Our Memorial Weekend

Memorial weekend we hit up our favorite spot for some camping and shooting.

Daddy getting in on the 22 action!

This guy is one great shot!

I told him to smile and he informed me "Army men don't smile, mom!"

I never get real smiles. So I realized if I say anything related to "potty talk" it's sure to get some laughs...boys!

In a couple years he will be driving us around for reals! Crazy!

Caleb shot with a scope for the first time and he was awesome!

Anytime we can shoot some targets is a good weekend!

\ It sure beats going to therapy, ha!

Blessings, Nicole

My furry kids

Miss Abby and Jasper cuddles.

Abby is big sister even though her brother is literally twice her size.

 Jasper cracks me up!

Yes, that silly dog remained in this position for the car trip.

My furry kids. 

They give us so much joy and love!

His timing, His plan

If you have been following my blog for a while now you know all about my health issues and tummy troubles.

It's a very long story if you have not. To vaguely recap I have been suffering for 3 years with abdominal pain and many other strange symptoms. After what felt like never ending tests, diet changes, medications, supplements, removal of my gallbladder, this list goes on....my issues still  remain unanswered. But I always knew that things were not quite right in my body. 

Last month my period and painful cramps never went away and I felt a hard mass in my lower abdomen. Most nights I would wake soaking wet with sweat and during the day I felt exhausted. I knew it was time to call my doctor. After an exam she told me it was a large fibroid tumor on my uterus. She ordered a blood test and ultrasound. We talked about surgery and perhaps the removal of my entire uterus.

Yesterday Kevin and I went to get the ultrasound of my uterus and got a peek of the little guy. Yes, I just called it a little guy, humor helps. Infact it's not so little, about the size of a grapefruit to be exact. Yes, I officially look 5 moths pregnant. It must have been growing for quite some time.

But thinking back on the past 3 years it was almost relief to have a solid diagnosis (of anykind) and maybe an answer to my health issues. Of course surgery scares me. We didn't plan on more children however, I never thought the option would be taken away completely. Im only 29, this sort of thing was not in my plans to say the least.

 It's an amazing thing, Gods perfect timing. I was blessed early in life with two little boys, Caleb and Deacon.  At the time it was not part of my plan either. But I realize now I couldn't have planned it better if I tried. I have no regrets because I trust that God has a better plan and better timing than I possibly could. Even at my young age the Lord equipped me with the ability to raise them even when I felt I couldn't. Yes, I have asked myself if there is something I am missing by not having a daughter. But the answer is clear His timing, not mine. His plan, not mine.

This attitude doesn't come easily to me, don't get me wrong. I'm a planner by nature. I'm a planner encouraged by society. But I need to let go of that. I need to seek the Lords plan and timing for my life daily and maybe sometimes hourly. I know He will provide for me whatever I need and beyond.

For whatever is ahead in my life I trust Him.
His timing, His plan.

I would like to pray for anyone reading that needs it. I have been so blessed to have many people praying for me and I want to bless you too. Please leave a comment if you need prayer and I will pray for you.

Blessings, Nicole

Baby Love

My brand new niece has arrived!

After the disappointment of "Having ANOTHER girl cousin" dissipated, Caleb was a complete pro!

It warmed my heart so see big cousin holding little cousin, even if she happens to be a female.

Don't worry Addison is not your fault!

Gardening and such

We planted my garden today! 

I love gardening. Well, the planting part anyway, the weeding kills me but that's what kids are for right?

Deacon enjoys planting too. He is such a helper.

We planted four varieties of tomatoes (mmm salsa!), cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, strawberries, many varieties of peppers both sweet and hot, two varieties of basil, cilantro, chives and watermelon.

We should be set for the summer!

I found this variety of basil called cinnamon basil and it smells amazing! Basil is by far my favorite herb. I can't wait to make pad thai with this!

Miss Abby got in on the action. 

And I am so excited about the new fire pit Kevin is building me!

He got off to a great start today.

I decided blackberries are straight from Hell!

 How can such yummy berries come from such a wicked plant?

Ouchy! Darn blackberries!

Have a great weekend!

Blessings, Nicole

Disneyland 2013

They gave it a good try but that sword was not budging! 

Deacon hamming it up. 

He makes one cute Yoda though!

The Iron Man armor was very cool!

Caleb built a custom light saber with the help of Uncle Andy.

Auntie Monk and Uncle Andy who graciously shared their military discount with us.

Thanks guys!

Deacon on the rocket ride. 

He was "too big" to ride with his mamma (sad face).

My  Boys!

  

The new Cars land was awesome! It felt like you were really in Radiator Springs.

I I leave you with my very favorite pic of the whole trip! 

Those are my crazy eyes!

Disney always brings out the kid in me.

Fun times and great family memories made!

Blessings, Nicole

Disney bound!

We are leaving tomorrow for Disneyland!

 I am looking forward to making fun memories with my hubby and boys.

Be back next week with a bunch of pictures, you could expect no less from me! :)

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...Goodwill rocks it!

Top, shorts, belt, bracelets all Goodwill, sandals Franco Sarto Marshalls, necklace Stella and Dot.

 Love my denim shirt! The single most versatile item in my closet. 

Trust me, get one!

Top and shorts Goodwill strikes again! Fedora F21, watch fossil  via Ebay, same sandals.

Grrrrr... I am loving everything animal print right now too! So classic and chic.

I guess you all know where I like to shop.

 Goodwill rocks it! And I'm not ashamed to say it!

Blessings, Nicole

Open House

  

The school year is coming to and end. Summer is near. 

The school had an open house and we got to see all the Boys's hard work.

They always impress me.

Caleb played his clarinet for the whole school and he did great!

How cute is this? My little brave soldier!

Next year they will be in 2nd and 6th grade!

How fast time flies!

Blessings, Nicole

lately...

I ordered these beauties for around $20 each! 6pm.com is awsome! I will definitely be rocking these ALL summer.

I mean stripes and wedges? A match made in heaven!

My pretty and power packed lunch. Steak, zucchini, bell peppers, squash, kale and quinoa. 

Did you know quinoa is not a grain? Nope! It's actually a seed! A super food too!

I am totally obsessed, it is so yummy!

Nursing this sick boy. Fever, chills, vomit.....not fun.. 

Hopefully the rest of us will be able to avoid his germs.

Lastly, we are leaving for Disneyland on Saturday! Yippeee! So I am bleaching everything. No sickness on vacay please!

That's lately...

Blessings, Nicole