A Vacation To Remember {Part 1}

One of my favorite things about the summer is family vacation.  

One of my favorite things about vacation is having family pictures on the beach.  

There is just something special about capturing that time together.  

The last time we had our feet in the sand was two years ago.  

I am amazed at the difference in my boys.  It makes my heart a little sad to see how fast they are growing. 

At the same time, I feel like I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Do you know what I mean?  Chris and I were walking on the beach one of the days while the boys were asleep.  We were talking about how different our lives will look in a few years. 

 How different our vacations will look.

  I have such mixed emotions about it all.  

For now, we are soaking in these sweet family moments.

  Moments that for us will be etched in or minds forever.  

I thought I would share some of those moments will all of you!

{This picture captures my boys to perfection. This is so much all there personalities. 

Brady- hands in pocket {serious}

Mason- always smiling

Cole- hilarious. always trying to make everyone laugh.

{Clearly, they were over taking family pictures}

 Thankful for this time I have with my boys.   

Loving on them.

Laughing with them.

Getting our feet sandy.

Jumping in the waves.

Collecting shells. 

Running on the beach.

Watching the waves come crashing in and 

realizing just how small we all are compared to how big God is. 

Being together as a family.

So Long Summer...

Happy September, Sweet Friends!

As you already know most people have a daily habit-- a consistent ritual, good or bad. Maybe you're addicted to coffee in the morning {not so bad}, this blog {fabulous taste}, biting your nails {bad}, or addicted to Pinterest {great! We so relate!}. 
Speaking of addictions--  I am off to get a {fountain} Diet Coke, 
soak up the last few days of summer

and of course do a little sword fighting.
 {What's a long weekend without a good sword fight!?!}
Happy Friday!!!

xoxoxox

*Thanks to Nikki James Photography for the fabulous pictures!

Oh Friday

 I have been waiting for you.
 This has just been one of those weeks.

A. Long. Draining. Week.

  Thankful to spend some quality time with my three little men.

To run, jump, dance and play with them. 

To be part of their big world this weekend.

Source 

Oh Friends I can't wait. 

To laugh with him. Tickle them.

Love on them. Spoil them. Wrap my arms around them.

Soak in their sweet dimples. 

I need it. A breath of fresh air. 

I need to see this world through their

sweet eyes. It is good for my soul. It makes me happy and I can't wait

to get lost in this weekend with them.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Are you ready for this weekend like I am?
So do tell, what are your special plans? 

We Interrupt...

..... this weekly scheduled Etsy post to tell you a story of how I thought I was going to be swept away in the mother load of all storms. While many around SW Ohio were hearing of upcoming Tornado watches and warnings I was focused on getting my little men fed and getting myself out the door. Where was I going you ask? Zumba {of course}

I never really get to worried about storms. I actually like them because I love watching the meteorologist. Seriously, are they not hilarious? Anyways. As I walk into Zumba I realize there aren't as many ladies there as usually. I was excited about this because that meant more room for me to shake my booty and you know I love to shake the booty. I really didn't think much of it until.....

We were told to go out into the hallway. Of course, I grab my phone and text the Coach W to see what is going on at home and just pray that my boys aren't having the big one. He lets me know all is well. They are safe in the basement and are just fine. Then he says, "It's headed your way. Whatever you do don't leave." For those who know my husband the first thing you soon realize is he is a NO DRAMA kind of guy. So, that is when I started to get a little concerned.

After waiting in the hallway and watching women around me do squats and some arm exercises I started to laugh. I don't know if I was laughing because I was nervous or because these crazy women were doing squats in the middle of what could be a tornado. As we all waited in the hallway a man comes running in and has us move to another part of the building. As we are walking it starts to hail and storm like I have never heard or seen. The lights went out. I screamed only to have my cousin right there to grab onto and continue to walk in the dark. Thankfully, the lights came back on and we stayed hidden in a back corner of the church.

The second we could leave I ran out. I just wanted to get home to my boys. I couldn't believe the damage all around me. My beloved swagger wagon has huge dents all over it and my light is busted out. As I am driving and seeing all of the street lights out and debris everywhere I can't help but think of the dear people of Joplin. I can't imagine what they are going through.

I pull in the driveway and run in my house only to find my three sweet babies sound asleep in their beds. My two older boys are snuggled together. My sweet Mason is so snuggled up to his brother he is practically laying on him. I am relieved. I am thankful.

As Coach went to go help his parents clean up the damage to their house and cars I was able to take a minute to simply thank Jesus for protecting my boys and to lift up the sweet people of Joplin.

Road Trip

It was rainy this weekend so we took a family road trip.

In the rain. We packed up our little men and

headed to a different state. 

One would say we have our hands full.

I would say YES we do. 

Our hands are full

.... of love

.... of joy

.... of cuteness

.... of craziness

... of sugar and spice 

 {can you guess who is the sugar

 and who is the spice}

... I am blessed 

... I want to be a better person because of them

... my cup runneth over

and these times my sweet friends are some of the BEST times of my life.

Happy Monday and be sure to check back tomorrow for a fun 

little challenge I have for you!

A Day To Celebrate.

To My Little Sister,
Why I am showing this adorable picture of your families feet? One, because I LOVE it and two, because with those I have walked with you my entire life and I have seen those feet travel to many different places. I wanted to write you a Birthday letter because I know that dad would have wanted me to write this to you since he can't. Since birth you were always dad's favorite. I think because you are so much like him. Maybe that's why you were always his favorite. I can remember before dad went to heaven we sat on my couch and talked about how proud we were of you and how much you have grown up. I don't know if because I am your older sister but I see you as 16. I think I will always see you as 16 even when we are both walking around with canes in our hands. I can still remember you crawling on the floor and sneaking in my room. We would laugh for hours. Dad and Mom would ALWAYS say they were going to split us up but they never did. This past year I have seen you grow in leaps and bounds. You are such a great mom to Madi! When I think of you as being a mom it's crazy to me, yet you are fabulous at it. You have matured with grace and beaty and I am so proud of the woman you have become. I know Dad would be so proud of you. On this special day 28 years ago I became an older sister. I am so thankful that the Lord saw fit for me to have someone as special as you to be my sister. I love you and am so thankful for you and the beautiful woman you have become!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Are you making time for family dinners?

Ok, close your eyes and picture family dinner. June Cleaver is in an apron and pearls, Ward in a sweater and tie. The napkins are made of linen, the kids are clean, the steam rises from the freshly baked casserole... {sounds like a great idea for my upcoming photo shoot... thanks Meghan and Courtney for the fabulous idea}  


This however isn't how it looks in our castle. It is more like a whirl wind of craziness. Boys are not so clean, I burnt the dinner and my sweatpants apron has kid germs all over it. Now am I speaking your language? Ok, good. With Coach W in full basketball mode, the boys playing basketball, zumba and the list goes on and on, I am beginning to see how difficult it can be to just sit down and eat together as a family. 


This has always been one thing I said I would make my family do whether they liked it or not. For me this is something I feel will help strengthen our family and helps me to connect with my boys on a deeper level. Sounds weird, well hear me out. 


Studies show that eating together as a family has huge benefits for not only kids but also us as parents. Here are  10 Reasons to make this a priority in your castle.

1. Family dinner is good for the kids. Study have study shows that children who eat dinner with their families, on a regular basis, are less likely to get bad grades and are less likely to have substance abuse problems. {According to a Columbia University study}

2. Family dinner is good for you.  Even though rushing around the kitchen can be somewhat stressful at times it gives you a chance to sit down and just enjoy your family. 

3. Frugal. I will be the first to admit we aren't big on going out to eat. With three little men six and under it just isn't fun for us at this point. However, we LOVE to go pick things up {not good for the budget or waist line} Eating together as a family at home is less expensive than eating out.

4. Helps to develop good eating habits. You have some control in what the kids are eating. You can make it healthy for them. Plus, kids are more likely to try something new sitting at the dinner table versus out in a restaurant {at least mine are}.     

5. Family dinner is a great time to connect. Your kids will begin to realize that this time is special. A time during the day where everyone can talk about their day, listen to each other and connect as a family. If you’re sharing a meal, you are most likely talking while you eat. Kids will often share things and talk while relaxing to dinner. It’s a time to unwind and discuss the day’s events. It is such a great time to check up on what’s going on in their little lives {and by the way, my four year old can tell you all about his day at school, who was bad , who was good... young or old they have a lot going on we just need to talk to them more}  

6. Family dinner can become a great memory for your kids. I am sure you can tell I am big on creating memories for my kids. For me, it just seems like a great way to create a fun memory my boys can have of us a family. Will there be times it's not enjoyable? Yes. Will there be times I make something that is nasty? Yes. Yes. But you know what they will remember it!

7. Family dinner time helps provide discipline. I will be the first to admit this is a daunting task in the upcoming years. It is already crazy now but if you are disciplined to know that this is what you we as a family are committed to doing it becomes a daily discipline like many others areas of our lives. 

8. Family dinner time provides stability. Kids need schedules and routine {at least mine do}. They need thing to be in order and to know ahead of time what is going to happen.   Having a regular mealtime, same time each evening, can be very important. Even if your main course is pizza, try and eat at the same time as often as possible. 

9.

10.

 Don't worry I didn't forget the last two. I wanted you to fill them out for me. Why do you think it's important to eat together as a family? For families whose schedules make evenings together a challenge, try breakfast or lunch. So pull up some chairs. Lose the TV. Let the phone go unanswered and break bread together as a family.

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda  

Wordless Wednesday: Packing up to take a trip...

Not sure when or where but one day ....

it will be just US and a suitcase off to see the world....

For more Fabulous Wordless Wednesday photos, visit 5MinutesforMom.com and Wordless Wednesday.

What makes your house a home?

I’ve always believed that you can make a home anywhere. Because it truly is about the people who are inside the walls that make your house a home. With that being said, I have long been attracted to the whole concept of home. I love having a cozy place to call my own, to nest in at night, to nurture my family, to create memories, and to find peace and comfort. But for some reason I get very caught up in other people’s beautiful homes. Don't get me wrong I am blessed with a beautiful home but I always find myself wanting more. {sounds like a contentment issue to me} Then, I realized if I just changed a few things up every now and then it made me enjoy this wonderful place where I get to raise my family even more. 

So, if you don’t have the time/money/inclination for an expensive remodel {we don’t}... If you are not the type to do extensive DIY home projects every weekend {we’re not}, and if you are not especially artistic or lucky in finding beautiful armoires or vintage furniture by the side of the road {one day I will be}!  Still, your home can be adorable, modern, comfortable, personal, welcoming and nurturing. Here are some things I do and thought I would share them with you!

1.  Clear the Clutter
Throw your stuff away or donate it to Goodwill. A lot of us {me included} have SO much junk. It is amazing what a really good Spring cleaning {even in a winter storm} can do for the soul!
2. Use What You Have

Along the same lines, I have found tremendous fun in challenging myself to home decorate using whatever I find around the house. Most of us already have so many things. I found that once I stopped longing for new things, I was able to use and enjoy my own and have fun putting together things I hadn’t used in a long time.   

3.  Clear the Dining Room or Kitchen Table
 The table is to be used to eat, to create memories with your family, to do art projects, to read ... It's isn't your closet or a storage area... it isn't where you just throw all of your junk. It is amazing what a CLEAN table can do for the "look and feel" of your home.
 4.  Rearrange
 This is my favorite thing to do. Rearranging the furniture can be very fun and give you a much needed change. Even if you don't have a lot of space try rearranging smaller elements in the room. It will keeps things fresh as new.  
5. Pictures

As you know by now, I LOVE pictures. I love the way they capture memories or just a moment that you will have forever. So, print out your favorite pictures and get them on the walls. Create a photo wall in your house. It adds SO much to your home! 
6. Paint

I am a sucker for color. My first house {that I adored} was plum, mustard yellow and green. You are thinking... what? Oh. it was so yummy . With our house now we did a lot of tan but accented a bunch of the walls with fun colors. Try painted just ONE wall. Or even better yet, go get spray paint and your nasty gold mirror that you have had for 10 years. Spray paint it black. You will LOVE it and it will give your room a whole new feel!

7. Candles 

Add some smell goods to the house. I firmly believe just like first impressions you get a feel for a house within minutes. So, have a candles going. Super easy, Super cheap, Super practical!

8. Laughter

My mom always says, "I just want you to laugh a lot." Why does she always want me to laugh because then she knows I am happy. Create an atmosphere in your home that makes people smile. A place where your kids can, where YOU can laugh and simply enjoy what you have blessed with. 

9. Encouragement

Sounds weird but hear me out. Your house should be a place where you can serve others. Where they can feel like they can be themselves/open up/ laugh/cry/be encouraged  and just chat it up in your home. If you come into my home my desire is for you to leave feeling better then when you stepped foot in our doorway. I want you to feel encouraged and loved whether you are one of Mason's friends or a 90 years old women.

10. Love

Twenty years from now when my boys have families of their own are they going to remember what color mom had on the walls? No. Will they remember that we had a fancy rug in each room? No. What they will remember {i pray} is the love that we all shared as a family. The times we sat at the dinner table and talked about our days. The times we played video games together and had team dinners. The times we sat in bed and read the Bible. The times we prayed together as a family. The times we sat snuggled on the couch and watched our favorite movies. The times we played in a serious game of basketball. The times we cried together and the times we laughed until our bellies hurt. That's is what they will remember about our home. 

I can remember one of the greatest compliments I ever received was from a man who had been finishing our basement. When the job was complete {which took about a month} he told me that he looked forward to coming into our home because he just felt a sense of peace and warmth. Seriously, it brought me tears. He didn't have to say it but I am so thankful he did. I don't tell you that to say I am great but to let you know that your home creates some type of atmosphere. Is it chaos/peace/laughter/Jesus/joy/anger/bitterness? 

My question for you is two fold... 1.)What atmosphere does your home create? 2.)What makes your house a home? Is it your kids drawing or a favorite bookcase? I would LOVE to know!  

This post is linked up to Top Ten Tuesday at Oh Amanda  

Tomorrow you will be ONE.

Happy Early Birthday My Sweet Baby Boy!

For more Fabulous Wordless Wednesday photos, visit 5MinutesforMom.com and Wordless Wednesday.

Dear Dad,

I can't believe you have been gone for an entire year. In some ways I feel like you were just sitting on the couch laughing with me and the boys. Other days I feel like I haven't seen you in forever. I thought I would write you a letter instead of writing about you. I'm sure your not surprised but I have been dreading this day for a long time. You know how much I hate to cry and I know you wouldn't want me sad but I miss you like crazy. I feel like my heart hurts. I know you would be so mad at me right now. I know that you are so happy and singing with the angels. You always loved praise and worship. You would sing so loud and drive me, mom and min crazy. Do you have a good voice now that your in heaven? You have to right?  I wish you could see the boys, Dad. They have grown so much in the past year. It's crazy. Cole is starting to take steps. He is so sweet, Dad. He would melt your heart. Brady is like a little man and is obsessed with football. Remember the last soccer game you were at? He is so good at it and its so exciting to watch him. You would be so proud of him.  Mason is well... Mason. He is the cutest kid alive. Mom always says if she gets sad she knows Mason will do something within two seconds to make her laugh. He is so stinkin funny, Dad. We missed you at the boys birthday party this weekend. It was complete chaos as they all are. Mom helped me a ton. I remember the last party you were at with the boys and I will never forget you sitting at one of the round tables and in the middle of me running around like a crazy person you stopped me and told me what a great mom I was to the boys. I don't know if I ever told you how much that meant to me. 
I know you don't care but I still can't bring myself to go back to your grave site. I just know your not there. It makes me sad because I feel like I am forgetting what your voice sounds like. I want to call you on the phone so bad and just hear you for a second. The beauty of this whole thing Dad is that while the tears seem unending you are standing before Jesus himself. Is He as amazing as we thought? I am sure he is. What it is like up there? Tonight I was laying in bed with Brady and we were talking about the weekend and his birthday. I asked him if his birthday was everything he had hoped for and he said, "Mom, lets just say I love you higher than heaven." I know I have read about it but I can't imagine what it must be like. How amazing it is. Gosh, I wish I could give you one more hug. I remember the last time I saw you before you were in the hospital. It was just you, me and Brady fishing. Do you remember looking at me and saying how it made you think of when I was a little girl? I was so excited to be fishing with you again. We had so much fun that day. Dad do you think the sadness will ever stop? The funny thing is I know I should be happy and truly I am so thankful that you are walking on streets of gold but I just miss you and can't wait for the day that I see Jesus and then you!! I miss you and love you more than you could ever know.

I don't want to forget...

How excited you were when you woke up this morning. 

Your first big boy field trip. You were elated that 

you got to ride on the bus. 

I don't want to forget 

... your first group of school friends ... 

... your Kindergarten teacher ...

... or how proud I was to see you in your element ... 

In the next 12 years you will have tons of field trips, lots of life long friends and amazing teachers. My prayer for you my sweet boy is that you will enjoy every moment and that I will never forget how sweet, thoughtful, respectful, funny, silly, and loving you are at this very moment.  Jeremiah 29: 11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Family Time is the Best Time.

Over this long weekend we have enjoyed...

 lots of family time, picnics, football, soccer, grilling out, laughter and parades.

Family time is like a breath of fresh air. 

Hope you and your family are taking the time to enjoy each other on this 

 fabulous Labor Day!

Why I wish I was still little

…they find joy in life's simplest things

…they can scream and yell and its “normal”

…they have an endless supply of energy

…they can take a nap whenever or wherever they want

…they get carried around all the time

…they can throw a fit and sometimes get their way because of it

…they have no bills to pay

...they can look in the mirror a million times and not be called vain

...they are considered talented when they can suck both their big toes

…they can say whatever they want whenever they want just be called cute

...they know how to giggle deeply and often

...the more rolls the better

...the can play all day and night just to get up and do it all again

…they have someone doing pretty much everything for them

…someone does the laundry for them

…someone makes their meals for them

…someone wipes their dimply booty

       ...someone sings to them while they sleep

              ...someone is on their knees praying for them

…the only thing they know how to do is simply be little