This and That

Hey y'all! Can't believe I haven't posted anything since Rilyn's first birthday! Things have changed a lot...for the better. I could try to backtrack, but I know I would end up leaving things out, so I'll just fill you in on what's going on currently!

Rilyn is 19 months old and still a dream child. She is such a jewel and we continue to be grateful that the Lord blessed us with her unique personality, because along with her spunk, she shares an abundance of love and preciousness that none can match. Daddy is most definitely smitten! She clings SO tight and snuggle time is a must! She speaks in single words but is easy to understand. She is very coordinated and climbs on everything. Rarely falls and when she does, she usually says "owie", shakes it off and goes on playing. She loves the outdoors and playing in water! 

The twins are 4 and a half and have just started preschool on MWF from 9-12:30! They were very ready...I was too! They are also in dance on Thursday mornings and love that as well. They are quite the li'l performers! They crave closeness and are always asking for hugs and snuggles. I love it! Can't believe how fast they're growing up.

Kelsie is still full of spice! She is quick-witted and always loves to spread laughter! She still enjoys "reading" books, listening to music, playing dress up. She always has a hop in her step! She usually follows the rules and admits when she breaks them. 

Karis is my sugar baby! She is dainty, gentle and sweet....and yes, she knows it! ;) She loves to dance, sing, read, and color. She is artistic and a born leader; one who pushes limits & bends the rules. She is very intuitive and won't leave your side if she thinks you're sad or hurting. 

Ian and I were trying to decide that if our children were a dance, what style would she be. Here's what we came up with...
Karis - Ballet(performed with classical music accompaniment; theatrical and uses elaborate costumes and staging)
Kelsie - Hip-Hop(consisting of a stylized rhythmic music; a broad conglomerate of artistic forms; flourishing myriad of diverse styles)
Rilyn - Krump(a dance characterized by free, expressive, exaggerated, and highly energetic movement)

Life is a dance! Ian and I have been dancing through 9 years of marriage. It has included ups, downs, and allovertheplace moments, but I welcome the change in steps. Sure we've stamped on eachother's toes; ended up arguing about which direction to go and who's going to lead, but without all that in-between, there's no motion and no harmony. I'm blessed to have my perfect compliment and often need to remind myself that it's ok to stand on Ian's feet, go wherever he leads and know that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be! Because when it comes to life, there's no guide on "where to step next"; there is only one on "Who to follow". 

Our Jewel

So, I am a little late posting this and the only excuse I have is "Motherhood". Haha! It's been a crazy busy time of year, but oh SO fun and full of precious memories! It was Miss Rilyn's first Christmas and she was excited and intrigued by every new thing. A week after Christmas, she turned a year old! We had a milk & cookies party with a few friends & family, but even though we celebrated, the reality of it still hasn't hit me yet. She's grown so fast and yet I feel like we welcomed her into the world a couple months ago.

Rilyn Kaylee, you are:

a spunky piece of sunshine -

a sugar coated steam roller -

2ft.7in.(95%h) -

 22 lbs (76%w) -

in size 18mo.-2T clothing -

in size 4 shoe -

walking! -

 saying, "Dada", "Mama", "Nana", "Good-girl", "dog", "kitty" -

signing "More" & "Please" -

a love to any & all stuffed animals -

speedy, stealthy & silent -

a stair master(up & down, you go...over & over, with ease) -

very aggressive; rarely gentle -

mimicking your sisters & wanting to do and have everything they do -

a daddy's girl -

mama's jewel -

in a stranger danger stage -

in love with the outdoors -

a sweet snuggler -

very strong willed & stubborn -

a solid eater & sleeper -

clapping your hands -

dancing! -

teething(9 teeth already) -

a giver of great hugs & sloppy kisses 
full of life & laughter -

loved beyond measure, Darlin' -

Welcome 2014!

I have to say, although some pretty amazing things happened in 2013, I am ready to say goodbye and move on to a new year...a new chapter! Every year has it's blessings, struggles & times of growth, and I'm sure 2014 will be no different.

Y'all, I am not one to establish new year's resolutions, because the moment I "decide" to do something, I always "fail" at following through. So I prefer to call it, "New Year's Intentions". By daily referring to my list of intentions, I hope to turn them into determinations! Below are a list of said intentions, some major and some minor, but all in all, I believe that improving upon these things or adopting them into my lifestyle, will be very healthy and worthwhile!

I intend:
1) to make my Savior a bigger priority (find Him in the Word, in His world & through prayer)
2) to be more loving & respectful to my husband
3) on being more gracious with my children, have a longer fuse and not yell
4) on making relationships with my family & friends grow deeper
5) to listen more
6) to talk less
7) to sing more
8) to stress less
9) to laugh more
10) to drink more water
11) to find a big book I like & read it (big deal, as this lady don't read)
12) on being a better steward of my finances & time management.
13) to hug more
14) on adding things to my blessings jar on a regular basis
15) to refine a few spiritual disciplines
16) to apologize more
17) to enjoy a hobby
18) to intercede for others on a regular basis
19) to go on walks
20) to be on electronics less (computer, iphone, television...)

Lord, help me be intentional & purposeful in doing these things!

I have also been reflecting on how truly blessed I am. I am so grateful to the Lord for His goodness to me. I see Him in my husband's embrace, in my children's smiles...and I know He is here with me. I'm thankful that He's been with me this past year and He will take my hand & lead me through another!