Snow Day 2014

Whoa! Many places were not prepared for the snow. We are so fortunate to live in an area that did prepare for snowy and icy conditions. Opelika and Auburn city schools cancelled school yesterday and today. I, the skeptic, doubted we would see anything. And I'm not a fan of make up days. If it had been up to me, we would have been at school. Good thing I'm not in charge of things! Ha!

Hudson and I spent yesterday snuggling. In fact, we didn't even get out of our pajamas. A rare treat for us. We also worried greatly for Tucker. He was out delivering in Russell County, and the roads were quickly icing over. Thank goodness, our favorite Daddy made it home safe and sound. As I'm blogging this morning, I'm watching both of my favorite boys nap. I'm so thankful Tucker doesn't have to get out in this mess today.

This morning we all bundled up and headed out for a total of 3 minutes playing in the snow. Hudson didn't know what to think about all of that white stuff. I picked some up and let him touch it. He wasn't much of a fan! Ha!

 The sun trying to make an appearance. 

Beautiful!

 Hudson's first snow day!

So fun!

I am so thankful for days like today. I have my boys right where I want them. Safe, snuggled, and at home with me. My heart goes out all of those who were stranded last night, especially the teachers and students who had to spend the night at their schools. Teaching is truly a special calling. I know those teachers didn't even bat an eye at having to stay at school with their kiddos. Just think of the special night they shared with their students. They will remember last night for the rest of their lives. 

I am thankful to our superintendent, Mark Neighbors. He made the right call, and in doing so, kept employees and students safe. And it gave me two extra snugly days with my Hudson :) Bundle up, friends!

Amanda

Happy Birthday, Prudence!

Prudence turned one on January 10th! It's hard to believe she is one year old. It seems like just yesterday Emily and Andy were bringing her home from the hospital. I remember how tiny she looked in her car seat. It's amazing the transformation that has taken place in such a short amount of time.

This little girl has kept us all on our toes. She has only one speed, and it's fast. She was walking and eating table food well before she was one. She's been beating up on Hudson since the day he was born. Ha! (Watch out, P! Hudson is catching up!) She is just precious! I am blessed to be her aunt Manda!

 So excited to be 1!!!

 "I'm not wearing this thing for long, so you better get your picture!"

 Sweet P is 1!!!

Love these three!

We have so many things to be thankful for this year, and Prudence is one of them! She is a sweet gift from God, and we love her so. I can't wait for all of the shopping trips, mani's and pedi's, and of course, girl drama!

Happy Birthday, Prudence Rae!

 Aunt Manda and Uncle Tuck love you to pieces.

Present

I don't do New Year's resolutions. I don't like setting myself up for failure. However, I have been inspired by a sweet friend of mine. Each year she picks one word to focus on for the year. Not only am I stealing her idea, I'm also stealing one of her words, present.

I have said it over and over, I know, but my baby really is growing up so fast. I don't want to miss anything. Not. one.single. thing. My biggest problem is that I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this life. I tend to let stress and worry consume me. I worry about things I cannot control, and I struggle daily with giving those worries to God. I find myself unable to relax, my mind churning. Because of this, I feel like I'm missing precious moments with my husband and my child. I don't want Hudson to remember me like this.

Another issue, is the phone. It's not just an accessory, it is my priority. Sometimes I find myself checking it several times in a five minute span. Ridiculous. This relationship with my phone is causing my husband and child to suffer. Many times at dinner, I'm checking Facebook instead of having an actual conversation with my husband. I'm so plugged into my phone, that I'm missing that personal connection with my husband. Other times, I find myself feeding Hudson, and guess what? I'm checking Facebook or Instagram. It breaks my heart knowing I have missed even one minute staring into those big brown eyes of my sweet boy, because I had to update my Facbeook status.

Therefore, my goal this year is to live in the moment. Be present.

I'm giving myself 15 minutes a day to catch up on social media. I have taken the Facebook app off of my phone. Okay, I didn't actually do it; Tucker did. He's braver than I am. He's also in favor of not having to share his wife with a phone.

To deal with the everyday stress of life, I'm going to continue to pray. I'm also going to learn how to say "No." My time with my family is precious. I don't have time, nor do I want to hang out with people I don't necessarily like. So, I'm going to be more choosy. Life isn't about how many friends you have, but rather the quality of friends you have. My best friends I can count on one hand, and I'm fine with that.

Finally, I want to spend as much time as I can with my family. Hudson and Tucker are the very best parts of my day, everyday. Thank goodness for my sweet husband. He is the ying to my yang. Cheesy, I know, but he really does balance out all of this crazy. Hudson gave a purpose to my life I didn't even know existed. My passion for being his mama is overwhelming. I thank the Lord everyday that he got his daddy's laid back attitude.

2013 was a wonderful year for us. I can only imagine what 2014 has in store for us, but we're ready!