Oliver's 2nd Birthday

This year, Oliver turned 2 while we were on the road in Pennsylvania.  His birthday is December 19th and it will always be a balancing act for party-time.  We didn't do a party.  Mainly because by the time we got home after the Christmas tour, we were worn out.  But also because that time of year is just so busy for everyone!  Also, he won't remember.  Maybe when he's older, he'll choose to celebrate in the summer =)

We kept it simple.  I was sure to travel with party supplies so the boy could wake up on his day and see some balloons!  So fancy.

He opened the few presents we got him and also got to have a sugary breakfast.

That day, we went to the local "mall" and walked around then had a birthday lunch.  (We tried to hold up the number 2, not peace signs.)

That night was our last show of the tour... 

 And so, they brought him out from the nursery and we all sang to him.  I cried.  I still cry.  Such a sweet moment.  Not typical in any way.  

Happy 2nd, sweet boy.  We love you to pieces!

2015 Christmas Tour, Part III: KENTUCKY & PENNSYLVANIA

Our final leg of the tour was heading up to Hopkinsville, KY then on to Knox, PA.  Both churches have been stops for us in the past, so it was nice to come in and share the Christmas music for a change!

New Work Fellowship:

We had a great show and enjoyed our time!  And, there was an impromptu request for me to sing/rap the Fresh Prince theme.  So, I did.  Very Christmasy, of course. ;-)

We left the next morning and drove to somewhere (I can't remember) to split up the drive to Pennsylvania.  This one loves him some luggage carts...

We got to the Knox, PA area and settled into the guest house that had been arranged.  It was great!  A nice change from hotel rooms.  Plus, our contact, Ryan, had us some snacks, gift cards to restaurants, and pjs for Oliver.  Hello, thoughtful!

Hard to beat dinner and a Christmas movie.  Life is tough for a toddler.  

A little relaxing during the day.  

Sink bath!  

We were so happy it snowed!  We knew the weather in Nashville was going to be unseasonably warm, so the cold winter wonderland was a nice treat.  Oliver even got to play for a bit in it.  (Not too long, as we were not prepared with proper attire.)  

We did a show at Cornerstone Church  and what a fun show it was!  A great way to end the tour...

AND it was on Oliver's 2nd birthday!  (Stay tuned for a post about that!)

The next morning, we did a few more Christmas songs for both worship services.  Oliver had fun in the nursery, we sat in on a Sunday school class, and we said our goodbyes and Merry Christmases.  

We hit the road as soon as we were packed up and made our way to Nashville.  Trent drove the whole way!  We were so excited to get home after a fun and successful Christmas tour.  

We are so lucky to get to do what we do.  Most days are hard; there are lots of disappointments.  But, God is so good and He provides and we are more than thankful.

2015 Christmas Tour, Part II: ARKANSAS

We had 7 shows in 6 days while in Arkansas.  All were in the same area which made the lodging a breeze!  We made sure we had a fridge and microwave in the room and we were set.  This was our lineup:

1.  Cliff Terrace

2.  Cedarville First Assembly of God

3.  Larry's Pizza

4.  Bethlehem Free Will Baptist

5.  Cross Community Church (Poteau, OK)

6.  Kibler Baptist

7.  First Nazarene

Whew!  It was a whirlwind of a week and a great one!  We already had relationship with most of these, but two churches were new to us and that's always fun -- and I'm pretty sure they'll have us back =)

Now for the pics...

O loved the tree at Cliff Terrace.

He also loved my silly Santa earrings.

A little girl played with him during our soundcheck at Cedarville AOG and he was in heaven.  

That was also the night we all wore buffalo check.  The family that matches together... 

My friend, Heather, works at a boutique and I got a new shirt!  I wore it to Larry's Pizza.  AND it's not maternity so I can wear it after baby.

 Heather also watched chased and played arcade games with Oliver at Larry's while we sang some songs.  She's amazing.

Since we were stationary for about a week, I found some Christmas stuff for us to do so we could vacate the hotel room.  The library had free Santa, pancakes (which we didn't do), arts and crafts, and balloon animals!  It was the cutest.

And he didn't scream!  And he had his first candy cane!  Big day.

Bethlehem Free Will.  (Our friend, Beth, surprised us with gifts for Oliver and Amelia.  SOOO kind.)

The library also had a story time!  (Notice the train.  He's still in love with them all!)

I used nap time to address Christmas cards!

We didn't eat here, but needed a picture.  Obvs.

We opened for Consumed by Fire in Poteau, OK and had a fantastic time.  They were amazing!  

The time-out face.  Equal parts sad and cute.  Haha!!

Kibler Baptist.  Fun morning!

We didn't get any pics at First Nazarene.  But, they gave us a wonderful snack basket (my love language) and the pastor and his wife used to live and pastor in Waco, TX!  Crazy, small world.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Fort Smith/Van Buren area.  If you've read this blog for any time at all, you know we go there a lot.  We are so thankful for all the churches in that area that always open their doors and hearts to us.  We are blessed. 

2015 Christmas Tour, Part I: TEXAS

As you probably know, last year, we released our first Christmas EP, A Very We Are The Monks Christmas.  This was our third Christmas tour, but our first time to have any "product" to offer, which we were excited about.

Since we were in Amarillo for Thanksgiving,  we decided to kick off the tour there.   Our first thing was performing a couple songs live on Studio 4, KAMR.  We always have a blast there and this time, Oliver stayed back with GiGi and PawPaw.

Trent's parents offered to host the actual "kick-off" of the tour in their home.  They sent out invites, evites, and emails.  We decorated their house full of Christmas cheer.  We rearranged furniture to make room for the 50+ people who were coming.  Snacks were planned.  THEN, a major ice storm came, so we called it off.  It was for the best, but a bummer none the less.  HOWEVER, one couple showed up!  Ha!  So, we played a short set for them and the family and I didn't have to get out of my maternity leggings and sweatshirt.  

The next night, we played at FBC Amarillo and I just LOVE their sanctuary.  It's beautiful and the sound is amazing.  It was good to see some familiar faces and get the first real show under our belts.  

We left Amarillo and made our way to Salado to see my family.  We got to town, got unpacked, and took Oliver over to my sister's house to spend the night so she could watch him the next day while we went to Dallas.  

It made for an early morning (like waking up at 4:30 AM early), but we headed up I-35 for Good Day Dallas to record some Christmas songs for them to air.  Again, another great stop and everyone is so friendly!  Plus, it was like a date day for us =) 

The rest of the week was spent with family and opening gifts.  Then, we did a home show in Sugar Land.  The host graciously bought a CD for everyone who came which was a huge blessing.  We had a great time playing in the intimate setting and...BONUS...they had some incredible food.  Oliver was kept at the church nearby with our friends' kids and he had SO. MUCH. FUN.  

We left Sugar Land, after an already late show, and made our way to Mansfield.  Looooooooong night.  We got to the hotel at 1:00 AM, I think, and had to get up early for soundcheck the next morning.  Small prices to pay to get to do what you love...as a family.

We did a morning concert for the sweet folks at Community of Hope UMC.  We were there in October 2014, so it was nice to reconnect with the pastors and congregation.    

We left right after church and headed to Gatesville.  We stopped on the way and met up with my mom so she could get Oliver and take him back to Salado while we continued on.  We. Were. Exhausted.  We got to the church parking lot and fell asleep waiting for someone to get there.  

Our Christmas tour in 2014 was our first time at Highway to Heaven Biker Church and we vowed, if possible, to always make a stop with them!

They are the most genuine, Jesus loving group of bikers ever.  And they get into music.  They clap, sing, have fun, holler.  You name it.  And it makes our job easy and fun.  

After the show, we packed up and got to Salado and crashed hard.   It had been a very long and tiring weekend.  A weekend full of blessings, yes.  Make no mistake about that.  It was a tad draining, but it got us in our groove for the rest of the tour...

Stay tuned for Arkansas! 

ADORABLE maternity clothes + A GIVEAWAY

This lovely maternity kimono is my jam.

*Also, this is me at 33 weeks*

PinkBlush Maternity has so many cute maternity clothes for the modern mama.  You know what I love most about this particular top?  I can totally wear it after I give birth.  With a tank top and shorts?  Yes.  Over a swimsuit at the beach?  Yes.  Just to get the mail?  Sure.

Because I basically sit on a cajon for living, buying dresses and skirts (which I love) doesn't really make sense.  I am always looking for cute tops to dress up my jeans and this kimono shirt is perfect!  Plus, it can be dressed up or down.  SCORE!  

Not only does PinkBlush have trendy maternity clothes, they also have regular clothes!!!  I have a feeling I'll be shopping online at PinkBlush once my tummy is gone because SO ADORABLE.

This maternity boutique literally has everything from yoga pants to dressy dresses.  Diaper bags and nursing gear to bibs and memory books.  Plus, their prices are very affordable and they have great sales.  Check them out!

************** GIVEAWAY DETAILS*******************

- The giveaway is for a $75 gift card to be used at either PinkBlush Maternity or Woman.

- The giveaway ends at 12:00 AM, 2/24/16.

- The winner will be randomly chosen using Rafflecopter.

- TO ENTER: comment on this blog post telling me which item or items you'll be buying if you win!

That's it!!!  I hope you consider shopping with PinkBlush.  I know I will be in the future!

*this is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Monk Family Christmas

After our Christmas tour, we were able to be home for the whole week of Christmas.  It was great!!!  We ate, shopped a little, rested, and rested some more.  The only bad thing was the weather.  It was crazy warm, which is nice but we kind of wanted a little chill in the air for the holidays.  Oh well...

Oliver threw up on Christmas Eve, right before bed.  Not sure what caused it.  I think I let him have too much sugar that day and he was a little worked up.  Who knows?  That meant I was glued to the monitor all night just in case it happened again, which it didn't.  Thank the Lord. 

Our little set up .  It's a Wonderful Life was on which is basically a must.  And if you've never seen it, I'm not sure we can be friends.

Daddy was putting batteries in all of the trains.  (My mom said, and I agree, that parents should ask for batteries for Christmas.)

He also put together the track.  So fun.  

I loaded stockings.  (Note:  those pants really don't fit anymore.  Ha!)

I caught Santa.  

 Oliver woke up crying at 5:30 AM and had a little fever.  He didn't go back to sleep, so Christmas started early!

He loved the track and all the trains he got.  (Now he thinks any present has a Thomas train in it.)

Coffee mug for the day.  Duh.

Our pj pants we've worn since 2009 and Oliver playing in the background.  Those trains ran all day long, I think.  I went to sleep hearing motorized toys.  

A train tent from Honey Lue!  

All aboard!

After a nap and more rest, he started feeling better.  Being sick on Christmas is the worst!  

The best we could do...

Uncle Travis and Aunt Amy sent Oliver a Harley coat.  The day we got it in the mail, it was over 70 degrees, so he didn't wear it long, but has since!

We enjoyed our time off so very much.  And now, we are totally fine with the 70 degree weather.  Come on, Spring!