Home is Where the Heart Is

I feel so blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. In this economy, in this area, and in 2010... it's a privilege to be able to stay home with a family to support. Jackson and I make sacrifices and get creative, but we make it happen. God has made it happen to be more exact. I dreamed of staying home since the day (January 14, 2006) I found out I was pregnant with Belle... on the extra crazy days at home I remind myself that there's no other place I'd rather be. Today wasn't an extra crazy day; nor was it an extra super day. It was an ordinary day where I was reminded of how awesome it is to be me... at home with my girls.

Travelin' Mama

So, as you can see from my previous post, I made a quick jaunt to Colorado last weekend. It was wonderful. I missed Jackson and my girls tremendously. Next weekend, I'm going on yet ANOTHER trip. I have the privilege of spending the weekend in San Diego (El Cajon to be exact) with my BF from college and matron of honor, Lindsey. I am stoked. The more I think about the trip, the more I think about (1) how much fun I'll have and (2)just how much I'll miss Jackson, Belle, and Juliette. Since Belle's been born, Jackson and I made time to go on dates and we even got away for the night a handful of times. We still go on dates... we've been on a lot since Juliette was born thanks to wonderful family and friends, but I haven't gone away solo like this for at least 4 years. Just the other day, I got a MOPS article in my inbox. I don't think it's a coincidence. As a wife and mom, I'm constantly pouring out energy to my family. I love it and I believe I was made to do just that. During this season, I'm realizing that in order to be the best wife and mom I can be, I also need to pour into myself. Believe it or not, that message is still sinking in... More than just taking time out to journal, read, and do things that invest in me, I also need to connect with friends and refresh myself so that I can continue to grow into the woman that God's made me to be. I know this isn't anything new, but I'm excited to be learning this and actually allowing myself to get away. I'll be at boarding a Southwest airplane this time next week to head to San Diego.... Crazy.

Fifty Years!

On Saturday, I flew out to Littleton, CO to celebrate the 50th Wedding Anniversary of my Uncle Glenn and Aunt Barb. It was short (I returned Sunday morning), but amazingly sweet.-- THANK YOU to my super star hubby who not only encouraged me to go by booking my flight; he also held down the fort, AND I returned to a clean home. My Uncle Glenn and Aunt Barb didn't just celebrate 50 years of matrimony, they celebrated 50 years of love for God, one another, family and others. They're both incredible people. I was born in Colorado and had the blessing of being close (geographically) to my Uncle G and Aunt B until we moved out to California the fall of my first grade school year. They've made it to all of my school graduations, my wedding, and important events in my family's lives. As my two cousins, Beth and Trish, shared about their parents' lives, I couldn't help but shed a few joyful tears. Thinking of all the people they have impacted really overwhelmed me. Uncle Glenn is a spectacular Christ follower, husband, and dad. Aunt B is a wife and woman of noble character. They have touched SO many lives and their 50th anniversary was an exciting day for so many.

Here are a few things that stick out in my mind about this wonderful couple that just celebrated 50 years...

- Uncle Glenn quotes and knows Bible scripture more than anyone I know... he doesn't just say the words, he lives them too.

- Aunt B warmly welcomes all into her home and as Uncle G always says, "She's a good cooker and a good looker".

- I LOVE how Uncle G always brags about his wife and his family... When I got to their home before the party, he gave me a big bear hug and said, "We're so happy you could make it. We're celebrating our FIRST fifty years" (Okay, I'm tearing up again...).

- They are awesome grandparents. To my knowledge, they have made it to almost all of their grandkids (they have 6 from ages 10-18) events (soccer games, races, dance recitals, plays, etc.).

- They love Jesus and they love people. They're not perfect, there have been some really rough times for their family, but they have built a legacy of amazing love.

So, that's it. I could go on and on about sweet memories and how much respect and love I have for Uncle G and Aunt B, but I'll stop at this. A verse that my Uncle G tells me almost every time I see him...

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night, (Psalm 92:1-2)

Our Pets Heads are Falling Off!

Yes, an oldie but a goodie. I have always been a huge fan of Dumb and Dumber, and to this day, I still use some of the wonderful quotes from Lloyd and Harry.

I'm super grateful for all that God has given my family and I... as you can see from my previous post, we are beyond blessed. I do have to say I've found myself thinking and even saying as of late, "Our pets HEADS are FALLING OFF!!!"...

Between our house and our health, I feel as if it's been survival mode since Juliette was born. I'm happy to say that we're all healthy (mostly, girls are only sniffling now) and there are no house horrors going on at this point. This has been an awesome week actually; Jackson has spring break. Hopefully, it will be smooth sailing for the next few months. AND, we don't really have or want any pets so there are no falling heads to worry about...

He's Faithful

God is faithful. God provides. I know this... often on a head level, but in this season of life it's been penetrating my heart. This morning during my prayer time, I got on my knees and prayed that Jackson would have his job for next year. There's more-- I prayed specifically (and this is the first time I've been this specific, Jackson was told he should know soon- no later than the end of the month) that he would find out today, be it God's will. Jackson just called me and told me his principal came into his room no less than 30 minutes ago to talk with him. Jackson has his job for next year.