Christmas hand ornaments

I'm one of those people who isn't very crafty, but I'm trying to branch out and one of my goals this next year is to be more creative. I've been finding so many fun, awesome things to do thanks to Pinterest. I LOVE that place!!!
We decided to make Christmas hand ornaments for the grandparents this Christmas and love how they turned out. We had a blast making them too.

Christmastime

I love this time of the year. I love putting up my Christmas decorations, all the traditions, vacation, family time, music, lights...everything. The last couple of years have been a little hard to get into the spirit though. Last year was AMAZING and humbling. We had SO much to be thankful for. God has shown us what true JOY and LOVE is. SO many people blessed us and many different ways. There is NO way to express the gratitude. It still brings me to tears. God is SO good!
Again this year with all of the house issues I had a hard time wanting to put up any decorations, but even though it was a little hard I chose joy and decided to quit being so negative not just for myself but more importantly for my family.
Decided I was going to put up our little fake tree this year...I wasn't sure how Jayce was going to do with it. I actually got up all of my decorations early. Gabe helped me put some of the ornaments on and Jayce actually did pretty well. Only a couple ornaments got broken. The tree was SO tiny and I'm hoping that next year we'll be able to go back to our tradition of getting a real tree again. I missed the smell the most!

Down by the River

Can't remember why we had to go pick up Bryan at Gateway, but since we did I made a spontaneous decision to get dinner and go to the river. I talked to T about a place that they go to all the time called Meldrum Bar park. It was such a relaxing evening as the sun went down. Glad we did it!

Where's Waldo???

walking around our house.



Yep, we didn't waste any time in the walking department. He turned one and took off...I absolutely LOVE the baby wobbly walk!

1 year Stats

Weight: 22.14 51%
Height: 30" 58%
Head: 47 cm 68%

OK, I totally double booked dr appointments today. I must not have written Jayce's one year appt. down because I made an appointment for me too. Meeting a new doctor that is really good at getting blood pressure under control (Julie actually recommended him to me). I couldn't reschedule either of them because that would push them both out. My appointment was at 9:45 and Jayce's was at 10:30. I was praying that I'd be done with mine and run over to meet them at Jayce's. Cool thing was they were both in the same area just different offices. I know my BP was high because I was really worried about missing Jayce's appt.
I ended up making it before the dr. was done and for his shots (which I hate but my mom was glad she didn't have to deal with that part). Kind of a crazy morning and besides 4 shots (OUCH) Jayce is doing really well!!!

The ParTAY

The Invite (made by daddy)

The Birthday boy and his GrandmaSome of the decor (by my awesome mama)

"Are these for me?"
Present time
Birthday boy with mama and dada

He actually tried to blow out the candles. It was SO cute

LOVE these pictures!!!!
Some of the monkey's at the party

Daddy's pooped

It was a great party! SPECIAL thanks to my AMAZING mama who always puts on FABULOUS parties, My sisters and all of the family for helping make the day special, daddy for staying up late drawing the AWESOME banner and to everyone who came and celebrated with us!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to our little Monkey!!!

Family fun on Jayce's big day

One

Look who turned ONE today....


I can't believe last year at this time I was absolutely DYING of anticipation waiting for this little arrival. I was anxious and hoping with all my heart to meet this little guy and hold him in my arms as soon as possible. Little did we know how much joy this little dude would bring into our lives.
A few flashbacks:
Before

After




First times Gabe wanted to hold Jayce. Can't even explain how much I love these boys!!!

"The bond of a brother is stronger than any one could know with you in my life and with me by your side there's one thing that i know we will never have to fight one single battle alone."

I'm scared at how fast it's all going and really thankful for this sweet babe. He is a jolly little boy. I'd be lost without his scrunchy happy-face and his caveman laugh and grunts especially? especially.... his open mouth kisses and his OOOOOOOH faces and noises and how he looks up at me and hits my face while he drifts off ... I could go on forever. We all LOVE him and needed him in our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONKEY MAN!!!!!

St Paul Rodeo

Bryan won 5 tickets to the St. Paul Rodeo at an Nike apparel meeting. We decided that it would be fun to take Gabe and go. It was SO much fun to be with just Gabe and focus only on him. He loved it.
We gave the other 2 tickets to a couple HS students from church and they bought Gabe an Ice Cream cone. It was such a great night...new experience, awesome summer evening and fireworks!

Waiting...

Our 6 month emergency forbearance ended. We're having to apply for the loan mod again and there have been a lot of ups and downs these last few weeks. Right now it's in for approval and so we wait and we pray.
This seriously has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through. It's scary, frustrating, humbling, humiliating, suffocating etc.

Lord, I'm overwhelmed. I don't have time, patience, money, sleep, rest, or peace right now. I'm not sure what's going to happen next or how we'll get through. I feel stuck. I'm not sure how to ride the waves instead of being trampled by them. I want the best for the people I love, but stress and worry keeps me from being my best self. Help me meditate on Your truths.

'In ALL things give thanks' - 1 Thess 5:18

Be grateful for the things that feel like they will crush you. Be grateful for the challenges in life that bring you to your knees. Every time they happen, you will ripen, grow, build strength, clarity, momentum and be better prepared for the next. Repeated crashing waves eventually turn jagged edges into smooth stones.

"Sometimes we are "healed" not by being freed of suffering, but by being given the strength to endure"

'But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.' - Isaiah 40:31

'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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.' -Jeremiah 29:11-13

'But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.' -Philippians 3:13-14

'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.' -Philippians 4:4-8

'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.' -Proverbs 3:5-10

'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.' -Galatians 5:22

'The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.' -Lamentations 3:22-23

'Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.' -Psalm 105:4

'Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.' -Proverbs 19:21

'Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.' -Joshua 1:7-9

'Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.' -Colossians 4:5-6

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' -Mark 12:30

'Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.' -Proverbs 16:3

'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!' -2 Corinthians 5:17

'In Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Savior.' - 2 Samuel 22:3

'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ' --Romans 15:13

I cast all my cares upon you
I lay all of my burdens down at your feet
and anytime I don't know what to do
I will cast all my cares upon you.

'A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.' -Ezekiel 4:12

'Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.' -Romans 12:12

'In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation' -Psalm 5:3-4

"Lift Me Up" - The Afters

You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up

Waiting for the sunrise
Waiting for the day
Waiting for a sign
That I’m where you want me to be

You know my heart is heavy
And the hurt is deep
But when I feel like giving up
You’re reminding me
That we all fall down sometimes
But when I hit the ground

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I’m letting go
You lift me up when I can’t see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I’m letting go

You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up

I know I’m not perfect
I know I make mistakes
I know that I have let you down
But you love me the same

And when I’m surrounded
When I lose my way
When I’m crying out and falling down
You are here to

Lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I’m letting go
You lift me up when I can’t see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I’m letting go

I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken with your love
With your love
I don’t know what I can offer
In this moment I surrender to your love
To your love

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I’m letting go

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I’m letting go
You lift me up when I can’t see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I’m letting go

I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken with your love

You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up

"The River" - Brian Doerksen

To the river I am going bringing sins I cannot bear
Come and cleanse me, come forgive me Lord I need to meet you there

In these waters, healing mercy flows with freedom from despair
I am going, to that river Lord I need to meet you there

Precious Jesus, I am ready to surrender every care
Take my hand now, lead me closer Lord I need to meet you there

Come and join us, in the river Come find life beyond compare
He is calling, He is waiting Jesus longs to meet you there
He is calling, He is waiting Jesus longs to meet you there

Precious Jesus, I am ready to surrender every care
Take my hand now, lead me closer Lord I need to meet you there
Take my hand now, lead me closer Lord I need to meet you there

Things I never want to forget #35-#40

ALL JAYCE

35. Gabe and I were gone all day, May 2nd. Bryan was home with Jayce. He worked with him on turning around to go down the stairs. It's too cute for words how he crawls to the top of the stairs, goes flat on his belly and scoots around to slide down on his belly. NOW even though he does this, I by no means leave him alone...just saying. ;)

36. Jayce loves these rings. When we get down to play they are one of the first things he goes for. I never want to forget how he crawls around the house with them in his hands.



37. Bittersweet feeling. We're done nursing. He's pretty much weaned himself. He's more interested in what we eat. I had a love/hate relationship with nursing. I really disliked it at first and then I actually ended up really liking it. I'm a little sad, but feel ok about it at the same time.

38. Jayce wasn't feeling well for Janell's birthday party on June 16th. He had a slight fever and just looked awful. At dinner I noticed a little white tooth poking out on the upper left and it all made sense. Jayce beat Gabe by two months and it's funny to me because they both got the upper front teeth before the bottom.
Poor little man is popping them out quick now too because Bryan noticed the top right cut this last Monday and I see a little white one peaking on the bottom left.

39. He's been cruising for a while now and he'll stand not holding onto anything for a good amount of time. He took his first two steps for Aunt Julie on Tuesday the 21st and took four for me the next day. I was SO excited I scared the poor fellow.

40. Jayce gets really excited when daddy gets home. He smiles really big, screams, throws is head down and charges for him. He looks like a bull dog with his big paws kinda turned in. It's the cutest thing ever!

We don't need a girl, we already have our drama queen.

Celebrating Uncle Minny

Uncle Minny likes to go all out for his birthday's so we got to go to Enchanted Forest again to celebrate. We went two years ago and last year we went to OMSI because I was on moderate bed rest. OMSI doesn't have all the hills and I was able to sit, but still enjoy watching everyone have fun. It was supposed to rain that day and we were going anyway. Despite being a little cold at times it didn't rain until we were walking out and the sun even came out for a while. It was a FUN day!

Compare May 2009 and May 2011

The boys loved the slides...went down a million times and I love the picture of Julie and Jaden with their legs up and Julie is still posing. heehee

Me with my boys :)

This was neat. They had a guy dressed up as President Lincoln and the kids got to dress up too

Rides

On the log ride Gabe was sitting in front of Uncle Min and when they went down he ended up scooting forward and hitting heads with Nathan. Gabe said that he was like a pancake being squished between them. lol

Happy Birthday Uncle Minny! We love you and had SO much fun!

Family Pictures...

I LOVE photography!!!! I mean LOVE it! I spend hours looking through photography blogs. I love taking a million pictures of my boys and I love my camera. I wish I knew more about how to work it, but SOMEDAY I will. It is one of my goals/dreams to take photography classes and or start teaching myself how to be better at this. I want to learn more and someday get an even better camera. I need to just do it instead of talking about all the time. All this to say...

We had our family pictures taken the Saturday before Easter. Our friends Justin (Buddy) and Amanda met us at Red Sunset Park in Gresham. Amanda too loves photography and has been teaching herself and testing out her skills. They started a blog, Garvin Photography.
She did an AMAZING job! Especially considering that the boys were practically bouncing off the walls the whole time, Jayce pretty much refused to be set down anywhere or look at the camera the whole shoot. Gabe actually did better than expected. He knew that there was a yummy Mickey Mouse sucker waiting for him at the end. It was a little crazy. Amanda, you are amazing!

Some of my favorites: