughed about our past and talked about what is ahead for us in the next few weeks when we get to meet this little girl.  We have talked about what she will look like and what her name will be.  I love this man with all of my heart.  He is who I dreamed of loving and getting to love him with all my heart just makes me so happy! 

My parents were so kind to take Collier to the lake with them this weekend.  It was a last minute decision and I so appreciated and needed the weekend to get caught up on rest, cleaning, decorating, crafting and most of all time with just Justin.  It really has been so much fun.  Thank you mom and dad for doing this for us.  It was a perfect Anniversary and Birthday gift and honestly words can't quite express how appreciative I am.  And on that note: they also got me a pedicure which I enjoyed yesterday morning.  Needless to say I've had an awesome and fun Anniversary and Birthday weekend!

Collier Time - Jam Session

Here is my first attempt to capture and post video of Collier.  This is a very common thing that happens around our house.  If we have music playing he grabs his guitar to play along.  There are other times that he just wants to play us a 'concert' and will sit in a chair and play and then tell us when to clap.  The clapping is very important and certainly required.  On this particular day, I believe that Justin was out of town and it was just us listening to a little music.

Lent

Today begin's the season of Lent.  In the past few years I have struggled with the 'what am I going to give up for Lent '.  Is it something that is going to help me...something that I just need to stop or give up anyway and I use this season as an excuse to get me started?  That may be good or bad, either way the fact of the matter is that it is NOT what Lent is to truly represent.  Jesus came. Jesus showed us how to live.  Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice.  He rose.  And He did it all for each and every one of us!  He made a difference for us.   So, as I enter this Lenten season I want do a better job of reflecting Him.   I want to make a difference for Him, for His glory!  I want to draw closer to Him so that He will draw closer to me.  In CBS we are studying John and are right now studying His preparation for His crucifixion (God's perfect timing as we enter Lent).  In Chapter 13 He washes the disciples feet and explains how we are to be servants...He was our perfect example.  The commentary for this lesson went on to explain that it isn't always the actual act of serving but having a servants heart and we can only have that if He lives through us!  I want to be His light.  I desire to grow stronger and stronger in Him so that I can have a servants heart like His.  Sometimes that does mean giving up something so that I can spend better time with Him rather than the things of this world [for pinterest, or blogging, etc].  I hope to achieve that this Lenten season.  I am so thankful for a God who sent His son, for my own sake.  Humbling and unworthy are always my feelings when I think about that truth.  But He did this for me and for you and He wants us to come and sit at his feet and grow stronger and closer with Him....I can't wait to see what He has planned for that sweet time together!

Honestly, I am joining my husband in giving up pasta....that is mostly be default since I am the  maker of the menu around here and to make it a little easier on him.  So, I am giving up the less important things too...but also hope to devote MORE of my time to being in God's word and ask that He will continue to work on cleaning me up from the inside out!

Happy Ash Wednesday to you....

Psalm 51:11 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me'

Projects

Last weekend I worked on a few small projects for the babies room.  Only one got completely done.  I had fun being a little crafty and am all the more thankful for pinterest.  I know that because of pinterest we are all losing some degree of being unique.  But for someone who WANT so badly to be crafty yet it just doesn't come naturally pinterest is a huge help and resource, so for that I am thankful.  All of these ideas were stolen straight from pinterest.

 Pom Poms.  I love them.  I am planning to make a few of these to hang over the crib.  I had imagined doing a whole bunch...but they were more time consuming than I had planned.  So I am going to do a combination of fabric (pictured above) and tissue paper (which I hope to be a bit easier).  I'll share pictures when I am done.  I hope that it doesn't look funny with the different textures..again I AM NOT CRAFTY..I just copy!

Do you see that pink and white stripped thing behind the pom pom?  It is going to hold that plastic frame on it and I just love it.  I just need to attach the frame to the board and find a place to hang it.  The lighting makes the pink stripes look REALLY pink but they really are closer to the pink fabric on the pom pom.  Happy with how it turned out and very inexpensive!

I just used paper, paint and modge podge to cutsy-fy this wipes box. the only completed project of the weekend.  I like how it turned out and it was quick, easy and fun.  Just the type of project I need.  I wish the fabric pom poms were as easy as this was because they are so stink'n cute!

The nursery is slowly but surely coming together. I am sure it will be close to being done when this little girl arrives into our family ... although if it isn't that is ok too... I would just rather it be MOSTLY done :)

Balance

As we were all getting better from the head cold funk that made its way around our house and decided to linger longer than anyone really cared for it.  Collier decided to really see what boundaries he could push and pass and walk all over.  He has a new (very ugly and mean) face that goes along with a very bad attitude and often disrespectful tone.  This 33month old has decided to show his true TWO colors!  He has seemed to have a bit of aggressiveness that I have never seen before.   Because we have all been sick at one point or another I believe it elevated fast.  I have no idea if it was all of the medications that he was on or if it was just the beginning of a new phase.  But after several days of being consistent and persistent he seems to realize that he can not get away with this behavior.  We notified school teachers and bible study teachers and asked that they help us be on alert and correct this behavior.  It has thankfully gotten better but here is what we experienced.

The week before last when Mom went to pick Collier up from school...he was in time out.  To my knowledge he hasn't been in time out before.  He had thrown rocks at a little GIRL on the play ground.  Oh my goodness. 

When he doesn't get his way he would grit his teeth, wrinkle his nose, squint his eyes and pucker his lips all at the same time speaking in a mean tone.  When I dropped him off at school on Tuesday I was talking to his teacher about about his behavior to be sure that we are on the same page with them.  She assured me it is only a phase and suddenly that ugly face started.  I looked at him and told him we weren't going to have that face and to show me his sweet face...immediately he changed his expression and smiled a sweet smile.  His teacher was slightly surprised but I believe that she better understood that he does know the difference.  His entire last week was time-out free thank goodness.

He would tell us that he was going to kick or hit us and would sometimes actually attempt [succeeded from time to time].  He even told me that he was going to shoot me with his gun.  He also has tried to bite me a few times.  All of that to say is that any mention of him going to do anything negative toward us or anyone else....because he told me one morning that he was going to hit goofy and went to the TV and hit it next time goofy was on the screen.  So, we  started no toleration of any of this.  Even the ugly face would result in a time out.  We do both time out and spanking depending on the level of ugliness [this is my word for not being nice, disrespectful, mean, etc].  One morning, Justin was out of town, and Collier would not cooperate  and being ugly to me.  After three spankings, I lost it.  I put him in his room.  I cried.  I fell to my knees.  I prayed.  I went back into Collier's room and it really upset him that I was also crying.  I explained that I was very sad because of the way that he was acting.  He cried harder and we hugged and talked about the way that he had been acting.  It was just a rough few weeks.  

So, After a few weeks it [consistent discipline] has certainly helped.  He certainly pushed his limits from time to time but not like the one week where it was constantly.  He is such a sweet boy and I know that I often take that for granted.  I am doing a lot of praying for his heart and that God will lead Justin and I [and mom] in our parenting and raising of this sweet little boy!  We have a long way to go and I know that the next 'phase' will be tough too. But we will just take it one at a time!

Friday, I had several errands to run and took Collier along.  He told me he didn't want to ride in the cart.  So we talked about the rules of not riding in the cart....have to stay right next to Momma's leg, no running off, no touching or pulling items off of shelves... and if any of this was done then he would have to get into the cart.  I was SHOCKED.  He did amazing.  We went to Hobby Lobby,  Home Goods, TJMax and Joann's Fabric.  I was so proud of him and let him know that he was such a big boy and did so good.  Of course I had moments that I had to remind him of the rules but for the most part he did great!  I was so proud of him.

I worked on several projects for the nursery this weekend and I'll try and post about those this week.  Hope that your weekend was great! 

Quick Baby Update

Just to document:
I went to the doctor yesterday.  Just a regular and routine appointment [I am going every two weeks now].  Everything was fine.  Dr. Ross guesses this baby will be a little bigger than Collier was [CH was 6lb 9oz and 3 weeks early].  He also thinks that she will probably be a little early just like big brother, but no guess as to how early.  I've been having lots of heavy pressure under my huge belly and he seemed to think that is because she is a little bigger than CH.  My belly is certainly stretching.  It is big and it is hard to move, but I am thankful to have it!

We don't have a name...STILL

The nursery is still being worked on.  All of the furniture is in, and walls are painted.  No decorating or really putting it all together is quite done.  I have lots of ideas in my head but executing them is totally different.  Hope to accomplish some of them this weekend.

Last night I went through a huge box of clothes my SIL gave me, it is awesome to have three little girls to receive hand me downs from.  I hope to get all of the infant clothes washed this weekend.

Coming through the Fog

We have all had some form of this head cold that seems to be going around.  And we all still have some remains of it but seem to be coming out of it at last.

Collier woke up this morning early, I heard him talking at 6:15.  At 6:30 I heard him turn off his humidifier (that is by his bed) and then his door open, close and little running feet enter our room.  I had just snoozed the alarm and as he is crawling into our bed says
ch: I woked up from my nap, do we have nanas?
me in my groggy trying to wake up voice: yes we have plenty of bananas
ch: we go to store to get nana's?
me: no, we have plenty.  do you want to go and get one?
ch:yea.
so we head into the kitchen. I refilled my cup of water and then proceeded to drop it and it made a huge mess -  it was still dark.  As I was cleaning up the floor, Collier was sitting on the floor asking me if I made that mess or if daddy made the mess.....'yes it was me, baby'. and he put his head down (chin to chest) and shook his head saying 'oh no dat teable, just teable'.  Me: did you just say that is terrible?  CH: yes it is.  Way too funny.  I was just glad that he woke up in a good mood..  Even if it was way earlier than he normally gets up.  Normal wake up time is closer to 7am which is much better for Momma and Daddy!

Last weekend I attended a leadership conference through the bible study I attend.  It was something that I didn't want to go to but felt that I needed to.  God knew what He was doing [well, He always does] because it was well worth it once I was there and had the time to fellowship with friends and be impacted by some really awesome leaders within this organization.   I think that I may have seen this video before, but it really stuck with me and I love it.  I love the humor as well as the truth in it.  It is hard to imagine that I am a masterpiece created perfectly by God....because believe me there is a lot of non-perfection in this child of God, wife, momma, friend, sister, daughter, etc.  But God's truth of grace and love and molding us into His image is what is humbling.  He loves us enough to want us to be His reflection.  Believe me I am not worthy of being a reflection of even His big toe but it is an honor that I can even try to be....that He created me to be! Amazing. enjoy:

This is one of my favorite songs on the radio right now, it makes me turn the volume up and sing along. waoh, oh, oh, oh!!!

Popcorn Dinner

We've had popcorn for dinner the past two nights.  Collier's Favorite!  I did make him eat some fruit first but then it was popcorn after that.  I am sure I deserve Mother of the Year!

I've been sick and still not quite up to my old self yet.  Praying that I'll get over this crap soon!  I've been out of work for two days and am really ready to feel better and certainly ready for some sleep.

My Mom and Dad are super duper stars and have done more than I ever could have asked while I've am been down and out.  Justin has been in and out of town and their extra help has been above and beyond.  They are rock stars....because they have also had some of this sick crap and have still been more help than I could have imagined.

Collier seems to be feeling better.  He is certainly sleeping better, but has complained a little about one of his ears still.  I have a feeling we'll be going back to double check and be sure they are both clearing up like they are really supposed to!  

The weather is crazy around here.  Hot days and cold days merging together....no wonder we're sick.  Collier wore shorts and short sleeve shirt on Monday.  Will probably wear the same tomorrow... Has anyone noticed that it is January!  

I want to start doing a weekly video of Collier to sort of better document changes and stages.  I wanted to post it every Tuesday but I am having a hard time getting him to cooperate with the video camera.  So, we'll see if that will actually pan out or not.  Who knows.

Being sick I haven't done half of what needs to be done for the nursery.  It will get done.  I am sure of it...well, with the help of Gods perfect timing. 

Collier loves his scooter and rides it all through our house!  It makes him happy and makes us laugh because he rides fast and turns corners a little faster than you would expect.

I just finished reading Kisses from Katie and it is inspiring, touching and simply amazing.  She is such a wonderful reflection of Christ and of His love for us and for EVERY person around us.  I have tried to change my perspective and be more aware of those around me and their needs and less about my needs [I have failed miserably this week being sick...it has been all about me....but even in that I have tried to praise Him because even though it seems horrible that I am preggo and sick and can't take anything...He feels my pains and He knows exactly what I am going through.  It is in these times that we are to turn to Him and rely on His strength and that is what I am TRYING to do].  But it really is an awesome book and I really recommend that you read it.  If you don't already read her blog....go and read it!  You will be inspired.  She is amazing.  

Sorry that this is SOOO Random.  My brain isn't quite working right and maybe I'll get back on track soon...Although honestly it may be after March before that will happen.   I just thought I would share what we've been up to lately.  

Sleepless

We have had two sleepless nights in a row.  I just thought that Sunday night was a fluke and was nearly as tired as I can remember being since having a new born [maybe God is preparing me for this baby girl] as he was up every hour crying for me.  Monday night I decided not to go to bible study and stay home with Collier. He acted fine but his eyes told a different story.  We had a low key and good night.  After we all got in the bed and prayed for good sleep and God's healing hand....he started crying about 20 minutes later, Justin went in to check on him and couldn't get him to settle down at all.  He was hysterical.  He even gagged and threw up he was crying to hard; not much but enough to have to strip the bed down.  I couldn't get him to tell me what was wrong or hurting.  Justin stripped and remade the bed and the whole time Collier kept pointing that he wanted to go night night.  He was up and down for the next few hours.  At 11:30 I noticed that he was swatting at his ear and it hit me, oh he has an ear infection.  For him to be crying as hard as he was and not able to get to sleep, that had to be it.  I gave him more motrin and he finally got through the night with a few solid hours of sleep.  Over the past 24 hours he has told me that his teeth and cheeks hurt him.  His right eye yesterday was red and glassy and his cheeks were rosey red.  We checked temperature several times and no fever.

After a quick trip to the doctor yesterday morning, my fear was confirmed that he has infections in both of his ears.  According to the doctor, pretty bad ones.  Reason enough to cry for me.  Antibiotic is now started and just praying that his little ears will be healed up  and he gets to feeling better.  He slept all night last night with only a few times waking up and stirring.  But even those few times he never cried or actually woke up.  I think that he was talking in his sleep one of the times.  Regardless, I was glad for him to have a full nights sleep....Justin and I needed it as well!

 And so it is setting in....this is very real now.  On Monday morning, when I could hardly get myself out of the bed because I was so tired....it hit me.  The struggle of having two babies!  Everyone says it is hard and different going from one to two babies, in my head I think 'yeah yeah, i know it is going to be different' but having one baby is hard and different too!  The light went off in my head.  How will we juggle a new born baby and a night like we've had the past two nights?  What if Collier is up sick at night and baby girl is needing to be fed? What if Collier is throwing a tantrum, baby girl is crying and I still need to do fill.in.the.blank [dinner, laundry, cleaning, shower, work, etc).  It isn't a matter of if but when.  I think that I too often take for granite how good Collier really is - he is a good sleeper, a sweet child, pretty easy to handle.  But it is just in those times that he doesn't have a good nights sleep, when he has melt downs, when he refuses to obey, when he only wants his way and when he simply doesn't understand what I am saying.  It will be in the midst of those moments that having a second baby will be tough.  Tough, yes.  But I know plenty of really awesome mom's who do it every day and even with more than just two children.

It was just funny how it suddenly hit me.  Not that I haven't known we're about to have two babies, but just what is really involved in that.  I will be honest it does make me nervous.  It makes me very excited too though.  I just continue to pray and can't wait to see how God unfolds His perfect plan in our little family!

Do any of you experienced mom's have any suggestions and advice for me?  

Prayer

Early this morning Collier woke up crying and calling for me.  Normally if he does this I let him cry it out and he will usually go back to sleep.  But it continued longer than normal so I got up to check on him.  When I walked into his room he had his hands flat together under his chin and told me 'I need you say praya'.  I think that heart jumped with joy.  

Me: you need to say a prayer, I'm glad to say it with you.  

CH: but I needed you [this is one of his most used phrases right now]

Me: i'm here lets say a quick prayer.  Are you going to say it with me or just me

CH: just you [as he rolled over and snuggled up with Maurice]

I said a quick prayer for sweet and good dreams and restful sleep.  \

CH: you not tired. don't go to momma's bed

Me: I am very tired and you need to go back night night so that we can get up and play in the morning

CH: just hold me two minutes [this is also a newer request over the past week....especially since not having passey.  but with me growing it is hard for me to hold him, as much as I really want to.  So I just snuggled up and pulled him as close as I could to me to 'hold' him]

Me: let me hold you laying down for just two minutes and then I have to go back to my bed.  

CH: I not want my door closed

Me: I'll leave it open for you.

I laid with him for a few minutes and then told him to go night night and that God was with him always and loves him so very much and then I headed back to bed.  We both slept soundly until almost 7am this morning.

Love this little boy more than I ever could have imagined.  Such a sweet little man.  It is a constant prayer of mine that Collier would have a heart for God and that there is never a day that he doesn't know Jesus' love for him.