havarti stuffed chicken, olive tapenade, brussels and my love for food.

Almost 6 months after deciding to live "clean", 

food that is,

(I'm still convinced) I'm living life to the fullest with the right foods.

Occasionally, I choose terrible foods, and let's be honest, it's totally intentional. 

For 26 years of my life, I've understood that if you like it, you eat it.

I love grabbing the whole container of ice cream from the freezer and a spoon. And making a meal.

I love sushi, I love Mexican food, I love Italian food.

I love chips and dip, I love junk food, and I love healthy food.

I just love food.

Mostly, I love to eat.

So, the decision was made for me, my own fault I left myself feeling horrible for too long…

I decided I still loved food. That's never going to change.

No choice but to make what I eat beneficial to my body.
Of course this isn't every meal... but most of the time.

And after buying clean foods, 

life is still delicious, friends.

And it's more fun actually, because I've learned so much in the kitchen!

The kiddos watch me cook, they love to help, and they're even eating their greens.

I'm a proud mama.

-havarti stuffed chicken breast with 

olive tapenade and brussels sprouts-

This meal was the kind after you wake up, you sail through your day with 

this on your mind as the prize. 

Crazy or not, that's me.

The chicken I cut a 2" pocket in the thickest part of the breast, and stuffed them with sliced havarti. I seasoned the chicken with salt and pepper, baked in a sprayed glass pan,

 in a 350 degree oven for one hour. 

Half way through, I added (real) butter on top of the chicken…

Brussels sprouts, I trimmed ends and sliced each into three pieces, threw them in a pan heated on medium/low heat, with a little olive oil to coat, and salt and pepper to taste. 

(I'm sure butter would be fantastic here too!)

Keep them moving around with your spoon here and there, not to get too done…

Sometimes I cover the pan to almost steam the brussels sprouts to soften them.

and the best part...

A few years ago, I found a recipe. It was one of those recipes that you just don't forget.

It's amazing. It's versatile, it's unforgettable! 

It's olive tapenade.

-olive tapenade-

1 can (average can size, I can't remember ounces) whole pitted black olives, chopped

3 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (I use more, thyme is my favorite!)

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

1/2 cup dried cranberries, (I cut these in small pieces)

Olive oil

Drain the can of olives and pour olives into a food processor. (Or you can chop by hand) Pulse until the  olives are chopped enough to mix well.  In a bowl, combine first four ingredients, and drizzle enough olive oil in the mixture to lightly coat the mix. Not too much olive oil. That's it. (Of course you can add more/different ingredients to make it yours!) I've served this on crostini and goat cheese (OMG.), in pastry wrapped brie, and …on chicken! 

So, that's that. That was the recipe of the 

week that made me so entirely happy!

Please cut me some slack on the direction description, I've always been terrible at explaining things…

Enjoy this recipe!!! It's colorful and delicious and it's wonderful as leftovers too!!

Family Days and Water Food.

I spent yesterday with my babies on the lake. 

With family that is wonderful enough to have us over for the day to enjoy the sunshine and laughter and food and missed time together. This time I have missed with my family, 

and I'm so very thankful to share that with my kids.

No doubt, a day around water is 

definitely a day full of snackin'. 

I mean, all day long.

You know, water food. Call me crazy, but there's the type of food you're supposed to eat on the lake. My favorite from yesterday was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a Dr. Pepper. 

You know, that kind of food.

We also snacked on this, which is my

 favorite summer "throw-together" recipe...

My favorite salsa. I first found a recipe in Southern Living as a spring salsa recipe a couple years back, and I've changed it so much, 

that it just is what it is. 

But it's good, I promise.

 here's what you need…

one can petite diced tomatoes (28oz)

one can white shoepeg corn, drained (11oz)

one can blackbeans, drained and rinsed (15oz)

half red onion, diced

fresh cilantro (I chopped half a bundle store bought)

1 tsp/tbsp (how much do you looove garlic..) minced garlic 

1 tbsp (or more!) diced jalapeño

juice of half a lime

sea salt to taste

adding a little taco seasoning to the mix is great too!

I love it with chips, on top of my burger, on top of grilled fish, on top of my omelette, 

in a crockpot with chicken... 

Make a triple batch of salsa and throw it in gallon sized freezer bags with chicken breasts, and freeze for an EASY make ahead crockpot meal. Salsa chicken is another favorite of mine!!

(I could talk forever about food…)

This is just my favorite. 

I make it a million times during the summer!

I hope you all enjoy your beautiful memorial weekend relaxing and loving on friends and family. 

Life and Good Food.

Life's been a 100mph with little sassy pants and my best buddy.

It's truly amazing.

 God's blessed me tremendously on a daily basis. 

These children shine beautiful moments of His Light on my life!

I'm living my dream, this is all I've ever wanted to be.

A wife and a mother.  

And a cook every now and then.

Y'all, I love to cook. But more importantly, I love food.

More than the average person loves food. 

More than the food lover loves food.

I love good lookin' food. 

I love lots of taste. 

I love easy. 

I love healthy. (Sometimes not so much.)

And because of babies screaming for my attention at 6pm, I love quick.

I try new recipes so often, then forget where I found them…

Here's a favorite from an old Real Simple Cookbook.

Ravioli with Grape Tomatoes and Wine

hands on time: 25 minutes/ total time: 25 minutes 

serves 4 (unless you love it like i do...)

16 to 18 oz cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 shallots, chopped

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

1 cup dry white wine

salt & pepper

2 tbsp butter

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

-Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

-Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, wine, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper and simmer until the tomatoes begin to soften, 4 to 5 minutes.

-Add the pasta, butter, and parsley to the skillet and toss to combine.

This is exactly how the recipe was written in my book, although everyone has their own way to change it up! I hardly ever use heat as high as the recipe calls for and I used dried parsley. I also added a little spaghetti sauce over my pasta.

The asparagus was trimmed, tossed in olive oil, salt & pepper on a baking sheet in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes. I sprinkled it with mozzarella (had no parmesan!) a couple minutes before cooking time was finished! 

Super easy dinner. I had leftovers for lunch today, they were even better. 

The wine and the tomatoes… oh my goooooodness. 

Enjoy!!!

Almond Coconut Fudge is where I'll begin.

This post ends with Almond Coconut Fudge, 

so bare with me.

I have two napping babies, and you know, 

you've got to make the most of that...

After a nearly a year of feeling miserable, and learning to deal with it day by day, I realized (along with friends and family telling me to see a doctor) it was time to get rid of whatever made me sick.

I started missing out on plans from severe stomach cramps, my dry skin has suffered long enough, and I'm just plain tired of being tired. Once I began reading about gluten intolerance, and candida (even celiac disease symptoms) I knew. Last week after seeing a doctor of alternative medicine, taking blood for food allergy testing and leaving with a million supplements and food lists...she said "I want you eating meat and vegetables for three months. You can have berries if you need sugar."

Once I got back to my car with my list, it's safe to say I was in shock.

Not because I didn't know this was coming, 

but because I knew I had no choice but to change my habits.

Which I choose to see as a blessing, because otherwise, left up to myself, I'd still be downing Starbucks and eating the kids goldfish crackers for lunch. 

The chain of events that led me up to this point began with taking conventional medicine rather than alternative. Being that I'm so sensitive to everything anyway, the side effects to what I was taking began another series of problems that led to more problems....and here I am today.

Story short- I'll never treat anything with conventional medicine as long as I live (if I have the choice, that is) 

and I now get to learn the habits of the healthy.

And truth be told... I am excited.

So that's that, and here we are. 

I'm the cook for this family of four, and darn it, we will have sweets.

You know, sparingly and all...

I've found clean (made-over) recipes for everything that I craved!

The most exciting is homemade bread from this amazing cookbook.

(Which I will be making a ridiculous amount of and freezing.)

Exciting food like avocado pesto and oh...vanilla frosted cupcakes.

The list goes on and on...

The original recipe that I found, I changed, so here ya go....

Almond Coconut Fudge

3/4 cup pure coconut oil

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup raw honey

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp sea salt 

A couple handfuls of sliced almonds

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Whisk well until the chocolate and coconut oil are both smooth. Spread out over a (small) parchment lined cookie sheet, sprinkle almonds over the fudge and chill in the fridge or freezer overnight. Cut and enjoy. 

(I'm not sure how long these freeze for, but this is great to store when you've GOT to have that chocolate fix faster than lightening.) 

I'll be posting lots more clean eating recipes,

 probably mostly sweets if you want the truth... 

Hope y'all enjoy!!!

Living with Intention.

    Between December and this very second, 

life has been a whirlwind. 

I read that "Type A's" are very sensitive to stress... I assume you understand

 how "Type A" I am by now. 

I know, I hate it too. 

December held for our family, like everyone else, a lot. 

Life intensified, packed all into one month.

Christmas was wonderful.

Birthdays were wonderful.

Being with family was wonderful. 

The kids birthday party was great. I was exhausted, and I'm sure all my wonderful family that helped was too. My babies are just growing so fast! I am l o v i n g  it though...growing independence is slowly happening to both of them, and I can't even tell you how much I embrace that. No huge diaper bag, no formula, bottles, burp cloths and bibs to tote around. Hallelujah!!!!

Marcy's learning to walk. 

Brady acts like he's 25.

 He thinks she's his child. 

They love each other and it's a beautiful thing.

2014 is the year. 

Today I had a heart to heart with someone about

living with intention. 

Intention, from the very small things to the reason why we are alive.

It affects every decision we make from the 

breakfast we eat to how our children are raised.

Intention is a powerful word. 

It gives purpose to our lives, and it molds our character.

Why we do the things we do.

or

Why we don't do the things we did.

I've been praying for new beginnings, discernment in relationships, 

but most importantly, 

I've prayed for my heart to be filled with God.

God is changing this family and it's amazing.

He has surrounded me with friends that love Him, 

that encourage with love and support for each other.

I am forever thankful for His grace.

Being intentional takes effort. It takes will and drive. It's not lazy. It doesn't make excuses. It leaves behind the unnecessary and embraces truth. 

It hurts me to see people I love turn their faces 

against what they know is right.

It's a decision we all make. I know why that path is chosen. 

It's easy. It's "normal". 

It's an excuse.

I must sound awful right now, right? 

Not one person alive is perfect.

 God didn't create us to be successfully independent. 

We need Him.

This year, I've made a promise to myself to live intentionally. From communicating with God, to the relationships I keep dear to my heart, to the food I prepare for my family. Everything.

 Because a decision is a decision whether you choose the right path or wrong. 

It would be foolish to choose the wrong path just because. 

There are things that stick with you that you'll never forget. 

Conversations with folks that just stood out to you. 

Those talks can remind you who you are.

They'll remind you what you stand for,

and you're faced with a decision to say the right thing or the wrong.

 and you can confidently walk away knowing that you may very well be headed a different direction than they are. Still, love. Forgive.

But move on confidently.

Making the decision to live in the Light doesn't just happen.

I've learned it's intentional. And you will be blessed.

I'm looking forward to a beautiful year.

And I'm thanking God for holding our family in His hands.

No worries, mama.

      The past two days I've felt lucky to have the kept the kids alive and survived myself.

I can't tell if it's getting a little easier with both babies at the age they are 

...or if I'm just telling myself stories. 

One and three years.

We've had one wonderful year with this beautiful baby! She loves to be in the middle of it all. While we shopped today for birthday decorations, she screamed throughout the whole store. 

Not because she was mad or fussy. 

She was excited!  

I'm so thrilled that both babies have such strong personalities. 

...Which leads me to tell you that they're both 

Capricorns and yes, I definitely did my reading.

Things like "Capricorns carry the great strength of willingness to work hard and determination to succeed." and "Their ambition is boundless." 

...I'll take it.

Regardless of the things we choose to believe or not, 

raising babies is no simple task. 

It's no simple lifestyle. It's 100% selflessness and 100% sacrifice. 

They don't just become responsible, well-rounded adults 

because their sign says so.

Darn it.

But all while we try to be the parents we want to be, daily life happens and you feel like pure insanity.

It's making a complete fool of yourself in a store while you try to keep the baby happy and your toddler in the buggy. (Cart. Whatever.) You're trying to pay in line and your phone rings. You remember you had a coupon. Where the heck did it go... Your kid is carrying on a conversation with someone behind you, the baby just saw you reach in your purse and there was her bottle. She's hungry. She screams.

You're a lunatic. 

Life is crazy and life is good.

My husband made me laugh today when I told him

 I put a grand dent in my car.

It's the little things. The crazy days. The big whoops...

Tis' the season for the crazies.

With the easy days and the tough ones, 

 God created us to be dependent on Him. Always.

So, life is good. Life is wonderful because even in the middle of the chaos, it's our opportunity to call for Him. Through beautiful moments, truly difficult times, or even making a 

family scene in a store...even that. 

Even the tiny things take a toll after so long. 

It's called gray hair. 

The Crazy Month.

It's that season again!

That chilly, comfy, cozy, crazy season.

Thanksgiving holiday really got to me last week. 2013 is almost over, but that's fine by me. It's been an exciting, mostly exhausting year learning life with two babies and work, then shifting to no work at all, (which meant more work) life at home, and learning more about myself as these two grow. 

A few things I've learned as a mother of two little ones...

First, two it is. Two is the magical number for us. 

Two is perfect, and two is plenty.

I hope I'm not speaking too soon.

 Second, I'm a doer. I love crossing things off my lists.

 I love to get things done and keep moving. 

And guess what. You can't always do these things with two babies.

 You just can't.

Third, I love to work. I love that good feeling, I'm pleased with my long day kind of exhaustion. I miss it already. The long hours, the funny requests, the many jobs that a hairstylist can do. We cocktail products, formulate color, we're your therapists, 

(you're ours too, you know) and on and on. 

It's amazing.

I love what I do, and I love the company, too.

My heart was torn between my love for work and my life at home.

You know what? The way time is passing, these precious babies will be both be in school before I know it... and back to work it is.

 Life at home has been a blessing, and the hardest thing 

physically and emotionally I have ever done in my life.

It's only been 4 months.

I'm still pushing through, some days are wonderful and others are just not.

God gave each of us unique gifts...and all the gifts you need to be a stay at home mom, like patience and the gift of being still 

(whatever that may be called)... 

I'm definitely a work in progress.

My husband has been a saint through it all. I wouldn't know where to begin. He has the all the patience that I lack. When I go weak, he takes charge. 

He's my hero.

The month of December is wild, and within two years it's 

become even more of a big deal.

Christmas on the 25th, Marcy's 1st birthday on the 26th, New Years day right before Brady's 3rd birthday on the 6th. The smartest thing seems to pace myself... Christmas shopping, birthday shopping, 

decorating, planning, lists galore!

How is shopping going for y'all? I made my list today and I was surprised!

I've got a LOT more to do than I thought...

Cyber Monday is tomorrow, whatever that really is...maybe I can find a good deal here or there while I sit in my pajamas. Dragging two kiddos out to look for Christmas gifts just ain't happenin' friends...

Today was the first day of the last month of the year. I hope you all actually enjoy this month! The music, the company, the lights, the food & drinks, 

the parties...

it can get a little wild, but just enjoy.

Every day, I'm waiting on little Marcy to take her first step. 

Brady's ready to start school.

It's flying by friends.

Enjoy this happy season!

A Glance Forward.

I promised myself during the time change I'd make the most of my hours and choose to sleep longer. Looks like even when I get every opportunity to enjoy my rest, I find something to do, or in this case, think my way out of sleeping. This week, happy thoughts have been on my mind. For no new reason, just because. It's not the season (although this is my favorite), but a season that I can relate this to. 

God is definitely working in my life, I can feel it. 

The Bible study with the group of ladies I'm with is an unbelievable answer to prayer. These gals are amazing and I can already see how we're lifting each other up, and the lasting friendships that will come from our conversations. 

   This past week, I said said a prayer that I meant with my whole heart, but I was asking for something I wasn't even sure of...

God's blessed me tremendously and continues to bless this family daily.

So much, that after I prayed, I knew He heard me. I just felt it.

I'm excited and nervous with no idea what's in store for our family...

I prayed for God to use me. 

Few words, enormous request.

Sounds small, but no...

He listens, and He has big plans for our family, I know it. 

If you've opened your heart to understand that we cannot control life, you've definitely seen that He can work in mighty ways.

My favorite (from what I've learned from Ezer, the nature of a woman through relationships) is God working through friendships.

Friendships can do so much good for us, but unfortunately, I've learned...not everyone is beneficial to our lives. Which is a total bummer because I'd love to see everyone love each other, but some folks...God's teaching me something, that's all I can figure. My eyes have been opened to the beauty of blossoming new friendships, the healing of wounded relationships, and that sometimes cutting complete ties with others is the only option we have left. I truly hate that, honestly who wants that?

We are human, God is in control, and we were not made to understand everyone. 

As much as I'd love to.

I've felt bitter towards others, and prayed for a change of heart.

He will change your heart. 

But He will also open your eyes to things you need to see. 

It's not always the others who need to change folks...I have to remind myself of this daily...

God will work in your life if you let Him, ya know. 

He's surely used others to bring light to my life.

What a small and huge request that was. To ask to be used.

And having no idea what's in store for us...

Getting back to the basics here, that's the purpose we were created. 

He's blessed me with far too much,

 never failing His promises for me to become passive now.

Prayer and trust for what He has planned!

What's done is done.

I have so many things jumbled around in my 

head to say, and sorting it out seems like too much.

Have you ever been so busy with everyday life and doing, 

that by the time you get a moment of rest, a lightbulb goes off. 

You've become who you 

never thought you might be.

I've just recently started a bible study with a group of women, and this good thing just came in great timing. I can't say why, but the words I'm reading are so humbling and they're fitting like missing puzzle pieces into my life. How many women have gone through life with no definite direction, no definite calling, and painful effects of "trying to be it all"...as in taking responsibility to roles that we're not created to handle. I am so guilty. This study, in my eyes, may be different from another's, but it's opened my eyes wide to my calling. It's a study on Biblical Femininity. 

Click here to learn more.   

Beyond the study and how it's already completely "WOW'ed" me, I've unintentionally realized how my life has changed and who I've become. The first chapter of the study asked how you see femininity. 

Whether you lean towards feminism or traditionalism and the 

positivity and negativity that can come from both. 

Without a doubt, I lean towards traditionalism. 

After reading further, it's amazing what I've learned about myself. Especially in the areas I'm not expressing my own core capacities like God intended. And just like that, reading what God designed women to be, An Essential Counterpart, put so many misunderstood views of what I should be on a level perspective. The only one perspective that supplies true hope of life throughout humanity. 

Wow.

So that's that...this book is a treasure.

Learning more about myself through the everyday things as a mom is just plain funny.

Not sure if it came from watching my own mom play that role or if it's just how God designed me, but I truly do love to iron...seriously. I love to cook. I love to clean. I love staying home and being mom. I love this chapter of my life. And as this book calls it, "Season". 

I'm a traditionalist. I'm not sure I could've ever seen that coming. 

Funny though, you wake up and oh my goodness, you enjoy cleaning toilets... what in the world...

Regardless, I've learned, whether living from one end of the spectrum to another, 

God designed all women for one common calling. 

And what a deep comfort it is to know it's not up to ourselves to create our own lives, 

it's already done.

October Weekends.

October weekends are more than wonderful for the reason that we experience that hint of cool air, more outside play time, and we can dream of the days to come, full of love with 

family time, holidays, 

and the all around coziness of this season. 

Brian surprised Brady by a camp out last night...

He held both his pillows tight as he jumped and smiled his way out to the tent.

Yesterday, the kids and I threw out a 

blanket in the yard, and enjoyed this 

perfect late afternoon beauty. 

Brady roasted marshmallows, Brian showed me the right way to roast the perfect marshmallow and together, we sort of soaked up a special fall night together.

These special times together as a family mean so much to me.

We're still in our pajamas, I've started re-organizing the entire kitchen (it's a disaster) and...

I've got sauce on the stove, ready to make a 

baked spaghetti cheesy goodness to devour for lunch.

 It's Brady's favorite.

(and maybe one of mine, too.)

Books & Soups.

Right now, I'm celebrating that special time of day

 where I can sneak dipping 

Nutter Butter's into my coffee and 

not be caught by Brady. 

Both babies are sound asleep. The days where time works in my favor and I find them both fussy at the same time of afternoon, I know on the horizon, time for myself is waiting...

where I can finally relax. 

By the way, I have no idea how Nutter Butter's are in our pantry,

 I've never bought the things. 

Must have been my husband. Yesterday was one of those days, actually the second day in a row that I had not left my house. Those are the best kind of days. 

If I'm going to call myself a stay-at-home mom,

 I'm going to live up to it.

It hit me yesterday that between two bible studies, a book club, a new devotional, and a wonderful new book from a friend, what the heck am I doing while I should be reading?

So, that's my plan for the week to come. Reading, and lots of it.

I gathered up a bunch of ingredients that (thank the Lord) I had on hand to make dinner. Otherwise it would've been another breakfast-for-dinner meal. This soup was goooood. Perfect for yesterday because, now the norm, our temperature really can't make up it's mind. Since yesterday was pretty cool and fall is finally here, my favorite way to celebrate is to eat. So we did. 

Here's the recipe if you'd like...it's pretty easy and just real good.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

-ingredients-

4 cups chicken stock 

juice of 1 lime (1 1/2 to 2 tbsp)

1 can (14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice

1/2 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped. (optional, but not really. Yum.)

1 can mild green chiles, undrained (4 oz)

2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves

2 green onions, chopped (I used about 5)

I also added a little chopped red onion

3/4 cup corn, frozen, fresh or canned (drained)

1 cup cooked chicken (I let mine cook all day on low in the crockpot with chicken stock)

Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese to top off soup

Oh, and a little sour cream on top... We were out, and this soup would've loved that.

You can be real fancy and fry or bake your own tortilla strips. I'll be honest, I used left over tortilla chips we had from a cookout. Still good.

Simmer chicken stock with tomatoes, lime juice, jalapeño, green chiles, cilantro, green onion, and corn for one hour. The recipe I went by said to add chicken 5 minutes before done, but I let it simmer with the chicken for another 30 minutes at least. It'll be fantastic either way.

Don't forget to add a ton of cheese, a little sour cream, and tortilla chips on top!!

(and if you're like me, another couple green onions...)

So there ya have it. ENJOY! 

Maybe build a fire, throw on a comfy sweater and be thankful because this is the best time of year. 

My favorite from Martha.

Last week, I woke up to something so out of the ordinary. 

My husband was awake before anyone in the house

 and he had started a fire very early on a chilly morning.

Talk about a good morning. 

Coffee started, sweater thrown on... my morning was spectacular.

(Our mornings usually start with our toddler stepping on us and demanding a pop-tart.)

A special thanks to Martha Stewart for a pretty delicious "starter". 

Something to munch on. Something I tried a couple years ago and Oh. My. Goodness.

 Bothering with a difficult recipe isn't worth anyone's time.

 Unless it involves chocolate of some sort, then maybe. 

Here's a favorite little something I wanted to share.

 It does look like funny food, but the gals seemed to love it, and I think you might too. 

Goat cheese? Try it if you haven't!

Hope you enjoy this recipe...

I might think you're crazy if you don't.

Girlfriends.

Birthdays are special when friends you love 

take time to celebrate you.

 Seven of us took the night off from the everyday and ventured downtown to share a little lady time, a delicious dinner and a few drinks. I tasted a french rose sangria, friends, and it was to die for. I hope she doesn't mind me posting this...but this girl below... 

she's the one who rounded us up and planned the night. 

It meant more to me than I can say. 

The last stop of the night led us home 

with dozens of doughnuts and happy hearts.

Blew my diet because it was my birthday, and you're allowed to do that sort of thing.

This post is nothing more than a "thank you" to the girls who make my life special. To making my getaways something to look forward to. For play dates with the kids, for nights out, for double dates and husbands alike. For sharing ones own struggle, and for lifting each other up. For knowing help is just a ring away. For sharing funny stories, for the hilarious laughs...

For the memories made and exciting times ahead.

A girl just can't do without.

Birthday.

I asked Brian a few times throughout September 

"How old will I be?" 

First, because math to me is nearly impossible.

Second, because motherhood will leave you wondering what year it even is.

So, yesterday I think I turned 26 and spent the day surrounded by everything that will 

make a birthday happy.

Outside with my babies for most the day, visiting the pumpkin patch, 

and soaking up the beginnings of fall.

My day was made when Marcy learned to say "Uh Oh!"

 in the sweetest way possible. 

She's crawling, pulling up on things and now, and beginning to talk.

This my friends, is exactly the reason we're out of milk, bread and eggs...

because I rather spend time playing than load up two kids and waste a morning spending money.

 Brady J's personality.

Where could I even begin?

He truly believes he's an adult. When I tell him to do something, he shakes his finger at me saying "No ma'am..." going on with an explanation to why he doesn't need to do what I ask. Potty training is 85% complete. That's my math for the day. We're almost there. When I check on him using the potty, 

all he has to say is "Get out." 

So, I leave it up to the know-it-all. 

He's going to do big things in his life, that's all I know.

I couldn't be more proud of this confident, 

stubborn little smarty pants.

My birthday was so special. 

Ellie, Chris, Mom & Dad came to see me and that meant more to me than I can even explain. They each brought me a beautiful gift, a make-you-cry kind of birthday card, and big hugs. 

What more could I ask for? 

I love my family so much.

Of course every time I think about them and what they mean to me...the tears show up. God is just so good to us.

And guess what. Brian helped load up two monkeys so that the four of us could go out for my birthday.

 To eat Mexican food.

If you know my husband at all,

you know what a huge act of love this truly was. 

And I love him too, so SO very much.

And all you folks that wished me a "Happy Birthday!" with your kind words, thank you for making my day so wonderful!