In the midst of it all

I'm here. I'm in the midst of it all right now. I've hit the ground running. I'm leading here and there and singing, hosting at church and feeling my gifts and talents are being used in every direction. I'm not going to lie I'm tired, but on the other hand I feel so incredible and God is using me for a bigger mission than I could have ever imagined. I was so ready to jump in and he knew the right time for me and when I would be ready. I have longed to sing again and to be part of a church family. Now I can say it's happening and I am right where God wants me.
Our first ever Women's Bible Study at our Richardson Campus happened last night and I was pretty nervous, excited and ready to go for it. The hardest part for me is always the day before and the day of...I'm always just ready for it to be time to do it. The last few hours can drive me crazy, but I am trying to be better at relying on God instead of myself. Giving it to him was all I could do last night and he SHOWED up and so did almost 27 women!!!! It was amazing. I even had a few people that didn't register show up, and I knew some weren't able to come that DID register. I just felt so blessed that we could start this study/book off strong with women who were three to support and grow together in Christ. This is going to be a tough book to read, but I'm ready to get started and see how it changes these women and me.

So then I woke up today and went to MOMS to lead my other table in discussion. Yes, I know it's a little crazy... but I really do love it and have a passion for it. I also hosted at church for the first time this past weekend. That means I got up in front of everyone at church and did announcements. I was actually really excited about it. I even said, "excited" about 5 times in my host space...but who's counting?

This weekend will be Craig and I first Sunday where neither of us are serving. Since October, when the church launched, either Craig or I have been serving at both services. It's so crazy to think this will be our first time going to church as a family in the same vehicle. We are looking forward to a chill weekend of giving our family some extra love.

Guess what??? Micah went to KINDERGARTEN Round up tonight. I was going to cry, but I held it together. He said mom why are you going to cry? I said because I'm so happy for you. OH a happy cry. He said, "like the time I saw daddy when we got to the airport and I cried because I was so happy"....awwww YES just like that son! That reminded me how sweet that moment was that I had totally disregarded because of the crazy day I had. He hadn't seen his dad in a week and when he did..tears came down his face. Yes.. son that's exactly how I feel!!
I'm so happy that he is excited about this next step. He is already wanting to go to the "5 year old school." I keep telling him it's not for a little while and then he says, "like the next day?" We have to work on time with him. It's not that easy to explain, but he's getting there!!

Anyways, I have so much going on and sorry it takes me so long to hop on here. I love you all so much and appreciate your prayers and support through this journey of life.




Oh yes, and did I mention I put together a Gender Reveal party for my friend Calie? It was amazing!!

Playing together way more now and I love watching them!

 She found a ring and loved wearing all my jewelry...guess it starts young.

my good friend Devon and I wearing mama bear shirts!

This was a mid smile shot.. but I loved her outfit today! Boots and jean jacket

Randoms

This picture is form 2 years ago. It's hard to believe Micah was Noelle's age and now they are cute little buddies running around together. 

Here they are now. Playing peek a boo in the morning under the covers. When FB wanted to show me the picture from 2 years ago it hit me so hard how fast these last two years went by. Life is so fast and  in slow motion at the same time. Noelle is finally talking and it may be the cutest thing EVER

When I ask her, "Noelle, are you my baby? She says, nope I'm Welle." She doesn't get her full name quite yet...even though she knows how to say "no" pretty well. haha

She is getting super independent, but when around a lot of people still pretty clingy. She wanted to walk by herself on Friday to pick up her brother. I had to sneakily keep up with her hiding along the way so she didn't see me or she would freak out. So she went to brother's room and picked him up all by herself. 

If Micah is able to get all his flashcards and do homework on non school days his reward is Chuck E Cheese. (Chunky Cheese) And looks like sister may love this place too!! It's actually a really fun place when during the week and no kids. I have a lot of fun myself.

Saturday night was date night at we got to meet up with our friend Ashley and Cory Dye at a fancy restaurant called Haywire. Yummy!!

                                         Yes, I decided to have a dirty martini.... I guess I'm getting old.

Every month the boys go get their hair cut together and get lunch. I just love how much Micah feels loved during this time. It is the best bonding experience and he loves to get his "beer" (rootbeer) at the salon. How cute are they?

We have a new friend at school/church and they get along so beautifully!!

 Noelle and her friend Kinsley after story time high fiving!

I was so hungry and stopped at La Madeleine's but it was not gonna happen with this one. (Not real kid friendly with ordering) So we went to Mooyah and got some of our favorite, sweet potato fries. Looks like we ordered a little too much!

 Taking her babies on a walk. EVERY single baby is in this stroller!!!

My photo for the church for the Book study! I'm excited and oh so nervous. Please be praying for me in this next chapter of leading!!

Oh yes... Valentines Day at moms was a blast!! I love my table so much and have great conversations with these women!!

Love you all!!

Whirlwind

Good Saturday to all of you!!

It has been a two crazy weeks of non stop going for me. I think I have gotten more steps on my fitbit than ever before. We had a fun time in Orlando with my dad's side of the family. I go to see some cousins I haven't seen in a long time. Micah had a blast with cousins his age. He has already told me several time he misses Nana and Papa and Caleb. He got to have a brother for a whole week and I think he really enjoyed it. Papa and I got to take the boys to Animal Kingdom and it was a blast. The temp was 60 degrees which was a little cool, but better than being 100!We saw the Lion King musical, Bird show, Finding Nemo musical, and went on a safari ride. We even got to be bugs and watch a 4-D movie. I love that Micah is a perfect age for Animal Kingdom. Not many rides for him, but I really enjoyed all the shows. The best part was not much waiting in line because we pretty much only went to shows.  On Saturday we were supposed to leave, but an off duty TSA agent decided to take his life in the middle of the airport. The security area was compromised and Southwest had to cancel about 100 flights including mine. The best part about this situation was that Saturday was a beautiful day and Micah and Noelle got to swim all day and play. Micah even did the water slide at the park and conquered a fear he had. Then I couldn't get him to stop going down the slide. It was such a blessing until Saturday night..... Noelle caught the stomach bug!!!! I guess it had been going around some of the adults and kids that week, but I didn't think we were around them. Both the babies got it Saturday night Jaxon who is 2 and Noelle. Our flight wasn't until 7 p.m. but I was a wreck most of the day cleaning up vomit and trying to hold myself together. No Superbowl party for me that night. I was on a plane holding two kids sleeping. I'm so thankful neither of them threw up on the plane. That was my worst nightmare. We didn't get home until 10 p.m. which was actually 11 Orlando time. 

This was the first time I really had a meltdown in a long time. It was a good reminder for me that I am not strong enough on my own. I really can't be strong enough all the time. And even though I want to feel like super mom... I am not. I am only strong with God. Prayer and reaching out to friends to pray for me felt so good. I think many times as moms we try to hold it together and not let anyone see our hurt because we want people to see how strong we are... but God didn't make us strong enough to do it on our own. He made us to rely on him for ALL things. Crying out to him is music to his ears. He wants to hear our cry and doesn't want us to struggle on our own. 

So getting back home I had another crazy week of MOMS leadership meetings, band rehearsal, Happy Place meeting, and Core Team Campus meeting (at our house) all this week!! I have been so scared I was going to get the stomach bug. Micah got it on Wednesday and Craig as well. I had to miss out on our Happy Place meeting to take care of them. Can I just tell you I HAVE NOT got the bug and my miracle elixir is... APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Now I can't say for sure that this was the reason. However, I am 95 percent sure. I have been taking it everyday morning and night and I really think it has protected my stomach from getting the virus. If anyone should have gotten it... it would have been me!! I have been cleaning up puke and poo for the last 2 weeks ya'll!! This is craziness. I want to become the new spokesperson for ACV, so I should reach out to them.. hahah

Micah is now recovering from PINK EYE he got on Thursday. I'm not sure ACV can protect me from that one, but we'll see!! 

Tomorrow I am singing at church so still praying I don't get the bug!! 

Picture time!! We really did have an amazing time in Florida despite the cold weather... I got to play the guitar (when Noelle let me) with my dad. We got to sing songs at night and have dinner as a big family. Such sweet times!

Look how cute these two are!!

 Both in their Chicago shirts

 This is pretty much how we all felt the whole week... haha

Hugs in the morning!!

 We always take a trip to Sanaa!!!

Thursday-Animal Kingdom

Gracie gives the biggest, bestest hugs!!

 Saying Goodbye!! 

Today we all slept in until 8:30 -9 a.m. and that means we are starting off this weekend right!!! Love you all so much.