My first Mother's Day

It's no secret that Mother's Day was a tough holiday for me for a couple years. Yes, I was super happy and excited to celebrate our loving moms/grandmoms, but it stung me to my core a little. I wanted so badly to be in that category, but was being told "no, wait on My timing" from God. So that day was hard on me emotionally. I cried at random times throughout those Mother's Days- church services, prayers-especially when the family would pray over us to get that miracle we so badly wanted, songs on the radio, anything really made me cry!

So this year, as my first Mother's Day, it was pretty emotional. No more waiting. Gods timing is always perfect. Doesn't always make it easy to wait, but it's always perfect! I was so happy to have been given the gift of being mom:)

I spent quite a bit of time throughout the day praying for some friends who are still being told to wait, who have lost babies, who have lost a mom or child. It's important to me that they all are covered in prayer. I know it made all the difference knowing people were lifting us up on days like this.

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My boys spoiled me and I was told I wasn't very good at listening. Hubby got up with C and fed him so I could "sleep" in. Well, I was wide awake and was forbidden to get up, so I laid in bed watching tv:) I knew they left to go get breakfast so I texted him to see if I could get up to get coffee. Nope! Must stay in bed:) They brought me donuts and some beautiful flowers!! I was a wonderful morning and I felt blessed beyond measure. We headed to church, then off to Dallas for the day to see our families.

My mom made me some of the cutest little picture magnets... Aren't they adorable?!

LOVE

Reflections...

To say 2012 was incredible is an understatement. It was probably the BEST year we've had as a couple.  It was my last year in my 20's {I still have 5 more days}, I finished up my 4th year as a manager for an incredible company and still pick up a shift occasionally, became an aunt, gained {well almost} a new sister-in-law, and was able to have my dream job of a being a SAHM because the absolute BEST day occurred at 2:58 pm on June 5th!!!

It's been a year of firsts, learning, growth as a couple, woman and mom. It been a year of many laughs, tears {both happy and sad}, lots of dirty diapers, sleepless nights, TONS of pictures and many, many hugs and kisses.

It's also been a year of hard times; friends still unable to conceive, medical bills stacking up and  finding out my grandpa, one of my favorite people in this world, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma {a post for another day}, a rare blood cancer of the bone marrow.  He has so many people praying for him and fighting this battle right beside him. We know HE is the ultimate healer and pray daily for complete healing. We believe in Miracles!

We know it all is a part of His plan. And His plan is good. He is sovereign and in complete control of the good and bad. Our faith will be tested. It's a way to be reminded to run back to Jesus. Honestly, I need trials. It's what makes my relationship with Christ grow. It's when I learn the most. When I give it all up, open my arms wide, fall to my knees and surrender my everything to the one who gives me life.
 
I've been a bit emotional today, knowing its the last day of the year our sweet boy was born. I'm weird like that. I cry easily. I still blame it on hormones. As long as I'm nursing I can, right?! I reflect back and that's when the tears flow.  I've told my hubby that I feel like I didn't do a great job at treasuring each day. What could I have done differently? I have no idea, but I still feel like I could have done more to slow down time. Impossible, I know. But a girl can try, right??

2013 Has a lot to live up to. I have said it in years past, I don't do resolutions well. Like ever. I manage to follow thru with some for a few months, or weeks if I am being honest. Then they are left in the dust when I get back to the busyness of life.

So here are a few things I would like to strive for. My  resolutions goals:

• Read more. I'd like to read at least 6 books this year. Last time I said one a month and I was on a roll until February. My pile is growing.
• Go to the gym at least 2x a week- I've been horrible about going. I'm at my pre-baby weight but am definitely a little more fluffy.
• Stick with a quiet time/devotional.  I've been really inconsistent and struggle with making the time.
• Get more organized-  I feel better when everything is organized.
• Enjoy each and every day- It's not hard to do, but I want to soak it all in.

We will be talking about what our goals will be this year as a family tonight and tomorrow. I like New Year's because it means a fresh start. It always feels good to start new.

We wish you all a fabulous New Year! We are celebrating for the comfort of our couch, both sick. Actually, all 3 of us are sick. But it's a laid back night, which I actually really enjoy.

See you in 2013!!

C's First Christmas 2012

Light looking with friends and a small group Christmas Party


  
 

 Christmas Eve

 

 Christmas morning and our house then at my in-laws

 

 

Sweet Cousins

 

First Christmas and First Snow:)

Christmas at my mom's

 

Christmas at Dad's

 

 

We are incredibly blessed to have spent our first Christmas as a family of three with each of our families. It was a special season and we can't believe Cruz' first Christmas has come and gone. It was filled with laughter, fun, food, gifts, celebrating our Savior's birth, friends, family and it was a WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!  

 

Our house does look like V-tech and Fisher Price threw up, but C was very loved on and was spoiled by his family:) We had a feeling he might be getting lots of goodies, so Santa brought him one cute toy.

 

While the gifts are always fun and very appreciated, the time with those we love is what we cherish the most.

 

AND I will be blogging a little more these days nights because my family gave me a new laptop for Christmas and my 30th 2nd 29th birthday!! WOO HOO! I have been using the hubs work computer when its available because mine died 5 years ago.

 

Here's to a wonderful 2012 and an exciting 2013.

 

 

First Thanksgiving- 2012

This year we had so much to be thankful for. We have been blessed beyond measure! This year we celebrated our first Thanksgiving as a family of three! We also have had some members of our families who have experienced some not so great times due to health reasons, so we are especially grateful for time spent with our families.

This year we spent the afternoon with both of our families at my in-law's house. Later in the weekend we spent an evening with my dad. And of course, we fit in a little Christmas shopping too!

 



Group shot

 

 

 

 

a little black Friday shopping with CeCe

 

reading with grandpa

 

 

 

We hope you all had a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving!!

 

My Valentine

This Valentine's was a special one. We've never been huge Valentine's day people and tend to keep it low key. I woke up to find two of my favorite things right outside our bedroom door, flowers and donuts!! I did work all day so by the time I got home I was exhausted. We decided to stay in and I cooked one of hubs favorite meals, Milanesa {thin, breaded mexican steak} and we relaxed on the couch and watched Breaking Dawn! It was a lovely evening with great conversation and wonderful company. Next year I will have two valentines :)

xx I even went all pinterest and made hubby rice krispie treats in the shape of giant Hersey Kisses xx

Hope you all had a fabulous Valentine's Day

I'm back... a January recap!

Good Saturday morning, friends!! I've been MIA the last month, but I'm back :) This will be more of a random catch up post, so excuse the hodge podge.

I joke but the truth is I slept thru the first two weeks of January. Literally. I was so sick with some horrible cold turned to nasty upper respiratory infection that I finally killed off minus a little lingering cough that I still have with 2 zpacks. 2! I've never had to take more than one.

My 29th birthday was on the 6th, I was sick so it was kind of a bummer of a birthday. Barely made it out of the house to go eat dinner with the hubs. I did get a surprise front porch delivery while I was cooped up on the couch from my sweet friend that made my day:) a super cute leopard scarf and some stemless wine glasses that I've really been wanting :) can't wait to enjoy a glass of vino post baby in my cool new glasses!

I was a pretty blessed girl this birthday. I got the diaper bag I wanted, prenatal massage, Ann Voskamp's book 1000 Gifts {which I've been really wanting to read} and some cash to spend how I choose!

The past few weeks I've really been able to feel sweet Cruz move! Here are a couple of bump pics from weeks 17 {birthday bump} and 19.  We're a growin'!!

I did pick out and got the main fabric for his bedding ordered! Looking forward to mom making it and seeing the final product! His nursery colors are navy, apple green and white with grey walls! :) We picked out this cute green, navy and white argyle print!! I LOVE it:)

We did also go out and get a couple of baby boy things after we found out! I just couldn't resist!

A little polo onesie, button up and navy shoes:)

Then one day after work I went in a consignment store hoping that since it was in a really nice area of town that I would find a treasure!  I did!! I found these baby Air Jordan's. He just has to grow into them. Best part...only $14!! Normally these go for $40-100 which I am NOT willing to pay for a shoe that might be worn a few times.

Hubs is a HUGE fan of basketball and loves his Jordan's so I knew he would be smitten with my find. Now they can match :)

My craving for donuts has been a obnoxiously a little out of the norm. I just can't help myself! It's really bad because we have the BEST donut shop around right. next. door. to work.

We are now officially 1/2 way through pregnancy!! 20 weeks and 4 days to be exact!

We had our official gender check/20 week appointment on Tuesday and the little guy is just perfect and right on track! I finally gained a little weight, so we got all A's on our report card. He weighs 11oz now!:)  I have a feeling next month they are going to tell me to sloooow down on the eating.

Yesterday, I may or may not have had a toaster strudel, protein bar, small baggie of special k with red berries, left over spaghetti, huge bag of grapes, small baggie of doritos {for Cruz of course}, fruit snacks, V8 fusion, chicken alfredo, salad and breadsticks from Olive Garden {I even had the waiter bring me my 4th breadstick at the end, for Cruz again} and an Andes candy---The waiter brought 3! Joking around that one's for me, hubs and of course, the baby! His tip increased:)

Today is our 6 year anniversary!!! I can't believe it's been 6 years. So blessed to have this man in my life. My best friend, encourager, love, supporter, biggest fan and of course, my baby daddy!!

I love you more and more every. single. day! I'm so looking forward to this next chapter in our lives and watching you as a daddy. Love you babe! 

Hope you all have had a happy new year and a wonderful January! I won't be gone for so long this time:)

All I wanted for Christmas...

We didn't really ask for anything for Christmas this year. I did have ONE thing that I really wanted, and I got my wish...

It's a BOY!!!!

We found out the Wednesday before Christmas and I kept it a secret for 3 days until Christmas eve/day to surprise our families.

We wrapped up a huge box and when everyone was in the room we opened the box and Baby boy balloons popped out, with the center revealing his name.

Cruz Noe' Neaves

2012

It's a good thing my intuition was right, I had Air Jordan onesies wrapped up for a month!

Everyone got a little something baby

Hubs sis was also in town so it made Christmas a little more special!

Daddies to be

Cruz even got his first Baylor gear :)

This Christmas was an extra special one. My outlook was a little different this year. My prayer this Christmas is that as we expand our family, we will walk with the same obedience and faith that Mary had in the Lord while carrying, raising and one day losing her son, the Savior of the world.

My prayer is that Cruz will grow up to love our God with all of his heart and that as parents, we will help guide him and love him in the best ways possible.

 So many fun memories and time spent with loved ones, a great service at church, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, opening some fun gifts {he's a loved little guy already!} and eating a whole lot!

Happy Thanksgiving and some Black Friday Shopping

We hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving with the people you love. We started off Thanksgiving on Wednesday night meeting my dad at my uncle's hamburger place for dinner. This year mom hosted our group of 16 {my in-laws, sister-in-law's in laws, my bro and his GF and mom and grandparents} at her house. I got over there about 11:30 to help in the kitchen and didn't sit down until we ate about 3:00. Man my back was cranky! My dishes are usually the same, Cajun corn, asparagus which I make different every holiday. There are just too many recipes to try out! and pink lemonade pie!! I helped mom with her augratin potatoes, glazing the ham and getting some dishes done before everyone arrived.

One of my favorite parts about the holidays is hearing my pops pray. My grandpa has always been the one to lead the family prayers, but as I get older the more I appreciate it. I always get emotional at the things he praises our savior for and the things he prays about. This year I was especially emotional, not only as he prayed over our military, but as he praised and prayed for our little one. It was the first holiday in many (Easter, mother's day, father's day, Christmas and Thanksgivings) that the prayer had changed from asking God to bless us with a little one to thanking him for the miracle and asking for protection. A special prayer that I won't forget.

I was really looking forward to trying out the Turkey recipe I sent to mom to try, but since I have a poultry aversion right now my piece sat untouched. Maybe next year! Some of us enjoyed playing a little Jenga after dinner. Haven't played that in years, but I don't know why! We had a fun time.

My mom also gave me one of my favorite Children's books that I hadn't yet purchased but wanted. If you haven't read it, you must! It's called God Gave us You by Lisa Bergren and Laura Bryant. You can click on the picture for snippets from the book!

 Such a special little book! Another one that's my favorite that I have given to many friends is On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman.

So now baby's library has grown to 2 books thanks mom and mel:)

The other sweet book given to baby Neaves from Melodie

Thanksgiving was wonderful and after everyone left, hubs went home to stay with the pups and I took a little nap before braving the crowds with mom for Black Friday. My first one off in 4 years! We hit up Target at midnight but only left with a caramel apple spice from Starbucks {we were going to see if baby things were on sale, particularly the crib and dresser we want}, Babies R Us did get buy one get one half off swaddle wraps :) , went home for a little nap then went to Burlington at 5 for the main thing we were wanting, our glider for $85 from $200!! Woohoo!!! We went over to Buy Buy Baby at 7, but they had no sales going on. I did find some cute Thanksgiving jammies that were on sale for next year that are just ADORABLE and that couldn't be passed up! They have the cutest little turkey on the bottom:)

It was a successful day since we got the main thing we were after, those gliders are so dang expensive and I originally wanted just an upholstered looking chair glider, but those are way out of our range!

I had to work on Saturday, but after work we joined Matt (bro) and Maria (GF) at my dad's for pie and to watch the Baylor/Tech Game!! All I have to say is SIC 'EM BEARS!!!!!!! Baylor had another great win:)

Here's to a wonderful Christmas season ahead!!

the BIG 3-0!!

Last Saturday my hubs officially left his twenties!! We celebrated big that week. I originally wanted to do a week of fun things to celebrate the last week in his twenties, but it turned into only a few days of fun things.

Monday night- we had dinner and watched The Bachelorette finale at Mel and J's {ok, so really the girls watched trash tv while the boys talked}
Tuesday night- I picked up P-zone pizzas, one of hubs favs that we never have and rented a red box movie!
Friday night- went to see a movie of his choosing- Fast Five! He loves anything with action and fast cars:)

It was TOO hot to do anything fun outside:(

Then came the ACTUAL day of celebration...

Saturday I had the whole day planned. He knew we had somewhere to be in the morning but that was it. It was a day full of surprises and fun:)

For several years now I have had it in my head that I wanted to surprise him with skydiving for his 30th, and that's exactly what I did! He's talked about doing it for forever. He had NO idea and you should have seen his face when we drove up to the place. YAY!! Call me crazy but I kinda want to do it now.  It took most of the day, but we managed to swing by a friend's 30th party for a few minutes before heading home to freshen up for "dinner".

That night I told him we were going to dinner but had to stop by mom's to grab something before we ate. We walked in to find some of our friends there to celebrate him! Mom helped me with this one big time! She cooked fiesta salad and we had a lovely times with some of hubs friends from back in the day! We did miss several that couldn't make it, partly because I waited until the weekend before to get it together.

It was such a fun day to celebrate a big milestone! I love birthdays :)

I think he had a pretty good time! I can't believe I forgot to take pics Saturday night with friends! I managed to get one at the very end, but bob and hol were the only ones left at the house.

Here's to his 30th year being the best to date!