A bitter cold winter warms my heart...

So I know I'm way overdue for an update. Many days I came to this blog with every intention to type something, anything. Lots has happened since my last post, but there are just many reasons why I ended up not posting anything.

I've watched several of my friends and family members have their pictures and lives stolen off their blogs and facebook pages which quite frankly makes me sick and worries me. I have known for a long while that I post way too much on the internet about my life, my family, and my whereabouts. Having kids is the most concerning part in all of this (especially girls as beautiful as mine ;)). I've contemplated deleting many things, but really, once it's on the web, it stays on the web. So my goal is to start being a little more careful. As of now I'll still be posting pictures to document my life and share with family, but I may end up making this blog private if I start updating more often (if I have the time)...

That brings me to the other main reason why I haven't posted. My life has been so hectic and busy. For the most part, it's a good thing though. I definitely miss my sleep at night, having the luxury of being able to watch my favorite shows during the week, going out with friends, or just eating a decent meal without the constant rush of life. I love my job though, even on the crazy days. I've learned a lot about myself throughout this season and I've met many great people that I know God has brought into my life for a reason. I'm thankful for those that speak into my life with their encouraging and uplifting council, and then I'm thankful for those that God has brought into my life to challenge my character and discernment even when I have to bite my tongue when I want to scream "WHYYYY?". I'm still thankful.

The girls are growing up so fast and learning new things everyday as well. Adaleigh got her "report card" this week. She's excelling in most if not all areas. She's way over her accelerated reading goal and is such a good writer, reader, and math wiz. I feel bad most nights when we don't have time to read a book 3 times, or go over her sight words... she begs and begs every day, but some days we just don't have time. Aubriella is speaking very well these days. Now if only I could that little girl potty trained!!! Is it always more difficult for the second child? Ack! The teachers say she's talking a lot more, but really comes alive and participates in music. She loves to sing and dance. She's definitely my entertainer. Adaleigh's my introvert and Aubrie's the extrovert. They are two peas in a pod though. I love that they are able to play together even if it's when they are covering the floors and furniture with forts and palaces, or hanging up coloring pages and pictures all over the house, or just playing baby dolls.

I'll leave you with a few pictures from Christmas...

I'm thankful for this beautiful manager scene that my mom and dad hand built and painted. One for each of their daughters, just like my grandpa did for his daughters. Sweetest Christmas moment and memory from 2013. 

Adaleigh's favorite gifts this year were her swing set and American Girl doll. She also accepted Jesus as her Savior this past year so she had a new meaning to Christmas. So thankful for this little girl and her bedtime prayers and her questions and curiosity about faith, Heaven, and life. Hearing her tell Jesus she loves Him every night is such a blessing to me. 

This fun day at the beach the week of Christmas was a nice change of climate compared to the cold winter we're having in Georgia.

Christmas Eve at the Merry-Go-Round in Valley, Alabama.

It's Fall Y'all

So much for posting every month. I tried last month several times, but every time I sat down to post, I just couldn't bring myself to type or organize my thoughts, for that matter. Life is constantly changing and it seems like every day something crazy is happening.
October had it's ups and downs. I enjoyed spending time with family in Asheville for my cousin's wedding. Might I add, Erika wore one of the prettiest, if not the prettiest, wedding dresses I've ever seen. The ceremony and reception was wonderful. Well thought out and organized.

I also turned 27 in October. I almost said 26 and literally had to calculate the years in my head. Sometimes I think people "lie" about their age as they get older because they literally can't keep up with it anymore. haha.

October was also the 1 year mark from when we lost our beautiful Bethany. I miss her and think of her every day. October is such a hard month for the family. My birthday is October 16, which is also the day Bethany had her heart transplant on my 13th birthday. My Aunt's birthday is October 22, which is also the day that Bethany joined the angels in Heaven. And October 30 is Bethany's birthday. So the last two weeks of October will always feel heavy on our hearts, but I find hope in knowing that she is healed and we will meet again. One of mine and Bethany's favorite worships songs at one point was "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me (granted that was before it was over-played and everyone did human videos to it), but still... the song always touched our hearts. Now that song has a whole new meaning to me. I tear up every single time I hear it. It never gets old. I Can Only Imagine...

November has been a fresh start. Beautiful weather. Daylight savings time. And basically a new husband. Haha. I'm not kidding either. Can someone please tell me who this man is living in my house that is waiting on my beck and call and what he did to my husband? He has literally been so sweet and helpful the past week that it has worried me! I'm so thankful for him though. He has been so great since I've started working more. Also, my kids are hilarious and so smart. There is never a dull moment around this place. Adaleigh is learning to read. She probably knows 100 sight words and basically phonics. She's read several books on her own and I couldn't be more proud of my little kindergartener. Aubriella is such a smart cookie too.. counting and knowing her ABC's, as well as surprising us every day with new words and sayings.

Funny story, when I got home tonight, I found toddler pajama pants in the toilet! haha. Like I said, never a dull moment. I'm not sure how and when they got there considering everyone was asleep in the house and I had just come home from picking up my sister's dog in Newnan. The only logical explanation would be a sleep-walking Adaleigh, but I'm not sure how logical that is?

In other news, life is good. The holidays are upon us whether we like it or not. I love this time of year though because it's a more evident reminder of the importance of faith, family, and friends. In case I'm not back before the end of the month because I'll be busy planning Adaleigh's ART pARTy and feasting on some turkey, Happy Thanksgiving y'all.