I haven't blogged in a while, simply because I haven't had the down time. The August kits have all shipped and things are about to get a little less hectic around here, so I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my boys and playing outdoors more now that the weather has cooled off a bit.
The coming of fall is always an exciting time for me- kids are going back to school and all of the new clothing is out at the stores. I haven't been shopping for myself since before I got pregnant with Crew and told myself I was going to wait to buy any new clothes until I dropped my last 10 lbs of baby weight, but I just couldn't help myself today. :) I drove to the Gap outlet before picking my niece up from school and bought some long-sleeved shirts for Cade and Crew, and a couple of things for myself. I love seeing the sweaters and jackets because it reminds me that cold weather is right around the corner.
This is such a busy time of year for me- it seems like August- December just goes by in a blur and before I know it, I'm putting the Christmas tree away for next year. My goal this season is to really prioritize and put my family first, and if this means saying no to lots of get-togethers, parties, church events, etc. then that is what I will have to do. More than anything, I just want to enjoy the fall & winter seasons with my children and make memories with them and with Jerry. Cade is at the age where he really likes helping me bake cookies, help me with chores, etc, so I think he will understand the meaning of Christmas, especially now that he has a little baby brother.
Sometimes it seems like everything and everyone wants/needs me to put them/it at the top and it's hard juggling so many hats. I do the best I can each day and talk to the Lord a lot- I know that His joy is my strength (Neh 8:10) and I can rest in Him. As I grow older I've really begun to mature in my faith and lean on God's promises through His Word- it's gotten me through some very tragic/sad times but it's also helped me to grow as a Christian, wife and mother. The night before last my brother Erik and I were talking about our faith (which we do a lot) and he brought up the day back in September 2002 when he got the phone call that my unborn child had passed away. He said he has always admired how I didn't crumble or let depression get the best of me, and that he knew that the reason why I got through it like I did is because I have the "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Phil 4:7.) I know the love of my Saviour and He has given me back 100 fold with the two miracles I am blessed to be raising. I am so grateful for the challenges I have had in the past because I am a better person for it.
Here are some new pics of the boys from this week. This is Cade with his little friend Jadyn. Jadyns dad Anthony (Brent) Cooper was on the boxing show "The Contender" and will be fighting in a boxing match in Nashville soon- I believe it will be covered by ESPN. We are rallying support for him so if you happen to be in the Nashville area, be sure and get tickets. Jerry and I will be there (along with the rest of our church, I'm sure!) :) Anthony and Leeann are a wonderful Christian couple and Jadyn is such a sweet little girl- Cade loves her and they play together beautifully.
My sweet babies- first thing in the morning when they are still sleepy. :)
