Room Tour-Landry

About two months ago, we redid Landry's room.  At the time she was in a twin bed and was asking for a desk in her room.  We live in a fairly small house and the bedrooms for Landry and Hayden do not have ample room in them.  So, I went to one of my favorite stores, Ikea.  I love the selection of kids furniture they have.  I could spend all day in that place.  I knew I was looking for a bed on top of a desk, and they had the perfect set-up.  Plus, it had a little closet on the side.


So, welcome to Landry's new room.  She asked if she could take her picture in front of her door.  You will see a sign that says "No boys allowed".  Poor Hayden. 

When you first walk in you will notice her bookshelf with her lamp.

On the bookshelf are four of my favorite pieces in her room.  Her bible she got for Christmas, her Jesus calling book, her frame with the verse I prayed over her while I was pregnant with her and her butterfly.  Butterflies are a thing for the girls in my family.  My Maw-Maw died 13 years ago and every time we see a butterfly we feel her presence.  So, I thought it only fitting to have a butterfly in Landry's room.

Her dresser.  This dresser matched her old bed, but it works well with the new bed too.  I had those letters hanging in her nursery and of course, a TV.  We got her the TV last year for her birthday.  I was hesitant at first, but she knows she only gets so much time at night and she has to earn it.

She asked to have pictures of her family in her room so I made this cork board and put some of our favorite candids up there.  And that basket below with the stuffed animals?  Well, we call that her class :)

Her desk.  The whole reason for getting this bed was for this desk.  Landry loves to draw and write and play school and has been begging for her own desk.  I love that fact that it doesn't take up space either.  That's been really nice.  I put a few cute accessories on their as well. 

The bed/desk also came with some side shelves.  These are just random things I decorated it with.

And the closet.  Probably my favorite feature.  I hang her clothes in here on Sunday for the week and then we don't have to worry about what she's going to wear each morning. 

So, that's Landry's new updated room.  She loves it.  She would spend all day and night in there if I would let her. 

Also today, I would like to say Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister in law, Steph.  Stephanie is one of the best aunts my kids could of asked for.  She would drop anything in a heartbeat to do something for them and never hesitates when I ask her to come over and watch them.  She talks to Landry on the phone pretty much every day and is always interested in what they are doing.  She is so sweet and always takes the time to listen to me about anything!  We love you Steph!

What's Up Wednesday

Today, I'm linking up with one of my besties, Shay for her and Mel's and Sheaffer's What's Up Wednesday series.  I love this idea.  Also, it really makes me stop and think about what's going on in our lives as well as document it.

What we're eating this week...

I made my family's favorite meal this week, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.  For some reason we always associate green bean casserole with Thanksgiving but I decided to make it throughout the year since it happens to be Tim's favorite side dish.  My kids would eat meatloaf every night if I made it for them.


What I'm reminiscing about...

This girl only has one more month left of kindergarten and it has me reminiscing about her first day


What I'm loving...

My days with this boy


What we've been up to...

The carpool line.  I feel like I spend a lot of my time lately in the carpool line.  I actually secretly love it though.  It gives me 15 minutes to sit and relax and be still. 


What I'm dreading...
I can safely say that there is nothing I am dreading right now.  I'm at a peace in my life and trusting God to lead us into our next steps as a family.  I know this might change but for now I'm content in my life.


What I'm working on...

A shower for my favorite pregnant girl.  Her sisters-in-laws and a few friends and I are cooking up an awesome shower for our mama to be.  I can't wait!


What I'm excited about...
Oh, there are lots of things to be excited about.  I think the thing I am most excited about is having Landry home for the summer.  We have lots of fun things planned and I'm anxious to get Hayden in the pool.


What I'm watching/reading...

I'm a huge Grey's Anatomy and Scandal watcher.  I've watched both from their very beginnings.  Well, last week my favorite Grey's character was killed off.  Sorry if you don't like spoilers but you can't read the internet without knowing this anyways.  They killed off my beloved Derek Shepherd.  I've been in love with Patrick Dempsey since his Can't Buy Me Love days.  I actually cried last week watching. #yesthatscrazy

And, my new love is Jake Ballard.  I know Shay will disagree with me on this but I love me some Jake.  #teamjakealltheway

As for what I'm reading, I'm doing a really good devotional right now and I read that every morning along with the bible.  You can't go wrong with that reading material.


What I'm listening to...

So, I grew up in the 80's with a dad who loved music.  Any kind of music.  Some days we listened to rock, some days it was country, other days it was Christian. So, now that's the kind of music I listen to.  My four favorite stations on Pandora are Aerosmith, Garth Brooks, AC/DC and Praise music.  Diverse right? 


What I'm wearing...

 Now that I'm not working a 9-5, my outfits lately have been pretty casual.  Think yoga pants and tanks.  But every now and then I like to still put my cute clothes on and go out.  Here are a few of my outfits over the past week.  I keep telling myself I'm going to do a What I'm Wearing Wednesday.  Those are my favorite kinds of posts. 


What I'm doing this weekend...
The weather this weekend is supposed to be beautiful, but this is Texas so I'll believe it when I see it.  We have a t-ball game scheduled and there are some outdoor activities planned that I want to fulfill. 


What I'm looking forward to next month...
May is usually a pretty slow month for us.  I think the thing I'm most looking forward to is going to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Clyde.  We go every year for their annual city wide garage sales.  My mama is not going this year and I'm so sad, but we will still have fun!


What else is new...
Nothing!  We are boring over here at the Smith house :)


What I want for Mother's Day...
Well that's a loaded question!  Tim asks me this question every year and I usually have a running list of things I want.  This year though I don't really have much I'm asking for.  I would love a spa day though.  Can I get an Amen?  I need a "me" day.  That's a great gift for any mama. 


I love these questions!  Happy Wednesday!

Friday Favorites

I'm linking up today with Andrea, Narci, and Erika

This week was a great week!  We actually didn't have a lot on our agenda and it rained most of the week which kept us inside for most of it. 


Just keep walking...
Hayden and I have been walking to pick Landry up from school if the weather is cooperating.  It's a good mile to and from school and I'm loving getting out and getting some exercise!  Landry gets so excited when she walks out of school and we are standing there. 

Our new snack table...
Last week I surprised Landry and put her picnic table out back from the garage.  Well, since it has rained so much this week we brought it inside and the kids are loving it!  They love to sit and eat at it.  I'm thinking Angel loves it more as it is right at her height.  Anyways, I gave Hayden his snack the other morning and when I walked back in the kitchen, this is where I found him. 

The best lunch date...
Since Hayden and I have been cooped up in the house for most of the week I thought it would be fun to get out and run some errands and eat lunch.  I took him to Chick Fil A, our favorite.  He was such a nice lunch date.  I just love my one on one time with him.

Best friends...
So, since we are home more now Angel is loving it.  She doesn't have to be cooped up all day and can pretty much sleep anywhere she wants to.  But the bad part of that is, is that Hayden is obsessed with her.  Pretty much any dog he's obsessed with, but Angel is his favorite.  He lays on her and puts blankets on her and wants to be near her all the time.  The other day I was putting clothes away and didn't hear Hayden so I came into my room and this is what I found.

Hayden had laid down next to her and pretty much fallen asleep.  It was so sweet.  I'm thinking Angel actually likes the attention.


Donut date...
Landry is the type of kid who needs incentives.  She likes goals so we have been setting small achievements for her to earn things.  She's a talker (where in the world does she get that from;)) and is told from her teacher to be quiet for a good portion of the day.  So I told her this week if she got smiley faces for the majority of the week we would go get donuts this morning.  That girl cannot resist a good donut.  And brother got to enjoy her win also. 

So, that's my favorite pictures of the week.  Now, rain rain go away, because we have lots to do and play!!!

A New Chapter

"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."-Jeremiah 29:11


I have this verse marked in my bible.  I've made it my life verse, words to live by if you will.  I send it in texts all the time and I use it as my "quotable verse".  I never actually used it on myself until four weeks ago. 


My life took a turn not too long ago, and I want to document this time in my life so that I can look back at this little book of mine and remember it fondly. 


About three months ago, I started praying for something new in my life.  I was working for one of the best companies in America and had never really thought about leaving.  Growing up, when anyone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say a mom.  I had the best example of a mother and I always wanted to be just like her.  She was always there for Dani and I and sacrificed a lot for us and never showed us anything but love. 


When Landry was born, I knew I wanted to stay home with her but at the time it just wasn't in the cards for us.  We couldn't afford it.  I knew Got had placed this need on my heart and that one day he would make this possible for us.  I just didn't know when. 


So, a few months ago I really felt God telling me to move in another direction.  I wasn't quite sure what direction that would be but I knew if he was telling me to leave then it was the right direction.  So, I put my resume out there and someone from another company contacted me and wanted to interview me. 


I was so excited!  It was working from home, something I had always wanted to do.  I figured this way I could make money for our family but also be there to pick Landry up from school and spend more time with my kiddos.  It was going to be the best of both worlds...or so I thought.


I started my new job, and after working for one company for ten years it was strange.  I was new to this world and figured it would take me a few weeks to get my feet wet.  So, I did the best I could with what I was given.  One thing I pride myself on is my work ethic.  My dad is one of the hardest workers I know, and my sister and I both got this from him.  You give me a job, and it will be done to the best of my abilities. 


So, when my new boss called me to meet her over lunch I thought nothing of it.  But when I got there I soon discovered my world was about to change...again. 


She told me that I wasn't a right fit for the job.  That they hated wasting my time like this, but that it just wasn't working out.  Huh?  What?  So, I was fired.  Fired.  That word stung.  It was like I was branded for life.  I got in the car and immediately called Tim.  I was so worried about his reaction.  But, him being the person that he is didn't get upset at all.  I was so relieved.  Then I called my parents and my sister.  And them being the loving family they are didn't care either.  They have always been so supportive of me and anything I have wanted to do. 


So I put my big girl panties on and went and got my babies and took them to the park.  I just needed to be with them and spend time with them.  I prayed all afternoon.  I just asked God to place something on my heart for me to do.  To not let us suffer financially because of this.  I was fully prepared to put my resume back out there and find a new job.  But then God intervened in the best way.


Tim came home that night and we sat down and he asked me "what do you want to do Kara?"  Talk about a loaded question.  I knew in my heart what I wanted to do, but didn't think I was going to be able to. Then my husband looked at me and said "you want to stay home don't you?" 


And just like that all the pressure was gone.


So, after six years of being a mom I'm finally getting to do what I've always wanted to do.   And I'm loving it!  I love taking and picking Landry up from school.  I love spending lots of time with Hayden.  I'm so excited for this summer to come and spending time with friends. 


The day after I got fired, my daddy sent me the Jeremiah verse and I cried.  After all these years of me sending that verse to people I in return was receiving it. I've learned over this last month that God does answer prayer.  It may not be on our time or when we think we need it, but his timing is always perfect. 


So, a new chapter is beginning and I can't wait to see where God takes us next!

Our trip to Houston

On April 8, this guy and I

celebrated nine years of wedded bliss. 

We've decided that every five years we are going to take a big trip and then the in-between years we will just do a small weekend away.  I love being able to get away with just Tim.  I've been in love with this guy for many years and being alone with him just solidifies why I love him so much. 

He makes me laugh like no one else can and I love the way he looks at me and makes me feel like I'm the prettiest girl in the room.  He lets me be loud and the star of the show and never complains or makes anything about him.  He's a rock star husband, that's for sure. 

We went to Houston the weekend before our anniversary and had such a great time.  We actually stayed in The Woodlands.  I love this town!  It was so cute and had the prettiest trees. 

On the way down there, I made Tim stop at Buc-ees so I could get my favorite road trip snack, Beaver nuggets.  Tim had never had them before, but they were all gone by the time we left to come home.  That's how much we loved them. 

We decided on Saturday morning to go to a matinee movie.  We never really get to go to the movies and our favorite franchise is the Fast and Furious movies.  I have a long time crush on Paul Walker (RIP), and these movies are mine and Tim's favorites.  Every time they come out, we go and see it. 

The main reason for us going to Houston was for a wedding.  About five years ago, I moved departments at SWA and I moved into a department heavily dominated by men.  There were only a handful of women in our area so we all became friends really quickly.  One of the girls that worked in that department was Lauren.  She was right around my age and blonde, so we became fast friends.  I love this girl so much.  She is one of the sweetest people I know.  We actually ended up sharing an office right around the time I became pregnant with Hayden, and because I was sick, she was one of the first people outside family to know about him.  She got married the weekend before our anniversary so we made it our weekend away.  Perfect timing! 

We had such a great time together.  I love these times just him and I.

Hayden's Happenings

So, last week I shared about life lately with Landry.  Today I'm going to share about what's been happening with our baby boy.

Hayden turned 18 months old last week.  I feel like this time is flying by for me.  He is turning into such a sweet little boy.  Here are some things Hayden has been up to.

He loves hats!  If there is a hat anywhere to be found it will be on his head.

He can fall asleep faster than anyone in this house, especially in his car seat.

He was not a fan of the snow.  He hated the sand last year and the snow this year.  He likes his feet on solid ground!

He loves his toothbrush!  If he sees it, it goes immediately in his mouth.  Then he will walk around with it forever.

He loves watching his sister practice or play tee ball.  He will sit in his stroller for the full hour of practice and just watch.  When they do something good and we clap, he claps too. 

He loves Angel.  I'm not quite sure she reciprocates the feelings, but she's really good with him.  She will let him lay on her and put blankets on her and pat her head. 

He is my shadow.  Now that I'm home all day with him, he doesn't leave my side.  This is usually the sight I see when I look down at my feet.

He got his first haircut!  It was getting pretty shaggy in the back and on top.  Getting pretty mullet-like.  So, we took him to our friend Amy and she did her magic.  I love the way it looks now! 

He loves being outside.  In fact, one of his new words is outside.  If he's upstairs and he hears the back door open, he will bolt down those stairs backwards.  And if I say "Angel, let's go potty", he knows what that means too and will run to the back door.

He loves Daddy!  The minute Tim walks into the door from work, he runs to him and says "Hi, dada".  The other day we went and visited daddy at work and Hayden loved it.  A huge warehouse for him to run and play in!

He loves being in his wagon.  Since it's so pretty out now, we've been walking to get Landry from school and he loves it! 

This boy has my heart and he knows it.  I love my girl, but there is something about having a little boy look up at you with those big eyes and just be in love with you. I know it won't last long, so I'm soaking up all this love from him.