best friends

I wasn't there to witness (and the hubs didn't record the scene...eh hem) but the story goes like this:

For a couple of weeks we had been telling Rylee that her Grandma (Mimi) was coming to visit, she was excited (understatement). Jeremy and Rylee drove to the airport and waited for her to arrive.  Her plane had come in and everyone was making there way down the escalator and over to the baggage claim. As soon as Jeremy spotted his mom, he pointed her out to Rylee. Without a blink Rylee took off in full toddler sprint across the airport baggage claim squealing with excitement and arms spread open wide to greet her beloved Mimi. A moment straight out of some sappy Folgers commercial. Rylee loves her Mimi.

From that moment, and like all other visits, they have been inseparable. They play all day long, anything and everything.

We love Mimi.

until next time,
Brit

run.

I hope this moves you, as it did me.

until next time,
Brit

Call me Martha

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but only one thing is needed.^[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

We like to have people into our home, we do so on a very regular basis - we feed the youth group every Wednesday evening, we have friends over for lunch after church on Sundays, host singing nights, game nights, and any other excuse we can find to invite people in we like to do so. Going along with inviting people into our home goes preparing our home: cooking, cleaning (and keeping it clean).

I will be completely honest, in the midst of preparations a lot of times I question myself, doubt myself, and totally lose my cool while wondering "why in the world am I doing this? Why am I working to feed 15 hungry teenagers while trying to nurse a baby, kiss an invisible owie and shove all of our dirty laundry into a closet nobody will look in?" ... I always find the answer after everyone has left, when I am still in one piece begging God to forgive my childish attitude and thanking Him for an opportunity to be surrounded by brothers and sisters who share a common likeness in Christ. I do it because the benefits far outweigh my irritating desire and frustrations when I fail to live up to Martha Stewart’s expectations.

When I read the passage from Luke 10:38 I am overwhelmingly convicted because when I place myself there, I am Martha. While everyone around me was sitting at the Lord's feet listening to what he said Brittani was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made...

How many times have I been so distracted by meaningless things that I forget to take part in the One thing that is needed?

I want to be the woman sitting at the Lord’s feet listening and soaking up all He has for me, even if dinner is burnt, the house is a mess, and I haven’t washed my hair in days, I will choose the one thing that is needed, the one thing that cannot be taken away from me.

Thankful for God’s gentle reminders.

Until next time,
Brit

did ya miss us?!

making play dough, learning to count, laughing, cooking dinners, playing with our friends, watching football games, smiling, playing in our playhouse, hiking, building sand castles, hopscotch, eating watermelon, cross country meets, painting, camping, swinging, running through sprinklers, mother's day out, singing, coloring, jumping, going down the slide...

Just a few of the many things we've been busy with that I wish I could elaborate on.

Hope you can forgive my predictable negligence! Aren't these kids cute?!

until next time (and who knows when that might be...)
Brit

Luke warm & Loving it

I have watched this, and re-watched this. A message I need to here over and over again. I hope you will take a few moments to listen to this very serious message.

until next time,
Brit

2!

On Saturday we had Rylee's bithday party to celebrate her turning 2! We went with an art theme this year... Rylee is a budding artist. For sure.

Aunt Heather came up with the design for her invites and Rylee did the watercolor on it. So each person recieving an invite, also recieved an original "Rylee" !

Decorating for the party was a breeze because all of the decor also served a purpose - Paint, Create, and Decorate! We had a table designated for painting, one for coloring, and one for playing with clay.

Guests were also able to decorate their own cupcakes!

There was a face painting table set up so guests could have their face painted by the other artist in the family - dada.

All of the treats and goodies followed the color theme... as well as following the preference of the birthday girl. Candy.

Rylee decorated her cake, all by herself. An abstract piece of art. Delicous too. That was one of the biggest highlights of the whole day, as she sat at her little table and listened as eveyrone sing Happy Birthday to her. The expression on her face was priceless!

One of my favorite things from the party was Ry's "Guest Book" - rather than having people just sign a line in a blank book we picked out a fun new book for Ry for everyone to sign. Now she has another book to add to her collection that also has sweet messages from loved ones written inside.

We all had a great time at Ry's party, she was elated to have friends and family all there to celebrate her big day. So very hard to believe that our little girl is a 2 year old!

until next time,
Brit

be still

Often times when Rylee is being particularly tooty, or (and) Jackson seems to cry nonstop unless you are moving in some strange choreographed rhythm I will joke by saying “I must have prayed for patience today…” because indeed I am being pushed to grow in that area. Though perhaps I am being tried in patience I think that there is something else that God is trying to say in those moments.

I know I am not the only mama out there that will agree, it seems like kids have this amazing sixth sense about knowing just when to present you with a challenge. Usually this happens when I am in the middle of doing the dishes, preparing bible class, paying bills, cooking supper, folding clothes and trying to make a break to the potty for only the second time that day. Yes, patience is a very desirable trait to attain at those moments. But I think, for me at least, God is saying “Be Still”. My world is closer to crumbling at those moments I get frustrated and continue to push to get my to-do list accomplished.

Instead, if I take a moment to sit with Rylee and color, play with babies, or read a story I am reminded that I am unbelievably blessed.  If I take the opportunity to sit in the recliner and just rock Jackson until he is asleep in my arms I am confronted with the fact that he is going to be the 2 year old in just the blink of an eye.

Perhaps we are given those stressful shirt tugging, baby crying moments to learn how to be more patient, but maybe, God is instead giving us those moments as a reminder to slow down, to step back, to “Be still”.

Be still and know that this sweet toddler is taking in all that you do.

Be still and know that it goes way too fast.

Be still and know that they are a blessing to enjoy.

Be still and know that we will look back and be sad that it’s over.

Be still and know the truly valuable things entrusted to us.

Be still and know to praise Him for these blessings.

Be still and know that we are not guaranteed a tomorrow.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

For myself slowing down is probably a much larger challenge than seeking patience.  But rather than seeing those moments as a challenge, a trial, or a struggle, I think that they are given to us as a blessing. A blessing to take a moment to enjoy what we have, to take a minute to sit down… after all aren’t we so often asking for just a minute to sit down?! What a blessing!

Thankful.

Until next time,

Brit

new neighbors

All spring I have heard tiny little tweets coming from somewhere in our carport. This week we discovered that we have new neighbors!

There is a cute little family of five residing in a post in our carport! We have spent a lot of time outside and have seen the mama bird and papa bird fly in and out bringing in food for their three tiny little baby birds.

The mama bird is constantly in and out getting food for her babies, and those babies are constantly crying with their mouths wide open waiting for the next feeding (this situation very closely resembles what is taking place in our own house right now.)

It was so fun to point the birds out to Rylee and see her reaction. Once she sees them she'll tell you over and over again, "baby" "bird" "eat"

cool huh?!

until next time,
Brit

a tour

Welcome to Jackson's room!

Jackson likes all of his giraffes. And he especially likes his cool green crib. The pattern on his wall is my favorite.

His furniture is all re-vamped from big sister Rylee.

We found fun prints of scrapbook paper that we liked and put them on display with some scrapbook frames. Toys and stuffed animals from loved ones are on display as well.

His shelf was re-created with some paint, and fun fabric.

Wall art is also a re-creation, I used an old canvas and covered it with fabric then stitched a giraffe into it.

More giraffes to display. And his bear from Fayrene, we love her bears!

Jackson's Verse: "Do not Fear..." Isaiah 41:10

Jeremy picked the fabric and I sewed his window valances.

It was so much fun working on Jackson's room, (long nights and a million coats of paint later) We are so excited with how it turned out.

until next time,

Brit

a name story

To many people's frustrations we do not share baby names until their arrival. We did this with Rylee, and followed tradition with Jackson.

We chose the name Jackson as a variation of the name Jack.  My Grandpa has a very special place in my heart, and his name was Jack.  Dean comes from Jeremy's dad, who Jeremy also gets his middle name from.

It's very special to us that both of our children carry on the names of people that have been so important and impactful in our lives.

until next time,
Brit

Jackson Dean, a birth story

Tuesday June 12^th we had an appointment with the midwife.  Our 41 week appointment.  In my mind I didn’t imagine us going to our 41 week appointment… at least not still pregnant.  While visiting with our midwives we talked about having my membranes stripped… (This may be a good point to insert a cautionary warning: this is a birth story, I’ll be discrete, but I’m going to be honest, if you are squeamish or unsure about what birth in tales, you may like to just scroll through to the pictures)

So, we decided that we would go ahead and have my membranes stripped and see if that would give things a bit of a kick start. We left the midwife, ran a few errands in town and then headed back home. Soon after leaving the midwife I began having some crampy contractions, nothing intense, but much more noticeable and uncomfortable than the contractions I had been experiencing the entire week before.

Back home I kept myself occupied and tried to keep my mind off the contractions I was already having by  making dinner and  cleaning up around the house.  In my mind I knew that these contractions were different, these ones were just the beginning but distraction is what I needed so we decided to go for a walk. It was a beautiful comfortable evening, just getting ready to storm. 

I relaxed in the bathtub before going to bed around midnight. Sleep was hard to come by as I was becoming more and more uncomfortable.  By 2 that morning I was completely awake, and starting to admit that this was real. I spent some time back in the bath trying to rest and not wanting to think about the reality of gearing up for this birth on less than 2 hours of sleep. We got in touch with our midwife and decided that we would start getting ready to head to the birth center. One of my biggest fears throughout the pregnancy was making the car ride into the birth center while in labor. My biggest coping method was movement and finding a comfortable position during each contraction – in the car that was impossible. We left the house that morning at 4:11. We were at the birth center at 4:34. I remember in the car ride reminding Jeremy at the beginning to just drive and not worry about me through the contractions – closer to the end of the ride I remember telling him to drive faster and just get there! There were lots of red lights… but I do not recall the car ever coming to a stop.

Once at the birth center I was able to move around through several contractions and then get into the tub.  Water was the biggest asset through the entire labor. I spent quite a bit of time in the tub, resting my head on a bath pillow in between contractions, then I made my way to the shower where I squatted on an exercise ball and used the hot water to relax throughout the now very painful and intense contractions.

Time was a lost concept throughout the entire morning. The last hours seemed an eternity. Our midwife checked to see my progress, which I was reluctant to have done because of my fear of lack of progress. (With Rylee I was in labor from 3am – 7pm before my water broke, and at 8pm I was dilated to ‘not quite a 2’.) Our midwife did an internal exam and said that I was at a 7! Such a good number to here! … But my water had still not been broken. The midwife waited for a contraction then broke my water so that the baby’s head would be able to descend down and get on with it!

I made my way back to the shower where I spent several more contractions on the exercise ball working to get the baby to descend farther down. Before moving back to the tub the midwife checked once more to see my progress, I was fully dilated, but my water had not been fully broken.  So the baby was not able to get through the bag of waters to start making his way out.

I got back into the tub and began pushing before having any urge to, just to encourage his head to push through the bag of waters, and so the real pushing could start.  Contractions continued to become stronger, more intense, and harder to work through. I was exhausted and had already emptied what few contents remained in my stomach, so I labored on nothing but the encouragement and support of Jeremy and amazing midwives.

Out of the tub again and pushing, my water finally actually broke. From that point it got very serious. And as I have been told, I got very (very) loud.

As my confidence, patience, and pain tolerance started to go downhill I remember being told over and over again, “You just have to get mad, and push him out.” With that encouragement, and a cup of ice coke I was somehow able to find enough strength to push through the pain, and deliver our sweet baby Jackson. He was immediately placed on me and I was overcome with emotion. Joy, relief, excitement, pride, love... I actually did it, I was holding my baby.

Jackson Dean was born at 8:08 that morning; he weighed 8 lbs. and 9 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. We spent the rest of the morning cuddling our sweet new baby boy.  I was exhausted but elated and feeling better than even after some of my races in the past. We all cleaned up and were then on our way home before noon.  We stopped off by sonic and grabbed a treat for the awaiting big sister at home and were on our way.

Rylee has embraced her little brother and fallen in love. She is the biggest little helper and loves to be of assistance in whatever way she can…especially in the fashion department.

Our entire pregnancy and birth experience was a dream.  I am so thankful for the amazing experience that we had.  I can’t imagine now having gone through this anywhere but with our midwives at the birth center.

Going from a family of 3 to a family of 4 has been such a blessing. We are all falling in love all over again. God is so good.

until next time,
Brit

this week

a glimpse of our week...

until next time,
Brit

ps: birth story on its way

VBS

Last week we had our anual Vacation Bible School! Our theme this year was Super Hero's of the Bible. We had a great turn out of kiddo's & parents too! On the last day we invited the entire community out to a BBQ right after our last session, it was an incredible way to wrap up the week & reach out to some of those in the community!

Rylee thought she was pretty special getting to stand up and lead all of the songs with dad...

As a reward for the group that grew the most, they got to all throw a pie in Jeremy's face. It was very rewarding for us all!

It seems as though exhausting and rewarding go hand in hand. And that is exactly what last week was! Looking forward to next year!

until next time,

Brit

guilty

I am sure you are not surprised at my long time delay of getting a post out there... I am also that person that doesn't text you back until 4 hours later, or notice a voicemail until the next day, or check our mail well, Jer has just completely taken over that little chore because I am horrible at it.

Anyways!

We are all still here. And I am still pregnant. But getting closer! Just about 20 days away now... or really whenever he decided to make his grand entrance!

A very very dear friend of mine recently had her second sweet little baby (at the midwife also - go her!) Even though she is totally super woman (and has still managed to get out like a bazillion posts) she mentioned that she is going to set back her blogging to just one post a week to better fulfill her mommy duties... (EPIPHANY!)

I have realized about myself that when I stare at my huge 98 item to-do list, I typically get none of it done... but when I write out just a few of the things I want to accomplish for the day I can usually (definitely not always) get them done. I think the same thing is true with this blog. I feel like I have been so super behind on updating everyone on all of the here's and there's taking place that I don't update at all! So new goal... I will try to give a weekly update on the excitement of the Sigle home. I may or may not be meeting that goal, but either way it gives me a much more manageable approach to keeping this thing afloat.

So quick update... We are up to our eyeballs in everything VBS! We planned to have our VBS the week before my 'due date'. Awesome! We are super excited about this year!

until next time,
Brit

busy.

I hate hearing myself always use the phrase "We've been busy" but I'm going to use it again, and to be honest it feels like an understatement.

Life has been a whirlwind lately, between ministry, work, and our growing to-do list before the baby arrives we have been in constant go mode. (blogging has been on the list, but at the bottom.) The month of May looks just as busy as the rest of 2012 has looked, only difference is that this month I'm seeing it through the eyes of a 36 week pregnant lady (substitute pregnant with: tired, irritable, uncomfortable, etc.)

We have seen the inside of a hotel room every month this year and May is going to follow the trend. I'm really not complaining about that... I like hotels, they clean up after you and usually have a better breakfast than I prepare. I will complain about the hours spent in a car. I hate swollen feet.

According to the big day countdown app I have on my phone we have only 37 days until baby Mr. will be here! I am soo very ready, and soo very not all at the same time.

Perhaps some day I will give you a look inside to some of the busy projects that have been soaking up our time lately!

until next time,
Brit

PS: Rylee has only grown smarter, cuter, and even more sweet in the lapse of time I have ignored updating you all. Perhaps more to come about all of that as well!

28

I am currently 32 week into this pregnancy. Wow time flies.

These pictures, however, are at 28 weeks...I am never on time.

Aside from the aches and pain increasing in my lower back everyday this pregnancy couldn't be better! I can feel little Mr. moving constantly which is such wonderfully reassuring feeling.

The time is quickly approaching! We are so excited!

until next time,

Brit