2012....year in review

Like everyone else, I am always in awe that yet another year has passed.  I look back at 2012 and I am truly grateful.  That is not to say that this year has not had it share of tears, anger, disappointment, and at times confusion; but all in all it has been a year full of blessings.

Jason continues to work at Details Communications and truly loves what he does.  There are days when it is hard and the past few years have taken their toll financially, but there are a lot of people who cannot say they love what they do…he does and that is worth everything to us.  I listen to him on phone conversations day to day and think…these people don’t realize how amazing he is.  Humble is a word that sums Jason up, whether in work, home, talents or other items he is not one to blow his horn…I need to do that more (2013!)  Jason continues to feed his love for basketball as he gets up one morning a week to play and then plays one or two evenings during the week as well (he would love to play more).  Gone are the days of getting up every morning, but he CHOOSES to be here, to sit down and have breakfast with the girls and me every morning.  He continues to be the girls’ choice for someone to marry when they play…I am so grateful for their role model…how blessed.

Reese is now moving closer and closer to being 6 (February 13^th) and she is very excited about that.  She started Kindergarten this year, in a half-day program and I am so glad we went that direction.  I love having one more year with extra time with her.  She started at a new school but has not missed a beat.  She thrives in school, loves her friends, adores her teachers and is making huge strides in reading.  I treasure the 45-60 minutes she and I spend together most days, while her sisters are napping.  She is the athlete extraordinaire as she continues to excel in gymnastics and ballet…and daily asks to do more activities.  Reese is a wonderful big sister, at times a little bossy, but they adore her. She is full of life and energy (which on some days can take it out of me) but I love who she is and am praying daily that God continues to mold her bold but tender heart.

Hadley, now almost 3 ½ seems nothing of the sort.  While she has her share of meltdowns (boy does she) her vocabulary and conversation will blow you away.  I am in constant awe of the way her mind works…it never stops and she does not miss a thing.  Hadley has so much love to give and I am so grateful for the almost daily leg hug and whisper of “mommy…I love you”. Hadley started three-year-old preschool this year; at the same school Reese attends.  There is really nothing better than watching them walk hand in hand, or side by side into school on the mornings they go together.  Hadley too, loves school and she knows more about her friends than they probably know about themselves.  She has also taken up ballet…and while she loves to dance…her favorite part for sure is dressing like a ballerina…she is my girly girl.  Hadley is in her own world for sure, but I continue to pray that God brings her heart toward His so she can shower His love on others as she does her own.

Brynlee, our sweet baby, has moved into the 2’s before arriving there by age.  She is just 2 months shy of the 2 year celebration...but you would never know it.  She has followed in her sister’s footsteps as far as conversation goes, but Brynlee beats to her own drum, as she should.  I joke that she was the most laid back baby for the first 16 months…and then, wow she was screaming to be in on the action.  She adores her sisters and does everything they do…even if it means climbing whatever is around to do it.  Brynlee loves her music time and can sing most preschool songs when she is willing…she loves the music to be on in the car and is always humming a tune.  Bedtime is so sweet with our Bryn she always gives everyone a big hug, kiss, says goodnight and waits until her sisters say it back…and then it is off for a book, a song…then not a peep…she is so good.

This year for me has been different, I took an 8-week “interim” position at our church…that after almost 10 months I decided to finally say yes and take the job permanently.  I am leading the preschool children’s ministry in a part-time position.  While this has never been a job I ever dreamed of doing or saw myself in, it has been a blessing.  We love our church and serving in this capacity has only increased that love.  I am lucky to really only be away from the girls early Sunday mornings to setup and Monday mornings for staff meeting.  Jason continues to be my husband/dad of the universe as he takes care of all three girls every Sunday morning; breakfast, dressed for church, hair done, teeth brushed, house clean and to church on time (early to serve 2x month) every Sunday.  I am truly blessed by him.  I continue to love being at home with my girls and don’t wish a different scenario for anything…yes, there are days that I long for time by myself but these years are so precious and I am grateful for this time.

As the Beckners move into 2013, Jason and I have talked about pushing the boundaries of our family.  It has seemed strange to us, but in the last few years of having children; we have become too comfortable in our daily routine so we are praying that God will challenge us to the uncomfortable and that we will push the boundaries of serving others first (inside and outside of our family) this year.  There are things that have happened in both of our families that we would not wish on anyone, but we both agree that it has given us eyes and hearts beyond ourselves and we don’t want to waste that.  My amazing mother has always said, “God doesn’t waste anything” and to that I agree and say thank you Lord…even through disappointment, illness, heartbreak, turmoil, death or whatever it may be for you or me.  I read the other day, “ Some of us are meant to persevere in hardship and learn strength that way”; there are days I say for myself and others close… “can’t I (we) learn it another way?!”

With all of that said, we live in a country where freedom still reigns and I pray for it daily!  Jason and I both have jobs that we love, children we adore, family that loves on us, friends that forgive our lack of communication and a God who NEVER LEAVES!  Forgive me for the long letter, but here’s to a wonderful 2013!

Love,

Jason, Lauren, Reese, Hadley and Brynlee Beckner

ChristMAAAAAASSSS!!!

Well, that is how Christmas feels right now...loud and crazy.  Don't get me wrong we had an incredible time and the girls loved every moment, but sometimes it gets to be a little much.  We started our Christmas journey on the 19th...traveled to St. Louis then over to Kansas City...a few rounds of family there, back to St. Louis a pit stop in Birmingham to breath for 24 hours then onto Atlanta...and we are finally home...!

We arrived home on Christmas Eve around 7pm, just in time for quick dinner and then the annual chocolate fondue.

As you can see it was a hit!

It was nice to sleep in our own beds and to wake up Christmas morning.  Reese woke up first around 7:20 and woke Hadley, they were dying to go out into the living room...but Bryn was still sleeping. So, a little before 8:00 we let them wake her up.  

Two excited girls and one little sleepy head waiting to see what presents await

Pausing for a picture after digging into their stockings

The girls big present a dollhouse...it has been lots of fun!

 We got up on the 26th, and loaded up to head over to Atlanta.  Bebe welcomed us with a fantastic fondue dinner of chicken, steak and shrimp...and of course chocolate fondue!

 Little Miss Bryn excited by Bebe's tree

 The girls and their Bebe

 This picture is so telling of their personalities.  Reese with a little smirk smile, Hadley smiling (right after having a bit of a melt down...my sweet baby) and wild Brynlee

Reese posing with her American Girl Doll and keeping warm by Bebe's fire

Hadley giving a thumbs up to Aunt Ashley for the delicious cake treat she brought for them...she knows the way to make these girls smile!

Something I always look forward to when coming to Atlanta is a night out with my friends from high school.  People are always amazed that we have stayed in touch...I consider myself very lucky to have spent a good portion of high school and beyond with these people!  I wish I could take credit for keeping in touch...but Gina is the glue for sure!

Great food...but better company!

Annual visit with Aunt B and Uncle Steve...not a great pic (sorry) but Reese was pretty wound up...this is the best one I got!  

We had a great time as always, seeing my mom, dad, sister, grandmother and lots of friends.  We headed back home tonight...and it is good to be home.  There was about an hour where all three of the girls were in different rooms just quietly playing by themselves (they were all worn out).  We ate, took baths and they were all in bed by 7:45...not a peep since.  They did so well with all the traveling...we added it up and we were in the car 32 plus hours...they were wonderful through it all.

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as well.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!  One of my favorite parts of the season is the daily opening of Christmas cards...we have a huge display around our kitchen window...thank you for helping us decorate!  We love getting to focus on you.

Our girls have changed so much this year...we continue to pray over them and to ask for God's guidance as we continue our journey as parents.  What a wonderful season to try and get our girls to see the bigger picture of loving on others and seeing the best gift ever given...our savior and our salvation.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Christmas in Missouri

Here it comes...tons of pictures from our Christmas travels to Missouri...a lot of time in the car...but worth every moment spent with family we miss and love.  

Probably one of the best Christmas presents was the fact that it SNOWED!  While most of our family in Missouri are used to lots of snow...this family was sooo excited...Birmingham does not get much snow!

Daddy and Reese taking the first few steps in the winter wonderland

 Uncle Chris and Brynlee joined in...but after a face plant in the snow Bryn was done!

 This Christmas trip was exciting for many reasons...one of them being able to get our hands on the newest addition...little Nolan (or BabyNooooolan as Bryn calls him)

 Another big treat was the girls getting to see their cousins from Washington...here is little Ava (2 1/2) with Bryn.

 Uncle Chris always ups the excitement level...Reese over the shoulder and about to get Skyler

 Aunt Joyce always has the perfect Christmas house...every room filled with warmth and Christmas decorations...she did leave one of the trees in the basement empty for the girls to decorate...oh what fun!

 As usual, the Beckner girls kept a front row seat as Aunt Joyce whipped up one delicious meal after another.  

 Love for Cousin Nolan..he is so cute...and tolerated a lot this

Rub-a-dub-dub, five cute girls in Aunt Joyce's tub!

Jason and his sisters (Andrea and Tara)...I am so grateful for my sisters-in-law!  I think they helped to make Jason the loving husband and father he is today! 

(and yes we are praying the beard goes away soon)

The little cousins all together

Aunt Joyce, Nolan and Brynlee (learning to share a lap)

We headed over the Aunt Sharon's house for more fun...and snowballs!

 The Littles all together (cousins and second cousins) with Grandma Shirla

 Aunt Sharon and the girls...she has setup a great playroom and I think they tore it up!

 Snow, snow, snow

 Lost little raccoon in the snow

Reese and Hadley's mission: get snow down Daddy's shirt

Back at Aunt Joyce's, she had a photographer come to take pictures of everyone...such a great idea!  

Grandpa and Barb with all of their children and grandchildren

 The whole clan
(I kept it to myself...because I did not want them to figure it out...but isn't it wonderful how everyone is wearing Georgia bulldog colors...I knew I would rub off)

 These little cuties again...our ploy to get Brynlee to stay in the picture was to tell her to kiss Nolan...and she did...and again, and again...he is in trouble!

We loaded up the car and headed back south to make it to the Beckner House in time for Christmas at our house!  Thank you family for a wonderful Christmas...I am sure things are quiet there now!  :)  Thank you for loving on us...the girls will be back to the reality of just mom and dad to play with now...they will miss all the love from Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, second cousins and cousins!

Some Christmas

A little peak into some Christmas fun!

The girls in a most favorite dress from Aunt Caitlin and Uncle Jonathan 

(let's be honest they are from Caitlin...sorry J)

 Hanging out with the talking frosty at Zoo lights Safari!

 Brynlee Noel...

 The girls always fight over who gets to ride on daddy's shoulders

 Sitting with Santa...Reese and Hadley love it...Brynlee just tolerates Santa!

Lots more celebrating and family time to come.  Merry Christmas to all of you!

22 months

I just have to do a little update on our Brynlee!  I feel my "baby" slipping away as she is slowly approaching 2 years old!  Bryn is so full of life she makes our house so much fun!  She has been talking for awhile...(like all of the Beckner girls) but at this stage...there is literally NOTHING she can not or does not say!

Brynlee loves to wave to everyone...when we leave anywhere, grocery store, bank, drugstore, ect. she blows kisses to everyone as we walk out the door...people love it!   She amazes me with the things she says (that is what happens when you have two older sisters).  I was telling her to wait for a second the other day and I accidentally called her sissy (which is what we call Reese) and she very plainly said, "I not Sissy mommy!" She will tell you her birthday is in Febwary...and on the 10th...and then grin ear to ear that she will be 2!

She loves to dress up and even more she loves to wear her sisters shoes and daddy's shoes!  She will come around the corner in Jason's running shoes and say "look mommy, I daddy".  She adores her sisters and gets so excited when we pick them up from school.  She always tries to carry their school bags...and of course she blows kisses to their teachers when we leave.  Sitting in the rocking chair in her room with her sisters reading...it has started happening a lot over the past few months...and I love it!

She still takes her long nap in the afternoon and sometimes she can not wait until we get home.  Brynlee has so much hair...as far as the Beckner girls go...but it is thick and not super long...she we have started with some piggy tails.  They look more like sprouts coming from the side of her head...but they are really cute!

See...aren't they cute!

She is so much like her sisters in that she can eat anything...and she does!  She likes to do exactly what they are doing...jumping, laughing, yelling, saying "shake your booty"...yes, we are very proud of that one!  Bryn loves to sing and to dance...she has been singing "frosty the snowman" and "jingle bells" nonstop for the past 3 weeks.  Every night we sing "Jesus Loves Me", "ABC's" and "You are My Sunshine"I love hearing her little voice sing with me...something I hope I never forget!

Just a little update before our baby turns 2 in a few months!  We love you Bryn!