Life with the Maxies: 09/06/14

“Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” Luke 1:45

Hello 25. I see so many different posts on social media encouraging women to complete “bucket lists” by the age of 25. I also see posts discouraging women from “marrying at a young age”. Every woman is different. In my case, my “bucket list” is completely different (like take both kids to the pumpkin patch) than those posted and I married at what some may see as a young age (I was 22 but I married an "older man" ;) . But guess what? I couldn’t be happier!

The past few years have without a doubt been a whirlwind for me. College, marriage, moving/first baby (same weekend I might add), new job, second baby. WHEW! While I would like to say that all of this was a breeze that would be a lie. The hardest for me would have to be the move to Hattiesburg. I was so excited for my husband and his new job opportunity; however, I was at home with a new baby and not having any friends in this new town. During this time, my relationship with God was strengthened. I prayed for Christian friends for our family. I tell Lacey Wade all of the time, “You and your family were an answer to my prayers.” She will never know how much I cherish our precious friendship. While we are together our families can laugh at each other because we go through the exact same things.

Another answered prayer was being hired as a first grade teacher at a local school in Forrest County. I am blessed to say this is my second year doing something I love. I love teaching and always have. Is every day easy? Absolutely not. Do I love the extra hours of work I do after work? No. But I never dread going to work and that is not something everyone can say.
My babies bring such joy to my life. I get “sympathy looks” all of the time when I am out with both of them by myself. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone says, “Mmm, you’ve got your hands full!” Yes I do, but my hands are full of love. My house is always a mess, toys are everywhere and the kitchen isn’t clean. But I can tell you I have two happy children that don’t care how messy or clean the house may be. If you ever drop by for an unexpected visit, don’t even think about judging my home!

My biggest answered prayer was officially answered on June 16, 2012. I had prayed for God to send me the right man. I was tired of waiting and being let down. Once I finally handed it over to God (and this time I really did), When I least expected it, along came a boy from Mississippi. From that day forward, I was with my best friend. Believe it or not, I may not always be the easiest person to live with but he never lets it show. The saying “I never knew how much I loved your father until I saw him with you” is so true for me, except times two. I could not ask for a better father for our two children. He takes everything in stride while I am a stressed mess. It is so funny how opposite we are about things. I do believe that opposites attract.

One thing I absolutely cannot leave out is Venture Church (previously First Hattiesburg). This church has been an answered prayer for our whole family. I remember Kyle and I having conversations when we moved to Hattiesburg saying we would never go to a church “that big”. However, we were led to try it. I am so glad we did! It’s been over a year now that we have been members of this amazing church. We have made such wonderful friends and built relationships with other believers. The most important to me is the children’s ministry. I have never had to worry about my babies being in the nursery. I know without a doubt they are being cared for and loved on (and maybe just maybe spoiled). We had to run by the drug store last Sunday on our way to church. We had to pass by the mall on the way. When we went past, Kolt began to cry and point at the mall. He thought the mall was church and that we weren’t going. (Yes I know, our church must be big for him to mistake the two). I love that our children love going to church. I hope it always stays that way!

So for anyone who thinks turning 25 means you have so many things to do before you get married or before you turn 30, stop and make sure you are following God’s plan and not your own. My journey has been amazing thus far and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the future.

Happy two months (a couple of weeks late) to our Kylee Jo. The past two months with this sweet angel have been wonderful! She is such a good baby! I have to admit; Kolt’s first two months resulted in many, many long nights due to his colic. I was very nervous that we would experience this again. Thankfully, she has had no complications since coming home from the hospital! (The NICU was enough!)
Kylee Jo loves to sit in her nap nanny and watch TV. While she sits up, she kicks her legs like she is ready to run and catch her bother! Lately brother has been sitting by her to read and share his toys with her. She loves the interaction! She can now give you the sweetest smile. I love to catch those on camera!

A couple of weeks ago I took both of the kids to watch daddy coach his first Junior High football game of the season. I vowed I would never take the kids in a double stroller, but as Julia Cartee told me, “Never say never!” I somehow managed with both kids and that train of a stroller. The following Friday night we all went to the PCS varsity game. Kolt watched the game every minute we were there! He loves to watch football.

The amount of love Kolt has for his little sister makes me want to cry just thinking about it. He doesn’t like when she cries and he wants someone to help her right away. He loves to bring her anything HE thinks she might need, like a bottle, her poppy, or burp cloth. Lately he has been wanting to share his food with her. Last night he put a bag of gummies in her nap nanny with her. That says a lot since those are his favorite snack!
Some of our upcoming plans include more football games and tailgating at a Southern Miss game. I cannot wait until October to take both of the babies to the pumpkin patch! Fall is my absolute favorite time of year since there is so much to do with the kids!

“Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4