Pumpkin Patch 2013

We kept trying to find time to make our annual trip to the pumpkin patch and we couldn't quite seem to get there. Finally we found a time even though the month was almost over.  It was not exactly the fun relaxing time we had had in the past...

James immediately picked out pumpkins for all of us. It took a total of 45 seconds for him to accomplish this task. 

He was super obsessed with pulling the wagon

James quickly let it be known that he was in no mood to take any pictures, much to my dismay. As in he would rather do anything than be in a picture. I'm not ashamed to admit that yes I wanted sweet cute pictures of the boys in their matching shirts with the pumpkins in the background and that was part of my incentive to go to the patch. The sun was also super bright so it was hard to see. At least Harrison was somewhat cooperative. 

Actually got a small smile

Check out this face. You can almost see how stubborn he is. 

Poor Harrison in the bright sun

Oh James

So much for a decent pic with Mom 

Our attempt at the family photo...

Any chance for a decent picture of the boys together? Nope!

Right after this next picture James said, "He is getting heavy" and dropped H.  Thankfully I did a dive and caught him at the last second. 

Chillin in the wagon 

The boys! And its a decent pic!  

Another try for the family shot

Thanks James 

 Then some nice lady at the patch tried to take one for us. You can see what Mr. 3 year old decided to do.  While taking this picture Ryan got a look on his face and started demanding that we leave. Apparently Harrison had a massive diaper blow out. The kind that comes up the back AND stomach. Yikes. We had had enough of the pumpkin patch for one day, lol. 

With it being our last year in Shreveport I'm going to have to do several blasts from the pasts. :) 

2010

2011

All the pumpkins were "balls" that year 

2012

Much more compliant in the pictures last year!

Funny sayings from the past few months

I wish I could record all the hilarious things James is saying these days. They may only be funny to his dad and I but he sure keeps us laughing.

Emily: We only have one treat a day. James: No Mommy I want to eat all the treats!

Emily: Mommy said no. James: Mommy need to say yes to James!

James: Open up that belly and let me see inside!

James: What's that? (my expanded belly button) Who poked it out?

James: I want to kiss that baby!

James: I have to be 16 to drive the car. You can sit in the back Mama

James: I want to cry. I want to get into trouble.

James: Happy now Mama? Why you got a sad face?  (this is what he says after getting into trouble)

While reading the story about Jesus washing the disciples feet, James: What is he doing Daddy? Ryan: Washing their feet. James- you are supposed to wash your hands

Emily: Want some strawberries or blueberries? James: No, those are not healthy for my body

James: Where's all the milk? Where are his hands?  These are the two things I remember James saying when he ran into the hospital room to meet Harrison. I think he thought he was going to immediately give him a bottle and he was really confused by the swaddle as to where Harrison's hands were!

Emily: James, we are getting ready to go to church. James: I don't want to go to church. I'll throw away ALL the church!"

Emily: James, what did you learn about at Sunday school. James: Nothing. We didn't talk about Jesus.  (for the record our church does teach the children about Jesus!)

James: Look at this mess. Ryan- I wonder who made it. James- It was me...

James: Where is Daddy? Emily: He went to work. James: He's supposed to give me a hug!

James: Mommy do you want some ice cream? Emily: No thanks. James: You are supposed to say yes!

James: That's my brother Daddy. (melted my heart with that declaration)

James: I can drink coffee at the donut store when I get older.

James: Your my boy Daddy!

I could write a whole post about funny things he has said and done while I have nursed or pumped but we will keep it clean for the blog. Lol

A Beautiful Mess

Well it's finally happening... I am about to try to start blogging again.  And though I am going to date all of these catch up entries based on when they occurred I wanted to write this blog to remind myself years from now how crazy life has been.  I will be the first to admit that I am not one of those moms who has it together.  As I type this right now I have laundry in the dryer that has been waiting to be folded for who knows how many days, thank you notes that are written but not mailed, my house is a mess and I haven't slept for more than 3 hours in a REALLY long time. But... ten years from now my to-do list will still be long and life will still be crazy, but I know I will never regret taking time to write down the memories while I can.  And as I constantly remind myself, I didn't become a stay at home mom so I could have a clean house! 

I'm going to do the unthinkable for my type A personality and blog out of order and I apologize to anyone who receives my blog via email because you may be getting a lot of random entries.  The crazy thing is that when I was a teacher I felt like I had my life pretty together and was super organized. My lesson plans were done in advance and I left as soon as the bell rang 95% of the time with everything ready for the next day. Somehow having kids has thrown all of my organization out the window! To say it has been humbling is an understatement.

I stole the title of this entry from the current MOPS theme (which I'm not even doing, lol) for the year which is "A Beautiful Mess".  I feel that this perfectly sums up this stage of our life. Our life is a mess.  Ryan is working crazy hours.  He is currently in the beginning of a brutal 28 day stretch where he works every day and is on call every night. We have added another baby to the family who happens to be somewhat high maintenance, still continues to get up every 2-3 hours at night, and as yet to take a nap on his own during the day.  James is in a hilarious, destructive, yet irresistible stage and is definitely keeping us on our toes. I told Ryan recently that most days I feel like we are just trying to stay afloat and not drown and he agreed. Yes, life is a mess.  However life is also beautiful. In the midst of chaos we have grown as a family in both size and love. Seeing James become a big brother, experiencing simple every day moments as a family, little firsts with Harrison, and beginning a seasons of lasts during our final year in Shreveport, our time together these past few months has been a period of growth for all of us.  Life is beautiful when life is a mess. Because the best thing about a messy life is that it forces you into total dependence on the Lord. Because you can't stay afloat without Him.  And it's during the messy times that He often brings you something beautiful: a closer relationship with Him. And though I will be the first to admit that I would love to be one of those moms whose house is always perfect and her hair is never thrown into a ponytail because once again she didn't have time to dry it, that's just not the mom that I am.  I'm just a mom whose life is a beautiful mess, and I wouldn't change it for anything. 

Here is just a snapshot of some of our beautiful messy moments over the past few months. :) 

Cool boots 

Brothers 

I look hideous in the picture. It had been a LONG day waiting for Daddy to get home 

Sometimes we all need a nap 

Oh James...

Harrison's opinion on joining the family 

Doesn't everyone paint in the nude, lol? 

My partner in crime 

Cutest two boys ever 

Loving on brother 

Family of 4

Harrison 4 Months

Stats:

Weight: 16 lbs, 7.5 oz

Height: 24 3/4 inches 

Head: 16 3/4 inches

Harrison this has been another busy and exciting month for you. You now go to Mother's Day Out two mornings a week. They cannot get you to take a nap, and you are VERY cranky when I pick you up. Some things you are starting to do is reach for your toys, make spit bubbles, suck your thumb, and put things in your mouth.  One of the best moments of this past month was that Daddy got you to laugh! Your favorite tops are Sophie and your firefly.  You have begun wearing 6-9 month clothes. Your big adventure this month was going to the mountains of NC to see David and Greer get married!

Wearing Daddy's special baby outfit