Come One, Come All, To The Circus

It has been a busy few days for our JLBC Community Project, Project S.M.I.L.E. It started Saturday with Super Hero Saturday and ended last night with a fun Circus Carnival theme. This is such a wonderful project and the children and families that I have come in contact with this year are all so amazing and hero's in my eyes. I can't believe that we only have two more events left for the year. Time is flying so fast. It has been a busy and at times very overwhelming year, but fun. I have had a lot of fun and laughed a lot. I am sure there have been some tears, Ryan is probably shaking his head yes. :) Above all I am thankful for this experience and the growth that has come from serving in such a huge way.

Bath Time Sillies

End Of A Season

 I think GK is feeling better. Pizza and a sucker... she actually stole the pizza from Tyler. Most importantly she believes in cleaning up after making mess, a girl after my own heart. Also, she makes a great helper.

Yesterday afternoon we celebrated the end of a successful Basketball season with a party and trophy's. Ty had such a wonderful first season of basketball and I am sure we will try again next year. It is hard to believe that Ty will actually be a student at Westphalia next year, did I just type that. Wow, where is time going?!?!?
Of course Georgia Kate had to get in on all the action, as well. Yes, our little girl is back. So thankful she is feeling better.
Well, of course there is no rest in between sports for us, because we believe in moving straight from one event to another. Soccer starts on Thursday and Saturday morning we got Ty all registered for t-ball. Two sports at one time... I am sure we are nuts for doing this but we will make it work, I hope.

Germs, Strike Again

We finally got Ryan back to work on Thursday and as soon as we did Georgia Kate came down with the absolute worst tummy bug ever. Hence the reason why I was absent from blogging and pretty much everything. Gk pretty much clung to me and we cuddled a lot. You can always tell when GK is feeling puny because she actually sits still for a little bit and cuddles and snoozes on me, actually I love all the cuddling and snoozing she does with me. I would let her do that every day, well minus the sickness.
 In between cuddles I was doing laundry, and I seriously lost count on how many loads I did on just Thursday, alone. Sweet Gk was miserable for several days and yesterday was the first good day since Thursday. Today has been even better, so I am so thankful she is on the mend and all of this as reminded how ready I am for Spring. I hope this week is healthy one for us all. We have lots on our agenda.... time to get back to it. ;)

Tooth Fairy

The tooth fairy made its first visit to our house last week. On Wednesday afternoon Ty pulled out his tooth all by himself, and he was so proud of himself. I am still trying to get used to his new toothless smile.
The tooth fairy came and left Ty $5.00. WoW! What a nice tooth fairy we have. I wish I could still loose my teeth. ;) On Saturday I took Ty to Target so he could pick something out. There was not a lot to choose from, but we finally found a little box of Lego's... I mean little. We told him he could save it, but of course he wanted a new toy and did not want to wait.
One baby tooth gone. Our biggest is growing up too fast. Ty is already feeling around in his mouth for more loose teeth. None just yet, but I am sure it wont be long.

Bunko

You want to know a secret, I have always wanted to play Bunko. Well, that dream came true for me last Wednesday. I have always heard how much fun it is to play, and it was. We had a blast!! A group of us were talking about different girl hobbies, and we thought each month we would try hosting a fun girl activity. First up was bunko and I think we have a winner. Seriously, I have formed some precious relationships this year from my JLBC board. I am so thankful for these women and love that we now have another way to see each other, besides at JL events and meetings.
Kellie, our host went all out with a fun Valentine themed Bunko! I love what we wore when we called bunko or 21! :) I had to have proof that I called Bunko back to back. Lucky dice, I guess. Can't wait for next month. I love my new girl hobby.

Project Prom

Project Prom was 2 Saturdays ago and it was absolutely amazing and still remains one of my favorite projects. We were able to serve 21 Ladies this year from area schools, and that is the most we have been able to touch, what a great 3rd year for this community project!!! We turned our resale store in to a Prom Wonderland. There were so many amazing dresses, shoes, and accessories for the girls to choose from. Once they had everything to look beautiful we surprised them salon and restaurant gift certificates. Please note, everything is free of charge to these ladies. This project is made possible by generous donations and community sponsors.
 The faces and reaction of the young ladies and their family members always touches my heart. We are not able to take pictures of the girls faces, but we bought some masks and they thought that was fun, I mean how cute is that pink dress.
Project Prom was so amazing this year and I loved seeing the growth of it, that was my goal. I can't wait to see next year because it can only get bigger. I had to attach a picture of a note from a young lady that we served this year. That note reminds me of how much I love JLBC and makes all the hours of volunteering worth it.

Well my 3 full weeks with Junior League started last Tuesday and continued last night with our monthly General Membership Meeting. Only 2 more to go, but who is counting!! ;) Anyway during these weeks I find it hard to catch up and especially this week, since we have had a sick Daddy at home since yesterday. I always know when Ryan is REALLY sick, because he stays home from work and he never misses work for anything.
Basketball wrapped up last night for Tyler, I am still not sure how Ryan coached... Tyler got to celebrate at 5 Guys with Ghee and Poppy and then Ghee came back to get the kids ready for bed... thank you, Mom.
Now we are on to Soccer and Tball, geez.... we don't know how to slow down, do we. ;)

Painting For Prom

Yesterday afternoon a local business in Harker Heights, Painting With A Twist hosted a painting class and 50% of the proceeds from that afternoon went towards JLBC's,  Project Prom. We were so excited about this opportunity for our league and our amazing Community Project. Well, I am still not meant to be an artist but, anything to support our league. Since the class was open to the public I got up and shared a few words about JLBC and Project Prom. The turn out was amazing and at the end of the class I was presented with a $645.00 check. Amazing!!

Faithful

A little bit Sassy (some days a lot) but a whole bunch of cuteness and joy. I am so thankful for this sweet reminder, of God and his faithfulness in our lives.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

Psalm 106:1

Valentine's Day- The Whole Story

I can't believe that these were the only pictures I took on Valentine's day. But, our little Valentine's were not in a sweet or thankful mood.
It all started at Ty's Valentine's party at School. I offered to help sine their was only one other Mom that could help, but she could only do set up due to older daughters party at a different school. She is one of my close friends so I forgive her. ;) Well, you have to watch Georgia Kate like a hawk or she will be in to everything, and sure enough she touched everything she could find. She wanted every ones food, drink, and candy. GK even had her own plate next to Ty. She also ran everywhere in the building, ran in to two other class parties... my favorite is when she ran in to the Kindergarten class that was taking a test, girl opened up the door. What finally did me in was when Ty was sitting down to look at a book, GK sat down next to him and ripped some of the pages out. What??!! She has never done that at home and she loves to look at books. Yes, I immediately ordered a new one when we got home. Of course, it belonged to the Library at the School. I am sure Ty's teacher is going to make sure that I don't help with another class party for the rest of the year. There goes my room Mom, title. ;)
I thought Ty knew what it meant to be tankful for what you get but we had to re teach it to him yesterday. Ghee and Poppy came over and brought the kids a Valentines gift. It was cute little tooth fairy pillows. You may ask why??? Ty has his FIRST loose tooth. He went to the dentist on Wednesday and sure enough his dentist spotted one. Well, the pillow was not what he wanted and he let them know in a all out fit that he did not like it. Humiliating parent moment. Time out and spankings. When Ryan came home that evening we showed him what we got him for Valentine's (Lego Set). He was so excited, but we told him that he was going to have to return to the store since he was not thankful earlier in the day. So Valentine's evening was spent returning Ty's gift to Target. Well, we did go and eat at Taco Cabana in a hurry. ;) Ryan had to coach a basketball game last night.
After our Valentine's disaster and big time fail I have never been more thankful for this sweet reminder

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance”

1 Corinthians 13:7

Sweet Meetings

 My February Board Meeting was all about spoiling my "sweet board". Well, this picture does not do justice to all the sweets and goodies we had on hand. Oh, my we were spoiled. I love my board and can't believe we only have 2 more board meetings for this year. Where has the year gone? I am going to miss these amazing ladies... We will just find another way to get together once a month.

Bedtime Snuggles

Some days bedtime can't come soon enough and today was one of those days. But, then right before lights out I was overcome with some serious cuteness and snuggles. And now that the house is quiet (for now)  all of the stress of today fades and it just does not seem to matter, because tomorrow is a new day and I am beyond thankful for all the noise these precious children fill our house with. Let me tell you they can be loud.

In Training

Can you tell what is different about these pictures? No training wheels and a brand new ( well, new to us) bike. We have the most amazing neighbors, I simply adore our street and will have a hard time moving from our street if that time ever comes.
Anyway, we have new members that recently moved in across the street and they have 3 kids ranging from Middle School to Elementary. Tyler ADORES them, and they are always so sweet to him. He is like a stalker, and always watches their house just in case they come out. :) A few weeks ago they asked us if we would like on of their bikes that their kids had out grown, and it was perfect timing for us because we had been talking about taking Ty's training wheels of of his bike. The bike did need a little TLC so we took it to a local bike shop for a tune up. It is now as good as new and ready for new memories.

I think Ryan and I were both shocked the first time Tyler got on to ride it, because we did not have to hold on for long at all. I think for those that did not know that this was Ty's  first try with out trying wheels would have thought he was a seasoned rider.... well, except for turning and occasionally falling off when trying to get off. We are good at going straight. ;)  There are also some occasional tears but we are getting better by the day with lots of practice. The first time he hit our street we had neighbors come out and congratulate him on how well he is doing (LOVE our street). We are so proud of our new bike rider and no training wheels. Georgia Kate is all ready for her turn.... I don't think so. I see lots of walks in our future. Hopefully sooner than later.

Project Prom

One of my ALL time favorite Junior League projects is tomorrow.... Project Prom. Check out these awesome volunteers that gave up part of their evening, last night to help sort through piles and piles of dresses, shoes, and accessories. I truly admire all of the amazing JLBC Volunteers.
Project Prom is one of our Community Projects. Each year our League assists young ladies attending Bell County schools. JLBC recognizes their hard work and determination to stay in school when personal and financial circumstances may be difficult. Through our generous volunteers, donors and community we prepare these young ladies for their special prom.

 

Marked

Hope Mommies 2013

Precious, MaryBeth. Her sweet Reese went to Heaven close to Landry. I met her at the first retreat and she is expecting her 3rd precious baby girl in May. Beyond thrilled for her.

Jennifer, my precious room mate for the weekend. We talked and laughed  until very late every night. I  am missing her already, and wishing Washington State was not as far as it is. 

My airport and shopping, buddies.

The beautiful balloon release we held right before we left on Sunday. I will forever love and adore balloon releases. They hold a very special place in my heart. 

I am still in awe when I see the first picture on my blog, these are all the Hope Mommies that I had the privilege of meeting and sharing last weekend with. It is really hard to imagine how two years ago there were just 10 of us. Last weekend there were over 31 women, and honestly the first thought that comes to mind is sorrow, but hands down I am even more thankful for these women because together we can mourn, laugh, hope, and most importantly remember and honor our babies, and hold fast to the promise that God is faithful.
I am still overcome with so much emotion and I have had several days to process my experience. :) The theme of last weekend was Marked. I am Marked, because of Landry and his precious life. At the beginning of my journey I felt like a outsider and I often thought of myself as having a Scarlet letter that shown brightly for everyone to see, because I was different. I think I used to view that as negative, as not everyone always knows what to do our say to you, and that is OK. There was a question during one of our journal/small group times The "Before" You. What words would best describe the woman you were before your loss? Seriously, I sat there for the longest time trying to remember. I am still trying to figure that out.
Therefore, I am marked for eternity, but it is up to me how I want to live my life with this mark. Today I see a beautiful mark that held a precious miracle in my arms for 43 hours. I choose to find much HOPE and JOY being Marked. I choose to make a difference in the lives of others through Landry and his legacy.

 " He comforts us in all of our troubles so we can comfort others." I Corinthians 1:4

I am still overcome with gratefulness that I could attend such a beautiful weekend. It felt so nice to be able to just reflect on Landry. As you all know the world around keeps moving on around you but I still really miss Landry. It hit me Friday evening, during our praise and worship time we sang The Stand by Hillsong ( I still find music very therapeutic and healing). The Stand always brings so much emotion to the surface when I hear or sing this, for some reason on Friday that song hit me like a ton of breaks....  I realized how much that pain and heartache for Landry is still there.

I feel like I could go on for hours about last weekend. It was amazing and humbling. I am marked but I am pressing on to find hope.