Paci and Pull-ups are GONE!!!

What a week of success ...so far....
It all started Sunday afternoon when it was time to put the girls down for their naps.  I went to lay Madi down in her bed when I realized that I couldn't find the one staple that always works to get her to sleep quickly....HER PACI (or 'bobby' as she calls it?!?!).  We have been down to one paci for a while now and I told myself that once we lost this last one, that would be it.  Madi is 1 1/2 now and I didn't want to have to go buy more pacis, because in her year and a half of existence, we have already lost about 10! Yeah, 10!!
So, it was nap-time with no paci, and I didn't panic.  I just told myself that this was it, she would have to cry for a little while but would soon get over it and fall asleep!  ....and I was right!
It is now Wednesday and she hasn't had the paci since Sunday morning!  One thing I love about a 'paciless' Madi is the fact that she talks more now and you can actually understand what she is saying!  She didn't need it, in fact, she has only asked for it once in the past three days and I would say that she is doing just fine without it!!
....oh and her smile is priceless...we definitely needed to get rid of the paci!!
With paci (aka bobby)....

 without.....so precious!

Now...a few weeks ago, I blogged about our struggle with potty training and all the stresses that were involved.  I ended that blog by saying that I would not rush it, I would ultimately go on Kaycin's timing, and that when she was ready then we would do it!
Well, Monday morning, I got an itch to try something new.  I had gotten advice from a few people that told me to just put Kaycin in panties and that would do the trick!
AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, advice!!!
I put her in her little princess panties Monday morning just to see how she would take to them.  She loved them-called them her "big girl panties".  She teeteed in the potty shortly after and was so proud of herself!  I continuously reminded her that we don't teetee in our panties and that if she went teetee in the potty all day, we would go buy her more panties at the store! 
Monday, she had only one accident and that was in the morning shortly after we had first put her panties on.  It is now Wednesday afternoon and she has not had an accident yet!!! WOOHOO!! I am soo proud of her!! She is such a big girl, and I think putting her in panties just made something click in her head, because she now has this whole 'I'm gonna go potty in the big girl potty' thing down! 
Its a little bittersweet, where I'm totally fine with the fact that I don't have to change anymore of her diapers, but I'm a little sad that my baby is growing up so fast.  The potty training was perfect timing, and she caught on so quick.  Which is good, considering the fact that most people who look at Kaycin, thinks she is at least 4 and should be potty trained anyways...and I would get looks when I would take her to change her diaper at a restaurant or a store....although they had no idea she was only 2 1/2!!!!!
Oh well, I am a proud mom with two little girls that are growing up way too quickly, but happy with the fact that they are happy and healthy.  God has given Clayton and I two little girls that He knew we needed, all in His timing, and it couldn't be more perfect!! So what, they have the same birthday exactly one year apart!!!  So far, it has only been a blessing in every way, shape, and form!  God knew what He was doing, what He is doing now, and what He will do with us in the future!  I am just glad that He got us through potty training for the time being!
Our BIG girl....

Sweet Sisters....

Homemade Ornaments....

This year...after a little inspiration from my good friend Jordan, along with all of her inspiring craftiness....I decided to make homemade ornaments for some of my family members and friends! I bought plain cardboard, already assembled ornaments from Hobby Lobby and some really fun decorative paper and decorative beads that I would use to Mod-Podge and decorate said ornaments! I had a blast with this craft, and found that this may become a new tradition of mine...kind of like a 'From our house, to yours' kind of gift! Its a cheap and a fun way to give a little something to the important people in your life! Here are a few pictures of just a few of the ornaments I made... I wish I would have taken pictures of all of them, but I got a little eager and excited and passed them out before I could!! 

before....

 after...

before...

 after...

 one I made for my mom...

a new coloring desk....

So, it has been awhile, but I finally buckled down today and finished Kaycin and Madi's new desk for their room.  I have had this desk in my garage for months now...and before that, it was in my parents garage.  

Here is the before picture.....

My mom called one day and asked if I would be interested in a vintage desk that a fellow teacher at her campus was getting rid of.  She thought that with the right touch ups and with a little re-vamping, that it would make for a cute piece of furniture in my home.  I quickly said yes!  Tracey and I got to working on it at the beginning of the summer, first with sanding and stripping it, then we cleaned it really good and got it ready for a fresh coat of paint!

The bench didn't come with the desk, but it was one my mom had around the garage that wasn't in use, and it was the perfect fit!

Stripped and sanded.....

Looks great naked huh!? Yeah, I thought so too.  But I knew that in order for it to be in my daughters room, I wanted it to be painted a crisp white and then add a little DIY distressing to give it some character.  So, after a few months of sitting in my garage, mom and Tracey came over to help me get it painted and add new hardware to 'cutsie' it up a little!! ...that was about 3 months ago!  

I finally finished today.....the desk is re-painted and distressed, the bench is painted and recovered, and I added some accessories and finally put it into my girls room...

Their reaction?? THEY LOVED IT!! Kaycin wanted to immediately start coloring and Madi, of course, just wanted to climb!  

I'm pretty proud of this little, drawn-out, project and here are a few picture of the finished product!!

LOVED my Saturday...

After sleeping in to a WHOPPING 7:45....
The girls and I came into the living room early to chill with a little chocolate milk (morning routine) and watch Saturday morning cartoons (Phineas and Ferb, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Dora the Explorer, and Diego....).  Once Clayton was up around 9, we started to get ready for me to get to the gym to get my hour massage and for daddy and the girls to play and workout.  In the process of getting ready, Clayton told me that the plan would be that we take two cars to the gym, that way after I was done with my massage, I could go shopping (YAY!!!) and he would play with and feed the girls for the afternoon! I WAS PUMPED! That made my massage that much more relaxing! So I relaxed, shopped, moseyed, wasted time...then I got home JUST in time to help Clayton get the girls down for their naps so he could head out to the Big 12 Championship game! He left a little after 2, and I chilled while the girls were napping! I probably should have cleaned the house...I sat for a few minutes trying to convince myself to get up and do it...but I got over that really quick! I, instead, proceeded to collect addresses for Kaycin and Madi's Christmas cards that will soon be sent out....went online and ordered said Christmas cards, played around a little on Facebook, then I got ready for my second round of shopping that I was going to do, now, with the girls.  After they were up from naps, I got them ready, we ran to TJ Maxx and Homegoods, then we went on to Chick-Fil-A (their FAVORITE) and ate (aka played) for over an hour! We are now home, relaxing, watching daddy's Cornhusker on TV, hoping to catch a glimpse of him in the stands (yeah right!), we are enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree, and I am enjoying watching my babies run and chase each other, giggling and screaming with JOY....
What a great day we had that went by WAY too fast!

Here is a sneak peak at some of the girls Christmas card pictures (the ones NOT chosen to put on the card)

And our tree...

Life is good, God is GREAT!

So, I am in the mood to COUNT MY BLESSINGS!!
God is great, and has been great to us this past year! I find myself very thankful at the moment for life, love, family, and friends! I have really enjoyed this past year and where God has put us.  We have met some amazing people living here so far. I am very thankful for the uplifting and encouraging relationships we have built with the Granthams, the Amrines, the Kirklands and the Samples....I am thankful that they are God fearing indiviuals that help keep Clayton and I accountable on a daily basis! I am also thankful for the relationships we have here that once started in different towns.  A couple that we have been friends with for years, that started in Abilene, Texas, has continued here in the metroplex.  The Ratliffs moved here not long after we did, and to have them here has been such a comfort and a piece of home! Not only do they have kids that are the same age as Kaycin and Madi, but they share so many of the same interests that we do, and to say that they are our greatest and dearest friends, is not enough...we love them like our own family! We have also reconnected with the Gaddis' and that has proven to be great for us. Coach Gaddis is a great mentor and friend to Clayton, and Gloria is always happy to step in as a 'Gigi' to us and our girls.  We are closer to home (Longview) which has made it easier for us to make trips to visit Clayton's family, as well as my dad and Kristine! And we are now only an hour away from MamaK and PapaT, which is perfect for them to make a quick trip to see their grandbabies!
I am thankful for my girls! They are unbelievably talented and never cease to amaze me! Kaycin is so beautiful inside and out.  She loves BIG and she gets mad even BIGGER. She has a huge passionate heart, and everything is important to her. I love that she has a purpose in everything that she does.  She is so smart and intuitive.  She picks up on things that I dont even notice. Shes funny, and goofy, loves to perform, but is reserved in front of people she isn't sure of, strong-willed, and incredibly talented.  But most importantly, she LOVES her little sister to death! Now, she is two and they have their moments, but she sticks up for her little Madi and loves her with her whole heart!
Madi is my precious little Madi Moo.  She has a cute little quirky personality and her smile will light up any room.  She's a little aggressive and takes up for herself.  She cuddles and talks, and sings, and laughs...she loves to get a reaction and she loves to laugh! Shes very smart, as well....she is a hugger and a comforter! She loves to make people happy and she is really good at it! Her smile is so contagious! She loves her sissy and would do anything for her!
I love that I have been given the opportunity to stay at home with my girls! God is great, and has put us in a position where He provides us with enough so that I can. Clayton works very hard and very long hours for us to do what we do! I am thankful God allowed me to have Clayton! I have loved him since I was 16 and have not stopped once.  Our relationship is very unique and I thank God that he gave me a high school sweetheart that I can now call my husband! Clayton is one of the most talented individuals that I know.  He is smart, very funny, very trustworthy, a man that isn't afraid to admit that he fears God and loves God. His ability to learn and absorb information blows my mind.  He is my little fact-finder! I love that no matter how much I nag or how annoying I can be...he always finds humor in those situations and  has patience where I have none.  We are a great balance and I thank God for my husband FOR LIFE! I LOVE him unconditionally!
I am thankful for my one and only sister, Kristine! She is an amazing God-fearing woman that serves her God with her whole heart! I look up to her more than she knows, and I find great joy in being able to call her my sister! She is my Kaycin, in that, she has always and will always look out for me.  I love her more than LIFE and feel so blessed to have her in my life!
I am thankful for all of my family! My parents...Dad, Mom, and Tracey, Clayton's parents- Charlie and Cindy, his brothers and sisters- Christy, Charla, Cody, and Clinton, my brother and sister in-laws- Adam, Jared, and Jenna and my niece and nephews- Kinzie, Jackson, Blaze, Wade, and Brady.  I am thankful that there is always entertainment and never a dull moment in the Farrell household. 
I am thankful for lifelong friends that I will always love...friends from Longview, Hallsville, Abilene, and Flower Mound.
....and seriously I could go on forever!
But most importantly, I am thankful for the fullness that my heart feels!! God has been so great to us.  I can always say that life could be better, but life could also be way worse, and in no way should I ever complain for what I have or who I have in my life! I have a life that some people may never experience and for that I am eternally grateful!
I could never thank God enough for the blessings he has showered upon me.  So, with all of that being said,  I am MOST thankful for a God that is loving, merciful, graceful, and forgiving! I am thankful that although I am NO WHERE near perfect, God loves and cares for me and calls me His own.  He is jealous for me and wants me to spend eternity with Him in heaven! What JOY I find in that! I am but ONE among billions of people on this planet, and God cares enough about me to know how many hairs are on my head! He is SO HUGE, yet so small so that He can be in my heart and with me always.  I love knowing that I fit in the palm of the hands of THE ONE who created the universe! WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!
I am thankful and my heart is full! God is soo Good!

The Life of a Coaches Wife....

Here's an article from our local paper.

     Texas high school football is huge. Even bigger is the spirit and fortitude of a Texas high school football coach’s wife. The Friday night show requires a lot of behind-the-scenes support. Coaches’ wives are the stage managers; making sure the show goes on without a hitch. An important role of a stage manager is to assist the director. Their unyielding backstage support is crucial to the directorial success on any gridiron stage.

    The obvious downside to football season, as a coach’s wife, is the amount of time the coach is away from home. The actual time, however, is not as publicly known. 

According to Brandi Mann, wife of a Rouse High School coach, the average fan doesn’t realize that a coach can spend up to 143 hours a week, including Saturdays and Sundays, on football-related activities. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for the zoo or date night. 

    Heidi Brittain, wife of a Cedar Park High School coach, explains how the issue of time affects her relationship with her husband.  “The more we are apart, the more I feel distant from him,” she says.  They catch up on Saturday nights and attend church on Sunday mornings. “Attending church and being grounded spiritually help me to remember that coaching is a mission field and not just a job,” she adds.

    Attempting a once-a-month date night is how Katie Schmidt, wife of a Cedar Park High School coach, and her husband stay connected. Brandi and her two sons spend a lot of time at school and regularly attend practices. Elizabeth Jackson, wife of a Frisco Heritage High School coach, wrote a book called “Poems, Prayers and Peanut Butter: A Year of Encouragement for Coaches’ Wives,” during her alone time.

    Some coaches’ wives feel the pressure of bearing the sole responsibilities of the family and home. Being a seasonal single parent requires a large hat rack. Carrie Bresnehen, wife of a Rouse High School coach, sometimes feels like “ ... I am responsible for it all.” She finds that as her children get older, things get a little easier. 

Channa Norman, wife of an Irving Nimitz High School coach, has a saying: “You just do what you have to do.”

    Criticism toward their husbands is also another speed bump on the road to keeping it together during football season. Negative comments from parents are difficult to hear when their husband spends more time with their kid than his own. 

    This group of special women has discovered solace and celebration in each other’s company and support.  They regularly get together before and after games; have girls’ nights out; attend Coaches’ Outreach marriage conferences; join coaches’ wives associations; and vacation together. 

    While the negatives of this lifestyle have their impact, it’s clear that the positives knock down any hurdles these women face. A common joy for these women is seeing how their husbands have positively influenced the players. “I love watching him coach and seeing the difference that he makes in the lives of so many kids,” says Carrie. 

 “Sometimes he is the only disciplinarian for that kid. Literally, one time, he grounded a kid from his car,” Brandi explained. The player had a single mother who had trouble controlling him. The mother asked Coach Mann to step in.

    Though they struggle to fit in “me time,” these ladies wouldn’t trade this life for anything. For Katie and her husband, meeting and getting to know the parents and players has evolved into lifelong friendships.  The Manns love their life of football. “I am living my dream life in every way,” Brandi said.

    Former Alabama coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant said, “There ought to be a special place in heaven for coaches’ wives.” 

    These women make things pretty special here for the director and stars of the Friday night show with their endless enthusiasm and tireless encouragement.

Potty Training...

Dont Rush It!!!

Kaycin is smart....very smart....a little TOO smart, sometimes! She is 2 1/2 and we are in the process of teaching her not to tee-tee on her princesses (pull-ups with Disney princesses on them) but instead to go in the potty! The approach we are taking has proven to be challenging and tiresome!

When I initially started potty training, I just knew Kaycin would pick it up quickly and we would be done before the school year started!! Boy, was I wrong! She has now been in pull-ups for about 5 months! I guess I was basing her progress on the progress she has had in other areas! For instance, Kaycin has been in a big girl bed for almost 6 months now.  When we started, I fully expected the middle of the night, tap on my face, me freak out, and she start crying, moment.  I expected her to miss the comfort of her crib and to fight the freedom she now had, so she could come sleep with us! I WAS WRONG.  She could not have been happier about having a pink, big girl bed that she told everyone, 'mommy made'! 

Since she was 1, she has helped me with Madi.  Whether it was throwing away diapers, getting diaper rash cream, getting the diaper bag for me, or even putting on her own shoes....Not that I was incapable of doing these things, she just always beat me to it! She is very intuitive and catches on really quick! I cant do anything without her knowing about it. And she cant do anything halfway! She is fully committed to everything she does and has a purpose for every move she makes! She amazes me a little more everyday! Thus the reason, I was under the impression, that she was gonna kill this potty training nonsense!!!

OH MAN!  

So, I have now made the decision, after talking to many moms who are in the same situation, that I am going to keep encouraging using the potty, but I am not going to rush it! Last night, I was eating dinner with a lot of mommies who have children Kaycin's age and they all talked about how, to them, its not worth the fighting and stress to push it.  I agree! In the grand scheme of things, I know that Kaycin will one day use the potty like a normal human being! Now, dont get me wrong, she wont be 4 and still be in diapers! I have just decided that with my circumstance and the advice from many other moms, that Kaycin will decide when she is ready and I cant do that for her.  I can push her and encourage her and even demand her to use the potty, but so far it hasn't worked! She knows what it means to go tee-tee and poo-poo in the potty! She just isnt ready! And, although I am tired, beyond TIRED, of changing poopy diapers at this point, I am okay with Kaycin waiting until she is ready! 

She is just 2 1/2, but she has kind of always done things according to her timing, and so I will apply that to the potty training process as well! 

WISH US LUCK!!

a few more photos by Jordan G.

 Thanks Jordan!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....in my house!

Since Clayton and I have been married, I have always decorated for Christmas a little early! .....okay, a LOT early! .....like 2-3 weeks before Thanksgiving, EARLY!!! I know, I know...pretty crazy, but I have my reasons!! Clayton is a football coach right? And, fortunately enough, the 5 years he has coached football, there has not been a season where he has not seen or been a part of the playoffs!  In Abilene, we had to have Thanksgiving twice with the ACU football team due to our success and now we are experiencing the playoffs at a high school level.  Needless to say, football has always ushered us into the holidays and so we feel as if our holidays are cut a little short! 

We have a full week off for Thanksgiving in which we will be spending time with both Clayton and my families.  Then we will come back for just 2 1/2 weeks before we are off again for our Christmas break!  During Christmas break, we will spend our two weeks on the road again!  We don't mind our travels, in fact, we LOVE them.  But all of this is the reason why I tend to decorate a little early.  My favorite time of the year is Christmas.  I love the scent of Christmas candles, I love the glow of the Christmas tree in a low lit living room.  And when its cold enough, I love the glow and smell of a fire in my fire place.  I love seeing my gifts being opened by loved ones and seeing the surprise on their faces.  I love driving around neighborhoods looking at all of the Christmas lights and decorations.  So, with all of that said,  I don't feel like I ever have enough time to enjoy all of these things.  In order for me to enjoy more than 2 or so weeks with my own decorations, I feel the need to decorate early. 

Here is a little of the decorating I have done so far...

 Our pretty little Christmas Tree

 Christmas colors: Silver, Red, White, and Lime Green...

 Our kitchen table

Tree, monogrammed stockings, and snowmen

LSC Conference Champs.....ACU!!!!

ACU Wildcats defeat West Texas A&M for the Conference Championship!! So, in pure celebratory fashion, the team 'Gatorades' Head Coach Chris Thomsen!!

God does take us from Glory to Glory...
Clayton and I could not be happier for the ACU Wildcats and the season they have had so far this year.  We know that God had a plan for us when he brought us to Flower Mound, but we also knew full well what we were leaving behind.  ACU's Football team was nationally ranked as well as having a nationally ranked defense that was returning a full aggressive defensive line. And now, after defeating WTAMU, they are Conference Champions and they are ready to take on the playoffs, having a great chance to win a National Championship.  They are currently 10-0 and have one regular season game to go. When they win, they will hold the ACU record for having the greatest regular season record of 11-0.

In no way do we or will we ever regret the decision to come to Flower Mound.  We have enjoyed every minute of it so far! Clayton's first season as a high school coach has proved to be very rewarding.  He has a phenomenal group of guys that work hard for him and that are strong mature men on and off the field. Texas High school football really is an exciting past time, and we have really come to love our Friday nights under those lights! We have made great friends, had the opportunity to visit family more often, experienced quite a raise in pay (if I my be honest) and really have enjoyed being a part of the excitement of Texas High School football.   The Flower Mound Jaguars have had a great season so far, and we are looking forward to the playoffs in the weeks ahead. Friday we take on our first post-season opponent, Southlake Carroll at 7:30 at Justin Northwest. 

As for me, I have also had many opportunities come my way.  Being in the area that we are in, I have met and connected with people that have given me a few job opportunities that work well with my schedule.  Every Tuesday night I coach volleyball for the Texas Volleyball Academy.  We teach 4-6th graders the game of volleyball.  I have also been given a chance to coach a few club volleyball teams, which I have not committed to yet, but am looking forward to being a part of in the future.  

However, being here, away from ACU, is a little bittersweet! They will always have a piece of our hearts.  We miss the players, the coaching staff, and the administration.  We love and truly miss the great friends we left behind and the very unique and uplifting atmosphere that we had at ACU. Abilene Christian University was a family to us and for that, we will be eternally grateful. 

Good Luck ACU Wildcats, keep your eyes on the goal and your hearts committed to God.  This IS your year to take it all.  We are praying for you and are hoping for the BEST!!

a few game pictures from Jordan G.

 Clayton's Defensive Line

 busy at work...

 Me and the girls at the game

 Sweet little Madi face...

 Crazy Kaycin

Family picture after the game (Thanks Jordan)

So they didn't win...

...but they're not giving up! The Jaguars are now finished with their regular district play, but they are not DONE.  They have made the playoffs and move on next to play Southlake Carroll, Friday night at 7:30 at Northwest ISD Stadium. 

Clayton really enjoys the group of guys he has had the opportunity to coach during his first year of coaching high school ball.  They may not be the best defensive line out there, but they have a lot of heart and play their butts off for a coach they have come to love.  They practice hard, they study hard, and they give 100% when it comes to GAMETIME. 

I have really enjoyed getting to know this group of guys and have especially enjoyed the connection that the guys have with Clayton.  Clayton has enjoyed his first year of high school ball and all of the things he has learned over the course of the season.  But what I love most about his commitment to his job is the fact that he wants to make a positive impact on their lives. He wants to teach them way more than they could ever learn on a football field.  He wants to be a positive male role model that teaches integrity, respect, hard work, dedication, passion, technique, and life skills that will play important roles in their lives beyond football.

Clayton will never forget his first year as a high school coach and its all because of these guys...

For the District 8-5A Championship....

5A Texas Football Game of the Week (Week 10)

Allen @ Flower Mound

The Allen Eagles, fresh off their first loss of the season to Hebron (35-28), take on free-scoring Flower Mound in a winner-takes-all battle for the 8-5A district championship. Hebron also handed Flower Mound its only district loss to date on September 24th. The Jags have won five consecutive games since losing to Hebron. Allen was involved in four close games before last week, but could not find the winning margin against a Hebron team moving the ball at will. Turnovers kept the score down.
Flower Mound leads the state with an average of 52.6 points scored per game, and the Jag attack will provide the sternest of tests for a vulnerable Allen defense. The good news for the Eagles is they’ll matched against a Flower Mound defense ranking as one of the state’s worst at 43.7 points allowed. Points are guaranteed in any match-up featuring Flower Mound this season. The question for Allen’s offense, led by junior RB Jonathan Williams, will be whether or not they can keep up. It has taken 58 and 69 points respectively to beat the Jags in their two losses this season. Allen’s high point total of the year so far came in a 49-14 win over Lewisville. Flower Mound, led by prolific senior QB Paul Millard, has topped 50 points five times so far. Allen is a slight favorite due to Williams’ ability to eat up yards on the ground. The Eagles’ running may take a possession or two away from Flower Mound’s offense and ultimately make the difference on the scoreboard.
by: 5A Texas Football

LETS GO FLOWER MOUND JAGUARS!!!!

Happy Halloween '10

 Madi- my not-so Wicked Witch!

 Kaycin- my Fairy Princess

 Shes got it down!

 Trick-or-Treating with daddy!

 Ready to get some CANDY!!

Daddy was a great trick-or-treating partner!

And we are back...

After almost two years, and now, two kids later, I am finally starting to blog again.  We have a new look and a new name. Thanks to my lack of brain cells, I forgot my old blogging info so this is the reason for the new one.  Two years ago, I began a blog about our, then, new baby, Kaycin Grace! Now, Clayton and I have two daughters, Kaycin Grace and Madilyn Faith.  And with these two girls comes one heck of an interesting story! 

Kaycin and Madi share the same birthday.  YES, the SAME birthday, exactly ONE year apart to the day! Kaycin was born on May 1, 2008 at 3:57pm and Madilyn was born on May 1, 2009 at 10:04am! When Kaycin was three months old we found out that we were pregnant with Madi.  All I can remember from that September evening after taking a POSITIVE pregnancy test, was throwing the test at Clayton and crying on the phone with my mom! I was NOT happy!! 

Madi was due on May 15th! It didn't take long after my crying spell, to get happy, actually overjoyed about adding another blessing to our family.  I actually enjoyed decorating a nursery with two cribs and semi-matching baby bedding! Then it came time to find out what we were having....Clayton, of course, wanting his boy! When the sonogram tech told us it was a girl...we were both a little shocked! Not that we didn't think it was possible to have another girl, we just thought a little baby brother would have been perfect! Plus, we had a boy name, and had used our girl name already!

Kaycin got her name from her two Grandmas (Nana and Mama K).  My moms name is Kay and Clayton's mothers name is Cindy.....Kay + Cin(dy) = Kaycin! Yes, we thought we were SOOO good and too creative!!  Then comes Madi's name.  I wish I could say that Madi's name had just as much creativity behind it, BUT, it didnt.  In fact, if you ask anyone in mine or Clayton's family, they will tell you that Madi's name came from mine and Claytons first dog.  She was a black lab and I named her Maddie because I was obsessed with the name at that time.  And so when it came time to pick a name for our surprise blessing, I strongly recommended the name Madilyn Faith, aka, Madi.  It could not fit her more.  

So now, here we are.  Its November 4, 2010 and I now have two girls, both in the terrible two stage!! I wouldn't say its terrible, however, but instead, INTERESTING! I am attempting potty training Kaycin, who now is 2 1/2.  And currently trying to ween Madi, 1 1/2, off of her pacifier! Life is great, definitely an adventure, and an everyday learning experience.  They are very close in age, yes, but even closer in love and friendship! They take care of each other, hug and kiss each other, and play hard together.  If you would have told me two years ago that this is how it all would have worked out.  I would have jumped up and down with JOY after seeing the positive result to that pregnancy test.  I would have done then what I do now, and that is, Thank Jesus everyday for the sisterhood they have, the closeness they share and the love they express to each other!

God is good and He knows what He is doing.  Those were the words from my mother when I called and told her about Madi.  She was right.  Madi was not a mistake, but instead a, planned by God, blessing.  Clayton and I find each other amazed at the blessings God has called us to parent.  Kaycin is our beautiful strong willed, big hearted, everything has a purpose, very particular, very smart, GREAT big sister.  Madi is our adorable sweet spirit, little aggressive, big smiles, funny faces, very talkative, very intuitive little sister. They love each other more than we could have ever hoped for and we love them more than we could ever have imagined! 

Being a parent is exciting, nerve racking, fulfilling, stressful, educating, indescribable, and tiring.....but most of all, it is PRICELESS! God IS good and He does know what He is doing!