Attempting Christmas Card Pictures

Kamryn loves to cheese and pose...couldn't get Johnston to participate

Aren't they just ADORABLE?

This is what we went with!! =)

Johnston's 2nd Birthday Party

Johnston is 2!!

Johnston turned two in October and had a fun little army birthday party at the park with his friends and grandparents. He had a blast, as you can tell from the pictures!

Yummy birthday cupcake! Major sugar rush!!

Johnston and Abby swinging on the swings

Cupcakes

Birthday cake

Kamryn and Grandaddy playing on the playground

Johnston enjoying his birthday cake

Bubbles--every kid's favorite toy!!!

Mommy and Kamryn--we all dressed the 'camo' theme

Nonna and Johnston cheesing

Counting My Blessings at Thanksgiving

As a woman, a mom, a wife and a friend; I realize I have a lot to be thankful for. I am blessed and love my life more than words can describe.

Years ago I couldn't see my life the way it is now, and that I am very thankful for. From where I was in my life when I met Kenny (a little bit over 5 years ago) I feel I have been "rescued". I strongly believe God sent Kenny to me to be my saving grace. I was in a dark place where I felt alone, depressed, stressed, and angry all day, every day. Kenny accepted everything I came with open arms and a loving heart. I often think about how accepting he was to me and during different situations I have been in over the past 5 years, it has made me change the way I have viewed things.

God has blessed me (and my family) beyond measure. We have the picture-perfect life style with the cute brick house, nice car, new truck, one daughter, one son, me being a SAHM and Kenny being a PM for Intuit. But beyond looks of our family, Kenny and I have a firm and solid marriage built on love, trust, support, and we are faithful in church. Kenny is my best friend, love of my life, and my rock. He is a fantastic and loving father, husband and friend. This year I am thankful for the non-materialistic things I have, which is my husband, kids, my sister and her finance', my parents and my in-laws.

Unorganized Chaos Can't Get More Hectic...

The past week or so for me has been off and I can not figure out why. I am now a stay at home Mom-and love it, but am ridiculously behind on everything. I am behind on e-mail, blogging, my boutique on Etsy and the list just goes on and on. I seemed to have more things under control when I was working part-time. I can add a few positives to the list that "Santa" has done his shopping, we have the kids teacher's Christmas' gifts, and a few other family members. Does that make it any better though?

We will see how long it takes me to get it going again. Just adjusting to a new schedule is what I am telling my self.

How Does it Work?

So many who know Kenny and I pretty well know that Johnston is more of a handful than Kamryn was. Johnston is a very smart child and is really into seeing how things work and operate. He loves taking things apart, even if they can not be put back together. One night I was cooking dinner and couldn't get to Johnston fast enough and this was the result I saw. He was playing dress-up with Kamryn originally.

Two Years Ago Today-Happy Birthday, Johnston!!

Two years ago today at this very moment I was being prepped to have a c-section for the world's most beautiful boy. I still remember jumping out of bed at 4:30 a.m. half asleep but overjoyed to have another addition to our family, putting makeup on, having a bite (yes, only one and that was still a no-no, but a preggo woman has to eat), and leaving with Kenny to go to Centennial like we were just heading to go to the grocery store. His room was ready, clean, clothes all hung in his closet and baby toys in his room.

Two years ago today I did not know how that sweet little ball of energy would change my life for the better and have such a major impact on me. Two years ago today I fell in love all over again for the third time. Johnston has had my heart since he was conceived, but I never understood the bond a mother and son could have and it is utterly amazing. Johnston is full of life, energy and complete joy. I am blessed to see how he is so much like me; from looks to attitude, and from disposition to how he sleeps. Today I feel completely blessed to have an amazing son and I owe that thanks to God.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, J MAN!!!!! Mommy loves you!

Open House

Tonight we had open house for the kid's MDO.

Johnston is learning a lot in his class. He had become more social and more independent. He is the type of child that needs the consistent schedule and thrives off of it. He had fun showing us his friends and the musical instruments. Johnston showed us how he is the class clown and made everyone laugh. I can not believe how funny he is. He also showed his loving side to his friends and had to give every friend a hug before he left. He is a complete joy.

Kamryn has learned a lot in her class and has more knowledge than Kenny and I knew. She is an amazingly smart girl!! Her teachers gave us a scavenger hunt when we arrived. Kamryn's duty was to find everything that was listed on the hunt and to tell us about them. She showed us everything and described everything in great detail.

We are completely blessed for our kids to have the teachers they have. God had blessed us more than we could have imagined.

Learning to Ride Bikes

Kenny and I decided to get the kids bikes for their birthdays and give them to them early and just get them a little something to open for their birthdays. Kamryn's birthday is in December, which is one reason we decided to do this. This is where we got the kid's bikes from. We ALL absolutely love them!! The bikes do not have petals, training wheels or anything--it's a big kids bike that teaches balance.

We took the kids out to ride them today and had an absolute blast. It is amazing watching Kamryn who is our more reserved child try riding her bike over and over and finally start to get it! God has blessed us with wonderful children! Enjoy the pictures below.

Kamryn is getting GREAT at riding her bike! I am so proud of her!!

Early Rider

Kamryn's bike is on the left, and Johnston's is on the right

Side view of the bikes. They are light, I can life them with one hand.

Close up picture of the detail on their bikes

She was so excited and is getting so good!!!

There she goes...

The bike

So I have to take a minute and just brag about how handsome my boy's eyes are!! Just look at him! This is him in his paintball Nutcase helmet--isn't he just handsome!!!

Johnston's Little Tykes Tumble Class

Johnston before tumble class

Johnston and one of his friends in class

Flipping

Weeee...

Learning balance

He decided to pick up one of the hoops instead of running through them

Practicing holdning and running through the hoop

Didn't take long for him to get it

His precious feet

Yay--he got a stamp after class!

The Most Wonderful Birthday

The joy of having children is greater than I had ever imagined. The kids spent the night with my parents last night at their house out in Greenville. I had a meeting at church this afternoon, so Kenny met them half way to get the kids back like we normally do.

On their adventure home they stopped and got me a bottle of my favorite perfume, cards and cupcakes to celebrate my birthday. After they got home, Kamryn sang "Happy Birthday" to me and I had tears in my eyes It was absolutely precious!! Everything was simple, but I was overwhelmed by how excited they were to help celebrate. We had cupcakes with candles and Kamryn chatted about how she got to pick out the gift bag and how she thought I would like it. Johnston chimed in every once in a while with a few jabbers.

I have to say that being a Mom and celebrating birthdays is more awesome than it was hanging out with my friends when I was a kid. I am truly blessed to have a loving husband and two precious kids!!