Braden's First Day of Preschool

Well, it's official, my baby boy is in preschool!
Isn't it weird being a mom? I'm all like, "how am I old enough for this?"
Sometimes (or maybe many times) I don't feel old enough
to be doing this whole adult thing,
but here I am and we're all alive and he made it to his first day!

He's been pretty excited about school for a while now. 

I think it definitely helps that I've left him when others while I've done Bible study. 

I'm not sure he would have been as thrilled if I've never left him. 

Whenever I would ask him if he was excited about school his eyes would get really big

and he would say, "YES! I'm going to play with toys!" 

Apparently, we just don't have enough toys at home and that's all school is about. 

Definitely going to be a bit of an eye opener for him, but of course, that will be good!

I took him school supply shopping last week, 

which included picking out this new "spiderman" shirt 

and he got these shoes when he was with daddy. 

They too, are spiderman and make him run so fast!

His great grandma got him the backpack, which I think started off the whole spiderman theme. 

Can't you tell how excited he was?

Maeva, of course, thought she was going and it about broke her heart. 

No worries my dear... you are going somewhere next year! HA.

This photo about kills me. 

If there ever was a picture where he looked like his daddy... THIS is it! 

He's so much like his daddy it isn't even funny (I LOVE THAT).

"I'm so excited about school!" 

"It's gonna be fun!" 

"It's gonna be a great day!" 

So glad that he was thrilled about it. That was until we got there...

He was very excited as we were driving to school and walking up to the front. 

Then I think all the people and him realizing I wasn't staying freaked him out a bit. 

He stayed closing to me, holding my hand, and hugging me lots. 

I could tell he wasn't sure about staying, especially when he tried to get out of a line 

and was standing there all tense with his shoulders hunched. 

I hugged him, told him it'd be fun, said I'd see him later and watched him go. 

Left me with my stomach in knots knowing he was nervous 

because of course I wish I could have been there besides him, 

but it's good for him to venture out on his own and it's good for me too!

I knew it would change soon enough and he'd be more than happy to leave me! 

So, the couple hours passed and I was nervous the whole time;

hoping and praying that he was having fun and obeying, that he would want to go back tomorrow.

As I pulled up to pick him up I saw him notice the car and point. 

He was excited to see me and I was relieved he had a good day. 

His teacher said he had a first great day and when I asked him what he did at school, 

he responded with, "I don't know!" That starts so early, doesn't it? 

I nudged him some more. Did you go to music class? Did you play outside? Did you have a snack?

Yes, they played outside and had music. He played with fire trucks and blocks.

He had chocolate milk and crackers. He made some friends and he wants to go back! 

All in all I would say it was a great first day and I look forward to seeing what the year holds!

I know we're all going to grow so much!

^^^ My favorite picture from today!^^^

I love you Braden. 

It's going to be a great year for you! 

I can't wait to see you grow and learn. 

I know it's going to be amazing!

Mother's Day Snapshots

All I wanted for Mother's Day was a few pictures.

Honestly, I didn't set my expectations hight at all 

because usually the kids just aren't up for it and everyone ends up cranky.

However, I guess they got the memo because it happened!

Love my three kiddos and the man that helped me make them! ;)

Braden is such a little comedian.
I can't remember exactly what he was saying, but he was excited about taking photos.
Both him and Mae kept on saying "let's take another!"
Of course I was going to take as many as we could before they were done
because this never happens when we try to make it happen!

Braden, the one who first made me a mama, gave me lots of hugs and kisses.

He can be so affectionate and makes my heart want to melt. 

Love my boy!

Oh, Mae... always the more stubborn one.
Didn't want to take many more pictures.
Wanted to run and play, be two.
Thankfully I got a little smile from this sassy one!

Sutton, as always gave me lots of smiling and joy. 

Seriously, I've never met a more happy little one. 

It's contagious and on the really hard days I'm so grateful for it! 

I cannot help but smile when that girl smiles. Such a joy! 

Motherhood isn't easy, whatsoever. 

It's the hardest job I've ever hard, but I'm thankful for it. 

Thankful that it helps me to grow and to learn. 

Thankful that it helps me lean on my husband and God. 

Thankful that these three babies are mine. 

They are pretty great! 

Being a mom of three from A-Z

I actually wrote this post as a guest post a while ago,
but wanted to share it here as well.
Want to know what it's like to be a mama to three little ones
from ages 1 to 4 years? Here are my ABC's for ALL you need to know! ;)

Action.
Being a mama to three little ones always takes lots of action!
Often I'm just trying to survive and wish we could sit on the couch and watch PBS all day,
but three little ones are full of so much action, that mama has to be too!

Braden.
The one that first made me a mama. My only boy (so far)!
So loving to his mama and such a good big brother to his sisters!

Crying.
Somebody is usually always crying, fussing or whining.
It's usually because they aren't getting their way and it's usually the middle child!

Daddy.
I often find myself asking, "Where is daddy?!" because I could always use some help!
The kids often want their daddy too because they love him so much!

Escape.
Again, this one is for me. I often feel the need to escape.
Most of the time it's to my room with netflix while the kids are napping.
However, I often wish it was running out the door and far far away! ;)
Sometimes I just escape to the closet for five minutes. Especially on really rough days!

Food.
Someone is always hungry.
It doesn't matter if they just ate ten minutes ago, they are starving!
They always "want a snack!" and I pretty much always feel like I'm making food!

Hugs.
I give lots and lots of hugs around here!
They ask for them. I ask for them.
They also ask to be held a lot.
I don't mind it... it may just be one of my favorite things!

Insane asylum.
The thought that I may end up in one, one day often passes through my mind.
Motherhood definitely makes me feel crazy almost every day, multiple times a day.

Joy.
It is the biggest joy to be their mama.
I may struggle with feeling it daily, but when I sit back and really look at life,
it is the biggest joy because as much as they make me want to run away and cry,
they make me smile and laugh so much more! They are the light in dark moments!

Knowledgable.
I don't know everything, but I've grown as a mama since having three babies.
We definitely made some mistakes with each child, but learn more and more as we go.
They teach me a lot and with each kid I think I figure out how to be better!

Love.
With every single child I've worried about whether or not I'd have enough love for each child.
Is there enough of me? Can I love more than I already do?
The heart grows and there's definitely so much love for my children.
I love them more than I can explain! They are my world!

Maeva.
My middle child. The girl that is wild and crazy!
She's the one that makes us feel like we're going to lose it, but we love her all the same!

Needy.
With three kiddos someone always needs something.
Food, a nap, a toy, to be held, to watch tv, to use the iPad, on and on.
I'm thankful I get to stay home with them and give them the things they need and want!
It may be crazy and not so restful, but I love it!

Open.
I'm one of those people that want things to go my way, but I've had to change a lot when it comes to being a mama! I have to be open to change and things not going my way at all. Welcome to parenthood!

Prayer.
Having a relationship with God is the one thing that keeps me sane! I know that without Him I would really suck at this whole mom thing! I have a constant conversation going on with Him in my head. I need Him (and coffee) daily to get through this whole mom thing!

Quiet time.
One thing I make sure happens almost daily! I need me time everyday, even if it's just thirty minutes.
My oldest doesn't take a nap, but he does go to his room to play with trains for a bit! It helps me to take care of me and be a better mama for them! I encourage this no matter how many babies you have!

Running.
There's always somebody running!
Braden and Maeva like to run laps in the kitchen and I let them because they are getting exercise and having fun! I'm sure someday Sutton will join them!

Sutton.
My baby girl. Possibly our last.
The third one feels like the easy one and I think it's because we're a bit more knowledgeable! ;)

Testing my limits.
I'm pretty sure the kids get together and think how can we drive our parents crazy today?!
Braden telling me he doesn't want to use the potty or crying because he wants the iPad.
Maeva screaming her head off just because she feels like it. She's so emo.
I feel like with three there's always someone pushing my buttons!
Except when they are asleep because goodness, then they are all so cute!

Unreal.
It's weird to be a mom. Often I find myself asking, "These are mine? I have three kids?"
Wasn't I just outside running around at the age of eight? Life sure does fly by and I am so thankful that God chose me to have these babies. As hard as it can be, I really wouldn't change it!

Vivacious.
All of my kids are full of life and high spirited. Especially when they are together!
They always giggling, yelling, running, playing, and being SO LOUD.
That's one thing that's definitely different from having just one or two kids - it is SO LOUD ALL THE TIME.

War.
Our house can, at times, feel like a battle ground.
Toddlers have their own opinions about things and want things to go exactly their way.
I guess babies are the same and you can't really reason with them!
If things aren't happening the way they want it feels like a wars about to break out.
I'm often on the losing side especially if all the kids are upset at the same time!

EXciting (that's the best I could do;).
The kids are always learning new things and that's one thing I love about being a mama!
I love to see the kids grow and learn about life! Braden can tell me so many trains from Thomas the train and it just leaves me amazed! I couldn't remember all of those! Maeva talks non-stop and it's amazing to see how much she can say and understand! Sutton started crawling earlier than I remember the other two doing so! I love the exciting moments of watching them grow! Makes me so proud to be their mama!

You crazy!
We say that a lot around here! The kids are just crazy, especially when together!
If I have Braden or Maeva by themselves they are so good and well behaved.
Put them together and it's crazy town, but they sure do love one another!

Zoo.
It's a zoo around here! Come stop by and see!

There's so many things I could say about being a mama to three little ones.
So many words could describe it. These are just little bits and pieces about how it is with my kids.
It's hard to be a mama. No matter the number of kids you have, but I'm thankful for all of them.
They've changed my heart and made me grow more than I could have imagined. I know they will continue to do so! Even though it's the hardest job in the world, it really is the best!

Abc's of Maeva

I recently wrote this post about being a mama of three littles.

I thought it'd be fun to do a post on each of my kids as they get older.
Of course since Maeva turned two a few months ago, I thought I should do a post now.
Braden turns four years old SOON, so I'll start working on his as well.
As a mama my heart aches watching them grow, but it's also such a beautiful thing to see!

Here's the Abc's of my Maeva!

Attitude.
The girl has one and it makes me so anxious as she grows.
I know it can get worse, but I pray it doesn't! As does her dad!
He may be more worried than me! HA.

Brave.
This girl, she doesn't seem to fear a ton.
She's the one that will touch bugs.
She's the one that will throw her hands up in the air as she jumps.
She's also the one that stands up at the table, not worried that she will fall at all.

Crazy.
We often say, "Maeva is crazy."
She runs around, screaming, and being wild.
We usually say this when we're in the car and she gets upset
because her screaming could break glass.
Seriously, way too loud and nothing can stop it, once it starts.

Destroyer.
Just as I was typing this out, she looked at me with an apple in her hand,
and purposely dropped it on the kitchen floor.
This girl gets into everything and I'm certain that she's
the reason things aren't where I want them.
Given, all kids are really that way, but she pulls things off the table,
throws things on the floor, pulls things out of drawers.
It drives me nuts and I need to Maeva proof the house!

Extroverted.
She's definitely the most extroverted person in our entire family.
She's always saying hi to people and smiling.
Mommy and daddy are not extroverted, so this is a struggle sometimes!

Fragile.
Mae's feelings can get hurt pretty easily.
Especially when daddy gets after her about something.
Her heart just seems so broken, but girls gotta learn!

Giggly.
She loves to laugh and be silly.
Usually with her brother and often right after waking up in the morning.
It usually involves screaming happily too, which is a bit TOO loud first thing.
I do love her happy giggles though!

Hard-headed.
The girl knows what she wants and if she can't have it, you'll hear about it!
She isn't the best listener and is stubborn as heck. No idea where she gets that from! ;)
She's gotten better with some of it and I hope she continues to.

I love you!
Words she loves saying to everybody in our family.
She's been so cute learning to say it.
Thankful that she loves her brother and sister so much!

Jealous.
She's our middle girl and with that often comes a bit of jealous.
She competes for our attention a lot and not always pleasantly.
We've gotten better at making sure we pay attention to her more.
I give her lots of hugs, sit with her on the couch, tell her I love her,
and she always sits on my lap when reading stories.

Kind.
As crazy as she is, she is such a kind little girl!
Whenever some is upset she'll tell them, "it's okay!" or ask, "you okay?"
I know she's learned a lot of it from her big brother.

Lover of all things frozen.
Of course what little girl isn't?
She must have Elsa, Ana, and Olaf in her bed with her.
Ana is definitely her favorite and I love how excited she gets about her friends!

Maeva.
A name I fell in love with before I even met my husband.
I read it in a book and kept in the back of my mind.
Glad my husband loved it as much as me!

Netflix junkie.
She always wants to "watch a show!"
Thomas and care bears are her favorite.
She also likes Daniel Tiger, which I prefer more than anything else!
I love that she sings a long.

Ornery.
She will flat out disobey.
I'll be looking at her, telling her not to do something,
and you can tell by the look on her face she understands,
but just doesn't want to listen.
She also likes to run away from and thinks it's hilarious!

Pretty.
I mean, just look at her! She really is such a beautiful girl.
I love her curly hair and how it frames her face.
Wish she'd let me do her hair, but also pulls ponytails out and never keeps bows in long.
Daddy will have to carry a bat around when she's older.
Maybe we'll just lock her in her room! ;)

Quick tempered.
Her mood can change so quickly.
She can be so happy one second and moody the second.
Oh toddlers!

Respectful.
She's so good at saying thank you!
Any time she is given something she'll say, "Thank you mom!"
She also says that when we go through drive-thrus. It's adorable and makes me proud.

Slide.
One of her favorite things to do at the park.
She loves the slide at the park by our house, but refuses to use the one in our backyard.
Silly girl!

Train stealer.
Also wanting to play with her brothers trains.
They get in plenty of fights about this!

Ultra smart!
Maeva always surprises us with how smart she is.
She talks non-stop, can say so many words, and talks in complete sentences.
I know it helps having an older brother, but Braden definitely didn't talk this well at two.
She understands so much and it leaves us amazed.

Volcanic.
I'm also afraid she's going to erupt and usually not in a good way!
She's good at exploding with tantrums and loudness!

Where's daddy?
She asks this question a billion times during the day.
She often answers herself by saying, "Daddy at work!"
Loves and adores her daddy!

X...
Can we just act like this letter doesn't exist?!
It's impossible to come up with a word and gives me a headache!

Yes.
She's finally learning to say, "yes mom" and "yes dad" instead of disobeying all the time.
I love to hear her little voice say yes. It's so much better than the constant NO!!! she was shouting!

Zealous.
She is so full of energy and life. Always on the go!
I don't know how kids always have so much energy in them!
From the time she gets up to the time she goes to bed, she's on the go!
I have to force nap time or I'll go crazy with this one.
Even after she's put to bed, hours later we'll hear her chatting with herself!

Well, there's the ABC's of Maeva at age 2. 

I'm sure things will change as she grows! 

I look forward to watching her grow and change!

Overwhelmed By Motherhood

Can I just be honest and say that I'm feeling really overwhelmed by motherhood lately?

The rising early and going to bed late, constant whining and fighting, always needing me,

cleaning and cleaning and cleaning, having to figure out how to entertain them, and on and on.

It has me downright feeling like a failure. 

But there's more it than that. 

There's the fears. 

Those are really leaving me overwhelmed 

and leave me wanting to yank the blanket back over my head 

until their grown and out on their own. 

I'm overwhelmed in thinking about all that depends on me. 

All I have to teach them. Not just things like how to count or the Abc's. 

I mean, that can be overwhelming to me at times, 

but the things that are overwhelming lately...

are things that are of a deeper matter, things that have me asking, 

"If I don't teach them this will they forever be a mess?" 

Things like...

How they should treat other people and how other people should treat them,

How they should treat themselves,

Appropriate boundaries, 

Knowing and following Jesus, 

and on and on that list could go as well. 

I'm sure I'm not the only mama who deals with fears like those. 

I'm sure I'm not the only mama who wonders 

if she's going to completely jack up her children. 

In fact, I know I'm not.

The other day at Bible study another mom said something that's stuck with me. 

She said, "Anything we mess up, He can fix." 

I'm holding tight to those words, wanting to remember them now and for later. 

No matter the mistakes I make with my children (because I will), He can fix it all. 

I'm putting my trust in Him with my kids and letting my worries and fears fall away.

It's not always easy, but He promises to take care of this life we live.

He has a plan in it all -- the good and the bad. He'll shape their little lives with it. 

So, to the mama, who like me worries that you're going to mess up your kiddos.

Give it to God and know that He's the fixer of all things. 

After all He did take our sin and fix it by taking it on Himself.

So thankful that He can fix all things. 

To Remember In This Season Of Motherhood

In this season of motherhood, I want to remember...

How even when Sutton is upset, she still smiles.
It's like it's a fight for her to be sad. She just can't help but smile.

That Sutton's a total mamas girl.
Sometimes she cries just at others holding her.
She's even tried to jump out of her daddies arms to get to me.

Sutton starting to move.
It happened much more quickly for her than it did for Braden and Maeva.
She's not crawling just yet, but she's trying.
She's a scooter and will scoot just to get ahold of the iPhone.

That Maeva mostly has good manners.
Especially when it comes to saying thank you.
Any time I give her anything she practically screams, "Thank you Mom! Thank you!"

How she gets so excited about things and often says to others,
"Come on! Let's go!"

Her voice as she sings along to Frozen.
Really, just her voice in general.
Maeva may be the source of my gray hair, but her voice is the sweetest.

The fact that she loves plantain chips more than anything.
She will ask for them and cry for them.
She'll pull the bag out of the cabinet and say, "want pantain chips!"

That Braden is asking for a "Thomas Tent" for his birthday.
I'm 100% he learned that from watching youtube videos about Thomas.
That is how he learned about his Thomas bike after all.

Braden freaks out over bugs.
He even cried about a fly in his room.
"There's a fly in my room. Get it out mom!'

The fact that he told me he loved me the other night without me saying it first.
My heart totally melted.

That, whenever I hurt myself, which somedays can be a lot,
Braden asks, "Are you okay mom? Are you okay?"
and he asks the same to Maeva whenever she's hurt or fussing.

That both Braden and Maeva call Sutton, "Baby Sutton."
They adore her so much and it's so sweet.

I need to write these things down more because the time goes so quickly.
I don't want to forget it because as hard as it can be, there's so much good in this season.

Confessions From a SAHM

Just some random mommy confessions from a SAHM 

of an almost 4 year old, 2 year old, and 7 month old: 

I rarely ever leave the house with a diaper bag. 

Usually I just throw diapers and wipes in my purse.

Often though, I forget everything. 

I used to hate coffee. Like thought it was the nastiest thing ever.

Then, I had my son and now I'm addicted. 

Give me my coffee or I may very well be a zombie.

Wish I'd loved coffee in college! That would have helped a lot.

My kids eat peanut butter and jelly for lunch almost daily.

Sometimes they still ask for it at dinner time. 

The kids rooms' are rarely ever clean. 

Especially my sons! Trains everywhere! 

Sometimes I don't shower the whole weekend.

Ain't nobody, especially a mama got time for that! 

My husband and I haven't been on a date (by ourselves) in forever. 

I get jealous of other mamas.

Ones that seem to find joy in their kids all the time.

Maybe it's all in my head?

I rarely go anywhere alone with my three babies.

Too much craziness to handle, so usually I just wait for my husband.

Other times my mom or my sister go with us.

I don't remember the last time I deep cleaned anything.

I'm a little concerned that Braden is never actually going to do #2 in the toilet! 

However, I do know it won't last forever, but really kid?!?

Letting my kids cry it out makes me anxious.

When Braden was little I actually would go in the closet and cry.

I don't let it get to that anymore! 

Often I wonder if any other mom (in the world) loses it as much as me.

I yell too much, but I'm trying to work on it.

The tv is pretty much always on.

Nap time is a must around here. 

My son may not nap, but he always spends a few hours in his room.

Mama needs to keep her sanity and this is the way I do it! 

We've spent most of this summer inside because it's way too hot! 

I think we're going to have another baby, 

but I'm hesitant because really, do I have anymore mind to lose?

Just a few of my mommy confessions. 

I could go on and on. 

Do you have any mommy confessions?

5 Ways I'm Not Failing As A Mom

It's easy to be hard on ourselves as mom's.
We're not perfect and we know it,
but I think we spend too much time coming up with lists of how we're failing
rather than how we are doing pretty dang well as a mom.
Today I want to focus on that because I need it and maybe another mom does as well.

5 Ways I'm Not Failing as a Mom (and you probably aren't either)

1. My kids' bellies are full.
The toddlers may ask for peanut butter and jelly for almost every meal, but I have it!
I try to add some fruit and "trees" to their plate for some balance.
Really though, I may not be a gourmet cook or change it up that often,
but they don't go hungry!
My kids have their basic needs met (food, water, clothes, a rough over their head) daily,
plus so much more! They have a lot of their wants mixed in as well.

2. I love them and they know it.
I hug and kiss all my babies multiple times a day.
Usually first thing in the morning and as I put them down to sleep.
Throughout the day I kiss and hug them as well, along with the words, "I love you."
I can't help but kiss Sutton every single time I'm holding her because gosh she's cute!
I also make sure to ask them for hugs and kisses too.

3. We spend time together.
Maybe it's not always by playing on the floor.
Maybe it's watching TV or a movie together,
maybe it's having them help me clean, runnings errands,
going to the park or on a playdate,
but we're together and they are involved.

4. They love one another.
I was always afraid my kids would struggle with having younger siblings,
but really, they don't.
They adjust well, but more than that, they fall in love with each other.
Seeing Braden and Maeva hug and kiss each other before they go to sleep
makes my mama heart soar.
They always want to say goodnight to Sutton too, with hugs and kisses.
As far as I'm concerned if my kids are being kind and love one another
then I must be doing something right!

5. At the end of the day they still want me.
Now, this may not be something I'm physically or emotionally doing,
but at the beginning of the day, when I get them from their rooms, they want me.
At the end of the night when I tuck them in, they want me.
Throughout the day they cry for me, come to sit on my lap, hug and kiss me.
That says it all, in my opinion. If my kids still want their mama,
then I'm doing pretty dang good as their mama.

What's on your list?
You're doing good as a mama.
You may not be perfect, but you're meant to be their mama.
I promise.

Longing for Mom Friends

There's a longing that usually passes over me every day. 

It's a longing that was filled when I lived with a group of girls

in the coffee house during college.

It's a longing I didn't think much about until I was married with babies. 

It's a longing for friends, for close friendship. 

Like I mentioned in college I had a close group of girlfriends. 

Most of us lived together and we spent time together every day. 

After graduation though we all became spread out, living in different places. 

That makes it more difficult to be as close. 

Then, throw motherhood in there 

and some times it feels downright impossible to have friends!

Am I the only mom who struggles with making friends?

It's hard to be as close to my best friends not only because we're in different places,

but we're also in different stages of life. 

Most of them are pretty newly married and without kids. 

Being friends with women who don't have kids is almost painful sometimes.

When you become a mom your kids become most of your life. 

Are they all my life is about? No, but most of my life is about them.

My family is my whole heart and often if you aren't a parent, you don't really get that. 

I understand that, but my heart often desperately misses having close friendships.

Friendships change when you get married and again when you have kids. 

At least that's my experience. 

You can't spend as much time with your friends.

Your time is spent more so with your husband and your kids.

I wouldn't change being married or having kids, of course, 

but I wish friendship was easier.

I have a few moms friends, but it feels hard to get to a deeper level 

when we have kids running wild.

I long for that though.

I long for girls nights and deeper conversation. 

I long for trials and joys being shared.

I long for prayers being prayed for each other.

I long for building friendships not to feel so awkward. 

Does that happen to anything other mom? 

It's awkward having to meet other moms.

Plus I feel like I'm a bit socially awkward because I don't get out much 

and spend most of my time with three kids all under the age of four. 

Mom brain + not much stimulating conversations with toddlers and babies,

makes me feel like I've lost a bit of my mind. 

Seriously, does any other mom feel this way? Ha ha 

It just seems harder to make friends the more I grow and the more babies I have. 

I'm trying though and that's what it takes. Trying and getting out. 

I'm thankful for the friends I do have, moms or not. 

Do you struggle with making friends as a mom? 

Do you have any suggestions about the whole thing? 

Mae's Frozen Party!

Maeva really enjoys watching and singing along with Frozen,
so I was pretty excited to make that her theme for turning two.
I still cannot believe she's two years old!
Wasn't she just a newborn yesterday?

I'm not really one of those moms who gets pinterest crazy with parties,
but I do enjoy having a party just for my kids.
She seemed to enjoy it and got insanely spoiled.
Here's way too many photos  of her party!

^^^Before the party began.

Excuse a few crummy iPhone photos because this mama didn't charge her camera :/

Thankful someone else had their camera!^^^

I'm not entirely sure she knew what was going on, 

but she was definitely distracted by all things Frozen!

Maeva got a crazy amount of gifts. 

She was a big fan of all the shoes she got - four pairs! 

The boots, she picked out herself a few weekends ago.

She was also a fan of her frozen dolls and olafs (yes two!).

Braden kept on saying he wanted a present and gladly played with some of the toys.

All the kids really love the tea set she got 

and there's a matching tea cart that is just adorable! 

A family friend put together a cute dress up box for Maevy.

It came with so many cute things include a handmade tutu and necklaces.

She loved the necklaces, but not wearing them. Just carrying them!

I was pretty excited about this cake and so was Mae.

We had to hold her hands back so she wouldn't dig in. 

I looked everywhere for a Frozen cake, but could't find anything.

This cake came in purple at our local grocery store. 

I was so happy when they said they'd make the icing blue! 

It was perfect and delicious. I may have eaten far too much of it!

Mae is a bit crazy and was trying to grab the candles when they were lit.

We had to hold her hands back and I blew out the candles quickly.

Probably ruined it, but hey, I didn't want her getting hurt or causing the house to burn down!

Had to get some photos with my family too! 

Seriously, how in the world people get good photos with their kids is beyond me.

But I still love these so much! It shows real life and who my kids really are.

It was a fun day to celebrate how sweet, crazy, wild Maeva. 

We love her so much and are so blessed by her.

She's definitely a gift from God and we can't imagine life without her! 

His Grace Covers It All

When my head hits the pillow at the end of the day, I feel it.
When I wake to nurse a sleeping baby, I feel it.
When I rise to get ready for the day and through the day, I feel it.

The mom guilt. The worry.

The nagging questions, "Am I failing my kids? Am I messing them up?"
Am I failing them because we stay home more often than not during the week?
Am I failing them as I slap together another peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
Am I failing them because they play a lot by themselves and together?
Am I failing them because I spend too much time on my phone,
cleaning, blogging, or other things?
Am I failing them because we don't go to church?
Am I failing them because we don't do crafts or projects every day?
Am I failing because they watch too much tv?
Am I failing them because the iPad is used far too much?
Am I failing them because I may not send them to school?
Am I failing because I may home school them?
Am I failing them because I yell far too often?
Am I failing them because sometimes spankings come from anger?

The wondering and worries go on and on.
It makes my stomach hurt when I think about it to often,
which is pretty much multiple times a day, every day.
I know some changes need to happen in this house and I'm trying.
As I try to make changes, as I try to better I whisper many prayers.
God, help me not to worry. Help me to put my trust in You.
I know that You have my kids in the palm of your hand
and that you have a future for them.
I know that all things will work out for good.
I know know that you love them far more than me.
Help my heart to know and believe in this God.
That's all I can do. Pray and try and let the rest be covered by His grace.
So thankful His grace covers it all. All of my worry. All of my doubt.

Do you struggle with worry and mom guilt? What helps you?
I hope that if you do you find comfort in this.
In knowing that He's got the future taken care of.
Mine, yours, your kids and whoever, whatever you may worry about.
His grace was there, is there, and always will be.