Life in the Fast Lane!

Update since the end of September:

1. COLTON TOOK HIS FIRST STEPS, at the ripe old age of 9 months old!!

2. Parker is still a super boy and I think he gets a little smarter everyday. And he has blossomed quit the imagination, he already has his fishing and hunting "stories" down!

3. Chad has a new job!

4. We are moving!

Jeremiah 29: 11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

God has orchestrated a wonderful opportunity for Chad and our family. He is now Marketing for a Behavioral Health clinic in San Antonio. It is a huge opportunity to start his career and is a profession he can continue for a long time. (I personally think this job is made for him!) He is working with adults and elderly and I can't imagine any of them turning away from his genuine love for the elderly, his handsome looks, his sweet smile and charm! (well, I might be a little biased but I'm serious!)

This big change doesn't come with out the stress of moving, changing jobs, selling a house, leaving the greatest cul-de-sac we've ever known, and life-long friends... but we both feel that this is the time and the place, it is God's plan and he has made it clear that he knows the plans he has for our family! :)

A few prayer requests-

Prayers that we honor him in this move and that our family can transition easily.

That we can get our house in College Station SOLD.

I'm also asking that you pray for Parker, he is only 3 but he loves his routine and his "normal" at home. I know he will adjust over time but I want to make sure we make this as comforting as possible for our structured child!

Also pray for Chad as he leads our family on this adventure!

And, since we are moving to New Braunfels - go ahead and mark your calendars for visiting us! This town has SO much to offer and we want to open our home (yep, the one we don't have yet!) to anyone passing through.

A Sense of Humor

Possibly the only advice I will openly offer to a parent to be:

When being a parent, you must have a sense of humor.

If you can't laugh in the midst of disaster, you might as well go ahead and give up! ;)

Not really, but this family sure has learned that laughing through the disasters sure does make everything a lot more enjoyable!

This has been a week full of laughter!

We have had poop explosions and tinkle accidents simultaneously, while in the football stands and not a wipey to be found! Coupled with runny everything, fevers and vomit splatter on mommy's face.

Thankfully, all is well today and we are anxiously preparing the house to celebrate birthday number three for Parker!

We have another milestone to toast to.... drum roll please...

COLTON IS OFFICIALLY SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!

It has been over 8 months of continual sleepless nights for this mom and am I thankful for a full night of rest!! He is sleeping in his own room and we have completely de-babied our master bedroom. :)

And now... for some much anticipated updated pictures....!

This is a picture of mommy and Colton at 1 month and again at 5 months

This is our tender hearted baby and the sweetest frown we've ever seen

September :)

It's September?!? That means Parker will be THREE in 25 more days and Colton is almost SEVEN months old! Really?? These moments are so precious and I'm soaking every bit of these little guys up.

So, what's the big deal you ask? It's only been a month since the last time I posted about these kids... how much could really change in one short month??

Parker is officially writing the letter "P" like a professional, has learned to climb off of his top bunk and Colton is STANDING UP!

We have entered into another "phase" of life this month. Parker and Colton are playing together, interacting, enjoying each others company (most of the time), playing in the playroom while I prepare dinner and update the blog or return emails.

Can I just say that I LoVe this phase :)

We had Colton's check up this morning, here are the stats:

90th % for height and 10th % for weight!!

Y'all take a vote but I'm thinking he is built like his daddy! ;)

Chad and I are still madly in love with each other :) We have been focusing a lot of our attention on co-parenting, learning about worshiping as a family and sharing time with our "community".

It's been nine months since we moved into our house. I was SO excited to have the opportunity to move into a home with enough room and comfort to entertain, host dinners and play-dates etc. Well, I think we have totally embraced this blessing and it has been so rewarding. I have watched many friendships grow in the past nine months. We have had lots of family visitors, even a few week long visits from cousins, MOPS events (including a Mentor Appreciation and painting party this evening!), weekly dinner nights with the neighbors, movie and video game nights, play-dates, bridal showers and the list goes on... THANKS BE TO GOD! I had no idea how great of a blessing a home could be for us and those around us! :)

(I have to finish preparing for this evening... photo update will be included soon!!)

another summer day has come and gone away...

We Have Been Given Supernatural Power:

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power...." [2Tm:1:7]

That's Right! God has supernaturally endowed every believer with His awesome power by the Holy Spirit that dwells in each of us.

IT'S HOT! And my #1 priority it to avoid anything that requires sunscreen, sweating and sand! So, what in the world have we been doing to keep busy you might ask? Well, we've been playing non-stop... cowboys, superheros, dinosaurs, bus drivers, garbage men, train conductors, wild forest animals, reading lots of books, coloring (which is starting to get advanced, we are working on coloring in the lines) singing our alphabet, painting, cooking, photography and the list goes on!

Colton has learned to army crawl anywhere in the house and prefers to play with Parker's things instead of the brightly colored, age-appropriate items scattered throughout our house. His #1 favorite toy.... Buzz Lightyear!

Parker is Mr. talkative. He is starting to sound like a little boy instead of a chattering toddler. He says things like "Awesome, mom! That's GREAT!" "Awwww man!" "Mo-om"(in that condisending teen-ager way..seriously, I want to know where he picked that one up!) "Are you serious?" "Why?" "Why" "How come?" He is learing to ask questions about how and why things work.

My favorite conversation to date:

Me: "Parker, we need to pray for Mason's Grammy, she is sick"

Parker (in a loud voice): "GOD?" .... "GOOOOOD?" "God?"

Parker: "Mommy, God at work?"

Me: "Yes, God is always at work. He can hear you."

Parker: "Ok..." "God, make Grammy feel better!"

another month gone by... :)

Let me start this post by saying that I am feeling immeasurably blessed to have two beautiful children given to me and a wonderful husband who continues to work incredibly hard for his family! God has been so good to us and I want to make sure that anyone who happens to stumble upon this blog finds that all of the good (and challenging) times we share here come directly from Him and without, it would all be impossible.

Colton is FIVE moths old! He has grown so much this month. Developmentally, I think he has taken a turn into the "sitter and crawlers" division! It has been a blast for Parker and me to cheer on as he rolls from front to back, back to front, front to back... If you put anything just out of his reach he will turn in full circles and scoot on that little belly of his to grab it, and straight into that toothless mouth it goes! He is a J-O-Y! He is so delightful with his over abundance of smiles. He is full of life, love, happiness and melts your heart in an instant. We started adding to his "list of big boy things to-do" by starting a few "solids" this week. He has tried avocados, sweet potatoes and bananas. He also has started sitting up on his own for short periods of time.

Parker is 2 years and 9 months old :) He has grown a lot in the past few months too! This morning he woke up, came into bed to snuggle, greeted me with a smile and a "chocolate milk, please, mommy" ... how can you turn that request down?! He is super creative with his imagination and has a BIG, sweet, heart. He pretend plays most of the day; working with tools, cooking with measuring spoons and dry beans, coloring, being a train conductor, flying around like Buzz Light-year the Space Ranger, fireman and most definitely a mountain climber on a hunt, pursuing the couch mountain in the living room ... the list is endless. :) Our FAVORITE thing to wear right now is a Super Man onesie that has a cape. He would never take it off if I didn't make him (but at some point each day it has to be washed!) (Thank you Uncle D and Aunt Tracy ;) ) He is starting to recognize and identify colors and letters. He has his shapes down. He can sing his ABC's, Jesus Loves Me, Twinkle Twinkle, Mickey Mouse... He also started dressing himself from top to bottom in the past week. He can put his shirt, undies, shorts, socks and shoes on ALL BY HIMSELF!

I feel that God has graciously reminded me recently that my job of being a "keeper of our home" is fabulously rewarding, a holy job, a way for me to serve Him and it is my job, chosen for me - by Him.

I have had some long days this past month. I have been impatient with Parker, quick to anger and speak to my husband and moments where I felt defeated and spiritually drained. I heard myself telling others that I was "tired" and Mommy just needed a nap!

In reality, I was quickly reminded that I really needed God. He was calling me, as His child, to time-out. I had to be reminded that God loves me as His daughter... just like my heart loves and provides for our precious sons and continuously provide for their needs. God answered my cries, kissed my boo-boo's and has showed me gracious love despite my imperfections as a wife, mother, daughter and friend. It was an important lesson/reminder to learn (again and again and again...)

I wanted to share with transparency that even with my wonderful children and supportive husband, I most importantly need God to quench my thirst. And Praise be to God for this wonderful life we are living! :)

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

4th Mirthday

Happy 4th Mirthday Colt-Colt!

(this is what BB Parker likes to call you)

You are 14# and are long like your daddy.

You have changed SO much in the past month.

You are super SMILEY, laugh out load all the time, you can turn in complete circles on your belly during tummy-time, love to have undivided attention, play with your pacifier and can put it in your mouth, try to sit up on your own like a BIG boy and you have even mastered riding in the carseat peacefully!

You nurse every 2 hours like clock work. You go to bed at 11 and sleep until 5. You love taking baths and snuggling to sleep with mommy.

Mother's day and 3rd Mirthdays...

Happy 3rd Mirthday Colton!

My how you've grown...

You are 27'' and weigh #'s

You SMILE all the time, are really close to rolling over, love to babble at your brother and still don't like riding in the car. You are a good sleeper during most nights and love to be outdoors. You're pretty eyes, happy face and sweet sweet demeanor bring joy to all of our lives!

Parker, you too are growing up so quickly! You are 2 years and 7 months. You are so independent. You like to put on your own "underpants", shorts, socks and shoes. You LOVE to ride your bike and speak like a grown up. You can be so sweet with your words... always reminding us how much you love us and you like to call mommy a princess. You are such a blessing and keep me on my toes!

Mother's day was so special this year... not only did I have TWO beautiful boys to remind me how blessed I am to be a mommy but we also had Colton Baptized. I thought it was such a perfect time to dedicate him. How great to commit to raising our newest (and continue raising Parker) in a Christ centered home, where I will strive my hardest as a mommy to raise Colton in a loving, Godly environment where in all things we are to teach and nurture him in Christ's love.

We also were able to introduce Colton to another set of great grandparents (my grandma from Oklahoma) this weekend and enjoyed the visit.

We enjoyed the Cyclone Steel annual fishing tournament a few weekends ago. Chad served as a fishing guide during the tournament... and let me just say that I am so proud of him. Every year he volunteers himself to take out fishing newbies (mainly women) and patiently teach them to fish. And... he is ALWAYS successful. Everyone in his boat (anywhere from 3-7 people at once) catch fish and enjoy the day on the lake. I know it takes a lot of patience to do this job and he does it so well!

After the tournament we enjoy fishing the rest of the weekend as a family and hanging out around the campfire. Colton endured his first trip out in the boat like a trooper (life jackets and all!). Parker had a GREAT time on the lake...who needs a fishing pole or toys when you have live bait to play with!! And special thanks to my dad -who also celebrated his 53rd birthday this weekend!- we enjoyed delicious steak dinners each night.

Uncle D joined us for the tournament.

Parker, Colton and I went to the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco this week. We invited Morgan and Mason along too.... Parker enjoyed the animals but oh my! The car ride was anything BUT quick and pleasant! lol... Mason and Colton were crying their sweet little eyes out the entire time and the weather was also pretty sticky. Despite our headaches, I'm hoping next year we will attempt it again. ;)

And.. a few more favorites...

Colton and Parker in the morning

Brotherly love

1st bath time together!

And a HUMONGOUS Congratulations to my brother Trent who is graduating from Texas State University this weekend! We are super proud of you and are really looking forward to helping celebrate the occasion this weekend!! WHOOP!

Mirthdays and Milestones

Well, another month has past since my last blog post.

Happy 2nd Mirthday Colton!

You now weigh 11# 8oz

You are 24 inches long (85%)

Your head circumference and weight are 50% (much smaller than your big brother!)

Colton is such an amazing baby. He loves his momma, is sleeping at least 6-7 hours at night, smiles at anyone that looks his direction and adores watching his big brother interact with him.

Parker is back to taking regular naps, woo hoo!

He has really blossomed into a little man around the house. He loves to help out with ANYTHING we are doing. It is really awesome to watch him figure things out on his own - like putting his t-shirt or shoes on, riding his big boy bike, brushing his teeth, eating his cereal without spilling, helping mommy change diapers, entertaining Cotlon... the list is endless!

Chad and I are doing great too, we are loving life with two kids. It feels so much like a family! We have even managed to make time for each other, we went out on a date for my birthday - just the two of us. We ate a delicious meal, with no kids meal and no mess! :)

Life is keeping us busy between work, family, visiting with family for Easter, turkey hunting with friends in South Texas and new neighbors.

I've also cut way back on watching tv and have been limiting time on the computer - hence the lack of updates.

It has given us lots of extra time to enjoy the beautiful Spring weather. We even managed to landscape the yard, go on long walks, picnics, playing in the back yard and riding bikes.

Now for some much anticipated recent pics.....

Bluebonnets

SMILES! =)

Turkey Huntin' South Texas

First loves...

Parker's big boy bike!

Pre-fishing for Cyclone's annual tournament

Colton meeting Great gma/gpa Beneditti

Easter Brunch

Paige's Birthday

Colton & Mason

(Morgan my BF from HS's baby is one week younger than Colton)

Happy 1st Mirthday Colton...

A friend of mine uses the term "Mirthday" to share milestone months, I love the idea so here it begins... Happy 1st Mirthday Colton! (ALREADY?!?)

Have we ever been so in love? The past month has blessed our lives ... oh to see the love we all have for Colton. I honestly doubted that we would have any room left in our hearts for a new addition, but it is true... we love him and love is not divided but only multiplied. I'm not sure why I ever doubted God's plan. He has plenty of room in his giant heart to love each and every one of us, so why was it so hard for me to imagine loving just one more? ;)

Colton is very alert now. He even began smiling last week!! I can't wait to capture an adorable toothless grin and post a picture! He looks a lot like Chad (at least to me) and it looks like he may have inherited lighter eyes, they are a really pretty blue right now. (I'm not sure if they will stay blue or not but for now they are!)

He is growing quickly, 10# and 22'' to date.

Colton Steven Stokely

Colton Steven Stokely

born on February 10th, 2010

12:49pm

8# 5 oz and 21 1/4 inches long

We are SO excited to have our newest addition here! Thanks be to God that all of our prayers were answered. We had the most enjoyable delivery. We are still in amazement at how quickly and safely Colton arrived!

Colton is a wonderful baby, eating and sleeping well. Parker is overjoyed to have his baby here. He is so sweet to him (right now!) he asks to hold him, likes to kiss him and likes to offer him his "bunny" and other favorite stuffed animals. I was nursing Colton with a nursing cover on and Parker came up to me and asked "Baby in your shirt?" I said "Yes, baby is under mommy's shirt." he then responded with "Baby go back?" Too cute!

We are all adjusting well. I can't believe he has already been with us for a week!

Here are a few pictures...