Our Story ....

I started this blog for a few reasons. For one, it's a way to record the fun things that go on with the kids. A way to be able to look back on how they've grown and what's new. Secondly, I have family that live all across the country and at times the world. This is also a fun way for them to be able to see whats going on in our day to day lives. And lastly, Well -- I'm a stay at home mom and sometimes I need a way to be creative and expressive. So why not blog? It looks fun, I'm very chatty {too chatty my husband might say} so this is right up my alley! So, for those of you who are on the outside looking in who may not know us, here is a little background info.

My name is Amanda. My husband Mark is my best friend and also my high school sweetheart. We started dating when he was just 15 and I was 17. We were married March 4, 2006 and settled down in our little hometown. I can't imagine any where else I would rather raise our children. We are so fortunate that our Parents and Grandparents live nearby. Its a blessing to have our families close.

 April 19, 2008 we welcomed our baby boy into the world . Ryan is such a little firecracker! He keeps me on my toes and brings me so much joy.

 Brynlee was born this Summer, July 18th. She is absolutely precious. When I look at her I see Ryan. When I look at Ryan I see Mark. That makes my heart smile!

 Ryan has been such a great big brother. He has really become quite the little helper around the house. His favorite thing about being a big brother right now is giving Brynlee "Kissies" He loves his sister so much! He asks us funny questions about Brynlee all the time like, "Why wont she follow me to my room? I said please ...." or "How come Bwynwee loosed her teeth? Does that mean she's a bigger kid now?" {Since he's seen his bigger cousins loose their teeth as they got older he assumes that's what's happening here!} He also talks to her. Whenever Brynlee is getting fussy and I'm fixing a bottle I will often hear him saying something sweet to her like "It's okay Bwynwee Mommy's going to get you a bottle, don't cwy. Big Bwother is right here..." I also LOVE when I hear him call her "my baby" I was so worried in the beginning of my pregnancy that he would have jealousy issues once she was here. I thought that he might not want much to do with her. I'm happy to know that's NOT the case. Ryan loves getting to hold sister. We set him down and put the boppy pillow around him and lay her in his arms. It's awesome watching Ryan take on the role of a big brother. He becomes protective and will sometimes tell me "Be careful with Bwynwee mommy, we don't want to break her!" We are all adjusting to the new routine slowly but surely. I am having the best time watching my family grow. I'm thankful that God saw it fit for me to be the parents of these two beautiful babies. I pray that He guides Mark and I in raising them. That they may grow in Him. As a mom, I'm excited to see my children develop their own relationships with Christ. To watch them as they learn to walk with Him. Feel free to follow us along our journey. I'm happy to share it with you :)

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7