6.04.2014

7 Things I love about being a Dad {Houston Moms Blog}

For two weeks, the DADS are taking over Houston Moms Blog! If you aren't already, you definitely want to follow along this series. It will make you laugh and cry, and most of all, make you super appreciative of all the wonderful dads in Houston. Matt's post went up yesterday and I loved every.single.word. Seriously. He blew me away. Thank you, babe, for being willing to post and share! You are the best husband and father ever! Here's just a sample of his top 7:

4. Baby wipes are the bomb.
If there is one thing I won’t and did not skimp on, it was baby wipes {diapers too, but not my point here}.  Never would I ever think that such a simple, moist, square shaped towel would be capable of so much.  Baby poop on a baby bottom…baby wipe.  Ketchup on a t-shirt…baby wipe. Milk stain on a couch…baby wipe.  Booger-crusted nose {mine or my kids}…baby wipe.  And, these things are dirt cheap.  Why spend five-bucks on a tube of Clorox wipes for your kitchen when you can spend $11 on a GIANT BOX of baby wipes. And thank you, Amazon Prime. {Keep reading here....}

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6.03.2014

On Your 4th Birthday

Dear Ryan & Quinn,

I've had to stop myself so many times today to write this post... mostly because it doesn't seem real. TODAY YOU ARE FOUR YEARS OLD. Bless. Yes, I know the days are long, the years are short (yada, yada) but it's true. It seems like just yesterday that I was holding two newborns in my arms. Yet, when I look back over the blog from your first two to three years, it's already a blur. How is that possible???

This much I know is true: God blessed your Daddy and Me times infinity with the absolute privilege to raise you. You are both precious beyond measure and we don't remember a time when you weren't in our lives. (Except when we are trying to find a babysitter for a date night ;) )

I don't want to make this too lengthy, for I fear words will fail me and tears will fall ferociously.

Ry, let's start with you.


What can I say, little man (you hate that, sorry - BIG man)? You light up my days. Your expressions are out of this world. You are a negotiator. You are a people pleaser. You haven't met anyone you don't like. Thus, "The Mayor" title. You remember all of your friends and their special characteristics in your prayers each night. You wake up happy. You (mostly) go to bed happy. If you could subsist on beige foods only, you would be happy. Except edamame. You love some edamame. You have a big obsession with all things Ninja Turtles these days, which I don't totally understand, but your daddy is pleased. You love playing outside, playing soccer, throwing any sort of ball (and your arm is dead on, son). You are also a little bit scary smart. Just when I think you aren't paying attention, you'll throw a curve ball. You starting writing your name out of nowhere. Gahhh, you are finally potty trained (you're welcome for that piece of info 14 years from now), you pick out your own clothes, dress yourself, and amazingly you match most of the time. You beg for "one more this, and one more that"... and most often I cave. I can't help myself. You are smart, you are lovable, but at the same time, becoming all boy - wiping off your lips as soon as you ask for a kiss :) You are such a good brother and are the first to say "I'm sorry!" in the heat of battle. You still love your cars and trains and anything that moves or makes noise. You also have the attention span of a 16 year old boy. Seriously, scary. I could probably leave you in front of the tv all day and you wouldn't move. Yikes! But at the same time, you are taking in so much and you love to leave the house and go our next adventure. Ry Guy, my love for you is unsurpassed. I could not have asked God to bless me with a better son. I love you so much. Thank you for 4 wonderful years. 

Quinnie,
Oh, my Quinn. You are one of a kind. You are the sweetest, kind-hearted little girl I know. You want people to be happy. You want to serve others. You clean up the playroom without asking (for real). You love quality time - you NEED/CRAVE people at all times, if nothing but to rub your back or telling you are doing a good job. You love God. You are tremendously smart. Your memory freaks me out. You can remember what you wore to a birthday party a year and a half ago, and although it fits, you don't want to wear it because "Mommy, that's xxx's birthday party outfit. I need something else!" You are all girl. You change 3-4 times per day. I'm thankful that my washer is still functioning. You love nothing more than a dress and leggings with either a bow, braid, or pigtails. Nothing else suffices. You abhor jeans and will only wear shorts when it's really hot or gymnastics time. Speaking of the gym, you LOVE it. I had no doubt. You were meant to swing from every bar, jump every obstacle, and do forward rolls until you are dizzy. Quinn, not gonna lie - you can sometimes be drama but as we teeter on the brink between three and four, you are WAY more in control of your emotions than you were even 6 months ago. Time outs are a rarity now - but when they happen, they are for just cause :)  Most of the time, you act like the big sister. You like to be in control and direct the antics in the house. Ryan follows for the most part, lucky you :) You love princesses, dressing up, anything girly - but at the same time, you aren't afraid to get a little messy, swing a little higher, sweat a little more. You are, and have always been, a fighter, in the best sense of the word. Your health is great and we praise God for every day we have with you.Quinn, I love you so much. You are my heart.


Oh, my babies. You hate that word, actually. Babies. But you are. And you always will be. Yes, I suppose you are my "big kids" now, although that is a bit of a tough pill to swallow at the moment. Four. Four. Yikes and yes. We are having so much fun these days and I love to have full-on meaningful conversations with you.
Just today, we were in the car and suddenly starting talking about the sign for "Grandpa", which led to "where is Grandpa?", which led to "Where is Heaven and why can't I reach Jesus?", which after much conversation, finally ended with "Mommy, did you know Triceratops has two horns?". Ha. Only from the brains of toddlers. Or should I say kids now? I'm not sure I'm ready for that.

Y'all are the light of our lives. Keep shining. Don't let anyone or anything dim the spirit you have because it is so darned beautiful. We love you - more than you can even imagine or fathom. 

All our love and Happy Birthday my sweet and crazy 4 year olds, 

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6.01.2014

I want my daddy! A Houston Moms Blog post

Well, I haven't been here so much but I'm still over here :)

Latest post for Houston Moms Blog: "I want my Daddy!!!"


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Four Year Old Pictures

Oh, my poor blog. So neglected. At any rate, we took 4 year pictures a few weeks ago with my sweet friend, Kendra (a little early - twins turn on Tuesday, aghhhhh). She has taken the twin's pictures since the day they were born... literally. She is moving to South Carolina soon and I knew I just had to have her capture R&Q for this milestone. Kendra, we love you and we will miss you guys soooo much. Hopefully this won't be the last time the kiddos are in front of your camera. You did such an amazing job. Sorry about the picture overload --- I have 160+ to choose from! Ha! Editing these pictures was truly a labor of love. Visit www.kendramartinphotography.com to see more of Kendra's pictures! 


































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