A Look Back at 2014.

It is BIZARRE to me that we're about to ring in a brand new year! Where in the heck does time go? I mean it wasn't that long ago when we rang in 2014. This past year has truly been the best year ever! We got the biggest blessing of our lives this past April when we welcomed our little man into the world. Mac has been the best thing that's happened to us, and watching him grow and develop over the past 8+ months has brought us nothing but joy! We celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary, and also celebrated the milestone of being together for a decade! We celebrated birthdays, engagements, graduations, and also marriages of friends. 2014 has brought about Mac's firsts of the holidays, along with many other milestones for him! This past year has been full of many happy and joyful times. We are very blessed to get to live this life we've been given!

While we've had lots of good times throughout the year, this past year has been trying too. We have taken on the biggest responsibility we'll ever be given in my opinion which is the responsibility of being a parent. While parenthood is often fun and rewarding, it's also hard at times and we're still trying to figure it all out. We also experienced a few bumps in our marriage (adjusting to having another person in the house), but no matter what may be going on we both know we love each other and that we'll never give up on us. We're a team and we'll work threw the rough times together. I also have personally struggled with trying to find a balance between work, family, and fun. I received a promotion after returning from maternity leave and now have more responsibilities at the office. I sometimes have late nights, and it's often difficult to find the right balance between all that's going on.

Let's just be honest here, life isn't always easy. You have to take the bad days along with the good ones, and make the most of the life you're given. That's we try to do in our home. Overall, we get to live a damn good life! We have been blessed beyond measure in 2014, and we'll put this year behind us as the best year yet. We are thankful to the Lord above for this beautiful life he's given us, and we can't wait to see what's in store for us in 2015!

Happy New Year, friends! Cheers!

Mac's First Christmas

I hope you and yours had a very Merry Christmas! We had a great Christmas. This Christmas was extra special since it was Mac's first Christmas with us. He is at a really fun age, and it was so much fun to watch him interact with all the festivities.

iPhone photo taken at LifeChurch.tv South Tulsa

It's a family tradition for us to go to church on Christmas Eve. This year we went to the 4PM service, and after church we went back to my parents' house for presents and dinner. Mac got lots of new toys; a baby laptop, cell phone, drum, train, race car, and some Mickey Mouse stuff. He got some new cute clothes too, and he'll be the most stylish lil' boy in town. Of course, the paper and bows were the biggest hit for Mac and what he enjoyed the most!

After presents, we had dinner and then it was time for Mac to head to bed. Us adults {Clete & myself, my sister & her husband, and my mom & dad} stayed up to play dominoes which has become a tradition over the years. Santa also came and left Mac some things for Christmas morning!

Mac was up bright and early Christmas morning {just like any other day} so everyone got up to see him with his things from Santa Claus. Santa brought him a jean anywhere chair with his name, a big stuffed Mickey Mouse, Scout the learning dog, and a new Ford Raptor Truck that we can push him around in. He also got some new sippy cups, Desitin, baby lotion, boogie wipes, and puffs in his stocking. He was an extra good boy this year, so Santa brought him lots of goodies!

After Mac checked out all of his goodies, we then had breakfast casseroles and mimosas. After breakfast, we got around and that afternoon my DeeDee came with my brother in-law's mom and grandma to have Christmas dinner. My Dad and Mom prepared a delicious dinner of beef tenderloin, baked potatoes, salad, and rolls. We had a variety of sweet treats for dessert. Mac had potatoes with some of his food after his nap, and then it was time to play some more. He LOVES being pushed around in his new truck! As long as he's being pushed around, he's perfectly content.

The weekend before Christmas, Uncle Thomas and Aunt Kelsey came to stay with us and we did our Christmas with them. Mac got some fun things, and loved having them to play with. We all enjoyed having them at our house for the weekend.

Mac had a great Christmas, and so did we. It brought us pure joy to watch Mac be so excited and happy! We had a wonderful first Christmas with Mac, and we are the most thankful for the best gift of all, our savior who was born on the very first Christmas Day.

Mac's Dedication

On Sunday, December 7th (my sister's 24th birthday) we dedicated our baby boy to the Lord. We were surrounded by our church, family, and friends as we celebrated this special event in Mac's life. They often say it takes a village to raise a child, and I do believe that. In just the short 8 months we've been parents we have learned that we cannot do it alone. It's refreshing to know that there are others supporting us, encouraging us, and lifting us up in prayer on this journey of parenthood.

Jeremiah 29:11 is scripture I often refer to these days, and that's also the verse that I pray over Mac's life.  11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Mac was glad that his Aunt KK shared her birthday with him for his special day. It was a special day for our little family, and we are blessed to have been able to share it with so many people we love. We are so lucky to get to live this life we've been given, and are thankful everyday to the Lord above for all of his blessings.

Thanksgiving

I know everyone is now in full blown Christmas mode, but I also know if I don't post this I will kick myself for it later. Our Thanksgiving was very low key and different this year. We actually hosted Thanksgiving at our house for the first time! My parents came to our house Wednesday evening, stayed overnight, and we had a very casual dinner Thursday afternoon. Mac had an unusual night that Wednesday, and we were up every hour on the half hour, so this mama was tired Thanksgiving morning. My mom and I did the local Turkey Trot 5K Thursday morning, and then came home to prepare the meal. It was the perfect fit for Mac's first turkey day!

Mac HATED the turkey leg, and wouldn't even pretend to like it for a pic. I don't know what it was, but he pouted up almost instantly when we gave it to him. But he did like the sweet potatoes, green beans, and stuffing. The boy loves his food, and really likes when he can eat what everyone else is eating.

That's our Thanksgiving in a nutshell. I hope you and your loved ones had a great Thanksgiving too!

8 months old

Today our little man is 8 months old! These past 8 months have flown by, but have been the best months of our lives. Mac has brought so much joy to our life and into our home. He's taught us so much in the past 8 months, and I'm not sure what we'd be doing if we didn't have him except sleeping in past 7AM on the weekends.

Mac is still hitting all of his developmental milestones. He LOVES to bounce and jump! The boy will try to bounce on anything. He's is getting up on all fours and rocking, so we know that any day he's going to take off crawling. Mac is pulling up on things, and it won't be long before he's standing on his own. He loves to talk, but we haven't heard any real words yet. We've been working on words with him, and it won't be long either. He's a happy boy, and also getting to be very curious. He loves to touch, grab, and look. He also loves to growl, happy scream, and fake cough to get attention. He can clap his hands, and can throw a mean fit when he isn't getting what he wants. He likes to play with his toys, chew on everything, and play in his bouncy. He loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and just smiles when Mickey talks. Mac adores his daddy! He still loves bath time, and hates naps. Mac is becoming very curious, and once he becomes mobile he is going to be into everything! He's really liking baby food and green beans are still one of his favorites. He likes puffs, and also likes to try mommy & daddy's food when he can. He has a total of 6 teeth, 2 on bottom and 4 on top. He's a drooling machine! Mac is eating 6 oz bottles and baby food, wearing 6-12 mos clothes, and size 4 diapers. He's a wild sleeper, and can sometimes be a night owl.

A couple weeks ago we put up our Christmas decorations in the house, and he loves looking at all the bright colors, glitter, and lights. We set his bouncy in front of our tree, and he will just look and bounce. He also loves to roll over up under the stockings and grab at them. Christmas is going to be fun this year, even though his favorite things will be the boxes, paper, and sacks. Mac is our little Christmas blessing, and we wouldn't want it any other way!

Mac,

It's hard to believe that you're already 8 months old. One day when you grow up, you'll understand why mommy says time goes by way too fast. You're growing and developing every day, becoming a big boy right before our eyes. You've brought us so much joy these past 8 months, and we are so thankful God gave you to us. You're our sunshine, and we love you so much more than you know!
XOXO,
Mommy

PS: You decided to wake up at 4:30 AM today and that's why your 8 month pics are in your jammies. Mommy thinks you're about to cut another tooth because I have no other explanation for your poor sleeping lately. 

Fall Family Pictures

It's been an ongoing family tradition for several years for us to do fall family pictures with my family. This year was a little different because we now are a family of 6 adults, and then we also had a little addition! We had the pictures done in mid October and since Mac also turned 6 months old, we did a combo session of family pics and Mac's 6 mos pics.
The pictures turned out so good! We love them all, and I'm still undecided on which ones I'm actually going to print because they're all great! Ashley Westfall with Ashley Thompson Photography is the photographer behind these little gems. She captured some great shots, and we'll cherish these little memories forever.

All the photos above are copyrighted by Ashley Thompson Photography. 

Do not use, copy, save, or print without permission. 

It was a warm October evening and we were all almost sweating by the end of our session in our fall clothes. This is why my child is only in a diaper in a few of the pictures. You have to love Oklahoma weather... it can be 90 one day, and 45 the next. 

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thankful thoughts.

We all have so much to be thankful for. No matter what battle you're fighting, you can bet that there's someone else out there in the world that's fighting a bigger one than you are. This time of the year I enjoy challenging myself to find something new to be thankful for every day. Yes, I do thank God for my many blessings daily, but it's the season of Thanksgiving.

I have been beyond blessed along with my little family. All of our needs are met, and we also get a lot of our wants. I know we are often guilty of taking advantage of the things we have, but I always try to be grateful.

I have so much to be thankful for everyday. I've been saved by God's grace. I get to share life with my best friend, and though our relationship has its faults, we make a good team. I have been the best gift I've ever received, the gift of motherhood. I have an amazing baby boy and he's made this life so much better. Mac gives us a whole new reason to strive to do our best. I have the best parents. I have an amazing support system of family and friends. They lift us up and are always there for us when they're needed. I am blessed to have a handful of true friends who would do anything in the world for me. I have a great job I enjoy, and coworkers that I also get to call friends. Mac has a babysitter and friends at daycare that he loves (and that love him). When I drop him off he's always excited to see them, and I'm thankful every Monday-Friday that Mrs.Cindy was put in our life. We have a home. We have a soft, warm bed to sleep in and running water to bathe. We have a closet full of clothes, and a pantry full of food. We have bills to pay, but that means we have jobs and a steady income to pay them. We're American... and I'm certain I could think of many more things. All of that being said, I AM THANKFUL.  Not only during the season of Thanksgiving, but every day.

What if you only woke up tomorrow with what you thanked God for today?

|| Photo Credit ||

ashley thompson photography

My two biggest blessings are my two boys. The pic above is a sneak peak of our fall family photos, another post coming on that real soon. 

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Celebrating a Decade!

10 years ago... 10 WHOLE YEARS! A long, shaggy haired, boy took me on a date and when he dropped me off before curfew, he asked me to be his girlfriend at the end of my driveway. Neither of us ever imagined that cool November evening that we'd be where we are today 10 years later! 

a look through the years... in no particular order!

It sounds CRAZY to say that a whole decade has gone by since the mr and I first became "an item", but as crazy as it sounds it's TRUE! The past 10 years have been a roller coaster ride, but I'm so grateful for God's plan and that I get to share this life I live with my best friend. We've had our fair share of ups and downs, bumps in the road, and our relationship has literally been through hell and back, but we always seem to overcome the impossible. I truly believe that what we have is special. There are a lot of couples out there that wouldn't make it through the things we have.  

Clete is my daily source of laughter, and someone who pushes me to be a better version of me. He's the best daddy, a big dreamer, a hard worker, and a team player. There's no one else I'd want to live this beautiful life with! 

Looking back... 10 years ago neither of us would've dreamed we'd now be married, living in a different city, and have a family of our own. I'm sure glad God's plan is always best! Cheers to the first decade, and to many more to come!

7 months old

Mac is 7 months old today! It's hard to believe time is going by so quickly. He's so much fun right now, but also very hard. He is developing quite the personality, but also wants to be mr. independent.

Mac is hitting all of his milestones right on target! He's been sitting up on his own for a while, and he's now starting to pull up. He also is getting up on all fours, so it won't be long before our baby boy is mobile! He is quite the wiggle worm, rolling all over the place and also a little jumping bean when he's standing up (with help of course). He enjoys sitting in his activity center and watching cartoons. He is eating baby food every day, and is loving all his veggies and fruits. Mac and Honey get along great and are the two best of friends! It's so sweet to watch the two of them play together. The boy loves his dog! Mac likes sitting in the floor and playing with toys. He still loves bath time, and still thinks his daddy hung the moon. He is talking lots, but no real words yet. He has two teeth on the bottom, and has two coming in on the top. He loves to bounce, and really likes when you help him stand so he can do so. He's recently started a fake cough, and it's quite humorous to watch. He has quite the personality, but also knows how to throw a mean fit. He loves his bottle, and is holding them all by himself now. Mac is in the 85th percentile for height, and the 90th percentile for weight. He wearing 6-12 mos clothes, and size 3 diapers. We recently lowered his bed, and put in his bumper pads. He loves going to Ms. Cindy's house while mommy & daddy work, and he loves his friends there too! He's eating 6 oz bottles, and is sleeping around 10-11 hours at night.

Mac,

We now cannot imagine life without our little nugget! You are the light of our of world. You bring us so much joy, and for that we are grateful! You're the biggest blessing we've ever received, and we love watching you grow. You are loved so much more than you know, and have made our lives so much better. We love you to the moon, baby boy!
XOXO
Mommy

Tasty Tuesday | Not Your Mama's Chili

Fall brings about cooler temps, and that means soups, stews, and chili on the menu at our house. This recipe I thought I got from my mom, but I recently learned I have actually tweaked her recipe and made my own. Chili is reoccurring on our menu during the cooler months, as it's always a big hit!

Not Your Mama's Chili

ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
2- 15 oz. can diced tomatoes, chili ready
1- 15 oz. can pork & beans
1- 10 oz. can rotel
1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
1/2 packet of Williams chili seasoning
1 onion, diced (optional)

instructions
1. Brown ground beef and drain any grease.
2. Mix in diced onion and chili seasoning with meat.
3. In a large pot, combine tomatoes, rotel,
ketchup, pork & beans, and meat mixture.
4. Stir well, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, stir, and let simmer before serving.
6. Top with your favorite chili toppings, then serve.

Our Stinker's First Halloween!

We celebrated our little stinker's first Halloween! I started thinking about Halloween months ago, and as soon as I saw this little skunk costume on the Pottery Barn Kids website, I knew Mac had to be a skunk! Let's be real, this is the only year I'll be able to get away with it. ;) He was the cutest little stinker out Halloween night!

We went over to our cousin's house for a little Halloween party. It was a good time for everyone! Mac got to go trick or treating with his cousins, Anna and Batman! He loved the all the bright colors in the candy bowl, and enjoyed walking around (on mommy & daddy hips) with the kids. He even got lots of treats in his bag! 

It was a fun evening having our first Halloween with our little stinker. We can mark it down in the baby book as a success! Hope you and your family had a fun and Happy Halloween too! 

Our Trip to the Pumpkin Patch!

Last weekend we took Mac on his first trip to the pumpkin patch! On Sunday afternoon we ventured down to the Orr Family Farm and had such a fun day with our little man. I knew going to the pumpkin patch was a new tradition I wanted to start this year with him, and it's something I think we'll continue to do for years to come. Next year, Mac will enjoy it even more because he'll be bigger and able to participate more in all the activities.

My parents, and sister & brother in-law drove down for the day and went with us. Mac had an exciting day and got to do lots of fun things! He had his first merry go'round ride with Queenie, Poppie, and Aunt KK. He went to the petting zoo and Poppie let him pet a goat. Daddy and Mac went down a slide for the first time. We played tick tack toe with tiny pumpkins, and went through a corn maze. Mac had his first hayride, and picked out his first little pumpkin. It was a fun filled day!  

6 months old

Today our sweet baby boy turns a 1/2 year old! I'm not sure how time if going by so quickly, but it is and it's very bittersweet for this momma.  I cannot believe it's been 6 whole months since we welcomed Mac into this world.

Mac is rolling, rolling, rolling! He loves to lay on a blanket in the floor sometimes to just kick and roll. He's now sitting up on his own like a big boy! He still loves bath time. He adores his daddy. He has really gained interest in his furry sister, and has even started to "pet" her when she's close. They are the best of friends these days! He loves to bounce! It's one of the many things that makes him have happy giggles. He loves playing in his bouncy saucer, and has started to play and interact more with the toys around it. He still loves to watch TV, just like his daddy! Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is his favorite show, but Jake and the Neverland Pirates is a close second. He also likes sitting in the floor and playing with toys. He enjoys things that make noise, and of course likes anything he can get in his mouth! Mac is holding his bottle and reaching for things. He's been eating baby food regularly for a few weeks now. He loves green beans, squash, and peaches! He likes sweet potatoes and apples okay, but is not a fan of bananas or peas. He's a messy lil' eater, and would like to be able to feed himself. He always grabs for the spoon to put it in his mouth himself. He's started to teethe this past week, and that has not been fun. His first lil' tooth is starting to come through his bottom gum! He has quite the personality, but at times will play bashful. He loves to talk and laugh! He's sleeping 10-11 hours at night, with mostly only cat naps during the day. He's wearing 6-12 mos clothes, size 3 diapers, and is taking a 6 ounce bottle.

I know I say this over and over, but time is really going by way too fast. Everyone warns of how fast it'll go by, and they're not exaggerating! It really does go by so fast. However, Mac is at such a fun age right now so the time going by is bittersweet. Each month it keeps getting better and better! It's so much fun to watch him grow, develop, and change.

Mac,
You are the little light of our world! It's hard to believe you're already a 1/2 year old. Mommy and daddy love you so much, and now couldn't imagine our life without you. We feel extremely blessed that you're ours, and we thank God for giving you to us. You are growing and changing right before our eyes, and we love watching every minute of it! We love you more than you know baby boy!
XOXO,
Mommy