I think we all know the drill by now, but I still feel the need to include an introduction with this post :-). I'm pretty sure I say the same thing every time, but I'm still enjoying how easy Instagram is for capturing our day-to-day life. This post contains all the photos (and commentary) I posted to Instagram from January through June of 2020.
01/09 - Our book nook is still one of my favorite spaces in our house! The twinbies thought there was no better place to be than with their books on this cloudy, cold, and blustery winter day! #twinbies #perdectlyprek #booknook #favoritespaces #winterinoklahoma #littlereaders
01/09 - We're enjoying a little Hillcat basketball tonight 🏀. It always makes me feel a little nostalgic. #rogersstate #hillcats #collegeonthehill #myoldstompingrounds
01/11 - After all these years, my husband confessed he'd never eaten French Toast in his adult life. Luckily, I had a little secret, too . . . I make a mean French Toast! This will definitely be going in the rotation for our breakfast menu! #frenchtoast #yummybreakfast #husbandandkidapproved #whyhadineverthoughtofthisbefore
01/13 - Brecklyn had to give Daddy the recap of her day 😊. #BrecklynSarahFaith #perfectlyprek #daddydaughtertime
01/16 - I'd say this about sums up today's mood . . .
01/17 - This little lady loves puzzles. Notice she has her lipstick close by just in case she suddenly needs a pop of color 😀. #BrecklynSarahFaith #fouryearsold #puzzlesandlipstick #perfectlyprek
01/18 - Watching my boy play ball this morning! #BrensonCharlesJacob #shininginsecond #lilballer
01/23 - For real, y'all! #washthosehands #dontkissmeeither😂
01/24 - We were hoping for a snow day this week, but we got a couple sick days instead. Despite not feeling good, we've enjoyed our "snow day" themed books and projects! #lovemylittles #twinbies #perfectlyprek #snowdaythemedsickdays #nelsonhomeschool
01/25 - We put the 'art' in party to celebrate Maci's birthday today! It was the perfect weekend for some llama fun. #lilartists #llamaart #studioBartworks #birthdayfun
01/28 - Birthday month is almost here! I'm recycling some fun decor I made for Brianna's 3rd and Bren's 1st birthdays. Wasn't that just last year?!? 😭 #Februarybabies #birthdaymonth #bestmonthever #Februaryismyfavorite #answeredprayers #dreamscometrue
01/28 - Guess who wants on Mom's lap this afternoon?!? EVERYONE! 💜💙💜💗
01/29 - I'm typically a productive individual who knows how to bust it and get junk done. However, after only three hours of sleep last night, I'm wearing all black today. Now you know why.
01/30 - My babies are spending their first night in big kid beds, and they are SO excited. The days of babies and bottles and cribs and diapers and toddlers and sippy cups and toddler beds are feeling very distant, and sometimes I feel like my heart can't take it. I simultaneously love and hate watching them grow 😭. #twinbies #lovemylittles #growingup #parentingishard #bigkidbedstatus
02/01 - Saturday mornings have been improved by watching Bren play! 🏀 #basketball #lilballer #sevenyearsold #BrensonCharlesJacob #shininginsecond
02/02 - 😍#sunriseonsummittrail😍
02/03 - My precious twinbies are five years old today! We celebrated by sharing a treat with our friends at school, joining Daddy for lunch and Hurts Donuts, blowing out candles with our siblings, and opening a few fun gifts. These girls are such a sweet blessing . . . they keep us laughing and on our toes! Yay FIVE! #twinbies #birthdayfun #fiveyearsold #onewholehand #perfectlyprek #twinmomma #twingirls #doubleblessing #doublefun
02/05 - This momma is sick in bed (which makes me SO mad . . . I'm not made to lie in bed!!!), but the kids have been having a blast in the snow! I'm so thankful for the beautiful snow and a couple snow days to enjoy it. ❄❄❄ #obligatory #snowdays #lovemylittles #winterinoklahoma
02/05 - Snow day #2 - the big kids (including Daddy) couldn't wait to get back out in the snow and build a big snowman. The little girls didn't want to go out into the cold, so we brought the snow inside for them to paint with watercolors. #snowday #winterinoklahoma #lovemylittles
02/09 - I blinked and tomorrow he's eight. 💙😭💙
02/10 - My little man is eight years old today! Thanks to the flu, we had to adjust our plans for the day but we still had a good time celebrating Bren! He received a few gifts and cards, Daddy brought Whataburger home for lunch, and per his request I made him spaghetti and meatballs for dinner with ice cream sandwiches instead of cake for dessert. We finished off the day with a couple crazy games of Uno Attack. We are so grateful for the compassionate, serious, competitive little thinker Bren is, and we thank God that he's part of our family. Happy birthday, Boog! #BrensonCharlesJacob #birthdayboy #eightyearsold #birthdaylove
02/13 - Raisin' Cane's lunch date with my favorite twins today 💓💜! #twinbies #twinmom #sweetgirls #chickenfingersandlemonade
02/14 - Happy Valentine's Day from my sweet crew! 💜💙💜💗
02/15 - It's been a good Saturday watching Bren finish up his basketball season (he was the highest scorer on his team for the season!), enjoying a hibachi lunch to celebrate our February babies, and playing outside in the beautiful weather! #lovemylittles #februarybabies #lilballer #hibachi #outsideplayeveryday
02/18 - TEN YEARS!It's been a whole decade of smiles, laughter, hugs, and silliness. A decade of sweet and spunky. A decade of sparkle and shine. A decade of LOVE and JOY. Happy birthday, Brianna!
02/21 - Just me and six of the cutest little people I know 💓.
02/22 - Yesterday, Brianna was awarded her 25 mile running medal at school. It's always fun to see medals being earned! Today, Bren had a pizza party with his basketball team to celebrate the end of the season. His coach gave out awards, and recognized Bren as the "Best Ball Handler". Brecklyn and Brooke are the best little cheering section for their siblings, along with the horses that currently go with us everywhere 😀. #Saturday #littleathletes #lovemylittles #fantasticfourth #shininginsecond #perfectlyprek
02/24 - I had a super sore throat for a few days, and now my voice doesn't want to work very well. I'm thankful for my big girl who took over the afternoon reading duties today and finished up another chapter book from our list 💓. #mybiggirl #littlemomma #BriannaElisabethJo #fantasticfourth #readaloud
02/25 - When the twins were a couple months old, I had to have a double hernia repair surgery to correct damage my body had sustained during pregnancy. During my pre-op appointment, my {wonderful} surgeon shared with me that he also had four children that included a set of twins . . . a 10 year old, an 8 year old, and 5 year old twins. I told him that my children were the exact same age split, just five years younger (they were 5, 3, and newborns at the time). He then reminded me to soak up every moment because mine would be 10, 8, and 5 before I knew it.
Although I knew what he said was true, at the time it felt like a lifetime away. I love my children and am grateful beyond words to be their mom, but the days often felt SO long. It was an endless hamster wheel of breastfeeding and caring for two babies, while still trying to be a decent and present mom to my toddler and preschooler. For months, I literally slept sporadically throughout the night in one hour increments, and it sometimes felt like I would never function (or sleep!) normally again.
But, here we are. My babies are 10, 8, and 5 years old, and the past five years really did go by in a flash. I love the stage we are in now - and watching these little humans grow is a great, great privilege - but I think a little piece of me will always miss those bitty babies. I just try to remind myself to be grateful for every day, especially the ones that feel really long because they, too, will be gone as quickly as they came. 💜💙💜💗
02/27 - We're ready for spring around here, but loaded baked potato soup warms us up on this chilly night! #familymealtime #dinnertime #homecooking #afamilythateatstogetherstaystogether
02/29 - Today, my big girl and I spent the day together . . . just the two of us. With a big family, it's difficult to find time to spend with the children solo, and we have needed this for a while. We spent several hours doing some serious retail damage, then enjoyed the beautiful weather at The Riverwalk before dinner at The Melting Pot. This was Bri's first Melting Pot experience, and she was the most enjoyable and expressive dinner date. The girl enjoys her food! I'm so grateful for a special day with my sweet girl 💜.
03/03 - So I wonder if Dr. Suess could have ever imagined how much stress his birthday would cause a mom of four elementary school kids whose morning routine is completely disrupted by crazy hair and animal print clothing and party hats and wearing pjs to school instead of actual clothing. It took me 30 extra minutes to do hair this morning, and I only did some braids and colored it with hair chalk. PS - the best part of my morning was when one of Bren's classmates said to me, "I really like your hair Ms. Brenson's Mom!" Y'all, my hair is fixed the same as always! Is it really only Tuesday?!?
03/04 - He makes progress every week. It's really clicking with him! #BrensonCharlesJacob #guitarplayer #shininginsecond #eightyearsold
03/07 - I had the privilege of hearing my talented sister speak at a ladies conference today. Excellent thoughts on how to bloom where I am planted in God's kingdom!
03/09 - One of the things that Chris and I try to foster in our children is an attitude of gratitude. Our children has lots of privileges, so we try to be intentional about guarding against attitudes of entitlement and being spoiled. Of course, this is a work in progress for all of us, and we have times it is definitely more of a struggle. Yesterday, we had a busy day, and I had been fighting a massive headache all day. I had to go to the store last night for groceries and a few other items we needed for the week, even though it was about the last thing I wanted felt like doing. While I was gone, Chris encouraged the kids to write me notes thanking me for all I do for the family. It warmed my heart to read the words of my sweet children, and I will cherish these notes always. It's amazing how far a simple thank you and showing a bit of appreciation can go. Don't forget to tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them today!
03/10 - I find it creepy that anytime I get in my vehicle between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon on a weekday, my navigation automatically tells me how to get to the kids' school. It knows my schedule!
03/11 - 🌳💓🌳
03/11 - Piggy Paint rainbow nails made our morning! #twinbies #twingirls #girlygirls #piggypaint #fiveyearsold #doubleblessing
03/14 - 💓 Massage - Thai food - Pedicure & Manicure - Shopping - Kenny's Italian Kitchen - Texas 💓 This weekend of pampering, friendship, self care, and laughter is just what I needed. 💓
03/15 - Triplet bestie love 💓💓💓. #besties #framily #tripletsisters #saditsblurry #buttheyaresocute
03/16 - Nail. On. The. Head. 😂
03/16
03/17 - My bedroom is now my Hubby's home office, and all my kids are home from school for at least three weeks. I'm trying hard to establish procedures and routines to keep everyone thriving (and to keep the kiddos out of hubby's hair!). Two weeks ago, I wouldn't have guessed this is where we'd be, but I'm thankful for the time with my people. #covid19 #coronaquarantine #hubbyworksfromhomeday1
03/17 - Socially distanced but still wearing green for St. Paddy's Day! #justforfun #stpaddysday #nopinchinghere
03/18 - Boom!
03/20 - Today the kids begged to make cookies, and they've already planned out what we're eating for dinner tonight. Yesterday, the Bigs helped me make eight freezer meals to have over the next few weeks. The day before that, they all helped me make two lasagnes and two pans of meatloaf to eat on for the week. Apparently, social distancing just makes us think about FOOD! 😂 #socialdistancing #littlechefs #allthefood #mypantsarentgonnafitafterthis
03/23 - We're bear hunting in Claremore! It's nice to go for a drive! #Covid19 #bearhunting #loveourtown #lookforsatourhousetoo
03/24 - We made some progress on our letter writing this morning, but it proved to challenge my patience a bit more than I bargained for. In order to find my center, I sent the children outside for some fresh air where they promptly got covered head to toe in mud. I know clothing and children wash, I just don't want to 😭. #learningathome #letterwriting #outsideplayeveryday #eveninthemud #mommaneedscoffee
03/24 - Spreading love with a little chalk in the driveway. Honk if you drive by! #covid19 #lovemylittles #spreadinglove #quarantinelife
03/25 - When you miss your friend, sometimes FaceTime just has to do! #covid19 #socialdistancing #theymisstheirfriend #tripletbesties
03/26 - My quarantine crew is cute 💓. #covid19 #quarantine #lovemylittles #lifeinthepseudocountry
03/27 - WOW with the hail! #coveryourears #thatwasloud #springinoklahoma
03/28 - If you know me well, you know what a nerd I am. I loooooove puzzles, though I rarely make times to do them. Since we've been in self-quarantine for the past week (due to exposure), I broke out one of my BIG 3000 piece puzzles. I finished it tonight with my little puzzle helper by my side! PS - Two of my kids love puzzles like me and two are meh about them. Any guesses? #covid19 #quarantine #puzzler #3000piecepuzzle #ravensberger
03/29 - 😂
04/05 - We are missing our church family today, but blessed to have each other! 💓 #covid19 #quarantinelife #sunday #praiseGod #familymatters
04/06 - Although today officially began our "distance learning" time through school, learning, growth, and teachable moments are some things that we always try to have going on around here. Last week, we studied about the solar system . . . we built a model of the planets in our galaxy and a model of the earth orbiting the sun, discussed constellations, watched amazing videos, read fiction and non-fiction books, and studied the intricate design of our universe. We've been working on analogies (my favorite!), scripture writing, modeling math, puzzles, and writing tons of letters! Today, I studied circuits with the big kids, then we wired and built a working speaker.
Things are hard and strange right now, but I feel like this time is also very precious. I want them to remember these days as a time of growth, laughter, learning, faith, and love. 💓 #covid19 #quarantine #learningeveryday #lovemylittles
04/07 - Easter egg dying crew! Missing our usual egg coloring partners 😕. #Easter2020 #eggcoloringfun #quarantinelife #covid19
04/11 - Family bible time social distancing style . . . thankful for technology during this time! #covid19 #sociallydistant #familybibletime
04/12 - 💓💓💓
04/13
04/15 - Yup.
04/19 - The hair is quickly becoming a situation over here. #covid19 #quarantinelife #crazyhair #coronahair
04/20 - The Hubs has been working from home for five weeks, and it's been a lot of {not so easy} adjustments. One thing that has been amazing though is that without a commute, he gets more play time with the kiddos in the evenings! That's a win for everyone! #covid19 #quarantine #workfromhome #handsondad #theydontknowhowluckytheyare
04/22 - Another day . . . another hail storm! Who else got hail this morning? #springinoklahoma #hailstorm
04/22
04/23 - On Tuesday, Brenson sliced his thumb open using a handsaw in the garage. He snuck in the house to get a band aid, but I discovered what had happened because he left a significant trail of blood. We cleaned it up, bandaged it better, and thankfully determined he didn't need stitches. I was nervous because it bled A LOT. Then tonight, he took a chunk out of his big toe while running around barefooted. Again, he left a trail of blood and made us nervous about the prospect of needing stitches. I need to put this boy in a bubble because Urgent Care or the ER is the LAST place I want to go right now!!! #covid19 # coronaquarantine #BrensonCharlesJacob #eightyearsold #boyneedsabubble
04/25 - Today was a beautiful day to be outdoors! We did a little landscaping . . . added some hanging baskets of flowers, fresh mulch, and planted a few things in front of the window (we will bury the black hose later in the week). We also did a bit of reorganizing in the garage. All the little bikes, scooters, and helmets in a row make me happy! #springinoklahoma #flowersbringsmiles #iloveanorganizedspace
04/28 - That storm was nasty, but that Oklahoma sky is now incredible 😍. #springinoklahoma #oklahomasky #postnastystorm #sunsetonsummittrail
04/29 - No training wheels! 👏👏👏 #nomoretrainingwheels #fiveyearsold #twinbies #BrookeElianaMae #BrecklynSarahFaith #perfectlyprek
05/01 - The past few weeks, the kids and I have been studying flight. We made a little rocket launcher and rockets, explored several different styles and types of airplanes, created original helicopters and planes using LEGO, and made our own kites that fly nicely. I'm not sure who had more fun - me or them 😀! #covid19quarantine #learningathome #mrsteachermom #exploringflight #ilovethemedunits #kiwicrate
05/01 - This is the house being built next door to us. The Oklahoma wind is blowing 20 mph, and these guys are standing on the second floor supports like it ain't no thing! I am enjoying their singing, though 😁. #springinoklahoma #wherethewindcomessweepingdowntheplains #constructionzone
05/02 - Mmmm . . . spring on a plate 😋.
05/03 - Parking lot church service . . . thankful for the Lord's Day, worship, modern technology, and being able to see our church family! #covid19 #sociallydistant #theLordsDay #parkinglotworshipservice
05/03 - Tonight the hubby was jumping around the living room playing with the twins. I hear a crack and then hubby scream, "Ahhhh, MY FOOT!!!" I just knew he'd cracked his ankle. A few seconds later, I hear Brooke scream, "Nooooo! My ring!" Crisis averted . . . no broken bones just a husband who jumped barefooted on a plastic ring 😂😂😂!
05/10 - Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, Granny, and all the other strong, influential women in my life! This day can be so bittersweet, but I'm so grateful for this journey of motherhood 💓. #mothersday2020 #motherhood #bittersweetjourney #infertility #miscarriage
05/10 - This is my very favorite Mother's Day tradition. Each year instead of getting me cards, Chris helps the kids write in this special book. He's done all kinds of cute crafts, and he always includes a recent photo of me with each child. Now that Brianna and Brenson are older, their pages are less crafty and more of a letter to me. I LOVE this book so much! I know as the years go by this book will be one of my most cherished possessions. #mothersday2020 #mothersdaybook #thebestgift
05/11 - What do we do during a pandemic? Why pull our teeth out of course! 🦷😀🦷
05/15 - Brianna and Brenson have been working so hard every day toward their goal of running 100 miles this school year. They have shown diligence and discipline - two character traits we value - and we are happy to see the not only reach their goal, but be recognized a TOP male and female runner of the year in their school! That was a great surprise! Each foot charm on the necklaces they are wearing in the photos represent 5 miles they ran. Brianna finished the year with 110 miles, and Brenson finished with 115 miles. 👏🏅👏 #littlerunners #100miles #BriannaElisabethJo #fantasticfourth #BrensonCharlesJacob #shininginsecond
05/16 - Yesterday was the last day of a most unexpected and odd school year for my kiddos. Typically, the last day brings feelings of joy, excitement, and closure. It feels like it should be the end as everything is wrapped up in a nice and tidy box.
Yesterday, however, was different. As I deleted my school alarms, took down the school schedule I have hanging on the inside of a cabinet door, and removed the pick-up line signs from my van, it felt sad. Our emotions were messy. It felt like it shouldn't be the end. Unfinished. Cheated.
However, even with things not ending at all like we had planned, there have been incredible blessings in the journey. My kids have been resilient and have persevered through the changes. We have all learned life lessons that are more valuable than we probably understand right now. We have made the most of this precious time together and learned the importance of community in our life.
We certainly don't know what the future holds, but as we say good-bye to pre-k, second, and fourth grade, we are grateful for the journey behind and hopeful for the journey ahead. 💜💙💜💗 #covid19 #unexpectedjourney #BriannaElisabethJo #fantasticfourth #BrensonCharlesJacob #shininginsecond #BrookeElianaMae #BrecklynSarahFaith #perfectlyprek
05/17 - There's just something so fun about twinning with your friends! 💗💗💗💗
05/18 - Sometimes I happen upon the kids' toys and have to wonder WHAT is going on here?!? 😂😂😂 #imaginativeplay #barbiekenthepawpatrolandtwohorses #BrookeElianaMae
05/19 - After NINE weeks of working from home, the Hubs is headed back to his office today. He isn't going to be in the office full time quite yet, but this is a step in the right direction. Oh, and he was super impressed that I requested to take his photo at 6am 😃. #covid19 #quarantinelife #hubbyworksfromhomeday63
05/22 - Farewell meal at Billy's . . . your char ham and cheese will be missed, but we'll always have the memories! #billysonthesquare #downtowntulsa #localdining
05/23 - I've been wanting to paint this wall for a while, so hubby did it for me this weekend. I love the results! Now we're on to the next project . . . can't wait to share 😊. #projectmode #covidprojects #homeimprovementprojects
05/25 - Another project in progress . . . I'm so excited to see how this turns out! #covidprojects #homeimprovementprojects #handyhusband
05/27 - Brenson really enjoys maps and geography. The other day we were learning about the continents . . . where they're located, unique features, etc. so I had them all listed on our chalkboard easel. A few days later, he asks, "Mom, we live in North America, right?", and a couple hours later I notice a little change to the chalkboard. 😃 My kids keep me smiling and laughing! #BrensonCharlesJacob #geographylessons #NorthAmericaisnice #Imgladhethinksso
05/29 - 🌞 Fresh air and sunshine! 🌞
05/30 - Our playhouse is so fresh and clean clean! Who wants to come play?!?
05/31 - The passage of three years has certainly not erased the grief. Rather, I've learned to live with a hole that gapes a little larger on some days than it does on others. The hole will never be gone because the love will never be gone. #babyloss #angelversary #missingBristol #16weeks #miscarriagesurvivor
06/03 - A mid-week lunch date with my hubby? Yes please! #datingmyhusband #marriagematters #18yearsandcounting #lunchdate
06/04 - This was our first time eating out as a family since March 15th! The weather was beautiful, so we opted to eat on the patio. As you can see, the kids were super excited, and apparently I missed the memo that we were doing a silly pic 😂. #covid19 #covidquarantine #imsohappy #ididnthavetocook #orcleanthekitchen
06/07 - I think it's safe to say she enjoyed the raspberry sorbet! #BrookeElianaMae #fiveyearsold #shesamessyall
06/08 - These sisters are playing "wedding" with the veil I wore when I married their dad over 18 years ago! They tried to get brother to be part of the party, but he wanted nothing to do with the squealing, giggling, and silliness 😁.
06/12 - My little entrepreneurs are selling home-baked cookies and lemonade at our garage sale today. Come on by to support their business and satisfy your sweet tooth 😀.
06/15 - What can I say?!?
06/16 - The Hubs and I were the privileged guests at an exclusive concert tonight. They were the cutest performers I know!
06/19 - These kiddos genuinely enjoy each other's company, and it was so good to let them spend time together today enjoying God's beautiful creation! #summerinoklahoma #friendship #outdoorplayeveryday #freshairandsunshine
06/21 - Happy Father's Day to this fun, loving, hands-on dad! We are grateful for you 💓.
06/23 - They definitely don't always get along, but these moments are the sweetest 💜💙💗.
06/25 - It was so good to spend part of our day playing and laughing with friends. Thanks for hanging out with us!
06/28 - Eighteen years of friendship and so much life shared between us. I'm grateful to have celebrated another big life transition with you today! Love you, friend.
06/29 - "Mom, look! What are these things?!?" We're learning all kinds of important things today 😂. #BriannaElisabethJo #tenyearsold #21stcenturykidproblems
06/29 - ROAD TRIP! Over 12 hours of driving, but we made it! #roadtripwithlittles #minnesota #travelmakesmehappy
The first half of this year has certainly been full of unexpected surprises, and that makes me more grateful than ever to have this record of our day-to-day events. We are definitely interested and anxious to see what the second half of 2020 holds :-).
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