This was the first time we have taken either girl on a plane. Hollis was awesome. She slept the entire way out there and then entertained half the plane on the ride home!
Here are some pictures!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Hollis' First Plane Ride
At the end of March there was a memorial service for Todd's dad in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Since we were only going for a short time and flights were very expensive we only took Hollis with us. Also, we were on the go so much there would have been no way Allyn could have kept up. We left the hotel early and did not get back until late. The good thing about Hollis is she is still at that stage where she can sleep anywhere!
This was the first time we have taken either girl on a plane. Hollis was awesome. She slept the entire way out there and then entertained half the plane on the ride home!
Here are some pictures!!
This was the first time we have taken either girl on a plane. Hollis was awesome. She slept the entire way out there and then entertained half the plane on the ride home!
Here are some pictures!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Redefining
I write this on the morning of Alan's passing. I am flooded with several emotions at the moment and since I am not sleeping I thought I could blog. It is funny, as I was laying down trying to go back to sleep I was almost drawn out of bed to do this post. I kept trying to tell myself to go to sleep and that I could do it later, but I feel like I cannot rest until I write this!!
Do you have a relationship with the Lord?
The reason I ask is because I think so many of us and myself included have entered into a relationship with Him because we are scared not to have a relationship with Him. It is as if we know that having a relationship is the right thing to do and we get a tug on our heart and take the leap of faith. But then what? What is next? What have you done with this relationship?
I certainly do not pride myself on being a good Bible scripture person. I am good with the stories, but when it comes to actually quoting verses... never been so good. Partly because I have never taken the time to memorize them I guess. Well, in the recent days with Todd's dad I literally find myself quoting verse after verse after verse. It is amazing that quoting these scriptures have been such a peace for me. I find comfort in the words of the Lord and I think this is a first for me. I guess the scriptures had been written on my heart even when I thought I did not know them!
You would think that I might be mad at the Lord for taking Alan, but instead I feel so thirsty for the Lord. I really have never felt closer to my Savior than I do right now. I guess looking back on the fantastic life that Alan led I am beginning to see the prophecy that the Lord wants to fulfill in each of us. If we have entered into a personal relationship with the Lord because we were scared of what might happened if we did not, then we are selling ourselves short of what the Lord has planned.
There have now been two very defining moments in my relationship with the Lord. One was when I entered into a relationship with Him and then now when I begin to understand the Lord is good, the Lord is divine, the Lord does not forsake us and His word is ALIVE!
So many times through Alan's battle I found peace in knowing Jesus will take one to save 1,000. Knowing I had been saved I rested in the fact that he was saving others through his testimony... funny now how I think I might be one of the thousand.
I guess what I am trying to say is if you feel like when you speak to the Lord or when you are in church and you are just going through the motions you are not there yet. Will you recommit yourself to the Lord in such a way that you begin to feel His awesomeness? Will you enter into a relationship that is alive and well, not one that is scared and obligated?
Come taste and see that the Lord is GOOD!!!!!!!
Do you have a relationship with the Lord?
The reason I ask is because I think so many of us and myself included have entered into a relationship with Him because we are scared not to have a relationship with Him. It is as if we know that having a relationship is the right thing to do and we get a tug on our heart and take the leap of faith. But then what? What is next? What have you done with this relationship?
I certainly do not pride myself on being a good Bible scripture person. I am good with the stories, but when it comes to actually quoting verses... never been so good. Partly because I have never taken the time to memorize them I guess. Well, in the recent days with Todd's dad I literally find myself quoting verse after verse after verse. It is amazing that quoting these scriptures have been such a peace for me. I find comfort in the words of the Lord and I think this is a first for me. I guess the scriptures had been written on my heart even when I thought I did not know them!
You would think that I might be mad at the Lord for taking Alan, but instead I feel so thirsty for the Lord. I really have never felt closer to my Savior than I do right now. I guess looking back on the fantastic life that Alan led I am beginning to see the prophecy that the Lord wants to fulfill in each of us. If we have entered into a personal relationship with the Lord because we were scared of what might happened if we did not, then we are selling ourselves short of what the Lord has planned.
There have now been two very defining moments in my relationship with the Lord. One was when I entered into a relationship with Him and then now when I begin to understand the Lord is good, the Lord is divine, the Lord does not forsake us and His word is ALIVE!
So many times through Alan's battle I found peace in knowing Jesus will take one to save 1,000. Knowing I had been saved I rested in the fact that he was saving others through his testimony... funny now how I think I might be one of the thousand.
I guess what I am trying to say is if you feel like when you speak to the Lord or when you are in church and you are just going through the motions you are not there yet. Will you recommit yourself to the Lord in such a way that you begin to feel His awesomeness? Will you enter into a relationship that is alive and well, not one that is scared and obligated?
Come taste and see that the Lord is GOOD!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mom Guilt
Does Mom Guilt ever get the best of you?
Do you ever think you could be doing more or what you are doing is not good enough? I feel like every mom I talk to experiences this several times a day and I am no exception!!!!
It seems like a million times a day I think to myself did I sing the ABC's with Allyn enough times today or did I stimulate Hollis enough. Also, I feel like when I wake up in the morning my list of things I want to do with the girls is huge, but then I fall asleep at night not having done enough! I know this is mom guilt!! Why do we have mom guilt and why does it have such a hold of us???
Today was Cleaning House Day and while cleaning mom guilt was getting to me more than ever. I felt horrible that Hollis was playing in her jumper and that Allyn was playing by herself in the playroom. I just felt like I should stop cleaning and play with the girls, but then how would the house ever get clean? We do not have a house elf that lives here! (Harry Potter humor!)
So alas, I found a way to minimize my mom guilt when I have to get things done around the house. I coin it, "Learning How to Be a Mommy Day." These are the days that you have lots of laundry to do and lots of house chores that need to be done, but you feel guilty about not interacting as usual with your children. Rest easy all you moms, you are not being a bad mom when you have to clean house one day... you are simply showing them how to care for your home! I guess this theory works well when you have girls. Hmmm... for all you boy moms I think you can rest easy that you are showing your son how to appreciate his future wife and all she will contribute in keeping their house in order!! Whatever makes you feel better right? I know this sounds weird, but I feel so horrible when I have to do housework and do not get to play with the girls like I would normally do! Please do not try to analyze what goes on in my head! You will get further pounding sand!
After all, how can mom guilt get the best you when you look at these faces???
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Videos speak for themselves!
I decided I would just post some of the videos we have taken recently so you can see what we have been doing! The girls are great and keep us laughing constantly!! Allyn continues to become more and more animated and everyday she is becoming less of a toddler and more of a little girl! Hollis' personalitly is developing at a rapid pace. This past week she has learned how to do "raspberries". She does them all the time and cracks herself up everytime! Too precious!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Moving and Shaking!
I promised you last post that if I could get a video of Allyn doing her No Paci Dance I would post it... so here it is!
Also, Miss Hollis has learned to roll over! Hallelujah!! She showed off her skills last Saturday morning. She rolled over like she had done it a million times before!!!Of course she will not do it once we get the camera out... but when she does we will post it for you! Last Monday, Hollis had her four month check-up! She is a growing girl! She weighed in at 14lbs 12.5oz and was 24 1/2 inches long! This puts her in the 72% for weight! Completely opposite from Allyn. Todd and I said she will never be able to out scream Allyn so she is going big to be able to beat her up! If she keeps growing at this rate and if Allyn continues to refuse to potty train they will soon be wearing the same diapers! Economical for us, huh?!? Not much else is new with us. We are just hanging tough day by day and enjoying these sweet blessings!!
Also, Miss Hollis has learned to roll over! Hallelujah!! She showed off her skills last Saturday morning. She rolled over like she had done it a million times before!!!Of course she will not do it once we get the camera out... but when she does we will post it for you! Last Monday, Hollis had her four month check-up! She is a growing girl! She weighed in at 14lbs 12.5oz and was 24 1/2 inches long! This puts her in the 72% for weight! Completely opposite from Allyn. Todd and I said she will never be able to out scream Allyn so she is going big to be able to beat her up! If she keeps growing at this rate and if Allyn continues to refuse to potty train they will soon be wearing the same diapers! Economical for us, huh?!? Not much else is new with us. We are just hanging tough day by day and enjoying these sweet blessings!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Surrendering All
Seriously, only 13 days into the new year and already so much has happened? That is right, it has been a very busy time here at the Fahring household. Without sounding too long winded I will do my best to keep it from becoming a novel!
Surrendering our comfort zone:
A little before Christmas Todd began sending his resume out and interviewing for a new job. Not because he was unhappy at his current place, but there was and still might be a possibility of a future lay-off at his current job. Well, because he is so talented and wonderful he received a job off right after the start of the new year. We were excited that finding a new job seemed so easy. Wouldn't you know that his current job is looking a little brighter and looks like things might turn around. So, here at our house we were faced with the dreaded, do we place it safe and not be risky...take the new job offer; or do you stick it out and hope for the best at your current job... oh by the way your passion and what you really want to do??? After much debate and back and forth decision making Todd has decided to stay at his current job. I am proud of him for making such a huge decision. We are going to risk it and put our family on the line, but we feel in our hearts this the right decision. Go Team Fahring!
Surrendering the Pacifier:
Allyn is moving on step closer to becoming a big girl and liberating Mommy from the pacifier. As of Monday, she can no longer bring her paci out of her room. She can only have it for nap time and bedtime. She was not so sure about this decision, but the time has come and it needs to be done! Basically, I am just tired of keeping up with it and she takes it into public which I think she is too old to be doing! Yesterday while we were grocery shopping she stood up in the cart and did a No Paci dance. If I can get it on video I will post it! Very cute!
Surrendering our Sunday mornings:
What you may ask? Well since Allyn has been born we have fallen out of going to church. There were several more reasons than Allyn being born that caused to take a time out, but I will spare you all of that. We have popped in and out of church occasionally, but since then have always had an excuse to not start back consistently. First it was Allyn takes a nap then, then it was Allyn is awake during that time and we want to play with her, then it was well we are about to move, then it was Hollis is coming, then it was Hollis is born. Well our excuse tank has run dry and with two growing girls... we are back in the game! It was hard trying to motivate ourselves to go try something new because we either did not want to get up and go, or we were reluctant to put Allyn and/or Hollis somewhere we were not so sure about ourselves. For three weeks now we have been going to Browns Bridge Church. It is been great so far. Allyn loves Waumba Land and Hollis has been sleeping through the sermons very nicely! This is a satellite church which mean the Pastor Andy Stanley is not really there. It is simulcast from North Point Church. The scary thing is... you would think he was there. It looks so real! Anyhow, both Todd and I really seem to like it so far. The best part, minus traffic, it is only about ten minutes from our house. We have been going to the 11 o'clock service which gives us a good part of the morning to spend together. We are not so rushed to get out the door!
Surrendering it all Hollis style:
Being almost four months all you can take certain things out of context. Hollis did just that on Sunday at church. It was at the end of the service and we were praying one last time before we were dismissed when Hollis just blew out her diaper! The ironic thing was it was right when we were praying about Honoring God and Surrendering everything we have to Him. Guess she thought He might enjoy a little poop! Haha! Several people around us all heard it and Todd and I were trying so hard not to bust out laughing! Oh and the smell was quite nice too!
Here are some pictures:
(Allyn in her Hendrix shirt... this is for you Uncle Lyle, Allyn eating Hamburger Casserole... this is for you Grandma, Allyn playing play-doh, Hollis getting Allyn up from her nap, Hollis adorned in stickers done by Allyn, and then both girls hanging out on the couch!)
Surrendering our comfort zone:
A little before Christmas Todd began sending his resume out and interviewing for a new job. Not because he was unhappy at his current place, but there was and still might be a possibility of a future lay-off at his current job. Well, because he is so talented and wonderful he received a job off right after the start of the new year. We were excited that finding a new job seemed so easy. Wouldn't you know that his current job is looking a little brighter and looks like things might turn around. So, here at our house we were faced with the dreaded, do we place it safe and not be risky...take the new job offer; or do you stick it out and hope for the best at your current job... oh by the way your passion and what you really want to do??? After much debate and back and forth decision making Todd has decided to stay at his current job. I am proud of him for making such a huge decision. We are going to risk it and put our family on the line, but we feel in our hearts this the right decision. Go Team Fahring!
Surrendering the Pacifier:
Allyn is moving on step closer to becoming a big girl and liberating Mommy from the pacifier. As of Monday, she can no longer bring her paci out of her room. She can only have it for nap time and bedtime. She was not so sure about this decision, but the time has come and it needs to be done! Basically, I am just tired of keeping up with it and she takes it into public which I think she is too old to be doing! Yesterday while we were grocery shopping she stood up in the cart and did a No Paci dance. If I can get it on video I will post it! Very cute!
Surrendering our Sunday mornings:
What you may ask? Well since Allyn has been born we have fallen out of going to church. There were several more reasons than Allyn being born that caused to take a time out, but I will spare you all of that. We have popped in and out of church occasionally, but since then have always had an excuse to not start back consistently. First it was Allyn takes a nap then, then it was Allyn is awake during that time and we want to play with her, then it was well we are about to move, then it was Hollis is coming, then it was Hollis is born. Well our excuse tank has run dry and with two growing girls... we are back in the game! It was hard trying to motivate ourselves to go try something new because we either did not want to get up and go, or we were reluctant to put Allyn and/or Hollis somewhere we were not so sure about ourselves. For three weeks now we have been going to Browns Bridge Church. It is been great so far. Allyn loves Waumba Land and Hollis has been sleeping through the sermons very nicely! This is a satellite church which mean the Pastor Andy Stanley is not really there. It is simulcast from North Point Church. The scary thing is... you would think he was there. It looks so real! Anyhow, both Todd and I really seem to like it so far. The best part, minus traffic, it is only about ten minutes from our house. We have been going to the 11 o'clock service which gives us a good part of the morning to spend together. We are not so rushed to get out the door!
Surrendering it all Hollis style:
Being almost four months all you can take certain things out of context. Hollis did just that on Sunday at church. It was at the end of the service and we were praying one last time before we were dismissed when Hollis just blew out her diaper! The ironic thing was it was right when we were praying about Honoring God and Surrendering everything we have to Him. Guess she thought He might enjoy a little poop! Haha! Several people around us all heard it and Todd and I were trying so hard not to bust out laughing! Oh and the smell was quite nice too!
Here are some pictures:
(Allyn in her Hendrix shirt... this is for you Uncle Lyle, Allyn eating Hamburger Casserole... this is for you Grandma, Allyn playing play-doh, Hollis getting Allyn up from her nap, Hollis adorned in stickers done by Allyn, and then both girls hanging out on the couch!)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
It's been too long! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Well, call me the slacker mom or just the busy mom, but I have not blogged in quite sometime. My deepest apologies!!! What is new with us? Let me tell you...
The Christmas season was such a wonderful time for our family. Todd was fortunate enough to have almost two full weeks off of work. It was so wonderful having him home to play with us. With all his time off we were able to get a lot done around the house and were able to go to my parent's house and Todd's parent's house several times! I know that I am dreading Todd going back to work, but I think he might be dreading it more.
Now, I will try to detail our entire Christmas in this blog... good luck, huh?!
On the Monday before Christmas we still had not had the girls' picture taken with Santa. With Thanksgiving being so late this year, we blinked and Christmas was here. Since we waited so long, most of the Santas we called about had already gone back to the North Pole... of course they had. The only place we were able to find a Santa was Bass Pro Shop. (Thanks Kim Lockhart... your blog saved the day!!) We were afraid he would be in flannel or in camo... thank goodness no! He actually turned out to be a great Santa Claus. The elves were wonderful as well. We were certain that Allyn would have a fit and not want to sit on his lap, but figured every Santa picture montage has one of your child screaming. We talked to her about him the entire way down there... which was about an hour and a half car ride. We kept telling her that Santa would come to her house and bring her toys if she sat on his lap. She was not so sure. She kept telling us that she wanted just Hollis to do it and then she would give him Rabbi but not sit on his lap. When we got there the Elf took her by the hand and said, "Santa, you remember Allyn don't you?" I thought this was wonderful because it made her a little more comfortable. Well, she sat up on his lap and although not completely sure she sat there and did not cry... picked her nose... but did not cry! Yippee! Hollis of course did wonderfully! Just chilled out!
The best part of the whole thing was that the picture they give you was free and we were able to take our own pictures.
After the Santa pictures we headed to my mom's house for dinner. As a little extra Christmas present she bought us Guitar Hero for our Wii. We of course broke it out and started rocking... I do not think we have stopped since!!! I have already beat the game on easy and now working through the songs on medium. Todd is awesome! It is almost just as fun to watch him play!
Tuesday was friend catch up day. My friend Jessica from college came over and we did a little outlet shopping a lunch at Moe's! Yum-o! Later that afternoon Tyler came over for a visit! It was so great to see him! I do not ever feel like I get to spend enough time with him and love every second we are together, so on Christmas Eve I took Hollis over to his parent's house! I guess we spent about an hour there or so... still not enough time with such a dear friend! One day I will hopefully make it to the big City to see him!!
Christmas Eve we packed up the car and headed to Todd's parents for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner down there. Funny how you can have traditions and kids not comply!! Christmas Eve was a diaster! Time had gotten away from us a little bit and it was already about 30 minutes past bedtime and we had not eaten or opened presents yet! Yikes!! Painting a good picutre huh? I felt so bad for Dianne; she had done all this work and prep and we basically had to pack up and leave. Allyn was a completely different child. She was not listening and just being whinny! Hollis would not sleep and was getting fussy. And to top it off, we forgot diapers for both of the girls. It was with that we decided Christmas Eve traditions needed to change and we should stay close to home for the girls sake. It is not that they are bad and cannot be taken any where; I just think the hype and excitment of Christmas might have gotten the best of us!
Christmas morning we got up and came downstairs to see all the great presents from Santa. Allyn's eyes were as big as I have ever seen them. I think she finally was able to put the whole Santa thing together! We had made cookies for Santa and left a note from him. He wrote her back and ate some of the cookies. She kept looking at the cookies and then decided she would finish off the cookie he started but did not finish! Santa was good to us and brought more toys to our already bursting playroom!
After we did presents and Santa my mom, brother, sister and step-dad came up. We played lots of Wii and opened presents with them. It was great having them over! It was a fun day just being silly and not doing a whole lot. Later in the afternoon Juice and Gus came over to visit and see the girls. The highlight was probably watching Juice and Gus rock it out on Guitar Hero!
That evening, Dianne and Todd's grandparents came over to finish the Christmas Eve we started but did not finish! After all our visitors had left we were exhausted! The girls were pooped! Everyone went to bed early!!
Well now here we are already in the New Year! Where did time go??? I guess Monday we are back to the norm! It has been a great past two weeks!
On another note, we have gotten lots of calls and e-mails about Todd's dad. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Todd was there this morning and had a great visit with him! I am thankful for every second he can spend with him! Whether Alan can remember it or not, Todd will treasure it forever!
Ok, enough talking... onto the pictures! (P.S. We do not have a ton of pictures... most of the pictures were taken by family members since we were the present openers.)
The Christmas season was such a wonderful time for our family. Todd was fortunate enough to have almost two full weeks off of work. It was so wonderful having him home to play with us. With all his time off we were able to get a lot done around the house and were able to go to my parent's house and Todd's parent's house several times! I know that I am dreading Todd going back to work, but I think he might be dreading it more.
Now, I will try to detail our entire Christmas in this blog... good luck, huh?!
On the Monday before Christmas we still had not had the girls' picture taken with Santa. With Thanksgiving being so late this year, we blinked and Christmas was here. Since we waited so long, most of the Santas we called about had already gone back to the North Pole... of course they had. The only place we were able to find a Santa was Bass Pro Shop. (Thanks Kim Lockhart... your blog saved the day!!) We were afraid he would be in flannel or in camo... thank goodness no! He actually turned out to be a great Santa Claus. The elves were wonderful as well. We were certain that Allyn would have a fit and not want to sit on his lap, but figured every Santa picture montage has one of your child screaming. We talked to her about him the entire way down there... which was about an hour and a half car ride. We kept telling her that Santa would come to her house and bring her toys if she sat on his lap. She was not so sure. She kept telling us that she wanted just Hollis to do it and then she would give him Rabbi but not sit on his lap. When we got there the Elf took her by the hand and said, "Santa, you remember Allyn don't you?" I thought this was wonderful because it made her a little more comfortable. Well, she sat up on his lap and although not completely sure she sat there and did not cry... picked her nose... but did not cry! Yippee! Hollis of course did wonderfully! Just chilled out!
The best part of the whole thing was that the picture they give you was free and we were able to take our own pictures.
After the Santa pictures we headed to my mom's house for dinner. As a little extra Christmas present she bought us Guitar Hero for our Wii. We of course broke it out and started rocking... I do not think we have stopped since!!! I have already beat the game on easy and now working through the songs on medium. Todd is awesome! It is almost just as fun to watch him play!
Tuesday was friend catch up day. My friend Jessica from college came over and we did a little outlet shopping a lunch at Moe's! Yum-o! Later that afternoon Tyler came over for a visit! It was so great to see him! I do not ever feel like I get to spend enough time with him and love every second we are together, so on Christmas Eve I took Hollis over to his parent's house! I guess we spent about an hour there or so... still not enough time with such a dear friend! One day I will hopefully make it to the big City to see him!!
Christmas Eve we packed up the car and headed to Todd's parents for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner down there. Funny how you can have traditions and kids not comply!! Christmas Eve was a diaster! Time had gotten away from us a little bit and it was already about 30 minutes past bedtime and we had not eaten or opened presents yet! Yikes!! Painting a good picutre huh? I felt so bad for Dianne; she had done all this work and prep and we basically had to pack up and leave. Allyn was a completely different child. She was not listening and just being whinny! Hollis would not sleep and was getting fussy. And to top it off, we forgot diapers for both of the girls. It was with that we decided Christmas Eve traditions needed to change and we should stay close to home for the girls sake. It is not that they are bad and cannot be taken any where; I just think the hype and excitment of Christmas might have gotten the best of us!
Christmas morning we got up and came downstairs to see all the great presents from Santa. Allyn's eyes were as big as I have ever seen them. I think she finally was able to put the whole Santa thing together! We had made cookies for Santa and left a note from him. He wrote her back and ate some of the cookies. She kept looking at the cookies and then decided she would finish off the cookie he started but did not finish! Santa was good to us and brought more toys to our already bursting playroom!
After we did presents and Santa my mom, brother, sister and step-dad came up. We played lots of Wii and opened presents with them. It was great having them over! It was a fun day just being silly and not doing a whole lot. Later in the afternoon Juice and Gus came over to visit and see the girls. The highlight was probably watching Juice and Gus rock it out on Guitar Hero!
That evening, Dianne and Todd's grandparents came over to finish the Christmas Eve we started but did not finish! After all our visitors had left we were exhausted! The girls were pooped! Everyone went to bed early!!
Well now here we are already in the New Year! Where did time go??? I guess Monday we are back to the norm! It has been a great past two weeks!
On another note, we have gotten lots of calls and e-mails about Todd's dad. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Todd was there this morning and had a great visit with him! I am thankful for every second he can spend with him! Whether Alan can remember it or not, Todd will treasure it forever!
Ok, enough talking... onto the pictures! (P.S. We do not have a ton of pictures... most of the pictures were taken by family members since we were the present openers.)
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