The Pursuit of Happiness for 2012.

I've taken a very long sabbatical from blogging recently. The holidays really take it out of me, especially being pregnant. In all the ways in which I really TRY to be a supermom....I can't do everything, so some things must take a back seat. But, with the new year, I've had a some time to sit and think and self-evaluate my life and I what I want for the upcoming year.
New Year's is not my favorite holiday. I think it's a little because I have some sadness that Christmas is over. All the build-up and anticipation is gone in just one day. It's a little disheartening. I think it can be especially for women because you realize all the work that goes into baking, cooking, decorating, shopping, wrapping, and memory-making for those you love. Moms and women in general, are superheros this time of year.
But also, the new year leaves me feeling a little defeated that I have to start all over again. One year down, many more to go. And, I'm supposed to make some sort of resolution? For what? To lose weight? Be healthier? Watch less TV? Read more books? Invest money into my 401K? Do home improvements? Run a marathon? And, why?
It's been said that up to 80% of New Year's Resolutions made, fail. So, why do we make them? I want a life change, not a goal that I won't attain and leaves me feeling like a failure in the end.
For Christmas, my bestie gave me a book, entitled The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. I've only read a couple chapters so far, but I feel inspired by this woman's journey to figure out what exactly makes her happy and then pursue it. Of course these things are not necessarily what everyone would agree as quick fixes for happiness. I probably won't ever win the lottery, or build my absolute dream home; the world won't ever know my name. But, do these things really bring happiness, anyway?
The first goal of the book is to establish exactly what makes you happy. This was actually quite difficult as I thought it through. All the things in my life that I've accomplished thus far, I remember years back, longing for theses things and thinking then that once I had them, things would be perfect. I wanted so bad to be married to Jon...done. Have babies...done. A big house...done. But so many times, these things I take for granted and keep wanting more. What if LESS is actually what is needed for happiness?
So, I thought about when I'm most happy. I love being outside and enjoying nature, taking long walks. I enjoy blogging and writing and being creative. I like things being organized and clutter free. I find I tend to really enjoy things that I thought I would hate and things that challenge me. I'm happier when I'm well-rested and have had taken time for myself. I'm my best when my relationship with my husband is close and and we're "in-tune". I'm at peace when I've had my time with the Lord every day. I'm able to give more of myself to my family when I've had time to wake up early in the morning and drink coffee before the demands begin. I have the most fun with my children when we're doing things that don't involve spending money or the latest toys.
So, this is my goal for this year...to pursue happiness through doing more of what I enjoy and doing it with less "stuff". I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Wish me luck!

"It is by studying the little things, that we attain the great art of having little misery, and as much happiness as possible."
-Samuel Johnson

Happy Fall, Y'all

Well, I've taken a little sabbatical from blogging. Mostly because our computer crashed, but also I've felt like I don't have much to share lately. My kids have sucked all the existing brain cells from my head and there's not much left. I don't know what it is about the fall season beginning that get kids so out of sorts. It seems like all of a sudden, they've forgotten all the house rules, including, but not limited to, how to fall asleep on their own, not to punch your brother in the mouth, my belly is NOT a beanbag, and watch your tone of voice when you're speaking to your mother.
I had to reteach them a few things...some of this came back to memory fairly quickly, others are taking a little longer. In midst of the chaos, we've still managed to enjoy the season. The leaves were beautiful a couple weeks ago. The boys have enjoyed making piles of leaves in the backyard and jumping in them. This provides entertainment for hours on end, the only downfall being that Sampson's "piles" hide very well under the leaves. I've loved the cooler weather and all the smells from my favorite candles and some yummy, home cooked food that goes along with the season.
A month ago, we celebrated the evening by carving our jack-o-lantern. Please excuse the quality of the pictures, I took them with my phone. Even more so, please ignore the horrendous wallpaper in the background. I swear, we ARE getting closer to renovating the kitchen. I know, we've only been saying this for the last 18 months.


Jon...not enjoying gutting the pumpkin.



My sweet "Jack"-o-lantern...get it?!







We even roasted the pumpkin seeds. These were a big hit for Jack, Cole...not so much. He has a weird gag-reflex.



The front porch.


Happy fall, y'all!

Happy Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween from Spiderman and John Wayne! I'm still throwing away Halloween candy little, by little. Hopefully, one day soon, I can get rid of all of it!

My Three Sons

We went to the ultrasound appointment a few days ago to find out the sex of the new baby. I asked the boys what they thought it was and they emphatically said boy. I asked them, what made them so sure it was a boy, and Jack said he knew because since I'm the princess of the castle, I would have to be surrounded boogers, and toots, and dirt forever.
I watched Jon looking at the TV screen watching the tech measure the baby's head circumference and show us the beating heart. He was biting his nails in nervous anticipation. I knew he was hoping for another boy, but terrified that it would be a girl. I had decided I was going to be happy with whatever it was. Of course, having a girl would be fun, but I feel comfortable with my guys. I feel cherished and loved so much that I can't seem to split myself evenly between all three of them without someone saying they want me to themselves.

The tech told us it was another boy and Jon's face regained color and he spit out his fingernails. I on the other hand took a survey of the room.
Jon...Jackson...Cole...and now another one. I started to feel nauseous.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my boys for the world, and while I felt relieved to still be in familiar territory, I felt overwhelmed. Three boys...three men, really.
Over the next few days, the reality began to sink in. I'm raising three little boys who will one day grow into men. Men who I hope know the value of hard work, keep their word, tell the truth. Men who will be leading their own families. I felt an incredible amount of fear in knowing what a huge task this will be. I started doubting what God was thinking. Me...able to do a job so important...me?

Even though the fear hasn't subsided, the excitement has increased. Three wonderful boys...to love and to love me. Being the princess of the castle, just like Jack said. I can't think of anything more lovely.


"When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor. Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." -Proverbs 4:3-10

We're Expecting!

16 weeks

15 weeks

8 weeks

10 weeks


God has blessed us with another little life that will be here around the first of April! We are so excited and the excitement is growing since we are in the 'safety zone'. I'm now 17 weeks along and I'm feeling movement which is fun and reassuring to me that this pregnancy is healthy and progressing like it should be. I hesitated to announce anything for awhile due to us losing the last one. I didn't feel confident even though I've had two healthy babies in the past. One miscarriage really makes you gun shy and it's easy to let worry take you over. I've had to really commit myself to prayer and trusting that God is in control. This has been really difficult for me even though I know that there's nothing that I can do to keep this baby alive and healthy on my own. But as the movement happens more frequently and my belly grows bigger, I'm doubting less and trusting more and thanking God every step of the way.

POP's

On a cool fall Friday night, we took a quick little road trip to Arcadia to go visit Pop's. Pop's is a gas station/restaurant that boasts of having the largest selection of soda pop...or as we Oklahomans call it..."Coke". Everything is a Coke. They have over 600 different types of "Coke," anything you could ever want. We enjoyed cheeseburgers and fries and the boys washed it down with neon colored, fizzy drinks. I opted to have a cookies n' cream malt instead and I think I made the best choice of anyone. It was a fun experience to do something a little different for family fun night.

Man's Best Friend

Last month, we had a big scare in our family. Sampson, our first-born was hit by a car. I guess it was just a matter of time, really. Usually, Sam is pretty good about lying in the yard when we're outside. He likes to nap in the sunshine and watch the world go by while do yard work or when the boys play basketball. Occasionally, since he just lies there...we forgot he's even outside with us. That's exactly what happened that night and I didn't even notice he was missing until I went to let him outside before bed. It was too late, he was no where to be found. After searching the neighborhood for half an hour, Jon called the pound and sure enough, he had been picked up.
They mentioned to Jon that he was limping and may have possibly been hit by a car in the neighborhood. They said he seemed to not be in any pain, and he was just probably a little sore since he's getting up there in his years. We were told we could pick him up the next morning, but when I was able to get him, I knew immediately that something was wrong. Call it mother's intuition or just that I know my animal better than animal control, but I rushed him to the vet right away. Much to our surprise he hadn't been hit by a car in the neighborhood, but on a main street outside our neighborhood at 35-40 mph. Someone called the pound when they panicked seeing a dog rolling in the street, unable to get up. He was in a lot of pain and the doctor had to put him to sleep just to get an x-ray. Turns out Sampson had a broken tailbone, an air pocket where is muscle tore, and black and purple bruises all over.
It was a very emotional situation for all of us, but we were just grateful to still have him with us. I thought about how he's been with us through almost every step of our married lives. Jon and I bought him a couple days after Christmas when we had just been married six months. He was our first responsibility as a married couple-he trained us for the messes and frustrations that children would later bring. He was there with us through two moves and new changes that life brings. He loves and protects my children and has become a great playmate for them...putting up with being ridden like a horse, costume changes, and being dragged around that backyard on a leash. He's been a comfort to me when Jon has been out of town and I was scared to be alone.
He's often overlooked and ignored. He's been a source of anger for me when tracks mud on my carpets and i find his hair on EVERYTHING. I've seen him as a financial burden when I go to the vet to update his shots and $300 later, I'm finally able to leave. I've cursed his name as a stepped in a big pile of fresh poop in the backyard. But, these days, we're just counting him as a blessing. He's had a few more home cooked meals and ear rubs, and I even let him up on my "pretty" furniture in the formal living room. We are so grateful he was a fighter and is still with us.