Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Secret to Happiness

I have come to realize that my blog posts
make us look like a pretty perfect, happy family.
 
 
Not to say that isn't true -
but I feel it is important to point out that my blog
mainly reflects the best parts of our days and our lives.
 
I choose the pictures.
I choose the stories.
and  usually,
I only choose the best.
 
But bad, sad, and mad moments happen here, too:
 
Potty training Christopher has proven to be quite difficult
(pooping everywhere BUT the potty).
 
Christopher broke our screened porch door a couple days ago.
 
Casey left the gate open and I had to chase the dogs down - TWICE
(Not exactly how I want to be known in the new neighborhood).
 
Elizabeth has her fussy days.
 
Sometimes I literally have 10 loads of dirty laundry at a time.
 
Our moving process has been physically and mentally exhausting,
and we have TONS of projects left in the new house!
 
I bribe my kids.  (Yes.  I do.)
 
We have let our grass go until the weeds were 1 foot tall!
 
Our finances aren't exactly stellar right now
after closing on 2 houses.
 
Sometimes the boys fight like wild cheetahs.
 
I do not remember to read to them everyday.
 
I wish I could sleep in just. a. little. longer.
 
Our upstairs bathrooms haven't been cleaned since we moved in
(yes, like 7 weeks ago).
 
Christopher put dirt and bubbles in the dogs' water
and frequently gets himself wet and filthy from head to toe
 
I snap at the kids more than I would like - but I'm working on it.
 
Need I go on?
 
 
But there are 2 thoughts resounding in my mind
that remind me that these issues are trivial:
 
1) TRUST God
 
and
 
2) Keep an ETERNAL perspective
 
 
 
 
I learned these things the hard way -
in the hospital with Christopher,
and living on my own for 18 months.
 
 
 
 
But if I had to share the secret to happiness,
This. Would. Be. It.
 
TRUST God.
Keep an ETERNAL perspective.
 
 
Let the bad moments go,
Savor the good ones,
and remember that this life is only temporary...
 
 
 
 
Oh, and don't ever be discouraged by the
'perfect' lives you see on facebook and blogs...
Real life is dirty, messy, and downright happy :)
 
<>< Stacy

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Moms and more

A little late, but here's a few smiles from our Mother's Day!
 
I am blessed with both a wonderful mother
and my own precious little babies!
 
Mommy's boys!

My lovely Mom and her 3 :)

A D O R A B L E ! !
  
I am having so much fun dressing a girl!





 

She loves to stand up on her feet!
 
 
We were thrilled to host our first family meal
in our new home on Mother's Day!
 
Mothers and Daughters
 
 
Casey and I attended a USC Alumni event recently
that was held at the USC School of Medicine, Greenville.
 
The photographer(s) got a couple of cute pics of
Elizabeth all decked out in gamecock gear!
 
One of the speakers dubbed her the youngest Gamecock in the room :)
 
 
Garnet and Black!!!

Proud Daddy

* serious face *
 
 
The next few weeks are very busy
with Michael and Christopher's birthdays, VBS,
our anniversary, visitors at our house, and more!
 
Just a few more boxes, but months of projects ahead of us!
 
<>< Stacy

Thursday, May 23, 2013

After the move...

Here's an update in pictures....
 
After the Move
 
We had a few chilly weeks...
Luckily I packed a box with some winter clothes!
 
Sweet brothers!
 

She knows she's cute.
 

She has the STRANGEST sleeping positions!
 
 
We love taking walks around our neighborhood!
This is the neighborhood's little lake access...
the boys were hoping to feed some ducks :)

Sister watching over the boys in the background....

I felt SO, SO happy that night!

Bread!  Bread!  Bread!

The kids seemed happy, too  :)

Biking by the lake
 
 
Elizabeth has her OWN room and her OWN crib!

Chillin' in the crib for the first time!
 
 
I frequently find Elizabeth surrounded by animals.
I wonder how that happens?? 

Michael's animal friends


Check out the baby fat rolls!

 
Our little chunky monkey!
 
 
Elizabeth's superheroes :)
 

Two fun little boys!!!!!

 
My niece, little Ava, turned 1 year old!

Me and Ava ------------ Aunt Allie and Elizabeth


Michael loves Mrs. Jenny and Mr. B

I think she enjoyed her birthday cake!

Our growing families!!!!

 
 
Michael is a VERY sweet brother :)



I have a video of Casey making Elizabeth giggle
and she just LOVES to watch it!

Technology far too early :)


Aren't they adorable?????
 
Christopher, Elizabeth, Michael
 
 
I can't believe how big she's getting!


I love this old fashioned dress
 
 
 

Mommy love!


My mom's co-worker made this adorable onesie for Elizabeth!

All smiles yesterday morning!

 
One of Elizabeth's favorite places to play...


The Exercauser
 
 
Enjoying a beautiful, beautiful morning!



Yet another walk around the neighborhood...
but Michael tuckered out fast this time, so it was short!
 
 
I cannot even put in words how happy we are!
 
Although our days are still a little chaotic
unpacking and settling in
(seriously - our garage has one walking path),
it's easier to look past that stuff when we're together!
 
<>< Stacy