The Good Day

Here are some pictures taken from my phone the Thursday of Spring Break. This was at Trinity Park in Ft.Worth. It was one of those days I hope is forever instilled in my mind. Just us and Pop and Cita on the most perfect temperature day with partly cloudy skies and BRIGHT green grass. I truely believe Cita would have pushed him ALL day if he wanted her too. I wish I had video on my phone and you could hear him giggling the entire time. The sweetest moment. You have never seen two grandparents more in love and I'm proud they are my mom and dad. I again cannot give enough grattitude for how they cared for me and these babies the day after these pictures were taken and I was sicker than I ever want to remember. Love them so much it hurts.

Some things I want to remember about Levi

I know now from having two older children that no matter how bad you want to hold on to a moment in your mind forever, that there very few that you actually can. This little guy changed me forever. I always wanted a big family but did not even start until I was 30. My husband is the baby of four but was good with having a boy and a girl when we discussed more when the youngest was a year. I was sad but then got very much closure on that. Low and behold four years later we were surprised with Levi. He has taught me to just LET GO. Across the board. I can only handle so much of anything with this energetic, always in motion unless asleep little man. Here are some of my favorite things with him right now:

1. In the morning we have about 30 minutes together after big kids are off to school. Because he is still kind of in the zone he will sit in my lap. I just kiss his soft little hair over and over until he starts asking to eat, drink, play, etc. We have to be at our little school by 8:30 so there is just enough time to soak him up.

2. Every time I tell him I love him, he responds with YOUUUUUUUU.

3. He has a devious little grin with one eyebrow raised (reminds me of my man Dave Matthews :)

4. This kid is NUTS for sports, especially golf and baseball and with NO encouragement. He has been wacking at anything that could remotely be considered a ball since he was a year old. Now that he has been aware of attending his brother's games all he can think about is basssssseball. Everyday he runs to the backyard to hit off the tee. I recently purchased what resembles a wiffle ball bat (I did it like this, I did it like that, I did it with a wiffle ball bat- Beastie Boys and yes I'm THAT old). He LOVES it!

5. He cannot sleep without his sock monkey, to which he refers to as May May.

6. He is crazed for banannas and 'onggges'. I have to cut him off and he does not like that one bit.

7. His favorite things to watch on television are Diego and Blue's Clues. He likes to interact and answers everytime. I knows colors in spanish now.

8. Would go without shoes if we let him. Everytime we get in the car he takes them off and throws them. I always get ont to him for this and he will respond with," SOWEE.... mean to mamma" Which I think means I didn't mean to mamma.

9. Can eat an entire bag of popcorn.

10. Absolutely can only sit for anything on the tv for only 20 minutes max. Cannot do movies.

11. Gives the sweetest most gentle kisses of ALL TIME :)

Birthdays

Today is my Mother in Law's birthday. She is an incredible blessing to me in many ways. We celebrated earlier at 8 this morning for breakfast, her favorite meal. It was a nice time of just being together. I love seeing them love on my children.

Birthdays are special to me. Although, I think it should be done on a more often basis, I enjoy celebrating those who have helped form me in some way. That would include just about everyone I have ever known. Some in positive ways and some not so positive. I DO believe however that you can take away some good in each person that God has put on this earth. IF not for the soul fact that HE is the one who created them.

There is a special family not related to mine by genetics, that I can feel God talking to me through. That may sound weird. But I think true. Wonderful examples of what HE expects from me. They are not perfect people and have been through incredible trials and heartbreak. That is very hard to see and makes my heart hurt as well.

The thing that stands out the most about each of these individuals is that they have their priorities right. Not on the shallow things in life. Not the silly things of materials that in reality no true happiness can come from. Some of the blessings I have been given by them include finding happiness in focusing on family and inward to the hearts of others instead of the worldly way. Be happy in the art and beauty of nature. Find happiness in simple, yet see the complexity God put in it.

Sadly I can get caught up in ways of the world and not even realize it at times. Like who cares about a wreath on the door in my last post or holiday decorations. I like the fact that I have the freedom and ability to state that HE IS RISEN on my front door but is it necessary that it be 'decorative'? I think not. Not that it is wrong to have or desire things that are pretty, I am just saying we have SO many blessings and basic things that we look over to be happy in.

My inlaws do a lot for us. They have paid for more meals than I could ever count. Mostly they have been involved in the important aspects of our family. Our marriage, our children, these are things that are priceless. I tried to provide for needs that are not necessary but luxuries in her gift, as most would do. This day makes me reflect on the blessings she has given me and taught me. To be kind and respectful to everyone. Realize that you do not know everyone's story and just be sweet for the simple fact that they are near you. To look for others' needs. Bless others with reflecting that happiness in a smile. That is KayEllen in a nutshell.

Birthdays should be everyday, verbally.

Air Conditioner Days/ Heater Nights

Spring MUST be upon us! Well despite the dust storms and freezing cold baseball games ( I could predict the weather by our game schedule), I am VERY much ready for Spring. I love planting the urns on my front stoop and have plans of potatoe vines this year with a little color in the middle. I am waiting to be sure of no more freezes. I have even been in the mood to spruce up the back porch and the kids have been able to be outside more lately. Thinking of investing in a swingset this year. All thoughts and input on that welcome! Not that I have THAT many readers. Anyhoo, Going to get in the attic tonight and get down the Easter Decor. Its always nice to see what I have, like Christmas all over again, because I honestly do not remember. I do NOT have an Easter wreath for the front door and have been looking for one for the past month that I like and that is affordable. I never found one so I made this one. Its haning a little crooked in the picture but I fixed that. I am going to add some olive green felt leaves to those flowers but I think it will do. I found inspiration from a Christmas one I saw on a blog I follow.

I just purchased all three kids coordinating outfits online today and spent right at $100 with free shipping and a $25 gift card. I am feeling pretty happy and proud about that! Almost done with Easter baskets with the exception of the oldest boy. Trying to be creative there. Putting them together is truly one of my favorite things. I collect small inexpensive things all year.

I have been busy with a little side venture of taking on design again and baseball season. We took a quick last minute trip to visit my parents on Spring Break but had the misfortune of being sick most of it. It started with Livi with what we thought was the stomache bug. Then we had one nice day of getting out to ride the Forest Park Train and play on the Trinity Park playground with a lunch at one of my favorites Lucille's on Camp Bowie. My favorite part of Ft.Worth!!! That evening my aunts came over for dinner and we had the nicest visit. Then IT hit me. I think I got a touch of the flu. Have not been THAT sick in YEARS. I had planned to return home that day but was way too ill. I have to say if it had to happen I was glad I was at 'home'. My parents took great care of me and the kids. I am sure they had to be exhausted. Nothing like having your mom and dad when you feel that bad. We made to and from safely, another HUGE blessing. I always have anxiety about travelling 5 hours with three kids. We stopped in Abilene on the way back in hopes of some Chick Fil A and scoring some hats at ACU, but to our dismay it was closed... for ST.PATRICK'S DAY??? Really?

I feel like I am finally getting somewhat of a handle on keeping the house and juggling kids schedules and working without being stressed out. The baby is two years old, he certainly rocked my world, but I am finally recovering. Just trying to stop and enjoy things before they are gone!

projects

Entry BEFORE

At one time I would have LOVED this wallpaper. It was not bad, but did not go with what I have going on in my living room. However a Pack and Play and a few stationary toys occupy it currently, so I guess its not like being as decorative as I would like is a possibility. Have I mentioned I have a VERY active two year old??? The third IS NOT laid back in our family. I never even used that pack and play with the other two except when they were tiny if we traveled, maybe twice?!! Actually that is not even the same one. My hardly used one got passed along and thankfully I had the blessing of having one passed to me. I digress....

After pic, another Ballard purchase. NOT cheap and although I have a degree in Interior Design, two double rolls was not enough to cover my little entry. The third double roll should be here tomorrow.

Still looking for a 4' round natural and black indoor outdoor rug and maybe some old suitcases and seat to finish it off. I am having a hard time finding either at a price I would like to pay. Apparently 4' is not common for what I want. I prefer indoor/outdoor or polypropolene for easy clean. You HAVE NO IDEA how dirty the town I live in is. Dust storms weekly these days.

I originally planned to paint this red area an olive green to go with accents in the adjoining living area but now I am leaning toward the red. What do you think? A friend suggested I rub some black paint into the grooves of the texture that the previous owner attacked several rooms of my house with. I am thinking YES.

Under Sink Cabinets before
They are a little more beaten up than you can tell from this picture. I thought I had one up close but can't find it.

I bought some bee fabric from my favorite, Ballard and although I CAN sew and indeed DO own a sewing machine, I opted to ask a friend for a favor. Its called reality for me at this point in my life. I seriously do not know where all these blogging mom's find the time to create beautiful things, keep a home, and run children all over the earth. I also have a part time job and barely can find the time to do the essentials!

Wish I had a skirted farm house sink, but this is the next best thing for me.

Seventy nine and Two :)

Grandmom and Levi have the same birthday, February 25th. This lady is SO special to us and we enjoyed celebrating this day together. Levi is also named after her husband LD.


I absolutely LOVE this picture!

Red Velvet for Etie (Grandmom)

and marble white and chocolate with whipped cream icing for Levi.

Its hard to plan a cake for a two year old but Mickey Mouse Club House is one of his favorite shows. He was thrilled to see MEE MOUSE!!!

Ready to EAT the cake!

YUMMAGE This is WAY easier without a healing severred finger!

PRESENTS!

BUBBO SHEEN!!!!

Ty and Livi picked out presents especially from them

Ahhhh... these people crack me up! I have said many times I hope Trent and I are just like them!

Upward Basketball

His biggest fans!

I did not get too many great action shots and not a one of the many baskets he made due to one, the fact that I was WAY into the game, and secondly, people kept walking in front of me when I went for a shot! Basketball is by far my favorite sport to watch. Ty attended an LCU basketball camp two years ago and LOVED it. I dropped the ball on signing up in time last year so made sure it happened this year.

Upward is a Christ-Centered league that is a great introduction to any sport. I love the emphasis on learning the basics in such a positve focus which made it really fun. They always have a Bible lesson or family encouragement at the half. A great way to spend part of your Saturday! Ty did great. I think it will be a great outlet to his hyper-activity! He runs the court nonstop and is not even tired after a game! HA! Of course he is not. He was a great listener to his coach, whom played his whole life and proved to be a wonderful teacher! I was really proud of the player he was during the season and was very successful!

Baseball Tournament

WOW, February is a BUSY month at our house this year! After Valentines Day, we had a baseball tournament in Midland. Our team's first travel one ever! Just my second time to this town, and althought I had hoped to see Laura Bush's home tht she grew up in, it was still a great time. It was COLD. The boys did absolutely great. The last game was ugly, but in their defense, they had been up late the night before, our game had been delayed to start at 9:15, then we were the first to play that Sunday morning. They got up at 6:30, then went to Gattis for lunch and just plum ran out of gas on that last one. They did still take away third place!

I can't believe its this time of year again. The team has been practicing year round and doing hitting and skills lessons at LCU. It SHOWS! We have another tournament starting tomorrow, but its local. Of course it has been spring like temps all week but tomorrow a cold front hits. Typical. They play at 8 AM when it will be 28 degrees! I think I am going to skip that one, as not to drag my toddler who won't sit still anyways out in the bitter cold. He puts a whole different spin on watching/attending baseball games. IMPOSSIBLE. I have learned that if we don't have a sitter, its not worth trying to go. Thankfully, my mother in law kept him the weekend we were in Midland, otherwise it would have been a nightmare!

Ty is bombing hits. Its amazing how far he has come and loves it! I am enclosing pics of the coldest, yet BEST GAME THEY HAVE EVER played as a team. Thankfully there are several 6 year old little sisters for Livi to play with and had such a great time with this sweet girl! They played tag to keep themselves warm and had quite the little snack set up each game. Despite the cold, a great time was had by all.

Showing a little love from yesterday....

Trent surprised me with these at work when he brought me lunch

Can you hear the song in my head? What a man what a man what man... what a might mighty GOOD man.

My sweet little family. Its okay to be a little jealous, I know my husband is hot ;)

Birthday & Valentines

I have the blessing/curse of being born the day before Valentines. This year marked #38. Wow. Its going fast now. I don't feel it in some ways but my baby sometimes makes me feel even older! Technically, I COULD be his GRANDmother. Seems like a lot of people in this part of Texas, who are my age, have much older children. The day was nice. We got a SNOW DAY!!! School CANCELLED! It snowed almost 5 inches on Sunday (of course we made snow ice cream) and did not warm up a bit until noon, but it was weird b/c once it started it got to 56. Then the snow day seemed sort of silly! We took advantage of the melted snow and clear roads and met my MIL, SIL and her family and Trent for lunch at Pei Wei. One of my favorites!!! I got my usual Orange Peel Chicken, Mmmmm. That afternoon was spent doing my favorite things like laundry and cleaning ;) I DID however get to read a few chapters or my book while Levi was down for his nap. I am reading Redeeming Love, that my friend Jenelle lent me. MAN ITS SAD! I keep hearing its amazing and a life changer so I am keeping at it. Its made me want to get back into period books again too. I just may pick up my Little House series again when I am finished!

Trent was wonderful and hired a sitter and took me to eat at Rain Uptown. A bunch of my girl friends took me there for dinner last year and I had not been back since. Trent had not been at all so it was a real treat for us both. I felt like I was in a whole other town. Great food and cozy atmosphere. We went to a movie after ward adna saw Safe House. TWO MOVEIS IN ONE MONTH??? WHOAAAAA NELLY, I am getting all crazy!

It was a perfect day AND we were in bed by 10:30. We love our sleep. I was surprised to recieve a few texts and calls and Linnea even sent me a book I had been seriously looking into purchasing without even knowing it! Linnea is my friend that I have had since 1st grade. We are six days a part and have always celebrated our birthdays together, although now its through mail :) She NEVER forgets. Its pretty special to have a history like that with someone who always makes you feel good on your special day regardless of the number.


Valentines was CRAZY but good. This was the first year I have gotten valentines for my family, and look forward to making it traditon. They each got a bag-o-love this morning before school, and we are having a special Valentine dinner tonight after basketball practice of course! I got special Valentine plates, goblets, and even sparkling grape cider :) It seems rather appropriate to celebrate God's Love with them, since they have helped me to truly understand how HE feels.