Advent

When I was growing up we went to a church that celebrated Advent!!  I loved the beautiful displays and the anticipation that it brought to the Christmas holiday!!  I feel like with how commercialized Christmas has become, Advent helps to turn the attention back to where it belongs, on Jesus!

 There are all kinds of advent calendars that you can purchase with little candies or toys in them but I saw this super cute idea on a friends blog last year and knew it was the way I wanted to do our version of the advent calendar!  I have bought and wrapped 25 Christmas books, most about the nativity story but a few just generic ones.  Each night up through Christmas day the kids (mostly Maddox right now) get to pick a book that we will read before bed.  I think it will be a super fun tradition for our family and I can't wait to start tomorrow night!!!

Day 24: My Life

I can't believe I didn't miss a single post and then forgot to do the last one. Oh well, I was spending time with family and friends yesterday and I hope you all were too!!

Anyways, on the last day of this little blog series I am thankful for this beautiful life God has blessed me with!! I have done nothing to deserves all the things he has done for me but regardless he continues to bless me daily! These past 23 days I have listed things I'm thankful for...some big and some small. All of them make my life the wonderful adventure it is! I am so thankful for all the people around me to live this crazy thing we call life with!!

Thank you Lord for your countless blessings and unconditional love! You are my reason for living! Help me to be a thankful person everyday and not just during the Thanksgiving season! Amen.

Day 23: Pedicures

Getting a good pedicure is one of my favorite things!! It is so relaxing!! I love having my toes look pretty, even in the winter!! I typically stick with pink shades but every once and a while I will branch out and get something different! I like going with friends but I also like going by myself!!

Day 22: Music

I like all kinds of music!! Country is my favorite!! I love how a particular song can take a bad day and cheer you up a little! I love how a song at church can touch you deep in your soul! I love that Maddox likes to sing now! I am so thankful for music and love how it touches so many people!!

Tree Skirt = Happy

Today, a few friends came over to help me sew a custom Texas Longhorn tree skirt to match our Longhorn Christmas tree!! It turned out so very very cute!! I absolutely love it!! The girls were such a huge help and I probably would not have gotten it finished if it wasn't for Kira who is basically a pro compared to me!! So thanks girl's for your help!! I had a blast being creative with y'all!!

Day 21: Caffine

Today, I am thankful for caffeine!!  I also have a bit of an addiction to caffeine, much like chapstick, but a little more serious and slightly more annoying!!  If I don't have some sort of caffeine in the mornings then I will, with out fail, get a terrible headache that will last the rest of the day and is only remedied by having caffeine!!  I really want to break this addiction but now is not the time, while have 2 small kiddos that need most if not all of my undivided attention every day!!  So until the time that I can handle a horrible headache for several days I am very thankful for caffeine, whether it be in the form of Dr. Pepper, coffee, iced tea, or some other form of caffeinated beverage!!

Day 20: Chapstick

So this is kinda a silly one but I seriously have a slight addiction to Chapstick! I have had this addiction for quite some time now. It's not just any Chapstick either...it has to be the kind that brings on the tingling effect! Like the peppermint kind or the medicate kinds! I love Chapstick and if I don't have it with meat all times I tend to panic a little and can't stand the burning that comes with having chapped lips! I have especially come to appreciate Chapstick living in Colorado with the air being so dry!! I have several tubes at all times...all over the house, in the diaper bag, in my car, just about everywhere I spend any considerable amount of time! So today I am thankful for Chapstick! :)

Addison

Today Miss Addison gave us a little scare.  She was totally fine this morning then took about an hour and a half nap at about 8:45 then ate like normal when she got up.  She was fine for about an hour after that and then all of the sudden at about 11:00 am something weird happened.  She started getting fussy and then went really pale in the face and got super lethargic.  I was holding her and she was laying her head on my shoulder and would hardly lift it up.  She kept nodding off and just wasn't acting normal at all.  It totally freaked me out.  I decided I should call her pediatrician because this was just totally out of the ordinary for her and it came on so quickly.  I spoke with a nurse and she said they wouldn't be able to see her until 1:00 pm which was 2 hours away but that I could take her to the hospital because they have an after hours children's clinic.  I asked what the nurse recommended and she said I should probably go ahead and take her in just to be safe.  So I immediately called Collin and  got us all dressed and headed for Littleton Hospital.  When I put her in the car she immediately fell asleep so the entire way there I was so worried about if she was ok.  When we got there I got her out and she seemed to perk up a little bit which was such a relief!!  It always seems to work like that when you get to the dr. they seem totally better but I will definitely take that over something being seriously wrong.  Anyways, we had to wait about 15 minutes for the children's clinic to open but then we were seen by a nurse and then a pediatrician.  She checked out totally fine which I am so thankful for.  The dr. said it could be that she is coming down with a virus or just got to feeling bad for some reason but she seemed perfect healthy when she checked her out.  I have no idea what was wrong with her but it was a little scary how she was acting.  I am just really thankful that she is ok!!  She has been totally fine the rest of the day.  We did get to find out that she now weighs 16 lbs 4 oz.  She is getting so big!!

On a happier note...She loves looking at herself in the mirror above her changing table and tonight before bed I took this little video of her.  She is just too cute and I just love her to pieces!!

Day 19: Naps

Boy am I thankful for nap time these days!! Having 2 kiddos is definitely hard at times but being able to count on nap time every day definitely helps me out!! Maddox is a pretty good napper these days so I can usually get at least an hour and a half nap out of him and most days it's longer than that!! Sis hasn't gotten consistent in her napping schedule yet so I can't always count on her napping at the same time as him but it at least helps to just have to take care of one kid instead of 2 for a little bit each day! Hopefully, when she gets a little older they will get on the same schedule and I can get a real break every day :) until then I will take what I can get and am thankful for the little break nap time brings!! Plus I quite enjoy a nice nap myself every once and a while!! :)

Potty Training Chronicles: Day 2

We officially started potty training Maddox yesterday so I thought I would document it. I really had no idea what approach to take but have ended up going with the book "Diaper Free Before Three.". It is really intended as a program that starts potty training pretty early but also gives suggestions for starting later as well. Basically, when starting later it says to just decide to start and completely get rid of diapers and go straight to underwear.
So, yesterday after nap I decided to just go for it. With it being Thanksgiving he doesn't have school next week, I don't have Ladies Bible Class and Collin will be off a few more days than normal. So I figured as good a time as any right?!? So as I said after nap yesterday I went ahead and put him in big boy unders!! He thought it was so cool and he did awesome!! He had them on from about 4 pm to 8:30 pm and didn't have a single accident!! That time even included a trip over to one of our friends houses for dinner and to hang out!! I put him in a pull up to sleep...because I'm not quite ready to tackle the night time yet!!
This morning we went straight to the potty when he got up and he has had underwear on all day. He has had 3 accidents but all of them were just pee!! We ventured out for lunch and he did great! He went potty at the restaurant and did awesome staying dry!! I'm not quite sure how long this whole thing will take but hopefully by the time we go to Texas in late December we will be doing pretty well!! I will of course keep you updated on our progress! :)
Pray that things go smoothly for Maddox and that he catches on quickly and for lots and lots of patience for me!! :)

Day 18: Prayer

Where would we be without prayer...Our direct line to God?? What a blessing it is to be able to share our thoughts, desires, needs, wants and thanksgivings with our Lord!! Even though sometimes it may feel like we are just talking to ourselves, part of faith is believing He hears us when we call out to Him! I am so thankful for this outlet and gift we have been given that allows us to communicate directly with God!!

Day 17: Thursday School

I am so thankful for Maddox's Thursday School at University!!  It is such a precious little program!!  He loves his teacher and being able to see his friends!  It is a nice little break for me each week and also a time that I can spend some one on one time with Miss Addison!!  I am so thankful for this ministry and this precious little school!!

Day 16: lunch Dates

When we moved here and Collin started started working we decided that one day a week would be our lunch date day!! A day that he had on the calendar and knew not to schedule any other lunches because it was our day!! I love our lunch dates!! I look forward to them each week. It started out just the 2 of us but now the kids get to go too :). I am so thankful for this time every week that Collin sets aside for us!!

My Daddy

We have figured out that we can get maddox pretty riled up if we banter back and forth with him. I got him going today and got a video of it.  It's pretty funny how worked up he gets and how he gets distracted right in the middle of it.  Enjoy :D. (And please excuse the fact that he has no shirt on...he insisted on taking it off!)

Day 15: Ladies Bible Class

Every Tuesday except during summer and Christmas time we have a ladies Bible class at our church!! I am so thankful for this time that I am able to spend with other Christian women studying God's word! We have done some amazing studies since I have started going! I also appreciate the free child care!! It gives mommy a little break!! I have been so blessed by ladies class and am so thankful for it each week!!

Day 14: Contacts/Glasses

People, I have TERRIBLE eye sight!! Like really horrible!! This fact makes me EXTREMELY thankful for contact lenses and glasses!! I got my first pair of glasses in the 4th grade and then got contacts in 6th!! I have to wear them in order to do anything!! The gift of sight is such an amazing thing and I am so thankful that I am able to have it because of contacts and glasses!! Hopefully, some day I will be able to get LASIK and not have to rely on them but until that time I have to rely on them and am thankful that I have them!!

Day 13: iPhone

I love Apple products!! They are my fav electronics! I am especially fond of my iPhone!! It is a huge help in keeping my kids entertained when we are out! It has my calendar on there so I don't forget any appointments. I love being able to check Facebook on it. And it is so nice to be able to rely on it to get in touch with people!! I am thankful that I am able to have my iPhone!!

Day 12: Sunshine

I LOVE the sunshine! It makes my heart happy!! Rainy, cloudy days make me feel gloomy and sleepy!! I love laying out by the pool or on a beach on a clear sunny day and having a nice golden tan from it! I love seeing the mountains on a clear sunny day! The sunrise and sunset are 2 of the most beautiful things!! I am so thankful for the sunshine and the light it brings to this world!!

Day 11: Grace

Boy am I ever thankful for grace!!  We would all be lost without it!! The grace of God is the greatest gift humankind has ever received!!  We gave our daughter the middle name Grace because we believe in the power of grace and feel it should be one of the first reactions we all have in the face of wrongs.  We are all in need of grace in our lives both from the people around us and especially from God.  Today and always I am thankful I serve a graceful God!!

Day 10: My Car

Today I am thankful for my car. I can always rely on it to get me where I need to go. I feel safe in it. We all fit comfortably in it even when we are packed full to go to Texas! The AC and heater work wonderfully and the seat heaters are wonderful for the Colorado winters! I am so thankful I am able to have a car in a world where it is a luxury!

Whole Name

Yesterday, I was trying to teach Maddox his whole name and this is what we came up with.  I thought it was a pretty funny video!!  It sounds like I was ignoring Addison from her crying in the background but she was sitting in my lap which explains the horrible camera work ;D.  Enjoy!!

Day 9: Our House

I am so thankful to have our house to live in!!  On a day like today when it is very chilly outside I feel so blessed that we have a heater to keep us warm!! I know this probably won't be the house we live in forever but it will always hold a special place in my heart!  It was the first house for Collin and I to purchase.  It is the house that both of our children were brought home from the hospital to.  We have made may fun memories in this house!!  I am so thankful that we have been blessed with this space that we can call our home!!

Day 8: Connection Group

In a big church small groups are essential for achieving authentic community! I am so thankful for our small group! It has become a place of openness and sharing and friendship!! I am so thankful that in our group Collin and I can just be Collin and Holly and not have to be the preacher and preacher's wife, even if it is just a couple of hours once a week! It us a nice and welcomed break!! I am thankful God called all 5 of our families together!!

Day 7: Church

I am so thankful for our church family here at Littleton CoC.  With this being our first church to work at we didn't really know how life would be.  But the people here took us in and have loved us like family!!  We have adopted grandparents and aunts and uncles for our kiddos since our family is far away, which we are so thankful for!!  We have no idea how long the Lord has ordained for us here but regardless we we will look back fondly and favorable on this time here in Colorado and on the people we have grown to love!!

Day 6: Friends

I have the best friends!!  I have friends that I can count on for anything!!  Friends that love on my kiddos. Friends that invite my family to their holiday dinners since our family lives so far away!  Friends that are really more like family than friends!!  Some of my friends live close by and some live far away but either way they are all still friends!!  I love my friends and am so thankful that I have each and every one of them in my life!!  I know God handpicked certain people to be my best friends and I thank Him for that!!  My life would not be the same without my friends!!

Day 5: Family

My Siblings, Heather, Scott, and Morgan

My parents, Kiki and Bear

Collin's Family, Clark, Lara, Dede, and Pop Pop

My grandparents, Papa and Nana

Collin's grandma, Ganna

I LOVE my family!!  I am so thankful to have all of them in my life.  I have great parents, fabulous in-laws, 2 super fun (and pretty :D) sisters, 1 goof ball brother, an awesome brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and amazing grandparents!  I know my family has made sacrifices on my behalf and I am grateful for that!!  I wish we could see them more often than we do but I am thankful for the times that we do get to have together!!  Like all families, we have our issues but if I had the chance I wouldn't trade any of them for the world!!

Day 4: Addison

 Boy am I thankful for my precious second born, Addison!!  She is such a sweet baby and a true joy to be around.  She rarely cries and has the cutest smile and laugh!  Having a little girl is so much fun, I just love getting to dress her up in adorable outfits and bows.  I can't wait to see the ways she will be different from her brother.  Having 2 kiddos has definitely had its difficulties but I would not change it for the world.  I can't wait to see the companionship they will have as brother and sister.  I praise the Lord for putting sweet Addison Grace in our family!! She is a true blessing and I can't imagine life without her!!

Day 3: Maddox

I am so very very thankful for my sweet firstborn, Maddox!!  For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mommy and he made me one!!  He has the sweetest little smile and just cracks us up these days with the things he says and does.  He definitely has his moments, quite frequently these days actually, but I still love him with all my heart!!  I love watching him grow and learn new things.  I am so thankful that God chose me to be Maddox's mommy!!

Day 2: Collin

I am so thankful for my husband, Collin!! He is my high school sweetheart, my best friend and the love of my life! I love his passion for God and preaching His word! He is a great leader and minister! He is a wonderful daddy to Maddox and Addison. I am so blessed to have him in my life!!

**the picture is of us in front of the ferris wheel at the State Fair of Texas, which is where we got engaged 8 years ago!!

24 Days of Thanksgiving

With today being the 1st day of November, I have decided to start a new blog series. Each day until Thanksgiving, I am going to post about something I am thankful for. Feel free to join me in this series and post what you are thankful for too! If you do so please put a link to your blog in my comments so I can be sure to read it!!

So, here goes.

Day 1:

I am thankful for my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He is the reason I am who I am and the reason I have things to be thankful for!! He brings life and joy and strength! He is the giver of grace and peace and without him we would all be lost! So, on day one and everyday I am thankful for Jesus.