Friday, November 30, 2012

Thankful

I am thankful for this precious girl and her spunk.  She is my little shadow and it is so humbling to be her mom.  I often forget that God chose her specifically for me and knew of her existence long before I ever dreamed it up.  How lucky I am to be Amelia Claire's mom and have the opportunity to shower her with love and empower her with tools to be the best that she can be.  Thankful barely seems to skim the surface.  She is my first-born, analytical, sensitive, sassy, curious, passionate, hilarious three and a half year old and I am so thankful for the difference she has made in my life. 

Elise Mae Halsted has taught me so much about faith.  I am so thankful for her boisterous personality and the fact that she finds herself so funny (we do too).  She is always happy and laughing and is so good for my soul.  I am thankful that she continues to guide me in living more freely and worrying less.  She is tiny, but her personality is bigger than life and her crinkle nose smile cheers even the darkest day.  How blessed I am to have her as a daughter and I pray that I can show her Christ's love above all and nurture that adventurous nature of hers.  She is my second-born stubborn, adorable, loving, funny, fearless, energetic ALMOST two year old and I am so thankful for every single second of those almost two years. 

I remember very vividly one Thanksgiving where I went to use the bathroom and just could not come out.  I was pouting and sad and in a pool of self-pity.  It seemed unfair that all of my friends had husbands and I didn't.  I longed for a man that would accept me for me and be a lover of God.  For what seemed like forever, I sat in there on that cold toilet while my precious family was laughing and talking in the living room.  I pulled it together and looked myself sternly in the mirror-- demanding that I count my blessings (which were so plentiful and overflowing that it is embarrassing) and marched myself back out for our fun gathering.  There were many moments like this that I remember.  I often had to slap myself back to the reality of the amazing life that I had and remind myself to LIVE IT.  The desire to marry and have a family were still strong and present, but I prayed through those rough patches and kept striving to loosen my grip on obsessing about that dream.
And then, there he was.  A tall, shy, Godly, handsome, intelligent, analytical, fabulous man waiting just for me.  And when I realized that he was the one I would share my life with, I exclaimed to God that I had found him!!  Which was silly because I hadn't really found anything at all.  He had been there, getting ready for me all along.  He loved my loud, opinionated, passionate self and all my worry soon was lost in the shuffle of wedding plans.  But, in this season of thanks, I wanted to remember those hard times.  I don't want to gloss over them.  This precious family is a huge answered prayer.  I want that girl holding back sobs on the toilet from Thanksgivings past to look at this picture and realize what fountains of blessings this photo holds.  So thankful.  Eternally thankful.



Thursday, November 29, 2012

Thanksgiving-- So much thanks to give

Thanksgiving morning, Ross had to work, so we just drove to Harrison to lounge with Mom and Dad and watch the Macy's Parade in our jammies.  Ross had such a positive attitude about working that I was honestly okay with him not being there.  He does such a great job of being present when he is with us-- actively playing with the girls and letting me know he appreciates me- that it is easier to handle when he is gone.  Thankfully Mom and Dad live so close and it is just a quick trip away.  I NEVER take that for granted.  
Relaxing Gampy
Looking at Black Friday ads
Haha
Sliding
Cooking with Gammy
Big helper

 Friday morning the girls helped Gammy cook a little and then we went to play at Aunt Steph's while she made the rest of our yummy feast.  Ross came down that morning to join us and I was a very happy camper. 
There was some playing
And smothering
And sharing
And snacking
And hair fixing
And loving
And mothering
And some laughing

 We had a great day and a wonderful meal on the way that evening.  I just love these four girls so much.  It makes me giggle just watching them all together. 


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Happy Birthday G!

 The day after Liv's party, we went to Devitos to celebrate G's birthday a little bit early.  Jessalyn and Mammaw both came and we had a fabulous time and a yummy dinner.  Devitos is one of my favorite places to eat in Harrison.
Giving G her present and painting


Love this picture
Feeding the fish--aka keeping Elise out of the water

The Whole Gang

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Liv It Up!- She's ONE

Liv's birthday party was definitely a party to remember!  We had such a fabulous time and talked about it for days later.  It is truly amazing how much Liv loved her party.  She had that dimple smile going the entire time.  Amelia loves Liv with a smothering, hugging, mothering love.  We always have to remind her a million times not to pick Liv up and not to smother her with EXTREMELY tight hugs and tons of kisses.  It warms my heart to see her love her so um fiercely, haha. 

Amy Jo made the girls these poodle shirts to wear to the party and I just loved them. 
Ingrid and Liv looked so cute in their poodle outfits and oh my word at the POODLE DECOR.  I just absolutely love seeing what Steph comes up with for the girls' parties.  It makes me so happy to see her striped straws and hand crafted banners and bone shaped truffles.  She truly loves to create and it is so exciting to the party goer!!  I didn't get many pictures of all her awesome decor, but hopefully she will post some soon. 


The food was awesome!  She made Mexican Lasagna, guac, cheese dip, salad-- a huge spread!


 Although the decorations were precious, the best part was how much Liv (and all the girls) loved her presents.  She was so tickled to open each one and knew exactly what she was doing.




Happy to steal Liv's new phone...

So happy Aunt Sherry and Gary were there to share in the fun.  And sidenote-- Amelia SO enjoyed playing with her Aunt Sherry the day before the party and said she just wished that Texas wasn't so far away!
Out of order photo, but here are the two playing animal doctor
Aunt Sherry is such a beauty!!!
Maelea was a dancing machine and Elise loved dancing with her.  Pippo (Maelea's grandma) and Garrett made a surprise appearance and added to the big crowd of party going fun.  It was such a great night that no one wanted to end. Steph made party hats for every party goer.  YES- made them.  They were simply fabulous.
Throw ya hands in the air
Elise dancing with Pippo
Such a typical Elise photo--love it.  Wouldn't leave her hat on..

 Happy Birthday Livvy Poodle!!