To My Daddy

Dad, this post is for you...

It is fitting to fire up the old blog to share a post for my Daddy because he always posts (and/or reposts) a special blog for each of us on our birthdays not to mention, he just got his own domain (Running With the Footmen) and is blogging regularly. 

When we were young, my dad prayed that God would protect us from his mistakes. He desired that we not be stunted by his own shortcomings. I'm learning that as a parent, no matter how hard we try, our kids tend to reflect us in one way or another. However, I believe that rather than completely shielding me, God chose to shape me (and my siblings) through those less desirable traits. For he is made strong in our weakness. Our falling short reveals an absolute need for a Savior. Thankfully, our heavenly father saw fit to gift us His grace and cover us completely through His son. 

Dad, thank you for always pointing us to Jesus. Thank you for being our guiding light. You aren't without fault and our life hasn't been roses without a few thorns but my faith is firm because I you and mom helped to build a foundation in Christ. You have so much to be proud of- and so do we <3

My sister shared something on fb this morning that was the perfect sentiment for our Dad. I am so glad we all share similar memories because sometimes your sister just puts the words together better...

Today I am thankful that I get to see and spend time with my Daddy. So many are without one today and I do recognize what a special thing it is to have a Dad that loves me, loves his wife and loves Jesus. 

I love you, Daddy.

The Show

So I was just going to post these photos to facebook but then I decided it was too funny and should be documented in el blog. 

One should always fear quiet happy children in the playroom. (I believe there is even a meme for this) This is especially true for my 3 that have been stuck in the house bickering for a good part of this rainy day. This afternoon however, my son, the artist, chose the 2 most adorable canvases with which to display his latest works.

It went like this...

M- Mommy, remember when you took pictures of Lilly when she drew on herself?
Me- Yeeees.
M- Why did you do that?
Me- kind of ignoring bc I really don't want to encourage this behavior.
M- Mommy? Why? Why did you take her picture when she drew all over herself? Are we allowed to do that?
Me- No, you aren't allowed to do that. And just because. I wanted to.

M- LOOK Mommy! She's ready for the show!

::enter:: Ava.

Me- Oh.my.soul. Is this why you asked? You drew all over her?! What in the world?! ugh. 
M- But Mommy! But Mommy! She's ready for The Show! Look! She's ready for the show!
Me- shaking my head

::enter:: Lillian.

Well, you get the point. And he continued to insist they were ready for The Show.

Me- Are you wanting me to take their pictures? Is that why you keep talking about The Show?
M- YES!

So- you're welcome. Consider yourself entertained.

The Artist

**Disclaimer- He used completely washable markers and all of it came off with ease)**

But who's counting?

I've been a bit absent on the blog as of late... whatever. It's my blog. I do what I want. :) 

But seriously. 

Anyhooooo....

We just spend a glorious 4 days with my husband. He's been away training so it was wonderful to spend some quality time as our little family unit. 

Unfortunately, he headed back to meet up with his unit on the eve of our 6th wedding anniversary. Saying good-bye... again... pretty much sucked. Me and airports are not exactly friends right now. just. sayin.

Parts of today were really hard and at other times it was just another day. Truth be told, the Lord has truly given me peace over the past month or so. Single parenting is NO JOKE and I've had some total mom fails. And if you decide to stop by unannounced... well, let's just say, don't judge and be prepared to step on a few crumbs. :) All in all though, the transition has been far better than I could have imagined. 

As proud as I am of my solider, he isn't just a soldier and it isn't all I'm proud of. He has grown a lot over the years and the military has encouraged that growth in a lot of ways but I loved him before the uniform and I will love him after. He is and always has been one of the most loyal and kind men I've ever known. He is passionate about anything he puts his mind to. He is supportive, encouraging and genuine.

Six years is just a blink compared to the years I hope to spend as his wife. As wonderful as these few years have been, I can only hope and imagine what is in store. I trust God for his safety and wait in anticipation for a glorious homecoming.

Michael, I love you forever. You are my favorite and my best. Thank you for choosing me and loving me through thick and thin. 

#lately

A little glimpse of our life lately... in #hashtags... because isn't everything more fun with incomplete sentences?

#quotes #seminar #army #yellowribbon

#austin #texas #love 

#nature #walkswithdaddy #kentucky

#haircut #curls #selfie

#wewearredfriday #yellowribbon #remember #merica #soldiers

#warriordashkentucky #mud #mykidswouldntletmetouchthem #strong 

#visitors #family #friends #leaving #600miles

#ducklips #avoidinghernap #goodthingsheiscute

#cousin #deck #summatime #bikes #cute

#family #goodmen #generations #sweet #appeasingthewomenfolk

#twins #cute #avaandlilly #fountain #kentucky

#momma #kisses #fountain #pleasedontgetmyhairwetmomma #lillyquotes

#misskelly

#besties #coffeemate #kentucky #woodfordreserve #loveher

#bestbuds #poppop #woodfordreserve

#barrels #funpics #awesometour #woodfordreserve #kentucky #bourbon

#justbecause #heisakeeper #headphones

#nature #siblings #dontgetwet #okaygetwet #kentucky

me, him & strangers

 My little 4 year old has been so full of one liners lately. Like, I really, really need to start carrying around a notepad all the time.

Yesterday was no exception.

Some plans fell through with a friend that he & I were possibly going to meet for dinner after Crossfit Kids. It was no big deal but we just had to figure out what the plan would be now. 

Our conversation went something like this...

me- "Well, I'll have to call daddy & see what he wants us to do about dinner."

M- "So does this mean that just me & you get to go somewhere?"

me- "I told you, I have to see what Daddy wants to do.

M- "so does this mean that just me and you get to go somewhere?"

me (laughing)- "So is that what YOU want to do?"

M- "That's why, because I love you. Because you're my sweet, sweet sunflower." (BIG HUGE CHEESY GRIN)

Oh this kid. I love him.

He got his date. 

Just me & him & all the strangers at Chipotle.

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!!!