I earned a badge...

Right now my hair is in a bun, I have dark circles under my eyes, my hands are chapped from washing them too much, I have a headache and an achey cough that hurts deep down within my chest, not to mention my back is aching due to this pregnancy. But I have something important to declare. I earned another badge on my Mother's Sash. I'm not saying this to gloat, be prideful, or to "toot my own horn". No, I'm saying this because it's something important for me to remember as a wife and mother. It's important for me to remember how I was able to deal with such a hard night. It's important for me to remember that I am capable and able to take care of my family even in the toughest situations.

Last night I put on my superwoman cape and took care of my family. As I said in the previous post, Bria has been sick for the last week (we have checked with the clinic and there is no sign of RSV, it's simply a bad cold that has been going around the entire village). Last night, Clint came down with something as well. Between making 2am bottles for babes and 3am Ibuprofen runs for my husband I sat there and was praying to God. Praying that he gives me strength. I no doubt was up every 30 minutes either taking care of my baby, or taking care of my love. The Lord provided. I was supercharged and ready to give them my full attention and my heart. Between running to get kleenex and extra blankets, I felt a sense of peace and identity. This is me. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am able to take care of my family in the wee hours of the night even when I, myself don't feel well.

I say this because with life changing rapidly and sometimes a little too quickly, it has been easy for me to forget the important role that I have for my family and have the need to want to be selfish. I have been wanting to get a mani-pedi and my hair done. But right now, that can wait. I feel as a wife and mother that my family is more important than my wants and needs at a time like this. Last night reminded me just how important it is for me to open my heart to my loves and take care of whatever their needs are before mine.

So, to all you Mama's who have gone before me, I applaud you for what you do for your family. To all you soon-to-be Mama's I am here to tell you that you are capable and also a superwoman. When times are tough, put on that superwoman cape, ask the Lord for strength and you will conquer those challenges you face.

{My Mother's Day Card from Bria!!}

Spring Break!!

Unfortunately, because it's still in the negative temperatures here, we will be doing the majority of our spring activities inside. However, with Bria it is nothing short of boring... So, for our first day we did some pretty wild and crazy things...

we played "babies" which is becoming her favorite game. We crawl around and we hush our babies...

we eat with a fork for the first time....and love it so much this is the only way we will eat gushy, slimy food...

we take cushions off the couch and then hop and jump and scream and play with Sierra...

we grab Daddies legs so he can't go outside. We like him so much we don't want him to leave our sight...ever...

we create wild and beautiful things...

"Stop taking pictures, Mom!"

{I need to figure out a way to get Clint and I in these pictures. I want Bria to remember that we got down and played with her!}

We are on our way to Nome today to find out if Baby Love #2 is a prince or princess! Please pray with us for a healthy, happy baby!! 

Saturday Morning Splendors...

Yesterday I mentioned that Clint is going to be pretty busy this weekend helping with the boys retreat. He had to leave at 7:45 this morning to go make breakfast in the kitchen at the school (I love that man!) so it was just little B and I here at home...

We enjoyed a nice breakfast:

Played and laid with Sierra:

Talked with family:

We read books: 

(sorry the picture's grainy... I had to crop the photo) 

Took a nap: 

Now, it's time to get ready for the day. We have a long one ahead of us :) ... 

Have a good Saturday! 

Recipe Book

I haven't gone into much detail about our plans after the new baby arrives. We have told close family and friends and our current employer that we are officially moving back home (I'm working on a post about that soon, it's harder to write about leaving White Mountain than I thought it would be). In the process of deciding whether or not to stay here or go, we also had to make the decision on whether or not I will be working. Both my husband and I feel that the best thing for our children is for me to stay home. While I stay home I'm going to start my Masters in Early Childhood Education.

I'm nervous, excited, and a little scared about becoming a student again and a stay-at-home-mom. I have never done it. How am I going to take care of 2 children under 2 and go to school and keep the house clean and make sure all the meals are prepared and find time to get in shape-yet, again-and have date nights to reconnect with my husband and find time for just...me?

While I am a little nervous about being burnt out, I think of how amazing it's going to be to watch Bria and our new baby grow up everyday. All those little things that I missed with Bria because I was at work, I get to watch through our next baby :) ... I'm so so excited. As long as we are taking care of our babies, and I'm taking care of my husband, I figure all of the other things can go undone until I can figure out a solution to accomplish all of them. I know it's possible, and there are so many women out there who do everything, but I don't want to be overwhelmed in the beginning since our baby is coming soon!

I have started a goal for next year (when we are finally living in the house we built four years ago). My goal is to be more organized. So, my first attempt at becoming organized was to create a Shultz Recipe Book. I wanted one place for all our favorite recipes we have found online and our favorite family recipes. I swear I had stacks of recipes in the kitchen, spare room, I had my allrecipes.com account and I had a file on my computer for recipes. It took me forever to find what I was looking for. But now? I can just look into the book and find exactly where it was. Now, you are probably thinking, well duh Tory! Of course a recipe book is easier! But, I'm actually not that bright when it comes to managing a home...

Click "Read More" for free printables and the step-by-step process I used:

Bria Vs. Vanilla Wafers

Bria recently discovered Vanilla Wafers. The first time she saw the box, she sat quietly and diligently while trying to get into the box for about 15 minutes. She finally did. My girl. She's just like her Daddy: persistent, and smart! 

She sure is adventurous with food! I hope that never changes :)

Halloween Extraveganza!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

We hope you enjoyed this fun Holiday as much as we did! I really do like Halloween because it's a day where kids can pick to dress up as their favorite character and pretend to have super powers, or be a beautiful princess and wear make-up with sparkles on it. It's a day where Mama's such as myself can dress up her daughter and as her husband to dress up as well! If you keep Halloween the way it should be, it is a fun, safe, and positive day.

Today was Bria's first Halloween, and boy did Mama have some fun! 

I saved a box that we received from our Arkansas family (no, they are not from Arkansas but they do live there. This is a statement made just for my father-in-law!) They sent us a cute costume for Bria and a cute first Halloween card from our nieces and nephew. We also received some treats. Reese's and chocolate syrup for Clint and oh so delicious Jelly Bellies for myself! I dressed Bria up in her Cow costume and then I showed her the card! It was cute as she tried to look (and rip) it. Luckily for me, Clint was right there to help her (hence the reason she's looking up at her dad instead of the camera)! ...

Thank you Auntie Erica, Uncle Tony, Dinesha, Chance, Kaitlin, Alexis, Awma and Papa!

Then it was time to get ready for the Halloween Party!!

 

The farmer and her cow & Indiana Jones !

I didn't have a cowboy hat, so I made one out of newspaper, tape, and brown paint. Do you like it? I think it turned out great!

Then it was time for the party! Parades, pinatas, games, face painting, and candy. Lots and lots of candy!

 How many skittles would be in this jar?!

Hope you guys had a great Halloween!

The Culprit...

I don't know how she does it. She is a sneaky little thing- and at nine months! Boy do we have our hands full!

We were in the house all day on Saturday. Not once did Bria or I leave. She was a sick, sick baby with a cough, cold sweats, and a runny nose that was like a constant drain. Poor baby.

However, at one point I remember being in the kitchen and then Clint yelling, "You gotta come see this! You're missing something special!!!!" I immediately ran to the living room (thankfully our apartment is small and I didn't have a long distance).

We found this:

She found the Halloween candy!

One thing about Bria that I absolutely love is that she is an awesome baby even if she isn't feeling good. She still laughs, talks and plays. However, she is even more cuddly with her Mama. And I have to say, that is my favorite part of it :) ...


Hope everyone had a good start to the week!

Enjoying The Small Things....

1. Putting away Bria's preemie and newborn size clothes.

    

2. Baby drool!

3. Herring Eggs that make me miss home

4. Saturday Morning rituals: