A year later....

So much has happened. When you sit back and reflect on a year, you first realize just how fast it went. Then you really look back on it and you realize how much has happened. Blessings. Heartache. Milestones. The list goes on and on. A lot happens in that fast year.

****************************

Today is Father's Day. A day to celebrate the men that have fathered and continue to father little ones we love. In my case that happens to be a husband, a dad that has passed and one that unfortunately lives miles away. My heart is with all of them today. In different ways.

We have enjoyed our day to the fullest. Not really knowing our exact destination, we headed out for the day with fishing poles and picnic in tow! These girls are growing right before our eyes. The Bear will move on to first grade and the Bean will start Kindergarten. Like I said. A year goes fast and a lot can happen. We don't have much planned for the majority of the summer. Tomorrow we will head to Camp Ahistadi with our children's program from church. It will be an adventure and a blessing both. With great volunteers and parents, we will spend 48 hours with the kids we have ministered to throughout the past year. I really can't wait! A beach trip at the beginning of August and then school starts. We have enjoyed our summer vacation so far. There is so much to do right here at home. Our community is full of activities and people providing fun around every corner. I hope your summer is full of fun and amazing adventures! Happy Week!!

Let Kids be Kids

This seems to be the theme for our summer. I had no idea it would work out this way. It just happened. Like most good things, when not planned, more fun than you ever expected is going to happen. I can't wait to see where our unplanned adventures take us.

****************************

Last nights visit with friends has been the cherry on top so far. And we aren't even to the middle of June. I get giddy just thinking about it. At 39, I still remember one of my most favorite things as a kid was when we got the ok to play in the rain in a huge, nasty puddle in the middle of the parking lot at our apartment. I never wanted it to end. I realize after an aching back from multiple baths and mud that seemed to multiply over night that this was not easy on my mom. But, I do thank her. And I know that one day my kids will thank me. I remember a time before and even after having kids, I loved a clean house. Organization and easy. I still love like those things. I just love these girls more. And the friendships both we and the girls have with those that are part of our messy adventures. Behold, the mud buds. he was a bit on the conservative side

We sat around a nice warm fire while they got dirty. We laughed and talked about how much fun they were having and as my dear friend Brandy noted "these are the things they will remember", I smiled. Knowing that in that moment, they were being "kids". And so thankful for their health and happiness. And even more thankful they are mine. Sleepy heads came wobbling in after 8:00am this morning. Still smiling from all of the excitement and fun of the evening. Even Andy was still talking about what a great time it was. I'm not sure who called it or that we even realized it was after 10:00pm when we finally called it a night. I do know that I can't wait to do it all over again. Very soon. And I can't wait to see what our "kids" will do next.

Have a great weekend!

Opening Hearts

Apparently I have become a "lazy" blogger. There is no reason either. I look back at the last month and I seriously do not understand how I haven't been here to share our stories. There have been so many. Fun, happy and yes, some not so great moments. But they are all us. Our days together growing and learning.

***************************************

I have been on a mission. One that involves greatness and open heart understanding. I decided that starting with my husband and family were first on the priority list. That seemed so easy and so obvious. We already strive for that method of living every day. But, as most of you know, we can sometimes slip into the routine way of life. A little beach vacation was just what our family needed to recharge and renew. I am so thankful for the love and support I feel from my husband and children. God has blessed me beyond measure in this chapter of my life.

One thing I have learned through this process though, is that as much as you need and desire these relationships with your husband and children, you need others as well. Mothers, Fathers, siblings, In-laws and girlfriends. Oh yes. The things that bring you happiness and wholeness come in so many shapes and forms. And people. Realizing that didn't come easy. It actually came with tears, hurt hearts and disappointment. And for that, I am sorry. I finally came to the realization that I can't do it alone. And while my husband and children are my everyday constant, they also need these relationships outside of our four. Opening my heart to that made me a much happier and fulfilled wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Sweet relief and a heart that seemed to earn some medals in the process. That is how I feel anyway. :)

Bad things happen. Everyday. To good people. Faith and Grace get me through those times. And my people. I don't want to ever forget that. They all support and lift me up in different ways. All the ways I need it. And when you put them all together, well, friends, big things happen. For all involved. It feels good. And safe. And like you might have just figured this thing out a bit.

This is the last week of pre-school for my Bean and Bear. And for the Bear the last time she will ever be in pre-school. A big open world awaits her this fall and I am so excited and a bit nervous for her. Maybe even for myself. I do know one thing though. She will rock it and she will do that with the support of us and her people.

I continue to take extra steps and time to care and love those that surround me. Honestly, that is all any of us want. To be loved. And when we open our hearts and invite those people in, our own heart feels new and exuberant.

Happy Monday and Happy Week.

Sring has Sprung...

It is 2:40 in the afternoon. Both girls are sleeping soundly. They are dirty and hot and we are so thankful for it all. The extra baths we have to take. The open windows which allow the fresh air and breeze to engulf the inside of our house like new life. I am officially over my long winter depression and it feels good!

*******************************

We have been heading down the home stretch of our school year. I feel like we just celebrated Christmas, but love the time of year when Easter comes and we celebrate new life, new beginnings and fresh starts. I am in serious garden mode right now. The girls love any chance they get to dig and I love watching them embrace the earth and ground and learn to understand all it has to offer. We plan to try new things this summer. My favorite being strawberry plants. I really hope to be successful in this because as much as my girls enjoy eating them, they love to be a part of picking and bringing them to the table.

 

 

Getting outside and absorbing vitamin D is very important to our family. We need it. Our bodies crave it and we love the way we feel after a day of it. My skin is doing so much better and this grand sunshine is only helping.

We have a beach trip planned in less than a month and it will officially kick off our summer. I know there will be rainy days. We will see cooler temperatures. It is all part of the process. But for now, we are keeping our feet dirty and our hair messy. The best part is that we know in very little time, it will be what we look forward to everyday.

 

 

I plan to enjoy and appreciate every last ounce of this summer. My big girl heads to Kindergarten this fall and my baby will be spending her last pre-school year preparing to join her big sister the next fall. I don't want to take any of it for granted. I want long evenings that bring you to discover that you have stayed outside past bedtime to catch that last lightening bug. Or that you can't decide what to do for dinner after a long day of play, so you load up and head to the Dip Dog because, well, that is just what you do. These times and days are so precious to me. I can't begin to tell you how thankful I am for all of the new blessings and adventures we have too look forward to. I hope that with these pretty, warm days comes happiness, love and friendships that continue to grow. Just like all of the small buds of color I begin to see popping.

 

 

my girl at Kindergarten registration

It is official. I am calling it. Welcome Spring!! Enjoy your week.

Right Now

 Right now I have a heavy heart, happy soul and sense of readiness. Not in that order particularly.

In the past two weeks, I have placed a baby tooth under a pillow, watched as not only one, but two sweet girls swing alone. As in, by themselves. No need for mommy pushes. Ouch. And, I go this Thursday to register my first born for Kindergarten. Double Ouch. While these are all wonderful, amazing things about parenting, they are also the same ones that make me want to turn back time. To keep them small forever. To stay where we are. Right now.

I smile. I see wonderful things for this girl. Her future as bright as her smile. Her compassion and love for others is one of the things I most love about her. We spent the afternoon together outside yesterday. Just the two of us. It was wonderful to watch her carefree spirit run and create and pretend.

As spring sneaks up on us, we have enjoyed a couple of beautiful teasers. It is amazing what some outside time can do for the soul. Two girls loved getting their hands back in the dirt and we look forward to planting our garden and bringing color and beauty to our place with flowers.


 I hope that all of these amazing new places our lives are taking us welcome us with open arms. We
certainly plan to accept and enter with our most supportive and excited hearts. What's the best part of each and every new milestone we reach?  They will all have a right now. A place to imprint on our hearts and keep us looking forward to the next.


Happy Week!

Making Memories and Haircuts

I am under no illusions that my girls are perfect. They are human, curious and mine. They have their daddy's hard head and my strong will. Along with both of our spirits, love for life and adventurous ideas, they can make a good day even better and a rough kind of day seem like it will never end. But they are ours and we accept and love all of it. It is what makes them who they are. We work on redirection, praise and teaching with love. It may not always seem like they get it, but then a certain conversation or situation will arise and you realize... They get it.

I recently took an afternoon to myself. An awesome Sunday afternoon to just be alone. To think, study, reflect and unwind. My sweet husband demanded it and I did not argue. It was wonderful! About three hours into the alone time, my phone rang. That is not unusual. He checks in on me periodically and I love that about him. Always making sure I am safe and sound and most importantly that I am having fun. So, the conversation goes something like this.

Andy: Hey honey. Is Sarah supposed to have scissors in her room
Me: No, Why? (knowing good and well this was not going to be a good conversation)
Andy: She may have cut Olivia's hair a bit.
Me: Tell her that I will deal with it when I get home


I hung up the phone and I.was.livid. I can honestly say that I never expected that from the Bear. But one thing I have learned throughout this journey of parenting is that you expect the unexpected.

I chose to go easy on this one. She is five and curious. I imagine she just wanted to see if it would really cut. People have shared stories upon stories with me about the time they did it or had it done to them. Normal stuff I decided. I understand that it isn't OK to approve of everything just because it is their first time and they are curious. I just knew that this one was a lesson rendered in itself. With the session of playing Ms.Victoria came new haircuts for both. Upon further investigation, she had chopped  bit of her own as well. I smile. I try to remember how badly I wanted to see if I could cut my own hair when I was little. We move on. And we do it with sassy style.

BTW, it was done with children's scissors. Just so you know, all adult scissors are put up and hidden. So are the child scissors for now. That will be a privilege earned back at a later date.

A friend's little boy had a birthday party at what used to be Hall's Skateland when I was growing up. It is now owned/operated by some very fine people and  has been named Wheelies. Both girls loved it and watching my oldest start off on the rail and end up rolling on her own in the middle made me smile. A dear friend saw a picture on Instagram from the party. She is no longer in VA, but like me, has many fond memories at that skating rink. She unintentionally brought something so special to my attention. How cool it is that I am able to make memories watching my children enjoy and explore the same things I did as a child. That hit home and really meant something to me. Sometimes I take where we live for granted. What I mean is that while I loved growing up here, I forget that those same memories are the same ones my girls will appreciate and remember one day. I am just thankful for that reminder from a very dear friend. Thank you Laura..

We are counting down the days until spring. I am so ready to see those
first signs of budding and color. It doesn't feel like spring is anywhere in sight outside. The cold, fierce winds and bare trees are a constant reminder that we still have a while. That doesn't stop us though. We are spring on the inside.

 We have just celebrated a new milestone. That will get a post of its own though.

Happy Hump Day!

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Hold Me Day

This morning I was awakened by my normal tap. But on this particular morning, my normal alarm clock is no longer three. She is four. So spunky. So full of life and spirit. A true blessing to our family and beyond. Happy Birthday Bean!



Our conversation this morning with she, her big sister and I went something like this...
Me: Happy Birthday. How does it feel to be four?
Olivia: I don't want to be four.
Me: But why?
Olivia: Because when you get four, a mommy can't hold you anymore.
Insert big sister..
Sarah: Oh sissy. That's not true. Mommy will still be able to hold you when you are big and grown up. You can just sit right on her lap. It will all be OK. (She is so amazing in her role as big sister)

Olivia: Mommy, can you hold me now.
Me: Oh yes baby girl. Now and always.

 

Our Doc McStuffins party was yesterday. I am so glad as the weather today certainly isn't party friendly. It wasn't all that party friendly yesterday either. Our Bean is so blessed with many family and friends. People filled this house to it's brim. Laughter and chaos and cake and more. This house was alive and it was wonderful. She loved every minute of it and that is what is important. Thank you to all of our dear family and friends. You are appreciated more than you know and fill our hearts with your support and continued love for our family. Even those that live far away. Your love was felt when we heard the mail man at the door. Excited to find a new package. That love travels far, but we feel it strong.

 

 

So, our party mode ends. The snow continues to fall. And fall. And fall. Looks like a lazy, stay home kind of day again tomorrow. We won't be bored though. A house full of new toys and growing imaginations will come in handy over the next few days. I have cherished and nurtured the past year. I continue to watch her grow. And wonder where on earth the time goes. It is so precious. Our one and most important time in our life with our babes. Nothing makes me happier. The smiles and pure joy that I see in their eyes when I love them or hold them. Now and always.

Happy Week!

Hello Blue Skies

The snow is gone. The ground is so green. The sky so blue. These random warm days are such a sweet surprise. As we go along, day turns into night and night turns into day. We try to find different activities. Things to keep us busy in the winter months. Sometimes that can be challenging. I sometimes get in a rut, but the warm, sunny day comes around and breaks the rut. Happiness......

 

 

We continue to plan our Bean's fourth birthday. I started setting up today and I think it is going to be great. I felt like I didn't have "enough" to decorate. Some coffee filters and toys we have around the house and we are set. Houston, we have pin the hat on Hallie. Fun stuff.

 

 

The cold weather is coming back in the next couple of days. We'll start over. Reading some new books or finding ways to be creative.

Have a good night.

getting ready for "4"

I found what I thought was the coolest idea on Pinterest(don't we all). It involved four things. Poster board, coffee filters, glue and spray paint. Easy. Just the way I like it. I didn't take a picture of the number 4 when it was just poster board. And, in all honesty, when I got started I still wasn't too sure about this project. But, the more coffee filters I glued on, the fuller and more to life my number came. The finished product made me smile. And shed a tear. She is almost "4". And she is fantastic. My baby.

Doc McStuffins is not an easy party to plan or decorate for. She isn't on plates or napkins yet. With an awesome Etsy gal and friend that rocks the cake thing, I think we'll come together just fine!

The snow is supposed to roll back in tomorrow. Glad our generator is on our carport this time.

Stay warm!

"Snow" much Fun

We woke up to sun shine this morning. The sky was a vibrant blue. The perfect snow tipped trees popped against the sky so clear. Pure beauty...




The girls couldn't wait to get every inch of their bodies in the white blanket of snow. We joined some neighbor friends for snowman building and their first sleigh ride. Neither of them like the cold. We didn't have the best snow attire in all fairness, but we made the most of it. The snowman was fun, but the best smiles and giggles came from the sleigh riding. We packed as much fun in that thrity minutes or so that we could.






That snowball was definately meant for me

We returned home to a warm house with power. Yippee!! After thawing out and filling our bellies, we crashed for two hours. They say they want to go out again tomorrow. We'll see. Maybe. Maybe not. We have an afternoon playdate with some friends and quite a few craftastic projects up our sleeve. We have talked a lot about our appreciation for the things we have today. Electricity being the main one. But so many other things as well. I have really looked and seen how much I have to be thankful for today. We are so blessed and so lucky to have the luxuries we do.

It has been a great day. Another awaits us.  Good night.

White Blanket..Black Out

It started snowing today. Not slowly, but in buckets. Beautiful white blankets formed outside before our eyes. Part of me loves this. It is a good reason to stay in our pajamas and string lights from one end of the playroom to another. Making a "pretend" outdoor movie theater as the bean says.

 

Tonight, as I lay here in the pitch dark of our home (no power), I listen to the heavy breaths that my little ones take. So thankful for a husband that keeps a fire going to keep us warm and cozy. Thankful for the fun we can find in even the darkest moments. We are so blessed and so cozy in this beautiful place we call home.

Tomorrow brings sunlight and two little girls that can't wait to hit the snow full force. Truly appreciating this beauty that God has blessed us with.

For now, I am still. Nothing to interrupt or consume me. Just the sound of breathing babes and my heart so full..

Be safe and stay warm!

A New Way to Blog

I haven't attempted it because I wasn't sure of all the details. So much new technology and so much to learn. I am getting there. It still blows my mind that with one little application and a cell phone, I can blog from anywhere at the touch of a button. I love the idea of being able to use photos I capture with my phone. Our busy, crazy fun life happens at times I don't have my big camera. Times that I just want to capture that special, unplanned moment. Just like these...

Our week long plans are very low key. I am studying like crazy for the Life and Health Insurance exam. Andy has already sold policies to five customers. It is fun, exciting and something we love doing together.

I can't believe we are half way through the pre-school year. It is so hard to believe my Bear will be starting public school in less than a year.

We have been enjoying the spring like temperatures. I know it won't last, but February is right around the corner and spring won't be too far from that. I have a Doc McStuffins 4th birthday party in the works and a fun trip with some friends planned to break up the winter time blues coming in February. A fun place where snow, rain or shine, we play, laugh and catch up with dear friends...

Happy week!

New Blogger

I have a friend that has started something. Something I have been pushing her to start for a long time! Something amazing and full of heartfelt work, sweat and tears! With enough pushing and prayers, it has happened! You have to check her out. Follow her. Her work and her writing are just exactly like she is. Honest and beautiful! Happy Weekend!

www.number631.blogspot.com

Goodbye and Hello

Two years. One past and one coming on full force. 2012 was an amazing year. Big changes to our home life. Fun trips. An awesome summer. All of it. Not all days were perfect. They never are. I am so blessed. I cannot imagine what I did before being at home with my girls. This past year has been about learning, loving and listening. All four of us have grown closer. In many ways. We have remained close and in love with our existing family/friends and we have made and added new ones that are turning out to be such blessings.

I raise my glass to 2013. I can't wait for each and every day of it. The bad and the good. The hard and the easy. The familiar and the unknown. Bringing new challenges our way. Our Bear will start school in the fall. I plan to will loose the 20 pounds I have gained since staying home. Ouch. Yep. Not so good, huh? Being on top of my game as best as I can where they are concerned. Sweet times and memories to be made! 

Happy New Year~

Christmas 2012

I have not needed one Christmas CD in this house or in my vehicle this year. I have had the honor of my very own Christmas cheer and singing every single moment of my day. It has been wonderful. We have taken this whole Christmas spirit thing and run with it this year. We have taken part in some long time traditions and we have also started some of our own. Both have been great. I have seen my Bear play Mary in her pre-school play along with her sidekick Bean the cow. They have wrapped, baked an spread cheer in every place they could find from here to Maryland and back to North Carolina. Yep, it has been just perfect. Christmas eve began with our Blevins family gathering. It was fun, energetic and a great way to start off our day. We ended it with a powerful story told through music and the words of our amazing minister. The story that surrounds this season of the bold and beautiful birth of our very own Jesus. The service brought tears along with peace and reverence. Blessings.

We then went to my sister's to enjoy family for an hour or two. The look on one girls face was priceless when she saw what Santa had put on the tree early.



After arriving home for the end to a perfect Christmas Eve, we got ready. We put out our reindeer food. Prepared our plate of cookies with cold milk and then told stories of his coming. Both our Savior and Santa. And then peace and the gift exchange with my love. As always, he delivered. I am so blessed. He is so good to me all the time, but Christmas is just the icing on the cake.



Christmas morning was memories for a lifetime. The looks on their faces as they opened packages and stopped for only seconds to show us. To show each other. Sharing laughs and special "wow's" and "look at this sissy". We didn't really hear much from them after that. Until Nana came with the cabbage patch dolls. Can I just say, they still smell the same thirty years later. And we made memories. Just like the ones I have as a child. From the cookies to the colors to the smells. All love. It was a very Merry Christmas. From begining to end.



So, we await the new year. Plans already made. Spontaneous ones welcome. Quiet days at home. I can't wait for it all. Some changes and some new adventures. No matter what, we will bring in the new year together and we will live it together as well.



Happy New Year to all!