A New Chapter

The Amazing Mister and I love to reminisce about the "good 'ol days." (Even though, quite frankly, we are still in the "good 'ol days" and they just seem to keep getting better and better.) We often talk about how we got to where we are now, and how we can't imagine our lives any different than it is now. However, if you were to ask us 10 years ago what our lives would be like now, I don't think we would have been able to come up with anything close to what its like.

There have been many twists and turns down this little path we walk and live by. Some have been a little heartbreaking; others have brought indescribable joy.

For the past three years, I have been praying fervantly for God to provide a way for me to stay home with our Precious little Princesses.

For the past five years, I have been praying for strength for my Amazing Mr. to continue on with school.

For the past five years, I have prayed for strength and grace for myself as he has pursued his degree.

And for as long as I have been romantically involved with my Amazing Mr., we have been praying for God to lead us in His sovereign grace. That we would be receptive to whatever He has in store for us. (The death of a few close family members, the joys of new jobs and a new home, the sadness of broken relationships, the joy of two precious additions to our little family...)

I'm pretty sure there are some things that will be a life-long legacy of prayer. There are some things on my prayer-list that will be there until the day I meet my Wonderful Maker. (Lord, please help my girls to love You with an undying passion...) Then there are other things that I seem to have prayed for forever, and the Lord has always answered them in His own good timing (sometimes exactly the way I want Him to, other times..not so much.)

God has certainly been good to us, and granted my wonderful Husband the strength and endurance to get through school. The Amazing Mr. isn't quite done...but there is a strong light at the end of the tunnel! He will be enrolled in the Bachelor program at the begining of the Fall Semester! He will go one night a week for almost two years and will have his degree in Christian Counseling. (Lord help us through Seminary after that!!)

God has also been faithful and has opened the doors for the Amazing Mr. to serve as a youth minister in a nearby church. And not just any church... but the same church where we met, where our friendship grew into a romance, and where we were eventually married.

And I know God will be faithful in paving a way for me to be home with my girls, and hopefully SOON! I have seen His hand at work over the past three years in making this a reality- not just a dream.

So, this is where we are... two "newlyweds" chasing after Jesus, trying to show our precious daughters the love of Christ each day, lovin' on a bunch of teenagers, working our jobs to provide for our beautiful babies, loving life and loving each other!

Block Party

Last weekend, our church hosted a "block party" in a local neighborhood. It was SO much fun! We loved hanging out as a family in the beautiful weather and getting to hang out with our new church family.

I like to use the excuse that Jade still needs "help" on the big slide so I can go down it too!

Sweet little Bella... always the trooper, just chillin' in her stroller!

Because. You. Can't. Ever. Get. Too. Much. of. The. Bouncy. Things.

Bless her heart, this is the closest she came to rolling down the hill. Poor thing just couldn't get the concept down!

Sisterly Love

Overheard while getting ready for our Good Friday service....

"Bella, I'm so glad you are out of Mommy's tummy. I love you SOOO much!"

Mommy plays hooky!

I received a call from my mother-in-law earlier in the week inviting me to go hang with the rest of the in-law gang. The plan was simple: get the whole crew together and enjoy a great day at the park. It took me all of two seconds to weight the options and come to the conclusion to take off work.

It was so worth it! I had a blast being with my girls all day long and soaking up the glorious sunshine! Our day started bright and early. After getting ready in record time, we headed out to WalMart to stock up on a few things needed for the day. But first, I spoiled my Big Princess with donut holes. After WalMart we headed to the in-laws to meet up with everyone else. And another hour and a half later we reached our destination: Washington on The Brazos!

We had so much fun picnic'ing, walking, playing, sliding, and taking lots of pictures! All in all, it was a pretty awesome day! (Aside from the Big Princess being exhausted out of her mind and throwing about 30 fits. Then the Good Lord blessed us with giving the girl a 2nd wind, and she was an absolute angel the rest of the day!)

Sweet Little Bella

This precious *little* thing has had all of us wrapped around her finger from the moment she was born. Jade just couldn't wait to come into the hospital room to meet her little sister, and has been at her side ever since. Always careful and nurturing, she deeply loves her sister.

I know not too long from now, there will be times I just might want to pull my hair out from the almost constant bickering. But for now, I absolutely love watching these two girls bond!

For now, there is no jealousy, just love.

For now, there is no yelling, just lots of smiles and giggles.

For now, there is no hitting, just lots of hugs and kisses.

Melt my heart and slap it on a biscuit; I LOVE these girls!

Jade-isms

I always say that Jade practically came out of the womb talking. Seems like from the time that girl was born, she's always had somethin' to say. And with time zooming by so fast, I like to try and hold onto the little things that make my Big Princess not so big.

Here are a few funny phrases the girl just can't seem to get right:

In English: Giddy up or Yee-Haw

In Jade: Giddy-haw

In English: Cheers!
In Jade: Cheers to cheers

In English: One last time or one more time

In Jade: Last more time

In English: I love you.

In Jade: Lush you.

Not exactly starting over...

But starting again, I guess?

It has been far too long since I have enjoyed one of my favorite "past-times." Hmm.. can blogging be a "past-time?" Is it still a "past-time" when you are currently enjoying said activity? I digress.

How can I possibly catch you up on the past 8-9 months? Uh, I don't think I can. So this is basically where we just kind of start where we are now, k?