sister – Page 3 – The Bless Your Heart Blog

Love Multiplied

I keep reminding myself that I need to blog…but I feel like I’m lacking subject matter…or new subject matter, I guess. We’ve just been playing outside, enjoying this spring-like weather in the dead of winter.

We’ve played with goats and chalked on sidewalks and jumped on trampolines and played at the park and gone on walks and fed chickens and explored and ran and played ball and ate popsicles and built things and rode scooters and had cookouts…but what we’re really doing is soaking up these last days as a family of four.

We speak of and treat Sayble like she’s already part of the family (because she IS) but she’s not out of the womb yet…and we all know that when that time comes, things will change again.

She’ll require more of me than she does now and will need more of my hands on attention. We’ll all work on bonding and transitioning to our new normal as a family of five. There will be less time for individual time with the kids…for everything (for a while) for that matter.

I remember being scared to death before Wryder was born because I couldn’t imagine how in the world I was going to be able to love him even half as much as I did Sawyer. I mean, that girl…

The Lord does miraculous things with love; mine was multiplied, not remotely divided! I mean, isn’t that how He is with us?? He doesn’t divide His love equally among the entire human population and we all get the tiniest sliver to survive on. No way! We all get ALL of His love!

I remember when they placed Wryder on my stomach and I saw his sweet, quivering lip and his little face that looked so much like his sister when she was born I was smitten! As time has gone on, I love him even more…her, too.

I have no qualms about having enough love for sweet Sayble. He’s multiplied it once, I know He’ll do it again.

Until she makes her arrival, we’ll soak up these last days together before four becomes five…before love is multiplied…before we wonder how we ever were before Sayble…

The product of Wrex and I's love... — The product of Wrex and I’s love…

Bubba’s Big Boy Room

Of course we couldn’t forget Wryder’s room! He’s officially moving upstairs AND into a toddler bed – Lord help us! Sawyer was in one at 18 months…but he sleeps a little wilder than she does. We haven’t made the switch just yet but we have a few months.

I mentioned in a previous post that I had bought him some John Deere curtains and I must say, I think they look adorable. Plus, hearing him yell, “Tractor!” every time he runs into his new room (and then hug them) makes them well worth it.

We kept the big bed in the room so that we can still use this as guest room as needed. He’s small and flexible enough that he can sleep anywhere else in the house when company comes.

I didn’t know what I was going to think of this room with all we had to make fit but I think it turned out pretty cute. The fact that he loves it and that sister is SOOOOOO excited to have him as her “neighbor” is enough for me! I just don’t know how my little boy got so big…….

She’s a Funny Girl

Sawyer has said some REALLY funny things lately. Maybe you just had to be there, but she’d had us stifling grins and giggles…and sometimes flat out belly laughing!

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While trying to pray before supper, Wryder didn’t want to hold hands with me, just Wrex. Wrex was talking to him about how we hold hands when we pray and Sawyer said, “Well, unless you have one arm that was bit off my a shark, then you can’t hold hands on both sides.”

Pretty sure this stemmed from watching this past season of The Amazing Race, which featured Bethany Hamilton…pretty sure.

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In the car…

Sawyer: “Mom, who’s your favorite singer?”

Me: “I don’t know…that’s a tough one.”

Sawyer: “What about daddy?”

Me: “I don’t know who daddy’s favorite is. Probably George Strait?”

Sawyer: “No, I meant is daddy your favorite singer?”

Me (stifling a giggle): “Oh! Yeah! I do like to hear daddy sing!”

Sawyer: “Yeah, he can sing but he sure can’t dance.”

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Wrexy thinks Tom Selleck is one handsome dude. I concur. He turned 70 the other day and someone had a side-by-side pic of him in his 40’s vs 70. (Just so you know, he hasn’t changed much). I was showing it to him and Sawyer looked at it and said, “That’s PaPa!” They do look quite alike…

PaPa...or Tom Selleck's doppleganger — PaPa…or Tom Selleck’s doppleganger

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Oh, she’s a funny girl!

Random Ramblings

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... — 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... — Wryder loved this yellow horse…

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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.

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... — 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…

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.

Saturday Mornings Are My Favorite

Saturday mornings are my favorite.

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 watching them dance with daddy to “Like a Cowboy” or “God Made Girls” while I cook breakfast.

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…

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!

As sweet as she is cute... — As 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!

I Wrote Again – Is It Gonna Snow?

This poor thing has been neglected! I wish I had some deep, revelatory reason as to why…but I don’t. The Lord didn’t tell me to take a break…I didn’t take a sabbatical to make sure I was spending x amount of hours not on the computer and with the fam…I haven’t been suffering from writer’s block and there certainly hasn’t been a lack of happenings to talk about…I’ve just been absent. Shame on me!

Alas, I’m back! So let’s catch up!

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We had a fabulous Christmas break! My husband’s job affords him quite a few days off, so we had daddy around (all to ourselves, mind you) for two weeks! YIPPEE! We ate well, slept well, played lots of games, watched some fun shows, cuddled a lot, talked a lot – took full advantage of our time with him.

We were all ~~dreadfully sad~~ a little sad to see him go Monday morning but we all survived!

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I have been in MAJOR nesting mode. My poor husband.

The past two days, I’ve decluttered/deep cleaned our ENTIRE house! Six bags of trash and six bags of give away later, I’m feeling good! (Except for my feet, lower back and hip – but hey, it was worth it!) Now if it will all just say this way until baby comes……..

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Speaking of baby….we’re having a GIRL! Sawyer called it from the beginning and she was right again…and quite proud of herself. 🙂

Sayble Jean Phipps is due May 1st and doesn’t seem to be near as active in utero has her siblings. 🙂

We are over the moon about having another sweet little princess. I’ve already ordered a few *ahem* hair bows. The selection of girly, frilly, adorable clothing, footwear and head wear is astounding. I’m already thinking I made need to order a new debit card so I won’t have the new number memorized like I do this one. Ay yi yi…

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We got to see a lot of family over Christmas break. We got together with all of Wrex’s family over Thanksgiving and snuck in some family pictures! How cute is this set of grandkids? I mean, I know I’m a little partial, but come on!

RaRa and the grand-girls... — RaRa and the grand-girls…

We met up with my family halfway in Kansas and spent the weekend together – soooo thankful for the time together! Sawyer was so excited to have another cousin to play with, hold hands with Gramps and swim at the motel pool, of course.

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Other happenings (in no particular order, thank you pregnancy brain)…

I had four teeth pulled. Not my favorite experience, especially pregnant, but I survived…

We had a little New Year’s Eve party with Sawyer. We let her stay up until nine and then we watched last year’s ball drop on Youtube…

I made Sawyer a set of Disney princess felt ornaments for the tree in her room. I LOVE how they turned out. I see more of these in my future…

We got to witness two beautiful unions in the past month. Sawyer and Wryder danced their little hearts out AND met Santa at the first wedding – how cool is that?

Sittin' with Santa... — Sittin’ with Santa

I thought I was getting a stand mixer for Christmas and I got a handgun instead! (MUCH better, in my opinion!) We’ve been so busy and it’s been so cold, I’ve only shot ten rounds through it, but I’m excited to get more familiar with it and take my concealed to carry class…

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I’m sure there’s more to tell but that’s a good start, yes?

Random Rambles

It’s fun Friday and while the weather is cooperating beautifully – I love this cloudy stuff – poor Wryder’s not having much fun. Little guy has been a bit fussy the past two days and today is no exception. Pretty sure he’s got some major teeth trying to make their way in. He has fever this morning so back to bed he went! We’re really wanting to go watch some high school football tonight so we’re hoping he feels better soon!

Our good friends from church have a son, whom Sawyer adores, who plays football in Grant. She’s convinced he plays for the Broncos so we’re hoping she’s not too disappointed tonight. 😉

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Speaking of the Broncos, this sweet girl has football in her blood and I am LOVING it! Wrex isn’t the biggest fan but he’ll watch with me…just not as spiritedly. Sawyer is my official football watching partner!

Last week, she posed the following question:

“Mom, I always wear dresses to church. Do you think it would be ok if I wore my Broncos shirt this time??” Of course you can!

She was fired up! We ate lunch at Wendys and she kept ~~yelling~~ announcing, “Go Broncos!” There were quite a few people that got a kick out of that (thankfully). One gentleman asked her if she was gonna watch Peyton Manning get his 500th touchdown and she goes, “You mean Paytie?” Apparently, they’re on a pet-name basis.

A friend of ours blessed us with some hand-me-downs for her and there was a little softball shirt inside with the number 18 on the back. She went to put it on the other morning and came squealing downstairs, “I’m like Paytie!” Gosh, I adore her…

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On Sunday, she got to take part in her first Lord’s supper and yes, I had to take a picture.

It was a sweet moment, Bronco gear and all.

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The bestie had her 20 week ultrasound and they’re having a….

BOY! We’re so excited for them! Sawyer has lots to teach baby Eva about being a big sister to a little brother….

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On the pregnancy note, my nausea has subsided significantly, praise the Lord. I’m in the “I don’t really feel pregnant just bloated” stage…t’s better than the former, for sure…

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Colorado is one of the states that often skips fall (and spring for that matter) and goes straight into cold and snow, but this year we’re actually having a fall! My flowers are still blooming and growing and we keep saying we’re gonna mow the grass “one last time” and that has yet to happen. The trees all around are actually getting to go through the whole color change process…

It’s a wonderful change! It’s nice to able to go outside in long sleeves or a sweatshirt without there being snow on the ground. We’re going to soak in all of this autumnal beauty for as long as we can!

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Happy Friday!

Happy 4th Birthday, Sawyer

Happy birthday, sweet Sawyer!!

My phone just dinged reminding me it was your birthday…as if I needed a reminder. You are in my heart and on my mind every minute of every day. At age four, I see you in your princess dress and cowboy boots waving your little hand off to the truck drivers as they pass…I smell the scent of my body spray (that you helped yourself to the last time you were in the bathroom) mixed with your coconut Barbie detangler…I feel your sweet, soft hands on my arms or around my neck and the matted fuzz of pink teddy since he’s always near by…I hear your voice singing “Let it Go” and praise and worship without skipping a beat…

You’re the neatest kid I know! You’re a little bit of an introvert like your momma, but when you’re with someone you love and trust – you are on! I feel so blessed to be able to know you the way I do…

I do believe you have the sweetest, most sensitive spirit on the planet! The way you care for me and daddy absolutely melts my heart. I love the way you leave water by my bed when you get up in the mornings and you sneak out, so I can have “a little more sleep.”

You care for my heart just as good as your daddy does. So many nights I have prayed with you before bed and begged the Lord to forgive me where I’ve fallen short and to help make me a better mother and you are always so quick to tell me I’m “the bestest mom in the world.”

You’re so forgiving – you get that from your daddy. You don’t have a grudging or vengeful bone in your body. I can recall several occasions where you’ve gone to bed and hours later called us back upstairs because you felt bad about something or were afraid you hurt our feelings somehow or felt the need to apologize about something.

You care for and protect your baby like his second momma. And? He adores you, sweet one. He wants to be just like you, I know it! Daddy and I love to see you hold his hand and help him down stairs and feed him his snacks. He’s a lucky boy to have a sister as wonderful as you.

I love your creative mind! You absolutely blow me away when it comes to imagination and resourcefulness! I love to watch you sort through the trash in daddy’s pickup to find something to block the sun or gather his old pop cups to make a vending machine in your play kitchen or the way you tape a box to the back of your pedal car to make a trailer to haul trash in. Seriously, who does that?!

Your memory astounds me; it is truly a gift! You remember names and places and things we’ve done better than I do. When you tell a story, it’s specific and succinct and accurate. I love that you can get us to Denver (or get us home) almost better than I can!

I love the way the world is drawn to you. You’re like this cute, curly-haired magnet that just sucks people in! I’m sure I’m a bit biased, but I’m also a keen observer and I don’t see this with other people as much as I see it with you; everywhere we go, people want to come make conversation with you or say hi to you or give you gifts. You have the ability to affect the world for Christ just by being YOU…people see Jesus radiating out of your sweet little face, it’s true.

You have the heart of a worshiper; a little David. Some of my favorite times with you are when we just sing to the Lord as long and as loud as we can. I love when I hear you singing in the other room, expressing your love to Him the way you know best. Sugar, He loves to hear you sing…

I love that you love all things girlie; the bigger the bow, the fluffier the ruffles and the sparklier the shoes, the better! But you also know how to work and you definitely aren’t afraid to get dirty. That will serve you well…

You have made the past four years the best four years of my life, no doubt. On your fourth birthday, I bless you in the name of Jesus! I bless you in your coming in and going out; your lying down and your waking. I speak to your future and I pronounce it blessed! I bless you with rich relationships with people who point you to Christ. I bless you with good health and a long life. I bless you with humility and forgiveness and grace and mercy that is as endless as you give it now. I bless you with obedience, that you would follow the Lord all the days of your life. I bless the work of your hands, that all you would set them to would prosper and bring glory to the Lord. I bless you with a continued love for the word of God and I bless you with His abiding presence in every way, in every day.

YOU are who I want to be like when I grow up…and you? You can stop growing up any time you’d like…

County Fair 2014

The Phillips County Fair was this past week and we had high hopes of letting Sawyer enter a few open classes; with our crazy week, it just didn’t work out. She has plenty of show years ahead of her, so no one was too concerned or heartbroken.

We went into to town on Saturday to watch the parade and check out a little bit of the fair.

Always fashionable in her official parade watching chair... — Always fashionable in her official parade watching chair…

This was Wryder’s first parade and since he’s a pro-waver and kiss blower, he thoroughly enjoyed himself!

Sawyer’s candy snatching skills have improved greatly over the past year. Instead of just sitting in her chair while sweet kids shared some with her, she went for it this time!

Life is so good with these three... — Life is so good with these three…

After the parade, we drove down to the fair grounds and took a peak around the barns. Wryder was a HUGE fan of the hogs!

He did NOT want to leave to look at any other species…

I don't want to leave...and there's a fly on my head! — I don’t want to leave…and there’s a fly on my head!

Sawyer was NOT impressed with the hogs at his age.

That was as close as she was willing to get and she kept saying, “Scary! Scary!” She did better this time, but still preferred the goats and chickens.

Ah, yes...much better! — Ah, yes…much better!

The highlight of the fair was the ride in a miniature grain cart! How cute is this little train?!

It was a good day!

Fun with the Faalands

Oh, friends…we had such a wonderful weekend! My girl bestie and her family came in from Denver. The last time she was here was the weekend Wryder was born and she brought a little surprise with her…she had a baby on the way! This time, sweet baby E made the trip and she did awesome!

Sawyer was in love, obviously, just like the rest of us. They played toys and hugged…

played on the playground…and just had a good ole time!

Aunt Dessa even let Sawyer help feed her!

Wryder just held her hand…

Uncle Ryan read some Cinderella…

and Wryder fell in love with his Auntie D! From the minute he laid eyes on her, he was done for! All weekend, he’d smile and wave and blow kisses; he’d walk to HER and not me when we were practicing…it was all Dessa, all weekend.

We ventured out to do chores and to let baby E experience a little farm life.

I’m not sure she knew quite what to think of all of those stinky, noisy guys!She was a trooper, that one!

We watched a movie during naptime and then we got the kids ready for a little water fun!

We didn’t realize that our little pool blew away during the last storm (we’ve been a little busy, ok?! 😉 ) so we had to improvise with a sprinkler and a tarp.

Sawyer and Wryder were all about it…miss E? Not so much. 🙂

She chose to sunbathe with mom and then go inside for another little snooze.

Wryder had a ball crawling all over the yard and playing in the water!

By Saturday night, the kids were pooped! We put them in bed and headed out to the fire pit. It was a gorgeous evening! There was a breeze, it was a tick chilly, thunderstorms were all around us, we were amongst amazing company…we toasted some marshmallows and indulged in some gourmet s’mores – salted caramel anyone?! Oh my – they were delish! It was a good ending to a good day!

I was so sad for Sunday afternoon to roll around…I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye. Sweet Tredessa is truly one in a million; irreplaceable, in my book. She has been such an important part of my life, during the most important parts of my life. She was the friend I never thought existed; the friend I thought I would never (or could ever) have. The Lord crossed our paths in some small ways and then BIG ways and I am so glad He did.

She’s been a roommate, a leader, a mentor, a counselor, a sister…she helped me birth my sweet Sawyer (and wasn’t too traumatized to remain my friend after)…she’s been my party throwing co-host, my photographer, my invitation/Christmas card designer…she’s shared her family with me, her time with me, her life with me. This girl has more wisdom and faith than anyone else her age and I soak it up every chance I get. She’s my favorite person to solve the problems of the world with…and trust me, we get it all figured out! For years I said I wanted to be just like her when I grow up…still do.

Being farther away is hard and we each have our own families and lives but she is in my heart. Always in my heart…

We had so much fun with you guys! You are most welcome here ANY time, you easy house guests, you!