Some of our Holiday fun

The Christmas holiday brings a lot of fun and a lot of cheer, but it also brings a lot go-go-go rush feeling.

This Christmas had a little different feeling than previous years.  Life has been so hectic this year.  We've had many life changing events going on this year that I do plan to share about those soon. But first I wanted to share some of Christmas fun :)

Here are some pictures of Christmas with family:

During our family Christmas in TN, my relatives also had gifts for baby Will.  The kids enjoyed helping me open the gifts.  Baby Will  got some really great things!

the kids got some really great gifts for Christmas - from jewelry making to baseball gear:

 

 

During the Christmas break, Madeline also got to enjoy time with friends making a gingerbread house:

We also were able to take the children to see A Christmas Carol - they enjoyed it so much:

Whew...there are so many more pictures, but I think that is enough for this post.

I do hope that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas holiday.  Enjoy this precious time with your family and friends!

Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

I have so much to be thankful for this year....my husband is home, he has a job, the sweet life growing inside of me, the health of my children, the precious friends in my life, a supportive and loving family, but most of all the grace, sufficiency, and love of our Heavenly Father.

I hope that each of you has a wonderful day spent with family and friends.  May we remember those who are spending this holiday without loved ones.

May we not only today, but everyday be thankful for the many blessings in our lives,

Look Who's 7

Today is our sweet, spunky Princess Madeline's 7th birthday!!!  I can not believe she is already 7 years old!!! 

Madeline enjoys anything to do with arts and crafts.  Her most favorite thing to do is to color, draw, or make things for family and friends.  (Trust me our house is covered in some of her creations). Some of her other favorite activities also include tumbling and cheerleading.  So for her party this weekend we are having a tumbling party.  She is really looking forward to this party! :)

Happy Veteran's Day

Today, as in all days, I am so thankful to be married to a veteran . His selfless services, numerous deployments, unimaginable courage, and dedication are amazing to me. I can not imagine being married to a better man or a better soldier. Thank you, Jason for all you have done and continue to do for this great country!

 

 

I am also thankful to be the sister, daughter, and granddaughter of veterans.  Today I honor ALL of you who have and are serving our country.

May ALL our nations veterans now today (and everyday) how much they are appreciated.  Our country would not be the great country it is if not for your service and protection.  Thank you and God bless you all!!!

Veterans Day Deals

I compiled a list of some of the businesses who are offering Veterans Day Deals.  How wonderful is it to see all these businesses who are honoring the men and women who have and are serving this great country. 

1.       Applebee's is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free entrée on Monday. The offer is valid for dine-in only and must show proof of service.

2.       Bar Louie is offering veterans and active-duty military members with a free meal up to a $12 value on Sunday and Monday with a valid military ID or other proof of service.

3.     Bob Evans is offering veterans and active-duty military members free all–you-can-eat hotcakes on Monday with a valid military ID.

4.       Boston Market is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free whole chicken with the purchase of a family meal on Monday with a valid military ID.

5.       California Pizza Kitchen is offering a free pizza for dine-in only at participating locations on Monday to veterans and active military members who come in uniform or bring proof of service.

6.       Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse is offering a deal for veterans and active-duty military members to eat free on Monday with a valid ID or those who show in in uniform or present a photo in uniform.

7.       Chili's is offering a free entrée  to veterans and active-duty military members on Monday with a proof of military service required. Also, 10% of sales purchased when this flyer is presented on Sunday will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

8.       Denny’s is offering a deal for veterans, inactive and active-duty military members free all-you-can-eat pancakes from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday at participating restaurants.

9.       Friendly’s is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free Big Two Do Breakfast and coffee on Monday.

10.   Golden Corral offering veterans and active-duty military members to participate in its annual free military appreciation dinner Monday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The offer is good for anyone who has ever served in the military. Friends and family of military members can also attend, but will have to pay the regular dinner menu pricing.

11.   Hooters is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free meal up to $10.99 with any drink purchase for those who present a military ID or proof of service.

12.   Krispy Kreme is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free doughnut and coffee to those in uniform or with ID on Monday.

13.   Little Caesars Pizza is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free order of Crazy Bread with ID on Monday.

14.   LongHorn Steakhouse is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcoholic beverage Monday through Thursday.

15.   Olive Garden is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free entrée from a special menu on Monday. Family members with veterans or active duty members will receive a 10% discount.

16.   On the Border is offering veterans and active-duty military members who dine in Monday a free meal.

17.   Outback Steakhouse is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage on Monday. The offer extends from Nov. 12 through Dec. 31 for 10% off meals.

18.   Red Lobster is offering veterans and active military a free appetizer Monday through Thursday.

19. Texas Roadhouse is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free lunch (from a special menu) on Monday with proof of service.

20. T.G.I. Friday's is offering veterans and active-duty military members with a proof of service a free lunch on Monday at participating locations.

21. Tim Hortons is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free doughnut with no purchase required with valid ID or uniform.

22. UNO’s is offering veterans and active-duty military members a free entrée or individual pizza with an entrée or pizza purchase or equal or greater value and with a military or veterans ID on Monday.

23.  Get free admission to national parks across the country on Nov. 9-11: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

24.  Great Clips will give veterans a free hair cut on Nov. 11. If YOU get your hair cut on Nov. 11, they'll give you a coupon to give to a veteran for a free hair cut from Nov. 11 to Dec. 31. Details: http://www.greatclips.com/promotions/veterans-day

25.   Many Sport Clips locations will offer free haircuts to active-duty U.S. service members and veterans on Nov. 11 with valid proof of service. For a list of participating stores: http://www.sportclips.com/events-promotions/HAH2013.html

26. Carrabba's is offering all active duty personnel and retired veterans a free appetizer on Nov. 9-11. You will need proof of service such as military ID or dressing in your uniform. Check your nearby location to make sure they are participating: http://www.carrabbas.com/Locator

27.  Champps Americana is offering veterans and active duty military a free burger and fries on Nov. 11. http://champps.com/Events/VeteransDay2013.aspx

28.  Free Tavern Double Burger and fries for veterans and active duty military at Red Robin on Nov. 11. http://www.redrobin.com/newsroom/article/648

29.  IKEA is giving veterans and active duty personnel a free entree on Nov. 9-11. Entrée is a sandwich, hot dish or entrée salad. Please show some form of military ID

30.  Veterans, active duty military and military spouses get a free tall (12 oz.) brewed coffee at Starbucks on Veterans Day:

31.  Veterans, current service members AND THEIR FAMILIES get 20 percent off at JCPenney Nov. 6-11. You must print a coupon from this website: jcp.com/military

32.  Bed, Bath & Beyond & Cost Plus World Market is offering veterans, active duty personnel AND their families 20 percent off their ENTIRE purchase on Nov. 9-11. In-store only with valid military ID such as a DD-214, American Legion membership card, VFW membership card and U.S. Military Services Privilege & Identification Card. (not valid on: Alessi, Arthur Court, Breville®, Britto™ Collection, Brookstone®, DKNY, The Elf on the Shelf®, kate spade, Kenneth Cole Reaction Home, KitchenAid® PROLINE, Costa Boda, Le Creuset®, Lladró®, Miele, Monique Lhuillier, Nambe®, Nautica®, Nespresso, Orrefors, Riedel, Shun, Swarovski, T-Tech, Vera Wang®, Victorinox Luggage, Vitamix, Waterford®, Wusthof®, or Zwilling; Baby Brezza®, Baby Jogger™, Babymel™, BÉABA®, Bugaboo, Bumbleride™, Clek, Destination Maternity®, Ergobaby™, Foundations®, Maxi-Cosi®, Mountain Buggy®, Oeuf, Orbit Baby™, Peg Pérego®, Petunia Pickle Bottom®, Phil & Teds®, Quinny®, Romero Britto™, Stokke®,storksak®, Svan®, Under Armour®, UPPAbaby®, disposable diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, or portrait studio services. Valid for 10% off Dutailier® products

33.  Lowe's offers a 10 percent on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day to all veterans who served honorably and present a valid Form DD214 or other proof of service. Lowe’s also offers a military discount of 10 percent every day to men and women who are currently in the Armed Services and to honor Retired Veterans and VA Recipients who have a valid military ID Card, VA card or Veteran Identification Card (VIC). Details:

34.  Walgreens is offering 15 percent off eligible store items and 20 percent off Walgreens, Nice! and W brand products

35.  Express Oil Change is offering $10 off full service oil change on 11/11/2013 only for active and former armed service members.

Spending some time this weekend reflecting on Veteran's Day. 

Thinking of all the sacrifices so many, especially those close to me, have made for our country.

I am thankful to be married to a soldier.  He is my HERO.

Just A Thought

Just wanted to share a thought that I had last night.

J stopped by the store for me last night to pick up a few items we had run out of.  While he was there, he picked up a bouquet of roses.  He is often doing things like this and it always brings a smile to my face.  What I found to be so special about this, is that he separated the roses into 2 vases.  Giving me some roses and giving some to Madeline. 

This small gesture speaks large volumes to me.  Of course it shows me that he was thinking about me, but most of all it shows our children how much he loves me.  Not only does this show the kids how much he loves me, but it sets an example for how they should be in their future marriages. It shows our daughter that she is loved and should be treated with respect. 

Now, I am by no means saying that buying gifts or roses are how you show love or how that is happy families should be.  I am just simply saying that I think it is important for our children to see their parents love each other.  So the children have an example.  And hopefully these small examples will make an impact on their little lives and set a standard for them of what they want to strive for in the future. 
 

Halloween 2013

Playing catch up...so its only a week behind, but here our pictures from pumpkin carving and Halloween this year.


Carving pumpkins with daddy:

Before we set  off to get treats:

Baby Crow is a.....

I have been so bad about getting the blog updated....I fully intend too...very soon. 

But it will not be today...

Instead today, I will share some exciting news for our growing family.

I had my gender reveal appointment today....

Baby Crow looked great!  Baby Crow had a great heart beat, measuring a little big (but the perfect size), and everything looked healthy and perfect.

The gender of baby Crow was also VERY obvious.....

Jason went with me to the appointment because I wanted to do something a little different with this gender reveal.  I wanted to make the announcement using cupcakes.  So I made some cupcakes and we took the kids out to dinner to reveal to them what their new sibling will be.  The picture is funny to me because Madeline looks mad, lol.   Yes, she was disappointed but once she realized that she gets to be the only princess it was all better.  Then Jack realized he will be sharing a room with the new baby and he seemed a little disappointed, lol.  They will both be fine though...

 

I snapped this picture of my little sweeties so we could make the announcement on facebook :

I am so excited about our growing family and even more excited now that we know what our new baby will be.  Let the planning and shopping begin ;) 

11 Weeks Update

I returned to the Dr. yesterday for my follow up appointment and to have another ultrasound to check the baby's growth as well as the hematoma.  The baby has grown  A LOT since week 7.  It has grown so much that it was actually measuring big...which is kinda crazy because I have been so sick this go around that I lost 2 pounds since my last appointment. 

The baby looked great.  It was moving around like crazy.  The ultrasound tech was having a hard time keeping up with the baby.  Heart rate was strong and everything with the baby looked perfect. YAY!

The hematoma had not changed in size at all.  BUT the baby has and for that I am thankful.  Of course I would have loved for the hematoma to be gone as well, but as long as the baby is healthy and growing then my prayers are being answered.  The tech also discovered a new fibroid and a cyst that were not seen at my last appointment.  The dr. is not concerned about those things and so therefore I am not going to be either.  I am trusting in the plan the Lord has for this precious baby.

Here is a picture of our baby at 11 weeks (although it is measuring almost 12 weeks)

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to call, message, email, etc. that you are praying for us.  It really means a lot to us.  I have felt so much love over the last couple weeks and especially yesterday as I would receive messages on my way to the dr.  I am very thankful to each of you who have been praying along side of us and are continuing to pray. 

Update on #3

I have been meaning to provide an update on Baby #3, but life has been very busy with school starting back and all of us trying to get use to our new routines. 

I went to my first appointment last week.  J and I were so excited about this appointment and getting to see our new baby.  There is just something about being able to see the baby and the heartbeat that makes everything so real.  (not that the crummy sickness I have been dealing with has not let me know this is real, lol).  I got my due date - March 31.  Which was right around what I was guessing.  It will be our first spring time baby.  Having babies in August and November, I am looking forward to pregnancy in cooler months.  We were able to see the baby on the ultrasound.  Baby looked great and was measuring exactly the right size.  We are able to see little arm and leg buds - oh it was just precious (and of course brought tears to my eyes) We were also able to see the baby's heart beating.  Baby had a very strong heart rate - 170. 

Everything concerning the baby looked perfect....

Then there is me....

I have debated whether or not to share this information.  We have shared this with our parents, but have not made a public announcement or even told the kids.  After much thought, I have decided to share this news because the more prayers we can get, the better. 

During the ultrasound, after the dr. finished looking at our baby, he zoomed in on a dark region next to the baby.  He was taking pictures of it and measurements.  I had no idea what was going on, but could tell the mood in the room was changing.  The dr. then had me sit up so we could talk.  He informed us that I have a rather large blood clot right next to the baby (he rattled off a big long word for it, but basically it is just a blood clot).  Of course, my immediate concern is for the baby.  The dr. informed us that this is just a rare condition that forms (leave it to me to be rare).  He went on to say that this is an "All or none situation" When he said those words, I seriously felt sick at my stomach.  He said by all or none he means the clot can slowly go away on its own and everything with the pregnancy will continue as normal, or it can rupture which would result in a miscarriage.  The dr. was very reassuring that it was nothing I have done to cause this, just a rare condition.  He was also very reassuring because the baby looked so good.  The Dr. placed me on limited physical activity which means no zumba or kickboxing for me, but I can do light walking.  So, I have been trying to take it easy...which is not too hard because I am too tired to do anything, lol. 

I will admit that the first couple days after getting this news my heart was so heavy.  But I trust in the plan that God has for this baby.  Jer. 29:11 tells us that "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a future and a hope." I know that none of this is a mistake.  I know He has a plan for this situation and a plan for our precious baby.  I trust in His timing and His plan.  Of course  I am praying that this clot will go away on its own and not cause any harm to our baby. 

If there is a positive about me having this condition it is that now I am being closely monitored which means I get to return sooner and have another ultrasound to see our baby. 

So, if you think about it, say a little prayer for our baby to remain healthy and not be affected by this blood clot. And that God would be so inclined to just remove this blood clot and when I return for my next appointment, it will no longer be there. 

Hope everyone has a blessed day,

It's Back to School Time

Yesterday was the first day back to school for kiddos in our area.  Hard to believe that summer is officially over for us and the hustle and bustle of fall/school is now upon us. 

The kids were very excited to get back to school.  They were excited to meet their new teachers and see who will be in their classes. 

Here is their picture before we loaded up in the car to go to the school:

 

Miss Madeline...our first grader!  She loves cheerleading (she is currently taking tumbling and on a competition cheer squad), chevron, everything glittery and sparkly, riding her bike, and baking.  She is so excited for first grade and that she will have her brother's first grade teacher.

Mr. Jack ..... our big third grader!  How is that even possible???? Jack is looking forward to 3rd grade because several of his friends are in his class and because in 3rd grade, they change classes. (just between two teachers, but never the less, it is changing classes)  Jack loves everything about baseball (he is currently in a throwing class and was just picked up for a fall travel team), he loves Alabama football (thanks to his daddy), his favorite subject in school is math and science.  He also enjoys playing his video games.

I am excited to see what the school year has to hold for these sweet kiddos.  I look forward to watching them learn, grow, and make new friends.  I pray for them each day that God will protect their precious little hearts.  That He will guide them and instruct them.  And that they will go in to each day remembering "Triple G"  Give God the Glory (in everything they do, I pray they give God the glory)