A Sweet New Girl in Town

Meet Miss Hadley Lowen Bade.

She is just as sweet as can been and we couldn't be more happy for the Bades.  Josh is Jarrod's cousin and Melissa is one of my closest friends.  They are bringing home one precious little girl and I can't wait to get my hands on her again.  Love her, Love Josh and Melissa and absolutely loved seeing Miss Z hold Hadley today (my hands were a little full making sure Hadley's head was good to take a picture).

My Babies

So I have this son...his name is Ezra and he's almost one. Wait. What? You had no idea? I know, I'm a bad mom.  I promise promise to blog about the sweetest, most precious little guy in the whole world when I get some free time.  Until then, I'll just hold and play with him.  He's pretty great.  I mean, look at that face.

 Remember her?  My little princess Z.  She is the same wonderful Baby Zeda.

 One minute she is a perfect angel and the next she's...

an ornery little devil.  But we love her so.  

Thanksgiving

I've never been one to tell the world daily on Facebook what I'm thankful for in November but I will write a blog about it...
I am beyond thankful for 2012 but I'm also thankful that it's almost over.  This year has been full of surprises, transition, unknown, pain and inconvenience.  However, it's also been incredibly full of life, giving and an abundance amount of love.

First, I am thankful for my relationship with my Jesus.  Without that, my life would have felt much harder this past year.  He has kept me calm and given me strength, knowing it's all worth it in the end.

I am thankful for...
Jarrod - There really isn't words to express what this man has done for our family this year.  He works harder than anyone I know.  I am thankful for his job and all that he has accomplished in the work place but my thankfulness goes far beyond that.  This year he has worked his tail off selling our old house himself, being a landlord, writing the contracts, watching every detail on our new house, writing all the checks to the contractors, controlling our personal finances, helping lead our small group, making phone calls for me ;), helping with the kids, getting up at night with E or Z, being Social Graces accountant, and even cooking dinner some nights.  Bestest husband ever.  Love love my bearded man.

Zeda - She is my source of laughter and also anxiety.  That girl has stretched me this year, however, she also brings me more joy than I can express.  She's too smart for her own good and her independence and strong will will make her an amazing woman one of these days.  I am beyond thankful for the time I spend with her and the daughter she is.  I love Zeda to the moon and back.

Ezra - Our little surprise.  I never imagined I would have a boy or a boy 3 weeks early.  However, he is the sweetest, most cuddliest things in this world.  I hold him and kiss him all day long.  I have a little guilt that his life has yet to be normal so truly, I never put him down.  He is a mama's boy and I love it.  Did I mention how cute he is? Seriously. Adorable.  I have a crazy love for my E man.

Our parents - The giving is never ending with these two couples for that we are very thankful.  The help, the love, and the support is more than we could ever ask for.

The Murrays - My sister's family has for sure made our 2012 much much easier.  They've given their home, their spaces, their time, their patience,  and so on and so on.
My sister was there to take me to the hospital and helped me labor with Ezra.  They helped us move (into their basement) in 100 degree weather.  They have let us live in their basement since July 5.  They let us use their extra garage as storage space.  They've helped handle all the fighting between our kids and Matt has tolerated me in general. Ha.  The thankfulness is overflowing with the countless amount of meals, love, support, labor, and patience they have given us this year.

My business partner Megan and Social Graces - I am thankful for the opportunity to have a job and to be able to quit working at the church.  I am thankful that I have a partner to be there when life's surprises happen.  Ie: Ezra coming the morning of an event and breaking my hand during a wedding.  I'm am so thankful that she picked up the slack this year with events and the blog while my life has been in constant change and instability.  I am thankful for her friendship and that God continues to heal her from her pain in 2012 and at the end of 2011.  I think we both are thankful this year is closing and have high hopes for 2013 from both a personal and professional stands.  Love you Meg, you truly are my best friend.  2013 is ours, let's own it!

Our new home - I've waited a long time for this.  This November marks 3 years since we've bought the lot.  We've been planning and planning this home and now we are just a few weeks away from completion.  I can't describe the feeling but I can tell you it's a good one.  I'm also thankful for our builder who has made the process a smooth one.  We've enjoy it and cannot wait to make it our home.  It's time.

Our friends and family - Thank you for the countless lunch dates, encouraging messages, babysitting, support, trips, fellowship, drinks, baby clothes.  Really, we have the best friends and family out there.

Finally, I am thankful for the endless amounts of answered prayer this year.  I don't understand sometimes why things happen the way they do or why the trials have to be so daunting but when you know that God is listening the feeling is amazing.  Two prayers that I'm especially thankful for is 1) my friend Danielle who I've been praying for years to become pregnant is finally 14 weeks along.  Huge, huge blessing and we continue to pray for her little one.  2) Brandon.  It's been awhile since I've posted an update but he is doing fantastic.  He still has a long road ahead but he's gaining weight, getting out and even driving.  His life is a true miracle and we continue to pray for him as well.

Alright, enough with the sappy stuff.  I love you all and I'm excited to eat turkey and go shopping today.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Allen Family

What a sweet sweet family.  I sure had fun spending the afternoon with them a couple of weeks ago.

Jey Bug

My little Jey Bug isn't so little anymore.  Here is my big handsome nephew who is 5 AND started school this year.  You should see him walk into school all by himself with his backpack on.  So. So. So darn cute.

The Big Bad Wolf

Where is little red ridding hood you ask?  She wasn't "feeling" photogenic so here is the "scary" wolf.  My sweet MIL made their costumes this year for Halloween and I am so very thankful.  With everything going I had no idea what to dress them in.  They had lots of fun with the different activities we did and Miss Ridding Hood is still enjoying her candy.