Favorite Things Monday: Doing her Best

What better way to kick off my loooong absence than with this very special edition of Favorite Things Monday! What is so special about this edition, you ask? 

Well.... simply put: 

This Beautiful Lady...

This is my friend Ashley

And today is her birthday.

She gets a spotlight today because I love her and due to an unfortunate 600 mile distance, am unable to celebrate with her in person.

Many of you may know her but for those of you that don't, let me fill you in on a few details about one of my favorite people.

She is a real life friend that just happens to also be a blogging buddy (and a more faithful one than me as of late) with a heart of gold. Her words are sweet and genuine. The lord has used her many times to breathe truth and life to my heart- on a computer screen and in real life.

Ashley is especially witty, sharing smiles & joy everywhere she goes. 

She is an intelligent thinker. 

Feminine. Caring. Kind. And Sassy.

I admire her patient and gentle spirit.

I admire her creativity and tenacity.

She is a forever...

daughter...

wife...

mama...

friend...

and she always, always does her best, hehe :)

MOST OF ALL:

I MISS HER LIKE CRAZY!

I love you, Ash.

Happy Birthday.

*and just fyi- this took me all day to finish*

Life and Love: A birthday Post

I sit here pondering this birthday of mine.

Thankful for the opportunity of life on this earth (something not every little life is privileged to). Everyday filled with blessings of one kind or another. Everyday my heart beats & my lungs fill with air is another opportunity to share love. To laugh. To smile. I might even be lucky enough to bring someone to tears... hopefully of joy :) And then sometimes, actually pretty often  that I am humbled by the gift of those blessings lavished over me.

I love birthdays.

Why do I love birthdays? Why do I find them so wonderful?

Because, it is a special day that can be utilized to bless the socks off of all those amazing people we know. A specific day  to show them our appreciation for this time they are spending on this earth. It is a reminder of where each of us has come from and all the potential for things to come. A reminder of the miracle of our creation. I was SO loved my God that he chose to place me here & now for such a time as this. And not only that but he placed me with two young (barely) adults that saw value in  me before I had anything to give them. The loved me enough to bring me into this world & sacrifice so much for my little life. The loved me before I could love them back. And they have continued to love me more all the time.

Life is good. And I am thankful for each day and moment I am given.

Even on days (such as today) when the sun is hidden by clouds & my kids are losing their minds & I'm functioning with far too many ridiculous emotions. Even when I wake up & realize I left all the meat out overnight that I had just bought at the grocery. And I lock my keys in my van at wal-mart. Even then- Life Is Good. God is good. And I know that. But then Jesus sends me yet another reminder that he is the giver of all good gifts and send me a little love note by way of my sweet friend. Poor girl had no idea what she was walking into but on this day of my birth was exactly what this Mama needed. $10 and free babysitting was all it took to send me on my way leaving her with hungry, screaming kids and the reassurance to take my time.

So yes, It is well with my soul. And most of my problems are "first world" problems anyway. But  He cares for even these and I am so blessed to live such a full and wonderful life. And it's my birthday & we're all still breathing (at least I assume you are since you are reading this).

Celebrate LIFE. Show some love to someone special today because it's my birthday and you are breathing <3

YAY! Happy Birthday to me and Happy Labor day to my wonderful Mom & Dad!

Happy Spring Happy Birthday

Every year, while the world celebrates the 1st day of spring, my family & I have the privilege of celebrating my Daddy's birthday. What an awesome day to have a baby :) My grandma was a lucky lady :) 

Photo credit: http://inhisgracephotography.com

I shared this photo because for me, it was such a proud moment as a daughter. If you don't know what this is, it is my Daddy passing the family "mantle" so to speak on to my new husband. To have my father place such value on my life and well-being spoke volumes to me & my new husband. He set the standard for how a Daddy should look at his daughter and care for his children. It meant the world to me that he would take the time during my wedding ceremony to make a public proclamation that he was passing his daughter to this young man. THAT is what every daughter needs. To know that her daddy loves her so much, that he cares so much that he would do anything and everything to protect & love her. That not just any man will do but that when it is the right one, he will love him, respect him and honor him. 

I love my Daddy and today I have spent many moments reflecting on how grateful I am to have been given such a wonderful man to set the standard. Today, I say, Happy Birthday & thank you, God for giving my dad breath.

Love you, Daddy!

xoxoxoxo

Sister Friend

Happy Birthday Big Sister

Dorothy is the one wrapped in the pink blanket :)

Dorothy is my older sister. She'll always be a year older- thanks mama for that line :) 30 years ago, my parents were blessed by their first child. As a newborn she received a special place in the hearts of our grandparents as the very first granddaughter. 

She is special and wonderful and more loved than she knows.

Allow me to take a few minutes to share with you a few things about my big sister...

Anticipation :)

Most of my life was spent NOT appreciating all of Dorothy's wonderful attributes. Fortunately, I can spend the remainder of it redeeming what I always took for granted. 

Big sister holding chunky little sibling... is this Sam?

She is one of the most caring, sensitive people you'll ever meet. She's funny- especially when she isn't trying to be and even more so (according to her husband) when she is mad :) 

wuv, twrue wuv

She is a people pleaser. She'd do anything for anyone if they ask and she is able. She cooks, cleans and works hard for her family. 

A-Dorbs!

Something I had a hard time understanding (and I still don't fully) is she has always been my biggest fan. Even when she acted like she hated me (sisterly love/hate) she was always supportive of everything I've done. I guess it confuses me because she has SO much going for her and I wasn't the nicest person to her- I don't know why she would cheer me on. She is smarter than I could ever hope to be. 

"The Girls"

She is beautiful inside & out. 

She inspires me to be a better person.

Looking beautiful & inspiring

She loves & is loved by children but especially my children. Hey, they love her so much they even blame her for breaking their toy from 2 hours away, hehe :) But seriously they love their Aunt Doty or is it Dorfy... or maybe it's Dothy... depends on the day/minute but either way, she is loved and thought of often.

Aunt Doty with "Turtle" (Malakai)

oh my gosh... they really were that little once!

She's a reader & a writer... creative & grifted. 

looking all pretty & such

 When I look at my sister today, I know she has SO much to be proud of for her 30 years of life. The best part is, she's just getting started. This isn't the time for over-the-hill, grave stones and black veils because she's never had more to live for than she does right now. 

awww :)

Time is such a funny thing. I remember when Aunt Lorie turned 30 thinking how far away that age seemed to me- like we'd never get there. Well Dorothy, we're here you're there. :)

I'm so proud to call you my sister. 

You are beautiful, smart and older errr...

 wiser... 

Little Dorothy & Little Sarah

The best is yet to come!

Happy Birthday!!! I love you!!!

On this day...

On this day... four years ago, I was holding the sweet boy that made me a mama. All 8lbs 16oz (yes, that is what his birth certificate says), 21.5 inches of little baby boy! How in the world do I now have a preschooler???

When a child enters the world and is handed to you, time seems to stop for a moment and then all of a sudden it starts back up at lightening speed. I remember thinking of the future and it looking so far away. By now, we've surpassed quite a few milestones which came and went all too quickly. Today, I look at this once baby and he's suddenly a boy. Not a baby but not yet grown. Independent but still needing his mama's reassurance. He pours his own milk, picks out his clothes (when he feels like it), goes potty, works the Kindle, eats with a fork, makes pb&j, writes m's, draws smily faces and speaks like a 10 year old :) He's Dennis the Menace but sweet & cuddly. He likes power rangers and super heros and dirt and trucks. His favorite heros are real though... like firemen, policemen & Daddy. He fights and yells and throws temper tantrums. He wiggles his way into our bed and always asks for extra hugs. His sisters are his friends. He has awesome hair. His smile is contagious and his sarcasm is inherited. He starts t-ball next week. And best (or worst) of all, he's growing up right before my eyes. 

I love him more than I knew I could love.

Before I leave you all with a slideshow of photos from his very first birth day, allow me to share a funny story about it... 

Malakai walked over while I was making some tweaks to the slideshow and asked me why the music was so sad (it was just a quiet instrumental). I tried to tell him it wasn't sad- he wasn't convinced. Then he asked why he was so bloody and why he was crying... I tried to explain that is just what babies look like when they are born- apparently, he was not only NOT convinced but extremely scarred- he burst into tears and I had to call Michael to have him talk Malakai down. It was pitiful hysterical! SO... without further ado, I give you Malakai's Birth Day slideshow (with a not so "sad" song)... 

(Photography by, "Grauntie Laura" (aka- Laura Olson, In His Grace Photography)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MALAKAI CAIN!

TWO for TWO!

Today was a good day :) Two years ago, I gave birth to 2 of the sweetest girls ever. Beautiful, healthy & whole. My life was changing in ways I couldn't have imagined and I truly felt like I had just received a double blessing from heaven. 

Today, those blessings feel like way more than double. 

--------------------

Ava & Lillian, you bring so much joy to my life. Your laughter and conversations light up my days. At no point in my life is this what I imagined as my future but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Just yesterday & today, I have noticed changes in you. What a joy it is to see your brain begin to put new concepts together. For instance, yesterday, you, Ava, introduced yourself to a complete stranger. "Hi! I Ava. I Ava! Hi!" Until finally, the stranger sheepishly answered you, "Hi, Ava." (I think he was afraid of seeming like a creeper or something) Ever since that point, you've been connecting everyone's name. Tonight you knew Daddy & Mommy's "other" names (Michael & Sarah). And right in stride, Lilly, you were right behind your sister. "I Lillian." It is sweet and fun and clear that you are your Daddy's daughters.

I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know your little personalities. I am NOT however enjoying all the temper tantrums and attitude but it's all part of growing up so I still love you just as much! :) 

Ava, you are Miss Bossy-pants. You think you are everyone's mama and will direct and demand anyone that is in your path. You are fierce but sweet. You make me laugh.

Lilly, you are my little monkey- climbing everything in sight! The gate doesn't trap you (or your siblings). You have a sweet spirit and a tender heart. In the past couple of weeks, when someone apologizes your (unprompted) answer is, "give you". (I forgive you.) Sweetest words I've ever heard from a 2yr old. Some of us big people could learn a lesson or two from you.

Some favorite moments I want to remember of your short life so far have to be you both singing your hearts out to 'Jesus Loves Me" & "Oh My Soul" & and any other worship song that comes to your minds. It is not uncommon to walk up to your bedroom door and hear you both but especially Ava singing at the top of your lungs. And a really sweet thing was to be walking through Wal-Mart (same trip as when you were telling a strange man your name), and pushing a cart full of kids singing "Jesus Loves Me." So precious. You blessed me.

All this to say, I am so proud of the girls you are becoming and I look forward to what the future holds. I trust that the Lord has great purpose for your lives. I pray that you have a desire to know Jesus and come to understand all the love and grace He has for you. Daily, I ask the Lord to help me as I help guide you. 

I love you, Ava.

I love you, Lilly.

My life is better with you both in it.

Happy Birthday, pretty girls.

Love,

Mama 

Photo Credit: In His Grace Photography

Happy Birthday to ME!

I turned 28 a couple of days ago. Every year I realize just how fleeting time is. How small of a not-even-speck I am in eternity. But here I am.

I was blessed on Saturday by this verse I read in Ecclesiastes...

What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.
(Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 ESV)

28 years is not very long. In the scheme of things, it is smaller than a grain of sand and that is okay. God has made everything beautiful in its time. This is my time. Today, right now, he is making me beautiful. Through my husband, children and all the wonderful people he has placed in my life.

Sunday, I was given an extra dose of encouragement. A friend of mine had a beautiful idea to give me a card basket. Sunday morning I was graced with a basket filled with words from some of the people closest to me. In addition to that, a few other beautiful souls gave me a couple more cards and gifts. Their words and actions showed a care that is truly beyond words. As a mama it is easy to get lost in the necessary day to day. Allowing yourself to begin to believe the lie that your impact doesn't matter or even exist. 

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important." 

-Abiliene from The Help

Some of us need that little reminder. We are made for the valleys. Mountain tops are good but we are made for the valleys & most of our lives are spent there. (Thank you, Amanda & Ashley for inspiring this encouragement) If it weren't for all the day2day, mundane, forgotten moments, we would never reach the mountain tops. All the times I tell my girls, "You are beautiful." and remind their brother to, "BE KIND!" Leading up to quite possibly the best birthday moment I had all day when my son squeezed my neck really tight while tucking him and whispering in my ear, 

"You're pretty, Mama." 

(Another highlight would have to be when I called my mom and sang happy birthday to myself. Yep, that was pretty wonderful as well, haha!)

The mountain tops are good- really good... but it truly is all about the climb.  Many times valleys are talked about like a deep dark alley that you should stay far, far away from. In reality, they are beautiful creations and without them, the peaks wouldn't stand out. They wouldn't be special. 

Sometimes, they are deep. Sometimes it seems like you'll never get anywhere. I would encourage you to look around at all your valley moments. Embrace them. Each one is a stepping stone to the top.

This next year, I determine to enjoy my life. Take pleasure in everything, big & small. Rest in his good & perfect plan. Look to Him for my peace. Find JOY in the valleys and bask on the mountain tops!

Mamas reading this. 

Daughters, sisters, friends. 

Dads, sons, husbands.

You IS kind! You IS smart! You IS important!

(and for those that the grammar is just gonna drive you mad)

You ARE kind! You ARE smart! You ARE important!

Happy Tuesday!!!

The Real World

It's a Good Life...

Following my last post, our house was filled with an ugly cold. The kids & I are feeling much better but Michael is feeling pretty yucky... 

Sunday was a beautiful reminder of new life and a RISEN SAVIOR! We had a great time together with family and enjoyed the reminder of the unmerited favor & grace of our Lord. The day started out all crazy, getting ready for church (including my realization that I had neglected to even look at the size shirt we bought for Malakai to wear... needless to say, he's small but not 12 month small) while the kids scarfed down candy for breakfast. Of course, we followed that up with church and then a gluttonous lunch with family-YUM! The afternoon was spent napping, dying eggs, hiding & then finding said dyed eggs, candy for dinner and bed. All in all, it was a fabulous, blessing filled day :)

Lilly, really frustrated that I made her stop to take a photo w/ Mama

Our little fam ;)

The Littles

So proud of his egg finding skill :)

Today, we celebrated my favorite's birthday! He was feeling terrible but took some meds and enjoyed a home cooked meal with some friends :) The menu? None other than meatloaf, homemade mashed potatoes (any other little ones that refuse to eat them- they were always a favorite in my house growing up but my 3yr old won't touch them) & spinach. This was followed by, "Mammaw's Chocolate Pie" & ice cream. I failed to take any photos but I promise, a good time was had by all and no one went hungry :)

Birthday Boy & his "mini me"

All I'm going to say is this... 

My life is better with this man in it. He is one of the hardest working, honest, loving men I know. He has a servant's heart and would give anyone the shirt off of his back. I love him more everyday and am blessed to lay my head next to his every night. His children adore him and he adores them. I have grown up with him and look forward to growing old with him. If you don't know him, you should and if you get the chance to, he'll make you feel like you always have. He'll talk your ear off about anything but he's genuine, caring and a loyal friend. Oh, and the cherry on top? He's easy on the eyes :)

Papa Cain... I love you. You're my favorite & my best <3

ps- Hon, you share your bday w/ David Letterman... :) I know, I know... you don't care. But you may care that he just said, "A study shows that men make better life decisions when they're drinking beer." LOL So, throw 'em back, baby... haha Too bad you'll probably never read this- it could have opened up a whole new world for you ;) bahahahaha! ::winkwink::

Couldnt send him a birthday card...

So he gets a blog post that he won't be able to see for 2 months :-) 

(unless of course, I print this off and mail it to him)

This post is dedicated to my brother, Charles, who's b-day was last week.

My "little" brother

Let me tell you about my oldest younger brother.

Awesome suspenders, am I right?

25 years ago, God gave me my first brother. 

I am about Malakai's age in this photo! This family made one proud Daddy to finally have his 1st BOY!

My memories aren't very clear that far back so I don't remember holding him as a little tiny thing but I'm pretty sure my 2.5 yr old self tried to squeeze him to death. Certainly, I didn't appreciate my little brother nearly as much as I do today but I know I loved him. 

Being blessed with 3 older sisters can feel like... less-than a blessing at times. The best of friends and the worst of friends, as they say :)

 We picked on one another and fought and screamed and yelled. We also had lots of good times- playing, laughing, learning and enjoying life together. 

This photo brings tears bc I cannot believe we were those children and now we have children!

Courageous family man. He is stepping into unknown territory to better himself, his family and his country.

Hardworking husband and a father of 2 beautiful boys :)

Ardent (I had to look this one up... thanks, Bekah! It's not a regular in my vocab but a good adjective for charles nonetheless). 

Ready to roll with the punches. He has been through some tough times but it is evident the older he gets that he is learning and growing and becoming a better person through all of it.

Leadership is a natural gift for this man. People are drawn to him. 

Excellence is his standard. If he's going to do something, it's going to be the "best." (Just ask him why he chose USMC over any other branch-haha)

Saved by grace.

How about those CURLS!

Acronyms are a bit cliche and over-used and a little corny but it was a quick way to describe to you the kind of brother and person he is. 

So, Charles, I love you. We are cheering you on from the side-lines (aka, here at home where we don't get to see or talk to you). Can't wait to see you at the finish line, a better & stronger man, husband, father & brother. The Lord has his hand on your life!!!

Love you MUCH!!! 

xoxoxoxoxo

The people he misses the most!

Day 2 of Birthday Week {Letters to my daughters}

{Dear Ava}

Momma loves you. More than you know, I love you, sweet 'Baby A'. Everyday I am more thankful that God thought fit to place you in my care. Our dreams for you are nothing more than to see you follow Jesus and love Him with your whole heart. We of course hope, pray & believe for your protection, health and success. We trust that God has great plans in store for your life. 


Please know that you are a joy to my heart. You bring a smile to my face daily. Your smiles are contagious. Your kisses are intoxicating. Your tender heart is an inspiration. I love to see you love on your sister and learn from your brother.


Thank you for being my daughter. Thank you for joining this family. Thank you for changing my life. Thank you.

{Dear Lillian} 

Momma's heart is full. Full of lots and lots of love for you, my precious, 'Baby B'. My heart is blessed by your love for people. I see in you an adventurous spirit. From the beginning you've done things your own way. You test limits (and patience). You climb and crawl on everything. Jesus has great plans for you you, baby girl. We know and trust that as you place your life & heart in God's careful hands, He will lead you and guide you in peace. He will use you & your strong spirit to share His grace & love. No matter how many things you get into or messes you make, we love you always. Your laugh and smile and precious hugs melt my heart. I can't tell you how much I cherish your cuddles. 


Thank you for being my baby girl. Thank you for joining this family. Thank you for changing my life. Thank you.


{For My Twins}

Please do not ever question our identity. No matter how much you may look like your sister, we see YOU. No matter how many times you are asked, "Now which one are you?" No matter how many times you are compared, analyzed, stared at or questioned, We see YOU. We know you. We see Ava. We see Lillian. We see your differences. You are unique. We only expect you to be who God designed you to be. 


Please trust that you are NOT a burden. You are a blessing. Unfortunately, you may hear people describe you as 'double trouble'. This is NOT truth. We've always considered you both a double BLESSING. An extra portion. We are honored to be your parents.


Please try to understand that time passes quicker than you realize and some day you will want it to slow down. These few years I have with you, I look forward to making many, many memories. I look forward to teaching and learning. I look forward to growing and changing. Just realize that I am content to wait for those memories to be made in due time. I am enjoying you today. Tomorrow will bring new ones but my goal is to savor every single moment I have with you- today.


Love,
Momma

Can it be?!?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCESS AVA!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCESS LILLIAN!!!

Yes, today is the day. 1 year ago I walked into the hospital, anxious to hold my baby girls. These two little sisters are precious joys in my life. I can't imagine life without them. Seeing them interact with their brother is intoxicating sweetness! Words cannot express how blessed I feel. 

So Ava Lynn. She is beautiful. Precious. Happy. Curious. 

Ava likes to get into everything. She loves to talk and laugh and be tickled. She has 4 teeth and working on #5 (her first top tooth). Brother thinks she is a brother and also that she is 2 or 3 yrs old but she doesn't mind, she loves to rough house with him. Ask her a question and generally, you will get, "no" for an answer. Her favorite words right now are, eeeeeat, no, da-da, Pop-Pop, please (saying & signing), more (signing), all done (signing). I think she says cup or drink or something for that but it's not that recognizable. She HATES it when I mess with her hair. She enjoys looking at books and singing. Oh how this girl loves singing. At church she will "sing" and get louder as the singing gets louder (it's more like yelling but it's totally adorable). You can catch her singing, "ei, ei, ooooo" to herself all the time. Precious, precious, precious. Ava is still pretty content to crawl, which is fine. I'm really not into rushing things these days but it will be nice when her face and hands are not always in the floor.

Lillian Renee. She is a greeter. Gorgeous. Sweet. Cuddly. 

Lillian loves to climb. She climbs on the couch, in the toy basket, through the bars under the chairs. She is curious and her sisters sidekick. She has 2 teeth but I'm seeing 2 more on bottom trying to come through. Lilly likes to say, "yes". She will legitimately answer your question if she wants whatever you are asking. If she doesn't want it, she just looks at you :) Pushing the limits (even beyond) is a regular occurrence for this little munchkin. She wants us to think she doesn't understand and is just tooooooo cute to discipline. She's almost convincing. She can say, "please." Most of the time, she doesn't want to. Actually, I think she prefers to say it over signing it but still she fights it. Favorite words for her are, (signing) more & all done, (saying) hiiiiii (in the sweetest high pitched voice you've ever heard), eeeeat, AaaaaP (we're not sure what it means but I'm wondering if its Ava bc we asked her to say Ava last night and that was one of the sounds she made), bath (which sounds more like, "baaa", da-da and of course, pop-pop. I could not believe my eyes a couple of weeks ago when she took her first steps! I was so proud of her. She still isn't officially walking but shows a lot of interest in it. 

Both girls are just getting so big and are truly coming into their own little personalities. Seeing them interact is so neat. They have a special bond and I look forward to watching that continue to develop. 

While the year has FLOWN by, it seems like there was never life before the sisters. They have invaded and are here to stay. 

Life is so good :)

**Just a little note: I think beginning today I am going to make this birthday week and post something Lillian/Ava/twin related for the next 7 days :)**