Being Home.

Around the house, 

it's the time of year where playing outside is most comfortable, everything's a little more relaxed and it's hard for me to believe Brady J's upon his third year...

While Marcy sleeps her morning away, it's usually our special time together.

Of course, some mornings are wonderful, some become a nightmare... 

and some are just simply sweet.

I'm slowly learning stay-at-home mom life and so far all I have to report is that patience is key. 

I kind of figured that going into it, but the level of patience required is...well, I'm getting there.

What I've learned about my kids since I've been home is this:

-Brady wants to know what's ahead. I write down our agenda for the day and he's at ease...

he always wants to know what's next.

He's bossy. He taught me how to fish from his fort this morning. 

I never did it the right way, according to Brady.

-Marcy loves being home. 

She loves for us to sing to her. She loves to clap and dance.

...and she needs familiar surroundings constantly.

I took her to the mall the other day. She couldn't see me while I pushed her in her stroller.

But she faced everyone else in Greenville.

Big mistake.

So, to make life a little easier for us all, we've all become home-bodies.

I've always been this way. Brady always says "I love home" and Marcy is upset when we leave.

So, we stay.

Lilly's enjoying the time, too. The poor dog can't see, but chases her ball anyway.

Right now, Brady's sitting behind me in the chair and 

covering me with stickers.

We have nothing spectacular on our agenda for today, other than a grocery trip this afternoon.

And I love it.

You'll fall in love.

It was the week of dad's birthday, and I thought this might be

 -the- cake for him. 

So Brady and I got to work. Turned out pretty darn good.

Click Here for the delicious recipe!!

Of course, I used a bundt pan, and the icing, I'm a little ashamed to say...it was not homemade, in the least. I used (Betty Crocker, I think) buttercream frosting mixed with peanut butter. I cheated in a TERRIBLE sort of way on my diet. I basically inhaled the piece of cake. And it was so worth it. 

If you love chocolate, peanut butter, or any rich sweet in a major sort of way, this is for you.

...A very short post-worthy recipe you might want to try! Enjoy!!

Change is good and bread is not.

In the past week, things have been a little easier on me. I think God just gave me the patience I need or something, I can't put my finger on it...maybe I'm just adjusting to the change in scenery. 

I still know this is my calling, regardless of the difficult days. I did question it there for a second, if you want to know the truth. Change is good but change takes time. This applies to quite a few things our family is going through. Changes with income, though only slightly different, while we're grateful for opportunities that were made available. Change in our daily routine, because of the much longer hours Brian is working to support my new path. Change in the children's routine. We left the grocery store earlier today with half the customers knowing Brady tinkled in his pants. Because he told them so. Potty training is going pretty well. Marcy is on the move, crawling, not so much normally, but she gets around. Backward, sideways, she'll move. Brady doesn't nap like he used to.
That's scary altogether.

And becoming a stay-at-home mom, within the first week of becoming a nice little homemaker,
my yoga pants grew too small.
Homemade bread is truly a sin. 
Don't bother with it, it's just too good.

So now, alone, because truly I think my husband believes I'm crazy, I've lost ten pounds and I've got about the same to go. I haven't really had carbs going on my third week now, but I haven't even bothered exercising either. So now it's time to get back to that. 

It's now fall, which is exciting in itself, but fall makes me dream of food (like any other season, honestly) and well, I have to be a little more careful these days. Thankful for Pinterest and clean eating blogs, and all the good things the internet can be used for. 

They love each other, they really do.

Marcy's starting to mimic Brady's moves, which is another wild thought.

The look on his face explains a lot.

She's said "Da-Da", she cries what sounds like "Mama" and she loves to clap at everything.

She's just happy.

And he is too, and wanting to do everything...I mean everything, himself.

That came from his mama.

Marcy Lane 

is my angel, and I had no idea how I'd adore her.

A totally different love than for a son.

What it's like to know to the love for your son and your daughter.

To understand two different worlds of love. 

I've followed my calling.

Confidently, then no so much...

If I've learned one very important thing in my life...

 When your heart tugs you in one direction and deep down you know it would be so wrong to defy it, that's where you need to be. 

And so I'm here.

And blessings are here and more on the way.

The Chapter of Mom.

The blog. It's not forgotten. 

I've majorly underestimated the time I'd have free after two little ones on the go.

The "free" time I do have, it's devoted to being the housekeeper, cook, and finally when we see each other, the best wife I can be. Life with two is as wonderful as you make it to be. You can choose to see it as exhausting days (which they are) or you can choose to see each day as another blessed one to spend adoring your babies. That's also difficult on days where the only option you have is making the choice to stay afloat. I'm not sugar-coating life here, this is rough stuff. I knew this decision wasn't going to make life easier, but it would make mine right. 

Right for me. 

I'm a 25 year old stay-at-home mom of two little ones.

All you stay at home moms...with dreams of overachieving at this job, there's a child just wanting you to sing to her. To hold her. "Let's build a tower, mama." (I hear that one a lot.) 

I think this job is entirely different than I see with my eyes.

It's the most important kind of job. 

Last night, I read in my devotional,

"This is My desire for you: that you stay near to 

Me as you walk along your life-path."

This weekend, the boys headed out to camp together. 

They haven't made it home just yet, but my guess is that Brady ate entirely too many s'mores, I can only hope he brushed his teeth, and I hope Brian isn't ready to pull his hair out. 

I spent this magnificent weekend with the girls. 

Friday night, one of my dearest friends came by just to talk. We enjoyed plenty of popcorn and wine on the porch...the perfect beginning to a gorgeous weekend, don't you think?! The whole day Saturday I spent with mom. I never ever get to do this. We talked and talked and talked and I've missed her. We shopped all day, enjoyed Italian food, shopped some more. It was just good. And today, it's just me and my beautiful girl, soaking up what we can of a clean and quiet house. Resting while we can, watching movies and waiting to hug those boys again.

I've already learned that weekends really are for rest. I'm now doing the hardest work I know.

On top of being "mom", my mind is always wandering...

Here's what my mind is up to.

I've saved up a little money and bought a deep freezer. I've made 14 freezer meals so far and I'm smiling. Dinner is done. My crockpot is in for the wear and tear.

I've made two loaves of bread.

 And eaten them myself within a 5 day period. 

That stopped quickly when I couldn't fit into anything I own...

That was after I made this. Ladies, this is THE EASIEST thing to make. The center of the cake was swirled orange and purple, too... Just use the colors you want! I've had a few people ask me again for the recipe and here it is...

The Most Fun Cake Ever

One day I might open my eyes and say to myself "Morgan, you really need to stop loving food so much." but that's never going to happen, I can promise. Just to assure you, Marcy and I watched Julie & Julia this morning. I love food. My next venture is finding more recipes that are not so easy...Ones that I can feel a little more accomplished... that lean toward the healthy side. Is that possible? 

Delicious recipes are welcomed!! Please Share!

Away from the food...

I'm also starting a bible study and possibly a small group which I'm really interested in. These days are so consumed with the care of little ones, it's time I take care of myself. 

In a way that benefits myself in a positive way! I've got another very dear friend who has moved back to SC and sort of in perfect timing. I cant really explain, but I know how life gives you chapters, seasons, whatever you want to call it, and I'm moving on to my next one. 

And I'm just happy she's here to share it with me. 

She's someone I admire and truly look up to.

I thoroughly believe in letting the wrong things go and moving on with the right.

I've got some work to do, but it's time.

So, I'm excited to say, 

the page is turned and I'm beginning another chapter.

I really believe having a passion for everything you're doing is key to a happy life. 

Passion for those around you, everything you do, and everywhere you are.

I love being hairstylist.

I love being mom.

I love to cook.

...and who knows what's next...

In nine years, I met my handsome, we both started business life, had two babies, and now I'm doing something my whole heart believes in. 

It's just exciting, I'm not sure of a better word.

Hope you all have enjoyed this wonderful chilly weekend and 

you've all done something you love.

I'm back from my break!

I haven't let go of the blog love ladies (and maybe gents). It's just been one heck of a summer.

A great summer.

Just, you know, sometimes we need a break.

So here we are, mid July, stepping through rain puddles 

and watching our hair frizz in the humidity.

I feel like I've taken the summer "off" really. Not much happening around the house. Really, I don't have too much to report beyond two beautiful babies and an always exhausted mother who longs to be "me" again. Nothing against you men at all (because I know deep down we just couldn't do it without you) and this is not a complaint, but women go through a lot. Maybe men do too, but I can't speak for you guys. I have nothing to say beyond that regarding the subject, unless you know me personally 

and would love to join in on the pity party.

 I'll hush. 

Giving birth to two kids in two years...it's had its moments.

I'm almost done reading an amazing new book, too.

 I've joined a book club. 

Should have seen the look on my husbands face when I told him that. 

Yep, darling, you married a book lovin' nerd.

What's been pretty great though is hopping in bed 

around 8 o'clock with a book to read. 

That's been fantastic. 

I've basically got a month to go until I'm a full time stay at home mom.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could say it.

People, I would wear 5" heels to stand in for 

9 or 10 hours straight every day at work.

I hardly wear shoes at all anymore.

Like night and day. 

From heels to bare feet, through being one size to another, from makeup to a bare face, and skinny jeans to sweatpants 

(I hate to claim that one)...

the gal two years ago has become someone totally new.

 I've fallen in love with two angels.

 Two years ago, I had no idea how my world would be turned around. 

How quickly I would change, how my values would change...

that's just being a mom. 

Simple as that.

When you know who you are, and what you want, taking total care of two children 24/7 can be tough. I would never say they're holding me back... they're just along for the ride! They're my sidekicks.

Life as a mom is one heck of a ride. 

When you want to give the whole world to your children, at times it can feel like you've got the world on your shoulders.

 Again, that's being a mom.

I could go on for hours with the ups and downs. 

If we're all honest here, there's plenty of both.

It's just mastering enjoyment of the ups and the lessons from the downs. 

And planning an night out for goodness sake.

Let me have a moment.

                    

I'm blogging from the iPad again. Computer screen still won't turn on, I'm sure it was Brady's doings. 

In May of 2010, when we first found out we were expecting a baby, I had dreams of a little curly-haired wild boy. I wanted stories to tell, adventures to share and hilarious moments with him...

God gave me exactly what I wanted in this family. Plus more. Like...way more...

I'm taking my anxiety out on a bag of M&M's (These are Brady's potty training treats. Or...Were.) and a really tacky bright green mommy drink I grabbed out of desperation while at the store with the babies yesterday. My body hurts. My brain hurts. God must think I'm some sort of superhero. 
Could be punishment, too. 

Yesterday began with a trip to the ER for Brady. 

Thank goodness all is well, but that was only the beginning. 

After we returned home, Brady found the dog treats and emptied them out for Lilly to eat as fast as she could. 

She was sick all night.

This morning, Brady stripped down to nothing while running around the house with a pop-tart in hand. Next thing we know, he's using the potty
everywhere but the potty.

And laughing hysterically of course.

I. Am. Tired.

I'm exhausted. 

And someone had the nerve to tell me "...just wait 'till he turns three."

I have nothing left to say other than bless your sweet souls, mama's.

Time's A Changin'.

Being June 2nd, I've started blog posts about five times since my last post, with so so much on my mind, so much to say, and so much ahead of me. All that's on my mind is only a million times thought over. A jumble of emotions, except for one. Which I'd like to not claim, but fear, which is usually one. I'm always the planner, the one with it all figured out. Only lately with life bringing one thing after another (some wonderful and some not so much), it's seemed that my decision to become a stay at home mother has happened right on time. My love for my work is something I'll never let go of. But my love for my children will always come before work, and before money. This short period of beautiful time in my life I want to make all that I can.

Here are some amazing things that have happened in my life lately...

-A relationship that was once broken has now been restored. 

A weight has been lifted. What a beautiful thing.

-My sister is close again. She's happy, and we've been having an absolute blast together.

-Yesterday, we had a yard sale to grab a little extra cash...

Made more than we hoped for, met a new neighborhood couple, and I watched my grandmother play with both my babies.

-Just the right doors have been opened, and just the right ones closed for our 'brand new' life ahead.

I could dance. I could sing. So many weights have been lifted.

Nothing huge has even happened, but I've found this peace I can't even explain.

Our life ahead isn't like what we've been living. Or atleast that's not what I expect. 

Our yard sale was a tiny start. My car is for sale. We're cutting back majorly, and wanna hear something wild? I feel like we've won the lottery. When you make the decision to cut back by putting priorities in order...you don't and won't miss a darn thing. Really, it's not crazy.  

It's our life.

It'll be worth every shiny penny we cut back on.

Just the other day, a sweet friend of mine stopped by to catch some pictures of myself with the kids.

Actually, she's the most wonderful photographer ever, that girl.

I was in a frenzy, not a darn thing in my closet that fits well. Marcy Lane is five months old, and well, baby weight is a tough subject for any mom. 

I made it through 6 days of my 10 day cleanse. By the fourth day, I had already lost five lbs. By day #7, I'd almost withered away from missing my Reese's and craving a margarita.

Hey, I did better than expected.

It was a surprisingly easy cleanse to follow, 

I felt unbelieveably clean of everything I eat on a daily basis. 

For the photo session, dad let me borrow his shutters he was in the middle of painting...

Random, yes, but the perfect prop!

I can't wait to see how they turned out... 

                                     

             On this rainy Sunday, the four of us stayed in. We had the laziest of days,but I've enjoyed      every second with them. (Except for the few tantrums thrown.) Marcy's growing so fast, but we're enjoying it! She's been laughing and playing so much more. Brady's been playing the entertainer...which is adorable and scary at the same time. Brian and I have become a strong team towards these babies. While Marcy does no wrong, being the perfect little angel she is, Brady has tested us constantly, while we hold back our laughs or turn our heads, or walk away so we don't lose it completely with him... He's a wild man...and he knows how it all works now. And we're potty training. And I hear Brian snoring now on Brady's monitor ...between work, staying up working on the house, and chasing this crazy child around, I figured he'd be out early... 

    

   What a wild life that comes with children. But how beautiful to see God unfold a plan for us right before our eyes. Something I could never dream of myself. A gift that we're given as a family tiny pieces at a time. I was rocking Marcy to sleep last night when she looked up at my face. Right into my eyes and I smiled at her, just so thankful for a peaceful moment with my girl...she smiled the biggest smile right back at me, and giggled the sweetest sound. It was a moment only a mother understands, and of course I had that wonderful feeling....God is all around our family. What beautiful blessings He gives us daily. The amount of love I could have for these children I couldn't have ever imagined. Of course the tears came, and my gratitude for this life has grown to become even greater. I'm so excited for the journey ahead as a family of four. The most exciting part is that I've given up planning our life myself. Why do we bother? There are too many precious moments to be lived that we cannot and will not ever be able to create ourselves.

                                   Letting go and living life is where my heart is.