What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!  Hope everyone is having a fabulous week so far!  I know it is a busy week for many since Easter is on Sunday.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!

Easter baskets and bunnies are FUN, but don't forget to be EXTRA grateful to Jesus for making the ULTIMATE sacrifice on the cross!

Today I am loving that our power is back on and that we are safe after the terrible storms yesterday.

Thankfully we didn't have any damage at our palace, but we are praying for those who did.

I am loving that this past weekend I was able to attend a ladies conference near Little Rock with the other ladies in my church.  We had a wonderful time and I can honestly say that I was changed after this conference.  The speaker was Rachel Coltharp and she did AMAZING!  It's unbelievable how God can speak right through a person and it is exactly what you need to hear!  You can read this great lady's blog right here.  I'm loving that I am adorned for Him!  Oh yeah and I'm loving my fantastic husband for watching the princesses while I was gone.  He did so great with them and even matched their clothes and hairbows.  I am a proud wife!

I'm also loving this amazing Boston butt that we bought from our church's fundraiser this weekend!  We paid $25 for it and it has already fed us three meals this week and I have a ton in the freezer for later!

We made it into BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, ate it in wraps, and over baked potatoes.  DELICIOUS!

I'm also loving my fenced in backyard this year!  AND the wooden swingset that will be sitting in it this weekend!  The girls and I have had a blast outside this year and I never have to worry about them running in the street!  So glad we moved!

Last but never least, I am loving my man and the princesses in the most impossible way!  How can it be that I am so blessed to have these three in my life?  So thankful!



What are you loving today?  Link up and let us know!

Life's Not Fair

Hello everyone!  I hope you all are having a fabulous week!  I did not get to do a What I'm Loving Wednesday post yesterday, but definitely look for one next week.  I've been busy enjoying this amazing Spring weather that we've been blessed with.  The princesses and I have been outside everyday for hours on end, which has been so special for them.  We are sick of being inside, for sure!

There is not a ton of new going on in this palace, but there are a few things.

Sadie is now talking better than ever.  She asked me, "Mommy, dressed?"  I said, "Yes, Mommy got dressed."  She touched my jacket and said, "Cute!!!"  How is it possible that my baby is turning two in exactly one month???

Emma magically acts and looks like she is 5, now that she had her 3rd birthday.  How is it that they automatically grow up a little more on their birthdays?

And in other exciting news!!!  My wonderful parents are up and moving to Orangefield, TX!  The have been elected to pastor the Orangefield United Pentecostal Church.  So after 5 years of traveling and evangelizing, they are excited to call Texas their new home.  We are super happy and excited for them in this new phase in their lives, and foresee many trips to Texas in our future.

I have had the honor of teaching princess #1 a new lesson in her young life, lately.  She watched her beloved Clifford movie a couple weeks ago and learned the phrase, "It's not fair!"  Oh and did I mention that she knows exactly how to use it too? 

"Mommy, can I have fruitsnacks?"  "No baby, we're about to eat supper."  "But, it's not fair!"

I give Sadie a cookie after dinner because she ate all of her food and Emma is still picking at her's so she can't have a cookie yet, and what do I hear?  "It's not fair!"

So my response is exactly what I was taught and that is, "Life's not fair!"

A little harsh for a 3 year old?  Maybe so, but if I make everything fair for the princesses their whole lives they are going to be in for a rude awakening.   Because no matter how equal things may seem, there will always be an unfair outcome for someone.

I could go into all the reasons that life hasn't been fair to me or to someone I love, but the list would never end!  As parents, we have to learn that life will not be kind to our kids at all times.  I don't claim to know one bit about parenting, as I have only been a parent for 3 short years.  I was, however, raised by pretty awesome parents.  Who, by the way, give fantastic parenting advice if you need any!  They have been experts at teaching my brothers and I that life is not going to always go the way you plan or want it to, but in order to be blessed with something better or more you must always give thanks for the little that you do have. 

Although, I don't necessarily enjoy this part of parenting where I have to differentiate at times.  It is teaching them and me amazing lessons that I know my kids will appreciate me for later.  So for now, princess #1 will have to just deal with the fact that, "Life's Not Fair!"

But aren't you glad for the amazing blessings that we DO have!  Be thankful on this Thursday!

I'm especially thankful for the three most amazing people in my life today!

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  1 Thessalonians 5:18

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Hope everyone is enjoying their Wednesday!  We have had a fun day of playing with all of Princess #1's birthday gifts today.  Emma Grace had a wonderful 3rd birthday yesterday and we are so very thankful for her!

Today I am loving that Emma Grace had a fun birthday party at Chick Fil A yesterday!

I'm also loving this vanilla cupcake body lotion and body wash that my sweet pastor's wife bought me for my birthday!  It smells just like cupcakes and I literally want to eat it, but I will refrain!

I'm loving my new Karen Kingsbury book, Leaving!  Sooo good!  If you have not read any of her books, READ them!  They are awesome.

I am also LOVING that I have officially lost 15.2 pounds this week!  Weight Watchers and going to the gym work!

The thing that I am loving most this week is my wonderful mom!

My mom just left today after being around for a couple weeks and I am going to miss her big time.  She has been a huge help around here!  I love you, Mom!

As always I am totally loving my three favorite people!

What are you all loving on this gorgeous Wednesday?  Link up here and let us know!

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday, Princess #1

Hey everyone!  I have arrived back in the blogosphere, after a week and a half break.  My mom brought the princesses home, and it seems like we haven't stopped going since they arrived back last Tuesday. 

I am back just in time to wish princess #1, my Emma Grace, a very happy 3rd birthday!  I cannot believe it's been 3 WHOLE years since the wonderful day that Emma "Graced" us with her presence.  Time flies when we're enjoying the wonderful blessings that God gives us.

I love you so very much Emma Gracie.  You are the light of our lives and I can't imagine life without our beautiful tornado/princess.  You storm through life with excitement, dramatics, and happiness.  God has amazing things in store for you and I love watching you grow up.

Enjoy these photos of Emma's magical life so far...

My baby doll...only a few hours old

Daddy's girl...

Emma Gracie and her boys, Char and Pebi...

First Christmas...

One of Emma's many hilarious expressions...

First birthday portrait...our little ballerina...

2nd birthday...

The best big sissy in the world...

Cousins...and best friends...

Emma Grace with her Mimi and Poppy, sister, and cousins...

Mrs. Incredible...

Loving on her Sadie Rose...

Building her first snow man with daddy and Sadie...

Hope you all enjoyed this sweet picture journey of Emma's first three years of life!  Have a great week!