Obsessed.

HELOOOOOO KING GEORGE!!!! I am so obsessed with this couple. Seriously, she could not be more beautiful and perfect and well, he IS Prince William. I was so excited when baby boy was born. 

Also obsessed with The Hunger Games. I know, I'm like 3 years behind but I just started and don't think I will stop until I'm done with all 3. 

Obsessed with juicing! Suja juice (check out their website) is my juice of choice. I feel like it's really making a difference in my over all energy. I actually have two juicers somewhere, probably in my mom's storage unit....but ain't nobody got time to juice 7 carrots and lbs of kale when I have 3 kids. So for now I am buying mine at Whole Foods. 

Benji is back packing in West Virginia this week. Whatever. 

We decided, since we just got back from the beach, that now would be a good time to switch Jesse to a toddler bed. So far so good. 

 I want to paint our bedroom. It's blah to me.....  

We had an amazing, wonderful, way too short time at the beach and I soaked up every moment. I slept late, took naps, and played in the sand with my kids. Such a much needed retreat for our crazy, busy family. 

Emery turned 5 while we were at the beach. She starts kindergarten in about two weeks. I'm OBSESSED about this as well. I can not believe it. She was 2 weeks old when Benji started working at BCBC. Now she is FIVE!!!!!!! 

Jesse also starts MMO this year. my sweet baby boy will be in school at the church twice a week. He will have Miss. Kim and Miss Nancy. (Who Emery started pre K with). I swear. They are the BEST 2yr old teachers on the planet. I can't wait until he gets to spend time with both of them. 

Hadley has cut 2 teeth in the past week. I am OBSESSED with this baby! I love her so much and am so thankful every day that we decided to have a 3rd. I'll be honest, I was scared. And I still have days (like yesterday) that I wonder "what was I thinking?" but then I also have days that I truly wish we could have JUST ONE MORE. But I am convinced that the LORD has led us to stop at 3. We have not given up on the idea of adoption, but my body is finished producing off spring. 

I am also currently obsessed with reading again. I got to read a few books on vacation and like any OCD patient I am currently in the middle of like 5 books! ha. I did get to finish one entire book on vacation. I am now reading The Hunger Games which I am so hooked on.

I am obsessed with LOSING THIS DAG GUM BABY WEIGHT. Seriously I am sooo so sos so so over it. Once Emery starts school I will get things rolling with either a gym nearby or our YMCA. I need to lose at least 50lbs. Maybe even 80. I just want to feel good about myself again and it has been along 5 years having one baby after another and moving 3,4 however many times. I need a routine and I am hoping that this fall brings one. 

Well, Benji and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary this month. I seriously can not believe it has been that long. We have been through so much. I love him more today than the day we married, so that's good! We spent a blissful weekend in Buckhead at the W Buckhead Hotel. Ahmazing. Hotel. We had a blast. 

I am heading to sleepy time. all 3 kidddos are tucked into bed and Benji is somewhere sleeping on the dirt ground. Ha! I am climbing into our down comforter bed. NIGHTY NIGHTY!

My Summer Reading List: Great Expectations!

Okay. tonight I am way scattered. Benji just got home from Serbia yesterday, so it has been a whirlwind of emotion and exhaustion and excitement and did I say exhaustion!?



Today we just slept in. Yes, even the kids. Hadley had her 4/5 month well check visit yesterday and got a ton o' shots. so she has felt pretty rotten.

We ate lunch all together as a family. Which I have to say is RARE now that there are 3. We will get used to it, I know. Emery is usually great, Hadley is obviously great. Jesse not so much. BUT he is two and he is a boy. I know that in a few years he will eat just as well as Emery does. Then we will be dealing with Hadley as a 2 year old. :)

Seriously. I am so, SO thankful to have a 3rd child. I know that does not sound like a lot to many people but she is such a blessing.

Any way. I am in therapy. (I swear I will share that story) but anyway. Something we've talked about is trying to find time for me to do things I enjoy.

Well believe it or not I enjoy reading. This summer I have found a few books, from various lists and friends that I think make up a perfect summer reading list.

I Have a kindle, so if it can be downloaded, it is.

I can not BELIEVE summer is almost over. I swear Emery was just born yesterday and now in a few weeks she will start Kindergarten. WAAAHHHHHHH. :(


Okay. So I'm back. Few days later. Here is my list. Most I've read, partially read, or really want to read. I read in binges. ha. Like the OCD I am. I wont read for months then one day i pick of 4 books and read them all that week. It's random, it's eclectic, its totally ME! ha

(I was going to link the books to Amazon but it's late and I have faith that you all know how to find books on Amazon).

1. The Great Gatsby- FSF.  DUHHHHH. Most of us read it in high school, but PUHLEEZE see the movie and the read it again. Magic

2. Love Does- Bob Goff shares stories of his life, faith and love. "Discovering A Secretly Incredible Life In An Ordinary World." This guy is super smart, and Christian. I haven't started this one yet, but it's been recommend by many. If you like Donal Miller, this dudes for you.

3. Tormenting Thoughts and Secret Rituals- Ian Osborn, M.D. "The Hidden Epidemic of OC-D. " reading up on my recent diagnosis.

4. Paris My Sweet- Karen Wheeler. I've been reading this one for awhile. I would pick it up and get really into it, then switch to another. Then I had Hadley...anyway I plan on finishing it this week. Great memoir of this women's move to Paris and her love affair with all things sweet.

5. The Paris Wife - Paula McLain. Inspired story of the first years of Hemingway's first marriage. To Hadley Richardson Hemingway. WELLLLLL. I named my daughter after Hadley. So I think that's enough said about this book. LOVE!

6. Melissa: A Father's Lessons from a Daughter's Suicide. - Frank Page. I could not put this book down. incredibly tragic, yet full of hope for those of us who suffer from depression. If you have a family member, friend, child, parent who has committed suicide, or if you have ever considered it. Read this book. Also I think all pastors should read this to better help them understand depression, drug use, and suicide.

7. Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn. I was introduced to this author back in my Starbucks barista days. When conversations flowed and coffee did too. This is a great beach read, good mystery.

8. Les Miserables- Victor Hugo. Do I really have to tell you WHY?

9. So Long, Insecurity- Beth Moore. I read this one awhile ago. It was wonderful. It's like she sees into the minds of women everywhere. WE ALL have insecurities and we all need Jesus.

10. Loving The Little Years- Rachel Jankovic. So if you want a hand slap or a butt whooping on raising toddlers, this one is for you. I LOVED this book. She also has a way of looking into our houses where little ones reside and giving my poor attitude a swift kick.


HAPPY READING!!!! SOAK UP THESE LAST FEW DAYS OF A RAINY SUMMER!

Day 3

July, 4th is really one of my favorite holidays.

This year I barely noticed it. I has been POURING, like monsoon rain all week. Benji finally made it through, Munich, Paris and safely landed in Serbia. They will be there for the next week running around like crazy with our dear friends the Hepners.

 This is Caroline. She has been my saving grace during Benji's time away.  She comes over once or twice a week, while I'm here to let me run errands, nap. do laundry, etc. My therapist, (different post for a different time) suggested that I get her to come once a week over the summer. GREAT IDEA.

And,.... Honestly I can remember if I posted about our beach trip to Student Life camp this year. If I did I'm sorry. But I took Emery this time for the first year by herself. I knew going in that my intentions were to minister to my oldest daughter. We had a blast. We ended up being there the week of my 35 birthday. 

We haven't celebrated yet. In a few week we are headed to ATL to spend the weekend, alone, together!  I can not wait until Benji and the crew arrive safely home from Serbia. And we can spend a few weeks together before School starts. 

I Hate Paris Anyway

NO REALLY, I don't. But Benji should be making his way now from Munich to Paris and then on to Serbia. 9 days and counting.

Emery cried tonight when I put her to bed because Benji always puts her to bed first, then I go in and say my prayers with them. They get a double dose of the Holy Spirit round here.

Anyway, I have two, three, request. Please pray for the safety of Benji and the group of graduated seniors/chaperons he has traveling with him. Pray for their travels and that they will see seeds planted among the people of Serbia.

Please pray that I make it through the next 9 days. YOU ALL KNOW I have a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a almost 5 month old. Today it basically poured rain all day. Which makes for a wild bunch running around like banshees.

I have tried to plan as much as possible for things that we can do "out of the house". I have also planned as much as possible for every meal for 10 days.

Today was a pretty good day. I had a babysitter come and help out for a few hours. Which really takes the edge off of the 4-8pm "Witching Hours" as I call them.

I really am glad for Benji to get to experience all the dreams I had of traveling......it's like he got my dream life. Whatever.

Love to you all, and PRAY for my sanity.

Summer

Tis summer y'all we are in survival mode. Benji is super bizzy. And we are going from zero to sixty every couple of days.

I will be here when I can. I have so, so much to say. I just have 5 thousand lbs of laundry that call to me instead of blogging.

What Day Is It?

I understand now what happened to all my friend's bloggos when they had more than 2 kids! Ha. We are LOVING Hadley, of course. I have just now started to get out of the house. Went back to church last week, got my hair done this weekend, Hadley spent her first weekend away, etc. There is not much to report because all I ever do is stay here. I change two in diapers, feed 3, 3 times a day (more for Hadley still) sometimes I forget about feeding myself. Oh and I have to feed Vance too. :) 

I went to my first GNO since baby#3 was born. Celebrating one of my best friends 40th birthday. 

I've been thinking about turning 35 alot lately. It is my next birthday and I seriously can not believe I am that old. 

When I look back on my life I am satisfied with all I have done so far, but I can not help but feel a sense of panic. Turning 35 is halfway to the grave. Realistically it is middle age. There are still so many thing I want to do and places I want to go. I want to go SSOOOO many more places. 

I feel like these days the only place I go is Walmart. Seriously. 

Anyway Hadley is a doll. Emery has been acting out a little. Drawing on walls, homemade slip in slide, using the word "freakin" you know normal 4 year old stuff. 

Jesse is Jesse. :) 

Today I cleaned like a mad woman and of course went to Walmart. That's about it. 

Days are flying by and I'm not sure if I like it or not. 

Hello Spring!

Easter weekend was such a fun and exhausting holiday! All five of us headed to church for the first time since Hadley was born (obviously Benji has been going and most of the time Emery, but I've been home with Hadley and Jesse). We made it all on time and all dressed, BUT we had to get up at 7am to get it all done. Ha! It felt so great to be back at church and see all my church family. I was ready for a break though as soon as I got there, haha i felt like I had run a marathon getting all 3 kids to their classes.

After church we head to Georgia to see our families. The past few Easters they have come to see us in SC, so this year we headed home. The kids had a blast with all their cousins and we got to spend time with both sets of family. LOTS of good food and sweet fun.

Hadley has fit right into our family, just like she's always been here. I am enjoying her so much. I've had a few hairy moments, days, this week. Emery's been on spring break and the weather, you all know, has been cray cray.

We are all looking forward to warmer weather and spending hours outside in the sunshine.

2 Things That Make Me Smile

I don't know about you all but I am so excited about silver and gold finger nail polish this year! I mean does it get anymore fun? 

Came across this quote from Anthony Bourdain, who happens to be one of my favorite celebrities (chef) ever. I love this quote. I love it because if I could tell any 22 year old some words of advice, this would be it! I love it also because I totally got the opportunity to travel, a lot, before the responsibility set in. Finish college people! Get married young and travel before you have kiddos! you will never ever regret it. I feel like I am so content in my season of life right now because I know I "did" the things I needed/wanted to before we started a family. Now I love getting to "stay home" and enjoy every second of my children's lives. I know not everyone gets the opportunities I do/did but if the opportunity is offered to you to get an education, travel, be spontaneous, DO ITTTTTTT!!!!! You will not regret it, swear. 

Restless, Nesting, Ready To GOOOO!

Y'all for real, I am so restless.

I want to like run a marathon, or go to Europe, or climb a mountain or do anything but dishes and laundry and dishes and laundry! ha!

It's got to be a combination of the gorgeous weather and the fact that I'm just waiting around on Hadley to make an appearance. I guess part of me knows that once she is here, the chapter of "child bearing" years will be over for us. I will mentally be able to start working more on getting my self back together, ummm losing weight #1. Finding an outlet/hobby #2.

Every day I have these grandiose ideas of cooking crazy things, wanting to start some project on the house, clean out the attic, whatever is ridiculous, I think about it and want to do it..

 
CRAZY Pregnant hormones!

So on a whim and a very impulsive night. I ordered these Veronica Slouch Frye Boots from Zappos, on a Friday night and they were on my porch Monday morning. I have to say I have never, ever spent this much on boots, but I am so glad I did. These are seriously some of the most beautiful hand crafted boots I have ever seen. I know I will wear them forever. No buyer's remorse here! Early Christmas present from Hadley to me. :)

 Am I the only one who thinks about Paris everyday? 

This may seem contradictory since I just posted about splurging on a pair of boots, but I swear it's not. I am so, so grateful for where God has me and my family right now. My cup is overflowing with blessings. My husband is the LOVE of my life, my best friend. My home is my favorite soft place to fall and my kids keep my heart beating. That TRULY is all I need. The boots just add to the fun of having to wear shoes. * 

My Boy. My True Love, Jesse. Makes my heart skip! 

Filet that I cooked the other night. If I had cooked 4 I would have eaten them all. For realz. 

My fake, fat, pregnant girl ring I got for 40 bucks to wear since my wedding bands don't fit! ha FUN! 

RUN

The 4th, Mufasa and Orange Beach

Well. We have been busy to say the least. 

We spent the 4th with some friends and their very large extended family. We had a blast, they had a little stage set up for the kids to sing some patriotic songs, which was adorable. We had tons of food and then ended it with a great fireworks show. 

It was Blazing hot and humid that night! The kids had so much fun running around with little friends, they were exhausted the next two days. 

 Later that week Benji and I put on our Artsy caps and went to see The Lion King downtown at The Peace Center. It was amazing. I am so, SOOO glad/lucky/blessed to live in a city large enough to  host Broadway shows but also small enough to have the small community feel. Greenville really is the best city on the planet. (Besides Paris, of course).

It was also the first time we had a babysitter put our kids to bed before we got home. They did great, went straight to sleep. I think this may be the beginning of something good.

Soon after that we found ourselves headed out yet again to the beach. This time is was with Benji's High School youth. Every year we go to StudentLife camp in Orange Beach, Alabama. WE LOVE this camp. The speakers are top notch. J.R. Vassar (1st year), David Platt (2nd and 3rd year) and this year we heard Matt Chandler. Matt Chandler, in my opinion is one of the most prolific, influential pastors of our Generation. It was amazing to see how GOD worked in the lives of our students. HELLO, Did y'all have summer camp like this when you were younger, because I sure didn't! 

 Fast and furious past few weeks in the Ladd home. I am 9 weeks this week in my pregnancy and so far this one has been similar to the last two. This time around I don't have the luxury of sleeping away my nausea or even stopping for that matter. I've pushed through and am hopeful that the 2nd trimester will bring a healthy baby and no more sickness. 

Beach Baby

I already need some looser clothing. I see maternity jeans in my near future. 

Here's a few more pics from our time at the beach. Can I please go back now? 

Almost A Month!

I can't believe it has almost been a month since I posted last. Things have been crazy. Benji was in Brazil for 10 days, home for two, then we headed off to the beach for vacation. We went back to Florida this year, after a few years of the Beach in South Carolina. It was a welcome change and the water was beautiful and sand so white. 

This year my Birthday and father's day came while we were at the beach. I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend the two days! Benji played golf and I went shopping.  

The day I dropped Benji off at the airport to head off for Brazil, I found out we are expecting baby number 3! Talk about an emotional day. 

I am still pretty early in the first trimester, due around February 19th. We are so excited and thankful for the opportunity to welcome another member into our family. 

Of course once we got home we hit the ground running. The kids were exhausted after playing hard all week in the sun and water. It took them an entire week of sleeping late to catch up. 

We have been busy with pool parties and summer bible studies with the youth. We've TRIED to catch up on house duties, laundry, yard work, paying bills, grocery shopping and washing NASTY cars! 

I can't believe how fast the summer is going. Emery will be starting Pre K4 before too long and we will be finding out whether or not she gets a sister or another brother. :) 

Here are a few pictures from the beach. May post a few more later. 

About That Time.....

Only a few more weeks until Benji travels to Brazil without. me....sighhhhhhh...... :( :( :(

I would give anything to be able to go with him. Anything except my kids.

So I will stay. Here with them. and wait. Wait for my gift from afar.......a new pair of Havianas. And maybe a cute scarf for pair of earrings.

7, By Jen Hatmaker

Okay so somehow I got sucked into this girl who's kinda like Francis Chan/David Platt, but for stay at home mommies....haha 

That's the best way I can describe her.

As mentioned before, Benji and I have tried and tried to cut/trim/delete/consolidate every little penny we spend each month. Because let's face it, he has a GREAT job but, let's be honest for a moment....being a stay at home mom is rare these days and we DO sacrifice a lot for me to be able to stay at home.

It isn't always my favorite choice, (momentarily speaking like when Emery is peeing in Jesse's room) but it is my choice. I could have worked if I wanted too, Benji was fine with whatever I wanted.

So instead of me working, we bought a smaller house, drove old cars, (until they fell apart) and then my man, my hunter, my hunk of all things 4 wheel drive and TRUCK...he sold his truck and he bought a KIA.

That my friends is called sacrifice for your family. We are still looking for ways to cut back for a few reasons.

1. We want/need to start saving for a "bigger" house, or at least a house with one more room. The price on our house had more to do with location than with the size of it....anyway.
 2. We want to be able for me to travel with Benji as much as possible as WELL as the kids, when he goes on his mission trips every summer. The church pays for him, obviously, but for me and the kiddos we have to pay......and it has always been a desire of mine that as soon as the kids were old enough for us to start taking them on the trips.
 3. SAVINGS, SAVINGS......
 4. Medical bills, medical bills, medical bills. Now I realize to some medical bills "don't really count" because there is just nothing you can do about it. I can't help that Jesse had to come out via C-section then pulled the meningitis stunt.....I also can't help BENJI LADD pulled the meningitis stunt just last month....geeeeeeezzzzzzz!!!!

Anyway me being first born, it makes it incredibly hard for me to know that we "owe" anyone anything. So we are working hard on the hospital bills so that we can have another baby and rack some bills up again!

 5. We also just want to be able to give when we feel led to give. If ya got a zero balance in your account ya can't be giving to the local charity of your choice.

Anyway, you get the point. I'm hoping that together, this year, Benji and I can re-prioritize our budget and cut the "Fat" where it is needed......This 7 book I have a feeling is going to rock my world. I'd encourage anyone to read it themselves. GO FOR IT!

Where I Want To Be

I have no idea where this is. Maybe Italy somewhere? Wherever it is I want to be there.

I have been in a funk, a rut, a "i need somewhere to go" mood lately.

This photo looks like it would be a perfect place to cure me of whatever has been causing my spring fever.

Take me here.

Took A Little Trip

This weekend was my nephew, Asher's 3rd birthday party.

So we headed out Saturday to Georgia to celebrate. AND eat lots and lots of cupcakes.

The party was adorable. She ordered all the decorations, cupcake wrappers, banner, hats, etc from this Esty site for a GREAT price.

Emery was so worn out after that fun filled day with her cousin. they ran around and played and played.

It is so fun to see them laugh with each other. They are only 6 months apart so they are going to be very close!

Jesse had fun as well. He got to crawl around un hindered (she had the party in our home church's fellowship hall. Great idea!) Any way, Jesse got to play with trucks and meet other youngins his age.

It was a whirlwind trip, like we are used too! We headed back to S.C. late that night and woke up early to begin our full day at church.

I feel like today, Wednesday, I am finally caught up mentally with organizing the rest of the week. Which is good since it is almost over! haha.

Now I've got to get busy on some one else's birthday. Jesse turns ONE on the 23rd! I can not even begin to believe that is true.