Hello New Year!

The holidays are over! I should not really be "happy" about that, but let me tell you... I am! Once the holidays are over its time to look at "the new year". I am not sharing my resolutions this year because I decided to make a short, very personal list. I want this year to be about growing in my faith and my walk with the Lord more than anything else. One thing I love about the new year is the feeling of "a fresh start" but it's a little ironic since every day is a fresh start when you are a child of God. So why is it that I only get that new start feeling once a year? I want to look into that this year. I want that feeling every.single.day. Another thing the new year does for me is gives me a "lets get clean and organized" attitude. I mean, I feel that way all year round, but for some reason I really like to deep clean and reorganize the house when the new year rolls around.

I haven't updated you all on the kids in a while, so here is a snapshot for you:

My girl is too smart for her own good (in a good way... but sometimes a bad way) and she is growing in the Lord so much! She has changed so much lately and looks so grown up. I feel the need to really slow down with her and enjoy her these days because I feel her tiny years slipping away.

My boy is becoming more and more strong willed (because I strong willed child is not enough in one family). He is hard and I am very mentally and physically exhausted. He is also such a smarty, but he does not like to show it. He is reading more and more words and enjoys the school I have stared with him. He likes to "spell" words... except he spells everything "a,e,i,o,u"... it's pretty adorable. I am overwhelmed that his 3rd birthday is just around the corner. Not ready for that folks.

Oh and I forgot to mention here on my blog that I am pregnant. Yep! That's right, there is a surro-baby in my womb! We have not told the kids much about what is going on yet, but I am excited to get to. I want this experience to be an example of service to my kids. I am a little overwhelmed by the "we love Amy so much we could squish her" people on our amazing facebook group because I just want people to see Jesus through this, but I am feeling as thought it is not happening. So I have backed down from facebook and have just been praying. I want my kids to see the real reason we are doing this. I am excited to have a big belly, but even more excited about labor and delivery! It's an amazing experience and I am praying God blesses me with that joy again!

So there is my randomness for today. You are welcome.

   

The Two Week Wait

Here we are again.

14 days of waiting.

14 days of wondering.

14 days of going back and forth between excited and nervous.

It feels different this time around. It is probably because it is Christmas time, but this two week wait is going by faster. So much faster.

One week from today I have my blood test.

Halfway through the waiting, wondering, nervous feelings.

We are also halfway through the feeling of knowing the baby is safe and sound. Right now we just know Hummingbird is in there. Thats it. I like that feeling. I like the PUPO stage. I am not sure I am ready for that to end.

I am trying to use this two weeks that God has given me as a time to "be still". I need to rest and relax, but I also just want to hear from God. It is the perfect opportunity to just sit in His presence and know that He is God. In this world it is hard to be still, and I am enjoying these moments.



Dear Hummingbird,

Are you okay in there? I guess we will see in a week, huh? Settle in for me please. Get nice and snug and cozy. Be patient with me and lets get through this next week together, okay? We can do this! So many people are praying for you and love you. They all really, really want you to stick around for a while. There is a lot of pressure on you and me Hummingbird, even if it is unintentional. Don't let it stress you out, just take it one day at a time. God's plan is perfect and know that you can trust Him no matter what.

Love,

Your Babysitter  

Happy Home

It's been so long since I posted a Happy Home post that I had almost forgotten about Happy Home all together! With the transfer 2 days away I have been trying to get a lot done around the house. I want things to be easy for Charlie while I am resting ( aka.... sitting on the couch, reading books, painting my toenails.... you know, growing a baby!!!!). Here is a tip for you guys that may help cut down on your cleaning time. Layer your small trash cans with several grocery bags. That way, when the trash is full, you can just pull one bag out. It leaves you with a fresh bag ready to go without taking all the cans back and forth to the kitchen trash can. I usually layer anywhere from 5 to 10 bags in a can, depending on the size. It helps my 4 year old be able to gather the trash from the house in a way that is easier and more sanitary. This tip may be old news to most of you, but perhaps it will help someone out there! 

Happy Monday to you all! Enjoy your week!

Tired of Lurking

I am tired of lurking in the shadows of all your blogs. I miss commenting on all of your posts.

I am tired of having no time.... and yet that is so selfish and wrong of me.

I am thankful for everything that is making me busy. Very very thankful.

Every season of life is unique and important. My heart knows this... but my brain is not quite as understanding. (already since writing this post an hour has past and I have gotten up 6 times for different things.)

I miss writing.

I miss being able to dump my brain on my blog.

I refuse to feel sad, I mean it's only a blog and only 5 people read it. There are people starving all over the world, my blog being neglected is not exactly something to be sad about.

I want to give you a quick update on where we are with the surrogacy before I end up running out of the little bit of time I actually have to write.

We are only 11 days away from the second transfer! I am already started on hormones and have had one appointment so far. Everything is right on track and we will be set to start thawing Cheerios baby brother/sister on the 11th! This cycle has FLOWN by compared to the last one. I am hoping that means the two week wait will go faster too. *crossing fingers* I am ready to have that baby safely in my womb! I am feeling tons of emotions... but that is a whole other post!

Life is busy.

I am thankful for busy.

And yet I can't help but keep thinking.... "stop the world, I want to get off!"

One day at a time.... 

Homeschool Work

This year I am focusing more on Bible memorization (books and verses) as well as Catechisms questions. I want this year to give us a good foundation for her first real year of homeschooling.... next year :-) I came up with a fun activity for Lula Mae to help her work on learning the books of the Bible. I saw someone on pintest use popsicle sticks to help kids memorize Bible verses so I switched it up and did the books of the Bible the same way. Take a look at our newest school activity!

 

 

 

 As you can see, Lula Mae loved this activity! She pulls is out frequently and I think it has really helped! She learned the New Testament so quickly!

 

Letters Of Intent

Sometimes the best way to get it off of your chest is in in letter form, so here we go! 

Dear Grocery Bagger, 

The number 1 rule in bagging groceries is bread gets its very own bag. The only exception to this rule is if you put my eggs in a bag and gently place the bread on top of the eggs. No other combination is acceptable. Bananas, like the 12 you put in with my bread, should never EVER go in the same bag a bread.

Sincerely,

My Bread Was For Sandwiches... Not Breadcrumbs! 

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Dear Jayce, 

While I love hearing your voice, I do not enjoy you telling me how to drive. No one likes a backseat driver little man, no one! You enjoy the scenery and leave the driving up to me. I promise I know my way around town and won't get us lost in the middle of nowhere. 

Love, 

Your Mommy Who Has Lived In This Town Her Entire Life  

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Dear Baby O, 

Are you ready? Well your turn is coming so get excited! Can you be a good little baby and thaw perfectly? I know you can! You rest up for a little while longer and get pumped for the big day! I can't wait to have you safely tucked away in my womb. Pretty awesome, huh?

Love, 

Your Future Babysitter