Zoo trip #3 of 2013

We got to go the zoo again today, and as always, had so much fun! The boys got new sweatshirts because I was a bad mommy and forgot their jackets. The wind was like 20 mph and a little chilly to start off the day, so they got a special treat because of momma's error! :)
They got to see the alligator up close today which they were very excited about. And they all had fun brushing the goats and taking another trip on the log ride. We have all decided that is our favorite ride to go on, it is so relaxing and a fun way to take a little break and enjoy some pretty scenery! :)
After the zoo we headed to Chik fil let for lunch, per Zaya's request. They are so good and had a blast meeting new kids and playing in the play area.
We decided to head over to Menard's to look at a few things and we ended up coming home with a new water feature for our landscaping. It is a combo gift for mothers day and our anniversary, I absolutely love it! :)
We got home and Lill laid down for a nap and the boys watched Alvin and the Chipmunks. Shane mowed and put together my water feature. I did laundry and went for a nice long run. The boys played with their new water guns and I had fun watching them from the patio while listening to the sound of running water! :)
Then off to see Bryan, Erixa, and Lex. We had supper with them and enjoyed spending time with their sweet family and going on a quick adventure in the pasture and woods. Headed home to get the garden tilled and planted. Got everyone bathed and ready for bed all by 9:30. This was a jam packed day, but I loved every minute of it! I love our family and although not every minute is peaches and cream, I wouldn't change one little thing! :)

Braid

It was a braid kinda day! :) I got lots of compliments(it looked less messy at the beginning of the day :)), I'm thinking I should start attempting to style my hair more often! :)

A day to mark in history

You know when something rare happens, one might say, "mark that one down!?" Well, yesterday, on a Sunday morning, our little family of 5 got ready for church in a half hour!!!! Everyone had slept in unintentionally and we had a decision to make... church or no church? We chose church pretty easily, but not without me warning everyone that they'd better put a little hustle in their bustle! :) I just love our church family and I am happy we were able to go worship with them today despite our extra hurriedness prior to getting there! :)

2013 Soccer

My cutie boys on opening day for soccer! I love their sweet smiles and their (sometimes) love for each other! :) 

Beautiful Day

So I have decided that I am pretty much the worst blogger ever! Earlier I had promised pictures from 2012, I think I better just skip that and stick with the current year and the current events of my life! :)
Today, Isaiah and Peyton had their first soccer games of the season. This year they are playing at the PAL through the YMCA. Both of their games were at 11am so we had to split our time and go back and forth between fields. Zaya is on the 3 and 4 year old team, they are the Comets and they are royal blue. Peyton is on the 5 and 6 year old team and his team is called Mercury and their color is red. Of course, the boys look absolutely adorable in their little t-shirts running around with their teammates. Zaya was pretty timid today, but at least he ran close to the ball the whole game! :) Peyton was aggressive and did a great job going after the ball and having a positive attitude. I especially loved that when he was on the bench, he was happy to be cheering his team on. The boys had the biggest cheering section out of everyone, I think... Uncle Bryan, Aunt Erica, Alexis, Uncle Chad, Aunt Chanda, JoJo, Hadley, Aunt Kate, Tyler, and Grandpa were all there to cheer them on. We are so fortunate to have so many people who love our children and help give them the support and love they need as they go through their sweet little lives! :) I look forward to watching many more games that the boys(and maybe Lily) play! :)
 After their games, we went home and had a picnic lunch, as it was an absolute perfectly gorgeous day out! Shane worked 2nd shift this afternoon, so Kate and Ty and Mom came with the kids and I to the zoo. We had so much fun. I was so proud of the boys behavior while there, but Lily on the otherhand, was having a bit of meltdown towards the end. She only slept for about 20 minutes in the van on the way up to the zoo and she clearly was in need of some time to get her energy back. Despite that, I had a wonderful time with everyone!
 I am loving this warmer weather... Today it was 70, wooooohoooo!!! I would totally take more days like these!! :) Thank you Jesus for my awesome family and all that you have blessed me with!

Remember banana clips?!

So my co-worker, Jenny, has been wearing these the last couple of months and she is convinced she is going to "bring them back!" The other day she brought me one and had a "vision" for what my hair would look like with one in, and this is what she came up with! Cute, huh?! 

Cousin' lovin', take 2 this week!

I am convinced Lily is annoyed with everyone saying "cheese" so loudly upon taking a picture. We are going to try some different methods and hope to get some pics where she looks somewhat happy! :)

A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place

We just finished up this wonderful Bible study by Beth Moore and I am so sad that its over! I learned so much from this study and the girls I had the privilege of being in it with. My sister did a terrific job leading our group, she is super organized, has the gift of teaching, and loves the Lord, so this was right up her alley! There were so many things I took away from this study, but one of the main ones for me were that God pays so much attention to detail. Nothing is on accident. We learned about the tabernacle, Moses, and the dingdong Israelites. Each of which shed new light on God's amazing love for us! Phillipians 3:10 says, for my determined purpose is to know you... This is one of my favorite verses from the whole study and I am praying I remember this as I go through each day! :)

Cute nails

I purchased this nail polish about 4 months ago... I'm just now getting around to actually putting it on! :) The verdict is in---I LOVE IT!! Mochachino by Essie, great color, fast drying, and just a little bit of shimmer... All in all, a perfect accessory to all 10 of my fingers! :)

New candle

As of late, nothing makes me happier than lighting up a candle and watching that flame dance around so happily!
I read a blog recently that was talking about what makes a house an inviting home. One of the items on the list was a candle burning... Along with that she suggested praying for peace for your family every time you light a wick, so now whenever I catch a glimpse of that sweet little light I say a prayer for peace and thank God for my amazing children and husband He has blessed me with!
My newest candle was bought for me by my wonderful hubby today at Cracker Barrel. Currently our house smells heavenly, a perfect mix of a bakery and a coffee shop! Biscotti by Woodwick... Intoxicating smell with the sound of a crackling fire... Great way to end the day!

Date with my little man

Date day with Zay

Fave pics of Jan. '12



We decided to have church at home! Daddy was the preacher! :)



Snuggles with their Daddy

Zaya being an Angry Bird

Lily-5mths. old

Mommy and Lily

Lily checkin' out her bubbies

Story time

New chalkboard for the boys! Cheap and easy project! Chalkboard paint was $18 from the hardware store, added some trim and voila=hours of fun!

Matching kicks

It's been a while

Okay, so I have said it before, but I will say it again, I amREALLY going to try and keep this blog thing goin' a little better! :) My sister is so dedicated to her and I find myself being jealous of her and others who have somehow found the time to make posts! :)
It's a new year, what better way to start it than by re-committing to blogging(nevermind that it's been the new year for 8 whole days now, and I'm just getting around to doing this! :) ) In the next few days I will be posting some of my fave things of 2012, so be ready internet world, I'm about to bog you down with lots of pics and blessings too good not to share! :)
I pick this first pic in ode to summer! Oh how I miss you, please return soon! :)