Mader's

5/31/15

Third Phase...

Second design center meeting today!

Made slight changes and "down-graded" a bit, but still SO thrilled that almost everything we LOVE is standard! It truly is amazing how the Lord even cares for the little things we enjoy. The color I wanted the island cabinets to be is standard! My tub is exactly what I was hoping for and it's not even an upgrade! My heavenly Father delights in the things I love too!

It's coming together so beautifully and leaves me so humbled and grateful.

5/28/15

Second Phase...

What a beautifully Blessed day! We sold our home to a very nice family and everything went so smoothly! We can clearly see the Lord's hand at work as we proceed.

We had our first appointment at the David Weekly design center on the 19th and I had so much fun picking out different options and visualizing how our new home would look.

Ian and I were SO in sync and enjoyed dreaming together! We labeled the appointments...first being the "Wish List. What if?!" meeting; second appointment is the "Reality Check. Reign it in." meeting that takes place on May 31st.

G'bye 4502 Amber Stone Ct. We are so grateful for all the wonderful memories!

5/5/15

First Phase...

So...blogging has taken a far back seat to living life! Facebook has become the way of communicating little tid-bits of info, but so much has happened in so little time and I want to fill you in on everything that's going on right now.

Ian and I had been tossing around the idea of moving for quite some time. We eventually want to have one more kid and would like to have more room to expand before doing so. So we decided to put our house on the market end of February and we moved in with Mom & Dad Mader in January. We staged the house and got an offer in April!!! We packed up the entire house & put everything in storage. Ian and I have been searching for resale options in our surrounding neighborhoods. We went to a parade of homes April 26th to get ideas & "house shop". In searching for a new home, we're looking for more square footage, a 4th bedroom, and specific school zones. There were a few "ideal" areas that we would love to live. One of these is Castlegate II. Our minds were "set" on buying a resale, so that we could move into something as soon as our old house sold, and we believed this to be the only option within our price range as well. Living with mom & dad has been amazing and they have been SO gracious in allowing us to invade their lives. We definitely want to be a blessing to them & not a curse.

To be honest though, searching for preexisting has been a little discouraging because it is a BIG TIME sellers market here and homes are getting snatched up within 2 weeks of being on the market. Once we found a possible home that "met our criteria", there was something about it that we would've been "settling" for...

4 bedrooms, but only 250 square feet more than what we had before;

buying it for less, but having to put a ton of money into it to make it work;

we just kept facing obstacles that we would've had to "deal" with.

Due to the market being what it is, in order to get the square footage we need, we would've been well over budget if we went with a current resale.

So, when we were on the parade of homes, we thought "what the heck" why don't we "dream" a little & just ask a builder what it would look like to build what we want (thinking, no way will we be able to afford this!)...so, we sat down with Matt Browning (family to Chris Kyle...couldn't shut he & Ian up!) with David Weekly homes and told him a little about what we were looking for. He showed us a house plan (Kemble), told us he had 3 lots left in Castlegate II and briefly walked us through the process. We just asked questions, spoke to our realtor & lender, crunched numbers and to our surprise, discovered that it would be more affordable to build new. We spoke to mom & dad about it and they were very supportive with however we felt led to proceed. They graciously offered us the option of staying with them until our new home would be completed in Oct/Nov. (I know, right...they must enjoy a challenge! ;) Everything is happening fast, but smooth. We have been praying about it nonstop and have been at peace with our decision to proceed with building. It's INSANE and AMAZING! We owe mom & dad BIG TIME because we will be able to save so much by staying with them while preparing to move into our new home! We have a lot of decision making coming up within the next few weeks and we humbly ask for your prayerful support.

Please pray that we will proceed in wisdom. Pray that we will be open to advice. Pray that through this, we will be a blessing to others(especially mom & dad). Pray that we will look for ways to glorify God in this process. Pray that He will build this home and make it His dwelling place! We have already seen the Lord's hand at work by randomly introducing me (through a Norwex party) to the twins' would-be kindergarten teacher at the new, within walking distance, Spring Creek Elementary! Matt also randomly mentioned that when they get the frame built, we should have friends and family over to the lot to bless the house by writing scripture on the 2/6's...Absolutely doing that!!! Anyhow, we signed the contract today and we will be building our new home on Kinnersley Lane. For now, this is where we are and we are excited to follow wherever the Lord leads!!

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you..." Deut.31:8

"The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." Prov.16:9

1/6/15

2014 Recap:

“Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” 1 Sam.12:24

Rilyn- Miss Sunshine, loves to: talk, be barefoot, run, climb, be outside, watch Disney’s Frozen, sing, give hugs & high fives!
Kelsie- Miss Spice, loves to: bake, play board games, make people laugh, play with stuffed animals, ride bikes, watch Octonauts, be at preschool!
Karis- Miss Sugar, loves to: give hugs, perform, dance, play dress up, paint her nails, color, read, watch Sophia the First!
Brittany (written by husband)– She is a loving stay-at-home mama. Doing it all tirelessly, she enjoys watching and teaching our girls to be fantastic little ladies. Along with being constantly devoted and true to her family, she has enjoyed being an independent sales consultant with Norwex (chemical free cleaning). It gives her the ability to be home with the kids as much as she wants, as well as make a little income and a big impact on our lives and the lives of others!
Ian (written by wife)– He is thriving at CSPD! He is the president of the Police Officer’s Association, a Field Training Officer(trains the new recruits), a CIT(crisis intervention team) officer and on occasion he is OIC(“officer in charge” when Sarge is out). We are SO proud of our hero who continues to protect and serve his family and this community in Excellence!

2015 Upcoming Highlights:

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Col.1:17

The new year holds Rilyn’s 2^nd birthday in January, Ian’s 6^th year with CSPD in January, the twin’s 5^th birthday in April, our 10 year wedding anniversary in July, Kindergarten for the twins in September, and a move to another home in South CS (putting house on the market in February…Fingers crossed!!) We appreciate your prayers and are very grateful for you!

9/5/14

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".

1/15/14

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' -

1/1/14

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!

8/31/13

Mader Mania

Hey there, Friends...Beware of the lengthy post!

Life is being lived & I haven't had much time to blog about it.
All is well and I'm thanking the Lord everyone's healthy.

Rilyn: She went in for her 6 month appointment after my last blog and she is a big, healthy girl! She is in the 74% for weight & 95% for height. Doesn't surprise me, as this child loves to eat and we're in the stage of her preferring to feed herself. She began crawling on August 13th, and there's no stopping her!! She is the speedy, silent type. She wants to do all that her older sisters can do! Already trying to pull herself up to a standing position and loves to hold hands & walk! Still an incredibly sweet, smiley baby!

The twins: Karis and Kelsie have been complaining of regular tummy aches for almost 3 weeks. They hadn't thrown up or had a fever, so I thought it was a cry for attention and just gave them a tums. But the discomfort continued and they would even cry in pain during the day and at night. They also weren't eating very well. I decided to try an experiment to see if they're lactose intolerant. We are on day 2 with no dairy products and I haven't heard one complaint yet!! I have them on Soy and they seem to like it, so we will continue this for a while and see if it indeed fixes the issue. Oh...I'm excited to announce that I will have a couple of cubbies starting tomorrow!! Karis & Kelsie are beginning AWANA and I am so thrilled! I think they will love it!! Every Sunday night from 5-6:45. Also, on Sunday mornings, the twins worship with me in the sanctuary and then after offering, I take them to their class. It has been such a sweet thing for me to sing with my girls, especially since Ian can't always make it to church with me. They have also enjoyed seeing/learning how things are done in "big" church and their favorite thing to do is put their "piggy food in Jesus' bowl"! ;)

Ian: He still works the 4pm-2am shift. It's the schedule that works the best for our family right now so that he can see his girls for a few hours before going to work. A&M students are back and that keeps the town hoppin' and Ian very busy. He is still an FTO(field training officer) and is training the new recruits. He is also president of the Police Officer's Association here in College Station and those duties require his attentions/involvement quite often. I was able to attend the TMPA(Texas Municipal Police Association) conference with him the end of July for 3 days while my amazing Mom-in-law had the 3 girls. It was a much needed, refreshing time with my love...and I got to wear a pretty dress!! ;)

Brag-on-Ian moment: we have new neighbors. We thought it was an adult couple, mid-40's because they were on the property fixing things up, however...now they're gone & 3 college age girls moved in. Me thinks the older couple bought the property to rent it out to students. Didn't know for sure til one evening, I am awoken by loud noises at 3:40 in the morning. A bit frazzled as to what that could be, come to find out that our new neighbors are having a party in their backyard. "Ummm, NO!" That won't fly. Sleep is precious to a deprived Mama with 3 littles. So...I texted my personal officer who was on duty & let him know the goings-on. Luckily, he was just getting off work. He texted me back, "Their party will be done in 5". MY HERO!! In less than 5 min. I heard silence! He met the neighbors...they fear him...all is now well in our hood. I'm so very thankful & proud of my husband!

Lowlight: Ian's truck is on it's last leg. It's a 1999 ford ranger, and the AC went out, so we took it in to the shop and they ran a full diagnostic...bad news. The truck has leaks everywhere! In order to keep it running, we need to do some major repairs...over $900 worth. Replacing the AC would be another $750, and we need a new computer chip in it, which adds another $530.

Long story short, we can barely afford to get the truck run-able again, let alone fix the AC...just thankful that we are entering the Fall season!

Me: The highlights far outweigh the lowlights. There have been a few tears this month, mostly due to just plain femininity. But I am counting my blessings and they are many! Right now, the Lord is working on me specifically in the area of 1)being respectful to my husband(I have a sarcasm problem), and 2)my struggle in effective communication...striving to say what I mean without being hurtful.

I was able to attend a church function with my best friend and it was SO fun cuz it was targeted toward college girls and there were MANY!! We felt SO old!! The energy in the sanctuary was unbelievable! When we observed all these beautiful ladies, all of them were engaging in small group conversation and it sounded like hundreds of cackling hens. My ears have missed that sound!! Then when we worshiped together, the overwhelming sense of Christ in the room soaking up the adoration left me feeling almost giddy and goose-bumped! ;) So refreshing!
The Lord knows just what we need when we need it! All in all, I am so thankful for His love & provision!

A few pictures to end with.

7/3/13

All about Rilyn!

Happy 6 months to my baby girl!! I can not imagine a more perfect baby!

Rilyn Kaylee, you are such a dream!

You have 2 bottom teeth.

You adore your sisters and squeal in delight when watching them play.

You love to eat. Your favorites are bananas, pears & sweet potatoes.

If I had a dollar for every smile you gave, I'd be a millionaire by now!

Your pure joy and love of life blesses my heart!

You laugh out loud, make funny sounds & babble all the time.

You really like being upright; whether sitting up or
standing in your saucer or walker.

When something bothers you(which is a rarity), you definitely let us know.

You are a GREAT sleeper!

Your biggest and favorite feature is your feet. You love chewin' on your toesies! Me thinks you will be tall.

You're best friend is Rhyder Ratliff! He is only 7 weeks older than you, so you have a lot in common. You really like hangin' out with him and do so often because his mommy is your mommy's best friend!!
You find your world fascinating and are such a li'l sponge.
I love watching you absorb it all!

You have your "Mommy moments" and your "Daddy days"!

Your baby blue eyes are stunning!

You've captured our hearts and we can't imagine
how we ever got along without you!