**giveaway still open in the post below!**
four years ago:
this brown eyed chubby baby was the center of our world. we were at fort benning, georgia and jimmy was in captain's career course.
my world didn't expand much outside of my house. i was learning how to be a mom and how to balance everything.
three years ago:
i could go the the playground every day if i wanted to..i just had one kiddo. but i was 8 months pregnant with either a sadie or a ben.
we had so much fun and went on so many adventures. i took her everywhere with me. we lived in harker heights, texas.
two years ago:
it was just me and my two little chicks. j was in the korengal, we lived in waco.
i was scared if j would ever come home so we stayed busy. really really busy. church, school, ballet. play dates, day trips.
it was different taking them places because sadie was a lot wilder than harper. but we went. and made so many memories.
a year ago:
we were in fort benning, georgia. all together. it was so wonderful seeing jimmy every day. we went fun places like the drive through animal safari (where i got the funniest picture EVER).
but i was also content to stay at home. making a home. enjoying all of us being together.
and now:
we are in savannah georgia. and we've added two more to team howell. i don't go anywhere much. and most days i don't even get out of my pajamas.
i won't lie. sometimes that's frustrating.
we may or may not be starting to...
lose it a little bit.
especially b/c j's not around the next few weeks.
but it's totally worth it because i have these little snugglebunnies.
and really....sanity is overrated anyway. ;)
happy happy tuesday!
xoxo
Beautiful pictures!! Would love to win your scrap stash!!
Posted by: Debbie | 01/04/2011 at 06:04 PM
debbie- the comments are in the post below for the giveaway. thanks!
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 01/04/2011 at 06:05 PM
oh stephanie. you are such a dear. you stay strong hunny. and don't worry about being in PJs all day because PJs are just so darn comfy anyway :) plus, you have the most beautiful family.
Posted by: ACompton | 01/04/2011 at 06:07 PM
love you and all your chicks, girl! I am sure you find it hard to do anything but gaze upon those twinnies in wonderment when they are sleeping.......
k8
Posted by: k8 | 01/04/2011 at 06:09 PM
This is a great post. Don't forget that God created you "for such a time as this" He knew you would be here and He knows you can do it! You're a great momma and your girls and J are blessed to have such a caring mom and wife. Many of us are praying for you and cheering for you!
Posted by: Sarah H. | 01/04/2011 at 06:12 PM
(((hugs))) to you my dear friend. I am ensconced in 4 cases of the flu, and i feel your pain. I would love to send the girls a little gift...will email you, I have a new email address.
You are a great mom, and have 4 lucky little ones.
Posted by: Pam Bennett | 01/04/2011 at 06:12 PM
For some reason the other post isn't letting me leave a comment there.....
Posted by: Debbie | 01/04/2011 at 06:12 PM
If I lived close by I would SOOOO be there to give you a break and hold your snugglebunnies.
Posted by: Peggy | 01/04/2011 at 06:16 PM
I really do admire your courage, strength, honesty and sense of humor! And your little chickies make me want another of my own:)
Posted by: Michele H. | 01/04/2011 at 06:16 PM
If I could wear pj's or sweats to teach in everyday I would be in HEAVEN! PJ's are my absolute favorite thing to wear ALL DAY LONG. I bet you look fabulous in them! Stay strong and know that your kids think you are awesome even if you are covered in stay at home mom funk and haven't bathed in three days. LOL.. Hugs and support sent your way with tons of prayer that you survive and don't get impatient or frustrated...
Posted by: Olivia | 01/04/2011 at 06:16 PM
Sanity IS overrated, and completely boring to boot! ;)
Posted by: Erica Hettwer | 01/04/2011 at 06:19 PM
i love this post-- so neat to see how your family (and you!)have changed over the past few years. what a blessing (and crazy and blissfully insane sometimes i am sure:) much love sweet girl!
Posted by: Jenni Hufford | 01/04/2011 at 06:22 PM
You are such an amazing mom! I so wish I lived closer so I could come hold babies, or bring you coffee, or wine...LOL! What a blessed family you are.
Posted by: Amy Coose | 01/04/2011 at 06:24 PM
Love the look back. I'm already having trouble imagining me w/two kids...feeling guilty that Mirielle won't be the only one! But I love seeing your family and know how happy and loved your kids are. :)
Posted by: justem | 01/04/2011 at 06:32 PM
stephanie, that last photo is AMAZING! Love the b/w and that little cleft chin is the BEST!!!!! I love my husband's cleft! my daughters only have a slight one though and I so wish theirs was HUGE like my hubby's!!!
tara
Posted by: tara pakosta | 01/04/2011 at 06:41 PM
Love it! Sanity IS overrated! What brain cells the first 2 didn't suck out, the last 2 will!!!
Posted by: Shara | 01/04/2011 at 06:43 PM
I love your "walk down memory lane". Made me smile! :)
Posted by: Kasey | 01/04/2011 at 06:43 PM
lovely!
Posted by: celeste | 01/04/2011 at 06:45 PM
by golly, i say this almost everytime i comment...but I gotta say it again...you inspire me so...love your honesty, and how you wear your heart on your sleeve, love the pics...love your kiddos, love your blog...thank you for keeping it so real...love yah!
Posted by: Elizabeth | 01/04/2011 at 06:49 PM
What a great post(& I love the photos)!! Isn't it hard to believe that your life has changed so much in 4 short years! Almost 4 years ago my youngest, sweet little boy was born! It sure does go by insanely quick!!!!!! Enjoy!
Posted by: Stephanie Eaken | 01/04/2011 at 06:50 PM
I am nervous about how my life will change with my chickie number two-who is coming this May-June. I love the sneak peaks at what you have gone through and watching how you have handled it all gets me more excited than the tiny clothes at the baby gap!
You are a wonderful mama!
Posted by: Kimberly | 01/04/2011 at 07:06 PM
you are doing great!! i think about how you stay positive and upbeat with 4 precious girls and how sometimes i get tired and frustrated with just 1! but i try to imagine when she's in school and i don't have a baby to hold...don't even want to think about it! keep enjoying this special time-and if you still lived in waco, i would so come over and hold your sweet babies for you :)
Posted by: Danielle | 01/04/2011 at 07:10 PM
You are a super woman in my book. I have one child, a husband who does not have to travel for work, and a MIL who takes Rowan once a week so my husband and I can chill out and sleep in. And I STILL feel like I am losing my mind.
Posted by: Michelle | 01/04/2011 at 07:17 PM
Love how you keep it so real. Yes, sanity is over-rated. Enjoy those little ones because a year from now they will be running around. :)
Posted by: Karen G | 01/04/2011 at 07:28 PM
Thank You for being honest and real. Life can be crazy and then those little ones say or do something that just makes you laugh and you remember why you love being their mom.
Posted by: Karen B | 01/04/2011 at 07:37 PM
I love your blog - I love how much you love your family . I also have four kids and life gets a bit crazy - but they grow up real quick and it gets a different kind of busy!! I feel like I am always leaving the house - dropping off, picking up!!!
Just enjoy every moment !!!!
Posted by: Lisa Kamphuis | 01/04/2011 at 07:41 PM
I seriously think you are the strongest woman I know of! I am a SAHM of 2 and sometimes feel like I'm going insane so I can only imagine! What a wonderful childhood you are giving your children though :)
Posted by: Kaila | 01/04/2011 at 07:43 PM
You are so inspiring! I only have one kid, and I think I don't have time to blog or craft...And then I see you, with FOUR...do all the things I aspire to do. And do it with grace and honesty - your faith is showing! :)
Posted by: Sonya | 01/04/2011 at 07:52 PM
Today was a bit overwhelming for me-first day back at school with 150 new children. I just keep telling myself, "you can do this-with God's help".
Just remember, Steph, you can do it!!! (that's me with my cheerleading pompom)
I loved seeing the pictures of the girls over the years. Thank you for taking the time to post!
(((hugs))) Jenn (aka cccjenn)
P.S. I absolutely ADORE that photo with you and the babe on your shoulder. *sigh*
Posted by: Jenn | 01/04/2011 at 07:56 PM
Hang in there chickie!!! I hear you on going stir crazy..mine is alittle different. I don't have 4 little ones, but only one VERY energetic just turned 4 yr old. And it is COLD... like -6 below today. Sanity is over-rated. Count me in as well, for wishing I lived closer. Would love to hold the little ones and play with the bigs. My bigs are too big!!! 22 and almost 13. Would love to play with your bigger girls. I miss the princess stuff SO much! (((HUGS)))
Posted by: Michelle Unruh | 01/04/2011 at 08:01 PM
You have been through so much and you will make it through it again. You have so much love in your family! i love all your pictures! We're all with you, super mom!
Posted by: Natalie Hua | 01/04/2011 at 08:03 PM
love it!! :-)
Posted by: lisadm | 01/04/2011 at 08:11 PM
HI there. Not sure if I have ever commented here, but I love how real your posts are. I only have three girls (ha...only!) and man is it hard. I can't believe how much work it is to get out, and to look decent! My past 18 month, with the addition of our third, has really shaken things up, but somehow, I am getting through, and I am starting to wear make-up again! Woot!
I love checking in to see your gaggle of girls!
Posted by: Daniele Valois | 01/04/2011 at 08:13 PM
Oh it seems so simple when you think back, but what an amazing journey! Embrace these pj days as awful as they sometimes seem and invest in fun new pjs too! I have an image of your whole crew in matching Hanna Andersson catalog pjs, hee hee.
Posted by: Melanie | 01/04/2011 at 08:13 PM
Sanity is completely over-rated!! ;)
Posted by: Tonya Dieterlen | 01/04/2011 at 08:18 PM
Love that pic of Sadie and yes sanity is VERY overrated.
Posted by: Kim Sorensen | 01/04/2011 at 08:22 PM
You are amazing! Great reflections and hugs to you!
Posted by: Abbeyviolet | 01/04/2011 at 08:45 PM
Love the photos! Time goes so fast! Cherish all the moments! Pj days are great!
Posted by: onedizzygrl | 01/04/2011 at 08:58 PM
sanity is overrated...besides the girls will only remember how loved they felt, not what anyone was wearing. sounds like you are a good mommy.
Posted by: Julie V. | 01/04/2011 at 08:59 PM
God's blessing to your family. It is what it is. And it is wonderful.
Posted by: AmyMpls | 01/04/2011 at 09:22 PM
I really don't know how you do it! I have enough trouble wiht My husband working the hours he works and being at home wiht 2 kids for a large large portion of the day.
I really don't know how you handle it and still look human! (which you do by the way :) You look lovely).
Those gorgeous little babies of yours--the reason for less sleep but more sanity! Isn't it funny how that works that way.
WIshing you moments of peace, joy, security QUIET and happiness--all of them in abundance :)
Posted by: Linda Trace | 01/04/2011 at 09:38 PM
=))) it's amazing how time really does fly!
xo
Posted by: C. Rayevich | 01/04/2011 at 09:46 PM
That's exactly why you need some visitors.... (and we don't mind the PJ's...) Don't worry, you're doing great....and with grace.... ;o)
Posted by: Snowbirds | 01/04/2011 at 09:48 PM
Aww, what a great post....pics of the girls are so precious!! My little brother just left home today to go back to Fort Benning for Infantry training! He just finished bootcamp mid Dec and got to come home for Christmas and New Years :)
Posted by: Amber | 01/04/2011 at 10:11 PM
looking back makes me realize how far you've come and how AMAZING you are! Hang in there, you know you can do this. I'm only a few hours away if you need me!
I remember when you were getting ready to have Harper and told us the name you and J had chosen. I loved it!
Posted by: JaYne | 01/04/2011 at 10:33 PM
You will do just fine. You have been through this before and did GREAT!!! You can do it this time too. Just remember that all us E-friends will be praying for you girlies and your major.
AS DORY WOULD SAY.....
JUST KEEP SWIMMING.
JUST KEEP SWIMMING, SWIMMING, SWIMMING.
Posted by: GinnaG | 01/04/2011 at 11:02 PM
These looks back are amazing. Where you've been and how much Team Howell has changed. That's an incredible way of phrasing a family that had absolutely never occurred to me. Team. Of course. Thank you for another wonderful glimpse into your world. I know that you must be ready to pull it all out but Grace is a perfect word for you.
Posted by: Nikki M | 01/04/2011 at 11:23 PM
You are absolutely correct! Sanity is overrated!!
Posted by: Kim | 01/04/2011 at 11:41 PM
you are one of the strongest women that i "know". i say that because while i have never met you, you are very brave to put all that you do out there. and i respect you so much for that.
Posted by: erin | 01/05/2011 at 12:01 AM
You are amazing Stephanie! Thank you for taking us on a little trip down memory lane! So neat to see it all progress in one post like that! Jammies? So what! The days for clothes will come again...enjoy jammy days! Clean house? Whatever! The girls will just remember how you and j loved them! Sanity? um...yeah...the gilrs will remember just how much fun you were! Just drink in every crazy moment! Love doing life with you through your blog! Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated! Blessings!
Posted by: Tammy Graves | 01/05/2011 at 12:13 AM
OMG Stephanie - what an amazing person you are! Enjoy the happy times with your little snugglebunnies :)) Take care
Vicky (NZ) xx
Posted by: Vicky | 01/05/2011 at 12:20 AM
Enjoy your little cuties Stephanie and don't worry (too much) all of us sometimes are afraid or make mistakes, but you're a great woman and a wonderful mama!
=) Huges
Posted by: Bea Monforte | 01/05/2011 at 02:32 AM
I so feel for you but it CANNOT last forever!
Just think when you are older and you have 4 lovely girls to go shopping with and take you out. ;) Then again don't wish it away entirely. You'll probably miss it. xx
Posted by: procrastination mama | 01/05/2011 at 03:04 AM
Complete sweetness!
You may feel the insanity, but you're not alone. One day you'll be looking back and able to laugh at those images of all day pjs, not leaving the house for days, etc. But, you'll be thankful for the current days, as well as the days gone by...we all will.
Blessings...
Posted by: Amy K | 01/05/2011 at 03:54 AM
I can still remember the days as if they were yesterday...our son was a handful! He was colicky and could never be put down. He had GER so bad he was on medication. He always cried and there were many days I cried right along with him. I remember a woman in Target telling me to enjoy every single moment, even if they were difficult because they grow up so fast. I couldn't understand how I could enjoy such difficult times. That was ten years ago. Time does fly, even though it seemed to stand still those days. I didn't have a family member around to lend a hand. We got through it one day at a time. It was at that time I ran across the quote, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may discover they were the big things." That one little quote got me to look at the small moments, the smiles my son would flash at me in between fits. I learned to look at the special little moments and not worry about the bigger picture...whether I got out of my PJs or accomplished anything much for that day. I wish you much strength during this time Stephanie. It's not easy or glamorous, but you will do a splendid job...you have such a wonderful attitude! ((hugs))
Posted by: Kathy Martin | 01/05/2011 at 06:42 AM
I LOVED your comment "sanity is over-rated anyway." Brought a huge smile to me face! Thanks!
Posted by: Marty | 01/05/2011 at 08:32 AM
It's funny I can remember thinking back about wishing "I can't wait till the baby (Ethan) starts smiling, can't wait till he starts sleeping thru the night, stops wearing diapers...." Now he's in his first year of high school. I really am enjoying the times he wants to just hang out at home with us, enjoying watching him interacting with his friends...Our children are gifts and knowing how quickly times goes by I want to hang onto all the little things. Enjoy your pj days:)
Posted by: Elisabeth Costa | 01/05/2011 at 09:01 AM
You will be just fine, sweet Stephanie. And when times get tough, you have blog readers that love you and your family! Also, look on the bright side of hanging out in pajamas all day -- LESS LAUNDRY -- YIPPEE! Hang in there!
Posted by: Christine Parker | 01/05/2011 at 09:19 AM
*** sanity is overrated. *** love it!
Posted by: Pidgen | 01/05/2011 at 09:33 AM
Seems like when my boys were those ages the only place I went to every day was the park! Felt like I was at least going somewhere...lol!
Your family is so cute! Love the photos.
Posted by: Janell | 01/05/2011 at 09:56 AM
"sanity is overrated" love that for a scrapbook page
Posted by: Alina | 01/05/2011 at 09:57 AM
"sanity is overrated" You are so funny! And, so REAL! Thank you for sharing your life with me and my insanity! Jenn
Posted by: Jenn Crosby | 01/05/2011 at 10:18 AM
LOVE all the photos!! That one of Sadie and Lucy is a riot!! And the last one of Cate is just beautiful beyond words!!! Don't worry about your sanity...it'll come back eventually...just when you need it. In the mean time, pjs are just perfect for right now.
Posted by: Christine Campbell | 01/05/2011 at 10:30 AM
BIG {HUGS}!
You're doing an awesome job!!
Posted by: Jonnelle | 01/05/2011 at 10:58 AM
happy tuesday steph, thanks for sharing the memories & the photos ... they are just precious =)
Posted by: Sheila | 01/05/2011 at 11:00 AM
Love Love that last picture (well, love them all, but really LOVE the last one).
And you're right, sanity is highly overrated. Your girls are adorable, and you are amazing, and even in your pjs you are giving everyone so much. And I mean EVERYONE... your cute adorable family, and us internet strangers. You brighten my day and help me feel secure in the fact that I am NOT the only person who goes through the ups and downs... we are all perfectly imperfect, and you are one of my very favorite examples of Womanhood, in all it's gore and glory!
Posted by: Carolyn | 01/05/2011 at 11:14 AM
That last picture and your last line about sanity being overrated made me laugh and shed a tear all at the same time. You have such a nice way with words! You are very inspiring...I only have three and somedays I feel like I might just fall out! :-) Thank you!
Posted by: Corey Brock | 01/05/2011 at 11:21 AM
Stephanie- I randomly stumbled upon your blog some time ago and have never left a comment. But- just wanted to let you know I LOVE your pictures, stories and feelings about life; especially about being a mommy. Just wanted you to know that. Hope you have a wonderful rest of your week!
Justine from Ohio
Posted by: Justine | 01/05/2011 at 12:54 PM
Justine! thank you so much for commenting and for your sweet words. xo
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 01/05/2011 at 12:56 PM
"Sanity is overrated." Absolutely! Love the look back of the Howell clan!
Posted by: Marti Richards | 01/05/2011 at 09:26 PM
Stephanie, you are holding it together wonderfully well. It's no mean feat to look after new-born twins, two little girls, run a home, BLOG!!! and all else, mostly on your own. You are some woman and very honest about your life.
Posted by: Bessie Segal | 01/06/2011 at 06:30 AM