kids.

Just going through the pics of our California trip, feeling a little homesick. It happens from time to time, being far from family and friends is rough. So, I thought I would post a few pics of the Montgomery kids, just to make sure there was still a pulse left in our beloved blog....

Lots of love!!

Monica <3

the perfect pumpkin.

Each year we set out to the pumpkin patch to pick out our perfect pumpkin. We have a local patch that we've been going to since we've lived in this area and we love it!! This year, we took a hay ride to the patch and managed to find our pumpkin! We picked out three little bitty ones too, one for each kid. We've been a bit deprived as far as family time goes, so soaking in the precious moments together was lovely. It was a bit too warm for my liking, at nearly 85 degrees (in OCTOBER....hmmffff), but it was HOT lovely nonetheless! 

The bumpy hay ride must have lulled little man to sleep!

A few shots of our precious "middle" kid.

Pumpkin thuggin'.

A family shot.

We hope you all find that perfect pumpkin as well!!

Happy Fall

Horseback Riding.

This summer has been going well. Among the many fun things we have done (more blogs to come), Grandma Ney Ney came over!! Not only was that a blast, but she took Hazel horseback riding!!! Not riding-a-pony-around-in-a-circle-for-a-minute type riding, but REAL HORSEBACK riding! Grandma had wanted both girls to ride, however jade was not up for it at all!! Hazel got a chance to prepare the horse for the ride by putting the bridle and saddle on. She was so excited! Since I was preoccupied with Maxfield, Grandma was so kind to take all these photos!

Jade, watching from the sideline.

So did Baby Maxfield!

After the ride, Hazel and the trainer went back to the barn to brush the horse, and remove her saddle, etc.

Jade even got a chance to help brush!

I think Jade warmed up to the horses, and just might be up for riding next time!

Hazel is already asking when she can have another lesson...she loved it!!

Hoping you all have a fabulous weekend!

Lots of Love,

Montgomerys

Dedication

The kids were dedicated at our church recently. It was very sweet!!! Thought we would share some photos!!!

Lots of Love <3

The Montgomerys.

She's kind of in love...just a little

Hazel Rei began her requests for us to have a baby much like most children do, however she took it to a new level. You see, she prayed specifically for a baby brother every night before bed. She would talk about this baby brother from time to time, beginning sentences with "when I get my baby brother"...to which I would say, "How do you know you will get a baby brother Hazel?" (since Joe and I were pretty convinced we were done having children) and she would reply, "...well I PRAYED!!!!"  So when we found out that we were having a baby, she was convinced it would be a boy!!! I would talk to her about what a blessing a baby was and we would be happy with either a boy or a girl. She was still convinced that God would listen to her prayers and give her a baby brother. So when ultrasound day came and we discovered it was indeed a boy tears immediately ran down my face as I learned such a huge lesson on the power of prayer!!! God had answered Hazel's prayers!!! Hazel is a little obsessed with Maxfield and often kisses him and wakes him up, and yes she has been discovered walking around the house holding him once (insert heart attack here), however Maxfield is extremely lucky to have such an awesome big sister!!!

Love,

The Montgomerys

April 29th.

Five years ago, I was up late...way late much like I am right now. I was 39 weeks pregnant with our first child and had a general feeling of discomfort all night accompanied with varying degrees of contractions. When  morning finally arrived I decided to call my OBGYN and ask what I should do. When she said to stop by the hospital to get checked out, we thought we would just stop by and then continue on with our Anniversary. Yes, it was our 3rd anniversary! We thought the hospital was merely a pit stop before, we would have breakfast at our favorite little French Bistro in Dana Point, Ca.  Well, we never got to have breakfast that day, in fact nearly twelve hours later we got a baby! Hazel Rei Montgomery was born on April 29th, 2006. We were so shocked by her early arrival but so happy and relieved to meet our first child and share our anniversary. The funny thing is that as newlyweds we thought three years was an appropriate time to wait to have children...and that is exactly to the day how long we waited...pretty amazing. Hazel, Joe and myself have a very special bond, we share a very special day!  So we wish our very special Hazel Rei a most beautiful day and are so blessed to have her in our lives. She is a extra special blessing from the LORD. She is extraordinary indeed!!!!

The Kids.

Today I needed to rest, so I lay on my bed praying and reflecting on the last six days. They have been a very interesting set of days. We have grown as a family, we have spent the week soaking everything in and thanking God for His blessings. So as I lay on my bed I began to cry. I was crying not from pain or from sadness but from a deep gratitude to the Lord for what he has done in my life. Maxfield's birthday was a new beginning for me; a time where God has restored what I had felt was lost, or broken. God is so faithful, so loving, and so kind. So I lay on my bed in tears, thanking Him for what I felt like I did not deserve, thanking Him for sweet blessings in my life.  As I was in labor,  I was reading  verses from the Bible, truth be told I was a little nervous and I just wanted to get things straight in my heart before we welcomed our beautiful son into the world. I set out to read the Psalms, and God gave me a great scripture;

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

Just thought I would share ;) Oh, and for those interested, don't worry....little Maxfield hasn't taken away from photos of the girls, I plan to post, and post, and post!

Love,

Mon

Mommy has issues.

Let's just say, mommy is having issues during this last month of pregnancy. The last month, that just started. The last month that promises to be challenging. The last month before our little Leprechaun (aka new baby brother!!) arrives. Since mommy has been put on "rest" we have been spending all day at home.  Luckily my girls are most happy at home, doing artwork, playing with Barbies, and watching princess movies.

They were best friends yesterday. It lasted a good portion of the the day. They dressed up in fancy outfits and as an extra special treat, they got to watch a movie on mommy & daddy's bed. 

Love,

Mon

A glimpse...

There are certain times when you get a glimpse into the character of your child. Sometimes its good, sometimes you are like "yikes" and identify areas you need to work on with them. Other times you see something in them that is truly innate, something that God has so lovingly gifted them with. Such was the case yesterday, with our 4 year old, Hazel Rei.

We were on our weekly grocery store visit which is usually a family bonding experience. Perhaps it is due to Daddy's profession but we generally enjoy planning, shopping, and preparing our meals. So, we were shopping and Joe and I were discussing which ricotta cheese to purchase as the girls were parked nearby in the shopping cart. I noticed a gentleman in a wheel chair pass by, and as he did we heard Hazel Rei say "Are you feeling better?" Her question was naturally expressed and came from general concern without hesitation or reservations. Joe and I just stood there speechless, waiting for his response. The man kindly expressed, "Oh I'm fine, thanks for asking!" As I turned to look at Hazel, I saw a sense of relief come over her face as if she was really concerned for the man.

This simple little exchange touched my heart so much. Why? Maybe its the 8 1/2 month pregnancy hormones...maybe its just because this is something I really admire and love about my Hazel. Its her caring heart! She's not afraid or intimidated from encouraging people or showing that she cares. It was sweet! She is sweet. It comes from the same place in her heart when she catches a glimpse of those ASPCA commercials and wants to adopt all the neglected and abused animals and is left in tears as she gazes upon the sad puppy faces. God has gifted this child with a kind, sweet, and caring spirit and I was just in awe of how truly amazing His gifts are. I wanted to write it down, so I would never forget this simple yet profound glimpse into who Hazel is!

Love,

Mon