Just Random

I realized that I hadn't said much about the kids and what they are up to, so this is just a update on the kiddos post! :)

Kinsley has grown up so much in the last few months.  She will be three in June and she really is such a sweet spirited little girl.  She is so helpful to me, whether it is with Cooper, cooking, folding, pretty much just about everything she wants to help with.  She has turned into such a little mommy.  She is constantly carrying "Holly" (her doll) around, sshhing her, burping her, feeding her (yes, even trying to breastfeed), pushing her in her stroller, sitting her in high chair, putting her to sleep.  I have even been kicked out of room because she is trying to put Holly to sleep.  She is just hilarious.  The things that come out of her mouth are priceless.   The other day at my parents house we told Kinsley that we were going to hunt for eggs, and she looks at my dad and says "How fun is that, Boppy?".  Just little things like that make us laugh so hard.  She is such a lover and such an affectionate child.  I hope that she never stops being affectionate.  As wonderful as she is, she is super strong willed.  The other day she screamed "no" at me 7 times in a row, and she has her fair share of tantrums with kicking and screaming.  There are days when I feel like I am failing as a mom because the work that I put into disciplining seems to not be working.  But I know the Lord is faithful and I know that I will see the fruits of my labor someday.  Oh how I pray for both her and Cooper's heart to be softened and come to have a personal relationship with Christ.  I know that is every Christian parents prayer as well.  But I adore this sweet girl and I try to soak up all the hugs and "I love you's" because I know she will grow up before I am ready for her to.
My little man!!  Cooper is 11 months and growing up way too fast!! He is probably the most active child, he is walking everywhere, actually almost running.  He started walking at 8 months and hasn't slowed down since.  He pushes his trucks all over the house and all outside.  He is clapping, and just started to wave "bye bye", and when he does it he says "hi".  It is super cute if I do say so myself.  He loves to dance and play with his sister.  I love watching them play together.  He just follows her around like a lost puppy dog sometimes.  No one can make him laugh more than Kinsley.  He is has 13 teeth and is cutting his fourth molar.  Needless to say this boy whines quite a bit because he has been teething for so long! :) He is going to be strong willed like his sister.  I  have already seen the temper tantrums.  Boy am I in trouble!  But like Kinsley, he is so affectionate and loves to run up to Chris and I and give us huge hugs and then go back to what he was doing.  I have blessed beyond what I deserve with these kiddos and I pray that I never take a day for granted!  

Happy Birthday!

April 10th is such a beautiful day. It brought three incredible women into the world and these three women were therefore brought into my life!

Happy Birthday Karen Gormley!!! Karen was my roommate in college when we went to Master's. We didn't room our freshman year but the last three we we were always "roommies". I can not think of someone else I would want to have roomed (sp?) with, she was pure joy to live with. There was never an argument, never an altercation, just tons of love and laughs. She was always the biggest encourager to me whether it was praying for me or leaving me notes. The Lord put us perfectly together. Karen is a friend that I hope to have in my life forever. Even though her and I don't talk as much her friendship continually brings smiles to my face. Her love for the Lord, her passion for her job and her endless love for her friends are just a few of the things that I adore about her. I feel blessed to call her my friend! I love you Karen!

Happy Birthday Melinda Cassol!!! Melinda and I lived on the same wing in Hotchkiss at Master's. And we talked some in college, but it wasn't until after college and we started working together that the Lord really brought us close. She is the most giving, loving, compassionate and funny girls I know. I have thanked the Lord for her many, many times. I couldn't imagine Legacy without you. To see your face in the front office was one of my favorite memories of Legacy! Now Melinda is living up north with her sweet husband and her daughter Emma (and pregnant again :)), but even though we live so far away whenever we see each other it is like no time has gone by. I have always said this is a sign of a true friend. I love you my sweet friend!!

Happy Birthday Jamie Hill!!! This special girl is one of my very best friends! Jamie and I have such kindred spirits. The Lord knew that we needed each other in each others lives. Our friendship has sustained many highs and some hard times, but I honestly believe that we are closer now than ever. I honestly don't believe that there are words that can describe my adoration and love for Jamie. I am a better woman because of her and her faithfulness to the Lord. She is such an example to me of unending trust in the Lord and I will always pray for that same strength in my life as well. I love you Jamie Hill and can't imagine my life without you!

Time with Jamie

The kids and I went to visit Jamie about a month and a half ago.  We had such a wonderful time being able to spend time with her family and her nephew Judah and niece Annie.  The Hill family has been such a blessing in my life so it was so refreshing to spend time with them and laugh with them.  Unfortunately, both the kids had nasty colds so therefore they were up all night and super grumpy most of the time.  It is a good thing Jamie loves my kids so much.  We love you Auntie Jamie!

I also wanted to put in some pictures of Jamie's house.  She is so gifted with interior design.  I have been telling her that for years.  She has a little guest house and look at how cute it all is.  I am amazed at her way to take simple things and put them together and make them look beautiful.  It is a true gift to be able to do that (one that I do NOT possess :))  I hoping that she will continue to pursue looking into interior design because it is a gift.  And you know what the best part is?  She gets most of her stuff from Ross and Marshalls, so it is all cheap.  How great is that?  She would never post pictures of her house so I thought I would brag for her! :)