This Life of Ours

I believe I set a record for the longest duration between posts. Life has a way of getting hectic beyond hectic, and updating the blog gets shelved. Having said that, we are well. Alyssa turned 5 months old a couple of days ago. Lauren will be 4 in just a few weeks. I cannot believe how my girls are growing up right before our eyes. It makes me weepy to dwell on that for too long.

We had a very nice Christmas holiday. It was filled with way too much food and an abundance of presents. We are running out of room in this house!!! Honestly, I think we're going to need a bigger house in a few years. The girls accumulate so much in such a short amount of time. I guess that's my fault. I hate getting rid of perfectly good things. Maybe I need to be on the show "Hoarders". lol.....I'm not even close to that bad!!

We've enjoyed the deep South snow that has blown our way this winter. It's been nice seeing more of the white stuff. That doesn't happen in our neck of the woods very often. But, it's been a crazy season.

Enjoy a few pictures of my girls. I have more recent pictures of the baby but just haven't loaded them to the computer. More to come. Toodles!
Brandi

What are you Thankful for this year?

My family and I have so much to be thankful for this year! We have seen God at work in both big and small ways.

TODAY I GIVE THANKS FOR:

my salvation- I sin and fall short of His glory so very often, but God continues to show his favor in my life!! For that, I am thankful!

my two precious children- They keep me young, do/say the wittiest things that reminds me to laugh and not be so serious all the time, they bless me daily. For that, I am thankful!

my husband- Chris took a chance on an "older" woman, and 12 years later we're still going strong. It has been a crazy, yet blessed 8 1/2 year marriage. For that, I am thankful!

my job- It is stressful to say the least, but I try not to take it for granted. Working with middle school kids has afforded me more laughs and good times than I can begin to mention. It is both rewarding and challenging. For that, I am thankful!

my home- I love this house which we have made into our "home". It is a wonderful place to watch our children run, play, and grow up in. For that, I am thankful!

overcoming- It has been a very long time since I wrote about our loss. We were so happy to find out in July 2009 that God was sending us another baby. Within days of finding out the wonderful news, He took her home to Heaven. Many tears were shed for months, but He sent Alyssa Claire Styles to us and our lives will never be the same. For that, I am thankful!

....I could write for days. These are just a few things that I give thanks for today. What are you thankful for this year?

Hanging in There

We are still hanging in there. Life is crazy busy though. The girls are both doing very well, and we are all adjusting as expected to our growing family. I'll try to do a real update soon. Until then, enjoy the girls fall "school" pictures. Toodles!!



Alyssa- 10 weeks




Lauren- 3 1/2

6 weeks old

It is hard to believe that my baby girl is 6 weeks old already. The good Lord has blessed us with another very good little one. She is a great sleeper, both at nap times (which are a lot) and at night. We still get up 1-2 times per night for feedings. She eats to her belly's content, and then she goes back to sleep pretty easily. I cannot complain. Lauren is adjusting fairly well to being a big sister and sharing the spotlight. We try to include her in everything, and carry on just as we did before to make sure she doesn't feel left out. She is responding better than I would have imagined and is a huge help. All in all, God is outdoing himself!! Enjoy some recent pictures..some from A's 1st weeks and some from our recent family vacay to Pigeon Forge, Tn.

Fall is in the air

Growing up, I hated this time of year. It meant that everything was dying and the carefree days of summer were long gone. Well, as an adult I have learned to appreciate the beauty that fall brings. It is my absolute favorite season. The colors, the crispness of the air, football, Halloween, Tate Farm pumpkins, and cider are among some of the things that make this time of year so appealing. Since I'm on maternity leave, I've had a little time on my hands for decorating the house. I am in full autumn mode and am feeling anxious for all that is ahead. In keeping with the theme, my blog is also newly designed. I hope you enjoy it as much as me.

Comment on your favorite season. Why is it your favorite and what are your memories surrounding that time of year?

Baby Alyssa

If you haven't heard already, Alyssa Claire was born on August 28 at around 7:19 a.m. She weighed in at a whopping 6 lb. 15 oz. and was 19 inches long. We too couldn't believe we created such a little peanut after having an 8+ pounder three years earlier. As a family, we could not be more proud to have our new addition. God continues blessing us everyday.

BTW..the delivery (c-section) went very well and I am recovering remarkably well also.

It's almost Liftoff

It's hard to believe that in 44 hours, our little family of 3 will become one of 4 in just a matter of minutes. Alyssa and Mommy have been ready for this to happen for days now, but I guess the good Lord has other plans. So, Friday it is. We are feeling truly blessed and are finishing up those last minute preparations. Stay in touch as God shows up with yet another miracle.
Brandi