I want to remember...

The way the floors creak when I walk across certain boards in our house, it makes me feel like we live in an old house, and I love that. 

The feeling I have when all three of the kids are tucked away in their beds at night. I feel safe and happy and so content and grateful to all be here right now together under one roof. I know that it won't always be this way. 

Picking up the little scattered messes, I may be a little crazy to say it, but I know one day I'll miss the shoes everywhere, Eli's socks on the kitchen counter, Evelyn's toys all over every inch of the house, and Ava's shoes shoved under the coffee table. 

The way I feel when Ricky comes home at night, so happy he's home and thankful for all that he does for our family. and the nights we cook dinner and listen to music in the kitchen. Those are my favorite. 

I want to remember the sweet way Evelyn snuggles up with me and says "nuggle nuggle". The baths and the bedtimes, all the in between beautiful special and hard moments that come with having a toddler.

Braiding Ava's hair in the kitchen early in the morning while it's still dark out before school. This is one I'll hold with me forever and ever. There's something so magical and special and beautiful about braiding your daughters hair. 

Watching Eli grow into a young man, being so proud of who he is and who I see him becoming. But knowing that he's still my little boy, and that he still "needs" me to fix his lunch for school. Even though he does it most mornings now. Listening to him play the guitar has been one of my favorite things ever. He reminds me of my dad. 

Having kids over all the time. I love a full house. I also appreciate an empty, quiet house and a good cup of coffee. 

Ava's smile right now, before she gets braces. I want to remember that. Because I love that smile.

And speaking of teeth, Evelyn's baby teeth. I love baby teeth, and I'll miss them so much when they're gone. 

Eli's endless hunt for his constantly missing hairbrush, every day, every morning, every night. It's never where it's supposed to be. 

The moments I'm so tired I feel like I can't go on, but I know I will, and I know this is all I've ever wanted. And I'm so thankful, I'm so grateful for this life God chose to give me. It's not perfect, not one bit,  but that's what I love so much about it, all the little imperfections that make it the most perfect for us. 

These are the things I always want to remember. 

Our " not so bummer " summer

It's now almost October, and I'm just getting around to posting this about our summer. ...........

Our Not-So-Bummer Summer. The perfect title for the last 7 or 8 weeks. I've only heard the dreaded words, "I'm bored" once or twice. And they were quickly wiped off their lips when they saw the crazy exhausted look in my eyes. Our summer has been epic. That's another good word for it. We've traveled. We've spent precious time with family and friends. We've experienced so many new and exciting things this year. And for me, I'm truly grateful. I look back on the last few weeks and it's a bit of a blur. I'm slowly starting to soak it all in. And I know I will be for several more months. 

We started the summer out with sending Eli off to football camp in Oxford at Ole Miss. He went last year, and has looked forward to coming back. He had the best time . I'm so happy he got to do that. 

Next, I got to do something I've dreamed of for so many years. My mom, Anna , Ava, and I went to New York City!!!! The whole trip was surreal and amazing. I loved everything about New York. The food, the streets, the people, the history, I could go on and on forever. I could write for days about New York. I cannot wait to go back. We did so much in 4 days, but there's so much still to see and do. 

After that trip, we spent the weekend at lake tiakiata with my family. We had the best weather. The sky was perfectly clear and we never saw a fly or mosquito the entire time. We fished and swam, we had the most relaxing time. It was a great way to unwind with family. And a weekend I hope we never forget. 

We spent a few weeks at home, with the kids having sleepovers and friends over almost every day and night. Then headed off to spend a week at the beach with some of our friends and the kids friends. We had the best time. The boys went deep sea fishing, all of the kids went parasailing, besides Evelyn of course. They really kept us going, but we had so much fun watching them and making fun memories. This was Evelyn's first trip to the beach. I wasn't sure she was going to like it at first, she didn't seem to like the sand on her, but after a few days she was burying herself in it! We collected tons of seashells and hunted for crabs at night. I miss the ocean already! 

This summer went by fast, but these memories will last is a lifetime! 

Mother's Day 2015

I celebrated my 13th Mother's Day yesterday, and every year this day makes me realize just how very blessed I am.  One thing I've learned over the years is I'm still learning, and I don't think I'll ever have it all figured out. Being their mom is the most important work I'll ever do and I don't take it lightly. I love this job, even the days that I lock myself in my bathroom just to breathe. That happens. 

The years are going fast and it's hard to believe sometimes that in just 2 years I'll have a high schooler, a middle schooler and one in kindergarten. That takes my breath away. 

But so very thankful that they are growing, learning who they are, happy, healthy, and smart. They will forever be my greatest accomplishment! 

"You are the poem I dreamed of writing, the masterpiece I longed to paint. You are the shining star I reached for in my every hopeful quest for life fulfilled. You are my child. Now with all things I am blessed."

We managed a picture yesterday, poor Evelyn was sick . 

I loved waking up to coffee and breakfast in bed, we watched Mr. Mom. I loved spending some time with Eli at the gym, snuggling in bed with my sweet sick baby and actually getting in a nap. Church with Ava, and a beautiful dinner they all helped prepare. Salmon, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and streamed veggies. We ended the night all piled in my bed and watched a movie. It was a beautiful Mother's Day. Spending this morning feeling very blessed and very thankful. 

Happy 13th Birthday Eli!

About 20 minutes ago, you were officially 13 years old. It's always hard to believe when another birthdaycomes around. But I am thankful they keep coming. Eli, I want you to know that I love you. I really love you so much. The moment your body entered this earth is engraved in my mind forever. I remember that moment so clearly. I remember being excited and scared and so proud all at the same time. And now, 13 years later things haven't really changed that much. I feel all those same feelings.  I pray for you and I pray for your future. I pray like it's my job. Because, I guess it really is. 

I'll love you forever 

I'll like you for always 

As long as I'm living 

My baby you'll be

Happy happy Birthday eli, I love you!

THANKSgiving 2014

 

Thanksgiving.

 

This year our home was as full as our bellies. And I loved it.

 

Every year I'm thankful that we are all able to gather together. Nothing is more important or more beautiful as family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

my little family. very very thankful for them!

Middle School

Its hard to believe we're already here, and into our second year. Its a little like I thought it would be, but also, nothing like I thought it would be. Honestly, I've been dreading these upcoming years. As awful as that sounds, its the truth. The attitude, the growing at rapid speed, The girls! All of those things seemed (seem) so scary to me. I'm no longer welcome in the cafeteria for lunch, Its totally not cool to be seen anywhere with me. And God forbid, I talk to your friends! But, seriously, this is the age. Its this part of life right now. I remember thinking everything my mom did was super annoying ( sorry, mama if you happen to read this ever). But I get it, I really do. For the most part, I'm embracing this. Not to say its not one of the hardest things I've ever done in my entire life. Raising three kids 3 completly differnt places in life right now. Yes, its challenging, but I know will be worth the effort. I also, really love this age. Its so crucial right now for us to love him, guide him and keep him on the right path.

I sure do love this boy!

This is a picture of a picture... his last yeart to play rec football for the city.

My big girl

Yesterday I dressed her up, packed her lunch and sent her off to her first day of mothers day out. She was so excited at home, I was nervous when we pulled up at the church she would cry. But, no tears, she couldn't wait to get in there. Her teacher texted me and sent a picture and a good report in the middle of the day, which made my mama heart happy! She did great and talked about her new friends all afternoon! I'm so proud of my big girl, and with her being gone a few days a week now, it makes days like today a little bit sweeter.

               The night of her open house, she was happy to pose for the camera. Love that smile!