Oh, the thoughts in my head...

You know the thoughts in your head that tell you to do something?  Hopefully you do, or I'm just crazy.  I'm referring to that inner voice, your conscience, your moral compass that directs your actions.  Call it what you want, but I often hear it as God speaking to me.  I credit it to God because sometimes it tells me to act on something outside of my comfort zone.  No, nothing bad, just things that I, as everyday Julie, could make a thousand excuses as to why I "can't" do something.  Which is the situation I found myself in today.  The kids and I went to pick up something for lunch.  We got our food, and I stayed parked so we could eat before heading home.  A woman employee, who I have seen numerous times around town, came and asked if I needed anything else.   After she assisted me and went away to tend to other customers, I started thinking about why she's always stood out to me.  I've lived here for over a decade, and have seen this woman many, many times.  She works at a few different places here in town.  And, from what I've witnessed, she's a really hard worker.  She works much faster and harder than her younger co-employees.  I've always been met with a big smile and kind word from her whenever I've come in contact.  Today was no different than any other.  So why today was she so heavy on my mind after she went away?  My mind started racing about the car I've seen her drive, and if she has kids (which I assume she must with her working multiple jobs), what struggles does she face in her day to day life just trying to get by...  These thoughts in my head then told me that I needed to go to her.  This is the part that is completely out of my comfort zone.  I'm a busy mom, with lots to do, and I don't have time to go talk to strangers...especially when I could come off as a crazy woman in the process.  But I also knew that I couldn't drive away without doing it.  So, I struggle...do I obey what I feel God is nudging me to do, or do I ignore it?  Then I start thinking about the many, many, MANY blessings in my life.  God has been so good to my family and I.  He is our provider.  And He's always loved us, even though we are undeserving.  I try to teach my kids to listen to what they feel God wants them to do, and what example would I be if I didn't follow my own words?  So, at this point, the woman is back, assisting the customer next to me.  Without hesitation, I get out of my vehicle (as I now realize that this is my open window of opportunity).  I approach her, and say, "Ma'am, God told me to give you this.  I just couldn't drive away until I did.  I've seen you so many times in town, and what you do is much appreciated.  Blessings to you."  The woman thanked me, and I'm sure I seemed like an absolute lunatic, but an obedient lunatic was I.  Don't ask about what I gave her...what's important is that I was able to drive away with a clear conscience that I did what God had me there to do.  I'm confident that whatever purpose God nudged me to speak to that woman was fulfilled.  I come in contact with a lot of people.  Honestly, I prefer them to not "bother" me as I am busy, and have my kids to watch after.  But often I'm approached with a comment about how well behaved my kids are, or what a beautiful family I have.  That means a lot to me because my number one job is to be a wife and mother.  A kind word or act can make a big difference.  So, I urge anyone that reads this, to listen to that inner voice when nudged, and to also share kindness because you never know the impact you'll have in someones life.  If nothing else, you will impact your own life as a result. 

Easter was this past Sunday.  We were able to go to church.  I missed out on the service, but was blessed to get to help out in the nursery, as it was full that day.  I love seeing the little ones (and the grown-ups too).  Here's a picture of my little ones before church...

Remembering 2010 (part 2)

This next set of pictures was shot over Labor Day weekend.  A wonderfully talented friend of ours is a teacher and a photographer.  We were blessed to have her take our pictures. We had a blast spending time with her that day.  The girls just fell in love with her.

Check out some of her other work:  http://www.ashleyedwardsphotography.com/

One of my favorite pictures...I love him so much!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My baby girl, Iris, turned 4.  She's getting too big too fast!

She's so sweet.

The kids got all dressed up for a friend's birthday party.  I had so much fun getting them ready. 

I was pretty proud of how Iris' hair turned out.  They all looked great.

Spiderman and his princess sisters. 

And the only picure I got of the kids on Christmas (I know...I know...).  They had a great Christmas.  I love watching them open their gifts.  Seeing their excitement and happiness is one of the best gifts for me.

So, that was our 2010 in a nutshell...but I'm sure I left out A LOT.

Remembering 2010 (part 1)

I wanted to cover 2010...well not all of it, but from summer to the end of the year to pick up where I left off in my "blog break."  I failed at taking pictures this year.  I didn't get as many as I'd hoped.  But there were some that I did get that I wanted to share.

What's summer fun without a little water?  I got the kiddos a inflatable pool, and they spent as much time as they possibly could in it.  Here's Iris on one of the days they played in the pool.  This picture of Iris cracks me up every time I see it.  I hope it brings a smile to your face as well.  That little girl is our resident comedian.

My little sister, Ashley, got married in June.  This was the first time in over a decade for all of my siblings to be together.  Here is all of SEVEN of us with our dad. 

from left to right: Ashley, Jessica, Jennifer, Julie, our dad-Jim, James, Justin, and Jared

Bucher-White Wedding

And here is a picture of the wedding party.  My girls made some pretty flower girls.  I had so much fun helping out with the wedding.  A lot of special memories were made. 

Our Spiderman, Levi, celebrated his 2nd birthday.

Here is my goofy little guy with his daddy.

Enjoying the summer air, here is Iris and Rosalie with our dog Midge.  If I remember correctly, Iris had been playing with the sprayer on the hose...hence the hair-do.

The kids got to enjoy time with both sets of grandparents for the 4th of July.  Here's Lily with her Grandma Lupe.  We spent the afternoon at my parents house that day, and then went back to our house to shoot off fireworks. 

More summer fun:  Jasmine riding her bike. 

The most wonderful man I know...the love of my life...my honey...my Jamie.

I love him so much!!!

And my little honey, Levi, scooting around on his spiderman car.

When the pool isn't up, the kids love running through the sprinkler. 

Levi would just stand in the stream of water shooting up from the sprinkler.

Fun at the beach!  We were able to go to Galveston a few times this summer.  It was so much fun.  The kids loved it.  It's definitely something we'll have to do again this coming summer if we can. 

Iris loves her sister Jasmine

Levi absolutely loved everything about the beach.

The girls didn't get too far with building any sand castles.  Every time they got one started, Levi would jump right in the middle of it. 

Another visit to the zoo.  The kids, and I, love going to the zoo.  Here's Levi checking out the giraffes.

Lily and Rosalie at the Fort Worth Zoo

More to come in the next post...



And a few more...

 Iris didn't get to go outside to play in the snow.  She hadn't been feeling well.  But she was more than happy to have some hot chocolate with her siblings after they came inside to warm up. 

Lily and Rosalie 

Jasmine

Levi

Since the girls homeschool, there's no snow days ;)  Since I had the camera handy, I decided to get some pictures of the girls doing their school work that afternoon. 

Jasmine is doing great with her reading!

Rosalie

Snow Days

Wow! It's been far too long since I've updated my blog.  I guess with the snow that we got, and being forced to stay home for a few days, I found some motivation to type up a quick post.  More than anything, I really just wanted to share some pictures. 

Two of my beautiful girls...Jasmine and Iris

Miss Iris showing off her new hat.

When the holiday season hits, the kids know winter is upon us.  And the questions start:  "Mom! When is it going to snow?  Do you think it will snow on Christmas?"  Well, we didn't get snow on Christmas.  But it's finally arrived now that it's February.  The kids were so excited to awake to the white covering over the ground.  They couldn't wait to go out and feel that snow crunch underneath their feet.   It wasn't as fluffy or deep as they'd hoped it would be, but that didn't matter...kids love snow!  Levi pretty much stayed close to me.  He still was unsure about the snow.  His sisters, on the other hand, would have dove in head first if I'd let them.  We didn't last long outside.  The wind made the cold temperature unbearable in no time.  But I managed to snap a few pictures.   

Levi

Jaz and Rosalie

Lily

This was when he decided he was done being out in the snow.  Levi feel down on his way to the slide, and just burst into tears, crying, "I'm cold!"  So, I scooped him up (after a quick picture), and took him in out of the cold.

A birthday, trip to the zoo, and my funny kids :)

I celebrated my 27th birthday about 2-1/2 weeks ago.  This year hit me differently than past years.  I think it's because the kids are all more independent, and I'm not preparing for another little one.  Mine and Jamie's entire time together has always included a new baby.  It's kind of an adjustment for me still to get used to the fact that we are finished.  I was emotional leading up to my birthday knowing that I'm going to continue to watch the kids get older, and not need me as much, and there's nothing I can do about it. 

But there's good things that come with them getting older.  More chances for Jamie and I to have some time to ourselves (which is nice).  My brother, James, called me on my birthday and offered to keep the kids so Jamie and I could have a dinner to ourselves.  We'd planned on all of us going out, but it was a treat for just Jamie and I to go...that doesn't happen too often.  We went to eat, and the kids stayed with their uncle.  They had a blast and still ask me all the time when they get to go back to their uncle's house. 

I love to go to the zoo, and decided to make a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo a few days after my birthday.  It's always so much fun, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect that day.  My sister Ashley came along with us (it's always nice to have an extra set of eyes to watch the kids). 

Rosalie and Jasmine

Levi checking out the elephants.

The kids and I near the kangaroo exhibit.

Another fun pic of the kids and I.

The girls near the alligator tank.

Jasmine hung onto the map the entire day.  She was our little guide.

Typical Iris pose...

Another great pic of my girls :)

We had so much fun.  I'm sure we'll be going back soon since we're in the metroplex every week. 

One more little story...tomorrow is Mother's Day (the kids informed me of this first thing this morning).  I said to the girls, "You know what would be the best Mother's Day gift?  If you'd clean your room."  One of them hollered from their room, "But today isn't Mother's Day!"  Iris was in the kitchen with me at this time.  I turned to her, "Iris, wouldn't it be a good gift if you girls would clean your room?"  Her response, while laughing hysterical, "No, Mom!"  But they will clean their room today...I have other ways to make them do it...they're gonna wish they'd taken advantage of my nice suggestion that I offered this morning ;)