Astalavista 2012

I do not think I have ever been more excited to see a year come to an end! 2012 has an emotional roller coaster and I am ready for 2013!

To recap:

In January-we returned from our 2 week stay in California (post miscarriage) to celebrate Christmas with my family on New Year's Eve. Minnie Pearl joined our family and became the "baby" automatically.

In February-We attended adoption classes, Life Action, had our annual "Love Day" and took a trip to Mobile for the girls first Mardi Gras :)  While on the trip-Mad lost her first tooth!!

In March-Aubrie Kate turned 4 and we celebrated "Tangled" style. We met Fancy Nancy author Jane O'Conner, Todd and I both left our jobs to spend a few months allowing God to lead our family in whatever direction he wanted. What a scary and enlightening time! Madyson sold over 400 boxes of girl scout cookies! Also during March, Todd's mom suffered a massive stroke and our roller coaster began.

In April-I dug down into the world of Vegan eating with my lifestyle change, Aubrie kate finished 3k, our caterpillar turned into a butterfly, I stayed sick with all sorts of illnesses.

In May-the girls had their dance recital. I began being a stay-at-home mom, we had our adoption home study, AK played Tball :) Thirty-one became part of our life.

In June-I was a full-time SAHM and Housewife.  We went on an adventure day, I blogged about real life in "The Highlight Reel"

In July-We went to Disney with our friends (and while there received some Disney Magic we would find out about in August)  Madyson turned six and I had a CVS episode :(

In August-I went to work at our Elementary school, Madyson started 1st grade, We found out baby #3 was coming in Spring of 2013, Todd and I celebrated 7 years of marriage!  we also discovered that Todd's mom's doctors had reached the end of their knowledge in saving her life. It was now a wait and see game. Hardest day.

In September-We adjusted to the shock of expecting baby. and spent every waking moment with Todd's mom. Todd also started a new career this month. And I had my 10 year class reunion.

In October-Madyson raised over $500 for breast cancer research and walked in a 5k, We found out that baby #3 is a little girl, Amelia Margaret. We went to a Christian concert with the girls-And Todd's mom passed away on Halloween. The worst day of our marriage.

In November-We adjusted to our "new" life. Todd celebrated his birthday, Our first "child" Reese (a chi-pom-poo) passed away, We did a new style of thanksgiving and got our first real Christmas tree. I began seeing a specialist to make sure Amelia didn't get parvovirusB19 from me.

In December-We made it through, the best we could. Our elf returned for the 2nd year, we had a scavenger hunt fun night-

2012 was the hardest year in our 7 years of marriage-we had many ups and downs and really had to allow God to take control of every situation. Even today-the last day of the year-we still don't know "why" somethings have happened. But we do know that HE KNOWS and we have to rely on that for comfort.

As we look back on this past year-we are taking it as a learning experience. We made quiet a few mistakes, we learned a lot of lessons, and we are striving to become a more "holy" family. Our prayer for 2013 is to seek Him more, give more of ourselves, and build our family in His sight.

I am signing off from blogging for a few days to work (with Todd) on our family goals for 2013. I will share those when I return.

May your new year be filled with much JOY-

The Broadus Bunch

Christmas 2012

Well-It's over. The holiday that has been the hardest for me to get in the spirit for is officially behind us and now I have a multitude of paper scraps and decorations to clean up-but we are blessed.

First off, lets start with how I was still Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve. Yes-Christmas Eve. I couldn't get it all done with work & dr. appointments and life.

I didn't get Christmas Cards mailed-so I am working on New Year Cards.

We didn't bake Christmas cookies.

I didn't finish 4 gifts that I was making.

and I didn't get the dining room decorated-so  we haven't even been in there all month :/

As I was wrapping the final present on Christmas Eve-todd walks in with this tall box. He said-"Merry Christmas." Now, keep in mind 2 days prior I got a brand new Maytag Washer and Dryer...So I wasn't expecting anything.

When I opened it-it was a paddle. Now (back story) before marriage and kids I spent almost every weekend camping and kayaking. It was a great escape and something I was fond of. But Todd and I got married (fast) had kids (faster) and life took off (really fast) For 3 years, I have been talking about wanting to get back into my outdoorsy life...well-as I was standing there holding this paddle...I asked..."Is there another piece." that's when he said to go look outside. And there sat my brand new Kayak! I was SO excited. I rushed to get everything together and head to my parents house.


A few weeks ago, my parents moved to their house about 40 minutes from us. (this is the farthest we have ever lived apart) but its somewhat in the country-and has lakes all around it. So of course I took the kayak out for a spin-or 2-or 3....:)

(see picture on our Instagram)
Then we hung out at their house with my brother, sister-in-law, nieces, nephew, aunt, uncle and grandmother. We opened gifts and came home LATE!

As soon as we were home the girls were asleep. Santa visited-and Christmas morning we woke up to a fun slew of gifts.

The girls only asked Santa for 4 things (something they will read, wear, need, want) but since its the last Christmas of just the 2 of them-they got a few extras :) and BOY were they excited!

We hung out at the house and watched the Disney Christmas Parade! (FYI-big news on the Disney blog) then we headed to Todd's stepdad's house for Christmas day.

This was an extremely hard time. Its the first Christmas without Grandmomma and everyone felt the missing spirit of the day. Madyson and Todd had a break down and the mood went from jolly to somber. It's hard getting over these "first" without her.

We came home and napped and played and then headed to dinner at waffle house-because...well...why not.

We are now cleaning and organizing-trying to get ready for 2013!!! We are declaring that 2013 is our year!(more on that soon :)

Merry Christmas :)

Merry Christmas :)

Day of Silence.

A fun night.

We spent the day cleaning. The girls room gets so overtaken with "stuff" that it takes hours-to clean it, organize it, all that "fun stuff".

The girls-worked so hard that Todd and I decided to reward them with a "fun night!"


We told them to go get dressed in Christmas clothes-and meet us outside. We were going on a surprise adventure.

We loaded up the car and headed to Chick-fil-a for dinner!

 After dinner we went on a Christmas Light Scavenger hunt :)

Source: holidaypins.org via Sarah on Pinterest

The kids loved this! We even found some amazing houses!!

Afterwards we headed to the theater to watch "Rise of the Guardians". It was a really neat movie! It wasn't your normal Santa/Easter Bunny story. It was a good over evil movie. The kids laughed the whole time.

It was a fun night ;) and we are so blessed to be able to spend it with our little ones!

a friday.

Yesterday-I stayed home to nurse a cold. Today-I forced myself back to work because we have 6 school days til Christmas break-and A LOT of stuff to get done.

The day started out like any other day. We decided to have "Ornament Friday" were we worked meticulously on ornaments with our 25 kiddos for them to take home next week. We gathered field trip money, tied bows, worked on worksheets, and went to lunch. The kids go out to play after lunch and I get a few minutes to eat in the lounge with other teachers.

We were all discussing weekend plans, my illness, typical daily chatter.

When one of our janitors told us to pull up the news on our phones. "There's been a school shooting"

Immediately, the 10 of us start pulling up information and learning about the massacre in Connecticut

As an employee in the school system, the words "School shooting" radiates through your body. Its the one drill that is hard to practice because of the fear it instills in children and in teachers. The sad reality is, it is probably used more than the earthquake drills.

I went back to the room as the kids were entering with the other teacher. We just whispered about the incident and went on with our day. Speaking no words near the ears of the babes.

When school was over and the last child was on the bus, the day was over and it was now time to go and learn more of the details of this event.

News report after news report, my heart sank even more. Kids ages 5-10....dead. Teachers dead. The shooters mother...dead. Facebook/twitter was filled with #prayfornewtown, and "holding my babes closer tonight".

My heart aches for these families, for our country and for the community that will have to live with this incident forever.

You never know when and where your last moment on earth will be. You could endure this type of horrific event in public schools, private schools, home school groups....You could be driving down the road and wreck, you could be walking to a mailbox and a tree fall. You are not guaranteed tomorrow. Pray for your community, your state,  your nation-daily. Not just in the aftermath of a tragedy. Hold your babes tight every chance you get.  .....((I will step off my soapbox..I could say a lot more..but we will save that for another time.))

We took a positive approach to the evening and stepped away from the television. We visited Grandaddy and helped him put up his Christmas tree.

This Christmas we are learning in more ways than one about gratefulness. We are grateful for the amazing Christmas we had last year in California with Todd's mom, we are grateful for the months we had her pre-stroke. We are grateful for the determination and strength she had post-stroke. We are grateful for the caretakers and family that cared for her in her last days...we are grateful that tonight-we were able to smile and laugh and be a family. When so many are hurting.

dr. appointment pity party (for female eyes only)

Well-I had another doctor appointment today-This time...with Dr. M.

Amelia is big 1.5lbs and momma is BIGGER. Turns out-my "start weight" wasn't what I thought it was...and my weight now...is much more. I saw on Entertainment Tonight that Megan Fox gained 23lbs during her ENTIRE pregnancy. Well, lets say...I have done that plus some and I still have a whole trimester to go :/

This is one of those things that they don't tell you when your pregnant...SO I am going to and Dr. Greg, Peter...any man reading this...please stop at this point (.)

THE WORST PART OF PREGNANCY IS GETTING SO FAT THAT YOU CAN NOT TAKE YOUR CUTE BLACK BOOTS OFF DURING A V*G*N*L ULTRASOUND....SO You just have to pull your pants down to your ankles. EMBARRASSING!

Yes, that was me today falling over in the tiny ultrasound booth trying to get my shoes off....when the tech walked in and said "Just hop up here...we can work around it."

I know what a blessing this is to be pregnant. And I am beyond thankful for a healthy baby. But I just wish 1 time, just 1 time...I wouldn't be a preggo whale.

I eat on a schedule. I eat healthy food. I have only had oreos 4x. and still....so big.

Well-thats my pity party for today.

Thanks for listening. 

Christmas time weekend.

Its just a few weeks from Christmas and I am still not in the Christmas spirit. I am not sure if it is the hot weather, the lack of energy I have to purchase/wrap/make Christmas presents, or if its something else. I would be okay with skipping it this year.(I know...sad)

However, the rest of my house is in full "Christmas Spirit" mode-so I am doing my best to be cheery!

Friday Night Todd's office had a Christmas party so we went-We both looked really cute (but sadly no pictures. We were getting ready to take one when we got the call that Madyson had busted her head open...and we had to go check on her)

She ended up being okay (she was with my mom) and they headed out to an "Old Fashion Christmas" at the Science Museum. All the pics from her phone are grainy...so fail again on Friday.

Saturday-we (as in all Broadus') did yard work. We have MASSIVE trees in our yard and they are still dropping leaves (worst part about Southern Winter....) So we had to rake them all up-mow the grass-trim the bushes-and hang Christmas lights. I helped as much as I could-and it wore me out!

After we were done, we showered...and picked up Chinese for dinner and watched ABC FAMILY 25 days til Christmas movies. (LOVE THIS!)

Sunday-we headed to church, then to my aunts. Her birthday is Wednesday and we have a tradition of doing her Christmas Tree for her for her birthday. This year Madyson did most of it. I love having a big kid!

After Lunch, we had to go to Girl Scouts. It was my day to lead...I am a much better cookie chair :) Luckily, we were missing a few girls so it was an easy/calm day :)

This week its not as busy as last week...
Work all week-Dr. Appointment Tuesday-Christmas Party in the weekend :)

P.S.
Saturday Night-Madyson decided what she wants for Christmas-Her 2 front teeth :)

Trip to the specialist...round 3

{{Amelia,
You are a very prayed for miracle of a child. We have longed and waited for our precious #3 for over 4 years. Your arrival into our lives has been a roller coaster thus far...and the exciting time is still to come!! You are growing BIG! Dr. P says you are around 1.3lbs and 12in long :) at this rate,you will be our biggest baby :) you still show no signs of the parvob19 virus :) which makes me soooo happy!!! 2 more weeks and we will be released from Dr. p's care. You absolutely HATE sonograms. Which made dr.p check, again, to see if you were still a girl..or a stubborn boy. but, to no surprise...you are just a feisty, strong willed little girl. (we all believe you are red headed.) }}

Today's appointment went very well. Amelia is right on track and healthy! Praise HIM!

She moves so much now! Everyone can feel her move and see it if she is having "a party". Aubrie Kate is least excited about this. It is very odd to her to have a moving, living, human in my belly.

1 more specialist appointment til we are clear :) 

((THIS is what I see when I look down now-wait til you see it from the side!!))

The Weekend.

Ugh-its Sunday Night as I type this (probably Monday by the time I get around to publishing it) and my weekend is over...and went by too fast.

Friday after work-The girls and myself and my mom had a girls night of Chick-fil-a and A huge milestone. Aubrie kate has been begging for her ears to be pierced. I have been putting it off and putting it off and finally made a plan. Once we got to the place-she picked out her earrings ( Pink Glitter Hearts) and set in the chair and did it without a flinch. Madyson-watching-decided that since it didn't hurt Aubrie Kate...she would do it as well. (she had planned to wait until she was ten) She picked out Simple 3mm silver balls. (totally different kids here) and I talked her up to the CZ 3mm "diamond" earrings. She agreed. And as soon as the girl was finished she looked at me and said, "oh my! That hurt so bad." Broke my heart. The girls were so happy though they went out skipping and jumping. They both love their earrings so much :) After I was done crying, we stopped by to pick me up some bigger Maternity jeans...Amelia is growing-by leaps and bounds! (pre-pregnancy size 2...current size 6/8)

Saturday morning we woke up and drove to Baton Rouge to visit family for my Great aunt and uncle's 60th wedding anniversary. After their party-we went out to eat with my cousin Josh, his wife Tina, and their 2 kids. We all use to live 20 houses apart and a few months ago they moved to Baton Rouge. Tina was my decorating buddy-so since they have left-my house has gone to mess :( we miss them!

Sunday (today) we woke up and spent the morning at Cabela's Store. We had a great time. We got home this afternoon and have been resting since!

This week is extremely busy. Work all week + Girl Scout Meeting for Cookies, Amelia's Specialist appointment, Todd has a work meeting, the kids have grief counseling, and then Todd's office has a Christmas party. Not to mention-I have done no Christmas Shopping, my belly is getting huge (I might post a picture...its getting kind of ridiculous), We haven't even done Christmas Card pictures... and I am so far behind on Disney post over on the Disney blog-we will probably be back from our 2014 trip by the time I get around to it.