Frivolous Girl Stuff....

WHICH I LOVE!

All last fall and winter, I had my eye on the cute Tory Burch flats. It wasn't meant to be.

However, I am researching early this year, in hopes that I can find a deal on a pair off of ebay.... maybe they won't be out of style. Let me know what you think of the three pairs I have spotted on ebay....

Classic and classically beautiful.

My sis-in-law has a pair like these, and they look so cute on her! Of course, all things look cute on her! =)

Something a little different, but I love it!

Cast your vote now! (Hopefully, I will post a picture of a pair on my feet in a few months!)

Wordless Wednesday....All Ready to go Eat at Moe's!

I hope you found a reason to put on your tutu and tiara today! Happy Wednesday!

Normal?

I finally feel like I resemble a "normal" person!! I am so very grateful.

I don't think I am (or want to be) my old normal, but I am slowly finding a new normal. Here is what it looks like..... so if you run into me on the street, you have been adequately warned!

I find myself completely desperate to not miss out on the opportunities that God has put in front of me. So, yes, that means I have opened myself and others up to many awkward conversations. (One, which led to a sweet pat on the back as if to say, "I've had enough of this talk about God, but that is sweet.") But, it also means that I am taking my purpose here seriously which feels so good! I pray that my feelings of urgency don't fade.

I also think that I am a little bit more sensitive to others who are going through loss and/or crisis. My family and friends have been so wonderful over the last month. I have learned so much from them about loving others even when it is hard and uncomforable. So, if you are in the middle of something terrible, I would love to help and pray! I found that in the midst of all of our pain, it was such a sweet time with the Lord! I hope that is what others experience, too.

There are a few things that haven't changed a bit, though. I still enjoy being silly with my hubby and girls. I love a good laugh, and if I can laugh until I cry, even better! I also think that playing just for the sake of playing is ok. So, if you want to play, then come on over!!

Here are a few pics of the girls playing just for the sake of playing...they really are such great role models for me!

That is a whole bunch of kiddos ready to watch "Tangled." Thank you, Osborns, for being such wonderful hosts!

Girls love their sidewalk chalk! They look so cute huddled together, don't they?

Bedhead sisters cuddled together for some cartoon time.

Yesterday, Maggie and Kerri Grace made their own sidewalk creations!

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!--Psalm 34:8

Living the Good Life!

We went to the beach with my parents, and we were spoiled once again! The girls enjoyed the beach and the pool more than ever before. They played for hours on end, and made all kinds of friends along the way. Maggie and Kerri Grace are getting so comfortable with the water. In fact, Maggie was swimming under the water by the end of the trip which is huge!!! They also got to have Mimi and Papa's undivided attention for five solid days...I think they enjoyed that the most!

Mommy and Daddy enjoyed sleeping in every morning which was amazing. We also went on a date night, and got some fun quality time with Mimi and Papa. Matt and Papa rode their bikes. That's right, Matt is trying his hand (or should I say feet) at biking! He went on two long rides and did really well. I am so glad that he has found something frivolous to do just for himself. Mimi and Mommy went on several walks on the beach, and we enjoyed an afternoon of window shopping. After most of our fun-filled days, we added a cherry on top of our delicious time by eating out (and eating way too much)!

Yes, I felt slightly guilty during our vacation, but not so guilty that I couldn't enjoy. =) The only thing that would have made it better would be if B and Tay could have come. Next time!

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Two Years of Sweetness!

I always enjoy my girls' birthdays, but I'll be honest - this one has been extra sweet (as I am sure Maggie's next birthday will be). Matt and I have always recognized how our girls are truly blessings from the Lord. However, we have both said that since losing our third baby, our thankfulness and love for the girls has multiplied by a million! I am completely in love with my girls, and Kerri Grace is such a treasure!

In honor of her birthday, here are some of my favorite qualities of Kerri Grace:

*She is pretty much fearless and so spunky! She thinks she can do anything Big Sis does, and most of the time, she can!

*She can almost eat more Mexican food than her Mommy....and that is no small task!

*Kerri Grace looks just like her Mommy. And while that means she is on the shorter side and probably a little bit on the rounder side, I love having a little "Mini Me." Plus, I think she is just adorable!

*She still looks like a baby! This one goes hand-in-hand with the previously listed quality of looking like her Mommy.

*When she gets excited, she does this quirky little hop/skip....Love it!

*CHEEKS!

*She is amazingly able to make almost as many facial expressions as her Daddy. It is so funny to watch her interact with Matt...so cute!

*She prays for all of the people she loves for a very lengthy time in order to avoid "night night time."

*She embraces being the baby, and enjoys all of the perks that go along with that.

*She is ours, and we are so glad she is!!

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Baby Girl!!

Kerri Grace is 2!

Well, technically, she turns two on Wednesday, but we celebrated yesterday. And, boy did we celebrate!!

I decided on a Minnie Mouse theme for my sweet girl's party because she has been completely in love with Minnie ever since we got back from Disney World. I made the right choice! She loved the decorations, fun games, and she warmed up to the idea of the crowd once she had her cake and opened her presents. Can't blame her...what girl doesn't get giddy over yummy sweets and fun gifts to open?!! Here are the pictures from our fun time:

Matt and I are so, so thankful for our Two-Year-Old Spunky Blessing!! Happy Birthday Party Day, Kerri Grace!!

Playlist Mix-up

I switched the playlist to some of the songs I have been listening to for comfort or to get a good cry out at night when the girls are asleep. I often will pull up my playlist and use it as background music while I clean up. I haven't been able to listen to these songs during the day (while the girls are awake to witness) until now. I am so thankful that the Lord has been so sweet and tender to us!

"He shot His arrows deep into my heart. The thought of my suffering and hopelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By His mercies we have been kept from complete distruction. -Lamentations 3:13. 19-22

You are more than welcome to listen and enjoy the new playlist or pause it....I am loving it!

Voila!!!

We Needed to Lighten Up a Bit!!

Our light fixture that is above our kitchen table broke. I'll be honest...it was a bit chintzy looking. So, when it broke and became a fire hazard, I shook my head outwardly but inwardly was not the least bit disappointed.

The past few days, I have been shopping around town and online, and as it turns out my taste is a little "out there" for Matt and a bit more expensive than the budget allows. Who would have thought?! =)

Nevertheless, I pushed on looking for a reasonably priced and somewhat unique fixture. Well folks, I think I have found it! The perfect light fixture, and here it is:

What do you think?! I will post pictures once it is actually hung...have to wait for my amazingly handy husband to do that part! So excited!

Free Chicken Tastes Better!!!

Dressing Up Silly And Free Chicken Makes Us Dance!!!

Cute Little Cow!

Mommy and Maggie Eating Up Our Free Chicken!

This is Daddy's "Happy Cow Face"....straight from the Creamery.

Maggie Loves to Ask for Her Refills!

Thank you for my "lemolade!"

We dressed up the part, and it was totally worth it! Free chicken really does taste better!

They Make Our Hearts Smile!

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." -Thich Nhat Hanh

Lauren and her sweet girls have always been a source of joy and smiles for us! We had a great time with them today! I am more thankful than ever for my wonderful friend.

I have a feeling Campbell and Maggie are going to be the dynamic duo that their mommies were as kids. I couldn't be happier!!

Ouch!

Our littlest Miss Priss is like her mommy in more ways than her looks. She is fearless and clumsy....not a good combo!

This boo-boo hurt mommy more than it did Kerri Grace. She dried up her tears just a few minutes after taking a face-plant on the cement. She was not about to have to stop playing and go inside!! She really is one tough cookie!

Love

Love still stands when all else has fallen.
- 1 Corinthians 13:7-8