Praying over Arrows

I pray every night for my children. My awesome pastor said that he prays the 3 W's for his children: that they would never wander, they would never waver, and never want anything more than Jesus. I would pray prayers for my children before hearing this and always did the best I could; however, once I heard this, I immediately attached to it over a year ago. I never use to think that praying specifically was a big deal until it was. As I began to pray in this way, I started to pray for other specific things for my kids, such as: calming Chase's heart when he is angry or that He would be present with Kinslee and her friends at school. Through prayer, I started to notice a change in my heart. 

1. I realized that they are such a big deal! Now, of course, I always knew my kids were big deals, but I completely took that for granted and maybe thought about that when they were good. Now that I specifically pray for them every night, there's not a moment that goes by that I don't think that way. They are bright stars in my life and precious to God. That's really the most important thing, that they are precious and big deals to God. I need to treat them like gifts and with gentleness. I have a newly developed appreciation for them as God's children. 
2. My eyes are opened and much more aware of praises. I can see God working in them and in me from praying specifically for them. In fact, I should probably start writing things down that I notice! I know God works, but actually having concerns or requests answered is truly amazing. 
3. Who else is literally praying for my children specifically besides my husband and I every single night? I know that their grandparents, and family love them so much. I know that they pray for them. I think the main difference is that it is my humble and blessed responsibility to do so and so much more as their earthly parent. 
4. I feel my relationship go to another level with Jesus. I am constantly talking with him about ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. Talking to Him about my kids is some more time with Him. I feel like I am letting Him in on more of my life. 

Thank you Jesus for teaching me so much through prayer!

Another Crazy, Awesome Year

It's taken me some time to realize that I am a good mother. It's okay to say that. I truly don't think believe it's bragging. Every day is something new. I am a working mom who loves her two kids! Hopefully one day, a third will be in the picture. Being a mom changes you. It isn't in a bad way! It makes you grow up. You think you're fully grown until you have a baby! I sincerely didn't think I was that selfish until I had my first baby. It made me realize just how selfish my life was. I'm definitely not saying that if you can't or don't want kids, you are selfish. NO. I am saying you become even more grown up or aware after having them. Having kids made me see a different side of me. I have learned so much, and I'm only three years into it. I'm sure I have so much more to learn about myself and about life.

I appreciate life so much more. Don't get me wrong, there are some days that just need to end, but every day is time I get to teach my kids. If you're a parent, you are constantly teaching them. How? Because they are watching you! I can see Kinslee repeating me (good and bad) and it's kind of scary I have someone watching and observing me so close! It makes me want to be a good person. She has caught on to moods, discipline, and body language. If I grumble under my breath, she grumbles under her breath. That's not really the stuff I paid attention to until now. Coy has brought it up, and I maaaaaaaaay have brushed it off, thinking, "but that's me!" No, he was right all along because now our daughter does what I do.

I get up at 4:30am every morning to get ready all alone. I pack both kids bags and lunches, pack the car, get milk, bottle, jackets, clothes, and shoes laid out. I wake up Kinslee and hold her a minute as she's not a morning person! We brush her teeth, get dressed (10 minute affair), and get her blankie, kitty, and milk. Once she is settled, I get Chase up. He's usually already up and talks to himself for a while. He tickle and play with him on the changing pad for a bit before changing him. Putting on his hat, and grabbing anything last minute I may need (COFFEE), we head out the door. I drop them off and physically already tired by the time I'm at the school by 7:30-7:40 depending on Kinslee's mood. One morning, I walked in on throw-up everywhere, but that's another story. School is a paragraph all in it's own, but after teaching for 20 minutes and babysitting the other 50 minutes (sarcasm is definitely alive and well) four times in 7 hours, I am mentally and physically exhausted. Picking my kids up is the highlight of my day. Kinslee is always happy to see me, and that makes me happy. The car ride is full of either crying for something to drink, crying for books or toys, or reading and laughing and singing. I am going non-stop once I am at home. Cooking dinner, cleaning, dishes, and when you have a 16 month boy weighing 33 lbs, it gets hard to hold him every time he wants to be held! I'm also fitting in being a wife. lol. Baths are around 7 and then kids are getting to bed or in bed at 8. After that, more cleaning.

Now, that can sound depressing. Heck, if I read this in high school, I would never want to have kids. Believe it or not, I love it. It's a routine that I never get sick of. I love being mommy. I love being Mrs. Bell. I love my busy busy self.

I am ready for another awesome year!

Mommy of 2

Being a new mommy of 2 is busier than I thought. I thought I was busy with one...nope! I'm sure others who are mothers of multiples can agree. In fact, I'm sure I don't know busy until I've had more. I do know that after working all day and coming home to craziness makes for a pretty rushed and "go-go" day. On the weekends, at least when they nap (if at the same time) I can breathe. At the same time, when they are finally asleep, I clean. Otherwise, when will anything get done? Coy always offers to help, but I feel a lot of the time only I can do some things. Sometimes, I can't think that fast to delegate when he asks me, and I just do it. I feel so rewarded though. It is all so worth it. I'm sure you here that all the time. I understand it now for sure!

I  have really loved listening to Kinslee's language develop. She has been sounding clearer and clearer. It is so cute for sure. I love having a girl and boy. Maybe one day, a third? 

She always wanted to hold him. Of course after the first 1-2 weeks of being clingy.

She always loves to be around him now!

He was around 2 1/2 months here

Carly's soccer game!

Before church

Chase's 4 month picture. He weighed 16 lbs. and 14 oz. Now, he is 17.5!

My happy kids. 

I'M BACK

I never thought I'd see my blog again. I have no idea how my mother had 5 children. I also don't know how mothers can blog! I have to be at work with silence...something that rarely happens. 

We named our little man Michael Chase Bell and call him Chase. He was born 9 lbs. and 10 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long. He is 4 months old and almost 17 lbs. HOW IS THIS HAPPENING? Of course I will put up pictures soon! Here are newborns for now. Cue the "AW"

Hopefully Soon?

I started contractions 3-5 minutes apart lasting about a minute the weekend before last. I am dilated 1 cm! 1 cm less I'll have to labor in. I had an appointment yesterday and was secretly hoping he would say I was ready! The ultrasound lady did say because of baby's size that I'm 38 weeks tomorrow! (3 days later). I'm so ready to have him out! They are predicting 6 lbs and 13 oz. right now. We will see about that. I can already tell the baby is bigger than Kinslee! No names picked out yet. Coy is stuck on either Hunter Drake or something presidential. I suggest names a lot, but I am quitting because he doesn't like any! There is always a reason. 

Update:

Weight Gain: 26 pounds total

Symptoms: Shortness of breath. Horrible back when I sit down. I can't seem to get any relief unless I am sleeping. It is usually on my right side. I am at waddling, slow stage right now.

Weeks Pregnant: 38 tomorrow

New Clothes: None! I am trying so hard not to purchase anything so close to the end!

Cravings: Pizza, fries, breadsticks. Nothing healthy unfortunately. I will make healthy foods though :)

Stretch Marks: I will admit I gained a few on my lower belly. I didn't even know I had them until a couple of days ago. I did cry because it was something unexpected and I knew right then I would be looking a bit different after baby belly is gone. I am alright now, it just took some mental adjustment. I accepted the stretch marks from having Kinslee, and now I am trying to do that with Mister. 

Goin' On 32 Weeks!

I cannot believe how fast time is going. The English department had their weekly meeting last week and discussed May! I thought, "Wow, I won't be here until the summer for PD!" So exciting! I even miss the testing craze for ACTAspire in May! I'll try not to smile too hard if I have to leave for that. I'm wondering if Bell#2 will be late this time, or early again! It would be fun to have a May baby! Hopefully, it won't run into my brother's college graduation April 24th.

Many things have happened since failing the Glucose test! After I failed the first Glucola test, I had to come back the next week at 7:45 am to take the Glucola Tolerance Test. You have to drink the same drink, but 50g more of sugar, bleck! They pinch you every hour for 3 hours. I brought my lovely book and pillow. I passed twice, so I was freed. My stomach was so messed up after that. I felt very ill the rest of the day. The next day, my stomach didn't want any food! Everything sounded horrible to eat. Coy had to force me to drink water. Anything I ate or drank wasn't accepted. On top of everything else, when I called the Medical Exchange number late at night after not eating all day and vomiting every hour, they said I had to wait 24 hours to be IV'd. I was so extremely weak that I knew I wouldn't listen. If I didn't stop vomiting by the next morning, I was going in whether they liked it or not. I couldn't walk. Everything I did, even opening the car door, or picking up my water container, caused me to be out of breath. It was horrible. I knew myself, and there was no way I was going to wait 24 hours. Thankfully, I stopped at 1:40 am. It took me a couple of days to recover from that. I actually tried to go back to school that afternoon and that was a bad idea.

The day after that, I was feeling alright, just slow-moving. My vision became blurry on my right side. After two hours of it, I called for Nurse Poe at our school. My blood pressure was really low which didn't surprise me. I called my doctor and he said to just put salt on my food and go to my eye doctor if I kept having blurry vision. He didn't even offer to see me. I was very mad at that point. I feel like everything I tell my doctors is not taken seriously at all. I will change doctors. A good one would have at least offered to see me. Going to the eye doctor is a waist of time for what I was going through. Without doctor help, Coy researched why I would have blurry vision because it had occurred again that weekend. It had to do with blood sugar. Why do I pay for healthcare and go to the doctor again?

Okay, honestly, I used to be judgmental about a lot of things before I had a child, I still am in some ways because there are some things you can take care of at home resulting in less of a problem in public, but I am way more lenient. I took Kinslee to Rhea Lana's and she threw dramatic tantrums. We left early because I didn't know what else to do. I know what I would do at home, but in public? I'm learning as I go, but I feel like I'm not very good right now. Pet Peeve: sitting in church and hearing babies or kids/toddlers when main service starts. There are places for these children! You distract me by bringing them to a place they don't need to be!

Pregnancy Update:

Weeks along: 32 Thursday

Symptoms: Shortness of breath, serious back pains, and sinus issues every morning

Clothes: I am abstaining from buying any clothing for myself until the summer!

Weight Gain: 19 pounds

Cravings: Pizza and Breadsticks. I'm loving the newly discovered Cucumber and Avocado Salad!!

A Fail

So, I really thought I posted this, but when I went back, I noticed it was in the drafts!! This was a month ago!

My doctor's appointment was at 2:45pm. I took started drinking the Glucose bottle at 2:51pm and found out...my blood sugar was too high and hemoglobin too low. My mom and Coy think it had to do with waiting all day to go in. I was very weak and shaky. I agree for the most part. I didn't end up leaving my appointment until 5:00pm. Those appointments are so long...I didn't fail last time! Next Monday, I will have to go in at 7:45am for 3 hours. I will have my book for sure. Pretty bummed to take off half a day of work because I have to save those for maternity leave!!

I am reading, "The Elite," (second book to "The Selection"). I'm also pretty close to being done, so I'll have to get the 3rd one just in case. 

Preggo Updates:

Far Along: 24 weeks, 3 days

Weight Gain: 14 pounds

Symptoms: It takes me longer to get up! I feel a good amount of pressure every time I get up from sitting down. It always takes me a little bit. I can't seem to find anyone who understands that at 24 weeks, so I plan on purchasing a maternity belt this time around!

"Shatter Me"

The days are getting colder, and I can finally feel winter coming on in Arkansas! This Christmas break, I started back up my reading. This is about to be a book post FYI!! I finished the series after the first few days of being back at school. 

The first book is called, "Shatter Me," next we have, "Unravel Me," and lastly, "Ignite Me." I loved all three. "Unravel Me" and "Ignite Me" were better than Shatter Me. My sister-in-law got me started on the series back in 2014! I just haven't thought about reading since having Kinslee. It was always hard to find the time! Now, I have been better at that. It is actually one of my New Year's resolutions. It has to do with a dystopian society once again. If you loved Hunger Games or Divergent, then you will love Shatter Me. Now, the second and third books get a bit intimate, so if that's not your thing, then you may not. It is hard to stop reading this series once you are finished with the first one!

 You can look me up on Goodreads.com where I post the books I read, rate them, and write reviews on. I got the account a long time ago and just recently started to get back on to update it. There's a widget to tell you what I'm reading right here on my blog home page! "Fracture Me," and "Destroy Me," are books told from Warner and Adam's perspective.

The book I am reading now is, "The Red Queen," and pretty good! It will be a movie and the second book hasn't come out yet, so I'm happy to be on a series still in the works!

Happy reading!

It's a...

On December 21st, we found out the gender of our baby! So excited to share. I haven't posted anything on social media yet! I have told many people, though. It's a...BOY! Coy and I are thrilled, but especially Coy.

Christmas Eve was spent with the Curringtons, Christmas morning by ourselves, Christmas afternoon with my family, and the day after Christmas with the Bells. I loved how we did it because we were able to see everyone! I even got to bring Kinslee another day to see the Curringtons! I enjoyed our time together! Coy, Kinslee, and I were cold sick during those two weeks of break, but finally over it! I am happy to get back into a routine, but extra sad to not be a stay-at-home mommy right now. It's getting to where I'm crying because I want to be with her every day! Kinslee has been a wild woman. She runs around everywhere and talks a lot. You really have to have the energy to keep up with her! I can't wait to see how it will be with two kiddos

Preggo Updates:

Weight Gain: 12 pounds total

Symptoms: Shortness of breath. Nothing major, and taking in the 2nd trimester. I know it will get worse, so I am "savoring" this time.

Weeks Pregnant: 22 weeks and 3 days

New Clothes: Maternity leggings. I have discovered that this is a must in the fall/winter for us preggo people! I wore mine almost every day for my two-week break. I also purchased a Piko mid-sleeve one size bigger. I LOVE it, and I can wear it after this pregnancy (That's what I'm going for. You can really get away with doing this with the exception of any pants). 

There are a few staple maternity-only clothes that every pregnant mommy needs depending on the season: jeans (skinny/flare), shorts, leggings, white and black tanks (regular tanks won't fit over the belly!), long sleeve, short sleeve, coat, and bra. 

20 week pic! It's harder to remember to take any bump pictures the second go around!

We got a big girl bed with cute sheets

She loves her rocking horse from Granny and Pops

Taking a walk! I'm beginning to give up on fighting her cowlick for a while

Cutie in the mornings

Petco days. She actually enjoyed the birds a lot!

Thanksgiving 2015

We had a day full of food and family on Thanksgiving Day. Unfortunately, we were unable to go see the Curringtons or Bells, but hopefully next year will be different. It is hard to decide where to go between three families on Thanksgiving Day. Todd and Teri had their Thanksgiving dinner on that Saturday, but it was decided it would be best not to this year. I am very hopeful about next year. I am also hopeful we can see my grandmother on a holiday! She said she may come for the baby and Logan's graduation! I am very excited about that. It probably means I won't see her at Thanksgiving, but still happy to see her. 

We missed the Hudspeth Christmas this year which was a true bummer because I was fully planning on it! We were not informed about it, and I had no idea it was the first weekend of December every year! I know at one point, it was during the second weekend of December, but now I have it on my calendar.

Pregnancy update:

Weeks Pregnant: 19 weeks and 3 days

Cravings: Pizza of course. This hasn't changed! I'm also loving subway and firehouse! This is why pregnancy is expensive!

Gender: Won't know until December 21st, next Monday

New Clothes: I purchased a puffer maternity coat from Walmart. I searched high and low. Unless I wanted to spend 100+, I chose Walmart $17! I received it during the beginning of last week and it is amazing. I would choose Walmart over any other store for a coat if you are looking for a one year coat when you are pregnant. I thought it would be obnoxious, but it isn't puffy.

 I also purchased a plain long sleeve shirt from Target because I was pregnant with Kinslee during the summer! I am trying to purchase oversized shirts in order to wear them for next year AND they are cheaper than maternity clothes bleh!

Weight Gain: 12 pounds

Sleep: I am fine right now. I have added another pillow because I am feeling like I need more support with my belly. I don't know what it is, but I have a hard time sitting up every morning. I have to sit for about 30 seconds before I get up.

Symptoms: I have been feeling shortness of breath easily. I know I need to walk more, but just talking makes me breath harder sometimes!

ANNOUNCEMENT

If you are my facebook friend, then you already know...

Here we go again! Baby Bell #2 is on the way. I am 12 weeks and 3 days today. I am almost over the first trimester and so happy about it. I can't even begin to describe to you how sick I have been. Last week, the nauseated feel subsided, and I thought that maybe first trimester was almost over! It is hard to keep a secret. We have known about this since August 31!

The fun thing is, it was a surprise to me as well. I went in to the doctor's office for a procedure that had to be done. I had been there for about 2 hours. Naturally, I was frustrated and close to walking out. I was finally called back, and the nurse told me right away that they could not do the procedure today. My emotions were probably wearing on my sleeve at this moment. I asked why. She said, "Well, did you know that you're pregnant?" My emotions switched at the blink of an eye. I was smiling from ear to ear. I took her arm and jumped up and down. I was so excited! She said they took three tests and I asked to keep one. I was so thrilled. As soon as I got home, I had Kinslee walk up to Coy with the test in her hand. He was happy as well. Our first appointment was Monday!

Pictures and the Weekend

This past weekend was fun! Kinslee, mom, Carly, and I went to the outlet mall on Sunday after church. I had gone with mom and Clayton on Saturday. Clayton, my brother, came into town from ASU for the weekend. Friday, everyone but dad and Jacob came to Robinson High's homecoming. I thought I would have to go home during halftime, but Kinslee fell asleep and all was well. Coy had gone hunting last weekend. Deer Jerky is in the making. When I get home today, it will be the first thing I eat. One of the BEST things about deer season.

Pictures Pictures!

Kinslee's 1st Birthday Party

My sweet toddler walking EVERYWHERE.
She loves to walk all the way down the sidewalk in our neighborhood
once we get home

Homecoming Friday with cuteness

Saturday, Kinslee watched as I played a lot of piano.
Carly captured this photo. I love it! It's a framer.

Mom Life

Oh, the mom life! How it has taken over! I feel like I am non-stop running errands, cleaning, AND balancing home/work/raising a child/being a good wife! It sounds crazy, and it sounds like I have no time for me: TRUTH. Would I change any of it? Not one thing. I love Kinslee and Coy. It's a different kind of fun. It's a different kind of life. I feel like my family needs me and that makes me feel good :) Blogging has been taking the back seat, but now that I am in a routine with school, you may hear more of me. My goal is once a week. 

Speaking of mom life taking over...so has my cooking life. I remember when it was just Coy and I. Even being pregnant with Kinslee, I was good at planning out meals ahead of time and following through with them. Kinslee can eat real foods, and that should make me a better cooker. False. I am trying, but I have been so tired after work, that my housekeeping and cooking skills have decreased. I try every once in a while, but that's something I need to work on. Kinslee and I baked cookies with pumpkin faces (the pre-cut kind). As my children grow, I'm hopeful we can bake the real kind :)

Update: My grandfather passed away at the end of July and Kinslee and I traveled to California with my immediate family. It was a good trip overall to see family and miss Grandpa with everyone. With a baby, it was stressful to be sure, yet at the same time, I couldn't help but think most of it was my fault. I need patience (Don't worry, I pray for some every day). Really, I could do it again. I just need to let the small things go...

Update: Coy and I purchased a new truck Ford F-150 2013. It is red and awesome! My turn next :)

Update: Kinslee's first birthday was a success. There was a small stressful time when it rained and everything had to be squeezed inside, but other than that SUCCESS! Not a lot of people came, but everyone who mattered did. I love that there was a day for her. It took her a while to dive into her cake, but once she started, she dug in! Looking forward to year 2 for my little walker and talker. 

Many pictures to come!

Being Mommy, Teacher, and Wife

How time has flown! Kinslee is 8 months today. I am ready for another little one! Just waiting on my awesome husband to want another one too :)

My little princess at 8 months

Easter 2015

Kinslee getting air squeezed in her face

Coming home from teaching and being a mommy to a fussy baby is not always fun, but it is the times when Kinslee falls asleep on me, wants ME, or is just happy that make all the bad go away. Coy has really been helping me out! I just have a busy life! I wouldn't trade it for anything :) We even got a new dog: Reagan. The name was my idea for Coy!

Tired, but Loved

I love being Kinslee's mother, don't get me wrong, but I am a tired person! EVERY DAY! Will I always be tired? There has to be some sort of trick. All I can come up with is COFFEE. Over and over again you hear.....nap when she naps OR the laundry/dishes will still be there anyway, just go nap. That's the problem: they will still be there! If I nap when she does, NOTHING will get done. It will just continue to build and build until I'm overwhelmed and stressed. In fact, if I nap when she does (which is only 1 time once I get home from work) I just end up thinking about things that need to get done. Am I the only person? 

Coy helps out a lot in the afternoons! Now, I am learning to let go and not be a control freak about her :) 

We have started eating baby food! We tried apples for five days and now trying bananas. She LOVES bananas. She will whine a little bit if I don't put it in her mouth fast enough. It will be such a relief to only buy baby food every month (in a couple of months) instead of the expensive formula!!

Nonetheless, I love our little family. I love Coy. I love Kinslee. I love coming home to a home. I love being with those two together. I love watching them together. I love my job (even though I miss her), I love bathing Kinslee. I love making Kinslee laugh. I love that Coy and I can still have long conversations and go to bed happy :) I love my life. However, coffee will always need to be there :)

Time Flies

Boy, time sure does fly by. Kinslee is already over 4 months! She loves me to hold her standing up. She has excellent head control, and flips from front to back. I love my munchkin.

For Christmas, I was given a Nikon D3200 from my wonderful husband. So excited to start learning about taking pictures :)

Family Pictures