I was a little absent last week, though I can’t REALLY think of anything out of the ordinary we did – doctor check ups, grocery shopping, Cubbies…just the norm.
There was a little TV watching…mainly so I could watch them cuddle.
Aren’t they sweet!?
Wryder got stuck in the chair one time. Then, after all the attention and hubbub, he got “stuck” a dozen or so more times.
He likes attention, that one!
I’ve apparently entered THAT phase of pregnancy. You know, the one you just don’t really get cold anymore because you have so much blood and baby pumping through your body? I guess Wrex was a little chilly on the way home Wednesday night and had a good giggle about his pickup settings.
The temp outside…The temp I put the pickup on…
We did a little chicken gazing. I could watch those ladies all day!
Pretty girls…
Wryder is ALL about driving these days. After almost every meal these days, he’ll pick up his empty plate and use it as a steering wheel. When we were outside, he used the knob to the jack on the trailer hitch as a little tiny one. It. Was. Adorable.
Love my little farm boy!
The kids got some belated valentines from Gramps!
Yum!
Wryder LOVES food. One of his favorites, though…
What’s inside?Black beans!
This weekend has been a REALLY good one! The weather kind of forced us inside to work on some projects we’ve been wanting to get done but haven’t taken the time to do…and a few relaxing deeds, too!
We got baby Sayble’s layette done, as well as our taxes – hallelujah! Those can seem so daunting sometimes but Wrex and I worked all morning and got them done AND get a refund – always a plus!
We let the kids pick out a movie and had a fun supper in the living room…and Wrexy and I had a Bourne marathon! YAY! I’ve been wanting to do this for forever because I often fall asleep or get sidetracked while I attempt to watch ANY movie, but especially ones that aren’t so brainless. 🙂
We had a little outside snow play…
Don’t ya just love their hats?
and a lot of other silly shenanigans!
Step 1Step 2Step 3
Tomorrow, we’re back to the daily grind. Thankful for this snowy cold…
My word, the weather was B-E-A-UTIFUL today! 71 degrees in January, are you kidding me??! It was gorgeous!
We went to work with Wrexy today. Wryder went grocery shopping with me, Sawyer stayed at the barn with daddy and then we all met up again.
Learning from the best…
We watched cows sell for a little while and then the kids and I took advantage of the weather and hit the park. The kiddos had a ball and were covered in sand from head to toe.
Riding a squirrel? Chipmunk? What IS that thing??Wryder loved this yellow horse…Wheeeee!Going down together!BeautyCHEEEEESE!
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We got home, unloaded groceries and decided we STILL couldn’t drag ourselves indoors so we saddled up sweet Ozark and hit the road.
My evening view…
Old man looks really good these days. We are so thankful for all of the days we’ve had with him and we’re praying for more…
After supper, they weren’t quite done riding horses so Sawyer volunteered.
Ride a little pony…
It turned out to be more of a bucking bronc fest but it was good watching!
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I posted this picture of Sawyer on Facebook a day or so ago…
Fancy nancy
I love this girl’s style! She loves accessories and shoes and fancy dresses; she is all girl and I love it!
She went upstairs to grab some jammies tonight and brought down some beads for me to put on her, too.
🙂
Jewelry with pajamas?! Of course!
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With all of the nesting/cleaning/rearranging going on, Wrex and I decided that our room would officially be downstairs and the kids would each have a room upstairs. I always feel like our room gets neglected – does that happen to anyone else?? It’s the place we sleep and get dressed and other than that, we don’t spend much time there and I feel like it shows.
We used a little paint, bought a new bedspread, made some paper flowers, rearranged the room and voila – “new” bedroom! I’m really happy with how it turned out…Hoping to get lots of rest in there tonight. I feel whooped!
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It was just SUCH a good day. A REAL good day. And tomorrow…with 75 degrees as a high…I hope is even better.
This weekend was filled with a lot of sorry football. Sigh. I get so excited for the playoffs – especially when we’re a part of them – and I attempt to really relish the last couple of games before we say goodbye for 6 months…
I was just sorely disappointed this weekend. Four times over. The Patriots won (not a fan), the Seahawks won (not a fan). The Cowboys lost and our Broncos forgot to show up for the game. Sad, sad days.
My little football fan made the weekend better just by being her. I love her enthusiasm; it’s contagious!
The best part of the game, hands down…Sayble rooting on the Bronco’s, compliments of the husband’s stellar photography. 🙂
Alas, there will be more football games to watch and I haven’t really thought about it again until I started this blog post. Must mean there are more important things in life…can you believe it? 😉
Yesterday’s verse just got me! I know I’ve read it several times before and I know it’s one of a series of verses on our refrigerator, but yesterday it hit me like a ton of bricks. (Abridged version below). Ahem.
Proverbs 3:7-8 says:
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
Healing for your body…….. I want that! We all have our own health/body issues and the Lord is telling us how to heal them…fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Health issues really scare me. (There, I said it). I have a heart arrhythmia that’s deemed non-dangerous but when it acts up (especially for hours or days on end) it can send me into a tailspin.
A lot of it the responsibility I feel in being a mother. I’m home all day with my kids. I have the responsibility to BE ALIVE to care for them. So when my heart acts up or my blood sugar gets low and wonky or I feel weird or off or just not 100%, fear creeps in so fast, unfortunately.
In all of my fear, I get so often wrapped up in keeping myself alive.
If I just don’t move…
If I just lie down…
If I concentrate really hard…
If I prep Sawyer on how to get help if I need it…
If I make sure and be near a hospital…
If I make sure and have Wrex come right home from work…
If I have a backup plan…
If I, If I, If I…
It’s all on ME! THAT is relying on my own wisdom, as if I could truly keep myself alive if I wanted to.
And He gives His people wisdom, no doubt! I know there are common sense things I should/shouldn’t do to prevent death or an accident, but I know I so often tend to hold whatever I’m fearful of REALLY close to home and attempt to control it as best I can. Sometimes, it works. Scared of driving on bad roads? Don’t go out. But I have to learn that if it’s the Lord’s will to spare us or take us, He will spare us or take us regardless. I have to learn that He really is trustworthy…He hasn’t failed me yet.
Instead, fear the Lord…revere Him, honor Him, respect Him, stand in awe of Him…then you will have healing for your body.
Man, I need that. I NEED that.
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The kids have loved the kitchen set we got them for Christmas.
Adorable, right?The other pieceLet’s cook!
We’ve gathered a lot of “food” over the past few years it seems. One of their favorite things to do as of late is have feasts!
Ahem.That’s a lot of food!
Sawyer pulled out all the stops and hosted a feast for her and brother and some of her favorite friends. It takes a little time to put together and clean up but it’s sure fun to gnaw on wooden cucumbers with furry guests…
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We pulled out the construction paper this morning and made these with the kiddos.
Baby Moses
For some reason, Wryder did NOT like having his hands traced (though it’s one of Sawyer’s favorite things in the world….go figure) and cried through the majority of the lesson. Here’s to hoping SOMETHING soaked in…
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Hubby is on his way home, the kids are napping and I’m enjoying a few moments of quiet with some coconut coffee while listening to the dryer whir as I watch little tiny snowflakes fall.
Here’s to an equally peaceful afternoon for you…
I love waking up to my warm, strong hubby and not having to hurry to get out of bed. I love that he took the time to feel sweet Sayble (who is not NEAR as active as her siblings) and she responded by kicking him in the cheek.
I love hearing the kids playing and talking quietly in their rooms waiting for the ok to come downstairs…….or for us to rescue them from their crib.
I love the conversations about all that happened on Friday while daddy was away at work.
I love the excitement to get warm clothes on to go help daddy with chores and the glee when they realize he doesn’t have to go to a sale today.
Seriously, Saturday morning joy is just PALPABLE!
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My little football watching girl (praise God I have a partner to watch with!) informed daddy of all of the games going on this weekend and who we wanted to win (the Broncos, of course) and who we wanted to lose (the Patriots, of course). We have to get to work the nursery tomorrow at church and she’s excited to don her Bronco gear, tattoos and all, and suggested we do the same.
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Yesterday was Fun Friday and the kids had been so patient this week with all of the nesting going on around here that we decided to take a little road trip to Sterling.
Sawyer was, of course, sweet and happy and revved up to go. Wryder…..not so much. Night and day these two, I tell ya.
I wanted to snap a pic of them before we left because they’re just so stinkin’ cute and these were the best I got…
Happy and Grumpyand again…
Once we got in the car, Wryder perked up a bit and by the time we got to the play place he was a happy camper!
Happy number 2On the piano slideAs sweet as she is cute…
After an hour and a half of playing and eating, we ventured off to Wal Mart to grab a few necessities (and clearance Christmas items) and the lady at the bakery gave the kids free cookies. Day. Made.
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Today will be day of cupcake decorating, football watching, snuggling, playing, laughing and JOY. Here’s to Saturday!
Our sweet neighbors are in the throes of corn harvest and the kiddos got to go ride in the combine this afternoon! They were FIRED UP! Wryder is all about anything tractor related and any time Sawyer gets to spend with Mr. Rick, she’s all about.
She got her cowgirl clothes on again…
My little ranchy girl!
and out they went!
I stayed home to finish unpacking and doing laundry since we were gone all weekend in Denver…and tomorrow is doomsday in my book. I have to go to the dentist and get at least one tooth pulled. Fun yes? NO. Pray for me…please.
I asked daddy to take some pics since I wasn’t gonna go this time…………and this is what he came home with.
CornMore cornEven more cornAnd a little more corn
That’s it. That’s all the pictures he took. Not one of the kids in the combine…or with Mr. Rick…or by the grain cart…just corn…that I see out every window of our house every day.
Sigh.
I mean, I didn’t specify pics OF THE CHILDREN or the experience, but I guess I thought that was a given?! Sawyer said, “I guess we’ll just have to go again!” I wasn’t quite that gracious. *ahem*
Funny how different we can be sometimes, yes? I just have to laugh…
My “babies” are at such fun ages! Sawyer is so creative and persistent – and Wryder wants to do anything she does – so our days are pretty exciting. 🙂
I must admit that I firmly believe that I have the world’s best job. There are some hard days – what career doesn’t have those?? – but the blessing and reward and good days outweigh those tough times, by far.
I’ve finally gotten some more room on the ole iPhone and have been a little snap happy lately. Enjoy these pics of my cuties!
Sweet cowgirl, ready for harvestNot at all enthused about wearing an owl hat…Really, he didn’t like it…But look at THAT smile!My big boy eating a midnight snack…With another smile…Sawyer and the giant tumbleweedCats in a cage…with a tumbleweed…and another…Black beans are gooooooood…Time for a haircut!
This world needs more of her, no doubt. I need more of her for sure!
She blogged yesterday about being a darn good nonna, which she most definitely is. This blog is one of my favorites she’s ever written. SOOOOO much wisdom for you other mommas (and daddies) out there. This is the kind of parent I hope I’m becoming…one just like my Daddy.
Read up here: http://www.jeanierhoades.com/on-being-a-grand-mom-nonna/
I really didn’t mean to leave for so long. Really, I didn’t. Can you believe I haven’t written here in almost a month?! That’s quite some time for a rather wordy person…
I got busy helping with a 60th anniversary party…and Cubbies started up again…and I joined a Tuesday Bible study…oh, and I’m growing a new life. *ahem* That really takes it out of you, you know?
YES – in case you haven’t heard, baby Phipps number three will be joining us in May!
Just after leaving the doctor’s office…
YAY! We are over the moon excited to have another wee one join the ranks! We told the world yesterday and today I’m feeling so humbled and grateful for the wonderful community of supporters we have out there. Sawyer is pretty buzzed to be a big sister again and Wryder has no idea what in the world all the hubbub was about. Rude awakening coming in 7 months…
So yeah…we need to catch up! I need to show you a few pics of the anniversary party…and tell you about my twin nephews that I got to see for the second time…and talk to you about my hair…and discuss all things fall…and how my family made my birthday extra special…and how I’m nauseous – a lot. I was never sick with the other two so I guess I had this coming.
I told my sister-in-law this morning that I’ve never had to “push through” more in my life than I’ve had to in the past three weeks. Thank the Lord for heaps of grace, selfless husbands and ginger ale…those seem to be my staples these days.
It’s naptime around here and I do believe I’ll take part in that – BUT – I’ll be back! And sooner this time, rather than later…
About a month ago, I felt like my Bible time with the kids had waned a bit and I woke up one morning just thinking/praying that I’d like to just find something to teach them some basic biblical truths. I got online and searched for pre-school type devotionals and the Lord led me to one called Truth for Kids. Exactly what I was looking for, yes?
Now, some of it’s a little cheesy and the graphics are a little outdated and I’ve found a few spelling/grammatical errors, but the meat seems to be right on the money. Every morning at breakfast, we’ve been studying these basic biblical truths and learning scripture and it has been a blessing to me, too.
A couple of days ago, we learned about how the Lord makes us a new creation once we choose to confess our sins and follow Him. The little devotional talked about how in our sin, we’re like an ugly old caterpillar but when we accept Jesus to be the Lord of our lives, He transforms us into a beautiful butterfly.
At lunch yesterday, Sawyer was putting her dishes in the dishwasher and she started to say, “That ugly old…” and she caught herself. I said, “Good catch, sugar. We don’t say ugly.”
In the next second, we both thought of the caterpillar and we said, “Except for that caterpillar.” I told her that in that instance, it was definitely ok to use ugly, because that is exactly how our sin is. She said, “Yeah, I want to tell brother about the caterpillar. And I want to ask Jesus into my heart.”
I told her we could do it right then and there! (I think I might have gotten a little too excited *ahem* because her shyness took over and she took a while finishing at the dishwasher…then she wanted her blanket…then she decided she just wanted to play). I wasn’t going to force her into that decision so I just told her that whenever she was ready, Jesus was ready for her.
She came back about five minutes later and said, “I’m ready to ask Jesus into my heart.”
So we did! We prayed together. She said she was a sinner and that Jesus died on the cross. She said she wanted Jesus to live in her heart and be in charge. Then she said, “But I’m not going to change my mind.”
I asked, “Change your mind about what, sweetie?” She said, “About being married and being a mom. He can live in my heart, but I still want to stay here with you guys!”
She has been sooooooo concerned about that lately and I think she thinks the two are connected somehow; if Jesus is in your heart then you are/become a wife and mom. How sweet is that? We talked that through and she felt a lot better about it…even though we prayed about it again upstairs. 🙂
I am such a joyful, proud momma this morning. I am boasting in Christ, because every good thing about her comes from Him – of that I have no doubt. She is leaps and bounds ahead of me in this life and I’m glad she is! It will serve her well…
Thank you, Lord, that you give us the free will to choose you!
Thank you that you forgive our sins as far as the east is from the west!
Thank you that you want to be in relationship with us from a very early age.
Thank you for what you’ve done in Sawyer.
Sweet girl, you will never regret this decision – I promise you that. Your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and no one or no thing can revoke that. I pray that satan does not steal the joy of your salvation and daddy and I join forces with you to push away his nasty attempts to distract and restrain you. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey and I pray that you follow close to Him all the days of your life. I pray that you call upon the riches of the Holy Spirit in you to guide your every thought and word and action. Go take the Kingdom by storm, sweet girl! We are so proud of the wonderful little sweetie you are; you bless us!
Sweet Sawyer, seconds after asking Jesus into her heart…
*****If any of you reading this have questions about following Christ or confessing sin or what He did on the cross, please don’t hesitate to shoot me a message or comment and I’ll be glad to help answer those. It’s a life changing decision to be an heir with Christ…one you won’t regret!*****
*****As I was thinking about birthday week, I felt the need to amend this post. I was talking to Sawyer about the happenings of this week, I got to thinking about my birthdays in years past and I feel the need to give credit where credit is {most certainly} due. My parents were incredibly good about making us kids feel more than special on our big day.
They gave thoughtful gifts and always had a fun party for us and our friends, even as that morphed and changed over the years. There was always decor and a fun cake and beautiful cards and fun meals and hugs and kisses and “I’m proud of yous.”
They both worked so hard my entire life to make sure that my brother and I were taken care of. In fact, I can’t remember too many times in my life that one or both of them didn’t have a part time job besides their primary career; neither of them were too prideful to work.
I remember driving around town with my dad, lawn mower in the back of his truck, mowing yards for extra income. They’ve cleaned out flower beds, worked at the local landfill, started their own businesses – whatever it took to make sure that we were provided for.
Their work ethic and their love for us kids (especially on our birthdays) is a beautiful legacy in my book of life and one I pray I pass on to my kids.
In case I’ve never said it before,thank you both for all that you’ve done to provide for me. It hasn’t gone unnoticed and is much appreciated. Love you both.*****
Original post:
I love my kids and I love birthdays! The days that they were born were definitely days of celebration; the Lord’s handiwork came to full fruition as they made their way out of the womb and that is something to revere.
Celebrating their birthdays, for us, is a way that we make sure our kids know that they are loved, blessed, cherished and honored. (I don’t want to hear all of the “Valentine’s crap” of – shouldn’t you do that everyday?! Uh, absolutely…but especially as you celebrate the very day they joined your family outside of the womb.)
It’s not all about the gifts or the cake or even the experiences (though we attempt to make those fun and meaningful as well); we use it as a time to lay our hands on them and bless them and make sure they understand that we are so glad that they were born…and this world is better for it.
I saw this on Instagram last night and I loved it.
Indeed…
I have yet to see a kid made rotten in a day…
This week, we did some things that we know would be special to sweet Sawyer; things that are big in her world right now.
Booey got to spend the night in her room…
See her there under the paint cans?
She got to get a root beer in town one day…which brother promptly stole the minute she sat it on the table…
Naughty! 😉
We went to the parade in Imperial…
Making friends…How Wryder kept watching the parade…
We checked out the fair on Friday night and got to ride a few rides and eat a giant pickle!
Taking care of brother…She LOVES the boats!Cute girl!YUM!
She got to watch the Daniel Tiger baby special! She was soooooo looking forward to this. She saw the commercial on PBS and we normally don’t watch DT (because he’s a little whiny for our taste) but we made an exception and she was THRILLED!
Really, she was excited…she just didn’t want to stop watching just so I could snap a pic. 🙂
We surprised her on Sunday after church and went to North Platte for lunch and Cody Park fun. The biggest surprise was…
RaRa and PaPa!
They were sooooo excited!
When they saw them coming…Swinging with RaRaWryder was a little tired, can ya tell?!Waiting for their turn on the carousel…Pretty girls!Feeding the llama…and the little donkeys…Opening presents from PaPa and RaRaGiving thanks…
Yesterday we went to work with daddy and checked out the Children’s Museum. It was WD’s first time and he loved it as much as sister. Pics to come…
Tonight, the neighbors are coming over for cake and some super Sawyer fun…
We love you, sweet girl, and are sooooo glad you were born!
and Wrexy and I had a Bourne marathon! YAY! I’ve been wanting to do this for forever because I often fall asleep or get sidetracked while I attempt to watch ANY movie, but especially ones that aren’t so brainless. 🙂
