tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61904666077526045032024-03-13T14:20:09.574-04:00Our Sweet PeasAlex and Eli were born April 18th, 2007 and so began our newest adventure. The time has already flown by and I wasn't getting it all documented so here is my scrapbook of sorts. WELCOME and enjoy!Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.comBlogger613125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-91819580495785159182014-02-28T11:23:00.001-05:002014-02-28T11:23:58.473-05:00Life in FebruaryIt's Friday! Yay! We are still freezing here in Michigan and Eli was really hoping school would be cancelled. I assured him that it was unlikely due to the fact that they have missed so much already. Despite that, this morning as I packed lunches he said "Mom, are you just packing those IN CASE we have school?" So funny. What can I say? He's a dreamer that one. I tried to encourage him with the fact that it is Friday and he has 2 days off after today.<br />
<br />
I logged on to my computer this morning to post today and the computer that has my pictures on it will not connect to the internet and the computer I am currently using does not have my camera program installed anymore, apparently. So I decided to post a pictureless post anyways.<br />
<br />
Adds and I grabbed groceries this morning and are now home hibernating. The wind chills this morning were between -5 and -15 so I had to fight to even make myself go out to do that. I cannot wait for Spring. <br />
<br />
Last night we visited a woman from church in the hospital that had her daughter at 28 weeks. We hoped to encourage them in the journey that is the NICU with a sweet preemie. We got in the car and man it hit me. I remembered all the fear that was wrapped up in those first hours, days, weeks and months. God's grace was so sufficient. His hope was ALL we had. No one could reassure us that they'd be "fine". It was not a given. I truly pray that type of grace and peace over this family. <br />
<br />
We also have a friend that is 33 years old and has 4 boys, ages ranging 3-12 who has been diagnosed with cancer. And I have yet to mention here that my nephew Teddy is undergoing radiation for his tumor that returned and continued to grow despite a year of weekly chemo. It's been a rough winter and this world can take the joy right out of you. I am so thankful for our relationship with Jesus Christ that assures us that none of us are long for this world. This life is but a vapor. Our home is not here. I need that reassurance today as we see so few answers for all that is taking place in the lives of those we love. God is good, all the time. Painful as this world sometimes can be. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-13078811369017072642014-02-12T10:35:00.001-05:002014-02-12T10:35:26.944-05:00Just some things....Addie's been out of diapers since before Summer but I just found these in the top of her closet and passed them onto my sister which means there is not a. single. diaper. in. my. house. WHAAAT? Crazy. First time in almost 7 years. And once Jared and I found out we were pregnant with twins we started buying diapers at most grocery trips SO it may be more like 8 years. (In hindsight I wish I had a picture of the stockpile of diapers we had. We were prepared, to say the least.)<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="427" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/12480906464/player/8c672fda5b" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
I let Addison pick the toothpaste recently and Eli was none too pleased. I explained that Addie has NEVER picked and she always uses their kind, yada, yada. To which he replied: "OK as long as it is not pink and sparkly". "Eli, just because it is Addie's pick, that DOES NOT MEAN it will be pink and sparkly" says wise Mom. Except that when we went to use it, it was in fact, pink and (of course) sparkly. I laughed so hard at his sheer terror. :) Good times.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="427" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/12480430285/player/de2543a121" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
Here she is re-enacting their favorite scene from "Night at the Museum" (second one), "Boom, Bang, Firepower!" The thinker is flexing his muscles. She cracks me up.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="427" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/12480880324/player/f12f23e042" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
She absolutely loves to be chased. She cackles. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/12480395175/player/c672605434" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="427"></iframe><br />
I was getting a picture of Addie's Cubbie uniform and Eli wanted to a picture with his new library book. Eli is such a reader. He reads everything he can get his hands on. He wanted binoculars for Christmas so he can bird watch and I just reserved a book for him at the library about Michigan Birds. He is going to be so excited. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/12480557903/player/db584d4e7b" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="427"></iframe><br />
And that's a little of what is going on here. <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-44233217259174247832014-01-25T11:49:00.003-05:002014-01-25T11:49:43.998-05:00Winter, Winter, WinterWeather has been at the height of all conversation in "these here parts". We are freezing! It has been crazy cold and the boys got another day off on Friday due to the extreme cold. Next week is supposed to be the same so I am not sure what will happen with school on those days. <br />
<br />
The upside of being a stay at home mom is that I am not out in it a ton. I do the dropping kids off, picking them up, grocery shopping, errand thing and outside of that I am in my warm home. I'll be honest I feel a little spoiled. I'm still ready for spring though, don't get me wrong. The positives that are coming out of this are that I am home a ton which is translating to some Spring cleaning (really early and in below zero temps)and cleaning out. I have also had more time to make some new meals and bake some yummy/healthy treats for the fam. And I have been working out regularly on the treadmill because, I have time. This all makes me realize that even when the weather warms up, home is a good place to be. <br />
<br />
The downside is that this weather means Jared is working a lot and I am home on a Saturday without him. Bummer. The kids are missing him a little but again it is only for a season and then it is back to the flexible schedule that we enjoy. We are also battling colds and hoping we don't get the dreaded stomach bugs that fly around at this time of the year. So far, so good. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile the boys are playing video games more than usual, given the fact that they are unable to go outside OR to school and Addie seems to be intent on undoing any and every bit of cleaning I have been doing. She is at that 3 year old, "I like to dump things!", stage! <br />
<br />
Alright, I am off to tackle the basement messes while watching a movie with the boys. Oh yeah and Addie wants to play a game. Ahh, the slow pace of Winter (insert: eye roll). Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-19217346225479653342014-01-14T14:27:00.000-05:002014-01-14T14:27:20.836-05:00Winter DaysAddie and I our back to enjoying our alone time. In truth I am not sure what is easier, dealing with Addie when she has full run of the home or having all 3 kids home. I love having all my kids home but I really try to savor my Addie time. Now that the boys are in first grade and on their way to becoming 7, (physical pain from that last statement)I know how fast this time goes. I should add that, even with that knowledge it doesn't make it easy to focus on her. The rest of life pulls at me regularly, as it should. I find that balance is needed between our entire universe revolving around our kids and giving them the attention they need. Moving on. Deep thoughts with Becky (Jack Handy reference in case you missed that). <br />
<br />
Anyways, it is downright balmy in Michigan. We are no longer suffering from wind chills well below (-30, WHAT?) zero. I was recess Mom today and as we stepped outside on our way to the gym one of the kids said "Man, it is warm out here!!" I had to laugh. It was 35 degrees out. I was amused by his enthusiasm but just yesterday my sister Missy and I went for a walk outside and dodged snow, puddles and large icy surfaces just to get out into the warmth of 45. What can I say? we are Michiganders through and through. <br />
<br />
So here are some of my Addie pics from the week. The girl knows how to completely destroy a room in mere minutes. And she had a lot of fun with Eli's glasses. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="427" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/11951558564/player/31fd30f0c7" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="427" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/11951553434/player/13e0a53018" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/11951400593/player/104ed65cf0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="427"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/11951543844/player/3d6aa55542" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="427"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="427" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/11951121525/player/93ff999722" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
She is napping right now, which is a blessing because she woke up at 6:00 a.m. The boys are almost ready to be picked up from school and on go these days that are flying by way to quickly.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-57227274662773622472014-01-10T21:15:00.004-05:002014-01-10T21:15:57.732-05:00It's a hard-knock lifeThis pouty little girl......<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/11871798134/player/b18ab6ccc5" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="427"></iframe><br />
with her big, sad, brown, eyes<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="427" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/11871643433/player/bc17f2abf3" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
has to wear a sweater and pajama pants with her "ballerina dress" (so that she doesn't freeze to death). Mom ruins all the fun. <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="427" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/11871801284/player/c06e205978" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
Poor child. Rough life. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-49380467053916560892014-01-08T19:32:00.003-05:002014-01-08T19:35:06.695-05:00Adieu Christmas Break!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yH9Ip0W_btE/Us3sers7GRI/AAAAAAAACyE/zfUQ5z3EDPE/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yH9Ip0W_btE/Us3sers7GRI/AAAAAAAACyE/zfUQ5z3EDPE/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yH9Ip0W_btE/Us3sers7GRI/AAAAAAAACyE/zfUQ5z3EDPE/s400/IMG_1570.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YESaonIKrJg/Us3smIdAPvI/AAAAAAAACyM/ja22oF_6LFQ/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YESaonIKrJg/Us3smIdAPvI/AAAAAAAACyM/ja22oF_6LFQ/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YESaonIKrJg/Us3smIdAPvI/AAAAAAAACyM/ja22oF_6LFQ/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YESaonIKrJg/Us3smIdAPvI/AAAAAAAACyM/ja22oF_6LFQ/s400/IMG_1572.JPG" /></a></div>
Jared and I thought Alex was channeling his inner Frenchman here while enjoying his baguette. Hence the Adieu!<br />
<br />
The kids have LOVED all this snow SO MUCH. They were outside today despite the fact that the wind chill was below zero. Ugh. I fought it for two days straight because it was insanely cold but today it was in the upper teens (ie heatwave) so I relented and they enjoyed every last second of it.<br />
<br />
We ended up getting an extra 3 days of break due to the cold and snow, which has been so great but tomorrows the big day and Mama has plenty to get done. Addie-adds and I will be hitting the grocery store for sure. Stay warm!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-71791741904015504892014-01-07T10:34:00.001-05:002014-01-07T10:34:30.049-05:00A New YearAND I return from the longest blogging break in the history of this blog. Oy. Moving on. We are coming to the end of Christmas break and were given 2 extra days due to the snow and well below freezing temps. The boys are dying to go outside and play in the snow. It is 2 degrees out. 2. That doesn't include the windchill which I believe makes it about 20 below. <br />
<br />
It has been such a nice break. We stayed home a lot and had time with friends and family. We sledded and played in the snow. Jared took an entire week off which was wonderful. <br />
<br />
Currently, they are each on a device of some sort. Alex is beating me 47 to 1 in tic-tac-toe on the ipad. The only issue is I only played 1 game. Ha ha. I am now attempting to move all my 2013 pictures over to a hard drive. I kept up for the most part this year with organizing each months pics at the end of that month. I do, however have November and December to do but that is to be expected. So 2013 almost complete. Now 2011 and 2012 are a different story so I have my work cut out for me. Luckily, I have a long cold winter ahead in which to do some of these nagging tasks. <br />
<br />
The boys are headed back to first grade tomorrow. They continue to love their school and their teacher, Mrs. Miller. They are doing well academically and we are proud of their efforts. Addie is still home with Mama. We just started gymnastics 2x/month and she is looking forward to soccer in the Spring. She is every bit of 3! I remember 3 with the boys being the absolute hardest age. I thought now only having one to go through it with would be a breeze. I was mistaken. As was the case with Alex and Eli she is also so hysterical at this age which I am positive God knows is necessary in order to endure this season in the life of a child. <br />
<br />
As for the rest of the day, I plan to take in a movie in the basement, snuggled up with all 3 of my babies and this laptop if I stay motivated. :0 I fear that this ole laptop may be on its way out. It connects to the internet when it feels like it and the keys work if you are lucky. I am hoping that moving my camera hardware onto the desktop in the basement will alow me to blog consistently because I will have a more reliable internet connection. <br />
<br />
Here's to 2014.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-69141108348027506792013-08-14T03:12:00.001-04:002013-08-14T03:13:29.425-04:00Summer SnapshotsLast week I shared some of what has been going on here but didn't add pictures so I though a Summer collage would be good. It was at this point I realized 90% of pictures I take are on my phone. I am roddfam5 on instagram by the way. So here are few times that I busted out the dslr.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/9505969559/" title="collge summer by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/9505969559_2ae52b624a_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="collge summer"></a><br />
<br />
1. The boys baptism. Alex and Eli and Pastor Tom<br />
2. Summer basketball. So cute and fun despite the sweltering gym. <br />
3, 9 & 10 are from the 4th of July. After attending a party with friends we headed home early and did sparklers and caught fireflies, just the 5 of us. Great summer memory, for sure.<br />
4 & 11 Summer puddles! Need I say more.<br />
5. The kids dressed up in Jareds clothes and shoes for a picture that we framed and gave him for Father's Day. Adorable!<br />
6. Addies 3rd birthday at Mimi's.<br />
7. Girlfriend is officially potty trained. Amen! <br />
8. My 37th B-day. <br />
<br />
Such a great Summer. School starts in 1 week and it feels like Fall here in Michigan so I guess it is almost time to say goodbye to the long days of this season we call Summer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-33849482950708506682013-07-31T14:17:00.002-04:002013-07-31T14:17:29.480-04:00MotherhoodBetween the end of the school year and Summer now in full swing it feels like I'm taking a crash course on Mothering. The birth of our third child, sweet little Addison definitely upped my parenting game. It was so challenging to find out how to parent another completely unique personality. And to be honest I'd forgotten quite a bit of the logistics. It truly was amazing that in a mere 3 1/2 years I'd forgotten all the secrets I'd learned while raising twin infants. Anyways, back to the present. I have all three kids home now and I have been looking forward to this since January, practically. It is fun. I love the decreased amount of "have to's" that can tend to dominate a day and it's schedule. I love soaking up their unique personalities. I am however also seeing all the little attittudes that creeped in throughout the year that require a lot of patience and a few adjustments. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/9095735220/" title="IMG_9671 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9671" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/9095735220_7bae337247_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/9095729638/" title="IMG_9683 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9683" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/9095729638_e4144a9e6c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/9093502551/" title="IMG_9686 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9686" height="427" src="http://l6.yimg.com/so/7341/9093502551_f682237039_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
7-31-13 I started this a while ago and wasn't sure where I was heading with my thought process but thought I'd share it as it was.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-91308818047318888652013-07-31T13:53:00.003-04:002013-07-31T14:14:30.978-04:00Summer, Summer, Summertime!So Summer is dwindling down for us in our neck of the woods. 3 weeks from today the boys go back to school. Crazy. They are excited but also want to be 1/2 dayers (not a first grade option). :) <br />
<br />
I have a few minutes this morning because we were all heading out the door for Alex's OT appointment and it was cancelled. I was annoyed at first and now it kind of feels like we were graciously given an hour of down time. Love that. Funny, how that works. We have plenty of down time in the Summer but when it's unexpected, ahhhhh.<br />
<br />
Summer's been fun and we still have a little Summer list of things we would like to do with the kids. Alex wanted to add Disney World to the list. Ha Ha. Funny.<br />
<br />
Addie turned 3 on July 11th which is insane. We had a great little party at Aunt Mimi's. Fun was had. Food eaten. 3 year old spoiled rotten. <br />
<br />
Also in big news the boys swam on their own a couple of weeks ago at Aunt Mimi's pool. Kim is a great swimmer so I aked her to show the boys a few things and the next thing I knew they were swimming. Alex took to it immediately while Eli was determined yet a little too "kicky". He was a bit panicky, however he settled down and got it too. Very fun to watch. We are moving onto: tying shoes and riding a bike without training wheels. When you have coordination/fine motor issues these thing FEEL huge. So exciting! <br />
<br />
The boys and Addie have been painting. Both boys declaring they are going to be artists when they grow up. <br />
<br />
We just finished with VBS at church this week where Eli got saved AGAIN. We explained once saved nothing can remove you from God's hand. He gets it and I think it is sweet that he wanted to MAKE SURE! I think anyone who grew up in church gets that. <br />
<br />
They were both baptized at the beginning of Summer. We were proud that they both took this step of obedience to God and wanted to show everyone that they are believers. Poor Alex could barely touch and his feet kept floating to the top of the baptismal. <br />
<br />
We started Occupational therapy for Alex and Physical therapy for Eli. Thankfully it is really close to us and right across from Greenfield Village where we LOVE to visit regularly.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed our annual trip to the lake this year. The boys fished and we took turns canoeing and kayaking. I READ BOOKS! Yay. <br />
<br />
So as we wrap up these weeks before school, we go out with a bang and have lots of fun things to do, in true Summertime fashion. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-63514334073305942432013-05-28T07:57:00.002-04:002013-05-28T07:57:48.495-04:002013 Grads!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The boys did such a great job at Graduation. It was such a blessing to watch them show off what they'd learned. Loved having family and friends come out to love on them too. It was a great night.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KKRLIIvXOU/UaSbDXF67eI/AAAAAAAACvY/mhwBLXsZlBQ/s1600/2013_05_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8KKRLIIvXOU/UaSbDXF67eI/AAAAAAAACvY/mhwBLXsZlBQ/s640/2013_05_23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHC5_6QvMLM/UaSbEDmXMfI/AAAAAAAACvg/y_8d-maMu-I/s1600/2013_05_231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHC5_6QvMLM/UaSbEDmXMfI/AAAAAAAACvg/y_8d-maMu-I/s640/2013_05_231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Congratulations boys! Mom and Dad love you and are SO proud of you!!!!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-7946822840861712542013-04-30T15:05:00.002-04:002013-04-30T15:08:57.627-04:00As if turning 6 wasn't enough.....THESE came home from school last week!!!!!<br />
<br />
We only experimented with the Caps. Mama can't handle gowns quite yet. It's kind of like a 12 step program for ridiculous Moms. :)<br />
<br />
I asked them to pose with their caps.<br />
<br />
This was Alex's response<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8695774709/" title="2013_04_22 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="2013_04_22" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8695774709_fb6af1b9e6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
Eli's Response.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8696895220/" title="2013_04_221 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="2013_04_221" height="293" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8696895220_894bf706f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
This is why I crack up when people ask: "Do they act the same??" Ummmm no.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8696896072/" title="2013_04_222 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="2013_04_222" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8405/8696896072_3f7d99db56_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Congrats Boys. Only 23 days to go.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-7318425559627009342013-04-25T14:34:00.000-04:002013-04-30T15:06:43.632-04:006 years old!It is official. Last week on the 18th the boys turned 6. So crazy. Many times in the past couple of weeks I have had the thought "6 years ago at this time I was .......". It's very strange. Instead of focus on the sadness that they are no longer sweet little babies. I will talk about some of the upsides to 6. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8678010069/" title="IMG_9330 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9330" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8678010069_57fc1b7b4d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">They got Ninjago books. Oh my. Reading these books to them is a form of torture but THEY LOVE THEM. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
1. <b>They clothes themselves</b> (to some degree).<br />
2. <b>They feed themselves</b> (to some degree).<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8679314408/" title="2013_04_181 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="2013_04_181" height="494" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8399/8679314408_c9bdf942f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I had to make 2 birthday cakes because Alex wanted "banilla" and Eli wanted chocolate. If you look at the 2nd pic closely you will see that Addie became a bit impatient waiting for the cake to be cut. :)</span></div>
3. <b>They sleep through the night </b>(to some degree).<br />
4. <b>Going out for the night without them no longer involves 2 typed pages of instructions (not exaggerating) and so much prep that by the time you get out the door it hardly seems worth the 2 hours you manage to be away without worrying about them.</b> Now were are out the door in 30 seconds and kicking up our heels in the driveway (I may be exaggerating a little).<br />
5. <b> On Saturday Mornings (when we have no place to be) we can send them to the TV and doze a bit until the sun comes up. </b>(They still wake quite early).<br />
6. <b>No middle of the night feedings for two. </b>Not sure how I survived this. I still remember the nauseous feeling I had some nights. I was literally sick from tiredness. Ugh. <br />
7. <b>No middle of the night arguments with Jared.</b> (See above). It didn't happen much at all and now it makes me laugh BUT we had a couple of good ones. I'll never forget when he asked me to shut the bedroom door because the light was in his eyes. (I love you honey! and in case this seems like a dissatisfied wife's rant it is not. He was SUPERDAD then and continues to hold his title. However, we were BOTH exhausted!)<br />
8. <b>This age is hysterical!</b> Eli was asking some questions recently that made me squirm. It was kind of like I may have to have "the talk" with a 6 year old. In fact at one point I said "That's a good question for Dad" (This coming from a Mom who wants Very open and honest communication with her boys. Not my finest moment.) Anyways, it finally boiled down to him saying "So when a Mom and Dad fall in love God gives them a baby?" "Yep, <i>pretty much" </i>was my response. To which, he replied "Hmm, that's pretty impressive?"<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8679290346/" title="2013_04_18 Eli Birthday CAndles by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="2013_04_18 Eli Birthday CAndles" height="494" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8679290346_a078119afa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Poor Eli is not animated AT ALL. Such a wallflower. ;)</span></div>
9. <b>You can have logical conversations about how to treat others and it challenges YOU in the process. </b>Love that.<br />
10. <b>You get to live a sort of childhood through them.</b> Don't worry not in a "Toddlers in Tiara's" kind of way. For example, this weekend at the water park Eli realized that he was big enough to ride the water slide BY HIMSELF. He was nervous and scared and brave and it was just really fun to remember what that felt like.<br />
<br />
There are SO many other beautiful things about parenting that I can't even begin to touch on and while this list is mainly just silly, I am so blessed to have been given the gift of Alex and Eli for this past 6 years. I have been taught more through them than I could ever have imagined. They have changed our marriage, our lives, our relationship with God ALL for the better. They will always be our miracles. We love you guys!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-19891009150990369342013-04-12T07:14:00.000-04:002013-04-12T07:14:00.619-04:00Random SillinessSome days we eat peanut butter like Pooh Bear eats honey. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8638125622/" title="IMG_9033 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9033" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8638125622_15d733e90e_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8638126328/" title="IMG_9031 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9031" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8638126328_2eb2c17766_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8637021459/" title="IMG_9035 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9035" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8637021459_2df4d7a008_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<br />
Yum!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-2863128719550652612013-04-10T11:55:00.001-04:002013-04-10T11:55:20.451-04:00CousinsWe had some cousin time over the Easter Holiday too. My favorite part was the Disney Dance Party. Eli was really into it which was SO fun to watch. Lots of video was taken I assure you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8617327682/" title="IMG_9191 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9191" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8617327682_4c95fca59d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8616219109/" title="IMG_9157 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9157" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8616219109_9cd5c98a05.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Getting ready for the Easter Egg Hunt!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8617317258/" title="IMG_9159 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9159" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8617317258_aa206721bd.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8616203513/" title="IMG_9183 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9183" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8616203513_f67da48051.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
These Beautifu Girls were singing us some songs from their Spring Concert. Very Entertaining!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8617331828/" title="IMG_9086 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9086" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8617331828_bce1f8e1d3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Amanda came over and dyed eggs with us.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8617331152/" title="IMG_9082 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9082" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8617331152_471d652e4a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Addie ate slimy egg/water/dye goo. Yum. She survived!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-32560124619787458422013-04-09T20:38:00.005-04:002013-04-09T20:46:12.448-04:00EasterWe had a lovely Easter. We packed a little too much into the weekend with a room re-do (lesson learned) but still managed to calm our hearts and minds and worship with our church family on Easter Sunday. <br />
<br />
The Easter message that my pastor preached was so, so, good. I think it will always stay with me. It was one of those. <a href="http://www.gileadtaylor.com/category/easter-sunday/" target="_blank"> Here's the link. </a><br />
<br />
Now without further ado. Here is my, albeit LAME, attempt at a family pic. You'll notice Jared and I aren't in them. He looked great. Every pic of me however is not so great. Just call me vain because I am NOT posting them. BUT here are my cute kids! :) That makes up for it right????<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8636468738/" title="IMG_9126 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9126" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8636468738_23e458742f.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8635362071/" title="IMG_9127 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9127" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8635362071_797a43fa7e.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8635364059/" title="IMG_9131 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9131" height="365" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8635364059_e1b36f8ef0.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Yep these are the best I got. It was a bit cold and NO ONE was excited about taking the pictures. I'm glad that pictures of the kids with perfect smiles are not what Easter is all about because I would be in SERIOUS TROUBLE. :) They are precious nonetheless. Hope everyone had a good Spring Break. <br />
<br />
Oops almost forgot to discuss Eli's hat..... first and foremost let it be said that the boy pulls it off! Am I right?? Secondly he walked into the store with Aunt Linda and I and went straight for this hat. He wanted to get it so that he could be like Indiana Jones. Nuff said!! When I thought Alex might want one he was quick to tell me "NO WAY!" He did however pick out the shirts AND he wanted them to match, which I thought was kind of funny. Love these kids. As for Addie's wardrobe she picked that out. Her main request was a "PINK DRESS!!!"<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-13051644582576421752013-03-05T12:39:00.001-05:002013-03-05T12:39:23.653-05:00My Crazies<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8530889393/" title="IMG_9003 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9003" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8530889393_7f100d1dc7.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
Eli likes to mix things up a little from time to time with a tie. It's pretty random and adorable of course.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8530888545/" title="IMG_9008 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9008" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8530888545_cec2ac245b.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
Me capturing his fashion turned into a little sibling photo shoot. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8531998408/" title="IMG_9009 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9009" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8531998408_6d73d4f62d.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
It went downhill fast. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8532000806/" title="IMG_9018 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9018" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8532000806_5627365c2d.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
Love these crazies. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-27413156685164287312013-02-25T14:12:00.000-05:002013-02-25T14:12:11.302-05:00Addie at 2 1/2 - ish<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8506831959/" title="IMG_8679 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8679" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8506831959_b87a1a5fa4.jpg" width="333" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8506832529/" title="IMG_8678 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8678" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8506832529_1a0475eb11.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
Funny Girl!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8506834101/" title="IMG_8908 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8908" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8506834101_82ec2c6a12.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Still loves her books. Here she is with her cousin Andrew. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8507942980/" title="IMG_8976 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8976" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8507942980_dfdf3285ca.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
LOVES to play outside. She always has. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8507947792/" title="IMG_8979 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8979" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8507947792_51bb2451ef.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
Likes to pick her clothes. Her current obsession is tights. Like every. single. day. if possible.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8506836891/" title="IMG_8984 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8984" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8506836891_9bfe79064a.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
Is not ashamed to twirl to show off her fashion choices. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8506838529/" title="IMG_8997 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8997" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8506838529_f31200f777.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
And as of today has officially started potty training. She picked out "Tangled" underwear and wanted to come home and watch "Tangled". I brought the potty out and while I was on the phone with my sister she went on the potty and has gone another time since. Crazy! I am not naive enough to think it could be this easy but wouldn't that be nice????<br />
<br />
That's a bit about my Addie-girl!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-51786432277557816432013-02-23T15:50:00.000-05:002013-02-23T15:51:02.124-05:00Winter Break(Started this post on Tuesday, finished today, Saturday)<br />
<br />
We have a week off school this week. We are on day 2 and I am loving it. I am already looking forward to having all 3 of my kids home this summer. It just really simplifies things. Not sure how 2 more kids than I usually have makes things simpler but I am enjoying it nonetheless. <br />
<br />
They are enjoying the extra time at home too. Addie is in brother heaven! Such great playmates. Yesterday I took the 3 of them grocery shopping and suddenly realized Addie has good reason to get cranky during our weekly grocery sessions, even her almost 6 year old brothers got antsy. Definitely gained some perspective. <br />
<br />
Speaking of Addie, she is changing SO much. I forgot how fun this age is. She is saying new things every day. She is also surprising me with her desire to do things like Mama and act like Mama and have her hair and nails like Mama or bake with me or cook with me or workout with me. The boys wanted to be big & strong like Daddy but I wasn't prepared for this sweet spot when my daughter would want to mimic me. It is precious and I have to document it because I KNOW this stage will pass too quickly. In the meantime I am sewing us matching dresses and hair bows. Ha! Just kidding. <br />
<br />
A big change in our lives right now is that the boys are "full dayers". They have begged and begged and begged and I finally relented. They love being at school all day. They do a lot of fine motor work in the afternoon in centers. This is great for them considering they are a bit behind in fine motor. They are thriving in kindergarten. Their last progress report showed that they were proficient in each area. That is how they score them at this point (proficient, developing skill, not at grade level). This is mind blowing. As we near their birthday I always think back to the run down that the NICU gave us when they were born at 27 weeks. I really wish I could have a recording of what was then the most devastating thing they could have told us outside of having lost our children. It was so grim. It is SO NOT the life we are living. We are grateful. I pray we'll be grateful for whatever the future holds. God is good all. the. time.<br />
<br />
On that same, preemie note. Addie-adds is doing well with her speech also. Her Daddy and I think she is ready to graduate from her hearing impaired program however they want to hold on to us until the end of the school year. No need for future HI involvement after that though. Her hearing is near perfect and as mentioned in a previous post she is speaking sentences. <br />
<br />
So this post definitely evolved into more than planned but that is what floated through my mind on this cold February Saturday. OK off to play with some play-doh. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-51161802990238286612013-02-23T15:20:00.001-05:002013-02-23T15:22:50.973-05:005 Years of BloggingHad some spare minutes and thought I'd sit down and blog. Not having a specific topic in mind I began to evaluate the reasons to continue blogging. I've discussed this before but it has become a question that increases in urgency as more and more days inch by and I haven't blogged. I have entered the world of instagram at full force and equate it to mini-blogging and love it. The problem is that it doesn't really FULLY capture our lives at the moment and that is what I love about blogging. Allllllllll of this to say....I just realized that as of February 20th, I have been blogging for FIVE years. That is crazy. And every time I read back over old blogs I realize that I have already forgotten much of what I'd written. <br />
<br />
So my new blogging goal is to at least blog weekly. If for no other reason than to try and keep record of some of what that 3rd child of mine is up to. :)<br />
<br />
In 2009 I had close to 200 blog posts. Last year I had a whopping 46. So, if I weekly blog at least I will be at that. Assuming I make up for the weeks that have passed. The point is not that it will just be on my "To Do" list but that it will be a conscious effort to keep track of this sweet time in our lives. These years FLY BY. My 2 pound baby boys are about to turn SIX. Ridiculous. Too fast. I will attempt to slow time down and keep these memories bottled up in this jar of mine, also known as, my blog. <br />
<br />
So stay tuned. I also want to focus on making this my gift to my children and family. So blog reading friends and family. Here's to 2013. Speaking of that, I should probably change my 2012 header. Oy!Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-71430747087241444182013-01-07T12:26:00.001-05:002013-01-07T12:26:29.332-05:00Christmas BreakMe and my family have thoroughly enjoying our Christmas break. We recently returned from our trip to Colorado. Before leaving we enjoyed some fun holiday stuff. Cookie baking, gift opening, class partying type fun. :) It has been such a nice break. TRULY a break. Not a rush to do a million things to make it "memorable" by some standards but many memories were made nonetheless. We are now back from our trip and have enjoyed playing with our Christmas toys and getting together to play with our cousins. <br />
<br />
I have a million pictures of which I will never add to this blog but fun was had and pictures were taken. here are a few.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8351496199/" title="IMG_8783 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8783" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8351496199_91743cf331.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8352560332/" title="IMG_8766 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8766" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8352560332_d0f94354bf.jpg" width="333" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8352562724/" title="IMG_8786 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8786" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8352562724_0ae26688c4.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8352561982/" title="IMG_8760 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8760" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8352561982_6817839a6b.jpg" width="333" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8352561298/" title="IMG_8765 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8765" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8352561298_d047384a1d.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8352559258/" title="IMG_8776 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8776" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8352559258_6b5edcabfe.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
The boys gift from Aunt Laurel and Uncle Steve was A TON of legos. Some of which were Jared's when he was their age. So cool. They LOVE them!<br />
<br />
I<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-3912373723840111172012-12-18T03:47:00.001-05:002012-12-18T09:27:22.621-05:00What Hope Do We Have?Friday I was home, blissfully unaware of what was taking place in Connecticut. Jared called me and I turned on the TV. Devastating. Unsettling. Disgusting. A tragedy like this is so difficult to comprehend. The boys were at school. I wanted them home. After watching a bit of the coverage, I turned it off and went to my bedroom to pick up. In it I found the boys pajamas that they hadn't put in the hamper. Alex's blanket that he'd left on our bed where we'd been snuggled up that morning. It all hit me like a wave time and time again that there were precious kindergarten children just like Alex and Eli whose parents would be coming home to the same thing and it would wreck them. Their babies were not coming home. <br />
<br />
I can honestly say I haven't watched any of the coverage since that day. Some would argue that I am unconnected to this horrific tragedy that our country is facing and even I felt that way a bit the day after. Now that we are a few days away from what took place on Friday, I'd disagree. This past weekend and since, each time I smile at my kids when they are just being kids, each time Alex laughs or Eli gives me a hug or I hear Addie squeal with delight I have that parent feeling where I swell with delight, feeling so blessed. All parents understand that feeling and it is heightened during times of tragedy. That feeling is followed by what feels a bit like a punch to the gut and I am reminded of what several parents and family members in Connecticut are not hearing, feeling, experiencing. It is at that moment I pray for them.<br />
<br />
I am an optimist. I look for lessons. I look for the positive. There of course are some lessons that will be learned through all of this. It is impossible for this not to change people. Some find hope in clinging to the good that they still see in the world and while it is possible to find some of that, it is not what I see in the midst of this unspeakable tragedy.<br />
<br />
I see the complete depravity of man.<br />
<br />
I see our need for a Savior. <br />
<br />
There are a lot of verses in scripture about God healing our wounds and taking care of us but the verse that brought me comfort, and will continue to, is:<br />
<br />
Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain...<br />
<br />
I have Hope. Not in this world. I have hope that we are not home yet. <i>We</i> are not, but there are sweet elementary children that are. Their parents, families, friends are all hurting and suffering and are still in this world that took their babies from them. But I have hope that my Savior is caring for them in a way that we can not do here on this earth. <br />
<br />
That is where my hope lies. In my salvation. In my Savior, Jesus Christ, I have great confidence. The beauty about this hope that I have is that it can be had by each of us. We can all have confidence in what our future holds. Scripture says that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved". <br />
<br />
If you haven't and you are reading this I pray that you will cry out to God and ask him to save your from this sin cursed world, from your own sins and let him know that you believe he came and died just for you, so that you could experience this hope.<br />
<br />
If you already have accepted Christ, I pray that you will cling to this confidence. Find hope in it. Pray that others see your hope and want it. <br />
<br />
I am again convinced that this world needs a Savior. I pray that we will turn to him. He is waiting.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-78664607742997423922012-12-17T14:18:00.000-05:002013-07-31T14:19:04.597-04:00 WeekendsSo happy the weekend is here. Last Friday, Jared and I surprised the boys afterschool and took them to the museum. The lego exhibit was there and so was Santa. We got there about an hour and a half before closing which meant the place was EMPTY. Great time to go. In fact, there was NO LINE FOR SANTA. Crazy. My children however had NO interest in going near Santa so the fact that Mommy could have snagged a great pic, for free, with a pretty authentic santa was lost on them. Oh well.<br />
<br />
We had a great time though. I love spending time with this little family of mine. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-16962334613755518972012-12-07T12:55:00.004-05:002012-12-07T12:55:57.417-05:00Insta-FridayMy weekly instagrams! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://liferearranged.com/"><img alt="life rearranged" border="0" height="120" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8249943965/" title="Apparently somebody wanted s beard. by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="Apparently somebody wanted s beard." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8249943965_62486aa738.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Addie had fun with paints this past week. She did a taste test AND painted on a beard. Good times.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8251012798/" title="Charlie Brown Christmas on Hulu. This is probably the size of the TV I watched it on as a kid. #traditions by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="Charlie Brown Christmas on Hulu. This is probably the size of the TV I watched it on as a kid. #traditions" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8251012798_c5791e7ec7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Charlie Brown Christmas. They quoted scripture when telling the Christmas Story and Eli said "Are they talking about OUR Lord?" So sweet.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8249943349/" title="This sweet child was so crazy during her brothers concert that I almost accidentally knocked the video camera over the balcony 2x's. #gottaluvthebaby by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="This sweet child was so crazy during her brothers concert that I almost accidentally knocked the video camera over the balcony 2x's. #gottaluvthebaby" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8249943349_a5e6c3b537.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
This was after the boys concert. This little girl wore us out! She may look sweet but she is a force. Trust.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8249942889/" title="The boys got to rent a video game for doing well at the concert so that leaves Addie and I to play with Mommy's phone. #mommydaughtertime by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="The boys got to rent a video game for doing well at the concert so that leaves Addie and I to play with Mommy's phone. #mommydaughtertime" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8249942889_1fb0122614.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The boys rented a video game after the concert so Addie and I had fun playing with my iphone.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8249941295/" title="$2 each at a Mom 2 Mom sale and I have 2 very happy 5 yr olds! by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="$2 each at a Mom 2 Mom sale and I have 2 very happy 5 yr olds!" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8249941295_9feb63ec1b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Picked these up for $2 each at the Mom 2 Mom sale. The boys LOVE them.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8249939711/" title="Bundled Addie up for a walk despite the cold. Glad I did. Must combat #winterweightgain :) by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img alt="Bundled Addie up for a walk despite the cold. Glad I did. Must combat #winterweightgain :)" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8249939711_bd05f904d0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Bundled Addie up for a walk yesterday . It was cold but she LOVES getting outside. <br />
<br />
So now we prepare for the weekend. Had a relaxing coffee date with Kim, Addie and Amanda this morning and look forward to getting extra time with all 3 of my boys this weekend.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6190466607752604503.post-62409254198011209722012-12-06T16:14:00.002-05:002012-12-06T16:15:55.305-05:00Twin MomentI honestly don't think about the boys being twins a whole lot anymore. In fact I mentioned to a seller at the Mom 2 Mom sale that I had to find two of a particular super hero shirt if I bought one because I have twins and my sister said "That sounds so funny to hear you say you have twins. I forget." I actually like that. When you have twins you worry that they will always be seen through the "twin lens". They are not. They are such individuals no one could ever lump them into the same person. That I am confident of.
However, looking at this picture I see a twin moment. I missed taking a pic of what happened two seconds before. I was busy in the kitchen and glanced into the front room to see them lounging like they are in the pic except their heads were leaned against one another. Alex had just given Eli a peck on the cheek. Now if that doesn't fill a Mama's heart with joy I don't know what will. Love these two. My twins.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41526756@N02/8249952769/" title="IMG_8519 by becky@oursweetpeas, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8249952769_0ed1f2ee68_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_8519"></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/183/45A205BE798CD3A7BCF92A66EFA30638.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Becky @ Our Sweet Peashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350552026247037576noreply@blogger.com0