Out of Date

Wow, I was looking for some old photos and didn't realize how outdated my blog is. The last posts were about Josiah learning to walk and living in Haltom City.

Josiah turns FOUR tomorrow, I have a 17 month old daughter who is walking and as of today putting together two words at a time. Plus, we are due with baby number three in September. Austin's new career in telephones paid off thanks to the Nolans and has moved us to Spring, Tx, north of Houston in October 2014.

We sold our first house to some good friends last summer, and are looking to buy another in the next 18 months. We were able to get out of all of our debt except Austin's student loans, and pay cash for a minivan a few weeks ago giving us a second vehicle for the first time in 3.5 years.

We desperately miss our family, and friends we have known for a decade, but are learning to make new ones here through the local church. We are very happy and continuing to see God's plan in our lives as each month passes.

I guess I will update everyone again after the baby comes unless some brilliant idea that I feel I need to share with the world comes to me before then.

2012 - A New Chapter

Since last fall there have been some major changes in our life. Some people know, and others do not and I can't remember who knows so I thought I would tell everyone at the same time. Josiah was born in April 2011 and we had some amazing help from tons of people over the summer so he didn't have to go into daycare until he was about 5 months old. At that time, we couldn't make ends meet so we quickly rented out our home and moved in with family. Once he was in daycare a few months I realized that my true role was to be fulfilled at home taking care of my husband and my new son the way God intended. I put notice in at my job which was harder than I expected, and my last day at work and Josiah's last day of daycare was December 16th. Two weeks before I quit, Austin was laid off from one of his jobs. After a ton of prayer and a relaxing Christmas break, we received a call out of the blue from a man at church who needed help in his telephone business and asked Austin to come aboard starting January 1st. We prayed some more, and decided this was a great opportunity and he put notice in at the day care and started a completely new career. A few weeks later my grandfather's health rapidly declined and he was admitted to the Grapevine hospital around mid-February. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (blood cancer) and has been in a rehab facility ever since improving greatly. He should be released in a couple of weeks after the doctors determine if the medication is helping and not producing any side effects. Knowing that he would be going back home to Haltom City, we found an apartment about 2 miles away from his home. Now when he gets to be released, I will be a 6 minute drive away to check on him and make sure he is taking his medication. Now that it is May 2012, this is not at all where we had expected to be at this time last year. But the Lord has put us exactly where He needs us. We have learned so much and our outlook on life and our attitude toward our marriage and family has been strengthened beyond what we could have imagined in such a short time. We are doing so great, and starting last week I am able to help out another family by taking care of their wonderful 3 month old baby girl :) Life is sweet! Matthew 6:33-34a "Seek first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself." This was certainly easier said than done, but the last few months have proven it true, once again! Thank you Lord!

Where Have I Been?

Some people may have noticed that I haven't been easily accessible lately. February 22nd my paternal grandfather was admitted to Grapevine Baylor hospital with many symptoms that came out of nowhere. After several days in the hospital it looks like he has Multiple Myelona which is cancer of the blood. After finally determining what's wrong they put him on steroids and within 12 hours I could see a difference. After 36 hours on the steroids, he was talking, eating alone, and able to get up alone and walk with his walker. Something that was impossible a week prior and he had so much pain in his lower back he didn't want to move, but it's almost gone! He has now been released from the hospital, and on Friday March 3rd he was moved to a rehab facility nearby.

This week we should find out the full prognosis and talk to the doctors about options. I will update at that point. Until then, I just wanted everyone to know why I haven't had time to call back, or return texts, or be on facebook much.

Cruisin for a Bruisin

Well we have hit the stage of bruises and bumps. Some explained, others I have no idea from whence they came. Josiah is full-blown mobile, but no walking on his own (it won't be long as he's got the muscle strength, just not the bravery). He does get around the coffee table quickly and has scooted the dining chairs across the kitchen as if they are walkers. Currently there is a purple bruise on his right cheek from falling into a cabinet handle on Tuesday.

Today we are home sick as Josiah has a runny nose and difficulty breathing when he lays down too long due to drainage. Poor little mancub! Last night Austin and I took turns sleeping in the recliner so Josiah could be propped up on us to sleep better. At 3:30am, it wasn't good enough and by 4am it was steam shower time to declog him; this was the fourth shower in less than 24 hours for him. After a long shower with Daddy and 7 oz of milk, he was out like a light.

Mommy is currently running on about 3 hours of interrupted sleep. And when I laid down to take a nap while he was sleeping, I got to rest 4 minutes before he woke up - nearly an hour early! Oh well, that's why you have kids in your youth. I can't imagine doing this job at 91 like Sarah.

Luxuries: Before & After Kids

So I was thinking this morning about what I consider to be a "luxury" now that Josiah is constantly attached to my hip. Then I got to thinking how different it is from even this time last year! Here is a short compilation:

Luxuries before kids:
Eating out
Going to the movies at any time of night
Meeting couples at events
Picnicing at concerts
Buying cute dresses
Anniversary or weekend vacations
Stay up late watching TV
Taking a nap on Sundays


Luxuries WITH kids:
Going to the bathroom alone
Going to the store while it's raining
Eating a hot meal in a restaurant
Leaving on time
Sweeping without someone chasing the broom
Making it 2 days without washing bottles bc he ate so many solids
Taking a shower
Staying seated through Church service
Having an empty car (doesn't constantly have a pack&play, stroller, diaper bag and carseat in it)
Carrying a purse or Wearing heals
Sleeping through the night
Being away from the house after 7pm

What are your luxuries now that you have kiddos around????

Cooking And More

So I know most of you are wondering, now that I am staying home, if I am keeping up my end of the marital bargain. There were several posts/blogs back in the summer when I was working part time, trying to show Austin what kind of fancy meals he could expect if I was at home more. Well, nearly two weeks into his new job and me at home (and no one to visit for the holidays) it has been a smooth and successful transition!

Instead of traditional Lipton pasta bags tossed with chicken, or frozen pizza, or fast food we have altered that! Although there have been a couple of pizza nights, I have been trying very hard to come up with yummy, and somewhat healthier meals for both of us. Most recently I have made black bean quesadillas (last night), chicken fried rice (bad recipe, won't retry!), chicken & dumplings, veal meatloaf, chicken enchiladas, beef lasagna, gourmet burgers and I'm sure others I can't think of right now. As for breakfasts, I am trying to make sure Austin gets some and takes plenty of healthy snacks with him (nuts, celery, carrots, raisins, apples, crackers). The breakfasts made are: zucchini bread, breakfast casserole, strawberry pancakes, fruit smoothies, bagels, and eggs & toast.

Josiah's eating solids too!!! He gets a banana every morning and usually a second fruit after his first nap. Then a veggie and some cheerios for lunch, cheerios for snack after second nap and either oatmeal or yogurt for dinner. We start last bottle and reading to him around 6:30, then he goes to bed around 7. Last night he slept all 12 hours for the second time (first time was last week) and the night before I didn't feed him but put him back to sleep and let him fuss for a bit for both typical "feedings." I'm hoping that by this weekend when he turns 9 months that he will be consistently sleeping through the night!!!

Thanks for all of your support, and keep sending me yummy recipes to try!

2012 - The Best Year Ever

Ok, so 2011 had some bumps, but with prayer from many, many people and considerable help from Mom, we got through it! However, the most joyous event EVER occurred in 2011 - the birth of our first son!!!!! He is growing daily and healthy as can be :) We can't ask for more than that.

So how is 2012 going to be different, you think to yourself behind your computer? New jobs and new roles in the household. Some of you may know, but it hasn't been public knowledge yet: I have chosen to stay home with Josiah and cook and clean the house. In addition to that I will be working on attaining my real estate license so that I may sell homes on weekends and evenings when Austin can be home with Josiah.

Austin is starting a new job today. He will be working for a family in our church installing phone systems. I think he will enjoy it as it involves many of his hobbies, just not guitar. Speaking of which, he received a beautiful new one from his mommy for Christmas.

My second resolution (other than getting my license) is to read two books this year. I know, for most of you that seems very small, but I never read and as I get older and am now at home, I will need to do something to keep my brain active and not static. So I am going to try to read one book by June 30th and then another by the end of the year. I usually get 3-4 chapters in, and then forget to ever pick it up again, so I am in the middle of a dozen books, but would need to restart most of them. Any suggestions on what I should read that would hold my attention, would be helpful. (I should note, I don't care about teeny-bopper books)

Josiah's birthday is Saturday, April 14th, and I don't see why everyone can't be invited to help celebrate him turning one. Everybody we know has given him or us gifts, money, food, shelter, advice, wisdom, or babysitting! So you should all be able to see him crawl and probably walk by then. Come help us celebrate the birthday of the best thing that has ever happened to this family, and hopefully, tell me if you need to buy or sell a home too ;-)