Blessed

To say that 2013 was the worst year of my life would be a vast understatement. Here I sit, however, 10 days away from the end of this horrible year and I feel so immensely blessed.

I am blessed with the three most precious baby girls I could ask for. Each day, I look at their gorgeous faces and thank God he entrusted me with these little ones. I am so thankful for their humor, their intelligence, their love, their joy, their excitement, their health, their safety, and so much more. I am privileged to be their mother and I will forever be grateful they are in my life. I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I am the perfect momma for them and they are the most perfect babies for me.

I have learned a lot about friendship and kindness this year. In the midst of my devastation, I was shown what true friendship is. I am so immensely blessed with some of the most caring friends I could ask for. A simple text from me to a friend, "I need a friend, can you come over?" and she was there within an hour. Another day, a couple of friends knew I was having a horrible day and sent me flowers at work. How amazing is that? Another thing, these girls were going through personal devastation of their own. Yet, they found time for me. As I said, I've learned so much about friendship this year, especially from these two, I will continue to strive to be a better friend to them and others as well.

Family. My family can be crazy and full of drama sometimes. When the going gets tough, they are there, supporting one another every step of the way. I am so blessed with the most amazing parents, brothers, in-laws, and extended family I could ask for.

My job is amazing. I have the world's best boss and I actually work for one of the Best Places to Work in Oklahoma. I look forward to going to work every day. My coworkers are like a second family. The work we do is challenging, rewarding, and fun. I am blessed to be able to call that place my work home for the past 8+ years.

Our church family, His Word, and His Love. I have attended church my entire life. I can honestly say I never really fully invested myself into it though, until now. It's amazing what a horrible situation can do to someone's faith. It could completely demolish it or it can do just the opposite. For me, during my despair, I found comfort in reaching out to my church family, attending church, reading His word daily, and spending time each day in prayer. It is and was a necessity of life that will not stop now that I'm on the other side and working my way back towards being a happy, joyful person. I have learned so much this year about God's love and I don't ever want to forget it.

It's silly to even talk about but I am so blessed by everything that God has provided for me.  We don't want for anything. We are able to provide for our family very comfortably and for that I am grateful.

Lastly, today I feel blessed to have a husband in my life who is 100% devoted to me and our precious girls. He is someone who constantly asks himself when faced with a decision, "How will this affect my family?" We are constantly on his mind. He seeks out opportunities to do amazing things for me. Things like showing up at my office with flowers and a cookbook I told him I wanted two hours earlier. Like sneaking flowers and a sentimental card into the front seat of my car while I am running errands at lunch. Like drawing a bath, lighting candles, turning on music, and pouring me a glass of wine so I can relax after a VERY stressful day. Like calling me and sending me loving text messages when he knows I am having a rough day and desperately need to be reassured. Like cleaning the entire house without being asked and expecting nothing in return. I could go on and on. Bottom line, I feel extremely lucky to have a man like that in my life. No doubt we have had our ups and downs. I am hoping this next year of our life together will provide many, many more ups than downs.

I am certain I missed something. There are countless things and people in my life for which I am thankful. I am determined to make 2014 the best year yet. I am confident I can make that happen as I review the list of the many blessings in my life. I hope each of you take some time to make note of what you're thankful for.

Many blessings,
Lindsey Loo

P.S. These scriptures really helped me during some really bad times. I am constantly reciting them in my head:

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." Psalms 40: 1-4

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Two Years + 2 months + 3 days

I am a horrible excuse for a blogger. It's been FOR-EV-ER since I last posted an update. I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath for my next update. You see, things are busy. I know, everyone is busy and I have no excuse to whine. Well, I don't have a thing in the world to whine about actually. We have busy summers year after year and I'm so grateful for those busy summers. We spend half our weekends at the lake with lots of fun activities in between.

One event that happened early on this summer was my precious baby girl's 2nd birthday. Claire Bear is TWO!!!!

 Have you ever seen a prettier baby girl?

On the morning of her birthday, many, many months ago, we took this pretty one to breakfast. It's sort of a little tradition we started when the big girls turned four and I like it. It starts their special day off right.

I took the day off on her birthday to spend as much time as possible. Honestly, I don't remember what all took place that day (it was over two months ago) but I know it was special.

This girl has been such a blessing in our lives. She literally is the best.baby.ever. The best. No doubt about it. She is soooooo sweet. Her little face just melts my heart when she looks at me. Her sweet little voice, "Oh-Tay Mommy!" makes me just want to squeeze her cheeks. I love her with all of my heart, like any mother would. I am so happy God gave us this third precious girl. I wouldn't trade her for anything.

Here are some random photos of my girl, in no particular order:

Big girl on her birthday. Mini cupcake from our favorite cupcake shop.

Claire Bear with her Aunt Lindsey at her birthday party at our house. Note: she was terrified of that bow on her head. Anything fuzzy scares the crap out of her and she screams bloody murder. We enjoy it a bit too much.

Claire Bear, on the slide at her party. Those blue eyes. My goodness.

After opening presents. Too cool for this folding chair.

Not sure why but I love this pic. Perfect little action shot. She was eating ice cream I think.



How awesome is Claire, you ask? So awesome that she was potty-trained at 25 months. No big thang.

I'll potty train your kid for $1,000. You'll get your money's worth! :)

Spent a lot of time at big sisters' t-ball games this summer. She was a trooper. Never complained much and was sure to cheer on big sissies during their games. Side note: my big girls' team got 2nd place in their division! Woohoo!

Big girl's first hair cut. She was so nervous and pretty much looked that way the whole time!

Birthday party at Nanny & Papa's house. More cupcakes!

Yum!

This was about a month from her birthday when I asked her how old she was. She answered correctly at the time. Cutie patootie.

Two Month Stats:
Weight: 30.5 pounds (95th %) up from 21 pounds at 1 year and 9 pounds, 3 ounces at birth.
Height: 37.25 inches (75th %) up from 31 inches at 1 year and 20 inches at birth.

My precious, sweet, squishy little pumpkin. Loved her at first site. Literally.

 As you can tell, I am pretty enamored with my little Claire Bear. Happy (belated) birthday baby!

Momma Bear

Five Years of Fun

A few weeks ago, my big girls turned five. Five years old. They are becoming more and more fun each year and also bring us different challenges each year. I love them so. This year, I decided to interview them for their birthday. Here's what they had to say:

Natalee, Age 5

Nickname - Nat
How old are you? (holds up hand) - Five, I'm five
What is your favorite color? Purple
What is your favorite animal? elephant
What is your favorite book? I like the puppy book
What is your favorite TV show? I like, did you say show? I like Dora
What is your favorite movie? Rapunzel
What is your favorite song? You mean on the kiddie songs? I like "you're happy and you know it clap your hands"
What is your favorite food? sketti
What is your favorite drink? grape juice
What is your favorite breakfast food? I like waffles
What is your favorite snack? I like graham crackers
What is your favorite outfit? I like to wear a dress
What is your favorite game? Game? I like, umm, what do we have games? Duck duck goose
What is your favorite toy? I like a ball
Who is your best friend? Avery
What is your favorite thing to do? I like staying home.
What is your favorite thing to do outside? I like going down the slide
What is your favorite holiday? I like Halloween
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? I like my blue guy
Where is your favorite place to go? to grandma's house
What is favorite restaurant? I like Chili's
Where do you want to go on vacation? I'm going to a water park
What do you to be when you grow up? A teacher, a big kid teacher
What did you do on your birthday? I opened presents.

Lyla, Age 5

Nickname - Lyla Bear
How old are you? (holds up hand) - Five
What is your favorite color? Pink
What is your favorite animal? a dinosaur, rawwr!
What is your favorite book? I like the ladybug book
What is your favorite TV show? Dora
What is your favorite movie? Rapunzel
What is your favorite song? Happy
What is your favorite food? I like peanut butter & jelly sandwich. I like it more with goldfish bread.
What is your favorite drink? I like grape juice
What is your favorite breakfast food? I like the pancakes
What is your favorite snack? I like the chocolate cookies at Ms. Marilyn's house
What is your favorite outfit? I like these clothes (points to outfit she's wearing)
What is your favorite game? I like playing the ladybug game.
What is your favorite toy? I like playing with um, I like coloring.
Who is your best friend? I like Avery
What is your favorite thing to do? I like doing the laundry with you.
What is your favorite thing to do outside? I like swinging on the swing.
What is your favorite holiday? What's a holiday? Christmas? I like Christmas.
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? I like to take my new dolly to my bed.
Where is your favorite place to go? I like going to a water park.
What is favorite restaurant? I like going to Wendy's. 'Cause it has the yummiest food ever.
Where do you want to go on vacation? To that place after we go to a cation (vacation), the lego place with the pink castle.
What do you to be when you grow up? A momma
What did you do on your birthday? Get lots of presents.

Not much in common if you look it over:

• They're both five, obviously, and both hold up their hand when telling their age.
• They both like: Dora, Rapunzel and grape juice.
• They share a best friend: Avery (Might be disasterous growing up)
• They both received presents on their birthday (and nothing else notable).

I always tell people how much the girls differ - it really is true, not just in their looks.

Speaking of physical differences, here were their stats from their 5-year checkup:
Natalee:
44.5 pounds (75th percentile) up 5 pounds since age 4
45 inches (75th percentile) up 3 inches since age 4
Lyla:
33 pounds (5th percentile) up 2 pounds since age 4
41.5 inches (25th percentile) up 3 inches since age 4

For their birthday, we took the girls to breakfast to Cracker Barrel (Taco Bell, according to Natalee). After work, we took them to Celebration Station for pizza, games, and mini golf. In case you were wondering, five-year-olds are not so interested in mini golf.

We are seriously the luckiest parents in the world to be blessed with these precious little pumpkins (+ their baby sister).

Debt Free!

Personal finance stuff is not something I talk about much because, um, it's personal. That being said, I'm excited to announce that as of January 10, 2013, this little Nichols family is debt free!

We've been following Dave Ramsey's plan for a little over 2 years and paid off $43,200.48 to be exact. If you have debt that you'd like to get rid of or just want to learn how to manage your money, Dave Ramsey is your man. Check out his book for a quick read. He also has a 9-week class that churches offer. Darren and I got by with just reading his book. I also listen to his podcasts on a daily basis.

That's all really - just wanted to make it official! I'm so excited about things to come for our family. We are so very blessed.

Peace out,
L-Dogg