Change, it is a comin.

So, anyone else feel like maybe they are over all this COVID-19 2020 craziness? Yeah me too. 

This year is three fourths of the way over and there's been nothing but weird. You would think with all the time we had on our hands, I would have found more time to blog for you three faithful followers. My bad. 
Perhaps I can redeem myself just a bit in the last quarter of this monumentally bizarre year of our lifetime.

This morning after the rush of getting the kids to school (yes, my kids are in school, well 2 of the 3 right now because as their parents we decided that was best for OUR children. You do you Boo!) 

I was watering my flowers. As I was giving them a good drink, I admired my summer flowers still lush and blooming next to my also lush and blooming mums, it hit me. 

You might be a summer person, you might be a fall person (here here!) but no matter what season you favor, I think we are all ready for CHANGE. 

Maybe you will grieve the cannon balls 
and playing at the river, 
camping, and bugs...

but it brings mosaic leaves, 

crisp cleansing temperatures, 

Hoodies and sweaters (Praise Jesus), 

pumpkin cold brew, 

cheering for CHIEFS football...

Today, in my quiet Kansas yard, I was handed that promise my soul needed to hear. It might not look the way we expected or feel the way we imagined.

But. There was a promise that change is on its way, and if you choose to see it, it is going to be beautiful.

Be Brave Together

I'm going to tell you about a few things I love.

I love that I have been given unexpected moments with my little kids.

I love that my little kids are so close they are often mistaken for twins.

I love that they are both passionate.

I love that they are funny.

A few things that have really pushed this momma to the edge through 50 days of social distancing...

SO MANY unexpected moments.

My kids are so close they fight...a lot.

They are both passionate about being the only right in every situation.

They are funny...and tease...and the other is rarely amused.

Lately my heart has hurt and I have often worried bout what I am doing so wrong that they don't show one another how much they love the other, that they support one another, that they can be built-in best friends that have each others backs till the end of time. (I know they are only 4 and 6) Just as I had the heaviness of this from a day of bickering, my youngest tripped up the front steps.

Blood curdling screams filled the air. A shrub curtained my view from what was happening. I take a deep breath, mid inhale, I hear the kind gentle words of a big brother and I freeze.

"I know, it hurts so bad. Yes, you do have a little bit of blood...it's ok, it's ok...it is a little bit scary but I'm going to help you, let me carry you to this chair."

"Mom, a little help here, my little sister fell and hurt her knee. There's some blood"

Tears flood down my cheeks.

I ran in, grabbed the fun bandaids and the "no sting owie foam" (thanks Mac) and headed out to my patient. Again, I pause before approaching the scene.

"I'm right here with you (patting her tiny leg with his tiny hand). Jesus made me your big brother so that I can help you be brave. We'll be brave together, ok?"

I'm nearly bawling, I can't get my phone out of my pocket fast enough to capture one millisecond of this perfect sweet moment.

He puts his little arm around her to help her walk awkwardly into the house and even let her pick a show to watch while they rest. 

I found myself drowning in gratitude. I was so grateful that my kids not only love one another but they can indeed show kindness and compassion. Not only that, but I was there to see and hear the tenderness of my son. It seems a little silly but I was so proud of him. I was so proud that at six years old he could be an excellent big brother. I always wanted a big brother like that. A best friend and protector.

On this day, my heart so needed to see these tiny humans show love...to one another. Did I want my little one to scrape her little knee...no, of course not, but I am so glad that she got to see how much her big brother loves her. 🥰

Dream a Dream

Last night I had the craziest dream. I'm not sure if it was crazy because of the random cameos or just the subject...

It seems my BFF, Chrissy Metz and I had come up with some sort of amazing something or other. A book, or app, or journal...no clue. I am a more behind the scenes kind of gal. So, she, being a famous face and all was promoting our thing-a-ma-jig. We had an appointment with one of our big investors and Chrissy insisted I sit in on it. 

We get to this fancy office building where a receptionist takes us to an adorable little waiting room complete with a barista. This batista whips me up the most magical Java beverage ever. Soon after we get told "she will see you now" and quickly trot through an office door, where we are asked to be seated in these voluptuous leather chairs. I felt like I was being swallowed hole. In walks this petite woman with the cutest voice. Hardly any make up. Brown shoulder length hair. She is cute as a button. She and Chrissy start chatting it up like they are old pals. Chrissy introduces me. And we are just so pleased to meet one another. We get half way through our little promo meeting and it dons on me, and I shout "DOLLY FREAKIN PARTON, you said this was Becky but this is DOLLY FREAKIN PARTON!!!"

Ya'll I was meeting with Dolly Parton and didn't even know it without her wig and makeup. I know this could not be real life! I could be blind as a bat and if Dolly Parton told me she was so glad to finally meet me...I would know it was Dolly.

So, Becky, err Dolly giggles her cute little giggle and says "Oh, honey, that's my stage name, my friends call me Becky!"

Chrissy. How dare you introduce me to Dolly without a heads up!

And then I woke up. Not sure what that was all about but I started my day just as confused as I was in the dream. 

Here's to tomorrow!

Let's Be Real.

Today, was a total bust...

and the best day we have had all week.

I woke up with a headache. 

After taking some ibuprofen and an allergy pill, I watched an episode of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.

I got up off my duff.

I made my kids breakfast...cereal actually...so I guess I cheated and dumped my kids breakfast in a bowl. I didn't actually "make" anything...but my coffee.

I went back to my bed.

I watched another episode. Pretty sure Zoey and I have the same superpower, only mine has gotten less embarrassing with age. Okay, maybe the only soundtrack I hear is my own, but basically...its the same.

My children played SO NICELY ALL MORNING. 

(insert angels singing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus here)

And I totally binged and drank coffee and my kids had screens here and there until lunch...late lunch.

After lunch, I did ONE (not 17) load of laundry.

Painted my toenails on the deck while my kids ran around yelling like banshees in the back yard...in their jammies.

I marcoed a couple friends...in my jammies.

I did not cook dinner. 

I did not attempt "school at home" other than a couple...nope...one fun little video.

But we had a good day. 

This day was VERY out of the norm for me. On a typical day, I feel like to earn my place at home with my kids, I have to work my tail off from sun up to sun down. My house has to look nice, my kids have to be learning, I have to have my shiz together. And today, I did not. The weight of this pandemic is heavy and I have tried to carry on as if I didn't notice. As if it isn't affecting me other than being homesick for my parents or missing those big hugs from my friends. This unknown is hard to carry. It pushes back against the shield of protection I try to tuck my kids behind. I have "social distanced" my kids for nearly 30 days. It makes my heart sad. 

This feeling of stuck...sucks. 

Today, well, I guess I took the time to wallow in it. Like a bump on a log in front of the tube half the day. And quite frankly, I feel pretty good about it.

Let's be real. 

I want to be an excellent momma during this time. I also want to be a wonderful teacher. I want my kids to start next school year ahead of the game. But sometimes, they just need to see you veg out and regain your mental strength to carry on.

Stay Safe and Carry on!

When Time Stands Still

Yesterday was Friday.

Day 21 of the Fab 5 social distancing efforts. 

There are 698 confirmed cases of the Corona Virus in Kansas so far today.

Government officials recommended that we wear cloth masks when going out in public to prevent sharing our germs with others in more crowded spaces such as the grocery store. There are various DIY patterns all over the interwebs. 

Now, enough of that.

Samantha and I put on our whole face of makeup

(including our new lip gloss that arrived in the mail) and put on real clothes, just to feel like our normal feminine selves for a bit. Full Face Friday...it might become a thing. Watch Out!

We have completed one full week of continued learning or "At Home School" as my kiddos call it, at La Casa (err Escuela) De Faber. Fortunately for me, my career when this all started was a Stay At Home Momma, which is not that different than my role as Quarantine Chaos Manager. I mean my duties still include Sibling Refereeing, Food Service Manager, Sanitation Crew, Event Coordinator ...but with fewer events and a little less Chauffeuring...and a ton of explaining over and over why we can't go to the park or the Habitat or why Beckett or Brock or Andersyn can't come over, or why we can't go to Target just to look or that I have no idea when "The Sickness" will be over.

WHEN WILL THE SICKNESS BE OVER!?! 

The last 22 days have looked like a 3 week weekend for the most part at our house. We bum around together, with some worksheets and online learning thrown in.

April is 4 days in. 

I don't know about you, but it feels like we have 729 days to go before we see May. 

When time stands still. 

No matter what your Enneagram type...this chapter we are living in, was unexpected, and out of our norm. None of us went into this with a plan.

If you are farloughed, or laid off, this chapter might be a super stressful time. If you like order, the chaos may have you on your knees. If you are still working, this chapter might be a terrifying nightmare. I don't want you to get the impression that I am all daises and rainbows. I know the struggles and my heart hurts for those who are facing COVID-19 from a more difficult place, and not knowing when this uneasy chapter will end or if the next one will be any better than the one we are living in now.

It is frightening.

From my seat in this Quarentine, I have to choose. Choose to see the good without seeking an understanding of why or for how long. My only job is to keep my family as safe and healthy as I am capable of. The way hasn't been paved by those before me. I'm just making up the rules as I go. Today I have to choose to soak up the moments when time stands still because how many people have never got this opportunity to reset? 

My son is six. You Momma's know how quickly that time flies and as much as I refuse to believe it...rumor is that he's not going to want to snuggle his momma forever. That he won't cry uncontrollably through Call Of The Wild because he is sad that Buck is losing his man.  He may not always tell me that I am "best momma ever" or laugh hysterically at the term "Brain Fart"...ok he might still laugh at that.

My point is, that despite all this chaos and scary uncontrollable circumstances, I am so grateful that life slowed down for just a bit so that I have the time to savor these snuggles and giggles and raw emotion instead of being caught up in what happens next on our agenda.

2020 is going to be one for the History books. We all know that we are living though a time that we never imagined. 

It is weird. 

No one knows what to do with it. 

But I hope that you can look back on these weeks as an opportunity you were given to experience life while time stood still.

When life gives you...Bananas

Man, life is super weird right now, is it not?

Today we started our first day of "at home school" as my kids call it. This is something that, before children, I actually had planned on tackling. In toddlerhood, I worked diligently to introduce colors and shapes, letters and counting, even handed over scissors to my little ones so that they could practice cutting. But ya'll...

THIS IS HARD!

Keeping everyone on a task so that we can explain to one child how to do their next "homework". One of my kiddos FLIES through each activity, begging for the next. One just wants to play babies. Wowzas.

As we pulled into the little drive thru line at my childs school today, my heart got so heavy. Heavy with all of the things that he is going to miss as a Kindergartner in the Spring. He had two more months with his amazing teacher, two more months of outside recess and sweaty hair with his friends. Two more months to learn to be kind to these friends no matter their differences or similarities. People it is SAD. I feel like each of my kiddos got cheated out of things that they were supposed to experience. Can they still learn kindness, and how to read, to speak spanish, and iron out those little speech wrinkles? OF COURSE THEY CAN! But I wanted them to do it the way I imagined for them. The reality of all of these changes, is that the ripples caused by COVID-19 are out of all of our control. It's what we do with them.

So, as we pull through this line, we can also get a "Grab and Go Lunch" that comes with a breakfast for the following morning. (Parents: DO THIS! It helps your schools and your grocery bill!) We are handed the three packets of grub (I have three kids) and a handful of....SIX bananas. My kids are some of the pickiest eaters you will ever encounter. Although all three of them like banana's they like them yellow, and perfect. NOT spotty or bruised. I know, some people's kids. These lunch/breakfast combo's came with hard boiled eggs. Two of the three will not touch them. There were also lots of excellent options like apples, carrots, Sunchips, OJ and Milk. (How fun is it to have tiny milks to drink at home?!) As I chop up the hard boiled eggs to make a super yummy tuna salad for the oldest and myself the bananas are haunting me.

We will never get through 6 somewhat mushy bananas. These bananas are far from perfect, but so are our circumstances. Then I had an idea. What is one of my most favorite things growing up? My momma's banana bread. It is unlike any others...truth be told it might be cake but if you call it bread, you can eat it for breakfast!

I mashed four of those six bananas, measured flour and sugar, soured some milk, dashed some salt and heavily sprinkled my cinnamon.
People, my home is filled with a sweet aroma of "Nana's Nana Bread" and it is filling our souls. It is band aiding the ache to see our loved ones.

A precious reminder that our circumstances may look messy and bruised or even dark and mushy but what we do with it can become such a treat. One that brings us sweet memories and can even heal our hurt hearts.

Be Warned

Ladies and Gentleman!

It has been ages since my fingers have found the keys to post on our little family blog.
Over a year in fact.

I am in no way a professional but I have found myself with many of thoughts wanting out. So, stay tuned (or don't) as we navigate our journey a little differently these next few months!

God Bless!

Be Good.

I am not the most eloquent writer and I am most definitely not the most articulate. However, I hope that somehow tonight, I find a way to get a little of my heart out here on this page so that you might be able to hold some of it in yours.

This week has been a painful one, to say the least. January 12, 2017 was the day I began living life without my Grandma Imogene on earth with me. I'm 37. I was born and raised in the same community as my Dad's parents. In fact, I still visit my Grandpa in the same home they raised their four children in. For one year I have been trying to wrap my mind and heart around the fact that one of the first most influential women in my life...is in heaven. Also this past week, one of my very dearest friends (whom is younger than me) started her first days without her Daddy here on earth with her. This is gut wrenching for me. There is nothing I can do to make a moment of this time less painful for her. I have shed so many tears for the man that this family is missing. I don't understand why his time was so short. He was good. He was young. He IS LOVED...and this is from someone on the outside.

You see, for years, even in adulthood I have been told to "Be Good." As a kid, leaving to go to a friends to play..."be good!" When leaving for a high school dance..."have fun and be good." Leaving my grandparents house after coming into town from college "ya'll come back! Be good!" And yet never before have I thought about these two words more than I have the last 3 days. I think for the last 37 years I have interpreted this sentence as "Don't be naughty." "Stay out of trouble." "Don't get caught where you aren't supposed to be." But after today, these two words will never sound the same.

I have seen hundreds of men and women, young to old line up to speak words of love and kindness. I have witnessed hundreds of men and women, young and old line up for hours to share with strangers their story. To hug and cry with those they never met to express their deepest sympathies. I have overheard grown men with shaken voices in a gas station discuss the impressive chant, the helping hand, the weekly lunches and whose turn it was to take the check. The one common denominator, was this man. I am more than proud to say that I knew Ron Flaigle. I didn't have to see any of these things or hear any of these stories to know the impact that he had on the world around him. I can tell you, that on more than one occasion he told me be to "Be Good." as I hit the road out of town after a quick visit with my bestie and her wonderful family, (one that very quickly took me in as their own). Often after a hilarious lunch of queso smothered burritos, in which he insisted to pay for, that probably ate up a few hours of his day.

Be. Good.

Today this sounds so different. It isn't saying what not to do, but just the opposite. In fact these two words are quite literal and boldly black and white. BE GOOD. Be kind, without reserve. Dive into your village and help one another out. If you see someone in need and you have the means to help them, hook up your truck and pull them out of the ditch, just because it is the nice thing to do. Listen. Smile. Don't complain. Make people laugh. Make people feel valued. Invest in the youth around you. Teach your children to work hard, dig a hole, and to take pride in a job well done. Lead by example. Rise early. Make memories. Build fences. Tear down walls.

Ronnie, your boots will never be filled. As you look down from heaven, I pray that you can see the impact you made on your loved ones and community. You will be missed greatly by those who love you, and your legacy will live on forever because you sir, were good.

Tears In My Ice Cream

The small round table stood proud against the dated chocolate and mandarin velvet sofa that held it's place for years, cozy and protected under the smooth throw. It knew days of daily crosswords and puff paint and glitter  masterpieces created over and over on Kleenex and Puffs boxes. But this story, it isn't about the little white table in the little slightly crowded living space. It isn't even about the mural of 8x10's that donned the wall from ceiling to the tops of the furniture. This story is about the wild haired woman who would shuffle to this table.

The photo journalist, the secretary, the wife, the mom, the neighbor, the aunt, the eccentric, the well read, the grandma...would spend hours at this table reading the newspaper every single day. Sometimes over and over. Often she would come across an article that tickled her clear to the funny bone. She would share it with her husband who sat near in his worn comfy chair. Then would jump to her desk, grab her black handled scissors and cautiously cut it out. Later she would make the treck to the car to the local grocery store to make several copies of this hysterical local news, she would trace the lines of comical content with her brightest yellow highlighter. And then, it would get stacked on the small white round table that stood proud against the dated velvet sofa.

The real excitement would come when the doorbell rang or a fist would knock, or a grandkid would creek open the screen door. Because she knew that now, now she could share this "local news". She would give her greetings and quickly slip the carefully copied, diligently highlighted article into the hands of the expecting guest. She would watch their eyes, hers beaming. Toes bouncing in her shoes. Smiling ear to ear. It was almost like she saw the words in her mind as they were being read and just when the reader was about to get to the funny part...the cutest little giggles would erupt from the soul of this wild haired, foot shuffling woman...and the crowded living space would explode in laughter.

Joy.
She brought so much joy.
And that giggle will be a sound that will ring in my ears for eternity.

This week, I have had more than a handful of reminders of this beautiful woman and her influence on my life. I have also had a handful of reminders of the hurt and vacancy one can leave when they go. The first year of my life without my Grandma Imogene on earth with me, has not been an easy one. I miss her every day, at the same time, I smile often as the universe gives me frequent reminders of my wild haired woman. Tonight, I dish up her feel better cure all and tears fall in my vanilla ice cream with Hersheys syrup (hold the banana's Grandma).

Desperation

There is a blog that I follow, From Blacktop to Dirt Road. After watching her latest post, I cannot stop thinking about the word Lauren chose for her 'Inspiring Word for 2018". Desperation. According to Google Dictionary:

des·per·a·tion

ˌdespəˈrāSH(ə)n/

noun

1. a state of despair, typically one that results in rash or extreme behavior.

Inspiring? In the beginning I felt this to be a bit of a stretch, I heard her reasoning and got where she was coming from. At the same time, I wasn't sure what all one can do with such a specific, lacking of encouragement and warm fuzzies type of a word. She talks about a story from the Bible of the woman who was so desperate to be healed (the woman had been bleeding for 12 years for goodness sake) that she reached out to touch Jesus' clothes and by faith was healed instantly. (You should check out her post yourself. She did an amazing job at telling the store in a way that this momma got it.) She was desperate to be healed. She sought after Jesus, through the crowds and masses with desperation.

So, this morning on neat little "On This Day" thingy on FB, this selfie popped up from nine years ago. I know that most of us are in a different place than we were nine years ago, I feel like a TOTALLY different person all together. I look rested and flirty and my nails were done. I probably put my make-up on every day and was hitting the gym like a boss. Nine years ago I was not a SAHM of three. I was not a wife, not a girlfriend. I had given up my career and moved home. I was lost and trying to find my place with DESPERATION motivating me. That was my first thought when this pic showed up..."God, I was so desperate to know Your Plan!" I think that it was about this time that I had finally decided that although I felt that I had been hardwired to be a wife and a mom, maybe it wasn't the plan that Christ had for me. With Jeremiah 29:11 on repeat in my mind (For I know the Plans I have for You...) and Trust Your Journey was my mantra...I tried to go with the flow and live in the moment. Oblivious to the fact that a handful of weeks later, I would reconnect with that tall boy from 5th grade, the man I was to marry.

The last 24 hours I hae been reflecting on this word. None of us wish to be in a state of despair. But what if I twist my perspective of that word a bit, like it seems this lovely lady has and use it to force an extreme behavior with Christ at the forefront? What will I look like as a Woman of God? How will it change me as a Wife? Will it be evident in the way I "mom"? Will it weave through my friendships?

As I think more and more about this seemingly less than inspiring word; desperation, I think that perhaps this other Momma may be onto something. I look forward to being in her back pocket as Christ leads her through 2018.

And So It Grows

We have all come to the conclusion that I am terrible and keeping up on these blog posts...afterall it has been nearly a year since my last. And what a year that has been.
At this point it is well known that the Fab 4 is no more for we have become the Fab 5. Deryk and I welcomed Natalee into the world in June. She is perfect with her firey red hair and spirit to match! We are all just completely smitten. Even Jaxon. It has taken him the full 6 weeks to get that way mind you but he too loves our new gift.

As my maternity leave is on the down sloap of heading back to the daily grind, I am somewhat out of sorts. I know that my children get the very best care they could possibly get when not with Deryk and I. We are so blessed that they get to play with their Beppe (Deryk's mom) every single day. But you see, I have been SPOILED! Not only have I had the  chance to recover from the 9 month toll and traumatic even of delivery, but I have bonded with this tiny package full of a huge amount of life. Just as significant to me are the moments I have had with Jaxon, that I miss out on. Not only does our Miss Natalee change from day to day but this Baby Boy of mine has changed into something, not much of a baby at all right before my very eyes!

I've changed lots of diapers the last 6 weeks but I have also taken hundreds of pictures, read a million books and drove hot wheels for thousands of miles through the livingroom floor and over tables and legs and heads...

I've been reminded this week that life can at times be very short. Too short it would seem. So, every diaper, every selfie, every page, and every mile did not go untreasured.

A Watched Pot Never Boils

Here I am. Four long days from my due date and I find myself starving to hold my little baby boy.  I know that most or many of you have the opinion that first babies are always late. I've been told a million times the last several weeks. However,  this is not the trend in my family. You may think I'm impatient... I have waited a long time for this blessing and I am so excited that Good is trusting us with this little life. I think what others don't get is that it is not just me who is ready for Jaxon and his perfect timing. I don't want to have to decide what day he arrives... What if I pick the wrong day... What if he comes on Christmas day and Sam doesn't get to have Christmas morning in her jammies waking up to stockings over flowing and presents under the tree.  Sure it could all happen the 26th or 27th,  or even at the hospital. Will that make Christmas extra special for her,  for all of us,  or will she feel cheated? On the other hand Jesus' is pretty hard to compete with when it comes to birthdays...But ironically beautiful symbolism.

As Deryk and I approach our 40 week appointment pray that we make the best choices and find great place in God's timing. Daddy is way better at this than Mommy is :)

Mary Did You Know?

It's been weeks since I've managed to sit down and blog about our twisted journey but today I was overwhelmed by a mommy moment. We find ourselves slipping into 38 weeks smoothly... as smoothly as the previous weeks. Our family is both excited and I think maybe a little shocked at how quickly time has flown.

This weekend Deryk and I have had the chance to have several little moments,  just us. I needed this time to remember that although our time together is going to be different we are still a team, lovers, besties, and parents.

Catching Fire

 

 

I had a silly list...a list of things that I really needed to have done before our little man made his grand entrance into our world. First on the list was to have my bag packed. I'm sure there are many things that I'm forgetting but I feel better having undies and my own shampoo.

 

 

Next on the list was to have our Christmas tree up. We can't have a Christmas baby with no tree or host family Christmas with no tree.  (And of course the "God Family")

 

 

Thirdly I wanted to have Jaxon 's room in perfect shape.

 

Well, today as I was working on #3 of the list and humming Christmas carols to my little man in uterno, I thought of Mary. You know of her,  Jesus'  momma. I thought about how terrified she was yet how honored,  how unworthy she must have felt yet thrilled. As I worry about clothes being in the right drawer,  or if pictures are hung in just the right spot,  while daddy hangs Christmas lights on the house,  I wonder if Mary and Joseph did the same things in the stable?

 

 

I wonder if Mary fluffed the straw in the manger to make it as fit for A King as she could? I wonder if Joseph mucked the stall where he thought Mary would deliver?  As I putter around trying to make everything just so,  I can't help but wonder if these first time parents wanted the same thing...after all they were about to bring the Messiah into the world!  I think this is the first time I ever thought about what must have been going through Mary's mind other than feeling unworthy and fearful!

 

Perhaps this is why we are being blessed with a Christmas baby...to have more perspective,  more gratitude for the gifts that we have been given.

Merry Christmas to each of you and a very blessed season of joy from some very excited Fabers!

25 Weeks Already?

Samantha and I had a little date day while Deryk strategically drafted one of his Fantasy Football teams. This resulted in us enjoying some yummo pizza together and a little photo session with a friend from when I was a child.

Here's a few shots from our first official Maternity Shoot.

25 Weeks

 

 

 

 

"Nesting"

It has been ages...as usual... since I have blogged!

"Baby Brother" is a popular member of our family and a constant topic of conversation by at least one member of our household and any given time. Samantha will say "Oh Brother!" then laugh and say "Haha oh Brother, get it?" She is so excited that everyone is excited for her to be a big sister...the soon to be self proclaimed BEST big sister there has ever been!

I have been doing a bit of "nesting" I guess you could say. I think of it more and preparing. Over the weekend I did a couple of little projects for our Little Mister's space.



I can't get this to flip over but froggy wall art cost me $0.70 total and digging though some old boxes!

 



This little piece, is rather large and probably my favorite. Total cost of this project was $0.00. I had everything in my craft junk. I think that maybe I am on a roll!

A few weekends before I spent quality time on a dresser. I had a vision but wanted to keep it clean and simple since we might need it to flow in to new décor as our little man grows. I think that it turned out better than I imagined! BUT those pictures don't want to seem to load so...you have another blog to look forward to!




Here is how they all pulled together! One wall down only three more to go!

Our little guy is growing fast and has started REALLY moving this week. I LOVE this part! I have been so blessed to have an amazing pregnancy and love that as of this weekend Deryk and Sam can feel our little guy wiggle once in a while too! Stay tuned for more baby updates!





Blazism

Blaze is our nephew who is about to be 3 next month. He is more articulate than the average bear if I do say so myself. I blame that on the fact that he has an amazing mom who teaches him all kinds of cool things about the world.

The other day he was wallering all over me. My sister got onto him and told him that he has to be very gentle so that he can help keep the baby safe that it in Titi's (that's me) tummy. He took that very seriously and said "Ohhhh" and has since preceded to kiss my tummy and tell me that that baby cousin is in there. (Awww)

So, after this episode he decided the crawl onto my sisters lap and ask her if there was a baby in her tummy. She stated that no there was not and that Titi is the only one with a miracle. He quickly without a thought replies:

"Oh because you didn't eat no babies." and runs off to play before anyone can even begin to think of what to say.

Not sure what about this story amuses me so much...that no one has corrected him, or that he thinks I ate a baby and he's ok with it.

18 weeks...Bell Pepper Anyone!

As the summer begins to wind down for this family of Faber's, I feel like life may begin moving very quickly! After all, Future Faber is already the size of a Bell Pepper!!! Before we know it, Samantha will be home from Washington DC. School supplies will be purchased. Babies will be kicking. Genders will be revealed and in a blink of an eye we will be unwrapping gifts around the tree and snuggling our favorite little gift of all!

It amazes me how quickly time flies yet how it still feels like forever before we get to see this Future Faber. Along with every pregnancy (I am assuming) there have been fears, lots of worry, and excitement. But one thing that always brings a calm to this "Mommy2B" storm is when I take a step back and look at how loved this little one already is.

When I think about the unforgettable moments when we shared our news with some of you. Some were in shock (including myself). Some expressed joy, relief, some knew it was just around the corner. A few burst out in tears telling us how excited they are and that we were going to be great parents together. But the one that seems to stand out clear to me this evening as I am filled with worry and thankfulness and doubt, is the one who fell face to the floor in pure gratitude, utter faith, and undefinable praise.

Although this reaction was profound at the time...it is more so today and I hope that I can express all of those things... pure gratitude, utter faith, and undefinable praise to my God along every step of this journey. I feel that there were moments that I was BEGGING to be a mother and now that this gift has been bestowed upon me, I hope that I don't take a moment for granted. I know that there are going to be times when it will not be awesome...however I pray that I can always be grateful and always have faith, and always find praise for choosing me.

I find great peace in knowing that we have so many of you not only praying for the health of our Future Faber, but also for us as parents...Godly parents who can raise not only this little one on the way, but Samantha also, in a way that is pleasing to Christ who chose us to teach these babies!

Your prayer and support does not go unnoticed! Thanks for being so AWESOME!

FAITH

This blog entry is one that I have been eagerly waiting to write for what has felt like ages.

Deryk and I have been on a Twisted Journey of FAITH for a very long time. As many of you know, I had been praying that Christ would send me a Godly Man. A Godly Man that would be the head of my household, my knight in shining armor, my rock.

At one point I felt broken, unworthy, that everything that I had dreamed of being a wife and having that true companion was nonexistent, impossible, and had already slipped through my fingers. Eventually I reached another point. One of Faith. One that I found after hours of conversation with Christ where I truly believed that Christ wired me to be a wife, and he wouldn't have wired me that way, had he not intended me to become one. One of peace. One where I could actually hear Him telling me to just...wait.

It wasn't but days after that, I reconnected with that tall red-headed boy who I met at Jefferson Elementary, while in Mrs Winblad's 5th Grade class, the one with a similar pencil collection, the one who would become the head of my household, my knight in shining armor, my rock.

Deryk and I have tried to continue this Twisted Journey with Faith in our back pocket, helping us along the way as we needed it. We have recently learned, that Faith, it doesn't belong in your back pocket...ready to pull out in time of need. It is more of something you need to wear on your feet...an all terrain foot wear mind you, that can take miles and miles of twisting and turning and carrying you wherever your journey may lead.

As many of you know, we have been praying, begging, Christ to expand our family. Once again, I had reached a point where I knew I was broken, unworthy, that everything that I had dreamed of in being a mommy, and raising children to be men and women of Christ was impossible, that the opportunity had slipped though my younger years. Yet after taking a step back I realized, He wouldn't have wired me with that desire, to deprive me of this gift. I had to have Faith that somehow, He was going to allow me to be the Mom that he created me to be. Whether it was for Samantha, from my womb, or someone elses!

12 weeks ago, Christ changed his response to my begging. He dried my tears of sorrow, he took my place of waiting in peace and gave us the biggest surprise of all.

I have been blessed with the best first trimester I could imagine and feel blessed every single day that God is beginning a new life in our family. And allowing me to protect this little one as it grows into the miracle that he or she is intended to be.

Just as God knew the Twisted Journey that Deryk and I would take, he had great and mighty plans for this tiny person. And we are excited to announce that a

FUTURE FABER is due to Arrive December 29, 2013!

Before I formed you in the womb

I knew you, before you were born

I set you apart.

Jer 1:5

March is a BIG Deal!

Around our house, most of you know that March is a BIG DEAL!

Samantha's 9th Birthday fell during Spring Break which she got to spend in TX. So, We had to have a little taste of Birthday before spring break started. The Tuesday before Spring Break kicked off, I showed up with her "homemade cupcakes" per her specific request. I think that they turned out pretty stinkin cute, even though I did make them myself!

 

We decided that perhaps we should give her half of her birthday present before she left, and half after she returned so, the surprises came full force!

 

First, our little missy got to open a present...which contained an adorable pink and bling "Daydreamer" T and an even cuter little silver skirt...and a note that told her to go change "RIGHT NOW" and also contained tickets to Disney On Ice!!!

 

 

Does she look excited? She was freaking out about how this was the BEST birthday present she had EVER gotten. Which made our hearts all warm and fuzzy!

 

The Show is about to Begin!



Aladdin & Genie

Bruce and Dori from Finding Nemo

The Star Couple of course!

Simba and Nala from The Lion King

 

I think that Deryk and I were both surprised at how entertained we were and how we were just as amazed as Sam at what was happening before us! Profound costuming, AMAZING talent on ice, and just overall huge FUN!

 

This was definitely a 9th Birthday we will all remember!

Making Winter Sweet!

I have been terrible at making time to update this blog, I guess that is just a true sign that we have been too busy making memories!

This one is from way back in February when we got all that snow and Samantha and I whipped up our first batch of Snow Icecream. Ummm mmm.