Do it yourself.

Remember this post 7 million years ago when I talked about a project I wanted to do for my boys room? I originally wanted to have it done by the time Cohen got here {late October}, then the goal turned into having it done by New Years... then it turned into getting it done by Jaxon's birthday. {Mom of 2 under 2...ahem}

His birthday was the 9th, and we hung these suckers on the 7th.

Pottery Barn:

- cost: $200,

- tax and shipping: $37

Total: $237

My version:

- Canvas {Hobby Lobby} 3 for $15

- Uppercase Living decals: $27

- Paint: already had

- Markers: already had

Total: $42

Granted they are not as perfect as PBK's, but I am really happy with them. And for the money I saved, definitely worth it.

February 9th.

Jaxon,

Today's the day that you, my baby, turn two.

I remember it like it was yesterday... the hours upon hours of contractions. The frustration of not progressing. The anticipation of what was to come. And then... at 8:30pm that cold February night, God gave your Daddy and I the most beautiful red headed baby boy.

It seems impossible that it's been two years already... it feels like you have been apart of my life all along. To say that you have changed my life for the better would be the understatement of the century. Your big belly contagious laugh, your dimples, your sincerity, your hugs and kisses, and the love you have for your Daddy and I make my world go round.

This past year has been full of so many sad times, but you gave me joy through it all. You gave me a reason to smile... to keep going. You brought me such happiness. When I missed your Daddy so deeply while we were apart, all I had to do was look at you... you brought sincere joy to my heart. And even today, all I could do was stare at you, and my heart just felt like it was about to beat out of my chest because of the love I have for you. It's always such a great reminder of how much God, our Father, loves his children also.

You have developed and changed so much in the last year, I can only imagine in anticipation how much fun we'll have watching you change and grow this next year too. As you grow up, just promise me you won't forget about your Mommy and Daddy. All you have to do is look right next to you in order to find us. We're right there, supporting you and loving you every step of the way.

I love you to the moon and back, and beyond.

Mommy

Today.

This morning we will have 10 kids (14 including babies) and 11 adults in our...tiny...home for Jaxon's birthday party!

Thank you to my amazing bff Angie who designed Jaxon's invitation for me once again this year! So thankful for her incredible talent! {If you ever need an amazing graphic designer, you can contact her at thatangiegirl@gmail.com}

So excited to celebrate Mr. Man with some amazing friends who have made our Texas journey so much better and fun!

If you try contacting me this afternoon and I don't answer, just send the paramedics. I may have died from toddler/child/baby exhaustion.

Happy {almost} birthday, Jaxon Daniel!

Recipe.

Here's another yummy recipe, in case you're looking for a new one!

Sour Cream Pork Chops

4-6 boneless pork chops

1 c beef bouillon

2t mustard

2T parsley

1t paprika

salt/pepper to taste

8 oz can mushrooms, drained

1/2 onion

8 oz sour cream

Brown chops in large skillet. Mix in all ingredients, except sour cream. Pour over chops and let simmer for 1 1/2 hours, covered. Remove chops, and set aside. Mix sour cream with juice in pan. Add pork chops and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Serve over rice.

This is the pan after we ate.... as you can see we really enjoyed it ;)

Enjoy!

Tidbits.

Nothing overly exciting happening in our neck of the woods... so here's a little mish mash of what's going on.

-- I really really really want to join a gym or health club in town. Not only would it be great for my health and goal to get rid of my baby weight, but it would be good for the boys to be in a small daycare environment and have some mommy time. However, our budget just does not allow for it. We have cut back in so many areas but the utility bills at 2 houses are killing us.

-- Jaxon will be 2 next week! We are having a birthday party for him on Monday. We will have 9 kids (ages 2-4) here, and 11 adults... yep, in our tiny house. We're having a Cars theme, since my son is uber-obsessed with the movie... it won't be anything fancy but I am really excited to celebrate with good friends of ours, and his. I'm trying really hard to not dwell on the idea of none of our family being here... it doesn't seem real yet.

-- I am only about 10 pounds away from being at my pre-pregnancy weight, yet my body feels so far from that. My shape is completely different, and my belly... yeah, lets not even go there.

-- MY BOYS ARE HEALTHY!!! Ahhh, what an amazing feeling! Jaxon started coughing on Saturday so I nipped it in the bud and called the doctor on-call, told them about Cohen's diagnosis earlier that week, and they called in a prescription for him. I was so thankful they did that and didn't wait until it got worse.

-- Something happened last night that I never ever thought would in Waco... it snowed! Some parts of town got 5 inches, and I think we got close to that here. So fun... this Midwestern girl is very happy :)

-- On a related note, because of the cold weather here, our pipes have been frozen since Tuesday. The cold water works, but the hot water does not. Weirdest thing ever... we were able to go to some friends yesterday to shower, which we were thankful for since we were all a little stinky. And if you know my husband, you can imagine how crazy he is going... he is one of those people that shower first thing in the morning and will shower multiple times a day if he gets sweaty at all. Showers in the morning, mows the lawn, then showers again. Tomorrow it will be in the 40's, so we're hoping it will thaw out then.

-- I had an amazing birthday! My husband spoiled me rotten. He made me breakfast, got us Chick Fil A for lunch which we took to the park to have a picnic, had naps in the afternoon {you know you're getting old when...} and then had a date later that evening! This was the first time in SO long that I have been without the boys alone with my husband, so it was such a refreshing and fun time together. We ordered a glass of wine and shared it... haha!

-- I go through stages in my life where I feel safe and secure and then other stages where I feel like I'm living in fear. Fear about death, fear about all the terrible things in the world, fear about my boys and something happening to them. Can anyone relate to that? My husband reminded me last night that God is truly in control of our lives and no matter where we live, that will never change. So what if we live in a not-safe-and-very-scary town, God is still in control. It sounds cliche, but it's a good reminder.

I think that's all for now... everyone have a great weekend!