Happiness & Memories

We went to Magic Kingdom over the holidays and it was truly magical. Besides the crowds, it was the happiest place on earth. I love seeing my kids eyes light up. They were amazed all day and they had the best time. When we got home, I immediately regretted my decision to enjoy the moment instead of trying to capture it! I didn't take many pictures.  I started wondering if Brodie would even remember this trip and my absent photos made me sad. I know Pay won't remember and I know it will be a vague memory to Brodie. This thought led me to think about my life and what I can remember as a child. I can't remember too much before the age of 5. Isn't that sad? I can vaguely remember moments  before then. I can remember the birth of my sister but not my brother. I can remember kindergarten.

I can remember Dustin's 1st birthday. I can remember a few vacations.

I can remember that my life was happy. 

Today, I listened to a message by Steven Furtick. He said "Happy people don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything." 

It made me think about my mama. During my childhood my mom was a stay at home mother to four children. She sacrificed her life to raise us. She didn't have much. We didn't have a beautiful house or a fancy car. But we were happy. My mama was always happy. She made the best out of everything. We had everything we needed and mostly everything we wanted. I can't remember her ever being sad or stressed.

I'm sure there were plenty of times that she was these things. She hid them from us well. My childhood was happiness.

That's what I remember. I remember waking up and my mom was always there. I remember a clean house and good food at every meal. I remember riding my bike with my brother and laughing until we cried at Dustin. I remember when Amanda had her tonsils removed and I wouldn't leave her side. Happiness. I remember driving up to my grandma Holcombes house everyday. I remember wondering if my Mincey cousins were there yet. I remember parking by the side door and checking to see if the rooster was waiting to peck me.

I remember opening up that door to the smell of food and clean linens. I can remember the cold, quietness of the kitchen. I remember running through the foyer and glancing at all of my cousins framed faces hanging on the walls,

I remember running into the living room and turning right to that long(it would probably appear so short to me now) hallway that led to grandmas room. I can hear my feet hitting that floor like it was yesterday. I remember opening the door to the sound of southern gospel music and the smell of dove soap, jergens lotion, & VO5.

I can remember seeing my grandma moving around her room in her dress saying "hey, there!" I can remember sitting on the chest in front of her bed scanning her dresser for candy. Not too much later, her house would fill with little

Footsteps and we would play all day. Happiness. I can only remember happiness as a child. I can only pray that my children grow up to feel this way. I try my best to always be happy. I'm just like anyone else and life is tough. But creating a happy environment for my family is far more precious than anything else. I'm so thankful for a happy mama and a happy life. 

"Happy people don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything." -Steven Furtick

Hey baby #3

Yep! Baby #3 will be arriving in May 2016. 

I was dieting. The kind of dieting where you are super motivated and the feeling of hunger only confirms that you are cutting back. Well, I had been doing this for about 2 weeks. Usually, when I diet, I lose weight really quick especially the first few weeks. Well, we were getting ready to go to a graduation party and all of my pants felt so tight. I knew I should be a little bit bloated because it was time for my period. I sat in my room and just felt like crying. I was in one of those moods, too. One of those that you feel like hiding under a blanket and going to sleep. So, I pulled myself together and put on a pair of comfy black pants and complained to Phillip the whole way there that something had to be wrong with me! I was sitting in Carey Hilliards and it hit me that I was 8 days late. I was very bloated. I was very moody. Oh dear Lord.  Am I pregnant? My thoughts quickly left as my 11 month old screamed at Brodie demanding his cup. 

The next day was a Saturday, Sept. 19th.  Me and the kids were at Walmart picking up a prescription for Brodie and we were about to meet my mom for lunch.  I was at the check out line at the pharmacy and as I turned around the pregnancy test was glaring at me. I told Cheyanne, "I'm 9 days late, I'm going to get one just to make sure." I couldn't be pregnant. Paisley was 11 months old. It took me 2 years to get pregnant with her. I was done having children. Two was perfect. I check out and tell Cheyanne to watch the kids while I go to restroom. Miss priss says "take your test since you're going!" So, I listen to the 15 year old and take it with me. I take and there it is, 2 lines. I don't remember much next. I somehow made it to my car and loaded the kids. Well, Cheyanne probably loaded them because she knew I was shocked. I called Phillip...he was shocked too. 

This was WAY different than finding out with the first 2. I was anxious and desiring with my whole heart with Brodie and Paisley. This pregnancy was unexpected and not planned...not desired. I felt happy, then sad, and then scared all at once. Poor Paisley...she didn't have her time as the baby. Poor Brodie...two babies in the house. Poor me.....I wanted to lose Paisley's baby weight first and I wanted to get in shape and I wanted to have two babies! Then, I felt this wave of guilt hit me. How dare me??? This is so unfair to this baby. He/She deserves the same excitement as the other two. So, I had my 10 minute melt down and then I became excited.  I called Amanda first....she was shocked and happy. She is so much like me. Silence and laughter filled my ears. Then I called Dustin and told him. His words were my strength and I'll never forget them. He said automatically "You are building the best life for your children." I thought to myself "Yes, I am!" My brothers and sister are my best friends, the only people in this world that fully understand me, and my life shared with them has been the best. I'm giving my children siblings to do life with...what a gift. I told Brodie and he laughed. He said "No you dont mama." 

We met mama at Chili's. We had our usual greeting and she talked to the kids. Brodie said "Gamma, Gamma! Mama has another baby in her tummy!!" Mama looked at me and I handed her the pregnancy test. She sat it down and said "What? Are you serious?" She was shocked and then busted out laughing. It was such a funny moment. I think she could tell I was just as shocked. I called David and Megan and my daddy too and told them. Everyone was so excited to grow our family.

I didn't a chance to see Mrs. Tina because she worked late and Sunday we went to church and got home later and she wasn't home. So, I finally see her on Monday. She was cooking dinner and I said "I have to tell you something." She said, "I already know, your pregnant." I said "How do you know???" She said "I could tell when you were upset Friday night at Carey Hilliards." I thought that was so funny. Pa teared up, of course, and they were both happy about another grandbaby.  

I told a few close friends and family members. I went to my first appointment on October 9th. I was only 7 weeks and the baby looked healthy. Heartbeat was 157.

Amanda took photos of Brodie and Paisley for their birthdays so we did a few announcements. We announced baby #3 with this photo.

Isn't it perfect? I was in love. 

I am 13 weeks now and I couldn't be happier. A few months ago, Brodie told me that when he was in heaven there were 3 of them. I guess he was right. God has blessed me with the gift of children and I am so grateful. I love being a mother. 

This pregnancy has been so different. I am showing so fast, I haven't been nearly as sick as I was with the first two, and I'm exhausted. I am ready for some energy back. :)

Christmas time!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love creating traditions with my little family. Yesterday, was one of those days that I cherish. We went to church, ate lunch, and went to the mall. We rode the train, saw Santa, looked at the fish at Bass Pro, & did a little bit of shopping. Brodie loved Santa, but Paisley was not a fan.