We've been quite overwhelmed lately, to say the least. I never know how to say the word, "no". So there's that. I'm beginning to think Brandon doesn't either! We get it from our parents. Between sports, work, school, etc....we're just SLAMMED. Don't get me wrong, its great! But we're still slammed. Only the craziest of crazies try to make several life changes at once. Don't believe me? Ask my good friend, Anna Morgan; she'll tell you all about it. Selling a house, buying a house, adopting kids, remodeling a house, remodeling a boat, work, family time, LIFE....
I'll admit it. We've been stressed. I'm sure I've not been super fun to be around lately. The other day, I was getting on my own nerves. How does that even happen??? But then, I decided to have some Jesus time, and there it all was....WHAM. All those passages highlighted about complaining. About Moses and the griping, cranky Israelites that were so ungrateful for God's plan and their purpose. Oops. I mean, we all complain. But I'm sure mine has been to a whole new level lately. So...out with the old, in with the new. I'm always a work in progress, but it really was a reality check.
Speaking of.....check some things off that life list.....WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!! Praise Jesus, hallelujah!!! Not only that, but we bought a house on Friday. Oh my gracious how life has changed in the past almost-18-months.
Saturday was Laiken's seventh birthday party. We decided to keep it very small with only her friends so we could really focus on her. She wanted Cinderella to come, so I called ole Cindy up (actually I emailed her; it is 2015 after all). Yall. It was phenomenal! I am not Pinterest mom. Let me clarify. I don't do the crafting and cutesy food and favors. I just can't. It's too hard to run a house and work and have time to focus on my babes. We kind of discussed her tea party and I thought, "why not use grandma's china?" I mean, it's sat in our cabinet for years untouched. So I ordered cute cupcakes at Scrumps and set out to make a little brunch for the girls. Oh it was just magical. We had make up and jewelry stations, then Cinderella arrived, and she was phenomenal. Neverland and Company sent Cindy with a "lady in waiting" to help out. They did everything! Read stories, crowned Laiken princess with a real tiara (gasp), and even frolicked and danced in our yard to music. Once she left, we did presents and brunch. Let me just brag a minute on the food. Someone asked where the wraps were from that I MADE. Yaya!!! Haha. We also made homemade ice cream in the ancient machine we have. Mmmmm. We had one final present for Laiken that she didn't know about. We sent her to her room to find....HER NEW BARBIE DREAMHOUSE!!! She's been asking for a dollhouse since she came to us, and our excuse before was that we didn't have room. She mentioned one last week (yikes for last minute, right???). So I went on the hunt on Facebook yard sales and Craigslist. Shout out to my friend Tammy that snagged one for me in Seymour! Yall know how much Barbie dreamhouse costs??? Try $250 at target....uhhhh no thanks. But $65 on the Craig?!? Hello used toys!! All in all, her party was fab and her besties all joined us. It was such a magical day. At one point, Brandon muttered, "ok this is too girly for me!" and had to escape. Hahaha He and I got to sneak out for a date that evening and that was just so wonderful. I cannot even remember the last time we went to dinner alone.
Issak starts kindergarten this week, so that is so exciting! He is so pumped, and I cannot wait to see how he transitions. I see a lot of people post things like, "my babies are growing much too fast! Make it stop!" But really...I'm loving every moment! I love seeing them grow and mature. The two sweet babes that came to us are not the same kids! They're happy, healthy, well-adjusted kids who love school, friends, sports, and popsicles.
So bye bye complaining, and hello looking at the bigger picture of life. I realized today that I've lumped all of my photos together in one album for 2015. At first I was like, that is wayyyy too overwhelming. But then I realized, this is so great! So whenever I get that grouchy attitude, I can look over the entire year of memories we've made. I can remember how amazing our friends and family are for supporting us. I can remember how awesome God is and how much he's blessed us for saying "yes" to the craziest decision of our lives. He is amazing, and I am so thankful He made us a family.
A few photos for the road:
