This month also meant the start of a new hobby for me, book club.  I was a part of one in Georgia and it was a great excuse to get together to have a girls night, more or less.  But lets be real here... I also enjoy actually reading the books as well.  We read "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah and if you like books, you should too.  She's one of my favorite authors and next January this book is being released as a movie.  So I can't wait for that.  I'm a fan of book club, even the nerdy part of actually reading the book.


My babies.  Similar but so different as well.  We are so so blessed to have these three.  This baby making chapter in our life is officially ending soon though and while I can definitely say my life is defined as being a mom, I will not miss the experience of being pregnant.  I seriously look forward to watching these three grow into their personalities and go through life together... hopefully as best friends.


always,
amanda

On the very last day of the month, why not shoot for the stars and give you one more piece of May... or sort of.  I am actually starting of...

The first weekend in May was another special weekend for our family.

Because the first part of the year isn't busy enough with all 5 of us celebrating birthdays, the dog's birthday, Valentine's Day, Easter, and our anniversary, all right after the holidays...

I digress.


We gathered with our family and friends to baptize Emily into the Catholic faith.  We did it at my parents church, the same church my other 2 girls were also baptized.  She wore the same dress her sisters wore, just a tad bit bigger on her tiny frame.  She fussed a good chunk of the ceremony, unlike her sisters who were peaceful.  But got it done... she is baptized.


While we were missing both sets of Emily's Godparents because of distance, some aunts and uncles, and some very good friends - we had a really good group come out to celebrate with us.  After the ceremony we all went out to take over the party room at a local restaurant.  Our server went to my high school and took great care of us.  The baby was passed around, cake was served and gifts were opened.  It was a wonderful afternoon, surrounded by so many that are dear to us.

Emily is lucky in that she has two great sets of Godparents.  My cousin and her husband on one side that will always teach her to walk with confidence and never let anyone tell her she isn't good enough or can not do something.  My college best friend and her husband on the other side that will always remind her that she is a child of God and if she trusts in our Lord, she will always find a way.  I could not imagine better people to lead my sweet girl through her faith, and life in general.

May the Lord always bless you and keep you safe, Emily girl.



always,
amanda

The first weekend in May was another special weekend for our family. Because the first part of the year isn't busy enough with all ...

After another late night of moving my 4 year old and my 2 year old back to their bed. I’m tired. With three kids... sleep can either be really great or absolutely terrible. And by that I mean they like to alternate who is awake, all night long. As I crawl into my bed for a few hours of cuddling up next to my husband, kid free... I try and remind myself that someday I will miss this. Someday they will be too cool to crawl into bed and cuddle. Too big to need the reassurance that mommy and daddy are right there, within touching distance.  Something my mom is always reminding me to remember... it goes too fast.

It’s the end of a long day where texts were fired off to my mom asking when my kids will actually listen to me when I tell them not to do something. Only for them to ignore me and have my predictions come true.  Today it was repeatedly telling my middle child that jumping with the toothbrush in her mouth was not a good idea. Sure enough... it hurts when the toothbrush is jammed against the roof of your mouth when you fall. I stop short of saying “I told you so” but remind, yet again, that I really do have their best intentions in mind.

(For the record my moms answer was “24 or so”. Reassuring like the time someone told me my black lab will never outgrow the puppy stage and even though I’m 2 years into it, I’ve still got 8 or more to go...)

These days I’m constantly texting my mother for reassurance about momhood. She’s been there. She’s done that. And a large chunk of her mothering career was done without the guidance of her own mother who died when I was just 2 years old. I can’t for the life of me imagine that. So I treasure the ability to send those whiney text messages off. She tells me I’m doing a good job and builds me up for another day of this motherhood game. Answers the questions and provides the insight that one can only have from 28 plus years of motherhood. Everything I know, I’ve learned from her.

I’m still celebrating my mom, four days later. It’s no longer Mother’s Day. But dang it that woman deserves all the glory and all the credit for all that she does and has done for us.

Which is why I am extra thankful that this last weekend we were able to spend Mother's Day celebrating mom with a late lunch and some shopping.  Watching my kids run to Grandma, will never get old.  All those years spent in other states far away from my mom, helped make the coming home so much sweeter and the holidays spent together even better.

So MOM, here's to you.  For being my manual to life and motherhood.  I am very grateful for your guidance, reassurance and love.  Always.





always,
amanda

After another late night of moving my 4 year old and my 2 year old back to their bed. I’m tired. With three kids... sleep can either be r...