Finally.. not much, but I hope to add more soon! Sorry, it has been extremely busy around these parts and all these kids do is fight so it isn't a lot of fun to take pictures of.

Around the house pics...

Destin Trip
In a hurry posting here so no words.. just beautiful pics!!

All little ones want a pony to play with!!! Westyn loved these little ponies!! They were so great with him and he wasn't too mean to them. No, they aren't ours and we aren't keeping them. We have our hands full as it is!

A Need to Vent Post

This week has been a whirlwind for me as I left a job that I know how to do and love doing to make a better schedule for family and myself. This weekend I have been super stressed and overwhelmed and have been trying to cope with what is going on. I never intended to leave my job for another, the opportunity just arose and after much debate I knew what I had to do. This post is more for me than anything else. I have struggled with being a good parent and having the energy I need to do a better job.

Did you know:

•For every additional hour worked over 40, the odds that a parent will express concern about the effect of long hours on his or her family and personal lives increases by 7 percent. Found  here
 
I came across this after I had resigned and it is crazy thatwas me when I was challenged with long hours. Like, and yet unlike, so many others my day starts usually before 6 a.m. Not only do I get myself fed and dressed and ready in less than 2 hours but I get two kids dressed and delivered to daycare w/ diapers/nap mats/breakfast/etc.. Shaun is here to help but let me say that even w/ two of us it is a mere miracle that we get it all together. The dogs need to be fed, the trash to be taken to the curb, occasional flat tires and a few unnecessary tantrums. It is chaos. Then I work 8-9 hours and go back to get the kids, get them home, and work on the rest of the evening. By 9 p.m. my day is finally over and I can relax. Just knowing that any of this schedule could be pushed back by an hour or more made me a wreck! Shaun has to work 50 hours at least a week so I can't even get into his schedule.

It doesn't help that I am probably one of the best worryiers (I know I didn't spell that right) in the world. I want to be the best at everything.. my job, parenting, being a wife, etc.. that is impossible. And no one is criticizing my job but me. SO, to make a long story short, I am taking on a new, hopefully less stressful, position. It will challenge me but will have set hours with not many if any variations. And I know that is the right thing. At this point in life avoiding any new stresses is so important. I want the world for my boys and I can't do my part when I am a nervous wreck. They are going thru so many changes and I have to keep life as normal as we can make it.

These two guys keep me busy and I am a 24 hour lifeguard to them. I would be absolutely lost without them. They make my muscles weak and my head hurt, but they are what I wake up for every morning. Someday they will not need me so much and I will have the opportunity to put more into something else. I never thought parenting would take so much out of me, but in a good way. I always knew God wanted me to make a difference in peoples lives, but I always thought that would be strangers. Now I know he means these little guys too. They might not always do what I ask but somehow I think they will remember what I have said. I will be making personal sacrifices for the rest of my life and I have to be okay with that, as does any parent. Changing jobs has been one of those sacrifices, and I am 100% at peace with it and hope  I will make my next employer happy. Thanks for reading my vent... it does help. While I am writing this I have been met every two or three minutes by a little hand needing something. It has taken me way longer than it should have, but that doesn't matter. Tomorrow is a new day, gotta get ready!

Little bit of August fun...

It's Hot.. and we are miserable, but we are happy too!

Interesting picture isn't it??

It is surprising to see them wrestling, they hardly ever do this! (much sarcasm)

This next picture is of the newest toy Shaun has purchased and I actually love it too! Dyson hand vac.. the bomb.. we just usually follow Westyn around with it

He is all into this toy at the moment, and I am not dare interrupting him!

The Big News.......

I think it is safe to finally let the word out that Shaun and I will.....

not be having any more of babies.... why you ask? Well, take a hard look at this cute and adorable red head..

I hate to say it but I am afriad this little rascal has ruined his chances of being a big brother! Partly kidding here, we may give it a few years and re-think it; but we are too busy right now w/ our little man!

We finally got our two year check up in. You weigh 32 pounds buddy and seemed to be in the 95th percentile in about every category. I think you may be taller than Jack was at 2.

Caliou, Dino Dan, and Dinosaur Train are your favorite shows and you and your brother aggervate each other just like me and Michelle. You really aren't into toys but will occasionally play w/ cars and it is sweet to watch you lay on your side and scoot the cars along. (I will get a picture of this soon I hope) You mostly get into my stuff or anything you aren't supposed too.

Gross... you do this a lot! I tell myself it is normal, and I really do think it is... I just don't remember your brother doing it. You love playing in dirt, any and all kinds of dirt. AND, you are a crazy man in the water. I truly believe you are the reason why God got me into lifeguarding when I was young.

Even though you keep us on our toes, your hugs are the best I have ever had. And your sweet little voice melts my heart everytime I hear it. So happy to have you in our family and can't believe you are becoming such a big boy already.

Our new neighbors,

  I came across these guys last week and although they are making a giant mess, they are cute. I think in just one short week they are about ready to leave the nest!

Westyn Turned 2

I can't believe my little boys is 2 years old. And boy, is he ever!! This little red head is a spit ball and keeps us on our toes, everyone, even Jackson. Jackson had more fun w/ Westyn's birthday than the birthday boy. I don't think he gave two cents about the whole thing. He did learn some new words, such as birthday cake and cookies.

Birthday Boy Breakfast.. cinnamon rolls...everyone's favorite!

He wanted the candle, and when I say he wanted it.. I mean he wanted to eat it..it was a meltdown in the making

I slaved over cinnamon rolls and all he wanted was the stinkin candle!

Love this boy!!