Thursday, January 4, 2018

Instagram Dump 2017 (July - December)

I'm still really enjoying Instagram for posting and documenting our every day moments. This post contains all the posts I made to Instagram from July 1st to December 31st of 2017. During this time, Instagram added a new feature that allowed the user to post multiple photos with one caption, and you will see here that I did use that feature some.

07/01 - Because there's no place like home! #homesweetoklahoma #roadtripwithlittles #lovemylittles

07/03 - Brenson said, "Going on a trip just makes me want to travel more and see more things!" We feel the exact same way! He's definitely caught the bug, and we're already planning our next adventure 😍. #BrensonCharlesJacob #adventure #travelbug #roadtripwithlittles

07/04 - My very favorite Independence Day pics of my babies (2012 & 2016)! 💜💙💜💗 #lovemylittles #independenceday

07/04 - It was fun times last night celebrating with these patriotic cuties! #independenceday2017

07/04 - Independence Day 2017!








07/05 - Brianna was too young to understand just how BIG this announcement was, and now she doesn't even remember life without her little brother! #reminicing #bigannouncements #lovemylittles #sixyearsago

07/06- Sometimes, the best blessings come in pairs 💜💗. #twinbies #sisters #allsmiles #blessings

07/09 - "He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!" - Psalm 113:9 #lovemylittles #blessings #Sunday #praiseGod

07/10 - Today is the due date of the first baby we lost in 2013. In the aftermath of our most recent loss, my tender, shattered heart is aching for my babies that I never got to hold. As devastating as it is, I pray my losses will help mold me into a kinder, gentler person who can trust and glorify God even while a storm is raging. #grief #miscarriagejourney #babyloss

07/12 - Brecklyn and Brooke finished the summer reading program at our local library, and received their prizes today. They were so proud and excited! #twinbies #raisingreaders #twoyearsold #bookworms

07/15 - We explored some fun Oklahoma sights today, but the real treat was this photo . . . Everyone looking and smiling on the first try! Whoa! #exploreOklahoma #bluewhale #route66 #cousinfun #miraclephoto

07/16 - "The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad." Psalm 126:3 #Sunday #praiseGod #cousinfun #blessed #thankful

07/17 - We just delivered our cousin back to her mom after a busy and fun week that included a play date with lots of littles, a library visit, visits and ice cream with Grampy and another cousin, successful tie-dye and cookie baking projects, some Oklahoma sight-seeing, shopping, a full day of church, and a game of Life! Whew! #cousinfun #projects 

07/17 - Another gorgeous evening in the sudo-country! #thankful #blessed #summittrail #lifeinthesudocountry

07/19 - This week, Brenson and Brianna completed their summer reading programs for our local library and received their prizes! We're proud of them for reaching one of their summer goals! #summerreadingprogram #librarytime #raisingreaders #reachinggoals

07/21 - It was Mommy-and-Me preschool day with Ms. Shelly! Brooke and Brecklyn loved having their turn to be taught by Ms. Shelly and learning all about The Gruffalo! #fridayswithmsshelly #mommyandmepreschool #thegruffalo

07/22 - These dog days of summer call for sno-cones! #dogdaysofsummer #familyouting #summerfun #simplepleasures #lovemylittles

07/24 - As the official "water watcher" for a pool full of kiddos, I have to wear a badge. Of course. #waterwatcher #soofficial #lovemylittles #lotsoflittles #wealwayshaveanextra #andweloveit #summertimefun

07/26 - Splash pad fun on this hot summer day! #summertimefun #lotsoflittles #lovemylittles #firstvisittothenewsplashpad

07/27 - So thankful 💓.

07/28 - Daddy coming home is pretty much everyone's favorite time of day! #lotsoflittles #lovemylittles #daddyshome #mommyhasbackup #whoohoo!

07/29 - I am what I Amethyst. #pedicure #muchneeded #prettytoes

07/30 - I'm sitting on my back porch tonight, rocking in my rocking chair, enjoying the *cool* July breeze and gorgeous rainbow sunset. Praise God for the simple beauty in life! #sunset #nofilter #Godsbeautifulworld #backportchsitting #lifeinthesudocountry


07/31 - Zoo day with my little crew! #tulsazoo #lovemylittles #lotsoflittles #badselfies #momhair #nomakeup #butmakingmemories

07/31 - Two months ago today our world stopped spinning when we learned our baby's heart had stopped beating. Learning how to walk in our new normal as life moves forward has been a most difficult journey, but we're thankful for a God who forever sustains us. #babyloss #miscarriagejourney #grief

08/02 - Two weeks from today my Bigs will start school. I know many parents are ready for summer break to be over, but I'm not ready at all. I'm going to miss them being home all day so much! We have the best conversations, laughs, and cookie baking projects! #thebigs #cookiebaking #eatallthedough #lovemylittles #makingmemories *edited to add* - I've spent the entire day thinking today is Thursday, and I was quite surprised when my hubby informed me it is actually Wednesday! I promise I know when my kiddos start school . . . I just don't know what day today is, lol.

08/04 - This one is keeping us entertained today! #sillygirl #BrecklynSarahFaith #laughteristhebestmedicine

08/07 - I had some crafting to do today, so my littles crafted right along beside me! #lovemylittles #lotsoflittles #summertimefun #craftingwithlittles #makingmessesandmemories

08/08 - Haircuts, shopping, and a late lunch at Jimmy John's was on the agenda for today. Everyone is now having quiet time/naps while this Momma takes a breath from the day. #lovemylittles #lotsoflittles #summertimefun

08/09 - My hubby would not appreciate me doing this at all, but I want to brag on him for a moment. In the 20 years I've known him, I can't even count the number of times we've been pulled over to help someone on the side of the road or in a parking lot. There have been times when I haven't been on board (shame on me), but he does it anyway. Tonight, on the way to Bible study, there we were again pulled over on the side of the road so he could change a tire for a lady. It didn't matter that we had somewhere to be or that he was still in his dress clothes from work. I love this man and his willingness to always lend a helping hand! #hubbyshoutout #thankful #proudwife #hecanchangeatiresuperfast

08/12 - Our first annual Back-to-School Bash was a success! We had a houseful of 45 of our favorite friends, yummy food, cute decor, a fire for roasting s'mores, and a fun obstacle course! At the end of the night , we were tired, sticky, sweaty, and in serious need of showers . . . Just as it should be after a great summer day! #summertimefun #backyardfun #hostingmakesmehappy



08/13 -  This girl's day was MADE when she got to hold baby Caroline! #BrookeElianaMae #shelovesbabies #somaternal

08/14 - Making good on our promises for a treat since the kids cooperated for a hot, evening photo session. Bribery success! #lovemylittles #photoshootworkout #bribery

08/15 - This little guy has been nervous, anxious, and unsure about starting Kindergarten. Tonight, however, we saw pure excitement when meeting his teacher and seeing his classroom. He's ready to rock it! #BrensonCharlesJacob #adventuresinkindergarten #mommaslittleman

08/15 - I seriously cannot believe my sweet girl is headed to 2nd grade! We are excited for a great year! #BriannaElisabethJo #shininginsecond

08/17 - Today is the first day of 2nd grade for Brianna and Kindergarten for Brenson. They were both all smiles this morning! The only tears were from Momma and from Brecklyn because we "forgot" her brother and sister when we left the school. I'm already ready to go pick them up and hear about their day! #firstdayofschool #BriannaElisabethJo #BrensonCharlesJacob #shininginsecond #adventuresinkindergarten

08/18 - The pain of it all is never far away. Some days are harder than others for whatever reason, and today was a tough one. My brains feel cloudy, my vision blurry, and the quiet of the night is deafening. Some day, I know, this won't be quite so hard. But today is not that day. #miscarriagejourney #babyloss #grief

08/20 - Enjoying some time with cousins today! #cousinfun #lovemylittles

08/21 - The hubby is at work, the big kids are at school, and the twins are napping, so I'm enjoying a solo solar eclipse viewing party over here. Such an interesting and unique experience! #solareclipse2017 #enjoyingsomemetime

08/22 - While the Bigs are away, the Littles will play 😃. #twinbies #summerfun #lovemylittles #wearingthemoutfornaps #SAHM

08/23 - My favorite sunrises are seen from my living room windows! #sunriseonsummittrail #Godsbeauty #home #nofilter

08/26 - My spunky girl summed up in a picture 💜. #BriannaElisabethJo #spunky #summertimefun #latergram

08/27 - It is such a joy to see how this girl is learning so much in Bible class! #BrecklynSarahFaith #bibleclass

08/29 - "Let me love you a little more before you're not little anymore." 💙 #BrensonCharlesJacob #mommaslittleman #missingmyboy

08/30 - Twinbie sister shenanigans! 💗💜 #twinbies #sillysisters #twoyearsold #ridingdouble

08/31 - "You are precious in every way, and the sunshine in my day." #BriannaElisabethJo #myspunkygirl #missingmygirl

09/01 - Enjoying lunch downtown with Daddy today! #lotsoflittles #lovemylittles #lunchingwithDaddy

09/02 - The fish are biting at our neighborhood pond! It's a wonder all the noise from our excited Littles isn't scaring them away 😄. #lovemylittles #lotsoflittles #lifeinthesudocountry #fishingfun

09/04 - Bedtime Twinbie loves 💜💗. #twinbies #twoyearsold #bedtimeloves #seesters

09/07 - Let the Come Fill Your Cup retreat commence! So excited about this weekend! #comefillyourcup #retreatweekend

09/08 - Fighting ants and getting in the word! #cfycfallretreat2017

09/08 - Getting excellent answers to some tough questions! #cfycfallretreat2017

09/09 - Singing praises this morning (led by Kristin). #cfycfallretreat2017

09/13 - Grubbing at McD's to support our school last night! #familyouting #lotsoflittles #lovemylittles


09/15 - Chris began growing this beard the day we found our baby's heart was no longer beating. He decided to grow it for 16 weeks - the same amount of time our baby was with us - as a way to commemorate the life of our child. It's hard to believe that 16 weeks have gone by since we said goodbye to our precious little blessing 💔. #miscarriagejourney #babyloss #grief #griefjourney

09/16 - My kids are a {somewhat scary} combination of very active and very creative (more so than me, obviously, since I just used "very" twice in one sentence 😉). I caught Bren just before he sat in this chair he had propped ON TOP of the monkey bars. This was definitely an accident just waiting to happen. No one can say my crew isn't spunky! #lovemylittles #BrensonCharlesJacob #spunkykids #iloveit #buttheywearmeout #theyareloudtoo #incaseyouwerewondering 😀

09/20 - I was being silly trying to make them smile for a picture. I think I was successful 😊. #twinbies #twoyearsold #sillysisters

09/21 - Another beautiful #sunriseonsummittrail ! #thankful #home #Godsbeautifulworld

09/21 - We were a #hotmessalert tonight at the school carnival, but we had a great {loud} time with our framily! #framily #schoolcarnival #loud #soloud #noisethreshholdsurpassed

09/27 - Thirteen years and 308,000 miles later, our little Honda finally gave up. It felt like losing an old friend, but we're excited to see how we like driving a VW! #driveittilthewheelsfalloff #goodbyeoldfriend #hellonewcar #volkswagen

09/29 - Today's #sunriseonsummittrail ! Just spectacular! #thankful #home #Godsbeautifulworld 

10/03 - Picture day for my sweet Bigs! One of them was struggling a bit with the "sweet" part this morning, but hopefully that's out of their system and they're ready to make better choices. It's a great day to have a great day! #thankful #mybigkids #schoolpictureday #lovemylittles

10/06 - Brianna's school class made class t-shirts this year where each child in the class got to draw a self-portrait to be included in the circles of friends on the shirt. When she brought her shirt home this week and I saw her self-portrait, my heart was so touched. She had included the words "love others" in her little drawing, and I just love that so much! While we certainly want her to do well academically in school, our top priority is that our children learn to be loving, kind, and compassionate toward others, and that they let their lights shine for Jesus always! #BriannaElisabethJo #shininginsecond

10/08 - It's a foggy and cool #sunriseonsummittrail today. It feels and looks like Autumn! #home #thankful #Godsbeautifulworld

10/08 - "Let those who love Your name be joyful in You." - Psalm 5:11 Happy Lord's Day! #joyinthelord #Sunday #thankful #lovemylittles #praiseGod

10/10 - The cooler weather today is making me reminisce about our amazing mountain vacation this summer. Can't wait to get back! #reminiscing #mountainair #fallishere

10/14 - We've had a busy weekend, but not too busy for a quick visit to the pumpkin patch and petting zoo! Sorry, animals, but our "little" family blocked all of you out of the photo 😂. #pumpkinpatch #bitbybit #lovemylittles #autumninoklahoma

10/15 - 💙💓💜

10/16 - The kids are in bed, The Hubs grabbed Chili's-to-go, and we're snuggling on the couch watching HGTV. This is how this old married couple does date-night-in! #datingmyhusband #datenightin #respectmarriage #almost16years

10/17 - It really is this vibrant! #sunriseonsummittrail #nofilter #godsbeautifulworld

10/20 - Sixteen years ago today 💓💓💓 #weddinganniversary #lovemyhusband #marriage #buildingourlovestory

10/21 - It's a beautiful day for enjoying a little fall festival with Grampy and G-Jo! #lotsoflittles #lovemylittles #fallfun #grandparents #autumninmissouri

10/23 - Hanging out in a waiting room is less painful when you have littles who love books! #waiting #littlereaders #monthlychiropracticvisit

10/25 - I have two little girls who are feeling kinds puny today, so we're just snuggling in our comfy clothes, singing songs, reading books, and being silly! #lovemylittles #twinbies #stayathomemomlife #nomakeupselfie

10/26 - Food Truck Thursday tonight in downtown Claremore with the cutest fairy tale creatures around! #foodtruckThursday #smalltownfun #lovemylittles #lifeisafairytale

10/26 - Even unicorns and baby dragons get all tuckered out. #twinbies #tuckeredout #lifeisafairytale

10/27 - Two class parties, a sounding fire alarm, and copious amounts of sugar filled our afternoon. As my reward for surviving the chaos (with toddler twins in tow), it's time to relax a bit! #lovemylittles #lotsoflittles #classparties #lifeisafairytale

10/28 - Pink, princess crowns, rainbow face paint, cupcakes, and cotton candy to celebrate our sweet friend Sadie's birthday today. Pinkitzel did not disappoint! #birthdaypartyfun #pinkitzeltulsa #Sadieturnsfour #framily

10/30 - What better way to celebrate the hubby's 37th birthday than with his very favorite (and easy!) pumpkin pie cake?!? His birthday is actually on Halloween tomorrow, but KIDS so we are celebrating a day early. #celebrate #hubbysbirthday #37

10/31 - Happy Halloween from two dragons, a unicorn, and Snow White! #lotsoflittles #lovemylittles #lifeisafairytale

11/2 - I transferred photos from my camera to my computer today and was SO EXCITED to find these pics of my four favorite kiddos at the pumpkin patch! #pumpkinpatch #lovemylittles #thankfulgratefulblessed

11/3 - Some nights were just made for backyard fires and roasted marshmallows. #lastnight #nottonight #lovemylittles #backyarding #home

11/5 - Beautiful way to start the day (an hour later!) 💓#sunriseonsummittrail #home #godscreation #daylightsavingstimeended

11/8 - We are having a sick day around here, and not too happy about it as you can see. My children sound like a bunch of seals with their barky coughs. #justpassingthegermsaround #dontcomeneartheNelsons #sickday

11/14 - It's been a rough week or so around here. We've had fevers, snot, puke, ear infections, eye infections, lots and lots of tears, and enough coughing to last us years. 'Tis the season, right? I'm so grateful for the yummy meal that was delivered to our house tonight. It seems like a small thing, but it's big to the mom whose been drowning in a sea of sick babies for days. Thank you!!! #comfortfood #lovemylittles #sickbabiesmakemesad #thankfulgratefulblessed

11/15 - This was an epic night celebrating my 30th birthday with an '80s theme! Just a few more years until we party for my 40th . . . eeeeek! #memories #30thbirthday #80sbaby #par-tay! 

11/17 - At the beginning of this school year, Brianna set a goal for herself to earn a running medal. In Kinder and 1st grade, she earned medals for running 25 miles. This year, her goal is to earn the 50 mile medal, and she's officially half-way there. We're thankful we got to see her get her 25 mile medal today! #BriannaElisabethJo #shininginsecond #littlerunner

11/17 - Gorgous #sunsetonsummittrail tonight!

11/17 - Enjoying my sweet babies and soaking up the sunset tonight. #lovemylittles #overgramming #sunsetonsummittrail #thankfulgratefulblessed

11/17 - A day spent with my kiddos and hubby including lunch at school, a fat nap, playing outside, cake, and a new number . . . Thankful! #birthday #thirtyseven #thankfulgratefulblessed

11/18 - Today, we took some time to remember our baby we lost at the beginning of the summer. This weekend was her due date, so our hearts are aching and yearning for her a little more than usual. Bristol was only with us for a short time, but we will forever cherish the precious gift that she was to our family. We praise God - the true giver of life - for the imprint her little life left on our broken hearts. #seven #miscarriagejourney #remember #babyloss #grief

11/22 - Thanksgiving appetizer with the family at Bueno. #thanksgiving2017 #bigfamilyfun

11/23 - It's been a good day! #thankfulgratefulblessed #thanksgiving2017

11/23 - And gobble gobble we did! #thanksgiving2017 #thankfulgratefulblessed

11/25 - We're still enjoying some great family time. The boys went hiking while the girls opted for a picnic and some park play! #thanksgiving2017 #familyfun #homesweetoklahoma

11/26 - Saying goodbye to the family before they head back to Tennessee and Missouri. Looking forward to the next time we'll be together! #thanksgiving2017 #thankfulgratefulblessed #familyfun

11/27 - And I love it! #chaoscoordinator #lotsoflittles #lovemylittles #thankfulgratefulblessed

11/28 - Brenson had his first ever little Christmas program this morning. He did great and was super excited to jingle the bells during Jingle Bells! I'm so thankful I'm able to be present for all these moments! #BrensonCharlesJacob #adventuresinKindergarten #firsts

11/28 - The little girls also had an important first today . . . their first ever haircut! They both did great, although Brecklyn was definitely apprehensive about it at first. My babies are growing waaay too fast. #twinbies #firsts #cuteandhealthyhair

11/29 - Brecklyn and Brooke enjoyed the parachute fun at the library this morning. It's been a while since we've been, and they were happy to be back! #twinbies #parachutefun #librarystorytime

12/1 - Because y'all know I'm obsessed with the #sunriseonsummittrail ! 

12/1 - Before school ever started this year, Brenson had made up his mind to earn a running medal like he had seen his big sister do. For over a month, he was keeping up with her and was on track to earn his 25 mile medal the same day she did. But, sickness hit and he missed several days of school, so instead he got his medal today. We are so proud of him, and now he's got his sights set on the 50 mile medal! #BrensonCharlesJacob #adventuresinkindergarten # littlerunner #25milemedal

12/2 - The house is decorated inside and out, the shopping is 90 percent completed, and we are ready to make some great and special memories! #christmas2017 #familyfun #hollyjolly

12/5 - They're 2 1/2 years old, and I still can't get over these moments 💓💓. I hope I never do. #twinbies #twinmom #littlereaders #sisterfriends

12/9 - We're anxiously and excitedly waiting for the Christmas parade to begin! It's chilly out here, but that just makes it feel more festive! #familyfun #christmas2017 #traditions #wealwayshaveanextra #andweloveit




12/10 - "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!" - Psalm 103:1 #Sunday #praiseGod #lovemylittles #thankfulgratefulblessed

12/13 - I love this family photo from our church Christmas luncheon last weekend!

12/14 - Christmas lunch at school with the big kids today! #thekidsalllovedit #christmas2017 #adventuresinkindergarten #shininginsecond

12/15 - We visited the West Bend Winterland last night and had a magical time! Two of the kids were naturals on ice skates, while the other two were kind of a mess (I'll let you guess which ones were which), but we all had a great time skating! The atmosphere was beautiful, too! #bigfamilyfun #christmas2017 # westbendwinterland









12/19

12/20 - Throw back to Christmas 2008. Obviously, this was before kids . . . look how young and well rested we look! I showed this pic to Chris and he said, "I think I need to update my wardrobe because I wore that sweater yesterday!" 😂

12/21 - Pregnant with the twinbies and getting huge! Brianna loved them so much even then 💓. #christmas2014 #twinbies #pregnantwithtwins #bigsister

12/23 - A beautiful snow on the day we're celebrating our small family Christmas is just perfect! #christmas2017

12/23 - My favorite photo we take each year at Christmas! #christmas2017 #lovemylittles #tradition #wrappingpaperphoto

12/23 - The messy gift opening aftermath and chaos make my heart happy! #christmas2017 #lovemylittles #messytraditions

12/25 - From our family to yours, wishing you a Merry Christmas!

12/29 - Winter sunset got me like 😍😍😍! #sunsetonsummittrail #godsbeautifulworld #home #nofilter

12/31 - 2017 has been a year full of incredible blessings and tremendous heartache. It will always be Bristol's year to me. There were so many beautiful and joyous moments, and even the great pain brought with it great opportunity for growth. The Lord has sustained us through it all, and our experiences this year have made me increasingly grateful for a greater hope. "But I will hope continually, And I will praise You yet more and more." #praisethelord #thankfulgratefulblessed #goodbye2017 #2017bestnine

12/31 - Happy New Year!

It has definitely been a rollercoaster of a year, but there are always blessings to be found. I am ever grateful for the beautiful and joyous moments spent with our loved ones, and even in the midst of deep grief we have peace knowing that the love of our heavenly Father sustains us.


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