MIA..... I just realized its been November since my last post. That's mainly because life has been INSANE since the last post. In addition to the usual business of the holidays and my birthday, Greg and I were tossing around some pretty major life decisions. Greg had a potential job prospect in Indianapolis that would have been a great opportunity. About that same time he started really thinking hard about going to work for his mom and step-dad to begin the process of becoming a McDonald's operator. God's timing has once again proven to be amazing and incredible. Nothing this past year has worked out like we thought it would/should. Last spring Greg's position with T-Mobile was eliminated, we thought we were moving to Pittsburgh (only for it not to work out) and then were excited to stay in Indy because another job with T-Mobile opened up after all. A few months into that job, Greg was contacted about a prospective job in Indy that was a great opportunity. It fell through no fault of Greg, and all of a sudden the path to McDonald's seemed to open right up. Right after Christmas Greg and I went to Alabama for a family trip for the holidays and Greg decided he really wanted to move there, work for his parents and start this journey. It was (and is) in many ways a huge leap of faith for us, but so far things seem to be working out quite well. We listed our house for sell and the first person who looked at it, made an offer and we accepted it last Friday. Greg left for Alabama on January 16th. I am in Indy with the kids until we move. Its a tough transition for all of us but we are taking it in stride, trusting that it will all work out and keeping our long terms goals in the front of our minds. Greg and I have talked a lot recently about crazy this past year has been for us. I was unhappy with my job and left to stay home (Which I LOVE) and Greg lost a job, got a job, left a job and started a new job a few weeks ago. Despite any bumpiness that led up to this point we are excited for our future and can't wait to be together as a family again in our new community. And to think its only still January.... :) here is a pic of the boys from Christmas when they went to see Santa :)

The Meaning of Christmas

This year we are really making an effort to keep Christmas low key for our boys. We are always so appreciative for all of our family and the generous gifts the kids receive during the holidays. Greg and I just feel like because the boys are so blessed, we need to help them learn gratitude and what the real meaning of Christmas really is... I have struggled with trying to explain to Casey what Christmas is. He knows its Jesus' birthday but outside of that he really is not at an age where I can give too much detail and he not look at me like I've lost my mind. I was so thankful that the other day the Christian radio station in Indy was dedicating airtime to ask people to sponsor a child on a monthly basis. As soon as I heard this, I knew this would be a great way for our family to help out someone else and teach my kids about things like poverty, compassion and giving. Casey has participated in all aspects of this so far and its been such a joy to see him understand, ask questions and be involved. Casey wanted to sponsor a boy and we let him choose the country. He ended up choosing an 8 year old boy from South Africa who lives in a community greatly impacted by HIV/AIDS. Tonight we sat together and sent our first letter to the boy and his family. At bedtime tonight, during prayers, Casey prayed for his "new friend" and that he would have enough food to "not feel sick." There is really no picture to go with this post... so here is one of Casey from earlier today when he was saying his prayers at lunch. Anyone who sees him regularly knows that he does not miss a prayer. Regardless of location or the amount of food he is eating!

Back to Blogging!!!!

I haven't blogged in over a year...mainly since the addition of Connor to our family. I returned to work and life became INSANELY crazy. Six months ago I quit my job and have become a full-time stay at home mom. I want to record and remember some of the daily things that go on in our lives and figured this is the best way to do it right now! Stay Tuned.

Brothers?

Both of my sweet, sweet boys are napping right now.... So I started looking through pictures of Casey when he was a few weeks old....

As soon as Connor was born, Greg and I agreed he and Casey look a lot alike... But looking through these pictures right now absolutely stunned me. I can't believe how much they resemble each other!

I am such a blessed mommy. The first one is Connor and the second is Casey.

Take a look:

Changes....

So many changes have occurred in our household the past few weeks. Of course the addition of Baby Connor has totally changed the dynamics of our entire family. In addition to having a tiny baby in the house now, everything else has changed. We now have 2 adults and 2 kids. Either Greg or I is always doing something with one of the kids.

Those are all changes I totally expected and have been embracing. However, there have been a lot of other surprises to me as well....

My heart has opened up in a way I didn't know was possible the past few weeks. I am more relaxed this time around than I was with Casey... I think this is mainly because I know what to expect this go around. I am taking in every single moment with my new baby and my family. I absolutely love looking at both of my boys. Casey is so sweet with Connor. I love watching him give Connor kisses or tell me that Connor is crying and he needs his pacifier. I stare at Connor with such joy and excitement because I have living proof in Casey of the joy that lies ahead as Connor grows and develops. I feel our family is more closely on the way to being complete now that Connor has joined us and that is a wonderful feeling.

I am so incredibly thankful to have two beautiful, healthy boys. I wouldn't trade them for the world. I am also thankful that my two boys have such a loving, kind and involved daddy who cares about them and loves them unconditionally.

I am blessed.

He's Here!!!

I have been meaning to blog over the past few weeks but just have not made the time to sit down and do it.

Baby Connor arrived on July 20, 2011 at 8:25am. He weighed 8lbs and 6oz's and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Greg and I went to the hospital at 6am that morning for my scheduled C-section. My doctor was fantastic and all the hospital staff were great. They took great care of me during the actual c section and I was so glad I didn't get sick or feel terrible like I did with Casey during the operation.

We were able to leave the hospital on Friday and I was SO glad to get to come home. I missed Casey while we were in the hospital and wanted to recover in my own bed!

Here are some pictures of my newest bundle of joy:

Only a Few More Days!

I haven't blogged since Memorial Day.... Not because there hasn't been much going on... but mainly because we've been so busy and I've been so tired and trying to prepare for the new baby to arrive.

Only a few more days of being pregnant! The baby will be here Wednesday morning around 8am! This is the last weekend as a family of 3 and life is surely going to be changed forever.

Casey has been a little off this week. I think he senses the changes that are coming and is able to look around and see new baby stuff around the house and his stuff in new areas. Despite his increased defiance and overall just being "off" I love him so very much. I can't wait to see the type of big brother he will be. And I can't wait to see if his little brother resembles him at all. Greg and I are going on a date tonight one last time for the baby comes. We have been working hard to get stuff done around the house, buy necessary baby items and clean.

Can't wait until Wednesday to see what our future holds!