My almost 5 year old

Carlee's arrival..... it was a slow process. Carlee was a week late and a 14 hour labor. This girl is still teaching me patience because of her laid back slow way of doing things.
Picture perfect (You have always loved the camera)

First chocolate bar.... good thing you didn't eat it or you would have been up all night

First bath at home.... not a fan (somethings will never change)

Love those moments of rest

My girl now, in her birthday dress on Valentine's Day

Gotta love good kite flying days

She thought she might have enough to buy her $300 car from Toy's R Us (not quite)

sponge curls or rag curls.... it's something in between (talk about bringing back memories)

5 going on 15

There are no words to express how I feel about this girl, but it's been my tradition since she was born to write to her on her birthday and tell her how much I love her. So here I go.....

Carlee,

You are beautiful sweetheart! The more you grow the more beautiful you become....inside and out. I'll never forget when you asked Jesus into your heart this past year and how ever since then your beauty is that of the Lord's. He is forming your heart and will continue to all the days of your life. He will make you into "a beautiful creation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and you will be His own possession. " You belong to Him and He is the greatest thing in you. He gave you all the those adorable freckles people always compliment, those deep dark brown eyes and long straight hair (that you will not let me cut), that soft and tender heart that you display every time someone asks you for forgiveness, that warm embrace you give to those you love (you hug everyone), that obedient heart that really wants to do the right thing, that ability to make mistakes and learn from them, that heart to give and love those around you no matter how they treat you (this speaks volumes), that fun excitement that comes out in you everyday making each day a blessing to live, your laid back temperament that makes it easy to enjoy the simple things, that encouraging smile and affirming words you speak to all those around you to show your support and kindness, that very intelligent brain that is always curious to know more (you make home-schooling fun and easy), your super funny personality that makes me and your daddy roll on the floor laughing, the love and grace you show to your brother even when he hits you time and time again, the precious voice you have that sings songs of praise and worship to our God (I know you will be always be a worship leader inspiring those around you to connect their hearts to Gods), then there is the ability God gave you to dance unhindered with grace and beauty through ballet (or river dance these days...haha), and there is the heart for prayer God has established in you and will continue to grow. Carlee, you are a wonderful creation!! God's got His hand on you. I look forward to this new year and being 5. It sounds so big! I love you and thank God for blessing me with such a lovable daughter. You, just like your daddy, are easy to love. Happy 5th Birthday sweet girl!

Love,

Your mommy

P.S. I am posting this 45 minutes before your birthday because I don't want to forget. lol

Preparations for the Big Day

The mantle decor..... (I pulled a lot of these things from Carlee's room)

The centerpiece (it is from our wedding... I finally cleaned it after 7 years)

The dining room table (I love the way it turned out....just as I had visioned)

The house is fully decorated for Carlee's party tomorrow. We're having a princess party once again, but this time we're focusing on God's princess. All the girls will come dressed in their fancy clothes and we will put on make-up, paint nails, play games, decorate cookies, and eat lots of yummy food while sitting at a beautiful fancy table. It's going to be fun! This is the first year I have been brave enough to throw a party for all of Carlee's girlfriends at the house. It only took 5 years, but it may be every 5 years from now on. Now that I know how strenuous and tasking it has been thus far. Don't get me wrong, it has been so fun to think about all the things we could do, how to create the atmosphere, what party foods we should have, what dress Carlee should wear, what I want the guest coming to get out of it, and what kind of cake we should have. It's been a process and my focus has been party all week, well.... more like all month. I am a planner. When I prepare, I prepare months in advances. Well, I decorated too early and this house has barely kept it's beauty due to two very excited children today. Carlee is ready and has been bouncing off the walls all day. Resulting in Zachary bouncing off the walls as well. Poor Zachary wanted more attention than he was getting from me and Carlee just wants her party to be here. Now it is tomorrow and I am pooped. Not to mention, we are not only having one party tomorrow, but TWO. Her friend party is in the morning around 11am and the family party is at 4pm. I really hope it goes well. I hope I didn't put too much in one day. I am hoping God will give me strength and there will be an opportunity to enjoy my daughter on her special day. I get so task orientated for things like this especially since it will be at the house that sometimes I miss the whole reason we are having a party. Oh Lord, may I not overlook that tomorrow. I want to have your heart and your eyes and I want to enjoy this day as much as I know Carlee will. Help me Jesus focus on you......the whole reason we celebrate. May it be a memorable 5th birthday for all of us.

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.