An Act of God

Today was one of those days my emotions took over and I found myself unable to handle any part of the day, let alone any problem. I found myself crying in the shower for no apparent reason. As I cried I prayed what I could, but mainly let my groans be my prayer. Zachary was extremely clingy and upset today which made for an even more rough day. Carlee's party is on Saturday and I needed today to prepare. All this was overwhelming me and when I get overwhelmed I normally react and get a little angry. So this afternoon during lunch I sat down at the table to eat and Zachary has a fit and does not want to eat any of his food. I am confused and angry because he did not want to eat much breakfast either. At this point... I should have realized something was going on, but I was still overwhelmed with my issues that I decided to try and discipline him instead. As soon as I let my anger excel, I knew I needed to take a break and step away from the circumstances. So I took a breather to pray and asked God for help. I really don't know why I have to come to the end of myself to get to these places sometimes with God, but He humbles me and allows me to go there so He will be the only thing truly living in me. For that I am grateful!!
After crying and praying in the garage, Carlee comes to me and tells me she loves me and tells me to take a deep breath. I love this girl! She is the perfect daughter for me. I come back in and Zachary says he needs to go to the potty. I take him and realize what is going on. The poor little guy has an upset tummy. Now, I feel like a bad mom. Why had I not thought of that before? Oh yeah, I was too busy with my own issues. If I only would have asked him what was going on the first time he went potty. (he is so quick to flush before I get in there to help that I had no idea what was going on)

About a couple hours later, I meet Greg at Dr. Zanio's (our chiropractors office) for our adjustment. Just Greg and I are paid for, so the kids don't get adjusted.... until today. Dr. Zanio asked if he could check out the kids. I told him we don't have the money to cover them. He said that it was okay and had Carlee get on the table. Turns out her hip is higher than the other. Then he proceeds and does an adjustment. As this point, I was blown away. I couldn't believe he was doing this for us. Then Zachary got on the table and he had some issues as well. He got an adjustment too. He's the one who needed it the most because of how bad he was feeling.
I'm so thankful I got to see a tangible act of God today. He used Dr. Zanio to be the hands and feet of Christ today in my life. My faith was strengthened and I give God all the glory. I went over to the rehab area after the adjustment and told John (the rehab Dr.) what just happened. He told me to praise God and that is just what I did. I told him it had been a hard day with Zachary and he said I needed to praise God in all circumstances. Yes, I think I remember hearing that in the bible somewhere. He said I needed to put my faith into action (which is exactly what God is teaching me right now in bible study). I was blessed again speaking to him and am so thankful I went to their office today. God used the body of Christ to lift me up and encourage my faith. Thank you Father! You are such a good God! May I praise you no matter the circumstance because you allow the good, bad, hard and easy to mature my faith making me pure and holy before you. You are an excellent dad and know what I need more than I can understand. I love you!

Zachary is Growing Up

He got a big boy haircut.....
The paci is gone....

He's riding a bike.....

Zachary has been riding a bike for a couple of months now. He is riding Carlee's old bike. Thankfully, he doesn't care all that much that it is a pink princess bike. He is a pro at it and was able to ride it all the way to the park and back (about a mile or so) this weekend. He didn't complain one bit.

Zachary has also gone two weeks now without his paci. I was going to wean him out of it before his third birthday and make it as easy for him and me as possible, but I caved and got tired of him asking for it one day. So I told him if he asked for it again, then he would have to throw it away. About 2 minutes later he asked for it and guess what? He had to throw it away. Yes, it's great that I followed through but it was a little too abrupt and he was very sad. These past two weeks have been harder because of it, but fortunately the paci is gone and he is on his way to being a big boy. Now that the paci is gone, he talks a lot more and gets in more fights (arguments) with everyone in the family. We will get through this season it's just one of those times that will require a little more discipline and attention.

Zachary got a little man haircut last night. I cut it in the kitchen while he sat in his booster seat eating a lollipop. He did a great job. This was my second time to cut his hair and thankfully this one turned out great. I layered it the best I could and really had no clue what I was doing. I think I need to invest in a cape he can wear so he doesn't get hair all over him next time. Looks like I will be cutting his hair many more times. (now if I could only learn how to cut layers for Carlee's hair)

All this to say that Zachary is growing before our eyes and we are enjoying the process. Somethings are hard about it, but somethings are great about it.

Valentine's Party

We had a fun Valentine's party with our friends at La Madeline's at Market Street on Friday. Carlee and Zachary made their cute valentine's boxs out of cracker boxes, scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, stickers and markers. They loved their boxs so much that they took them everywhere with them days before the party. We were toting these boxs in the car, to story time at the library, to church, to the grocery store and to ballet. I'm surprised they helpd up. Zachary would show his box to everyone and ask them if they liked his valetine box. It was so sweet.

At the party, Carlee won the Bingo heart game and received a box of chocolates. She was very excited. The kids loved getting cards from all their friends and eating cookies and candy until they were all boucing off the walls. Thank you to Mrs. Tania for throwing these fun playdates. We will miss you when your gone.

Sweet and Sassy Date Night

Carlee got her hair done first in the "Rock Star" do.
She got her finger nails painted turquoise

The limo ride was next... (we've still yet to pay for this expensive ride thanks to Chick-fil-a)

Daddy was a trooper being the only man in that pink limo

Check out that hair! Carlee loved having a window seat this time and waving at the people.

She topped the evening off with some yummy ice cream.

From what I heard this night was a lot of fun. Carlee was able to sleep in her hair and wear it the next day all done up. She loves all this girly stuff and it's a good thing because I wouldn't know what to do if she were any different. I'm so thankful Carlee got to spend this night with her daddy making some fun memories.

It's been way too long...

since I have blogged. I will share with you some funny things Carlee has said recently.

Carlee: Mommy, when will Zachary and I get married?
Mommy: (thinking.... "to each other?") Well Carlee, you won't marry each other. You will marry different people.
Carlee: (disappointed she won't be marrying Zachary) OH Man!!

I'm amazed that conversation actually happened, but fortunately she really does love her brother.

Carlee: When can Zachary and I sleep in the same bed?
Mommy: ummm.... that won't be happening
Carlee: Well, I want to sleep with Zachary just like you sleep with daddy.
Mommy: hahaha..... I know, but ya'll are brother and sister.

I remember thinking before Zachary was born how great it would be having one of each because of how it would prepare them for marriage. Little did I realize that they would want to marry each other. Thinking about how much time they will spend together is priceless. I pray they will always be the best of friends and strengthen each other constantly.

Family Moments

Tonight after dinner we decided to bake sugar cookies and let the kids decorate a few. Greg made the frosting and the cookies while I kept Carlee and Zachary busy with some crafts. Zachary got to decorate his first. Zachary is eating a few M&M's while decorating his cookie and taking bits of other cookies while decorating. Not surprising! The way to this boys heart is through his stomach and his love for sweets- so much like Greg. I think it is born into boys from birth.

He enjoyed every last bit and even offered me a bite of his cookie. He is good at sharing... sometimes.

Carlee is drizzling some icing on her cookie with daddy's help. She was a patient girl waiting for her turn.

She was so funny posing here because she kept changing positions. Greg decided to leave the picture because of all her movements. It made me laugh. She is such a girl and not camera shy.

She decorated her cookie so beautifully and yummy. On a side note: about Carlee's hair in these pictures, she decided to take out her pig tails this afternoon and have one pony tail with all pink accessories. She has two pink ponytail holders because one is just not enough.... and four barrettes and then of course her pink leopard headband. Too funny.... good thing we were just staying home tonight.... just kidding. I love this girl and all her fancy ways of doing things!

I love our family and love the moments we share together. I loved watching Greg decorate the other cookies for the kids and doing it all with love. He is the sweetest daddy to our kids. I had fun helping Carlee decorate some valentine's and watching her put every bit of love into each of her cards for her friends. I loved playing with Zachary and letting him piggy back on my back, throwing the kitchen towel back and forth and dancing with him around the kitchen. These are the moments I don't want to forget and hope there are many more of them. Thank you Father for the gift of Family!!

And now it's time to go watch a movie with my bebe! I love the weekends!!

Carlee's Prayer

I don't want to forget the prayer Carlee prayed before dinner tonight.
It went like this....
"Lord, help me be nice to my brother. Help me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength..." and then she took a breathe and with a serious tone of voice she says, "God I need You. Amen."
I lost it and laughed under my breathe. Obviously, she has heard her mama say this one too many times. haha...
Carlee I love your heart for the Lord and how you are learning that He is all you need in this world... being dependant is a good place to be.