Tub-o-water!

Cade has always loved playing in water. 

Dog bowl (Lyla is in that stage now)

Water dispenser in freezer door

Bird bath

Mommy's water cup

Our rain barrels

Puddles from the rain

Playing in bucket while it's raining!

Cade and his friend Bishop playing in birdbath.

He also loves to pour water into other containers.

So, I decided to make him a water table.  I needed it off the ground so Lyla wouldn't crawl in it and was hoping it would be sturdy enough for her to pull up on so she could splash in it, too.

Under Cade's crib was a plastic storage bin.  Totally empty with clothes all around it.  I had planned on putting hand me downs that he doesn't fit in yet in it, but instead they are just pushed under the bed and shoved around the storage bin.  I took the bin out and now there's so much room under his bed for even more piles of clothes!  Yea for organization!

I used a hot glue gun to glue the plastic bin to two home depot buckets that were just hanging out in our backyard.

I thought it would be fun to add some "water features".  So I got random plastic containers from our cabinet and used a hammer some sort of screwdriver to hammer holes into the containers.  I used hot glue to glue them in the bin.

This is what the water features look like.

Ta da!  This is the finished product.  Cade had filled it all up with sand and other toys in less than a minute.  It was a great addition to "Cadertot Land".

Cade and Bailey playing in water bin.  Cade tried to "show off" to Bailey and thought he could get in the bin.  He put one foot all the way up there and then it all came tumbling down.

He has played with it every day since.  He has also used this water to water the garden and fill up the bird baths.  I don't know why he loves the bird baths so much!

Never thought I would be ironing a police uniform!

6 years ago, if you had told me that I would be ironing police uniforms I would have thought it was because I was working at the dry cleaners.  Never would have thought it was because Ryan would be in the Police Academy.  Not because I can't see Ryan as an officer or someone to enforce the law but more because it had never came up when we would have "dream job" discussions.  

To catch some of you up that I haven't talked to in the past year, Ryan decided about a year and a half ago that he would like to apply to become an Austin Police Officer.  I was super shocked (to say the least), scared, mad, confused, excited.  It was really weird all the emotions I felt.  It didn't help that I was pregnant and had emotions over little things too.  I kept thinking, surely this is a phase and it won't really happen.  I kept praying that this wouldn't happen.  I know it was cruel, but all I could think about was the time that we would miss with him and the holidays that he would have to work, etc.  Of course the safety issue was in my mind, too but I just kept pushing that to the back of my mind.  I was really not OK with this decision.  Ryan had physical tests, interviews, papers to write, etc. to get passed into the Academy.  It was a year long process and through it all he went to the gym about 5 times a week and studied what they recommend studying.   I had never seen him work so hard for anything.  For that, I was so proud.  

We got a letter in the mail and he had been accepted into the Spring 2012 Police Academy.  Only 20% of applicants actually get in.  I was still very unhappy and very scared for our future.  I tried to keep it together because I wanted to support my husband and not knock him down, but I just couldn't see how this would work.  So, I changed my prayer from Lord, make this go away to Lord change my heart!  I knew this was so important to Ryan and he wanted to provide for his family, so I asked God to change my heart!  

Of course, God heard my cry and changed my heart.  I have felt so much peace the last few weeks about Ryan starting the Academy.  Instead of being angry that he's had to take time away from us to study, I've been encouraging him on.  This feels so much better!  I was so worried that I would be bitter and not very supportive when he started the Academy, instead I've been a prayer warrior. I've been ironing and praying.  That's what I can do to help.  Ryan's having to do the hard stuff. He's having to get kicked down just so he can get back up again!  It's tougher than we imagined, but I know that God is more powerful than we imagine.  God is going to strengthen Ryan, our marriage, and our family through the next 8 months!

Ryan's 33rd Birthday!

Ryan's 33rd birthday was last week.  He doesn't always want a big "to do" for his birthday, but it's hard for me to ignore it.  This year he wanted to just hang with the family and do some fun park things.  It was one of his last days before he started the police academy so we wanted to make it count.

When we got married, Ryan told me that his mom always made him homemade breakfast tacos on the morning of his birthday.  So, guess what?  Yup I've done it 6 times!  I don't really care for my homemade breakfast tacos, you can buy some so much better at Bill Miller for like $1.25, but I guess traditions are priceless!  

Cade got to eat a taco, too and loved it!  Especially, daddy's orange juice!

I surprised Ryan with tickets to see David Crowder that night and had already arranged for some good friends to meet us and for his mom to watch the kids! 

I also made Ryan a frame with our hand prints cut out and put inside.  I love how it turned out and already hung it on the wall!

We headed to Butler park to go fly a kite!  We found Cade a super cheap McQueen and Mater kite!  When we put it together he loved it!  I'm not sure if he knew what it was at first, but once we got it in the air he was so excited! 

We decided to let Cade hold it himself.  He loved it and you can also see how entertained Lyla was.

 Well, Cade let go of the kite and we were not expecting the wind to take the kite away.  It really wasn't that windy!  Ryan tried to chase after the kite.  He came really close to the handle and then the kite went towards the hike and bike trail and then probably over Lady Bird Lake!  I was laughing so hard watching Ryan chase after the kite!  Hopefully he won't have to chase kites in his APD training!  

Here's a picture that says it all!

My loves!

I love the kids' expressions!  They are so alike!

In case Ryan has only told you that Lyla cries, here's Lyla super happy!  She really loves her daddy! Oh, and I grabbed a hat really quickly on the way out for Lyla.  It was actually Cade's from when he was only a few months old.  It totally didn't fit Lyla!

Feeding the turtles and fish Cade and Lyla's snacks.

Then, we went to a bounce house and Lyla and Cade played until they could barely walk (or crawl).  We had so much fun; I hate to think about the next time that our family will get to do these fun outings!  Hurry up December! :)

We got home and put the kids in bed and then got ready for our concert.  We left before the kids even woke up from their naps.  We went to eat at The County Line BBQ and met up with the drummer in Theophany (also on APD) and his wife.  They are such sweet friends!

David Crowder was awesome and hysterical.  I really love sitting next to Ryan and worshiping!  It doesn't happen very often.  Ryan is usually on stage leading others to worship! I love when we can worship the Lord while laughing at the same time! 

 Happy Birthday!

Bubble for Lyla Dee

Since Lyla has started crawling (which has been several months) I feel guilty for putting her in dresses.  She can't crawl because the skirt gets in her way.  She either falls down or just gets stuck- which doesn't make her happy!   Her Sunday School teachers either take her dress off or tuck it into her bloomers.  I just hated putting her in pants for church when she has so many cute hand-me-down dresses.  I decided that she could wear bubbles to church but I'd like to make some that were "fancy". 

So, I started looking on Pinterest for a bubble tutorial and I found some but didn't find exactly what I was looking for (or it looked too hard).  So I used two patterns to create one bubble outfit!

For the bottom I used the Mama Says Sew tutorial and for the top I used a traditional pillow case dress.  Aesthetic Nest is where I got the tutorial for the pillow case top. 

I learned some things along the way, but I'm proud of it overall.

1.  My snaps didn't line up, so I will have to practice that again.

2.   French seams...anyone heard of them?  They are my new favorite thing!  It's an easy way to stick two pieces together and not have to serge or zig zag the ends.  Look at the Pillow case dress tutorial above to find out about french seams!

3.  Ryan hates having to tie the bow so I think I will try to make an elastic neck at some point!

God Stops

Several years ago I started a Beth Moore Bible Study called "Believing God".  I didn't finish it when I started and really I didn't get very far at all.  Since I had Lyla I was trying to be more diligent in my Bible studies so I wanted something deeper.  So, I pulled out this study and decided to finish it.

The next two weeks for the study are about remembering God and looking back at your life to reflect on where God has been in your life.  Also known as "God Stops".  I was a little hesitant at first because you don't always want to go digging around in your past and I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to remember anything that God has done.  I know that He's been in my life and has controlled it, but what if I can't remember those things.

Before I started I prayed for the Holy Spirit to remind me of Jesus' works throughout my life.  

This morning it focused on the first six years of my life.  I was thinking...what?  I can't remember that and I wasn't even a Christian yet.

Friends, God works in our lives before we even believe in Him and acknowledge his presence. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  Psalm 139:13-15.

I have always loved this verse, but today it meant much more!  The circumstances for my birth are just a miracle in itself and then let's add my mom's birth and Lyla's birth and it just shows how amazing God is! 


My mom was born out of an affair that two office workers had in Oklahoma. Just think if you were that women's shoes...got pregnant from some guy and he doesn't want to raise this child and doesn't want anyone to know that he got her pregnant.  She could have had an abortion or decided to raise this baby by herself, but God's plan was for her to be adopted!  Praise the Lord!  A great family from Dallas adopted my mom.  (Nothing against raising a child by yourself, but God was at work here and had planned for my mom to be in Dallas)  My mom always hoped that her birth mom moved on and ended up with a family of her own.  (Which is why my mom never tried to contact her birth mom).  The circumstance for my mom's birth are just amazing.  God uses all sorts of situations for good.  From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.   Acts 17:26  I just love this!  Where you are and where you've been is what God had planned.  My mom's birth story is what God planned for her!  I have some friends that have put kids up for adoption as well as friends that are trying to adopt!  God has placed these babies on Earth for a reason.  So exciting!

My birth is a miracle, too.  (Honestly, the fact that everything can go right in conception and birth, it's a miracle that any baby is born)  My mom had breast cancer in her 20's and had lots of radiation for her treatment.  Doctor's gave her a slim chance to have children.  My parents prayed like crazy and Woodlawn prayed like crazy.  She had two miscarriages and my parents started looking into adoption.  My mom obviously thought it would be great to adopt since she had been adopted herself.  Well, while they were looking into adoption, my mom got pregnant with me!  Lots of prayers went into her pregnancy to keep both of us healthy.  My mom even fell one time and dislocated her knee and was on crutches while pregnant.  I can't even imagine!

Lyla's birth story is simply that she was "unplanned" by Ryan and I but totally planned by God.  I still remember my shock as I saw the words "pregnant" on the test.  I kept waiting for the word "not" to appear above it.  I really hesitate to say she's "unplanned" because it makes her sound like she's unwanted which is so untrue!  We are thankful for Lyla every day. I think Lyla's personality will be one to always keep us on our toes!  We'll never know what to expect.  God is going to use her in big ways!  Ryan and I have also learned a lot through Lyla's birth.  About ourselves, our relationship with each other and that God is the one in control of our lives, not us :)   My cousin told me after she got pregnant with her "surprise" that she told God, "I know that you are in control of my life, but I still thought we were on the same page" HA!  I think that it's important for Lyla to know that God totally planned for her to be on this Earth.

I pray that each one of you would look back and remember where God has been in your life! He's been there.  I will share more as I remember what God has been doing in my life over these next few weeks!  

Easter Egg Hunts- Yes that's Plural!

Somehow, Cade ended having 4 Easter Egg Hunts this year.  He had a blast and mom and dad get to eat all the candy!  Great plan!

LOTS OF PICTURES BELOW! ok...you have been warned!

Hunt #1: Church Family.  Surrounded by little toddlers and crazy parents (us included) saying, "right there...look right there, turn around...have you looked in the tree?"  I love some of the stuff parents are telling their 1 year olds. It was also our VBS Kick-off so it was exciting to see all the young families there!  

I love that Ryan's pointing.."put it here"

Cade and his best buddy, Bishop.  Cade isn't liking the camera lately, but Bishop so happy!

How cute is she??

One of my favorite families!

Cade found the empty eggs and had so much fun!

but his fun turned into this.... oh well, we picked them up!

Hunt #2: Westmoreland Family.  I'm so thankful that Susan was able to come in from Ft. Worth and that her parents came over as well.  Judith is still in Holland (follow her blog), so we talked with her through the IPad.  yea technology!!  We got to dye some Easter Eggs and make a nice relaxing lunch. Super yummy and relaxing.  I don't think I had ever stressed less about any meal than this meal.  Ryan made some deviled eggs and remembered to put them on my mom's Crystal deviled egg platter!  Very thankful that he remembers these things about my mom!

 

Cade saying a prayer at lunch.  He loves to pray!  Sometimes he stops during eating to pray!

I stuffed a few pink eggs for Lyla with her little puffs and cheese sticks.  Cade opened one of Lyla's eggs first and said, "Lyla's egg" 

This was my first time to stuff eggs, so I made a Rookie mistake!  I didn't tape the eggs shut.  So, there was a lot of candy dumped into our backyard.  Some Cade ate off the ground.

Judith got to watch the egg hunt from Holland!  Not sure what all she could see since I kept hearing her say, "What??  You're breaking up!"  My dad probably sang Breaking Up is Hard to Do at least 2 times!

Cade's special name egg was stuffed with Candy, which fell on our muddy back yard! Yuck!!  I took pictures of him eating it instead of keeping him from eating.

Thankfully Sharyn helped pick off the mud and grass :)

Cade had suckered Baba and Ryan into holding his basket while he ate candy and looked for more eggs!

My boys!

What a great family picture!

Cade snuggled with Bob before his nap!  

Also, to note, Lyla took a nap during the egg hunt which is why there are no pictures of her.  Cade couldn't go to sleep at all that night because of all the candy he ate!  I also convinced the girls to help me stuff eggs for our small group's egg hunt on Easter!  Thanks! 

Hunt #3:  Ryan's Family  After church on Sunday we went over to Ryan's mom (Mimi) and sister's house.  We had a great lunch over there and the kids got some Easter presents from their grandparents! 

Aiden and Cade waiting to be told they could go outside!  Don't they look excited :)

Cade still hadn't learned how to open an egg so the candy didn't fall out!

Sweet Mimi and Lyla!

I think Ryan's picking up Candy that fell and Cade is opening more eggs.

Thankfully Brittany also put goldfish and other things that Cade could eat so he wasn't super full of sugar! There were some Easter marshmellows that she put in there that I love

I'm pretty sure that every year Aiden has to climb on the fench to get the eggs that his Tall Uncle Ryan hides!

Cade stopped looking for eggs and started playing basketball!!  He wanted to so bad to be able to jump like they do on TV.

Grandpa, Baba, Uncle Milton and Mimi!

Lyla had fun with the Bubbles!

Hunt #4: Small Group Family.   When we left Mimi's house the kids fell asleep in the car on the way home.  We put them in bed (threw is more like it) and had about 1 1/2 hours to get ready for our "small" group to come over.  This group used to meet at our house weekly before most of us had kids.  It was easy to get together and let the few kids play at Angela's.  Now, there's so many kids and babies that we meet at the church to have actual "childcare" set up.  But, several years ago we invited our small group over for Easter since many people don't have family in Austin or their kids don't have siblings to have an Egg hunt with.  So, the tradition has continued!

Cade, Blake, Harper, Larissa, and Bishop!

I wrote Cade's name on the fence several weeks ago and Cade loved it.  He kept talking about his "name".  Then he had me write Lyla's name.  Then I just kept writing all the names of the kids that would be at the Easter Egg Hunt! 





Bishop and Cade each have watermelon in one hand so they are helping each other with the lawn mower!

Hopping like Bunnys!  I love watching Cade be able to following these fun games and follow the other kids!

More eggs!

Cade loved the Cascarones!  Ryan's a great daddy!

Ryan took the camera from me and took some pictures of Cade getting me!  I guess Cade needs his tongue out for serious concentration!

I love this picture!

Cade kept cracking eggs on his own head!  Two baths later and he still had stuff on his head!

Cade watched the older kids on the monkey bars and wanted to do it too.  Then he insisted it was Lyla's turn.  I hope he wants to take turns like this forever!

 Happy Easter!