Goodbye 2009, Hello & Welcome 2010!

Happy New Year, y'all! I don't know about you, but I am welcoming 2010 with open arms. I am so excited to see what God is going to do this year.

I saw this "annual review" on Kelly's blog and thought it was such a great way to reflect on 2009 and think about what I want to change in 2010.

FIVE THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR IN 2009:

1. 2009 brought along this little fella'! I love him more than life itself and couldn't imagine the world without him!
Bennett Ace is one of the biggest joys of my life. I'm blessed beyond compare to get to watch him grow and learn everyday! It blows my mind that he is about to turn a year old! And he's got a new trick...
He isn't an exclusive walker yet. But he is very, very close. It is so cute to watch him learn a new skill and see how proud he is of himself!

2.I was blessed to see this "big" boy become a brother this year. Talk about amazing!

Jackson Kyle is hands down, the most doting big brother that I have ever seen. Jackson had no problems adjusting from life as an only child. He just made it so easy for us! I should have figured, though! Being an adaptable, easy, sweet child is par for the course for him! Jackson is funny, quick as a whip, observant, and charming. Life is better because of him!
3. And the two little blessings above would not be possible without this man!Kyle, my soul mate, my partner, my constant, my own personal comedian. Kyle works so hard everyday to provide for our family. He carries on his shoulders everyday that he is responsible for our well being, and does so beautifully. He comes home from work and turns into super dad. He gets down and plays with the boys and helps me with all the evening routine stuff. Our boys are so blessed to have Kyle as a father and role model. And I am blessed beyond measure to have him as my husband!
4. I am so thankful for God's provision. Kyle is a landscaper and his main line of income is from home maintenance. With as many people who lost their jobs in this area, I would have imagined it would have had a bigger hit on our family. Yes, we lost customers, but God has provided. God has also given Kyle a huge talent for what he does, and I am so thankful for that as well!

5. I am thankful for our family and friends. They make life so much sweeter. I know I hit the jackpot when it comes to parent's and in law's. They love my children and spoil them rotten, just like grandparents should! Our parents bless us with help whenever we need it and I hope someday I can do that for my children. Our extended family is beyond amazing and we have the best group of friends that anyone could ask for!


FIVE THINGS I WANT TO IMPROVE IN 2010:

1. First and foremost, I want to have a consistent time with Jesus daily. I failed big time with this in 2009. I have tried to excuse myself because "I have two small kids" and "I'm busy". Blah, blah, blah. I find time everyday to check blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. I think I can find time to sit quietly before the throne. I need this so badly!
2. Coordinating with the above, I want to be aware of how much time I spend on my computer and cellphone. I know it is a lot of time. Time away from my husband, kids, and my responsibilities. I am going to be more strict on myself about all the times I just sit down for 5 minutes and check FB or blogs. All those little 5 minute breaks add up. My kids are growing much too quickly and I don't want to look back and think that I wasted my time on the computer while they needed me.
3. As cliche as it may be, I want to lose weight. I have a very long way to go, but I feel ready for it. I would like to lose about 60lbs. I know it is a lot, but I'm breaking it up into 20lb increments. I'm giving myself a realistic goal of 10 weeks for the first 20lbs and then I'll go from there. It is so much more than just wanting to lose weight to look good, it is to be healthy.
4. I want to be much more purposeful with my time. I recently wrote out a schedule for my days, and am hoping that this will be a helpful tool in keeping my goal.
5. I want to continue our goal in becoming financially free. We very loosely started Dave Ramsey's plan last year, but I would really like to kick it in full throttle in 2010. Kyle and I don't have a lot of debt (any longer), but I would really like to wipe it out and start on our nest egg!

5 WAYS I WANT TO GIVE AND HELP OTHERS THIS YEAR:

1. This could also go under the "improve upon" category, because we as a family have never been great about tithing. Just being honest, here. I love to talk like I trust the Lord to provide for us, but then I hold onto our money with a tight fist. Kyle and I have to make some changes in this area.
2. Kyle and I recently went back to teaching a nursery class. I want to continue with this throughout the new year. I feel that since we have kids that partake in the wonderful children's ministry, it is our responsibility to volunteer.
3. I want to be a help to others in my every day life. Wherever, whenever. Sometimes it is easier to just ignore when you see someone out that has a need. Please Lord, guide me and give me a passion for others.
4. I'm not sure how to go about this one, but I would like to get into some sort of ministry for parents who have babies in the NICU. Having spent time in the NICU with both of my boys, I know the heartache and helplessness of having a baby there. Like I said, I'm not sure if that means starting a ministry on my own, or joining one that is already in place, but I want to figure it out!
5. I want to be a better helpmate to my husband this year. I know he carries so much stress owning a business, and I want to do whatever I can to take a little of that burden from him. He is such a help to me on a daily basis, I want to do the same for him.

And there it is, folks! I think it will be neat to go back to this from time to time in 2010 and see how I'm doing with my progress. I don't know what this new year holds, but I do know WHO holds it. I pray blessings for you and your families! Let's make it a good one!

We saw the big man

Sign me up, please!

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Unbelievable!!! Oh, this would just make my day!!!

9 & 10 Months

Our little Acey man is 10 months old! I'm so behind on posting, so I'm combining his 9 month post in here as well. Better late than never, right???

Here is what the big man has been up to:
-Into everything! He has officially found the tupperware cabinet. He also loves pulling everything out of our bathroom drawers.
-Of course crawling like a madman, but can cruise now while holding onto furniture.
-Can stand unassisted.
-Although I'm pretty sure he has the skills, has no desire to walk.
-Shows no fear. Loves to be thrown in the air, loves to catapult himself off of furniture, etc. This is VERY different from Mr. Cautious, AKA Jackson.
-Starting to show dislike of certain foods. He doesn't care for anything that he can't feed himself.
-Loves spaghetti (see above picture) =)
-Showing signs of giving up his bottle. He still takes a bottle 3x a day, but usually only drinks about 4-6 ounces at each feeding. Sometimes less.
-His personality just shines through more and more each day. Ace is funny, likes attention, very tender hearted, likes to entertain, and very social.
-Sometimes he love naps, sometimes he doesn't. Right now we are in the loving nap cycle.
-Ace only has 4 teeth, but is working on 2 more.
-In Ace's 9th and 10th months he has had his first double ear infection, first stomach bug, first case of Bronchiolitis, and first cold.
-Sleeps from about 6:30-6:30. If he doesn't take a good afternoon nap will go down for the night even earlier.
-Usually wakes up once during the night.

Ace,

We love you so much! You and your brother bring so much joy to our lives every single day. I can't believe we are approaching your 1st birthday. Where has this past year gone? You are supposed to be my tiny baby! I say it all the time, but time passes too quickly. I pray every day that the Lord helps me savor this time with you. I know I may sound crazy for this, but I kind of love that you still wake up once during the middle of the night. But I think that time is so special for us. The house is silent and just you and me snuggle up and rock. You bury your little fuzzy head beneath my chin and I just sit there and breath in your fleeting baby scent. Too soon this time will be gone. The biggest achievement in my life is being "Mama" to Jackson and Ace Van Nus. I love you both more than I could ever type out on this silly blog.

XOXO,
Mama

Today...

Today nobody threw up on me.

Today has been a good day.

Today my hands are burnt and rough from clorox.

Today has been a good day.

Today I didn't wipe up any bodily fluids off of the floor.

Today has been a good day.

Today we had popcorn and gatorade for dinner.

Today has been a good day.

Today I watched Elmo and Diego with my kids.

Today has been a good day.

Today I dispensed zero meds.

Today has been a good day.

Today I have yet to take a shower.

Today has been a good day.

Today we opened the windows to let in fresh, clean air.

Today has been a good day.

Today my kids took long naps.

Today has been a good day.

Today my house smells like lysol.

Today has been a good day.

Today the germs seem to be at bay.

Today has been a good day.

We're preventing rednecks here, one hair cut at a time

Somebody got their first haircut this weekend. He was a little hesitant about the situation, but I assured him he did NOT want to be known as mullet baby in the preschool nursery at church.





And here is an after shot. He did really well, as good to be expected from a 9 month old! We didn't get too much cut off of the top. I just told the stylist to take off all the party that was going on in the back. Unfortunately, when the mullet left, so did a tiny little bit of his baby look. But, I didn't even cry, y'all. You should be proud!

Stats & Miscelany

In a very crazy attempt to save myself from 2 trips to the Dr office, I scheduled Jackson's 4yo checkup with Ace's 9month checkup. It went smoothly, but only because my very intelligent mother knew I might need an extra set of hands and volunteered. Have I mentioned I love my mom??? She is such a blessing to me and everyone she knows.

Anywho, the boys did very well and got the A-OK from the doc. The appointment wasn't just a well checkup for both boys, because we all haven't been so well. Jackson and I had strep throat, and Ace has a nasty cold and ear infection. Jackson and I are very much on the mend. This has been the mildest case of strep that I have ever had and it seems to be the same with Jack. Ace, although in great spirits has been feeling pretty lousy. Poor baby, I hate it when my kids don't feel well.

The stats are as follows:
Jackson- 35lbs 3'4". 50% for both weight and height
Ace- 25.14lbs 30.5". GREATER than 95% for both weight and height (off the charts, literally)

I love how everyone tells me "He'll slow down once he starts crawling" or "He'll slow down when he starts pulling up". He's been crawling for nearly 4 months, y'all. He's been pulling up for about the same amount of time. Oh well, I love it. He's our little football player. Believe it or not, Jackson was nearly that big at 9 months. I'll have to pull out his records to confirm, but he was a big boy too.



I failed to post some halloween/ birthday party pictures. Since Jackson's birthday is so close to Halloween, we just had a costume party. Our awesome family and friends were not tardy for the party. (couldn't resist). Look at all the great costumes!

They say it's your birthday!

Where are you going little one, my little one?
Where are you going, my baby, my own?
Turn around and you're one
Turn around and you're four

Turn around you're a young man walking out of the door

Jackson,

Happy 4th birthday to my sweet, sweet boy. Your Daddy and I are just head over heels for you. You bring pure joy to our lives. Your sense of humor, intelligence, sweet spirit, and loving heart amaze us on a daily basis. I don't think I could ever explain to you just how blessed I feel to be your mother. You are growing into such a lovely little human being and I am so happy to have a front row seat to watch that happen.

I love you to the moon and beyond,

Momma

Hey Y'all, It's Halloween

Paula Deen here, y'all. Or maybe it is just me, Sarah, dressed as Paula. Whatevs. We had a Halloween themed Bunco a couple of weeks ago, and this was my costume. I will also be attending a Halloween party tomorrow night dressed as the Lady. If I do say so myself, I think I make a pretty dadgum good Paula. I am linking up to Kelly's Halloween costume party. I haven't had the boys dressed up yet, but I will post some pictures of them soon!



Y'all didn't know Paula and Octomom were friends??? Well now you know. For some reason Octomom was sans kids in this picture. Probably makes the picture more true to life!
Happy Halloween, from my kitchen to yours!!!

Thanks pal!

A new blog friend of mine gave me this sweet award! Thanks so much Jennie! Jennie's blog is my new favorite find. I love her sense of humor, and her writing style is divine.

So, in following with the rules of the award, here are 10 honest things about me:

1. At age 3, I stuck a bean so far up my nose my mother had to rush me to the dr. to have it retrieved. We were doing bean art in nursery that day. (Be forewarned, all you preschool teachers!)
2. I had an abnormal crush on Antonio Banderas when I was in middle school. This was the time of Hanson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and other various teen heartthrobs. And I had a crush on a middle aged Hispanic man. I think the crush stemmed from my obsession with the movie Evita. Yes, I've always been pretty strange.
3. I can usually associate any situation with a song, or a song lyric. I randomly bust out singing all.day.long.
4. I feel uncomfortable when I have possession of the remote control. But only when other people are around. If it is just me, it is going to be on Bravo, Food Network or TLC.
5. I have never visited the state of Texas, but for some reason I have always wanted to live there. Don't know where that comes from???
6. I was detained by the border patrol in Canada when I was in high school. We were on a mission trip in Michigan and we crossed the border to do a little shopping. Who knew that crossing international borders without ANY form of identification is not a good idea?
7. This toothbrush changed my life.
8. After a long love affair with the tv show Survivor, I think I'm hanging it up. This season is terrible! Whoever does their casting should be fired.
9. I went to the dermatologist the other day for some different issues and came out with my very first chemical peel. I'm getting old.
10. I have 2 tattoos. One I love, one I hate. The one I hate is on my foot and I plan on having it covered with something new in the near future.


I'm giving the award to:

*My sister in law, Sara
*And two old friends, Brittany and Cecilia

If you want to play along girls, here are the rules:

1. Say thanks and give a link to the one who gave you the award.
2. Share 10 honest things about yourself.
3. Present this award to 3 other fantastically brilliant blogs of content or design, or peeps that have encouraged you.
4. Tell those 3 people they've been awarded and make sure they're informed of these guidelines.

Thanks again, Jennie for the blogging material!

Welcome Back!

Vacation was lovely, y'all. Everything a vacation should be. We played, ate, napped, sun bathed, swam, read, talked, and all that good stuff. But doesn't it always seem that when you come home life has piled up? You walk in the door and there it all is, just waiting for you. Truck problems, roof leaks, bills, and empty refrigerators don't care that you just got home from vacation. They need taking care of.

We also received some devastating news the day before we came home. Our sweet friends are going through a really tough time right now and I would appreciate if you could lift them up. The Father knows their needs and hurt right now. We're doing our best to be there for them in this time.

So, if I'm a little absent that is where I'm at. I'm catching up all the daily stuff around here and trying to spend some quiet time in my God's presence.

Vacation 2009

Burt's 2009