moments come and go

where in the world do the moments i so deeply desire to write about go?

i'm not sure what happens with my 24 hours each day, but somehow regularly i'm feeling as though i was jipped in the hours per day department.  i'm sure many of you feel this way all too often.

that's where i sit currently.

the things to get done only daily increase, the moments i was hoping to "get that done" seem to decrease...this life i have is blessed even when i don't get to everything i was hoping to. 

spending time with my family trumps all and i'm completely ok with that!

Here are some of those moments that I was hoping to have all the eloquent words to blog about...the words will be missing, but the photos completely present.  We enjoyed an evening with friends this week and I noted that Josh gets cake because of Amanda's desire to learn more about cake decorating and baking.  I jokingly told Eric that he gets photos; lots and lots of photos.  It's not edible, but it's capturing those memories.  Sorry Eric!

We spent last Wednesday dying eggs with Josh and Amanda.  Nash loved his first egg encounter.  He was a bit confused as to why he couldn't throw the eggs like a ball.  Dad was most hesitant as dye covered the table and Nash's hand hung out with the color orange all night.  I got what I wanted; moments captured digitally.  I don't remember dying eggs as a little one, so I want to make sure that Nash gets the full experience that he should receive.  It was fabulous!

Nash received his first easter gift last week as well.  Grandma Lue sent home a goodie bag from work with me and I gave it to Nash.  He hasn't had candy before and was overwhelmed with delight when an egg popped open and there were robin eggs and jelly beans.  How in the world he knew about the candy, I don't know, but he definitely knew just what to do.  He shoved as much in his mouth that would fit and didn't find much delight when mama took the eggs away before all was inhaled.  He is loved by so many!

We spent Easter weekend with our families.  Saturday was spent at my sister's house with all the cousins.  We had a blast!  Family is a blessing -- I don't know if I truly comprehend the depth of gratitude that I should for being able to spend time with family.  I'm growing in this area and desire to continue...I don't want to miss any opportunities.  I'm so thankful that our families are close and that Nash is learning and growing as he relates to everyone.

There were four wheeler rides, trike rides, baseballs to catch, a trampoline to jump on, games to play, food to eat, birthday cake, eggs to hunt, and SO much more!  Our day was filled, but full of fun!

We were amazed at how well Nash did with egg hunting.  It was as though he's known all along what to do.
See an egg, grab it and throw in basket...repeat until all eggs have been acounted for. (smart boy this one!)

There was a memory game attached to the box of dye for the eggs.  I didn't know if Nash would understand what to do or not, so I cut the cards out and introduced him to the game.  I left all the cards face up hoping he could simply make the matches.  He could.  I was somewhat surprised, but delighted that he knew what to do.  We've been enjoying a game of memory each day since.  He likes to pair the cards up and of course I'm delighted that he understands the concept!

This boy is a delight!  We are so blessed to share life with him and feel so honored that the Lord has given him to us -- what a precious, precious gift!

kisses; kisses for mama

Yes!

This is what I call VICTORY! 

Today my sweet little man devoured me with his delicious kisses.

They were random, but incredibly delightful upon receipt.  

He would run towards me and I'd scoop his squishy little body towards mine.  He would open his mouth and begin the assault.  They were wet and delectable! 

Oh, how much my heart loves this boy! 

I grabbed the camera for a taste of the moment, but cameras distract my man.  He wanted to know what mama was up to rather than continue his plaster.  Needless to say, I caught some of his sweetness regardless.

Our day was filled with pure bliss today.  We stayed in. 
The school bus picked up the kids next door, so we watched.
Laundry needed done, so in the midst of washing, drying and folding, we used the basket as a train.
Books needed read, so we read and read and read much to our delight.

Today was a reminder of how incredibly blessed we are to have a parent home full time.  It's a joy!

The day ended with one of Nash's favorite activities; bath time.

love

houston continued

More of our Houston trip.  The beach...rainforest cafe...shopping...playing outside...etc. 

The memories have been captured.

it's thursday. our usual storytime day. there was snow; a lot of snow. we did not go. instead we stayed in pj's and played. it's been a great day so far. pj and comfy clothes....who could ask for more?!

hope your thursday is as refreshing as ours...

Making Memories

In learning to be more thankful I'm doing my best to be grateful even in the midst of the mundane. 

Staying home has blessed me in more ways than one can fully express in words and often actions.  I don't ever want to take for granted what I have; each and every moment of the day. 

To love my family more whole-heartedly and do the best I can in raising a disciple who will one day give his life to Jesus; that's my daily prayer. 

It requires much from me: I can be selfish, prideful, ungrateful and impatient much of the time.  Daily I'm learning that life is so much more than me.  Sometimes that's a hard concept to grasp, but thankfully I'm daily choosing to see this more evidently.  I have been given a loving husband who fully supports me and a beautiful son in which God has entrusted me as his mama.  What more could I truly desire?!  This is the life.  The prayers I prayed for many years -- they have been answered and placed in front of me. 

Because of that I choose to make memories.  Those moments that take my breath away or cause my heart to flutter...they are captivating this wife and mama heart of mine. 

Spending some time and money at Wal-Mart with my little man proved for an incredibly fun evening as a family.  Nash loves being outside and absolutely HATES when mama and daddy call him in.  Simple treasures that make one 17 month old incredibly happy -- this is the life!

Planes, trains and automobiles -- well for this boy, it's baskets, blankets, books and trains.  He has fallen in love and for that we celebrate!

A trip to our local Murdochs.  Precious beyond words.  There was much saddness that had because we couldn't handle the chicks.  I was dreaming of a picture with Nash sqeezing most of the life out of one -- those moments that photographers dream of...that was mine.  I'm sure that's why there were large signs posted everywhere about how we were NOT TO HANDLE THE CHICKS.  I'm a rule follower, so we didn't even pet them.  We peeked and peeped and enjoyed them running around in their given trough.  It was fabulous!  Free entertainment for a little man and his mama -- who could ask for more?!



The moment I hadn't dreamed of, that's the one today that places much gratefulness in this heart.  Murdoch's has this beautiful rusty tin outside of it's building.  It was the perfect spot to place my little man, tie and all.  He was glad to obey mama and have a seat by the wall.  I took the brief moment and caught Nash lovin' life. Watching the traffic go by and looking at all of the farm gear would have captivated him for much of the day.  His soul loves the great outdoors!  He even offered his new "peeueh" pose for my lens.  Those mundane moments...those brief periods where nothing could take away the love you feel for this little person....those grins...the glorious bellows that flow from his insides way deep down to express his excitement for life....THOSE are the moments in which I realize just how incredibly blessed I am. 

THIS IS THE LIFE!

happy birthday Krystal!

while in houston we were able to see my cousin sara and her family.  her daughter krystal celebrated her 5th birthday.  we had no idea that once there we would be entranced...

fairyland captivated each of us. 

fairy's eat well, dress very well and make the most fabulous pixy dust! 

what fun was had by all!

our new friend Otto

this weekend we got to meet otto.

he is sweet. brown and white in color. likes to chew. enjoys chasing and jumping at nash.

otto is our new friend!



Nash also enjoyed checking out this butterfly in a jar that Miss Nanc had...

this daily journey

This road on which I travel is filled with blessings, turmoil, anguish, joy, laughter, delight and a mix of many other emotions.  My heart is often found complely swelled with wonder at moments and then there are the moments where I feel I'm barely holding it together.


A trip to Sugar Land, Texas provided renewal for my soul -- deep down.  Friends. It's refreshing to sit and sip coffee and share ourselves deeply.  I had no idea how one year ago my life would be changed through such a friendship.   Thankfully it isn't I who needs to know or even comprehend, but simply go where God asks.  


One year ago I was in the midst of daycare dread -- it was a dark, dank burden over our family. A friend reached out and offered her and her family's blessing toward our family.  She began loving on our boy five days a week for the remaining eight weeks of school.  This opened up more opportunities than I can name.  


Those precious friends have since moved from our community to a new one.  They are daily reaching out within their new home and making those same prints on those around them.  I got to take this in this past week.  This trip allowed me to be the observer.  To see just a glimpse of why God calls people elsewhere.  Sugar Land is being graced by three beautiful souls and those three are being graced by multiple souls as well.  


The community of Christ is beautiful and it exists all around.  I LOVE THAT!  


In February our family was rocked a bit.  This precious friend sent a book my way in hopes to restore some of the hope that was lost through miscarriage and tragedy.  This book has begun rocking my walk this week.  It's called One Thousand Gifts and I'm in love...I'm in love with the writing spread over each page, the challenges placed before me and the beautiful new ways in which familiar scripture has come to personally touch my soul to the depths.  It has sprung forth this new vigor.  One I should have never lacked, but somehow found myself lacking.  I have been reminded of the GOOD and amazingly loving Father I serve.  


These three words are a challenge that I hope I can truly live out each day -- each moment -- each opportunity.  It will require growth, patience and trust.  Three things I'm not necessarily great at, but today willing; today I'm willing to ask the Father to lead, to guide, to show...


joy     grace     thankfulness


May my life not be lived out with an ungrateful heart, but one that chooses to see the glory that is right beside me in those moments....those moments that are constantly gracing the pages of this life as my lungs continually breath in and out...in and out...in and out...

travel

to texas and back.

that's what we've been doing.

great friends!
great food! (so much food!)
great trip!

Eric had business in Houston and our dear friends moved there in October.  We were thrilled to get to extend his business and make a mini vacay.  We stayed with our friends at the beginning and end of our trip and enjoyed a hotel in between.  All in all it was a blast! 

I was able to do an engagement setting while there, so Eric and I enjoyed an afternoon date day as well.  It's a rare occasion these days -- we savored it!  There are perks to visiting friends!

There definitely were the moments of travel that one would expect especially with a 16 month old along for the ride.  Nash was a trooper and dealt well with feeling crummy more than once.  It's no fun traveling with teeth in tow!  We spent a day in Galveston even though it was chilly.  Andrew and Nash loved it, as did their parents!

Our trip was great.  There are many more pictures to come.  This post was brought to you by nap #2 today. 

Enjoy!

(s)