Valentine’s Day Dinner tricks and treats

I love holidays! All of them! And I try super hard (sometimes too hard) to make them extra special for the people I love! I have to occasionally remind myself that if I start to feel overwhelmed, I’m doing too much, even though it’s all things I WANT to do. I’m probably the only Mom who does that, right? I feel like I’ve done a better job with this in the past couple of years, but anyway... Valentine’s Day rolled around and I wanted to do a little something to make the day a little more special than a normal ol’ Thursday. I decided to cook one of our favorite meals and make a yummy dessert.  While I was doing so, I used a couple of recipes and hacks that I’ve used for a while, but thought they might come in handy for someone else. I may be late to the game on some (or all) of these, but in case you’re later to the game than me, you might find them useful!

Valentine’s Dinner Menu
Chicken Alfredo
“Olive Garden” salad
Frozen Homemade Breadsticks
Strawberry cake with cream cheese icing

Stella Rosa Moscato for me, Apothetic Red for Tim, Tea for Mom, and sparkling grape juice in wine glasses for the kids, well two of them, and water in a sippy for Jett Jett lol

I found this Alfredo sauce recipe on Pinterest (Budget Savvy Divas) years ago and it is ridiculous! I actually prefer it over Olive Garden, but it is named an OG (Olive Garden, not to be confused with original gangster) copy cat recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• Pasta
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 clove of minced garlic
• 1 pint of heavy cream
• 1 cup of Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• salt and pepper
• 
  
• INSTRUCTIONS
• Make Pasta.
• 
  
• In a sauce pan over medium heat - melt butter and add garlic and cook for two minutes.
• 
  
• Add cream and cream cheese and heat till bubbling ( not to the point of a boil)
• 
  
• Add in Parmesan Cheese and mix until the cheese melts add salt and pepper to taste. 

1. 
   
2. 
   
4. That’s it. So dang easy. And y’all, it is SO good. Also, super healthy, so there’s that. 

Next is my box cake trick! You just swap a little here, add an extra there and it makes a really big difference in your box cake! 

1. Add an extra egg. Whatever the box calls for, do +1. 

2. Instead of oil, use melted butter. Same amount. 

3. Milk instead of water. Also same amount. 

Delicious! I did strawberry cake (as requested by our eldest) with cream cheese icing, but I have done all flavors of box cakes this way and it works like a charm. 

Lastly, I googled “how to frost a round layered cake” just as I was getting ready to do so, to see if I could find any better/easier tips. I found this neat trick to keep your cake platter clean while Frosting your cake. It’s really just a nightmare to try and go back and clean it up after the fact. It looks a mess and then you’re forced  to lick your fingers clean of all that awful tasting cream cheese goodness! So all you do is cut pieces of wax paper and slide under the edges of your cake. After you’ve frosted it, you just pull the wax paper out and ta da! Nice, clean cake plate! 

So there you go. Double layer, box [turned bakery] strawberry cake with home made cream cheese icing, on a clean cake plate, brought to you by Pinterest hacks, google tricks, a top secret frosting recipe and a two hour toddler nap (Don’t worry. It did not take the whole nap). 

I set our “big” table (that we rarely sit at) with dollar tree doilies, real plates (also a rarity, but not as much as sitting at the dining table), wine glasses and my mother in law’s flowers as the center piece. It was special, but not too much! Just right. We enjoyed being with our boys and having Tim’s Mom here! We’re lucky to have so much love in our lives! 

Also, Judah was terrified, thinking that he was drinking real wine, so that was fun! 

Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day! 

My Journey Home

Today, it has been one year since I quit my job and came home to my family, full time. It has been one of, if not the best year of my life. It feels strange, and a little selfish, to say that because, financially, it was the toughest. It has also been a very difficult year for my husband. But, I think this is what is meant by that quote I’m sure you’ve heard that says something like “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”  I know, this is not a “real” or “paying” job, but it is a calling, and it is a blessing to be able to put all of my time and energy into it, rather than focusing on a “day job.” Granted, I had a job, previously, that I did enjoy and felt was a blessing as well, but when you talk about THAT thing, that one thing you’re passionate about, that you never get tired of, that you dreamed of all your life, the thing that gets you out of bed every morning, that thing you can do the next day even when you’ve taken Mucinex at 9:00 pm and literally not slept a wink all night (oops!), that one thing you simply couldn’t live without, that completely sets your soul on fire- for me, this is it- being a wife and mother.
A few years ago, I began to sense in my heart that I would get to stay home after our next baby was born. That was before I was pregnant with Jett, but I knew we would have another baby. I didn’t know how or when, but I just knew. Even when we got pregnant, physically we had no “evidence” that it would work out, so I didn’t feel like I could officially leave my job. However, in my heart, I was making plans. Tim felt the same way, but without a “plan,” all we could do was pray.
We had Jett, and I went on maternity leave September 19, 2017. When I left the office that day, I got in my car and said aloud to myself  “I won’t be back.” We didn’t share our thoughts with many because everyone is real gung ho in “trusting God,” as long as you have a concrete plan with 15 backups to make sure you can make it work, but when you say “Hey, it takes both incomes to make our house run, but we really feel the Lord pulling us in this direction, so we’re going to trust Him and whack one of our salaries,” trusting Him sort of flies out the window. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to wrestle snakes and “trust God” for the outcome- that’s just stupid. But, do you think Peter had a 5 step plan plus backup when he stepped out of that boat? My point is, practical wisdom is vital, but so is spiritual wisdom. There are times when He asks you to totally trust Him, even when you can’t see it. 
I had taken three months of maternity leave, then December came and we still didn’t see “a way,” so we put it off until the holidays were over. January came, and there was still no miracle that would’ve allowed us to make that move. However, the more we prayed and talked about it, the stronger we both felt it was necessary. He was asking us to take the leap, not knowing how it was going to work out.   It became so evident to us that we never actually had a “sit down” conversation where we made the final decision, we just both knew it was right. So, I went in and let my boss know what was going on, and never looked back. That’s not to say this was easy for us. It wasn’t. We questioned, wrestled, wondered if we were crazy, multiple times, but inevitably we decided to risk it all, in hopes of truly following Him.  Proverbs 3: 5-6 took on an all new, and very personal meaning. I think we like to use this verse for comfort when something doesn’t go as planned, as in “God has a plan, even though you don’t understand it,” but I saw it in a new light.
Trust in and rely confidently (not half heartedly) on the Lord (Your job is not your provider, He is your provider)
with ALL your heart. (ALL of it.) 
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  (For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8)
6 In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him.  (Check with Him on your plans and see what He has to say about them) 

And HE (not you) will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].  (He will make a way, when you don’t see a way)
7 

And He has made more than good on His promises. We experienced many, many miracles (as in pages full, that we took care to make note of each time He made a way) in this past year, as we truly trusted Him every week, to see that everything was taken care of. It may have been hard, but given the chance, I wouldn’t change it. He honored me by calling me Home to be a wife and mother. He gave me the desire of my heart, just like He promised. And more than that, I had the opportunity to see Him provide in miraculous ways, that otherwise I never would’ve seen. He is Jehovah Jireh, “the Lord will provide,” but learning to trust Him as Jehovah Jireh, made a way for me to experience Him as Abba, “father,” in a way I never have before, and that is priceless.
That doesn’t mean it didn’t come with a cost. We had to adjust, and are still adjusting and making changes, but it was and is worth it, not just to be able to stay home, but to truly follow Him and His perfect will. I didn’t have to quit my job, and I don’t believe we would have been disobedient if I hadn’t, but there is a good, acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2) and we weren’t willing to settle for good or acceptable. His perfect will requires a little more from us. We can be comfortable and safe, and be in His good will, or we can jump out of the boat and see what adventure is waiting. I’ve spent most of my life playing it safe, but I can tell you this, there is nothing quite as freeing as walking on water! 

When you were born, so was I.

What is it about birthdays that cause all moms (I’m lumping all y’all in here with me!) to momentarily lose their sanity? And who else likes to torture themselves by looking at all the birth photos and baby books? Okay, “torture” may be a little too strong of a word, because I truly love it! However, it never comes without tears.
Judah turned six on Monday! Like most, I can hardly wrap my head around how that happened so quickly. And for some reason six has me feeling like it’s harder because it seems like the last “little” boy birthday, but who am I kidding? Every birthday brings a little struggle. Though it also brings excitement, and he is so proud to be six years old!
I use to wonder what he’d look like, sound like, like to do, who he’d play with etc. when the “baby” went away,  and it is one of my biggest joys to discover those things with all of my boys! I am so thankful for the whole journey- even the birthday struggle.
Reminiscing  in the days leading up to Judah’s birthday made me think about how it’s somewhat difficult to remember life before I was a mom, and how my life seemed so much more purposeful when I became one. I started to think about how my biggest desire was always to be a wife and a mom. It made me realize that when a baby is born, his/her birth isn’t the only one that occurs.

When You Were Born, So Was I

When you were born, so was I 

One minute the same, the next, something new 

The birth of a mother, at the very sight of you

A new beginning, a love I’d never known

Dreams realized from prayers sewn 

You are everything I wanted, but didn’t know I’d need 

More than just my son, 

you were a missing part of me 

Like a budding rose, enclosed, waiting to open bloom 

She erupted wildly, fully blossomed, from a different sort of womb 

Though I didn’t know her yet, she was always a part of me

And because of you, she became who I was always meant to be 

You were the first to call me mommy 

My new, forever name,

And with that transformation,

I would never be the same 

Oh, that smile and oh, those eyes

and  I’m just thankful that you’re mine

Everlasting gratitude, never-ending love, 

Always for my son, but first to God, above

All the wonder He delivered me, in one precious little face, 

a testament to His faithfulness, His infinite, matchless grace 

I could’ve never known to ask for, all He had to give 

Because when I became your mother, it taught me how to live 

I gave you birth, but you gave me life

When you were born, so was I 

Thankful Mindset

Last week, I had the honor of going to Alabama to meet my newest nephew, Jefferson Adler. He is precious and perfect, and a most pure example of God’s goodness and faithfulness! I could stop there on this Thanksgiving post and that, in itself, is more than enough to be thankful for! But, there’s more. My brother’s family recently moved two flights and all day in an airport from us, to a five hour car drive. That meant when the new baby arrived, Tim and I were able to load up all three of our boys and go meet him! Also, Tim had previously taken this time off from work, and the boys were getting out of school for fall break. With all that said and so much to be grateful for, you could quickly lose your gratitude on a five hour drive, with two big boys squished in a seat and one little baby with a real loud holler.
Most of the time I do try to find the good, be present and stay grateful, but it’s alwyas a work in progress.
As we were driving and I was scrolling my Facebook feed, I came across a post that broke my heart in half. A friend from grad school was in an accident due to the snow and ice last week. He and his son were on their way to celebrate his 17th birthday. He lost his son, and is in ICU, himself.

Instantly, I became most thankful for those screechy screams and hollers from the backseat.

I’m not writing this to be a “Debbie downer” today, but am writing it because thankfulness and gratitude as a mindset and way of life, together with brokeness for this family have weighed heavily on my heart this week.
It should never take a moment so sobering to bring about thankfulness, but so often it does.

That moment of realization of all that I have to be grateful for, set the tone for the whole trip for me.  When you approach situations with gratitude, even with kids arguing or babies not napping, you feel differently. Thoughts effect feelings, feelings determine behavior (CBT 101 for all my therapist friends). Also, in changing your mindset and thus, your actions, it effects other people. I noticed over the weekend, the way I interacted with my kids, changed the way they behaved. Y’all, our kids were next to perfect. Hotel rooms, close quarters, having to be quiet during naps with itty bitties in the house, long car rides.... they were a dream. We had such a great trip, fun, enjoyable...

God knew these things when he inspired all the scriptures on Thanksgiving...
He created us. He obviously knows the power of a thankful mindset.
So often we look at scripture as a “to do list,” but we need to recognize the things the Lord says are most often for our benefit. Be thankful because it’s good for you, and others.

Dr. Caroline Leaf said, 

But did you know that gratitude is essential to success? If you can’t appreciate what you have to be thankful for right now, it is harder to achieve what you desire in the future.

In fact, gratitude changes the brain and body for the better! Research on the effects gratitude has on our biology shows how being thankful increases our longevity, our ability to use our imagination, and our ability to problem-solve. 

Gratitude makes us feel that life is worth living, which brings mental health benefits in a positive feedback loop that leads to more resilience—the ability to bounce back quicker during hard times. Gratitude is therefore essential to overcoming difficult circumstances and achieving success in all areas of your life! 

If you guys would, please pray for my friend and his family. I haven’t seen or spoken to him in almost two years, but he is a good man and he does so much good for others. Pray for physical healing, and also peace in his heart for when he wakes up to the most devastating news. 

Today and always, be thankful. Make it a mindset. I would love if you’d start by commenting a quote or scripture about thanksgiving, or just something you’re grateful for! 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Know who you are!

Women, before you can complete someone else in marriage, or truly contribute all that you're capable of, I think it is important to know who you are. I'm not talking about "What's your favorite food? What are your hobbies?" ... I'm talking about, who and what did God create us to be and why did Adam need Eve?
In Genesis 2:18 the Bible says "And the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a help meet for him." (Side note: Right now I'm wondering who all is going to stop reading because you think I'm going to tell you that your husband's life is the only one that matters and you are just a side gig for whatever he has going on. Spoiler alert. I'm not. Keep reading.)

A few years ago, not long after becoming a "help meet,"myself, I started to get really curious about what that actually meant. I had a tug on my heart that said "there's more." I started digging and found some really interesting things. Actually, it was more than interesting, it changed my heart, and my perspective of my purpose, my worth, and the reason I was created. And, I wrote it down on a piece of paper that I've carried in my purse ever since. and then I tattooed it on my foot.
 The word "help meet" in Hebrew actually translates to "ezer k'enegdo." When you break that down, "ezer" means 1. to rescue/to save and 2. to be strong. It is used 21 times in the Hebrew Bible, eight of those times translating to "savior," and otherwise to "strength," and used most often when describing how God is an ezer [help] to man. "K'enegdo" means "against," as in "in front of, opposite, exactly corresponding to, LIKE WHEN YOU LOOK AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR." Stop for a second. Picture yourself, looking in a mirror, and seeing your spouse in the reflection.

"...and they shall be ONE flesh."

You are not designed to be your husband's supporting actress. You are designed to be his co-star. You are designed to be his mirror opposite, possessing the other half of the qualities, responsibilities, and attributes that he doesn't have, and he the same for you. Equal and opposite halves, completing one whole.
Genesis 2:18 could read like this: "It is not good that man should be alone. I will make him a companion of strength, who has a saving power and is equal with him."
With so much fuss in society about feminism and such, it becomes increasingly obvious to me that women, in general, have forgotten, or maybe have never even known, who they are, and how incredible and important they are. It boggles my mind to think of all the women, essentially, trying to be men, all in the name of feminism. Why would a rose go out of its way to prove it can look like a tulip, all the while forsaking the beauty that is its own?
We are created differently for a reason, and when we live accordingly, the result is true oneness with our spouse.
We've established that we are equal humans. But, we play different roles. The husband's role is to be the head, and wives, consider yourself the neck. One has to be the "leader," but both are equally as important. That's why Ephesians 5:22-23 says "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto (or as a service to) the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." It doesn't mean "women, the man is in control of you, you're his servant and he gets to do whatever he wants." It means, someone has to be responsible, someone has to lead, and that someone is him. Just think about how it would work if your neck wasn't submitted to your head. That's not going to work. Should wives contribute and give their opinions? Should husbands listen to and include them? Definitely. But the responsibility ultimately falls to the husband, and even if they get something wrong (they're imperfect, just like us), if the husband is loving (as Christ loved the church Ephesians 5:25) and the wife is submitted, then the Lord has room to work on your behalf. I guess I'm sort of speaking in relation to family decision making, just because that's what came out, but it applies to everything. This isn't where I was intending to go, fully, on this post, so I'll come back to that on a different one.

There's one more mention I'd like to make to women, concerning who you are. We've all cursed admired the infamous Proverbs 31 woman at one point, or another, or five points, or 25. We've wanted to be her, or at least come close. If you're like me, that meant doing all the things.
1. Rises while it is still night. Nope.
2. Plants a vineyard. Notta.
3. Makes her arms strong and firm. ....crickets....
I'm 0/3, and that's not even half of the list. You get my point. If we aren't careful, reading that chapter will make you feel like a total failure, and have you making yourself a HUGE "to -do" list, which inevitably moves us further from grace and into works, or trying to earn God's love and righteousness, when it is already ours. In Proverbs 31:30, when it gives a summary of what makes her value "far above rubies or pearls" it says "but a woman who [reverently and worshipfully] fears the Lord, she shall be praised," which indicates it is her spiritual and practical devotion to God that makes her so valuable. It's her love and adoration for Jesus that permeates every area and relationship in her life, which causes her to do all the things and be all she is to her husband and family. It all comes full circle, beginning with a love for Jesus. Everything we do is unto the Lord. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man." - Colossians 3:23 What I'm saying, Martha, is, if you wake up before dawn, plant a vineyard and make your arms strong and firm, all in the name of checking off your list of what makes you righteous, you might as well stay in bed.
Since we're talking about who you are, women, you ARE the Proverbs 31 woman. You ARE far more valuable than rubies and pearls. You ARE strong. You ARE a rescuer. You ARE one with your husband. But, you ARE an individual, with gifts, talents, and dreams, all of your own, given to you by your Creator, for the purpose of loving Him and loving people. Know who you ARE. 

Marriage is hard work.

I have always heard people say "marriage is hard" or "it takes work," something of that nature, and I have said it, myself. Though, now, when I say "marriage is hard," it has somewhat of a different meaning for me than it did early on. Tim and I are approaching our eighth anniversary. It's been a great eight years, though not excused of its own troubles and frustrations. Until recently, it sort of felt like this "mystery" that men and women are so different. You know, you get together with your girlfriends and start talking marriage, life, kids, etc. and it seems to be this ginormous coincidence that all of your husbands do the same sorts of things that irritate you. And men, you think it's so strange that all women are interested in talking about feelings and all the details of your day. But, it's not. It's not a mystery at all. Sure, we all have characteristics that are individual to us, but overall, God designed women from the same mold, and men from a different one. On purpose. He meant for us to be different. But, he meant for us to complete one another, fit together, work together, be a team. I was a ball player for a lot of years and so I think of it in this way: can you imagine being on a team with people who were all running different plays, and no one was communicating what they were doing and why?
I feel like one of the biggest keys to making a marriage work is simply understanding the opposite sex. That's not the only key, but it's a good start.
I feel fortunate, being married to Tim, in that we both are hard headed  share a stubbornness, that from the beginning, has allowed us to truly live and love with an "until death do us part," mentality. But, even that doesn't take you very far, because a lot of people stay in a marriage, but they stay miserable in a marriage. After the vows, and the choice to be in it for the long haul, there's still a lot of work to be done. I can honestly say I've never been miserable in my marriage, but I came to a point several months ago where I started to be discontent with the status quo. I look around and wonder why Christian marriages look the same as unbelievers' marriages, why they all have the same problems and the same cycles, and that bothered me. I wanted and want to live out marriage the way the Lord created it to be. Now before you think I'm getting all self righteous on you, just understand, it wasn't necessarily because I wanted to "do right," but more so because I wanted the best. If you'll notice, God shares designs for everything in life, in the Bible, and His way is always the best way. Even business owners who aren't Christians, but operate with Biblical principals, are more successful than others who don't.
So, I started asking the Lord to help me, show me, how to make what it's great, even better. Here's my advice: don't ask the Lord something, unless you're serious about it. He will show you, and then you are responsible for what you've learned. ("For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." Luke 12:48)
So, over the last several months I've been doing a lot of reading (Bible and books) and listening [to podcasts], and have found what I believe is God's design for marriage. It's changing my life and the way I see and think about marriage, and relationships all together. and it IS hard work.
 I've started to feel like it's a treasure that people don't even know they need, and so I came here to share. I want to just give an overview of what I've found, in hopes that it may help or enrich someone else's life, too.
First off, I want to say the realization that's had the most impact on me, is recognizing that my marriage is not about me. and it's not even about my spouse. My marriage and how I treat my spouse is unto the Lord. On November 6, 2010, not only did I enter into a covenant with Tim, but I did it before the Lord. I made a vow to Tim, and I made a vow to the Lord. So, no matter what my spouse does or says, how he acts, or how I FEEL, I still have to honor MY vow to the Lord. Are you getting this? because it took me a minute. and then to actually do it, is another whole story, and that is why I said in the beginning that "marriage is hard work," has taken on a new meaning for me. Marriage is hard work = keeping your mouth shut when everything in your mind, will and emotions wants to use your mouth for destruction.
Main idea: your marriage is less about the relationship between you and your spouse, and more about the relationship between you and Jesus. 
So often, in marriage (or relationships, period) we wait for the other person to do what we think they should do or say, before we, ourselves, do what we should, like they have to earn the vow- that we already made- to do the things we promised we would do. The truth is, you have a responsibility, in honoring your covenant, to do them no matter what the other person does. In reality, it's often times that kind of honor, commitment and love that will elicit the response you've been wanting from that person. However, typically, when our spouse does something we don't like, we react disrespectfully or unlvoing, which perpetuates that vicious cycle. So right about now, you might be thinking "why do I have to be the one to "give in?" Because that's what marriage is. Dying to yourself. Literally, putting the other person before yourself.  I heard it explained this way: marriage is a covenant- giving up rights and taking on responsibilities, not a contract- protecting your rights and limiting your responsibilities. 
Jesus made a covenant with us. He died, first. Marriage is a model of Christ and the Church. You do the math.

More on marriage, coming soon... 

One year ago.... reminiscing

At this time last year, Tim and I were in a hotel room in Conway, trying, with little success, to get some sleep. We had to be at the hospital at 3:00 a.m. that Wednesday morning. It was hot, the pillows were all wrong and we were overcome with excitement because we were soon to meet our baby boy. I remember that day, and even days before so well. Monday I’d cooked a roast in my crock pot (what’s new? Lol) and Judah wanted to have a picnic. He and I made our plates of roast and ate it on a blanket outside on the driveway. Well, I ate, he played. We colored with chalk and I was trying my very best to imprint that time with him in my memory (I guess it worked!), you know going through all the things in my head... “these are some of his last moments as the ‘baby’”.... “does he truly realize how much life is about to change?” ... Landon was spending the afternoon with his mom. We’d swapped the regular Tuesday since we were staying in Conway that next night. That Monday was also the last day I worked at Families, inc. Tuesday, the 19th, Judah and I went to lunch with my best friend, Laney before we headed out. We’d found out a week ago that day that she was also pregnant! Cue those hormones, and it’s no surprise that we shared more tears than pizza that day. We are pretty good at “cry baby” lunches. I remember having the hardest time leaving the house that day. It was hard, emotionally, but even almost physically. And it wasn’t even a “good” or “bad,” it was just emotional, period. It was something about knowing the next time I came home, everything would be different. Sometimes it’s hard to give up what’s great, even for what’s greater. When I closed the door behind me, I was literally closing the door to a chapter in our lives. However, as one closed, another opened, and now, I can barely remember our life without sweet Jett. All of my boys have been the beginning of realizing a dream for me. When I married Tim and Landon, I gained my own family! When I had Judah, I became “momma.” And when I had Jett, I got to walk away from a career and come home to my family. When I left Families, I knew in my heart that I wouldn’t be back, even though, physically, I had no way to prove it. I haven’t shared much about the details in that chapter, mainly because a lot of it is still being written. Though I will say, today, as I’m celebrating my “one year anniversary” of being Home, and tomorrow, my baby’s first birthday, this has hands down been one of the very best years of my life. Also the fastest. It’s been tough in some ways, and brought a lot of change and growth. Mostly though, I’ve seen, more than ever before, that God is faithful and He loves me, and He can be trusted. Some parts are not things I’d ever ask to experience, but given the chance now, I wouldn’t change it. How can we ever see God’s faithfulness if we never have to depend on Him? My hope is this, for anyone reading this:  I hope you get the chance to need Him in a way you’ve never needed Him, so you can see Him in a way you’ve never seen Him.

We made it to the hospital at 3:00 a.m. and delivered our perfect baby boy at 11:15 a.m. He surprised us big in two ways: 1. He weighed 8 lbs 2 oz, which was nearly 2 lbs lighter than expected! 2. He had the darkest hair!
I know that every mom says it, but I’m going to go ahead and say it too. I can’t believe he’s going to be one tomorrow. I rocked him tonight, read “Snuggle Puppy,” and sang him my own version of twinkle twinkle little star that I’ve been singing him all year ...
“momma loves you, baby boy, you bring my heart so much joy,
You make me smile every day, I hope you feel the same way”
I reminisced throughout the past year, longing a little for those precious newborn days, naps on the couch, nighttime nursing sessions, and all the milestones already reached. After I put him to bed, Judah and I made him a birthday cake while dad and Landon talked about their day. We read some Dr. Seuss, and after the big boys went to bed Tim and I put together Jett’s birthday present. It’s so funny to look back and think about anticipating a “big” change, and to now be fully settled into our new normal.
It’s also kind of funny how things come full circle. I was thankful to be with the man I love last year at this time, sharing our excitement and also our nervousness about the adjustment and changes, as he took my hand and prayed over all these things, and I am happy to be with him tonight, able to look back over the past year and see that prayer be answered continuously.
I am so incredibly thankful for that baby boy we welcomed one year ago! Jett Jett has changed our family forever, for the best, in more ways than I can count! He has the sweetest spirit, bluest eyes and the best smile! He is everything we dreamed of and more! Happy First Birthday to my sweet baby Jett Jett!