Afternoon Silliness!

It's A..............

21 weeks

I am officially 21 weeks and feeling great! Finally feel like I have a baby bump.

We had an ultrasound last week and praising Jesus that everything with baby #4 looks prefect! 

Stay tuned for the big gender reveal coming soon!! 

My sweet Valentine went out and bought everything for the kids to make chocolate dipped strawberries today!

Liam turns 5!

Liam decided he wanted an ice fishing birthday party this year. So the morning started on the lake and then lunch at my parents which was close to the lake.

We are so thankful for the family that were able to join us to celebrate 5 years of life! 

5 Years Old!!

Wow! Has it really been 5 years since I started this journey called motherhood? There are so many things I have learned and will continue to learn as I continue down this road. After I had Liam I was pretty sure I knew what this parenting thing is all about. And then the girls came and boy was I wrong, you never stop learning or adapting. Each child is so unique and gifted in their own ways, God likes to show off a little when creating families.

Liam we are so blessed to have the opportunity to be your parents, to be able to watch you grow. As you encounter new things and embrace new found loves, we are so proud.

This next year is a new year of change, starting kindergarten and becoming a big brother again. I love to see the light in your eyes as you do your happy dance as you tell me how excited you are for kindergarten  and how you just can't wait until summer for the new baby

Great Job Mom

Twice in the past week I have been out to eat with my three children when someone has approached our table and proceed to tell me how well behaved my children are. Both, instances I am flooded with emotions and almost brought to tears due to the pregnant hormones, of course ;).  But none the less it is not every day a mom of young children gets this kind of complement. 

My children are currently 5, 3 & 3 years old and by no means are they angels. I do my best to keep the chaos under control.  Usually,  I am scanning my exits to know the quickest route to get out when things start to go south.  As time has gone on and I have a few more trips under my belt I am finding more confidence in my children and myself that we will not have to leave with the white flag raised with screaming kids in tow. But, during those younger years when I had three under three I would have never even though of bring them to a restaurant that didn't have a drive through.

As a mom of young children truly trying everyday to put one foot in front of the other and do the best I can.  A compliment like this from a complete unbiased stranger is like  wining the lottery.  Because, honestly a comment coming from my family just doesn't have the same impact and at times comes with strings attached.

 Don't get me wrong  I have gotten my fair share of rude defeating comments from strangers also, in which I do my best to let it roll off my back and remember who my true judge is.  Remembering that most people have no idea what your life is like and in turn you have no idea what they may be dealing with in their own life.  This is why i feel like making assumptions about others can be hard when you can't see the whole picture.

I feel like this encounter was not by accident and came just when I needed it, to help refill my cup.  To help me get through the rest of the week being thankful for complete strangers that are willing to step out of their comfort zone and bless someone. 

As much as I would like to say that I never need a pat on the back or a good job with that laundry today.  When it does happen it is like that reassurance that reminds me that I am placed right where God wants me.  The confidence to face another day another restaurant with confidence that maybe it wasn't just a fluke. 

I know that there are many other parents out their just like me and next time I pass one in the grocery store with kids in tow I want to be the stranger that says "Good Job".  I pray that I never forget these years that I am  always able to understand with compassion even when my children are grown. 

I challenge you to seek out that person in the restaurant or grocery store and remember how God has blessed you and pass that on.  You can make a difference in the life of another, be courageous today.