Wordless Wednesday-

Ice Cream Cones bring out the sillies.

Next Up

Batter Up..... We don't like to waste anytime around here. One Season ends on Saturday, and then it is time to gear up for another Season the exact same day. It literally was a fast transition, as TBall tryouts were last night. Thankfully, we will just be doing TBall and not Soccer. We did both last Spring and it really was a lot to juggle.
Our games will kick off in early April, so we should be all ready and fired up by then. And of course GK likes to be apart of every sport, too. But we wouldn't want it any other way.

Championship Game

Saturday was the Playoffs for our Basketball Season. We played two amazing games, but unfortunately the 2nd game (Championship Game) we lost in overtime by 4 points. It was so heartbreaking, but our team played their hardest and had such a positive attitude through it all.

 And of course the best part of wrapping up a Season is the Medal we were awarded after the Championship Game. I think Today was the first day that Tyler did not wear it... Georgia Kate finally got her chance to wear it. Tyler loved wearing his Jersey and Medal yesterday to School.

I never thought that I would be one of those 'loud" basketball/sports Mom, but those two playoff games brought out aside of me I have never seen... ;)

We were so thankful Poppy and Ghee came in late Friday afternoon to be here and ready for the big day. Tyler had a big and loud cheering section.

Win or Loose we had a fun Season. Way to go Bulls!!

   

 Of course you have to celebrate the end of a fun a successful season with playing at a park, pizza, and cupcakes! Gk's favorite kind of party! She did not stray far from the cupcakes and had he eye on them the whole time. She was relieved when the box was finally open and she could dig in.

Just in case you were wondering if Tyler was upset about not winning the big game... let me just say that we had not even left the building on Saturday, and Tyler was ready to go and start practicing for T-Ball! As long as there is another sport in the wing he is just fine. Bring on Spring and Baseball!!

Early Release Day

Our weekend started with an Early Release from School on Friday! Therefore, I loaded Cooper up with us when we headed to pick up Ty for a fun Friday treat. After School we went to the Katy Dog Park and then explored another park in Katy. The weather was absolutely beautiful so it made for a wonderful afternoon. I love these fun outings with my favorites.

Wordless Wednesday

Girl Time

Our boys are away so us girls are working on perfecting an "usie". Probably still need some work, but my assistant is not always willing to cooperate.
I think the one thing that I have learned about being in a larger School District over the past several months, is there is always something going on. Last night it was Basketball playoff game and tonight it is Soccer. I take Georgia Kate occasionally, but late games don't really mix well with her right now. Tyler usually gets to go with Ryan, so I know that it is fun a special time for them.
Some days are long and exhausting, but I truly am thankful for this opportunity for Ryan and our family.

Park Day

This past weekend was beautiful out. This is Texas weather that I simply adore. We really spent a lot of time outside over the weekend and it was perfect.
Yesterday we decided to go to our Elementary School playground. The thing I miss most about Temple is all all parks that were all so close to us. That is simply not the case where we live now.... In Brookshire the only parks/playgrounds are located at Schools. But, when you don't feel like traveling 15-20 minutes to the closest park in Katy, then a School playground works out just fine.
Today was supposed to be a School Holiday, but since we had to use a Bad Weather day in January today was a normal school day. I always enjoy long weekends, but Ty does have an early release on Friday. I just hope this weather sticks, because I love playing outside after school and even after dinner. I had such a fun evening with Tyler and Georgia Kate. We love the outdoors.
 

My Silly Valentine's

 

 

 

Between sprinkled donuts, trip to Target to each pick out a gift with their special Valentine gift cards, dinner at Five Guys, and family movie night.... what more could you ask for on Valentine's Day. In my eyes it was perfect. I loved the special time with my family and I think we might do this every year. It was also a prefect way to gear up for our weekend.
Today was Basketball, and Tyler's team won! The Championship Games are next weekend. We will play one game for sure and if we win then we will play one more. So proud of Tyler's team. It has been so much fun watching them. Ryan had work to do this afternoon, so I soaked up a lot of this beautiful day outside with Tyler and GK
What a weekend! It has been simply sweet.  

Happy Valentine's Day

We got to be apart of Tyler's class Valentine Party at school this afternoon. I'm so thankful for the opportunities to be able to be apart of these party's with Tyler and watch him interact with all of his classmates. Tyler also had class pictures today, too. A busy day.
   Class party day is a favorite of Georgia Kate's. GK is not really a fan of sweets, but you turn her loose at a class party and she will go crazy!! I mean who wouldn't with pizza, cookies, cupcakes, candy, and chips! Thank goodness for apples and grapes.
Tyler got a lot sweet Valentine cards from his classmates. We had a fun afternoon celebrating Valentine's Day! Tyler and Georgia Kate came home to some fun surprises from us, as well! Such a fun day filled with sweet surprises.

Looking Up

 

Psalm 62:8- Trust in him at all times, O People; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

 

Tears still find there way to my eyes as I look at this beautiful picture that paints the most beautiful scene of finding hope just where you are.
I'm still in awe of  each of these women who are all broken but they chose to be courageous and step out of their comfort zone for a weekend of hope and healing. There are no words expect amazing.
 I'm broken but I have found refuge in God. Where would I be and what would my story be if I chose to walk away from God when Landry died? I simply can't imagine that road. Instead when my legs were weak and shaking, and when my arms literally ached; I cried out "I Believe".
 I am over come with JOY at how He has carried us over the years. How He is carrying and will carry these precious women. All we simply have to do is look up and we will gently be reminded that God is an anchor for our soul. He will not let go.
You must believe during the painful times that God loves you and is in perfect control of all things. So be encouraged and forge ahead through your troubles!

Unbreakable Bond

Three and a half years ago when two Doctors stood in front of us and told us about our precious, Landry our world was completely shattered and I felt so broken and alone. However, this weekend I was once again Praising God for the gentle and humbling reminder that I am not alone one this journey of Loss and Heartache.

This year was my 3rd Hope Mommies Retreat and every year I can't wait to see the faces of the women that play such a huge role on this journey that I'm walking. I genuinely love each of them so much and I can't imagine them not being apart of my story.

I think what I cherish most about these unique friendships is that every time we gather 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 would be lost with out these women that God has woven in to my path and heart.

 Every detail that went in to this weekend was perfect and just what my heart needed. We worshiped together, studied the Word together, and shared our journey and story with others. Simply it was a weekend that my heart was in need of. It simply was refreshing and food for my hungry soul.

I look at these pictures of all of these beautiful and courageous women and I'm just blessed to call them my friend. I mean you can't help but be encouraged when you are surrounded by all the beautiful women at the Retreat.

 

James 1:12   

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.   

 

 

 

 Sweet, Jennifer. She was my Roomie last year and I was flat out giddy about seeing her again this year. I literally ran to give her a big tight squeeze. She has a heart of gold and I truly wish Washington State was closer to me.

My Roomie for this year, Amber. Her strength and beauty for the Lord captured my heart and I'm so thankful our paths crossed this weekend. I loved our late night talks and early morning talks. She has not left my heart since returning home.

 

 Jill, Kimberly, Me, Aimee, and Jennifer- I'm blessed to know these women and their stories. They always know how to bring a huge smile and laughter to any moment.

My favorite Arkansas Girls!

 Emily- She is from Temple!! I had the privilege and opportunity to share Landry and my journey with her shortly after her little boy, Caleb William went to Heaven. I even shared Hope Mommies with her so I was thankful to see her at the retreat. It was a last minute decision, but I'm happy she came. I know who hear and soul were encouraged.

The first faces of Hope Mommies. We were missing 4 others, but it is always good to see these faces that automatically provide a source of comfort to me.

These five women walked with me during the hardest and darkest days and moments of my life and we simply understood one another the heartbreaking pain of all the firsts that come with the first year. I will be forever grateful for these women and the special bond we will always have.   

 On Saturday, We made Hope Boxes that will be taken to area hospitals and giving to women who have babies that went to Heaven. What a wonderful ministry. So thankful Landry's Hope Box will be providing some much needed comfort to a Mom in need. I even included a note in my box.

As much as this story is not the way that I would want it written. I simply can't imagine another story for my life, so I'm thankful and praise God for the story that he is writing for me. God chose ME to be Landry's Mom and for that I will be forever grateful for our Littlest and his Legacy.  

Romans 5:2-5
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

Hope Mommies Retreat

This weekend was the 4th Annual Hope Mommies Retreat. It is always weekend that my heart and soul need. Every detail that went in to this weekend was absolutely breathtaking. 

I have so many pictures and stories but as always it takes me a day to soak it all in and catch up on my sleep. 

The Wheels On The Bus

Tyler loves any opportunity to ride the School Bus. Tyler is very fortunate that their is Bus that goes to the Administration Building, so on certain days he is a bus rider. These are always special days for Tyler. On Monday we put Tyler as a Bus Rider just in case we were running a few minutes late at pick up time. We got back in to town right at 3:00 and I was secretly excited that we got back earlier so I could see Tyler on his big yellow Bus. Georgia Kate and I anxiously waited outside for the Bus.

 Super proud of our Falcon Bus Rider, and I'm still not sure when he got to be old enough to ride a School Bus.

Time is flying by this year and soon I will be preparing Tyler for First Grade. Wow!

Tyler is still a Car Rider the majority of the time, but I know these times on the Bus are fun and also a growing experience for him and me. ;)

 

 

 

If These Walls Could Talk

I have had two days to prepare for this post and I still can't find the words. Monday was Closing Day for our House in Temple, which is a huge blessing since it has been empty since August. I know we both found it very frustrating that it sat so long, because we snatched it up as soon as it went on the market.

 Finally, in December we got two offers! The first offer ended up falling through as the couple walked away a few days later. We were completely devastated but not even a week later we got our second offer and everything just fell in to place perfectly. God's timing is always perfect and way better than ours.

This house was the perfect home for our family and it will always hold a very special place in my heart. We bought this home in May of 2009 in hopes of a growing family and boy did it ever grow. So much time, hard work, sweat, and love went in to making this the most wonderful and welcoming home. 

 Both Landry's and Georgia Kate's lives began in this house and even though we only brought Georgia Kate home, two nurseries were prepared with so much love. Many tears were shed in that house as we walked through one of the hardest journeys, but the hope, excitement, and joy that house brought is priceless.

Tyler celebrated several Birthdays in this home and countless hours of ball were played in that front yard and backyard. I look at that street and it reminds of Tyler learning to ride his bike... several scrapes and maybe some bruises occurred on that road, but the hours spent on walks up and down that street and around our block with neighbors, family, and friends is unforgettable.

We not only only loved that house, but we loved our neighborhood and we were so fortunate to end up on the street we did because we were surrounded by the most amazing and caring neighbors. I mean the Mayor of Temple lived a few houses down from us. We were in good hands all around.

 I will always miss our sweet neighbors and neighborhood. I'm so thankful for all the memories that were formed during our time on Shell Street. It was one of kind and I might always tear up when I think of that special home.

Our closing was a whirlwind day but I'm so thankful we decided to close in person and not electronically, because we were able to go to our house one last time while it was still ours and we were also able to meet the buyers which for me was the best part. I loved meeting the couple who fell in love with our home just as we did and they are so excited about it just as we were. The Wife gave me a hug and said thank you for selling our house. She might of done that since I teared up numerous times during the closing and visit.   Needless to say I'm thrilled that they were couple that bought it. I can't wait to drive by it every time we are back in Temple... not in a stalking way, I promise. ;)               

Above is Moving In Day

Below is Closing (this was taken from the car on our way out of town on Monday. The Buyer saw me through inside window and just waved.... I'm sure he thought I was nuts) I would call it Sentimental. 

Even though the selling of our Temple home is bittersweet it truly is a blessing for our family. I think it symbolizes the closing of a chapter. And with that chapter closed, for now I feel like we can finally move forward and focus on starting new roots in Brookshire. We are still renting for now and will continue to do so until we find something perfect that fits us. No matter how much I miss Temple I truly am thankful for this experience and opportunity. Let the exploring begin!

Super Bowl

I think it is safe to say that the best part of the Super Bowl game for Tyler and Georgia Kate has been half time and the special Football Cookie Cake! As you can see GK did not want to take her eyes of the cake in fear it would disappear. They loved showing off their special football rings. The funny thing is GK did not even like the cookie cake ;)

We also enjoyed some half time dancing by Tyler and GK. GK of course had to get her Tutu. You must always perform in style. I think half time has been my favorite part, too.

 

Grandparent's Day

 

Well, not really. Tyler was just very fortunate to have both sets of his Grandparent's at his Basketball game yesterday. Tyler had two games yesterday, so it was a perfect time for the Grandparent's to be there to cheer Tyler and his team on to TWO victories!
After Basketball we enjoyed a good BBQ lunch. Ghee and Poppy headed back to Temple and we spent the rest of day playing outside with Nana and Papa. We are enjoying a long weekend with them. We are so thankful for our weekends with Family.
Now we are gearing up for the Super Bowl! Well, I'm just gearing up for the Commercials. ;)