Belle's Bows

I have always thought there is nothing cuter than a little girl with a bow in her hair as big as her head. :) I started making bows for my step-daughter many years ago, my nieces over the years, and recently for my little girl Anna Belle. Now I am excited to be able to share my love of making little girl's accessories with each of you! I make all sorts of hairbows, flower bows, clips, and more and sell them for very reasonable prices to all. I am excited to share my business and facebook page with each of you and look forward to accessorizing your little girls. (Click here for the facebook page.) I am constantly adding different styles and options, so be sure to check back often and please suggest the facebook page to your friends!  

UK Hairbow

Flower Hairbow



Fabric Flower Hairbow



Multi-Ribbon Hairbow

You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up!

I am so incredibly humbled and amazed by the Power of Prayer. Normally, I am a private person about problems and situations that bother me. Back in February of this year, I felt led to post some of the things Allan and I went through with the twins, especially Brody and his stroke. I put my fears and thoughts of what people would think on the back burner and shared from the heart. (This post can be read by clicking here if you're interested and haven't read it before.) The outpour from friends and family with their prayers and inspiring stories was overwhelming. As you can read from that post- Brody accomplished HUGE milestones within a few days of posting on the blog. I pray that God blesses each and every one of you for your prayers for Brody and our situation.

Brody back in February '10- nine months

Yesterday, I shared an update on Brody and his therapy sessions (click here to read). Sometimes I get lost in these blogs and go off in my own little world sharing what I feel (my husband often makes fun of me for my randomness when I tell stories :). I don't know why I share such personal stuff for everyone to read other than I feel led to, and I guess it's my "therapy" in dealing with Brody's situation.

Currently, Brody occasionally takes one step but only with his left foot. It is very small and he usually falls afterwards, but it's been the greatest and most inspiring thing to watch. He doesn't have enough strength in his left hip to pick up his right foot and transfer the weight over to take another step. The physical therapist showed me exercises to help strengthen the muscles in his hip on that left side, and this morning I got reassurance that they are paying off... :)

Brody & the Physical Therapist pushing Belle during a session

This morning the twins were playing in the playroom and I brought in a snack of Goldfish. All of a sudden, Brody stood up where he was at took FOUR steps towards me with BOTH feet- BRODY WALKED!!!! I immediately ran to the phone to call Allan and tell the good news, then ran back in and tried to get him to do it again :). He did it three more times! Bless his little heart, he was grunting through it all as he picked up each foot like he was carrying 100lb weights- but he did it! Praise God for answered prayers!

Click here to watch a short clip of him walking :)

The hardest thing to practice is patience, and know that God answers prayers on His time, not on Rachel's time- He is in control. I pray Brody's story can touch people and bring them closer to God. We still have a ways to go in Brody's developmental journey, but what an amazing journey it has been thus far! I know I post this a lot, but I cannot express how much your continued prayers mean to me and my family. God hears them, I feel them, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

Update on Mr. Brody

On one hand, it's hard to believe that it has been six months since Brody started receiving Physical and Occupational Therapy through the First Steps Program, but on the other hand it seems like it has been a year! I love Brody's therapists, how they work with him, and everything they've taught him (and me) along the way to try to help strengthen and progress him to normal development. I would be lying, though, if I didn't say this whole process was frustrating. I work with Brody on different tasks and strengthening exercises over and over, day-in-and-day-out, with little to no progress and I can't help but feel defeated. I am the most impatient person in the world and Brody's delays have been the best (and hardest) medicine for me to overcome and learn to have patience in his development and life in general. All this being said, in my eyes Brody truly is PERFECT. His is one of the greatest blessings that I am so thankful for and feel unworthy to deserve. He has opened my eyes to a whole new world- a happier world, where most people (including myself) take for granted.

Last week Brody had his six month evaluation with the therapists and our service coordinator. Both therapists feel it is necessary for Brody to continue receiving treatment to progress him towards a normal development. During this meeting, I also expressed concern in Brody's speech and communication levels. This morning a speech therapist came out to evaluate Brody to see if he was considered "delayed" in this area to qualify for speech therapy. During an evaluation, the therapist will ask a ton of questions, have me interact with Brody, then the therapist will work with him for a while to see what he can and cannot do. They fill out their forms through the process, tally their scores later at their office, then my service coordinator will call to let me know the outcome.

Today, the speech therapist told me she knew he qualified before she left the evaluation. She told me not to be alarmed when his results come back very low, and that we would definitely add this service to his list of therapies. This may sound odd to you, but I was relieved to know that he did not pass. Brody communicates very little with anyone and his levels of frustration are growing because he cannot express what he wants. The hardest thing for me to do is watch him when he is frustrated at this older age and try to figure out what he needs. I am excited for the opportunity to learn how to work with him and help him communicate!

So this is where we are- he'll now receive services from three different therapists. I am so grateful to be home with him during this process and have no clue how parents balance work and therapy services with their children who are similar or require more than Brody. Brody and his therapies keep me extremely busy (not to mention the other kiddos) but I am very excited and grateful for these ladies who are helping him progress to his perfect normalcy.

When I start to get discouraged about Brody not being to society's standards of normal, God is quick to remind me that this life on Earth is SO VERY temporary and it will feel like a blink of an eye compared to our eternity in Heaven. Even if Brody ends up having lasting delays in this life- he was made Eternally Perfect by our Heavenly Father and will run, jump, play, and communicate his heart out one day in Heaven. I thank God for His guidance and Peace that passes all understanding... I covet your continued prayers for Brody's development, and that God will grant me patience in helping Brody the best ways I can.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Busy and Exciting Week

Last week was busy, fun, and exciting with lots of new things! Monday night was Braden's school Orientation where he got to meet his teacher, new friends, and see his classroom. While we were at Orientation, my mom fixed a big dinner for my and my brother's family. We had everything from steak and fresh corn on the cob to "back-to-school" decorated cupcakes. My mom went all out and it was wonderful! Thanks Mom! On Tuesday, Braden, Belle, Brody, and I decided we should hit up the pool for the last weekday it was open this Summer. The dishes were in the sink, there was laundry that needed done, etc. etc., but I decided to throw all that to the wind and enjoy a day with my kids. I think I made a Great choice :)

Standing in front of Braden's school on his first day of 1st Grade

Wednesday was the big day back to school; my baby boy was actually a first grader! Braden wanted everyone to take him to school, so that's just what we did. We got up early, packed everyone up, and headed to Lansdowne to see him off on his first day. I just can't believe he is this old.

Molly at Orientation. She has her own locker this year!

Thursday night was Molly's Orientation at her new school, Saints Peter and Paul. Her mom decided to switch schools this year, so Molly was both excited and nervous as we started getting ready to go. She picked out her outfit complete with shark teeth earrings and even a hair bow. After Molly's Orientation, we stopped by Sonic to celebrate with Campfire Blast Blizzards, milkshakes, and cherry slushies (my current obsession). Oh, and I have to give a big shout out to my preggo sister-in-law, Jamie, for spending the entire evening watching the twins, along with her 23 month old and seven year old, so we could see Molly's new school!

 Friday morning was exciting because it was the day my brother and sister-in-law found out if they were having a boy or a girl! She invited me along to the ultra-sound, which of course I was estatic about, and I got to see the little booger on the big screen :). They were hoping for a boy, and that's just what they're getting! The ultrasound tech started the process and said, "oh, it's a boy!". She could tell instantly (and I think my brother's head grew about 10 sizes :)

Belle with her protector :)

On Saturday, my college roommate was in town and she and her husband came over for breakfast. It was so nice to visit with them. They live a few hours away, so we don't get to see each other often and I really miss them! In the afternoon, the whole family headed back to the pool. It was nice to have Allan there so he could go down the slides and diving board with Braden. It's always hard to give Braden attention at the pool when I have the twins along with me. I do my best by hauling them both in the deeper part of the pool to see him do flips and swim around, but I don't have a free hand to splash around or actually play with him. We got home from the pool just in time for a big thunderstorm. We put the kiddos to bed and I hopped in a bubble bath with a book- it was pure heavenly bliss.

Brody playing in the sprinklers

Saturday evening, Allan was changing Molly's fish tank water in her room and when he lowered the water level, a ton of baby fish started swimming everywhere! He and Braden rushed to PetSmart to get a chamber to put in the water and save them from the big fish. By the time they got back, we were only able to save two :(, but they're doing great! Molly has been at her mom's and hasn't seen them yet- but I sent her pics. The first thing she usually does when she gets here is check on her fish, so I'm sure she is excited.

Molly's two "Molly breed" babies inside their chamber in the fishtank. They are about as big as the tip of my pinky finger nail- soo teeny!

As if all this commotion wasn't enough, Mr. Brody thought he'd shock us all by taking a step!!!!!! I was upstairs when I heard Allan yelling, "Rach, Brody took a step! Brody took a step!" I think Allan might have scared him half to death by yelling, but WOW, what an accomplishment! I was sad that I missed it (and have been trying to get him to do it again ever since with no luck) but it's such a relief to know that he CAN do it. What a blessing. Here's a little video trying to get it on camera after he did it, bribing him with everything inside the TV stand... sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aseG6DkCPy4

 We ended the week with the extra early Church Service (I'm so proud we're actually able to get everyone ready AND to church by 8:30am- it's a big accomplishment for us:) and then a trip to the Lexington Farmer's Market for some fresh fruit and veggies. After lunch, Braden and I took off to the pool (again? I know, he and I are pool rats :) with our neighbors. I have worked with Braden some on diving when I'm able at the pool and while we were in Florida, and today he mustered up the courage to do it off the diving board! He did really great with only one belly flop, and by the end was running and diving off the board. I am so thankful he is comfortable in the water and able to do these things.

Getting ready to dive.

     Welp, that wraps up our exciting week! This morning I'm playing catch up on laundry, dishes, and writing this blog while the twins nap. Oh, and this is what happens when you don't do laundry for a few days. Shew! I'm about to defeat it, I think... only three more loads :) I could hate the laundry, but I choose to look at it as being thankful for a big family and having these people in my life to do their laundry. Hope everyone has a great week and God Bless!

laundry, laundry, and more laundry... :)

All Good Things Must Come to an End...

This summer has, by far, been the best summer of my life! I can't describe how much I have enjoyed staying home with the kids. We've spent our fair share of time at the pool, took the twins on two big firsts this summer: a camping trip and to the beach. We've played outside way later than planned, roasted a gazillion s'mores in 90 degree weather :), had cookouts galore, and the list goes on... Needless to say, I love our big family! We have so much fun together simply doing nothing at all- those are the special times where memories are made to last a lifetime. Here are some pictures from our summer:

Braden started off the summer learning how to ride his bike without training wheels. As if that wasn't enough, he also got the courage to go off the diving board at the pool on the same day! Needless to say, he was bursting with pride this day, as were his momma and daddy.

We also had another exciting start to the summer as Anna Belle started taking her first steps.

One of many cookouts in our backyard- isn't my hubby cute in his UK apron? :)

The twins 1st camping experience was at Lake Rudolph next to Holiday World

They were born professional campers- or glampers (glamour campers), as we like to do it :)

Allan and Braden playing putt putt golf at the campground

Lake Rudolph was beautiful with the campsites overlooking the lake right next to Holiday World

Getting ready to head into Holiday World- it was our first time there, and it definitely won't be our last. That place is wonderful, especially with kids!

Beautiful and sweet Molly playing at her cousin's house during a birthday party

Allan and Braden taking a break from playing baseball out back. I always enjoy swinging outside watching the two of them play together. I cherish their father/son bond.

Belle's piggy's were painted for the first time this summer :)

the grandkids LOVED spending time at their Yaya and Lenny's house this summer

My baby boys enjoying a summer evening outside- oh how they melt my heart into pieces!

Our family on 4th of July. We had a picnic in our backyard with our neighbors and had a such wondeful evening!

Molly was proud of her 4th of July cake- she did a super job!

Braden making circles with the sparklers- thought this picture turned out really neato

love this picture of Molly enjoying a s'more- so happy :)

The twins first trip to the beach. Brody was in pure heaven, eating all the sand he could shovel in his mouth and seeing how far he could go into the waves without one of us dragging him back. Belle, being a little lady, did not care for the ickiness of the sand (like her momma), but loved the waves and the openness to run as she pleased.

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Eat Mor Chikin...

     Once a year, Chick-Fil-A has an event, Cow Appreciation Day, where every person who dresses fully like a cow gets a complete meal for free. Well, I already LOOOVE everything about Chick-Fil-A: their customer service is outstanding, their waffle fries are to die for, the chicken is great, and last but not least- the Polynesian Sauce is pure heaven! It just doesn't get much better (in the fast food department) than Chick-Fil-A in my book!

     This was our second year to participate in the event. Anyone who knows me, knows I love this kind of thing... acting goofy, dressing crazy, and getting rewarded for it (free food)- what's not to love? My only goal in participating is not to spend a penny on our costumes- either borrow or get creative. Luckily, today was a rainy day so that's just what Braden and I did- got creative! Our living room looked like a kindergarten class/craft shop today as we prepared our five costumes for the outing.

     We walked into Chick-Fil-A and were greeted by the corporate ladies who take your picture with the Chick-Fil-A Cow. As we started to pose with the cow, one of the ladies said, "Oh my gosh, are these the twins who were dressed in spotted onesies last year?" All three of them remembered us, and were amazed to see how our three children had grown. I pulled up our picture from last year to see the change, and Wow! Take a look for yourself! Can't wait to see how much they've all grown next year (and how our costumes have evolved and become more creative:)!

Cow Appreciation Day- July 2009

     All-in-all, we had a great night! What would've cost us $32 rang up to a big, fat zero! Everyone there waited on us like we were in a five-star restaurant, the food was enjoyed by all, the kids enjoyed playing in the play-place, and Belle and Brody weren't afraid of the big cow (score!). Here are a few photos from our exciting, eventful day. Boy, how Friday nights change once kids come along, but I wouldn't have it any other way! =) 

Cow Appreciation Day- 2010

Braden enjoying his dinner

Belle in her homemade cow costume- please notice her little pink cow slippers :)

Brody in his cow costume- and yes, he has blue cow slippers ;)

Belle loving her first venture into the play-place

HAD to get Brody's patented "Cheese Pose"

Yelp, they have cow tails... :)

Braden played the cow spots right off his pants :)