old baker's

Y'all! My favorite. Football, crisp weather, hoodies, fires, apple cider, boots, my BIRTHDAY!

Also, there's the yearly pumpkin patch trip. This is something I never did as a kid so I'm excited like a little kid every year when October rolls around. It has become a family tradition. This year we went with some church fam and had a blast! There wasn't a dull moment, that's for sure.

Darcy loved the chickens... Addie, not so much. She was scared of them. 

This is how you have to carry a Darcy.

The corn maze, wagon ride, pumpkin picking, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and tractor tricycle toys. SO. MUCH. FUN.
I hope my kiddos are making memories that will last forever. <3

#churchfamBBQ15

BEST. LABOR DAY. EVERRRR.

Yesterday we were so happy to host a Labor Day BBQ at our house for our church family... We had a really awesome time eating, playing volleyball, hanging out together, eating some more... ;)

We decided to have a volleyball tournament. Brandon loves volleyball and he took the volleyball match seriously. He painted lines on the ground just like a real court, and even transplanted two bushes that were in the way. Serious.

The kids played on the water slide and with sidewalk chalk. It was such a great time!!

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. -Hebrews 10:24

PS--Check out our super cute Mt. Zion Mommas tees! Love these ladies! :)

Porter is 2 Months

Porter,

You are 2 months old. You are the sweetest thing, too. Already sleeping through the night! We hit the jackpot (again). At your 2 month check-up you were 12 pounds and 24 inches long. You drink 6 ounce bottles and burp really loud. You must get that from your Dad!
Your sisters absolutely adore you and so do I.

Love, Mommy

washed in the water

A few weeks ago, while driving down the road, Addie told us to turn the radio down. We did, and she informed us that she needed to go get baptized. Brandon and I looked at each other, and I spoke up and asked her why she thought she needed to be baptized. She told us that she asked Jesus to live in her heart. Brandon and I wanted to make sure she understood how profound of a statement she was making, so we asked her if she knew what that meant. She told us, very clearly, that she was a sinner and He died on the cross to save her. Wow. Later that night, Brandon and I discussed it with each other. We weren't sure if she really understood, even though she told us very clearly and with understanding. After reading from the book of Matthew, it became very clear to me that this denial placed in my mind was definitely a ploy from the enemy. Because Matthew 19:14 says, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

I read that verse again. And again. It was so clear. Like crystal.

You see, that verse says "JESUS SAID". Jesus Himself said it. THE ONE WHO SAVES. THE ONE WHO SHE CLAIMED AS HER SAVIOR.
He said to let them come. The little children. And my Addie is just that--a little child. And that's okay because she knows who saves and she knows why. Lord, please forgive me for questioning her in an attempt from the enemy to plant doubt in my mind. Because You are the one who told us not to hinder the children from coming to You.

The angels are rejoicing. And so am I.

happy birthday, baby darcy

Baby Darcy isn't really a "baby" anymore. Sad. Her baby-hood went by too fast... she's a TWO-YEAR-OLD, people. TWO!

She woke up on her birthday and specifically asked for waffles and chocolate milk (in a bottle of course--that's a whole other story, ha!). I gave her exactly what she wanted and with sprinkles on top. Because on your birthday, you get what you want. And with sprinkles. ;)

On Saturday she had a Minnie Mouse ("Me-Mouse") party because Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and the Hot Dog Dance are her faves. 

We served "hot diggity dogs" and sides for everyone. Darcy wore the cutest Minnie bikini! And the birthday cake was amazing! Darcy loved it all, so it was absolutely worth it. 

Darcy's current faves at 2 years old:

• color: blue
• drink: milk (in a bottle!)
• foods: hot dogs, mac-n-cheese, broccoli, popsicles
• toy: baby dolls and SHOES!
• TV show: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• phrases: "CANNONBALL!" -as she jumps to you, sometimes unexpectedly, "Hey, what choo doooin'?!", and "Darcy D in the house!"

Darcy D, we love you and your contagious smile so much. You brighten our world every single day with your silly ways and sweet heart. You have the most precious soul and we couldn't be more blessed to be your parents! Hope your third year of life is just as fun as your first two were! <3

why i'm leaving facebook

First off let me say that I like facebook. I am not *entirely* knocking it and I know some people who may not agree or understand my point of view. It has it's good parts. I know it can be utilized in positive and encouraging ways. But after praying and pondering about it, I have decided to cut ties with facebook. I'm only sharing why I'm leaving because I know people will ask me, and I also don't want people to think I just randomly blocked them all of a sudden.
There are three main reasons why I want to leave facebook, and why I don't really regret it at all...

1.) It's not for everyone (anymore)
When I joined facebook back in 2006 or so, it was mainly a place to connect with each other's friends through pictures (hence the name--FACEbook). After facebook began allowing people to join who weren't tied to a college or university network, it became very common for people to log on and look at other people's photos and updates more often, which was great. It's now evolved into a major advertising source full of business platforms and corporate ties. (BOO!) This isn't necessarily a total bad thing--I shop on facebook all the time. At the same time though, I wish corporations didn't have such strong ties to the facebook realm these days, because I do not wish to be "tracked" like a statistic as I am just trying to share photos of my babies with family and friends. You click on an article you see and next thing you know there are three or four more very similar below it. Or you open a new tab and search for something in Google. After you come back to facebook and refresh, most of the time the ads on the side of your facebook page are similar to the thing you just searched for. I know other apps can track you too, but I think facebook uses this information far too much.
I logged into facebook a few days ago and it asked me if I wanted to add a rainbow overlay to my profile picture to support "pride". Umm, no thanks... And then I wonder, why, facebook, have you never prompted me (or at least given me the option) to add a cross overlay? I have PRIDE in my God. Or an American Flag overlay? Because I have PRIDE for my country... See what I mean? Facebook isn't very welcoming for everyone anymore. Or maybe it's just not for me and my beliefs.

2.) It's a thief
Let's be honest. Brutally honest. We spend way too much time opening this little app on our iPhones. At least I know I do. My reason for this is mostly because it sends me notifications when people say something to me on facebook, and I am not the type of person who will just ignore you. I always try to respond quickly, as if I'm leaving someone hanging. This is the same with text messages, emails, and phone calls. I know if I don't respond or pick up the phone immediately I will simply forget about calling or writing someone back.
I enjoy seeing pictures of my friends and their sweet families, but at the same time, I do NOT enjoy the disturbing news headlines, photos, hatefulness and violence. So essentially, facebook robs me of my time and it robs me of my happiness. Waking up and checking my news feed and seeing some junk about murders, child abuse, and terror attacks is not enjoyable. Seeing people bash each other and use foul language is not enjoyable. Seeing spam is not enjoyable.
So, while I am busy trying to filter through "share so you won't die in 30 seconds" posts and a sea of random recipes to actually get to the sweet pictures and uplifting updates, facebook is ultimately stealing time away from my husband and our three sweet babies.

3.) I am nostalgic
I am a first grade teacher and I smell Crayola crayons on a daily basis, but even so, that smell still takes me back to my first day of school, 20 years ago. I can still hear a song on the radio and remember singing it in the back of my Dad's car. I simply miss the old days. 
What I mean in this aspect is that before facebook, we all kept up with one another through phone calls and get-togethers. For some, maybe it was school or work or sports teams or church. But we developed meaningful relationships with people--relationships that went beyond "facebook friends". And since we had to put forth more effort to maintain those relationships, in my opinion, people felt more appreciated, loved, and understood. I am not knocking friendships on facebook, but I honestly prefer more personal relationships. Being friends with people on facebook is unlike any other social media site. Most other sites just follow other people's photos (instagram) or their short phrases (twitter). Facebook allows you to share and following pretty much anything... Again, not necessarily a bad thing, it's just not my preference.
I actually saw a facebook "friend" in Wal-Mart several weeks ago and even though she "liked" all my photos and posts all the time, it was clear she had no intention of speaking to me after I smiled and waved at her and she continued to walk right by me. It was very awkward and even a bit irritating that she saw everything I posted on facebook, but didn't care to even speak to me in person. Life with facebook often means that even though its great you get to interact with lots of people you know and care for, you don't get to see them in person as often as you would like. Yeah, I know I could, but unlike other social sites, it has the ability to allow you to interact with people in many different ways, as often as you like, so you ultimately don't have to catch-up in person. That's what I miss. Being able to laugh and smile WITH people, and not just AT their posts.

So... with that said. I'm keeping my blog, and I'm keeping my Instagram because (believe it or not) I'm not a total social media hater. I still want to see pictures of my friends and family and I still want to share photos of my babies, but I just don't think Facebook is the best option for me anymore. My little blog and the simplicity of Instagram is enough for me I think. Not saying I won't miss all the good stuff, but the bad has begun to outweigh the good I find on facebook. Hope you'll join me on Insta if you haven't already. :)

Peace and Hugs, facebook friends!

life lately...one month into life with three kids

Someone asked me recently what life has been like lately. Well Laura, here it is.

Oh, what a crazy, hectic, very entertaining,

LOUD

but absolutely beautiful life this past month has been.

Life with two children was hectic enough, so you can imagine life with a newborn added to the mix. Dialogue in our house these days is, "Hey Addie! Please help your sister out of the highchair while I finish feeding your brother" and "Oh man! He just peed on the CURTAIN" and let's not forget Darcy telling us, "MOMMA! DADDY! I poop!" but she is scared to death of the toilet. (And please, don't even come at me with "She is ready to use the potty" because I will GLADLY let you handle that for me and see if you can deal.)

We are now proud members of Sam's Club and we have rocked the double stroller in the grocery store. We now have one diaper bag for 2 kids... size 1 Pampers and size 5 Luvs. And a bunch of baby wipes and pacifiers. We currently jam out to the VBS cd with the sunroof open in the mini-van. Everyone sings. Everyone. Because when the toddler yells at you to "SING!!" you just do it. Pick your battles, people.

Life is beautiful. And I wouldn't change a thing. Not one thing. Except for maybe I'd have invested in a fancy espresso machine before I had all these babies.

wordless wednesday: porter's newborn session {9 days old}

granny-style blackberry dumplin cobbler

Summers here on the farm bring about sporadic rain showers, lemonade on the back porch, the smell of freshly-cut hay bales, and blackberry picking... I LOVE some southern summers! My favorite summertime dessert is blackberry cobbler, hands-down. And I'm not trying to toot my own horn over here but mine is my favorite. So, since it's so scrumptious, I decided to share the recipe with you!

Disclaimer:
This is granny-style y'all. Like put your apron on, and get out your rolling pin (literally). Granny style because I didn't get the recipe from an actual granny, I got the *original* recipe from a Southern Living cookbook. This is my third summer to make it and I have since tweaked it to my liking. But really, this is not one of those throw-it-in-a-dish-and-pour-some-milk-on-top Pinterest things. It's a bit more work, but once you taste it you will NEVER make it any different!

Now get ready to channel your inner granny!

I am a visual learner, so of course I am going to include plenty of pictures for y'all.

Ingredients: This is all you need! Everything is made entirely from scratch.

• 3 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 6 Tbs butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 12 Tbs butter, softened at room temp, not in the microwave
• 3/4 cup cold water

1: Put a metal or glass mixing bowl and a pastry cutter in your freezer for the next 10 minutes or so. Then, gather some fresh blackberries, about 3 cups or so. Wash-em up!

2: Put the berries in a medium pot. Add sugar, the 6 tablespoons of butter, and the cup of water. Don't turn on any heat yet.

3: Get your chilled mixing bowl and pastry cutter from the freezer. Put flour in the bowl (I sift mine to make sure there aren't any clumps). Add the 12 tablespoons of butter and cut it into the flour with your pastry cutter. This will take a few minutes but make sure the butter is well blended into the flour. 

4: Gradually pour in the cold water as you knead the dough into a ball with your hands. Form into a dough ball and put it on wax paper. Don't add any more water or your dough will be too sticky. Yes. I learned the hard way... 

Then, add some flour to your rolling pin and roll out the dough. 

Put the dough into the freezer to chill while you work on your blackberries, and go ahead and preheat your oven to 420 degrees.

5: Turn your blackberries on medium heat. Bring to a boil until the juice gets thick and syrupy.

6: Get your chilled dough from the freezer. Use a pizza cutter to cut into long strips. Save about half the strips for the top of the cobbler, and cut the other half of strips into small pieces for dumplings.

7: Drop the dumplin pieces into the boiling blackberries and stir. Let cook for 5-10 minutes or until all the dumplin pieces are cooked. 

8: Pour the blackberry mixture into a greased square (8x8 or 9x9) dish. Top with the dough strips you saved and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 420 for 20-25 minutes or until dough on top is browned. Let cool then serve. Preferably with vanilla ice cream. YUM!

welcome to the world

Rewind to last Thursday... Typical day, another typical doctor appointment that went down like all the other ones: waiting room boredom, pee in a cup, finger prick, wait again, get called to a room, and have my doctor tell me to come back in a week. No progress. I asked about scheduling an induction date and he said we couldn't discuss it until next week. My iron was up at least... woo hoo.

Friday. Typical day. I played with the girls at home, cleaned a little, packed a little more, and we went out to eat that night. When we got home I told Brandon he could use my new tote bag to pack a hospital bag since it was so roomy. I snapped a picture of him packing it because it cracked me up. Such a manly bag.

Let me just say, thank goodness he packed because 2 short hours later I woke up to my water breaking. Still in a half-sleep, surreal state, I just finished up packing for us for the next half hour or so before I woke him up. Nothing like waiting until last minute. That's how we roll. I tried waking Brandon up at first by just nudging him, turning on the lights, calling his name a few times... nothing. But when you're 9 months pregnant, nothing wakes your husband up better than, "You need to get up. My water broke." I'm talking about a feet-to-the-floor-in-2-seconds kind of wake up. He called his brother who came to stay overnight so we didn't have to wake the girls. 

We set off to Birmingham. It was game time. 

When we got to the triage room and they began to monitor the baby's heartbeat, we were excited and anxious. Darcy's delivery was nothing short of a nightmare (worst pain of my life) and I was sure I was about to do that all over again. Brandon took my hands and prayed over me and the baby. I felt so much more calm. We were moved to a birth suite and things couldn't have gone any better. Got my IV, pain meds, a NICE epidural (Thank You Jesus), and actually took a nap. I woke up to the nurse telling me it was "time to have a baby". Wow, never took a nap during active labor before, but I was seriously so comfortable. (Again, Thank You Jesus for epidurals!!) 

Baby Lee was born at 10:30 am Saturday morning, May 30th. 9 days early and still weighing in at 7 pounds and 13 ounces. In an effort not to reveal the gender until our parents could see for themselves, this was his first picture we sent to close friends and family. EPIC.

He is perfect. After a day with no name, we finally decided on Lawrence Porter. We will call him Porter. (Or baby, hunny, sweetie, whatever.) I can totally tell he will be is a momma's boy. ;)

Sisters came to see brother the next day, and they LOVED him. Darcy didn't want anyone holding him except her, but look how proud she is. She actually left the hospital kicking and screaming, "MY BABY!!!" Watch out, future girlfriends, you'll have to pass thorugh these two little mommas first. Bless your heart.

Daddy went and picked out his going-home outfit and a sweet quilt. 

We seriously had the best birth experience. Awesome nurses, awesome family and friends who went out of their way to keep Darcy and Addie happy. And aside from being exhausted, I am feeling totally fine, and already *almost* normal again. Porter is adjusting well to (loud and crazy) life here on the farm and we are over the moon. 

Blessed. 

So blessed.