Trunk or Treat

We have never done much for Halloween before but this year we decided to do the Trunk or Treat at our church. The only rule was we had to use items in our house for our decorations and costumes (due to recent budget changes and we did not have an envelope for Halloween). I came up with this idea when Chris mentioned he was upset because the Texas Tech football game would be during the event. We decided to "tailgate" and dress up as Tech football players and listen to game on the radio while we handed out candy. So the only thing we bought was this adorable football outfit for Cole. Chris and I were football players, Raelynn wore her Tech cheerleading outfit and Cole dressed up as the football! We had a great time!!

-Tammi

"Stay at home" mother

I admit that before Cole was born I was so excited to be a stay-at-home mom! I was excited because I thought I would have so much extra free time to volunteer, have lunch with friends and run errands! Really, how hard will it to be a full-time mom!

Ok, so I was completely wrong! This past learned I have learned what it really means to be a stay-at-home mom. I think it means exactly what it is to "stay at home." Let me first stay that all children are different and my experience is based on my child's schedule. I learned that my first priority is to do what is best for Cole and this means making sure he gets plenty of rest and that I don't push him to far. Cole still takes two naps a day and he definitely needs this and I don't anticipate him changing anytime soon. It seems like everything I want to do falls during one of his naps and will cause him to be late for a nap!

Needless to say, I have spent the last year at home. I never take him to lunch with me (not worth it), I have a hard time finding the time to exercise, I am lucky to run one errand a day and I barely can keep up with my volunteer project! Being a stay-at-home mother is much more difficult than I expected and it requires much more sacrifice that I anticipated. I know now that for my child the best thing I can do is truly be a "stay at home" Mom!

-Tammi

One year old!

I can't believe that over a week ago Cole turned one year old! The week of his birthday was a busy week with us caring for Adelle and helping the Young family. The day before Adelle was born we had a little party with my family in Dallas. Of course, Cole had no clue it was his birthday, he hated his birthday cake and had no interest in his presents! I am glad I didn't spend much on his birthday he was more interested in playing with papa and pointing at the fan!

I admit I was a little disappointed that he didn't dive into his cake or rip open his presents. I think many parents have high expectations of how they want their child's first birthday to go. We are actually celebrating his birthday again next week. I know this is crazy but his sister Raelynn couldn't come to Dallas and it is really important to us that she be a part of his birthday. So next Sunday my husband's family is coming over and we will do it all again. This time I have no expectations, just that Cole will act like a one year old and be completely unpredictable! I will post more pictures later. Here are the pictures of him at my parents house hating his cake and not too interested in his new toys.

I took Cole to get his one year picture made and I envisioned a cute picture with a number one or a picture of him eating his birthday cake but once again he would not touch the cake without screaming and the cute birthday pictures did not turn out well. But we did get the most precious picture that day. Cole looked so cute in his Texas Tech jersey and of course Chris was so proud of his little boy!

Looking forward

Today was a very exciting day for Cole, we changed his carseat from rear-facing to forward facing! I am normally very strict about the rules and he is suppose to be 1 year old and 20 pounds to face forward. Well, he is six days from being one and he is 19 pounds and 2 ounces but I felt it would be safer for him to ride facing forward. Lately, he has spent most of his time in the car crying and straining his neck trying to turn around and see me and that position would not keep him safe in a car wreck. So last night Chris and I put in his new carseat.

It was so precious to see his face while we were driving to mother's day out this morning! He kept smiling and laughing, he even waved at me! Now he can see everything outside and see his mommy. I wish I could have recorded his face and the sheer excitement.

I realized this situation reminded me so much of my own life. I spend most of my life looking backwards at the past. I know God is driving the car but I can not see him and I cry out in frustration. The sheer excitement I feel when I turn around and can see my heavenly Father driving the car. I know that joy comes not from looking at the past but from looking at the future and keeping my eyes fixed on my Savior!