The greatest time of the year

Growing up Christmas was by far my favorite time of year. School out for a break, family all together, and much needed time to sleep, eat and play. It was great. Oh how I miss the traditions of my childhood. I wanted so badly to be old enough to play Rook with the adults. It was always so fun watching them laugh, yell and sometimes play dirty to win. It was always something they did and always something I wanted to be in on. Well by the time I was old enough to understand the game, that tradition was broken. I miss those days so badly. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for the memories made in the old yellow house. The house that truly built me.

The great thing about having so many beloved memories is the fact that I get to make them for my own children. We get to create traditions that our children will look back in aww about. I am so blessed to have the family that I do. Not only do I have an amazing family but the family I married into is amazing also. This time of year is always hard for me, I miss my mom and dad so much everyday but Christmas is always really tough. I miss my dad always guessing what we got him as a gift, I miss my moms cooking, I miss the enjoyment of waking up and seeing everything from Santa set up under the tree. Its such a joy to see your children's face when they wake up on Christmas morning. Justin and I made a decision before we even had Jax that we would only get our children 3 gifts each Christmas. Jesus received three gifts at his birth so they can relate to Jesus as we celebrate his birth. It also will teach them to truly be thankful for what they get, and to not just open a gift, look at then move on the next. I have always prayed to have humble children so we are hoping this will be a tradition that is cherished. Santa brings one larger gift and the stocking and a couple of books.
Jax loved everything...except the clothes...he could care less. Aria was just happy to be awake hahha..
Jax got clothes, batman converse, and a scooter from mom and dad, a tablet, 3 books and a stocking that included Thor from santa, A bike and a lightsaber from mimi and pop, a pillow pet/night light from uncle Stephen and aunt Kristina, a magnet man from aunt Ashley and uncle sean, a power ranger from uncle corey, a book from aunt iris, a cop car from uncle bobbie and aunt nancy, pjs, a army suit from his grammie, and hulk from Nana, toy story action figures from Christie and Jerry, and a john dear truck with blocks from aunt Candice and uncle dear, and spider man stuff from his grandma eva, and yo gabba gabba pjs and a jacket from his aunt nana. Id say he had a pretty successful day in the gift department. Aria got clothes, toms sandals, and a princess mirror from mom and dad, a stocking that included some toys, a light up toy and 3 books from santa, pjs and a tea cup set from mimi and pop, a princess toy book from aunt Ashley and uncle sean, a bear soft book from uncle bobbie and aunt nancy, pjs and an adorable outfit from garmmie, a glow worm from nana, a light up giraffe from  nana, some bow hats from aunt nana, a rattle and toy activity ball from aunt Candice and some keys and blocks from her grandma eva. So needless to say my children got more than blessed this Christmas season. I also told the story of Christ's birth to Jax on Christmas night when I was tucking him in, and we sang him happy birthday. I think this will be the most important tradtion to hold onto as the children get older. Because HE is THE REASON for the SEASON after all!!

 The tradition of Daddy and Jax putting the star on top of the Christmas Tree. Love it so much.

 Also a new and crazy cool tradition is to go and look and explore a local families light display that is just beyond just a light display. Jax was in light heaven.

 A must do tradition of going and seeing Santa and this year it was so great. He loved on each child and took the time to really talk to each one of them and was so sweet. He told Jax to "smile more, because he is always special" it was so sweet and totally worth the hour wait in the line. The picture turned our pretty cute also.

 We also went to Christmas Eve service with Mimi and Pop, A beautiful tradition to keep alive every
  year. Jax and Aria love church so much and it was fun to visit Pop and Mimi's church!

 Jax helped me bake homemade chocolate chip cookies for Santa and he was excited and sort of confused about putting them out for Santa to eat.

 Silly Santa must of forgot to wipe his feet off when he came in, because he left magical footprints on the floor...

 Cousins are a childs first friends, Cousins are a blessing and a huge part of our families love.

Jax and Aria have so many wonderful cousins and I can NOT wait to see them grow up together just like Justin and I did with our cousins. Cousins are truly your first best friends!


Justin and I are so blessed with the family that we have and the love that's given. I couldn't thank God enough for where I am in my life today. I wont say its easy or that I don't have my moments of absolute pain but no matter what family is family, and family is love. Always.
So if you have lost a loved one remember that no matter how hard it is sometimes we have to cherish the memories and remind ourselves that those memories will never leave us and that is gift in itself.






Aria update
She is a complete chunk and is just happy as can be. She hates to roll on her belly but will continue to roll on her belly the second her roll her back to her back. She has started to do some formula in the evening to help with her constant want to eat, and this helps her sleep at night. She talks non stop and sometimes likes to yell really loud just to hear herself yell. She has decided to switch the brand of pacie she likes yet again. She now likes the MUM brand and wont even try the others. She got to meet her great Grammie and totally became a Grammies girl, They would rock a lot and Aria ate it up. She still prefers to be held over anything else and loves and I mean loves to chew on her left hand. She has found her toes and has really enjoyed talking, grabbing and looking at them. She is in mainly 6 month clothes and can only wear 2 pair of her many many shoes because her feet are still tiny. She loves her bumbo but only for a little while, and the swing only if she can see and watch jax. Other wise she screams. She is still so cuddly. She is getting bigger and more beautiful by the day.

 

Jax update.
He has decided that sleep is for the birds, and that trying to sleep in moms bed is so fun. He went from being the best sleeper ever to an absolute nightmare. Besides that he is talking and saying so many adult like sentences, He told me "im serious" the other day. He loves chocolate milk, power rangers and still bat man of course. He loves to "shave" with daddy and to help out in the house which is so awesome. The love he has for Aria is growing and he plays and talks to her all the time. He really is the best big brother. He also now has the complete set of avenger action figures. He is one happy spunky little man.

 

 

 

A week of many firsts and being thankful

WHAT IN THE WORLD.....

Aria is now 4 months old.....wait what?? Already?? No...No...No this can NOT be happening. Time is literally flying by and its a ride that is exhausting and so much fun all wrapped up into one.

She rolled over for the first time on Tuesday Nov. 18th and it was so special for me to see her actually do it for the first time. She was cracking me up. She looked like a fish our of water and it was so funny. She had no idea what she was doing but she was sure proud of the fact that she did it.

She also tried rice cereal for the first time 2 nights ago. And needless to say she was not a fan at all. I am starting to just slowly give her a tiny bit each night just to help her from feeling like she needs to eat every 1hour at night. Lastnight she liked it much better and slept soooooo great!
She is "talking" so much more and is just so happy! She smiles and lights up my world! Jax loves to play with her and it is the best thing to watch. I get to watch Aria fall more in love with her big brother each day. Jax just adores her and is getting to be such a huge help. How am I so blessed to have not 1 but 2 perfect babies. God is so good!

Wild at heart and im wild about her

They LOVE eachother! Its awesome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mom...my best friend...and being thankful.

Thanksgiving is next week. It is my favorite holiday. It is all about family and just being thankful. I am sooooo thankful for everything I have in my life. I have a husband who is the most hardworking and most loving father. I have 2 healthy happy beautiful babies. I have an amazing job. I have the best family a girl could ask for. I have friends that mean the world to me. This is just a few things on a list that is endless of what I am thankful for. As much as I love this day. It is always a reminder of the last time I talked to my mom where she was at home and not at the hospital. It was the last day I had a conversation with her. I replay it over and over and if only I had a rewind button. The night before Thanksgiving we had a fight...like so many teenagers and moms do. I had failed my driving test that day and it was just not a good day and we argued over something stupid...like most teenagers arguments are. I woke up so happy to help my mom cook dinner. It was my favorite part. Learning her ways and getting the house ready for family to come over. She woke up and had me call my aunt to take her to the ER because she had the worst headache of her life. I did and instead of telling her how thankful I was for her and how much I loved her the last conversation I had was the directions for her dressing. I cooked Thanksgiving dinner with my cousin Kayleigh just as my mom would have done it. She didnt come home from the hospital. One of my biggest regrets of my life is not taking that morning to just sit and hold my mom. I mean I was only 14 and not a fortune teller but man what I wouldnt give to just hold her that morning. The sad part is I dont even remember how she made her dressing. So a word of advice this holiday season. Dont stress about the food or the house, dont worry about the small details to make it "perfect" just hold your family and tell them how much you love them. Thats what this holiday is for. Its for just being with your family and being thankful for them and the love you share. Its not about what deals we can get for christmas or over cooked rolls. Just be thankful for family and love. Its all about the love.


I miss you mom and think about you all the time. I can already tell that Aria is going to be spunky like you and Jax has a love for life like dad. One day we will all be together again. Until then I will continue to try and make you proud.

Most Recently

This weather has been too wonderful! Although I would like it to cool down just a tad! I love light jacket weather! The colors are just beyond beautiful and reminds each year just how gorgeous my state really is! With it cooling down it is so nice to sit outside while Jax runs around! I would love to live on more land so he could really just run and run and I wouldnt have to worry about him running into the road...which he just LOVES to do!!! Although having half an acre is super nice! I love sitting with the windows open and listen to all the branches sway to the wind and the birds talking to eachother. I would like less of my cat meowing all the time wanting in.....




This past weekend was so nice. Justin was off most of the weekend and life is so wonderful when he is home! Besides working the razorback game we had him home all weekend!! Jax just cant contain his excitement when he gets to see his dad!! We got to celebrate our friend Briggs first birthday and Jax got to play with (friend) Harper! He had a blast! It was a fun weekend for him especially because his Pop picked him up Saturday afternoon in the jeep for a funfilled day and night!! He almost busted with excitement when he saw the Jeep pull in and Pop came in! Aria got to have some Nana time and Justin and I went to dinner and a halloween party with some of his coworkers. This was the first time meeting them and the wives and it was nice to have finally put faces to the names iv heard so many times!



Sunday we went on the first hike as a family of four! It was to nice outside to not get out and be in nature!! Jax walked about 98% of it and LOVED it, he did tell us when he was done which was so nice because we turned around and headed back to the car! Aria on the otherhand had some ups and downs. She got hungry and hot but slept most of the time which was awesome! She did do some sky gazing and she loved looking around!

 

Aria
This was also a big weekend for Aria she laughed without being tickled and Justin and I both heard it! Its so great to see her growing and becoming more adorable by the minute but I would like for it to slow down a bit!! She no longer likes being swaddled as much at bed time but she also kicks her blanket off and gets so mad. So bedtime has been an adjustment period for her and her mom! She also got to sit in a pumpkin....and hated it.

                                                           Shes not real sure about it...

                                                 This is how she REALLY felt about it
                                                      
Halloween is just a few days away and we are so excited! I have so many memories of trick or treating with my family! One year we did the wizard of oz theme and i was Glinda...but people thought i was the tooth fairy.....I also remember running with Landon as fast as we could to ring the doorbell on the next house. The two years of being an elephant will forever be burned in my brain.....and the year when I was really little getting to be Barbie with a mask and all!! Which now that I think about it is kind of creepy. I love this time of year so much! Each month another holiday and each month time with family! How blessed we are to live in such a great country!
 I cant wait to see Jax trick or treating this year!! Its going to be so much fun! He is going to be bat man...duh and Aria is going to be Wonder women!! Its going to be adorable!! I cant wait to tell you all about it!!

Lately

It is finally feeling like fall! The weather is staying a cool temp (which I love), the leaves are starting to change from green to all the vibrant colors of reds orange and yellows, and pumpkins are EVERYWHERE!

It feels so strange to say that I am now 26. I know it is still young but I can no longer say that I am in my lower 20's. I feel like I was just a little kid like yesterday. Sometimes I look at pictures from school and it feels like it was a million years ago and just like yesterday all wrapped into one. We went out to dinner for my birthday. It was fun and nice to have everyone together. Afterwards we got to go out as adults with no children for the first time in what feels like forever. I miss having date nights! Its something that I hate having to wait so long between them. We went and saw Gone Girl which was so good, as was the book!

And I am happy to say that I am an aunt again! Stella was born on Oct. 11th and is so beautiful! I am so excited that Aria has a girl cousin so close to her age. I was blessed to grow up so close to my cousins. Even though my cousins are growing up to be adults themselves (which totally freaks me out) I still see them as my baby cousins! We spent every holiday and so many summer days playing, bossing eachother around, fighting, running, jumping and making so many memories and I am so happy that Jax and Aria have so many cousins to share the same type of memories. I will say that I miss spending time with all my punk little cousins but they sure have made me proud!

I have to do a little shout out about my Aunt Rhonda. At a tender age of 14 when my mom had passed it was a rough time for the whole family. I felt like my whole world had been turned upside down. My dad was fading and my home felt like it wasnt the same anymore. I didnt know what my future was going to be. My aunt had asked if I wanted to move in with her next door while we took care of my dad. I did and she took care of me, she would listen to me, supported me financially and emotionally over my high school years. She stepped in when I needed someone the most. She never tried to replace my mom, instead she became a friend and a huge support system. I can never thank her enough for everything she has done for me!

Now as for the babies...

Aria is already 3 months old and I just can NOT believe it has been 3 months since she graced us with her beautiful self. She is getting so big and more gorgeous as the days go by. She is making bubbles with her mouth which is so cute. She also GIGGLED for the first time last week. I wont hold it against her that it was to her aunt candice!! I did get her to do it again yesterday and Im pretty sure that my heart melted. She is growing so so much and getting chunky! Her belly is huge and her thighs are getting thicker! Its just beyond adorable! She sat in her bumbo seat for the first time yesterday and she loved it. I just cant believe that my tiny baby girl is getting this big!
                                                                       

Already knows how to strike a pose and knows how to act like a diva during photo shoots :)

 Jax loves to talk to his baby sister and is always giving her love, even when she doesnt want it haha

Jax was getting jealous that Aria was getting her picture taken so he decied to join in!

Jax loves life as usual.If i could only have half the joy he has for life. Adults need to look to toddlers for motivation on there out look on life. He just loves life and shows it. Its something I hope he never grows out of.  On mondays we go to story time at the childrens library and he LOVES it. It is so fun. His favorite part is dancing and the craft. At times he acts like a little nutt during the actual stories but overall he does good. Each week is different theme and this week the craft was making an alligator! Jaxs alligator may need some braces hahah! He is doing so good at thursday bible school except he needs to work on sharing! He has decided though that napping and going to bed should be a long event usually ending in tears and stress.....not only does he need nap time but so does momma!

We did a fun pumpkin craft. He loved painting in and mixing all the paint together. It was fun to watch him and see how grown up he is getting!

               

                 He was pretty happy about using his hand as the paint brush! It was his favorite part!!!

                      And the finished product was pretty adorable and is a great fall decoration!


Life is so beautiful. I need to realize this more. I need to step back and realize that my life is so blessed. I get so stressed out about the house not being perfect all the time, and when things arent going exactly how I think they should go. Justin works so many hours and I am so blessed to have such a hardworking husband but sometimes I know I dont show how thankful I am. Its something I need to do more often. He provides for us and then some. Not only does he work so hard but he is the best dad. He plays when he is tired, "fights" when he would rather relax, and Aria already has him wrapped around her tiny finger.

 Life is beautiful. Life is beautiful. Life is beautiful. Its the truth. Its something we all need to wake up saying to ourselves. Its something we need to say when our kids are acting crazy and we are exhausted. Its something we need to say even when we may not believe it. Its something we need to live.

BBBQ

Bikes Blues and BBQ
A time in NWA where you can hear the roar of motorcycles all across Hog Nation. When you are the odd ball while driving a car. When Dickson goes from college aged hangout to full on biker. No matter what your opinion is of this rally it is so crucial to our economy. The money that businesses gain from these few days is huge! I personally love it. I love the sounds, the food, the music. I think it is great not only for the towns economy but its fun! It is great for families also. They had the train going to and from Baum stadium for kids to ride and of course the parade!! We are a parade going family. We love them. Jax gets so much joy from watching them and the candy is a plus!! This was Jaxs second Parade of Power and he loved it. We met Kristina and the girls, Justin got to work the parade and the rally so he had to miss out! The kids had so much fun!!! So just look at these sweet pictures and tell me that this rally isnt for families......

 

 

 

It was so fun!! The kids loved waving to all the bikers and the candy of course was a huge hit.

 

Summer Days End

As fall is coming and summer is ending it leaves me with the feeling of excitment and a bit of sadness. I have always held a special place for summer. The long days of outside play, of the lingering heat, the joy of swimming and the tan that comes with it. This summer is one for the books. My sugar Aria was born and Jax went from a baby to a toddler at the blink of an eye. Summer 2014 is one that will forever be in my heart.

Aria had her baby dedication at church and it was precious and a reminder of how important being a God loving parent really is. It was a very special moment for our family. 09/21/14

                   So blessed to have the church family and the Pastor that we have! God is good!

My whole life in one picture!

 

 

Jax had his first day of Thursday Bible school which he loved!! He is so full of life and such a boy!His smile melts my heart! The joy he has for the little things makes this momma so happy!

 

What a big boy!!!

 

We have discovered a new monday morning tradition. It includes Mock park which is Jaxs favorite park that we have visited so far! He loves to climb and explore and this park is perfect!! After playing at the park we go to story time at the Childrens Library and it is so much fun! They get to enjoy some stories, play and a craft! We had our second week today and it is so fun!!

So much fun with new friends!!

 

Now for some of Arias Firsts!!

Aria is getting way to big way to fast! She has starting grabbing her toy on her carseat and smile at it and talks to it! It is beyond cute!! She always holds her head up so much more and she interacts with her big brother more also. She loves to smile and watch his every move! They already share such a strong bond. The love they have for eachother is amazing. The way they look at eachother is so cute. Jax calls her Precious all the time! Aria has also started daycare. This was her second week and she seems to be fitting in just fine!!

Her fist day of Day Care at Aunt Candices House. She was pretty happy!

Jax reading to Aria. It was so cute!

 

Back to more summer memories....... this has been one amazing summer as I said earlier. I got the amazing privilege to have my maternity leave during most of the summer and with my sister in law and nieces home for the summer it was an easy assumption that we would spend a TON of time together...which we did. From just hanging out at the house, shopping, taking the kids to the park, and just driving around. It was so great to get this time with them. Kristina has become not only my sister but one of my best friends. We can talk for hours and be totally honest with eachother. From faith to motherhood to fashion we have talked about it all!  I am so thankful for her. Jax has loved having Mia and Harper here also. They have had a great time together...and some pretty great fights haha! I grew up so close to my cousins and I am so glad that Jax is close to his! We are so sad to see them leave soon but so happy that they get to be with Stephen and that they will get to live as a family! We are already looking forward to visiting them in NC!!! Beach here we come!!!

 

 

As this amazing summer comes to an end my favorite season is coming. Fall! I love fall. The leaves changing colors. My birthday. Halloween. The smell of fall candles. The food. Everything. I just love it. I love football games that need a blanket and hot coco, the window open and the comfort of my home on a chilly night. So until next time summer....even though it will be hard to top this one.

 

 

So much to say

It has been very hectic in the Thomas household. With a 2 year old and a 2 month old life is a little blurry. Lets see Some Firsts for Miss. Aria

She has started cooing a lot and it is beyond precious.
She went to her 2 month check up and saw Dr. Denton. She weighed 11lb 0.5 oz and was 22 inch long. 50% in all. She got her first set of shots and was pretty upset for a bout 30 seconds and all was right with the world again. She is such a sweetheart but so much a girl. When I took the bandaids off it was the end of the world.
We went and hung out at the park and she got to lay and watch the trees blow.
We have went on many trips with her cousins Mia and Harper. We are going to miss them so so much when they go.
We got a Moby wrap which she LOVES I have tried a few carriers but this is my favorite by far. She loves loves it and it makes my life so much easier. When grocery shopping with her and Jax I put her in the wrap and Jax in the cart and the basket is free for groceries.
She has discovered her love of laying on her back on the and watching the fan and jax playing.
Jax loves talking to his sister and watching him talk to her and hold her hand melts my heart. I love them both so so much.

We have all had a bit of the stomach bug this week and weekend. It started with Jax then me, then Justin and Aria hasnt fully gotten it but is not her happy self. It is a slow and painful process.....


Now on to Jax

I am so proud to say that Jax is talking so so much. Its crazy how it seems like the last couple of weeks his vocab has just grown so so much. He talks in complete sentences and asks questions. He tells us he loves us without us saying it first. He says "oh my gosh" which I dont know how to feel about..... Its crazy. He is a little boy now. He has a new found love for the power rangers and we got a bag of tiny toys at goodwill that had one in it and he has not let go since. His love for batman, hulk, iron man well actually any superhero. His grandma Peggy made him a batman cape and he flies around the house all the time now fighting off the evil of our couch and chairs.

These past 11 weeks has been truly amazing. Being a mom is such a gift and no one should take it for granted. Yes sometimes I may want to pull my hair out and sometimes I am beyond tired and when I look at my living room with toys literally everywhere I just shake my head. But these blue eyed babies have my heart and I am so blessed they call me Mom.
I am pretty proud of myself. I have really been praying for more patience with Jax and the ability to not let my exhaustion and sometimes anger out on him. And surprisingly not he has been such a good boy. He feeds off of me. If I am calm and relaxed he is also. I have always prayed for Jax to have a gentle heart, a humble soul. I have prayed he grows to be man of love and honesty. A man who puts God first. I realized that praying for these things is great but he has to learn these things from Justin and I. Its time that we do these things as parents so our babies will grow to be the adults I pray for them to be.
This morning at church we learned about Grace. That the sin we allow in our life is always growing and expanding but Grace grows beyond measure. Grows more than the sin in our life. If we accept it. We cant just live in the sin and expect that the sin will remain small. God gives so much grace. So much that when we receive it we should give others grace. The law of the church does not get people to grace. The love we give gets people to grace. When we receive grace we want to give grace and Justin and I as parents need to teach Jax and Aria the wonderful gift of giving not only love but grace to everyone. Simply Amazing.


 I have discovered over the last week if I just put my phone away and live life in the moment life is so beautiful. More beautiful then I realized. Everyone and I think most have this problem, should put the phone away and you will realize how much you  actual life you miss. I have been on a slow technology detox and it feels so good. Life is to precious and beautiful to view it from behind a screen all the time.

Going back to work this week will be so bittersweet. I am so thankful to have had the time off that I have had and to work at such a wonderful job to let me come back part time. I must say overall I should be thankful for everything and everyone in my life.