Life's a beach!

Oh, summer, where have you gone? How is it possible that we have only been home less than a week and I'm already ready to go back living life seaside style! We had the best time and met three wonderful families. God truly blesses us everywhere we go! We were even able to see my Uncle Russ and Aunt Carol. They were in Mobile so they made a little drive over for a much needed visit. We had some rainy, cloudy days, but that ended up being such a blessing. Layla took after her daddy with having sensitive eyes. She could hardly open them when we stepped on the the white sand when the sun was shining. It made her pretty sad. So the cloudy days made our lives a bit easier! Layla loved going "nigh nigh" in the sand. Her favorite thing was being covered chin to toe in the sand. Gavin's favorite thing was looking for clams that buried themselves near the shore line. After a few days of that, he began to appreciate the waves as he used his boogie board to ramp the waves and he would let them take him into shore! And last but NOT least was crabbing. We all enjoyed that! Well, except when Layla would come up upon some suspicious looking seaweed in the sand. It frightened Miss Layla. She didn't like the "weeweed." Our adopted family would go with us, too. Austin was great with Gavin. Gavin really looked up to him and enjoyed playing with him.  I can't wait to go back next year. My heart always sinks on our way home. Our family time is much more precious now and the beautiful beach and ocean have my heart!

                                              (Layla's favorite beach past time!) 

                                                       (Gavin and his clams)

                                            (all the kiddos we met- such good kids!)

                                               (Austin, Gavin, and Callie, too)

                              (right after bath time! and just before they got back in the pool!)

                                              (After our nightly crabbing adventure)

                                                 (Uncle Russ and Aunt Carol!)



So, back to reality! Gavin starts kindergarten NEXT WEEK! It will be so bitter sweet. I look forward to hearing about what he has learned and hearing him talk about the Lord! I also look forward to packing his lunch and baking him his favorite treats! He tells me he is not at all excited about school because "there will be too much work." HA! However, when I pulled up to the store next to his school, I said "there is your school" he says with much enthusiasm "WHERE?!" I hope he enjoys it and his experience in kindergarten is nothing short of wonderful!

Update on Miss Layla. A princess indeed (as I type, she is sitting in her brother's lap who insisted she sit there so he could show her videos of herself. I said no when she asked and she cried. Look where that got her! Ha! It is so sweet). She is very vocal these days. Now 21 months old, she is talking in sentences. She isn't as articulate as her brother but she says A LOT of words. Almost everything we say. And I understand her just fine! She is neat and tidy and she loves being my big helper. She still loves her paci and her blanket VERY much. She has added baby dolls to that list of things she loves. She totes them around as she rocks them and shushes them to sleep. I love that it her motherly instincts to do so. I have not taught her any of that. Papa and Nana bought her a tin tea cup set. She knew what a tea party was without me having to show her. She went and got it when I asked if she wanted to have a tea party and she poured me some tea. I LOVE that we have a boy who is 100% boy and we have a girl who is 100% girl. And it's pretty fun dressing a girl if I may add! Some things Layla loves: her paci, blanket, babies, watching herself on video (she wants to watch "yay yay" alllllllll the time), she loves shredded cheese (she could polish off a bag if I let her), black olives, cups, spoons, and swinging. She used to have mixed feelings about swinging, but she is very much in love with the idea of swinging. She seems to think that her brother should be swinging right next to her. She even cried once when I told her bubby didn't want to swing.

Skate anyway.

I logged on to edit a previous post. But thanks to my natural blond roots and a bad night's sleep...I deleted it instead.  Seriously?!

A little recap: Summer time is officially here! I didn't think I would say this...but...I am so happy Jeff's job puts him in a hotel. It's been such a blessing! Having access to a pool all the time has been so much fun! Especially since it gets too hot to do anything else. Gavin has been getting full use out of it! He is our little fish. He always has been. With the help from mom, we would blow in his face as a baby and dunk him. By the age of two, he thought himself how to swim under water. Now, he is doing cannon balls, treading water, and doing flips off the side of the 9 FOOT! He has no fear....imagine that!

I didn't think Layla would share the same love for aquatics. Last year, she didn't take to us blowing in her face as well as her older brother and besides, she has never liked water on her face. But this year, she is proving to us she will be a water baby as well. She will go under and not take in any water. Yay for Layla! Her favorite thing is to walk off the steps and "drop" off the side! She likes to hang on to the side and pull herself over to the steps. And she also likes when we toss her in the air! She absolutely HATES being in a float or wearing floaties. Restraining things are not for her...(she hated the car seat forever for this reason).

The other day we took Gavin to a skating party. He didn't enjoy it so much. It was only his second time to skate. After falling down, he walked off the rink and bowed his head as he told me "I never want to skate again." My heart broke for him for two reasons. 1. He was embarrassed. I remember that feeling. It's so awkward. 2. He already cared what others thought. Later that night, as my head hit the pillow, I was thinking about what I had to explain to Gavin. It doesn't matter what people think. He would only look silly if he didn't get back up and try again. I had to tell him we weren't around to to see the good skaters fall down when they first learned how to skate. It reminded me of a valuable life lesson. It really DOESN'T matter what people think. And I needed to remind myself of that. In this age of Facebook and Twitter, I find myself comparing my life with everyone. And wondering if I am good at enough things or if I made enough of myself. So reminding Gavin of that, was a refreshing reminder that if we worry about what others think, we could miss out on some incredible things in our daily lives! I'm so thankful we were blessed with two beautiful, healthy kids. I thank God for his grace and giving us these children. Because in raising them, I am becoming a better me!

(Skating rink pictures are poor becasue of bad lighting and I used my iphone)

We may fall. We may look stupid. But that's alright! It's OK to fall...the biggest failure would be to fall and NOT get back up!

Train up a child in the way He should go

Today has been sobering to me. As Layla and I made a run into Target, I hung up the phone with my mom. She called me to tell on Gavin. She told me that she called for Gavin to come downstairs (because it time for them to leave) and she wondered what was taking him so long. When he came down, he told her "I cleaned my room, my mom's room, and Layla's room. I know that will make my mom happy." He wanted to surprise me. With tears in my eyes and tears in hers, we were overwhelmed with his thoughtfulness. He has matured. In just two months, our first born will be six. I don't know if I'm ready for it, but that doesn't really matter. It will be here in the blink of an eye. I can't get over the change in maturity. I use to have a little boy who wouldn't sit still long enough to eat and who was asking me for "shockit milk" and now he is approaching kindergarten and his 6th birthday party. I am very proud of him not only as our son, but as a big brother, and for being the faithful child of God that he is. Last night, we said our prayers and I thought to myself "no wonder he was asked to say the closing prayer at his four year old graduation." His prayers are full of faith, sincerity, and innocence. It is no wonder God's word says "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:4). As a parent who is trying to raise God fearing children, this is my biggest proud parent brag.

Something else Jeff and I have noticed is how Gavin has matured into not just being Layla's big brother, but he has become her caretaker. Gavin babies her, consoles her when she is hurt, defends her, and he is even getting her dressed and offering to watch her for me while I clean. Of course, Layla loves it because she is convinced she is his shadow. Wherever he goes, she is sure to follow. I love it. It makes my heart feel as though it is bursting with joy. And let me tell you something- don't think for one second you can scold Layla with Gavin around. He will give you the evil eye and comfort her. Even if she has done wrong (which honestly rarely happens), he only wants her to get a mild "no, no." (That is unless it is coming from him. And if HE hurts her feelings, he is down on her level trying to take back what he just said). His love for her and wanting to please her is so endearing. And she feels the same way about her brother. She wants him near all the time. Kindergarten will be a big adjustment for her too because her other half won't be here with us during the day.

                                        (This wasn't a pose. It was just a sweet moment)

And I can't forget to mention that Gavin is now a yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do. Watch out world, a ninja is in training!

So, ready or not, August will be here before we know it. Khakis, polo's, lunches, and homework. All of this will come too soon. As for now, I will cherish every minute I have with my five year old, bug hunting, faithful, pool loving, little boy. Because he is only young for a little while.....

Train up a a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Our Week at a Glance: Tooth loose and Fancy Free

Whew! What a week! We have had an activity,appointment, play date, or time with friends planned since LAST Sunday. From Sunday to Sunday, we were on the go. The week was jammed packed and through the hustle and bustle of coming and going, my heart was full of joy. And this week is not too different.  I have such great family and friends. I love that I live a life with extended family who want to make our life a part of theirs. Something I felt we lacked living in Morgantown (and the reason I felt so alone living up there. But let me clarify that there are MANY from Morgantown who hold a specail place in my heart and I love dearly and you all know who you are). =)

Yesterday, Monday was just that. A Monday. I make it a point not to clean and do laundry on the weekends (especially when Jeff is off for the weekend), so yesterday I spent most of my day cleaning, cooking, and catching up on four BIG loads of laundry. And then I was pleasantly surprised when one of my BEST friends came by to just hang out. Sarah, your the best! And thank GOODNESS she was here. As we sat catching up on life, I decided we should sit outside on the porch with Gavin. He loves the attention and Layla was napping so we could give him just that and watch all his stunts and power swinging. Well, we step outside and Gavin was outside playing with Boxer (later named Jack), which is his new pet turtle (Mamere found him trying to cross the road, so we rescued him from getting any more damage to his shell). Gavin being the trickster he is tells me his finger is stuck on the back of the turtle. I laugh and say, "yeah, right!" I pause and say "Are you serious?" and his reply "yes." I still wasn't convinced so I go to pick up the turtle....not a good idea. His finger was attached! On the back end! He began to cry and I panicked and thought I should call 911. Then it dawned me that it was the back end of the turtle. Because when you panic, you forget what you know! He was sitting so quietly as if nothing was wrong until I entered the scene. After a little debate of picking it up  or killing it (every time I moved the turtle, he would clamp harder on Gavin's finger), I pick up the turtle, pry his back end shell open and Sarah pulls Gavin's hand and frees his finger. Poor thing, he was so scared. I was thankful for Sarah's calm and peace during a crazy mom moment! So lesson learned. The back end of a turtle is just as bad as the front!

Later that day, we were on our way to the sand box when I sat Layla down only for her to scream while grabbing her shirt. I snatched her up and look and I saw nothing. Again, I panic. I thought...what if it's a black widow! I show Terry and we discovered about five or six stings. =( Poor thing! I didn't see anything flying coming or going, but she had a flowy top on so obviously it was quicker than my eye. She didn't cry long, THANK GOODNESS, so I doctor her up with some backing soda paste. That wasn't eventful enough so Gavin informs me he has pulled his tooth using a string. His tooth has been loose for about a week. He said he was trying to break the dental floss and yanked his tooth out! HA! That has Gavin written all over it! This is his second tooth gone. Just about a month apart! (Due to inflation the tooth fairy raised his reward a dollar!) Layla is getting teeth and Gavin is losing his. I know this sounds so clique, but "where does the time go?"

So, as I reflect back on our busy week, today's agenda has nothing on it! I'm still organizing and doing laundry, but I'm enjoying our day. The kids are playing (well and in good moods) ,the weather is nice, and dinner is cooked, that is worth slowing life down to enjoy!

  

(our little song bird, playing in the bird seed this morning)

As I have said before, life is short...live happy! And that is JUST what I plan on doing today!

Oil Field Blues

What a beautiful day! A perfect Saturday. It's not too hot and my kids are in good humor, yet I can't shake this feeling of blah. I sit and think about all the families who are enjoying the weekend together and here I sit, alone, wishing my husband was home so we could enjoy the day together. I guess I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself and I should shake it off. But the truth is, it's more than just not wanting to be home alone. It's me really wanting to be home alone. A feeling we haven't had in months. I thank God every night that we have a roof over our head and plenty of room. And I am very grateful my mom and step dad have opened their home up to us (and they are easy going roommates), but I am longing to have a place of our own. Where our schedule doesn't interfere with anyone else's. I miss cleaning my own counter tops (yes, I actually miss cleaning my own kitchen). And I miss having a "space" for everything. Satan likes to put thoughts in my head that we may never sell our home, but I know he is just up to his old tricks trying to drag down my faith. And what does that mean? Well, call me crazy but I'm pretty lucky he is trying to do that. That means I'm living my life full of faith and he can't stand the thought of it! God's word is full of promises and 2 Cor. 1:20 says "for all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen."  So, I have faith in knowing what I ask for he has given to me. After all, his Word says "surely I have built thee a house to dwell in forever." Yes, this means our eternal home, but this is also so literal to me. God gave me that scripture (which is a whole new blog of it's own), so I know He has sent someone to buy our home. I just have to wait for them to come forth.

When I opened the computer to write this blog, I thought to myself "some days are diamonds and some days are stone" and I was just have a "stone" kind of day. But as I wrote about how faithful God is, I realized that my day is not going to be a stone kind of day. How could it be? This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! Though every day is not going to be rainbows and butterflies (especially with me longing to be some where I am not) I have the choice to make the best of each day. Does this mean it doesn't matter that Jeff isn't here with us? NO! I still wish my husband is at home with us and I still long for our own home, but God has blessed us abundantly. He has given Jeff great job and we are living comfortably. 

Normally when these days arise, I call a good friend, my MeMa, or find something fun to do. Today, I opened the computer and wrote. I think it's safe to say I will get much more out of this blog than I first realized!

Layla: 17 Months

Layla's likes:

Her purple blanket. OK, so maybe this is more of a love! She calls it her "baybay." She kisses it, hugs it, and totes it everywhere. I have vowed to make it a home comfort only. I don't want to get in the habit of taking it everywhere we go.

Her paci (although it's not used as much as it was)

Being chased! Talk about getting a girl to giggle!

The sandbox

Chocolate milk (oops...I think I have started a bad habit)

Gum. Unless you intend to share, keep it in your purse, ladies!

Snacks. She is becoming a junk food junkie! I buy the "healthier" snacks to keep her from getting off our all natural diet too much. Her favorites include: goldfish, graham crackers, Nutella, and Natural Cheetos

Food. Chili, Gumbo, Red beans and rice, spaghetti, soft tacos, and mac and cheese are her favorites.

Jeep Rides with bubbie. She gives a sweet pageant wave every time he makes a loop.


Layla's Dislikes:

Being dirty. This is why I was surprised she loved the sandbox so much.

Water on her face in the bath. It's always been a dislike of hers. I still dump it occasionally so she won't be so shocked when we take her swimming.

Condiments. Unlike her brother, she is not a condiment kind of person.

A swing. Layla swinging is more of a work out. Put her in it, swing her twice, she wants down, then repeat!


Layla's Language:

She calls us all by name of course, but here are some of the fun things she says:
Oh yeah!
Let's goi! (Let's go)
K!
Hooooooot
Hey MayMay (Maddie May)
Hey TayTay (KK) with an added crunch sound at the end! We have no clue where that came from or what it's all about!
Cries, laughs, and coughs on demand (my favorite)
Closes her eyes tight and leans her head on the shoulder when you say "Go night night"
Kisses with a sweet little "mmmmmm"

Although she isn't following in the footsteps of her brother, who could talk in complete sentences by her age, take no doubt that she understands everything we say! And listens well!


Mommy's Moments:

She let me paint her toenails.  I was shocked she sat there so still- as if she have done it 10 times.
It was a sweet mother daughter moment for us as it gave me insight on what it will be like to have spa dates with my little angel!

Watching brother and sister play. Nothing brings me more joy. I love watching her mimic her brother as much as I love listening to her brother encourage her and call her "sweetie" and "baby".

My sweet Layla,

 A lot has happened in 17 months! Almost a year and a half ago, we were in Bowling Green, KY awaiting the arrival of our sweet little lady. You came into this world quiet, content, and absolutely perfect. A little less than a year later, we were making our way back to Louisiana. You are truly a sweet southern belle. Now, 17 months old, you are still quiet, content and absolutely perfect. You have your daddy wrapped around her finger (I think it's safe to say that for all the men in our family! As for now, your the only little granddaughter on my side of the family). I thank God for you. You have completed our family.

-Mom

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

I love spring in the south. I especially love the days when there is no humidity, beautiful weather, and I can sit outside and watch Gavin's little red head bouncing around in the yard. He is always on a mission. There is always a bug, lizard, or frog that is desperate for Gavin to rescue. Outside are six "bug habitats." Not to mention the bug playground, bug net, and bug vacuum. Of course, one habitat is reserved for semi dead flies only. Everything must have it's place. Even in the world of bug catching!

 Our days normally start off with a fight to get Gavin to eat the smallest of breakfast and then before I can get him to brush his teeth or put his clothes on for the day, he is out to see what nature has in store for him. His love for bugs and animals far exceeds a typical five year old boy.

(This week's fun catch is a baby lizard)

Gavin is a boy that LIVES for grubs, caterpillars, frogs, lizards, and any other creepy crawler. And I live to watch him do what he loves doing.

-Erin

I jumped on the Blog Wagon

  So here goes nothing! I decided to create a blog! So entry #1 begins. I'm not out to see how many "followers" I can gain nor am I an expert writer (so I apologize in advance if my writing skills do not blow your mind). I like to journal and write down memories- the funny and not so funny things my children do; and above all, I like to write about my faith in the one who gave me eternal life. Through Him (God of course), my life is blessed.
  This blog is dedicated to Gavin and Layla. May one day, you read this blog and know that every stroke of my finger was written with great love and joy for you two. My prayer for my children:  that you become a great man and woman of God. That you teach your children the fear of the Lord. To love the life you are given. To live it with faith, live it happy, and enjoy every moment that Lord has given you. I love you two. You are my world. XOXO.