Mary, Did You Know?

I know, I know! I haven't blogged in a really long time!! Sorry :/

So this Christmas season has been different than any other I've had so far. It's my 2nd Christmas not working and staying home with the kids. But last year, we were in BR for 2 weeks, and I had done most of my shopping while I was there in October visiting. This year, I've been able to take the season slow and not let it sneak up on me. I did my shopping a little at a time, so I wasn't overwhelmed a week before Christmas! I've also been able to do and advent experience everyday with the kids that focuses on the Christmas story, from Zecheriah all the way to the Wise Men. They look forward every day to finding out what they're learning next and what craft they get to do.

This year is also different because I'm pregnant. Very pregnant. I can't help but think (especially the past few weeks) about Mary and how she felt. I mean, that girl is a rock star in my opinion. First, an angel comes to her and tells her she's going to have son. And not just any son, THE son. The Messiah. The one they've been waiting for and learning about. Does she freak out? No, she just says, OK, I'm just gonna trust God on this one. She's a teenager, this is her first child, she's probably getting dirty looks from people because she got pregnant before she got married. As if all that wasn't scary enough, she's having God's son!! Talk about pressure.

And then there's the birth. I'm sure every mother (just as I did/am doing) worries about "How am I going to get this baby out?", "How am I going to be responsible for another life?", and "when is this baby going to come out?" I'm worried about making it the 40 min drive to the hospital-she had to worry about taking a ride for DAYS on a DONKEY!!! I wonder how that conversation went with Joseph when he told her what they were going to do! And then after making the long, hard, uncomfortable, probably painful journey, she got bad news. "Oh, sorry, honey, I know you're about to push a baby out, but we're not going to let you come inside where it's warm and there's a bed- you can go lay in some hay." I wonder if her hormones were going crazy, and if she immediately started crying, or if she was ready to give that innkeeper a piece of her mind? I'm guessing she did neither. Even though she was scared and young, God did pick her, right? There's a reason for that. He chose a girl who knew Him and trusted him with everything she had and in every circumstance. I wonder if God needed me to do something even halfway as important as mother his child, would He look at me and say, "Yep, I'm picking her"?

So then after Mary gives birth, she has all these strange men come and visit her. No sleep, hurting, sore, emotional, and then to have some stinky shepherds want to come see the baby! Did she freak out now? Did she say, "I just can't handle this?" No! She allowed them to see her precious son and worship Him as they pleased. Who was she to get in the way of God's work? Luke 2:19 says, "but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often."

I think I'll take a cue from Mary this Christmas and try not to let my emotions get the best of me. Sure, everything in the next few weeks may not go exactly according to my plan, but should it really be my plan I'm following? Think if Mary told Joseph, "no, I'm not going to Bethlehem with you" or insisted that the innkeeper give them a room. We would have no "Away in a Manger" or "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem". Or even worse, prophesy wouldn't have been fulfilled.

So something for me to think about this Christmas: What plans does God have for me (or other people) that I screw up by following my own path?

Merry Christmas!!!

My Girl

Last Saturday, Lucy and I got to do something we don't get to do very often... have a whole day to ourselves!!! Brooks was off riding dirt bikes and camping with his friends, and Daddy was at work. So we decided to have a girls' day!!! We started it off by going to eat breakfast. We stopped at a small coffee shop and just hung out for a little while.

After our breakfast, we headed over to the nail salon. She had never been in one before, so it was questionable how she was going to do! She was sooo excited!!! I got a pedicure and she got a mani & pedi. She did great! She was a little wiggly at times (understandable), but for the most part sat as still as she could so her nails could dry. I think the lady started getting a little frustrated b/c she kept having to re-do her fingernails ;) I wanted her to be able to soak her feet in the tub with the bubbles, but her little legs are so short, they couldn't reach! I think the best part for Lucy was that she had flowers painted on her thumbs and her big toes. She loved that!!!

Drying her nails

Checking out the flower

Mani

Pedi

After our mani's and pedi's, we headed to The Little Gym. We had missed a week while we were in BR, so this was a great day to make it up. She loves this class and I'm so glad we decided to put her in it. Today, she decided to wear a different tu-tu.

By the time her class was over, it was lunchtime. And what better place to eat lunch together than Chick-fil-A??!!! We didn't spend too long because we were both tired from the morning, but she still had enough time to eat and of course, play in the playland! After lunch, we went home and both had naps!!

I So Hate Consequences

Consequence: "the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier; an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome"

I wish I would have had a dictionary right in front of me last night. I thought this was an interesting conversation, so I thought I'd share. We've been having a problem with Brooks pitching the biggest fits when we leave someplace, especially church on Wednesday nights. And it's not just crying because he doesn't want to leave... it's a full on crying, whining, slobbery mess all the way home. I think it's just a combination of having to leave the excitement of his friends, along with being SO tired from the day. Anyway, my patience is not the best right now, so I got tired of it. Now every day on our way to church on Wednesdays, we go over the rules (when we leave, don't cry), just to be sure he remembers from week to week. Last night on our way, we went through the routine of it, except this time, he was a little more interested...

Me: "Now what are the rules for when we leave church tonight?"

B: "No crying or pitching a fit"

Me: "What happens if you pitch a fit?"

B: "I get in big trouble" (pause for a minute) "Getting in trouble makes me cry even more. Why do you like to get me in big trouble?"

Me: "Well, I don't like you get in big trouble, but if you don't follow the rules, then you have to pay the consequences." (as soon as it came out of my mouth, I regretted saying the word. I knew just what was coming next)

B: "What's con-se-quen-ce?"

Me: "Well, it's something that.... if you don't follow the rules...."

B: (interrupting) "It's something you have to do if you don't follow the rules?"

Me: "Yes, exactly. Like, while I'm driving if I don't follow the rules and I drive through a red light without stopping, my consequence would be to get a ticket and have to pay money."

B: "But you don't have any money"

Me: "You're right! That's why I follow the rules"

B: "Daddy has lots of money, you could just ask him for some!!"

Not sure if he fully understands the meaning, but the good news is there was no crying or whining last night after church!!!

p.s. "getting in big trouble" was put in code for those of you with sensitive disciplining hearts ;), aka-Nana

Put Me In, Coach!

So Brooks decided that instead of soccer, he wanted to try out baseball. We found a league that had fall ball, and signed him up. The league is REALLY small!!! So small, there are only 3 teams. Brooks is on the Black Team. The rules are laid back (as they should be for t-ball), so he's able to learn as he goes. I was worried for the first game. We had only had one practice and they didn't even learn about running the bases! But the boys struggled through and had fun. And the more they've played, the more they're getting the hang of it. He looks so cute in his little uniform! He is so proud of his hat and the fact that he's wearing real baseball pants.

At the first game, I thought I was going to be the great mom and bring my video camera and my still camera. I did, and got some great video! BUT, when I came home and went to put the videos on the computer, I couldn't!!! AAAHHHH! Technology :( My tech support (i.e. my mom) gave me suggestions to try and get it to work. And no, I haven't tried yet. But I was smart for the 2nd and 3rd game and brought my small, poor quality digital camera that takes video. This camera I know how to work and I know how to transfer to the computer. So I got somevideo I am able to share. YAY!!!! And I say all that to say this, the video I've added has some pictures from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd games and videos from the 2nd and 3rd. I wanted to do a blog of only his "firsts", but I guess you take what you can get :)

Stealing Cinderella

Three years ago today, I was sitting in a VERY HOT hospital room with no air conditioning and very little power. Two days earlier, Hurricane Gustav decided to roll into Baton Rouge, downing power lines, trees, and causing chaos for the whole city. As I was laying in the hospital bed, there were many concerns running through my head: "Are my parents going to get here in time (we couldn't get in touch with them because of no phone lines and bad cell reception)?, is anyone in the room going to pass out because of the heat?, how did people used to deliver babies without ANY modern conveniences?, how do I change a girl's diaper?, what will it be like raising a girl?" Well I got many questions answered immediately. My parents made it on time after having Katie find their house in pitch black dark and pound on their door to wake them up; no one passed out, but there was lots of sweating and red faces (and not just me); it's more difficult to change a girl's diaper than a boy's; and in the past three years I've learned ALOT about raising a girl! (How people used to deliver babies, I have no idea, nor do I want to know)

I never thought I would have a girly girl who loves PINK and playing dress-up, but it looks like God likes to give us what we think we can't handle!! My life would not be so full if I didn't have my little Lucy. In that little bitty package have been many many gifts that I never knew were for me. Getting better with snuggling in a rocking chair, patience, brushing hair, twirling in a tu-tu, belly laughs, patience, throwing a ball, braiding hair, patience, sweet kisses and hugs, candyland, and patience, are all gifts that she's given me... so far.

One day, I know someone will come along and steal our Cinderella, but for now, I'm going to treasure EVERY moment (easy and difficult) that God gives me with her.

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY, SWEET LUCY LOU!

I'm on a Boat!!

Last weekend, our good friends Matt & Carly invited our whole FUSE table to spend the day with them on a trip to Catalina Island. Only 3 couples ended up being able to come, and we had a blast! I had never been to Catalina, but had researched it some when Kim came to visit in February. So I knew some of what there was to offer and was excited!!!!! We weren't sure if we were going to be able to go b/c we couldn't get a babysitter, but Lindsey and Joey lent us theirs, so the kids were in good hands. A whole day on a boat, sightseeing, and spending some quality time just the grown-ups together... now I was SUPER excited!!! Carly's dad, Brad, took us over on his boat (it was about a 2 hour ride I think). I was a little nervous about getting motion sickness, but after taking a Bonine, drinking lots of water, and eating some ginger snaps, I was good to go.

We docked at the city of Avalon, and spent the day there. We took a tour on golf carts, ate lunch, then did a little shopping in all the cute touristy stores. Brad was very knowledgeable about the island we learned some things we had never known (like, the island was owned by the Wrigley's and the Cubs did their spring training there every year for awhile). Next time we go, I'm doing the Zip Line Tour!!!!! I would've done it this time, but I think the guides and Mike would've looked down on a pregnant belly flying through mid-air :)

So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU again, Matt & Carly. We had an excellent time and can't wait until we get to do it again!!!!! ;)

The girls

Matt, Carly, and us on our golf cart tour

Brad, Kathleen, Joey, and Lindsay

The view of Avalon traveling into the harbor

The harbor with "The Casino", a movie theater

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Today, we started on a new adventure. We enrolled Lucy in a dance class! We did it through The Little Gym. They have a class that is a combination of dance and gymnastics. She does 15 min of tap, 15 min of ballet, and 30 min of gymnastics. The class is for 3 and 4 yr olds, but the girl told me we didn't have to wait the 2 weeks until her birthday.

The night before, I told her what she was going to do the next day. She was SOOOO excited!!!!! She immediately said, "I have to wear my ballerina costume". She was full of questions (that I was not prepared to answer), so I just had to tell her we would both find out tomorrow what the class would be like.

She was excited all morning and when we got there, not as shy as she usually is. We borrowed tap and ballet shoes from the gym. Me being as cheap as I am, I didn't want to buy any if this didn't really work out. Well, looks like we're going to buy some now! She LOVED it. She was smiling the whole time and so engaged in the teacher. I was so thankful that she was not only participating, but loving every minute of it :) Watching that class was probably the cutest thing I've ever seen! I think I enjoyed it as much as she did :) Here's a quick video that I took with some pictures put in there too. The quality's not too good, but you get the idea.

Bear crawl on the bars

First position

Tap Shoes

ABC, Easy as 1,2,3!

So Brooks had his first day of "real" school on Wednesday, August 10. He started Kindergarten!!! The Kindergarten here is a little different than what I was prepared for in LA. The age cut off is 5 by December here, and 5 by September in LA. So that means he started a year earlier than I was anticipating! But to help me out a little, it's only half day, not full day.

He was so excited. He woke up in the morning and had his new Starwars shirt (which he picked out), shorts, socks, and new tennis shoes on about an hour before it was time to go. And for awhile he sat with his booksack on just waiting!

Something else different about this school is that on the first day, the parents stay the WHOLE time!!! So I got to see what his days would be like (roughly) and how his teacher interacted with all the kids. He likes his teacher and I think she's going to be great for him. The day was a little unorganized and chaotic at times, but I'm sure once they get into a routine, it'll be smooth sailing. I think being able to go the whole time the first day helped me too. To my surprise, I didn't cry at all, despite my pregnancy hormones and the fact that my first born is old enough to start school!!

Brooks' school bus he made!

waiting in line

He's ready!!

Oh Boy!!!!

On Tuesday, July 19, I met Mike at my doctor's office. I asked the kids if they wanted to come see the baby and find out if it was going to be a boy or a girl. Aunt Val came in that morning, and they decided it would be more fun to stay home and play with her! So we were taken into the room very quickly and the tech was immediately ready for us!!! She took a minute or so to get some pictures of the the whole body and we got to see the baby moving around a lot. It's such a surreal and amazing experience to see an ultrasound! Even after having 2 babies already, it still takes my breath away. Just to know that God chose ME to carry this baby! And to see it kicking and waving all around is just amazing. I can't feel him yet, so to see it helps my brain to make the connection. Seeing his heart beating wildly and knowing that he already has eyes, a heart, a brain, and all his extremities is A-MA-ZING!!!! (shout out to you, Carly!) I LOVE ultrasounds! I could sit and look at them all day :)So after a minute or so she panned down so we could get to the real reason we were there. And then she said it, "there we go, that's what we're looking for right there!" Mike and I immediately knew what that meant (or at least I did). IT'S A BOY!!!!! yay! We were both very excited and we both had big smiles on our face. So now Lucy will be sandwiched in between two boys! Hopefully, she'll be well protected, and if her daddy has anything to do with it, potential boyfriends will have to work hard for her :) Brooks is going to be such a good big brother (again) and he's so excited that there will be another boy in the family. The Wilson tradition of 2 boys and a girl continues! I'm so thankful that I've had a healthy pregnancy so far, and I can't wait to see the kids' reactions when they finally get to see this no-named boy! Per Granny's request, I've added pictures:

Whole body profile shot. You can see his head on the left side, his belly, and a little arm sticking up.

His arm with elbow bent and his hand. Valerie says he's giving a thumbs up!

Profile shot. He's laying on his back, head to the left of the picture. You can see his nose and lips.

Hot Fun in the Summertime!-Part 2

For the 4th of July, we went to our friends, the Moore's house. There were 5 families there: 10 adults, 9 boys, and 2 girls (poor Hannah and Lucy!). We went swimming, then ate BBQ, and then the kids got to watch a "firework show"!

The Moms

The kids piled in Mike's truck to watch the fireworks

My attempt at American flag cupcakes!

We finally went to the beach one day!!!! Our friends were going to Dana Point, so we met them there. My friend kept asking, "it's kinda far away, are you sure?" It took us an hour to get there. I told her in my world, an hour to get to the beach was NOT far!!!! I was so excited that we are so close now that we can make a day trip, no problem!!! The kids had so much fun! Brooks went boogie boarding (thanks, Tammy, for working so hard!), and both of them had fun getting chased by the waves.

Megan trying to burry Brooks in the sand

Brooks boogy boarding

Hot fun in the Summertime!- Part 1

This post is going to have to be broken up in to a couple different ones b/c I have a lot of info and pictures! We have been having a great time this summer! It started when the Wilsons came to visit at the end of May. Brooks had finished preschool, so there were no distractions while they were here. We were so excited that Bubba got to come with Granny, Paw Paw, and Debbie (and for those of you who don't know our family, Bubba is not his real name :) It's a nickname Brooks gave him when Brooks was about 1 1/2). We kept them busy, going to an LA Galaxy game, an Angels game, California Adventure, Santa Monica Pier/Venice Beach, fishing, celebrating birthdays, and of course, just hanging out at the house! Here's some of the highlights!

"Happy Birthday James" on the sign at the Galaxy game

Debbie looking scared after she and James rode Tower of Terror

James having so much fun pushing the stroller around!!

Angels game crew

Ummm... I'm not real sure!

The fishermen

In June, the kids and I mooched off of our friends and went camping for a night in Silent Valley. Both families we went with have trailers (that's campers, for all you non-California people), so we didn't have to sleep in our tent! Brooks was a little bummed at first but I can't say that I was!!! The kids had so much fun riding their bikes, swimming, and just being kids with their friends. They were both very sad to leave :( I didn't take many pictures for whatever reason, but here's a few. Thanks again to the McCarthy's and Moore's! Next time, hopefully Mike can come...

This was pretty much her face on the second day (we left a little earlier than expected!)

Mrs. Carly and Luke playing table soccer

Brooks and Tyler going exploring

The last week of June was VBS for Brooks. I was a little apprehensive because it was from 5-8 at night for 5 nights straight and I didn't know how he would tolerate it. But, of course, I had nothing to worry about. His endurance was great and he looked forward to it every night. On Wednesday the church had one of the most famous food trucks in LA come and park in the parking lot! I was excited, it was my first time eating off one of these, and I've heard a lot about them. Thank goodness, we saw a friend waiting in line before most people even knew there was a line forming. So we didn't have to wait very long!! (sorry people in the back of the line) It definitely lived up to it's hype. The tacos were great! After dinner, we watched watermelon tosses from trebuchets!

The kids watching the watermelon tosses

The food truck

Brooks getting ready for VBS (I told him to look excited and this is what I got!)

What a difference a year makes...

One year ago today I was getting on a plane with Mike and the kids. I was armed with a one-way ticket (which I had never had before) to California, of all places. It's kind of a crazy feeling, knowing you're going across the country and you don't know when you're coming back. So we headed off into the crazy foreign land of California, not knowing what was in store for us!! But God answers prayers and He definitely answered ours. We were able to buy a house, find a great church home, meet some awesome friends, and now our family is growing!!!

My life in Baton Rouge was way different than my life here. I worked full time, was awaken by an alarm clock every morning, saw my family all the time, and pretty much knew the town like the back of my hand. My life was filled by waking up, drop the kids off, go to work, pick the kids up, fix dinner, give baths, go to bed, do it all again the next day. And on the weekends we would hang out with our friends or family. Here, I am blessed enough to stay home and play with the kids, I'm awaken by little voices or little hands tapping me, I only see my family every few months, and I need a GPS no matter where I go!! In Cali, so far our life has been filled with Disneyland a few times, Legoland, the beach, camping, swimming, storytime at the library, Bible studies, playdates, Sea World, and preschool!!

Just a note to our new west coast friends- thank you so much!!! We moved here not knowing anyone or anything. Everyone I've met has been so helpful and open. I know we're different; we make our kids say ma'am and sir, we like to eat deer sausage, and we own way too much LSU apparel, but you welcomed these weird Southerners into your lives with open arms and open hearts. I feel like God put each and every one of you in our lives so that we could know that He will always take care of us and provide us with someone we can count on, even if our family is 1800 miles away.

And to my BR friends- don't think we've forgotten about you! We miss you more than words can say. I wish we could have the best of both worlds. But for now, the phone, fb, and Skype are just going to have to do ;) And we're always just a plane ride away, so don't be shy!

And to Mike, my wonderful husband!!! Thank you so much for working so hard so that the kids and I can play so hard! After 5 years, you were finally able to give me my dream of staying home and raising the kids! I know you've sacrificed a lot for us to have a great life here, and don't think it goes unnoticed.

I don't know what's going to happen in the future, or how long we'll be here. But I do know that God has been faithful in taking care of us so far, and he's not going to stop :) We take it one day at a time and enjoy the moments as they come.

Babies, according to Lucy

So I just had a really fun conversation with Lucy about babies and I thought I'd share! Here's what she told me that she knows about babies. I also asked a few questions, just to see what she would say :)

"Babies are little, I am big"

"Babies drink little milk, I drink big milk because I'm tall"

"The baby will be tall too"

"The baby will sleep in my room because I have a little pillow"

" I give the baby little tiny kisses but I can't make a big kiss because the baby will cry"

Me: What's daddy going to do with the baby?

Lucy: "Daddy don't have a baby, you do"

Me: But after the baby comes, what's he going to do with the baby?

Lucy: "Daddy is going to put the baby to bed"

Me: "What do you do with a baby when it cries?"

Lucy: "You give 'em a hug" (with motions)

Me: "Does a baby wear diapers?"

Lucy: "Yes, like me used to:

Me: "Do babies poo-poo?"

Lucy: "No, only babies tee-tee"

Me: "Where's the baby going to sit in the car?"

Lucy: "I'm gonna hold the baby"

Here we go again!

So I've decided to try my hand at blogging (again). For those of you who know me, you know that I tried this awhile ago and it didn't go very well :) But, I wasn't a stay at home mom then, and I also didn't live all the way across the country from my family. So this will hopefully be a more successful attempt. I'll try to update as often as possible, but I'm thinking that you'll get new posts once a week if you're lucky. I figure this will be a better way to keep all our long-distance loved ones in the loop. And I can go into a little more detail than just my posts on Facebook.

So what a better time to start than now?! We have just moved into a new house, are almost all unpacked, Brooks is finished with preschool, and we have a NEW BABY on the way!!! Yay! We are very excited and I think Mike is saying "it's about time"! I'm 11 weeks now and the sonogram picture is from my 10 week appointment. Everything looked great and I'll go back the middle of July.