Self Family Farm

It has been a long time since I have taken the time to write a post....I think about it a LOT, but at the end the day, chores, down time and sleep take over the need to get on a "screen." I also have realized that facebook has in a way taken the part of my "used to be" blog. I am working on a "system" daily to get my documenting of our family life in, and figure out the best way to journal for the future, however...I am still working on that solution. 

In the meantime.....

I am stopping to write this post. 

The past 4 weeks have been a blessing and whirlwind in one....BUT one thing is for sure, it has all been an answer to prayer. We decided after much discussion to put our house on the market. Darrah, my cousin who is realtor, came for an initial walk through on what we needed to do to get ready, and in 2 weeks the photographers were here and we were "ready!" For 2 weeks our home showed every day except for 2. During the week process we prayed and looked, prayed and looked and looked and looked some more for a new home for us. The goal was the same size home, but land for our family to run, play, grow and learn. Jack has never lived in a neighborhood until we moved here to Royse City 7 years ago. Over the past 3 years or so, the houses have started to pop up quicker and quicker, less space to see the land behind us. He was always looking and now more than ever was looking with purpose. Looking for a place for us became his part time job. 

We got word from a friend at church that a church member was going into the mission field and selling his home and land. In 4 days of him making that decision, he had 3 families stop by and show interest in his place. Located about 1.5 miles from where we live, we decided one Saturday afternoon to stop by and just take a look. The location, property and home were exactly what we needed and wanted to see. The home was built in the 80's so it needed some work, but the vision for both and Jack and I was totally there. We agreed without much discussion, that this was the place we wanted to buy. We covered our desire in prayer and had to wait. We found out 2 other people were also interested, and within 4 days of us stopping by the owner had 3 offers to choose from. The owner chose us. 

The "farm" as the babies call it, is 10 acres with a 3 bedroom 2 bath home. The land includes a shop, a barn and a pond at the back of the property. The home is in Hunt County but in Royse City ISD, and is a perfect location for Jack and I's work and our activities in Royse City. 

Within 3 weeks from putting our house was on the market, and got an offer. Both places close within 4 days of each other. We plan to expand the kitchen and the master bath, add a deck and an outdoor kitchen. Our babies are so excited to have animals, to grow a garden and go fishing. 

We are so blessed at how The Lord showed His work during this entire process. 

Here is to many memories, fun and hard work.....at the farm....                                  

DeWitt Annual Family Festivus

You know you have an awesome family when you have the words "Festivus" in your invitation to attend a gathering!  And, you know you have an awesome family when you have this family little cousinettes playing in a little bitty house.

It just doesn't get much better than hanging with your cousins and watching all of the kids play like we used to play. Or talking to your Aunt and Uncles and laughing, well crying too. 

Darrah and Jared hosted this year, and it was fun to watch everyone enjoy the outdoors. Only in Texas can you hang outside in December and have fun!

And only in Texas do you get to hit a pinata in December at a Christmas function...

Mimi with her great grand triplets....they are in love with her.

As the evening started to end, the boys went hunting so I decided a sleepover was a great idea. The babies agreed especially because Knox had 2 new kitties to play with.

The babies had a blast playing with Knox and baby Charlie

The sleepover was a success!

I am SO grateful for a wonderful and beautiful family. The only person missing is sitting on an angel cloud in the Heavens. We missed you this year Shelly. Love you so.

Christmas Morning!

Christmas....

A reason to celebrate and remember the birth of Jesus. There is not a better place to be in fellowship with others for this celebration than our church family, The Quest. Here are the babies and I before our evening service at our Terrell campus. 

There is also nothing better than babies waking up to the "magic" of Santa. Jack and I had a fun time setting everything up and getting it all ready for when they wake up to see what Santa brought. We have a tradition that the babies open 3 presents from Jack and I. Just like Jesus was given gold, frankincense and myrrh, our babies also get 3 gifts. However, the Santa gift was a bike!

Here is Abigail sporting her wheels...

Jessy was ALL about it! She loved riding her bike up and down the sidewalk.

Well....then there is my amazingly always happy and looking at the glass full love bug, Wyatt! He wasn't a huge fan of the bike, so instead he wanted to decorated with the paper and ribbons left from presents. Anyone that knows my son knows that this is totally him!

It's amazing to see how 3.5 year old babies look when they are loved and blessed in so many ways. Merry Christmas from all of our family!

School Class Christmas Party!

How did I get so lucky to have donut Friday with these 3 little people every week!?!?! One will never know, but it sure is super fun! 

Here is a typical order....they don't just eat a little either...

Jessy wants at least 4 kolaches...

Abigail will usually take an apple fritter and maybe a few donut holes...

And Wyatt is all about the icing donut with sprinkles!

Christmas is such a blessing of a holiday. I am so grateful for the chance to join these little ones for their school Christmas party! A whole lotta fun!

Fun Fest 2013

I look forward to a Fall event in Royse City every year called Fun Fest. This small town even is held on Main Street, and is a day of food, games, vendors, music and more. For the past 6 years I have had a Mary Kay booth, but as the babies have gotten older, I have wanted to enjoy more the event than actually work the event. 

This year was so fun! It was a little cooler than it has been in year past, so we had to bundle up pretty good. 

Here we are with the Duck Dynasty crew...

My handsome ham of a son loving the pumpkin patch!

We got our face painted...

We rode ponies...

And even met the Royse City Firehouse Dog.

I love our small town. The friendly people, the great community and the fun memories make it all worth while!

Dallas Zoo with Ginger

My babies are so lucky! Not only do they have a fun mom who takes them to the Zoo, BUT they have an amazing friend, Ginger, who loves them and even loves to go to the Zoo with them! 

Ginger has become a part of our family. For the best nearly 2 years, so has come on a Monday or Wednesday and been a huge help to Jack and I. She is so loving, fun and sweet to each of them, and such a treasure for them to have her in our life. 

We made our way to the Dallas Zoo and had a great afternoon. 

We fed the giraffes...

Watched the tigers sleep...

Had some lunch...

Fed the birds some lunch...

And ended our day riding the carousel...

The zoo is a fun, but exhausting experience for all of us. The goal is to get them home and all crash for a nap! Ginger and I did a great job making sure that happened. ;)

Glimpse in the life of...

You stay home? Oh, what do you do all day? I'm sure you have your hands full? Do you work? 

The questions really could go on and on....

Some people get it, some people have not a clue, BUT let me be the first to tell you, that stay at home Moms are a special kind. I am NOT just saying that because I stayed home, I am saying that now because as I type I have been working outside the home for the first time in almost 3.5 years. The difference for me is clear... Staying home is mentally exhausting, working outside the home is physically exhausting. Such a difference. I mean really, the instant they get up they each ask at least 50 questions and they are already at 150%, totally ready to hit the day running. They have more energy than the energizer bunny, they are quicker to destroy a room than anything you have ever seen....bottom line, they wear me out!!!

Here is when I officed from home and attempted to do Tri County Septic office work and Mary Kay. Not too much work going on here except destroying the office.

Playdoh anyone? A great activity to keep everyone occupied. The clean up isn't really fun, but the silent activity is worth it ;)

Then we have story time with Elmo...

It's time for Elmo to go to bed...

A typical day at the grocery store, no cart necessary, just use the cho-cho wagon...

My diva helpers ready to "work!"

This picture was from several months back, but I had to include and show that the busyness started early!

Sometimes we have to take a "time out!" This corner has been used so many times now you can't even imagine!

And if we get really crazy, or are really lucky and Daddy come's home from work early, we get a fort! As you can see Abigail is all about this fort!

I don't take back any of these memories for a second. Every day I realize the blessings I have and how grateful I am for the patience the Lord has given me. Not every day is easy and some days I have more than 1 glass of wine by 7 pm, ha, BUT staying home with my little people has been a privilege, and I would not have had it any other way!