Our lovely temporary home...

Let me tell you a fact I have learned with much certainty over the past 2 months. That simple fact is that no matter where you are, as long as you are with your family and remain positive--> you will be okay. Not just okay but really + truly + perfectly A-OK :). 

I have learned this because our family sold our first home. Our starter home we had for 9 years. Our family of 5 was ready for new memories in a new home. However, we did not find that "dream home" to move into seamlessly like we thought we would. I'm not going to lie, it was sad leaving our home. It was hard. We had such amazing memories there. With much thought and consideration we were so  thankful to be able to rent a wonderful {smaller} home for the time being. 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom small.

But you know what? This experience has been completely humbling and incredible! I really would not trade it for the whole world. We are living in the cutest older home with the prettiest trees. The fall colors are everywhere. I can not get enough of the reds and oranges. And the views are glorious from every angle.

 One evening as I was reflecting over my life and the future, my youngest caught my attention "Mama! Look! Out dat window. The sky is pretty red!" I turn my head to look out the window in our living room. The sunset was a beautiful red and deep orange! One of the prettiest sights I've seen.
Because I can not miss a special photo opportunity of God's beauty, I ran outside for a picture. In the drizzling rain I quickly took a picture. As I came closer to the view, I noticed 3 peaceful deer in the field.

THREE. God is so good! In that second I knew that God was speaking to me. He was clearly telling me that my purpose right now is here. It's in this rental home. My purpose is being the best Mom I can be to my 3 kids. Memories will be made in this home. As long as we are together and remain positive everything is going to be really good. 

There's a hill in the back that my oldest has decided will be awesome for snow tubing down. Over the jumps he will make. Because, he is all about making jumps these days. There is a concrete path from the garage to the house that my kids need to ride a bike or scooter to and from each day. It's the cutest. We have a beautiful road to take walks on. A gas station super close that my oldest thinks is the best in case we run out of milk. We've walked down the road to the restaurant to eat. Seriously, we are so thankful. 

The leaves! Some may think I'm crazy to think this but I am loving the leaves. The kids are, too. At our other home we mostly had pine trees. Raking up huge leaf piles and listening to the giggles from the kiddos while they jump in over and over is music to my ears. And I don't even mind that my raked piles end up all over the yard again. Memories!

We have a rope swing we made in the back in which the oldest kids love to have underdogs on. We didn't have a rope swing at our other home. They laugh as the branches brush up against their legs as they go so high. 

Trees to climb {carefully} is a favorite. 

 In August my son picked me a gorgeous flower with the root and all. That was too sweet!

This simpler living has brought our family closer. I thought we were a close fam before but now I know for sure we can be closer :). And that we are. I know what everyone is doing at each moment of the day at home. There's no hiding an extra piece of candy or trying to take my phone to play games on it without Mama knowing. I see all and know all. There is not a dishwasher and I have learned that we can be perfectly fine without one. My son even has learned to wash dishes and I think his wife will definitely thank me one day. And my hands are super clean, just sayin'. 

A large portion of our belongings are still in 2 storage units. The kids are learning to enjoy playing with only some of their toys. When we stop at the storage unit and they see an old toy, it's like Christmas to them! The boys are sharing a room which has taught them how to show respect to one another. My youngest son absolutely loves his bunk bed. He was so excited when he found out he gets to sleep on one and share a room with his bro. 

My husband and I laugh so much because for one, our "bedroom" is in the porch. We are sleeping on our oldest son's full size bed instead of our fancy newer mattress because it won't fit :). These are the memories I will miss and love to look back on. Because life is too serious sometimes to not laugh about it. Our dining room table fits us 5 perfectly. We can pray over our meals and eat as a family. I just love family dinners. 

We are thankful for a roof over our heads, running water, meals and laughs to share, beds and blankets. A washer and dryer to wash the many many loads of laundry we accumulate. The warmth inside with the recent cooler temps outside. Grateful to have a kitchen to prepare meals at. Baking pumpkin pie, muffins and cookies is a favorite. We are grateful that God has given this opportunity to be thankful for all this and more. 

This home will be temporary but our family is FOREVER. 

Happy is the family centered on God, thankful hearts and love.

Broken and made new again

I have a mom confession for you (gulp). Here it goes. This past summer I took my oldest son's Samsung tablet from him because his time had elapsed for using it. And as I turned the corner from his room....I dropped it! I practically shrieked as I bent down to pick it up. Because I just knew. I knew that it was broken. And I would have to confess to my sweet son what I had done. I looked at the front of his tablet and it was certain the screen was broke. However, it was still in working order. How can that be. I could still swipe it and tap on the different apps. How had it been that he's had it for close to 15 months and never once dropped it? I'm constantly telling him to be careful and low and behold I hold it for 15 seconds and drop in on the floor causing it to break. Ughh! 

So what did I do? After practically crying at my error at being careful with it. I thought hard about it and realized that cell phone screens can get fixed at repair shops. So, could this tablet be fixed? Without him knowing? Possibly? I was hopeful in this. I did some research and found a repair shop close to my work to drop it off at. As I walked into that shop I could have practically hugged the kind person helping me check out. This is because it would be fixed and all would be good :). But, it definitely came at a price. A price that I didn't want to pay but was not willing to have my son saddened at the thought of me dropping it causing all his games to be lost. Oh, I know it's just a tablet but the buildings he has created on Minecraft were cool and important to him.  As well as the fact that he used his own birthday money to pay for said tablet. It's a reward for him to watch football games on it and have some downtime. 

When the day came for me to pick it up it looked just like it had before I dropped it. Actually, even better than before. The screen was not scratched and sparkling with clarity. I was so thankful! And after I had received it back I researched for an otterbox to help protect it from  happening again :). Because honestly, I do not think I will pay that price again to have it repaired again.

This entire situation made me think of God's love for us. (Hang on :) ).

I love when God can use an example in my life and tie in a Biblical perspective. 

Imagine us broken as the tablet was. Face down on the ground. Still in working order but clearly broken. As the tablet was fixed and made brand new at a price, Christ has paid the price for our sins and made us new again. Just as we are. I can hide that the broken tablet was fixed all I want. And to my son, he will not know (unless someone tells him ;) ). But God sees us as we are even if we try to "fix" ourselves outwardly. He cares for us and what we're going through. He understands us and loves us far more than we can fathom. From broken to made brand NEW we are in Christ. The old brokenness is gone and the new has come. Praise God!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" -2 Corinthians 5:17 

Matthew 18:21 comes to mind as well. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive those who sin against him "7 times?" Jesus replied "seventy-seven times." That is a lot of times, Wow! I would not be willing to pay the price to fix that tablet that many times. But Christ paid the ultimate price by dying on the cross for us. And how very thankful I am that we serve a God who constantly loves us and cares for us. 

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Blessings to you, Jamie 

Untaken pictures

There are so many moments not photographed that I want to forever remember. Some moments are gone in an instant that are beautiful reminders of the blessings in life. During those times that are so special I find that by the time I get my camera to snap a quick photo...that sweet "moment" has vanished. That is why sometimes I just stare and soak it into my memory because I don't want to miss it. I don't want to miss a thing.

Like the time the 2 youngest kids were sitting outside in the beautiful sunshine in the late morning. It was one of those sweet moments that will be cherished. They were working on finishing their lunches. As I walked up to the table from the garage I could see their adorable legs swinging back and forth in pure delight. THAT is the picture I have in my mind. Their legs unable to touch the ground because they were so small in those big patio chairs. Giggles were heard and their smiles were obvious. 

Or the time the youngest picks up her baby and rocks her so gently. So careful not to drop her. Her kind smile says that she truly loves that baby as if it were real. And I have no doubt in my mind that one day she will be one fantastic Mommy.

Another very special moment is when Daddy gets home and the "Daddy is home" "Daddy!!!" can be heard throughout the house. And they run to the door to be the first to see him. His face shining with humbleness at the importance of himself. Just as he is, even if it is slightly dirty from working hard all day, they give him huge hugs and try to help bring his lunch box upstairs. And almost every time it falls down the stairs. They laugh.

Moments of my boys together are some of my favorites. When I see them sitting together as close as can be on the couch, I love it.

Like when my amazing Dad in-law takes the two youngest grandchildren on a 4 wheeler ride. All 3 of them with big smiles on their faces! Going slowly around and around the path and very carefully.

Or when all the kids are together walking in the beautiful sunset. Rays of sunshine dance across their bodies and I think how perfect a picture would be if only I had my camera near me.

These are only some of the very special moments that I will never forget. They are etched into my memory forever. The next time you are rushing to get your camera....take in the moment, be present not to miss it.

Jamie :)

Mommy guilt

Dear fellow Mommies,

Have you ever had the feeling that you messed up?
Haven't been a good enough Mom lately?

That you haven't done enough? 

That you should be doing this or that?

That you miss the past times with your kids?

Mommy guilt is real and one of the most difficult feelings for a Mom to encounter. And maybe it can be a good thing to help us recognize the need to spend more one on one time with our children.

I'm here to tell you that you are enough :)! God made you for a deep purpose in raising your children and being blessed to be called "Mom." By calling upon Him, we can help eliminate the feelings of guilt.

I know I've felt those feelings listed above before and it is a heart wrenching feeling. God created each of us so very special. We may not do 'this' or 'that' but we can do 'something else' really good :).

Mommy friends, lets try to stop comparing ourselves to other Moms. Because I'm sure you've heard it before but "Comparison is THE thief of joy." And it is so true. Every single Mom brings a beautiful characteristic to the table in their own homes. Our kids need us to be happy in our own shoes. And I believe that helps them feel loved.

Another thing is that kids offer so many new beginnings. What a blessing that is! Maybe we messed up yesterday by being too tired, too busy, too impatient or whatever it may be. But here is the most beautiful part::::Tomorrow is a brand new day! Actually any time is a brand new time to start fresh! Lets make the most of it. I know I will!

I want to start spending more individual time with each child on a regular basis. I've gone on some "Mommy & son dates." And they sure are fun!! That is definitely one of my goals to keep up with each child and my hubby! :)

Love your fellow Mommy friend, Jamie

A Whole New Perception

The other morning I was driving solo in the morning with a lot on my busy mind. I was thinking about the future (and worrying) and giving it to God in prayer. 

I found myself looking out the window and started seeing the telephone poles in a whole new light!

A perfect and beautiful cross was what I started seeing while gazing at them. My whole perception changed about my thoughts on the future in that moment. 

I heard God's voice telling me something new with each passing of the telephone poles. And from this simple photo below you can see in the distance that they just keep on going.

I love you!...

I died on the cross for you!...

Do not worry!...

I have a plan!...

You are mine!...

Don't ever forget it....

My mind went instantly to Christ dying on the cross for all of us. He didn't do that years ago for us to forget the true meaning behind it. But I know it's because He loves us so much and wanted to die for our sins so we didn't have to and wants us to forever remember.

It's mind-boggling to know that. But He knew the future and what it would hold. And He STILL knows the future and what it holds for each of us. Therefore, not a thing will change by us worrying about the future. But with our trust in God, peace will come. And how beautiful that is. 

And those cross shaped telephone poles went on & on & on. Just like God's love goes on & on & on for you!

And to this day I will never look at one the same as before. I hope the next time you see a telephone pole that you will be reminded on God's love for you! 

"Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

*Psalm 61:8

Jamie :)

I know this girl...

I know this sweet girl who defines what precious is. She has beautiful eyes that squint when she smiles. Her smile brightens the entire room that she enters. It reminds me of someone very special. Her teeth are adorable. She has a button nose that she likes to wrinkle up. She has such pretty hair that looks absolutely adorable in pig tails. And she has eyelashes for days.

She's brave and independent. She isn't scared to try new things like slides but does not like to be put too high in the air. She is careful when she walks. And always has been very careful not to fall. She is a cute runner. She can kick the ball outside like a little soccer player. Throwing the ball is also one of her favorite things to do. She giggles as she plays. A new favorite is wearing her helmet around the yard and going on bike rides.

Her giggles are so sweet and a very frequent occurrence. She especially laughs when she's on the swing and I say "I'm gonna get you!" and tickle her belly. She's very ticklish around her neck and feet. She's a chatterbox and will attempt to say just about any word. One of her favorite words is "Uh Oh!"and she sure loves to clap.

She is very tuned into details. Looking at pictures around the house is one of her very favorite things to do. And she will point and tell who is who. As well as take a picture down and carry it around kissing the faces and squealing. There are 2 boys who are absolutely smitten by her. She is always on their mind. From the moment they wake up. They would do anything for her and would be lost without her. Oh goodness, how she giggles with them and follows them around. And there is a wonderful & strong man who thinks the entire world of her.

She knows to pray before she eats and begins folding her hands when we say "Let's pray." She isn't very picky with her food except for tomatoes. She prefers ranch dressing for her carrots like some boys I know. And she loves "Wa Wa" (Water) so much along with "Cackers."

She loves to put lip balm on her lips...all by herself. She likes dresses and skirts and twirls in them. She loves her babies and blankies. Shoes are one of her love languages. Wearing shoes/boots around the house is a favorite activity with a stocking hat on. A little fashionista in the making. She's a girly girl for sure but also doesn't mind getting dirty outside.

She is an animal lover. Pup pups, fish, cats, cows, and deer. She squeals with absolute joy when she sees any kind of animal. And she will follow them around the house wherever they may be. Seeing the blow up cows around the local grocery store makes her giddy "Cow!" she says as she points excitedly.

Looking through books are one of her favorite things! Paging through them brings her joy as well as pointing at the pictures. At bedtime she already knows the routine; she cuddles with her blankies as she gets a couple of books read, songs sung and a prayer before going to bed. She loves to be held and cuddled. And gives some of the sweetest kisses of all time.

She loves so many. A pure little princess with a heart full of love is who she is. And how eternally grateful we are for her!

Love Forever

Enjoying the present

There always seems to be something I'm looking forward to...

Spring weather 

My kid's birthday parties

Summer fun

Fall weather

Date nights with the hubby

Shopping time

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Spring Break Vacay

Easter

End of the school year 

Beginning of the school year 

This list just goes on + on...

But for those times when there is not really anything in particular to look forward to...it's kind of a let down. I'm not going to lie.

Like when your special thing you're looking forward to is...over? Then it's on to the next thing. 

For example it is so exciting to prepare for a vacation. Getting it booked. Dreaming about the scenery there and how relaxing it will be. Getting clothes for the trip. Thinking about all the fun things you will be doing. But when it is over, it's kind of sad that all that planning is done and the vacation is over. However, I do always enjoy coming home. Because I love being home with my family.

Or I can remember to my wedding day. My beautiful wedding :). All the planning, preparing and excitement prior to and during. Then the day after we went on our honeymoon. Which was full of even more excitement. Returning to our real life in our new home as a couple was also exciting. But the big fancy wedding and honeymoon was over. And it seemed like forever that I was waiting for it.

 Not all the time is this true. For example I love preparing for Christmas and looking forward to spending time celebrating Jesus' birth and being with family. Not to mention seeing my cute kiddos excitement when they open their gifts. I actually enjoy the day after Christmas, too. Because generally it's a relaxing day and fun to reminisce. And it's my sweet Mom's Birthday! Which is very fun to celebrate.

With all the exciting things that will be happening in the FUTURE...what about the PRESENT. 

The today? The NOW? 

My sweet and amazing friend from Bible study posted this recently:

I Was Dying

First I was dying to finish high school and start college.

And then I was dying to finish college and start working.

And then I was dying to marry and have children.

And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough for school so I could return to work.

And then I was dying to retire. 

And now, I am dying. .. and suddenly I realize I forgot to live.

Anonymous. Submitted by Nicole Zablocki
Find it HERE 

How true is this? It is definitely a great reminder. I remember when I was in H.S. looking forward to college. Then being done with college and working as an RN. Then I had babies and all I wanted to do was be with them as much as possible. And now that I have one in 1st grade and another headed to Kindergarten next year, I want to spend as much time in the "now" as possible. I want to soak in the time at home with my littles. Because before I know it they will be having littles of their own.

Live in the moment. Be excited about the day you are living now. Make the most out of it. Love who you are and what your calling in life is. I know I need to work on this and remind myself daily. 

Jamie :)

Mommy-Son Date

Troy had his 4 year well child exam last week and I thought it'd be the perfect opportunity to spend some one on one time with him!

It was so much fun to have him all to myself! 

He did so well at his appointment and is getting very tall. Our Pediatrician is amazing and he always has fun ties on to get the kid's attention. I just love that! Troy hadn't been feeling the best the weekend before and was diagnosed with an ear infection. His first one ever. He's almost done with his antibiotic now and has taken each dose like a champ! No complaints there! He actually told his Grandma "Not you get medicine! haha!" Like it's a big treat :)! I love him!

After his appointment we went to Walmart to pick out some toys/movies with his very own birthday money. We even ran into my Dad there!

And he wanted to ride the motorcycle when we were finished. So cute with his little feet up on the back like a lil pro driver!

Here was the toy he wanted! One very happy boy! He also picked out a Scooby doo movie, The Nut Job and The Chipmunks 1, 2+3. And HE wanted to give the cashier his money all by himself like such a grown up.

I didn't get a picture of us at The Bakery but that's where we had lunch. He didn't want any of his sandwich but he devoured his {massive} Cinnamon Roll and milk. His day...His way!

And he fell asleep on the way home! What a fun day with my Troy boy!

Lovingly,

Mama Jamie

Christmas Break 2014

Today it was back to school for Austin. We had such a great time over Christmas break. I was very grateful that I got to be home with them! It was kinda hard and sad to get back into the routine again this morning. But Austin was ready. Troy was still not feeling 100%. 

Over Christmas break the kids had some fun bonding time.  And that sure makes this Mommy's heart happy. I found the boys on my bed like this reading a book...love it!

Be still my heart! :)

We went to see Santa in Duluth before going to see Bentleyville. They were so cute with him! Austin was very serious with him. And he told me (while laughing of course) that Troy told Santa he wanted a bow and gun. Haha! Just like his big brother. 

At the mall, Troy happy as can be by the candy dispensers and his sweet Nanny!

We've never been to the Bentleyville tour of lights before and we were missing out BIG time. 

This place was absolutely beautiful! This kind kind man Nathan Bentley puts it on every year (with much help of course).  It started as him decorating his house which grew and grew and then he changed it to be a walk through tour of lights. Read all about it HERE. There were gorgeous lights, Santa, Mrs. Clause, a free cookie and cocoa house & popcorn stand and also a free marshmallow stand for roasting marshmallows over the bonfires. It was one of the best memories I have over Christmas break with my kids and parents.

This was the best photo I could get of the men. A little blurry but I'll take it :). 

We made & decorated sugar cookie cut outs. One of my favorite family traditions.

We spent Christmas with lots of wonderful family. It was perfect...playing games, eating, loving on each other, laughing and more eating. 

And listen, the week after Christmas I wanted to do something really fun for Austin. But the sickness hit the kids and I. Troy being the sickest of all with fevers and coughing. So, we ended up staying home almost all week. And it was great to rest up. Austin spent a day with my parents for some fun. And Saturday we were feeling better so I took the boys out on a "Mommy + sons date" to Culver's (their choice). It was one of the best times with them! They didn't really want a photo but I managed to get this one :). And Sunday we got to go ice fishing. Perfect ending to Christmas break.

Hope you had a fantastic Christmas with family + friends.

God Bless,

Jamie :)

A Child's Love

It was an early night for everyone on Saturday night. The kiddos fell asleep on the way home. And it was teeth brushing and bed time for all. I went upstairs to browse through Christmas Cards on snapfish to decide on ours. I thought the boys were asleep. 

Then I heard the *squeak* of Austin's door open. Hmmm...I thought he was fast asleep. But, maybe had to use the bathroom. I see him walk towards me and he  asked me to read to him. He hugged me and I melted. :) It's funny how a child's hug can make you feel like THE most important person. I felt better, already. He told me he was not sleeping but reading The Bible and was already onto Exodus :)! I asked him what book I should read him. He then asked me "Will you read me The Bible?" Awww...."Of course I will" I told him. Geez...I was lifted completely out of my crankiness into the loving arms of my sweet child and Father in Heaven. 

God is really good!

And then, he came back out of his room after we read and prayed.
 He wanted to sleep downstairs :)

He obviously wasn't tired. We talked and filled out his Reading Calendar.

I promised him we would make puppy chow and hadn't, yet.

 I said "Do you want to make Puppy Chow?" He said "Suuuure! Have a midnight snack? And play tic tac toe while we're eating it?!"

We stayed up until 9 playing tic tac toe and hangman while eating our delicious snack.

Perfect Saturday night!!

I love it!

When unexpected things do your kid's do that make you melt?

Jamie :)

My Friday Faves!

Hello!

Today, I'm linking up with these ladies...

Andrea from Momfessionals, 

Narci from Grace and Love Blog 

and Erika from A Little Bit of Everything blog 

For Friday Favorites!

My Favorite Letter...

1.) Over the past month I've been reflecting on all the ways I see my 6 year old son growing up. I'm been jotting all the little things down to compile them into a special letter to him. I cried and laughed a bit while writing it. I got such sweet comments on my facebook page about how it made some of my girlfriends tear up and also make them grateful to be a Mom.

You can read it HERE if you'd like.

Do you see your oldest growing up quickly before your eyes? I sure do. It's bittersweet. I'm excited for him to be growing up but sad because I so wish I could go back to his baby or toddler years. I am so grateful for the (little) man he is becoming :). 

Some of my Favorite purchases...

2.) I've been looking for a cute plaid top and finally found one I really (really) love! The fabric is soft and so comfortable.

However, the one I got is now out of stock. Bummer! But here is a similar one. 

3.) I finally got the scarf that Erika from A Little Bit of Everything  and Mix and Match Mama have been raving about. And they were right about it! It's fab!! I ordered 2 (2 for $38). 1 for me and 1 to gift. Double fab!

Here I am in the 'Denim Blue' color. That color is not available but there are 27 other colors. Many choices.

Check them out here.

4.) I had to try out these earrings because they were only $8! Did I like them?

Yes! 

They are good quality (not great) and beautiful statement (big) earrings. I love the turquoise color. 

Click here to see them.

 5.)  So this favorite moment happened this week. Here's the story: Austin was working on his homework at the table and Troy wanted homework, too. So I gave him one of his PreK worksheets to do. He didn't want to do it. So very quietly Austin did his "homework" for him. Then he said "Good Job, Troy!" I smiled at Austin and asked him if he did it. He gave me a big guilty smile and said no. #alreadycoveringforhisbro #friendsforlife 

Too cute!

6.) And my sweet Troy boy fell asleep on my shoulder this past week! Favorite!! I love my kids so much!!

Happy Weekend to you. 

What are some of your favorites of the past week?

Jamie :)