Valentine's Day 2014

We don't usually celebrate Valentine's Day, but Jason and I both recognize the importance of showing the girls how they should be treated by their future "Valentines." So we didn't buy each other gifts, or do anything too out of the ordinary. We were just intentional with spending time with each other and making an effort to show love! Again- nothing out of the ordinary. Jason surprised his little valentines with a new puzzle toy: 

Man, they love it!! 

So this week, we completed a project together. Our first real home improvement DIY! I am so proud of it! We felt so accomplished building things together on our own. (insert Tim "the tool man" Taylor's grunting noise here.)

We needed protection on our fireplace to prevent unwanted trips to the ER due to our little monkeys falling on the brick fireplace! 

We built the frame with  2x4's (did you know they aren't actually 2 inches x 4 inches??) and plywood - with only one minor mistake (Lowe's: $15). I cut up a foam mattress topper (Walmart: $12) and surrounded the edges- double layer on the corners. Then covered with fabric I bought from a clearance closeout place ($2/yd- 3 yards). I used a staple gun to secure it (borrowed from a friend.) 

Total cost: $33

Retails: $250+ 

Value of protecting little heads from being hurt on a brick fireplace: Priceless :) 

I think they like it!! 

Today we get to go to the Mississippi State baseball game with some friends. The weather is PERFECT to be outside. Can't wait to show our support for our bulldogs on their opening weekend! Hard to believe that it was snow/ice all over this week! 

Don't worry.. the girls have their own cowbells! 

A Mother's Prayer -- at the right time

Now that I am a stay at home mom, I am able to participate in bible studies and small groups that I wasn't able to do before. (Side note: if you are a working mom and somehow find time to do that- I applaud you!) 

One of the bible study groups that I joined is very structured and somewhat intense. I love it! It is providing me with the structure and accountability I need to really get to KNOW the bible. 

I have found that as I make more time for God's word, he speaks more clearly. 

Through other people, through the bible, through things that happen, through feelings I get throughout the day. 

I am discovering for myself things that I have been taught my whole life. It is EXCITING! 

He sends me little reminders throughout the day that he is thinking of me.. and now that I am thinking of Him more, I am noticing these little reminders. 

So here is what happened today. 

The girls wake up at 8:00 every day. On Wednesdays I need to be at bible study at 9:00, so we need to book it through morning routine in order to get there on time. Today by 8:45 I was almost in tears because I was already so frustrated with them. So much crying for no apparent reason!! TIMES TWO!! We made it to the bible study, I dropped off my two screaming monsters at the childcare about 5 minutes after 9:00, with zero shoes and bananas covering their face, arms, hands, and clothes.  

I missed the opening prayer and hymns, but I walked into my small group session on time. As soon as I walk in, a sweet woman in the small group hands me this prayer. She found a newspaper clipping that she had found when she was a young mom and saved. She found it the other day so she typed it up and printed off a copy for me. When I read it, I was so moved. God was definitely letting me know he was looking out for me. I am so grateful to this  woman, who let God speak so clearly through her!! 

So to all you young moms out there who are trying to keep your cool:

A Mother's Prayer

Oh give me patience when wee hands

Tug at me with their small demands. 

And give me gentle and smiling eyes.

Keep my lips from hasty replies. 

And let not weariness, confusion, or noise

Obscure my  vision of life's fleeting joys.

So when, in years to come, my house is still--

No bitter memories its room may fill. 

-Written by a Mother of Five

Keep my lips from hasty replies- I HEAR YOU, GOD!