I think baking is FUN!

I took Luke today to Wal-mart for him to pick out what his special gift would be for not sucking his thumb anymore. (I know, I know you other mother's are saying why did you buy him a gift for that, but I just wanted to reward the good behavior and yes I did spend too much!) He glanced over the hundreds of toys there and found a fisher price batman batcave and was amazed. Luke is really into imaginary play. He will talk to himself and pretend play all day. His imagination is amazing. Luke is still playing with his batcave and it is 37 minutes past his bedtime but I don't have the guts to break his heart and put him to bed.

Earlier today I spent the day with my friend Amanda Hill. She made me this awesome Cinnamon Apple cake. I could not believe how wonderful it tasted. I have never been much of a baker but I knew Jeremy would be knocked off his feet if I make him an apple cake considering apple pie is his favorite. He was pretty amazed of my baking ability. I was also amazed at myself. Thank you Amanda for a wonderfully easy and wonderfully tasty recipe. I can attempt all things.

The hear of a child through song!

I am excited to see the rain because we have been so dry lately. The only thing that can get awkward is loading and unloading kids in and out of the car in the rain. One thing that is good about boys is that they love getting wet.

Luke has just been my comic relief lately. We have taken away his stuffed animal elephant named Peanut which his says, "Neanut" a week ago. He usually has his Neanut for bed and then sucks him thumb with it. He has done really well and has not cried for him. I am proud. Luke will also start speech therapy school in a few weeks. He will be attending school every Monday and Wednesday and I am relived because I am always his translator to outsiders and he could use the help. Luke was really excited about being able to attend school. Luke has a very outgoing personality so going to school is a great outlet for him.

Eli is blossoming into his personality as well. He turned 19 months the other day and is a ball full of energy. He is a Mama's boy lately but I love him. His thing lately is whenever music comes on he dances or starts pretending he is playing a guitar. He plays with his big brother all of the time. He loves to pretend he is a dog and really loves when Luke will play in with him as well.

My life is full. I am going to try and make more time for blogging. If you have been following me sorry for the long lapse of time. I am going to try and get better. I have attached a video of Luke singing one of his favorite worship songs. He is really passionate when he sings and he really loves this song. Out of the mouth of babes.

It's the little things!

I am discovering everyday as a mom that it is the little things that brighten my life and my days! For instance, watching my youngest (Eli my 14 month old on April 20th) take his first steps. His faith and confidence in himself that if he just lets go he can walk all by himself. The look on his face once he arrives at his designated spot is so great and rewarding. I picture this as my relationship with My God!!!! I just step away from all things holding me down and get away from my distractions and walk towards him in everything I do. The peace that surrounds me in that journey is unexplainable! To fully rely on the One who is in me everyday is a great adventure.

My oldest son (Luke who is 3 1/2 years old) is amazing me by his sense of adventure for life. Everything is a new obstacle or challenge for him to face. He is learning to ride his bike with training wheels and oh what fun he is having. He is trying to act like the big kids in his neighborhood and I am slowing realizing that I am loosing him as my little boy as he embarks on his journey to becoming a big boy!

I would like to post the lyrics to a song that is dear to my heart by Mark Harris called "Find your Wings!" He wrote this song for his children:

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you

Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

Chorus:
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

Chorus:

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

(This goes out to my boys! I could not have said it any better! Ok, now I have tears in my eyes.)

I love this time of year also as the season change and the scenery becomes lush and green and everything around me is changing! I am constantly reminded of the blessings that I have on a daily basis! I am so thankful for a wonderful husband who works so diligently to provide for his family and who is awesome support to me and who loves me unconditionally. (Thanks babe, you are really my best friend) For my two wonderful boys who everyday remind me of the love that God must have for all of His children. For my awesome family who is always there and always caring and loving. For my in-laws, who always show me the kindness that one can show towards a complete stranger and accept them with utmost love! To friends, who see me for who I am and love me regardless! (You know who you are!!!)

As I reflect today I encourage all who read to take a moment and reflect on your blessings whether they be big or small. God is a God of blessings and He proves this in every moment of our lives. It's the little things!

The Day to Day

Today was gorgeous!!! I got a little burnt on my face from the beautiful walk around Lake Junaluska. The boys throughly enjoyed getting out of the house and getting some vitamin D. I am hoping that this weather is a sign that great things are coming our way this spring 2010.

They boys have both been sick, Luke with an ear infection and Eli with a sinus infection. Luke's ear is still hurting him pretty bad and tomorrow will be day three on antibiotics. Hopefully the boys will turn a corner for the better tomorrow. I have spent my days medicating and snuggling little sick boys! Eli is a mommy's boy and I think that kid will use any excuse to lay in my arms sucking his thumb. I love it though because time flies by so fast!

I was reflecting today on a thought that I had. I am able to create the life I want. I am also able to live the life that I want. The outcome of life is what I make it. So I have decided to make joy the center of my life in all things and in that I will be able to have joy reciprocated back to my life. My husband gives me great joy and my two little men always bring me extreme joy and in that I hope to bring joy into their lives. Just a thought.

I see the God in everyone I come in contact with lately and am able to appreciate all the different elements we all bring to this world we live. Thank goodness we all make up a beautiful kaleidescope of colors that form a beautiful stain glass picture of beauty. Thank you God for the sunshine and warm weather that helps to open my eyes to the beauty and joy all around.

Teaching a Toddler!

My day has been really productive so far. I have made a Lasagna and put it in the refrigerator for dinner. Washed dishes, fed the boys lunch, and so on and so forth! I love to prepare meals earlier in the day because around dinner time the boys are usually under my feet and it is hard to prepare food. I have some hungry men around this place young and old!

I have been diligently teaching my son Luke all that I can before he starts school. I want him to be ahead of the game and be well informed. Today we worked on the letters A and B and what sounds they make and what they look like. Tomorrow we will try to write them. He has this great v-tech toy that he places the letter in and it sings a song and explains to him what the letter is and what sound it makes. He sings the alphabet song all of the time and I think it is so cute. He has his basic colors, number, counting, and shapes down already. Now on to the more complicated things. Luke is a huge sponge right now.

Eli is still fighting a cold. His congestion at times seems to get better but then there are still those really fussy moments. He has been crying more today and I am beginning to wonder if he has an ear infection because he still has a constant low grade fever.

Life as a mother has it's ups and downs but all together it is so rewarding. When the little ones hop up in your arms and give you a kiss or just want to snuggle it is those moments that brighten up your heart. Just the other day Luke told me how pretty I was and that made my day. What a great husband he will be one day.

I am enjoying going to the gym in the evenings when Jeremy gets home. It is allowing me a little time out and I can get the frustrations of the day out on the treadmill!!! Also, hopefully I will loose some of this baby weight. My weight is one area of my life that I struggle with and feel no control over, but now that I am going to the gym the process seems less intimidating!

To all of you mother's whether you work or stay at home may blessings of joy be the strength that guide's you through the day. You have so much to offer your little ones that God has placed within you. You inspire your children everyday with just LOVE!!!! Be the life you know you want to live!

Starting a new journey!

Hello all readers.

My name is Lauren and I am embarking on my first blogging experience! I am excited and a bit shy about my writing experience. I have a busy and full life and most of the time I have much to say! I am a stay at home mom with two wonderful little boys! Luke is my oldest at 3 1/2 years old and a blessing to my life. He is an outgoing busy little man who loves being a social person. He loves crowds and playdates. Elijah (Eli) is my youngest at 13 months old. He is pretty serious but has a smile that will melt your heart. He enjoys playing with his older brother and has not yet taken that first step to walking on his own yet but I can see that happening soon. Both boys are a blessing to me.

I am married to a wonderful man named Jeremy. He works for UPS full time and is a great supporter of his family. Jeremy is funny, outgoing, and really good looking. He is the man of my dreams and is a huge support to me and the kids. He always encourages me to go live my dreams and is constantly the driving force for our family. My life would not be the same without these 3 wonderful men in my life.

I am a lover of the Lord. I follow Him with everything that is within me. I also enjoy organizing and keep things neat and clean. (Weird, I know) I love to shop of course and love to workout I have just discovered. I used to enjoy scrapbooking but I have found lately that there is not much time for that anymore. I enjoy spending time with my extended family and just being a mom. Cooking is not something I enjoy but I find myself enjoying being creative with it.

I hope in this blogging adventure that I can share stories from my life about motherhood, marriage, and my love for the Lord. I hope to also share new adventures that we will take as a family and give my readers an inside look at things to come for the Buchanan family. Life is an adventure and I look forward to all that is to come. My motto in life is "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain!"