My time with Two

This post is a little tardy...but that is how I roll with three.  I had the chance to spend a week with my two younger ones as Landon went on an adventure with Mommom and Pop after the beach trip.  It was really nice- esp with Connor- to be able to see him little personality shine without the influence, ridicule or competition from his older brother.  Here he is concentrating on building a tower out of sponges.

He had to switch positions here, moving to the other side of the table to better position the higher blocks.

So proud!  So nice to build without having to worry about them being knocked over by a silly big brother.

Connor and Lindsay having yogurt together and watching a little show.  It was really nice to see the bond these two built being together.

Playtime at the cabin!  We headed to the cabin on Thursday for the 4th of July and Stan headed to get Landon for the Cole boys camping trip.  Here they are playing with the basket of toys at Pop and Mommom's cabin.  The big cracker barrel checkers were cool for tower building.  And, again, they were not knocked over!!!

Happy 4th!

Sweet girl.  Love this little "cheese" face.  It is also one of the only times she let me put a bow in her hair- but she wouldn't let me adjust it.  :)

I tried to get a sweet picture by the flag but she is a busy little thing!

See...

Red, white and blue crew headed to Black Mountain and to search out some seafood for dinner!  Yes, I said seafood...in the mountains.  My parents have connections when it comes to Blue Crabs..

Unfortunately, we didn't get our blue crabs because of "Arthur" but we settled for Killians for lunch and shrimp and smoked salmon for dinner...

Lindsay loves ice cream!

So does my little bug. :)

Posing with Pop!

Then, we went back to the cabin and enjoyed a nap!  Yay!  And, I didn't have to help Landon figure out what to do during that time...When Lindsay Jane woke up, she was ready for the little pool.

Mommom joined her...then, we headed for the slip n slide!

Lindsay Jane loved it!!

Connor was under impressed...but then we went to the lake, his wish.  :)

See me in that lake...not a common occurrence... lots of things I do now are for the little ones.  I really hate getting in lakes, but I have done it twice this month and am getting ready to do it again this weekend! :)  Lindsay Jane absolutely loved loved the lake.  Connor did too.  What a treat to spend time with these two little monkeys.

We also got fresh corn to go with our smoked salmon...Lindsay Jane was quite a fan.  I mean, who wouldn't be!!

Sparklers!

This was our view of Lake Lure for the 4th.  You can't see from the picture, but there were tons of boats all lined up on the lake with red, white and blue lights, waiting for the firework display!

My dad was so happy!  He was worried that we wouldn't get to see fireworks...

Connor was trying to see the boats and was waiting as patiently as a 4 year old can for the fireworks to start!

So, we gave him another sparkler...to help with the waiting.  He was very impressed.

The next day, we headed to the gym and the park at Montreat for a picnic. I had two happy little campers.

Connor begged me to take this picture.  :)

Lindsay's sweet little look.

These two just loved their time at the park.  It was so sweet watching the two of them explore.  I got in on the fun too and chased them around a bit.  It was such a treat.

Cheese!  Two sweet smiles for mommy.

And two sweet smiles for Mommom!

Later that day, Stan and Landon arrived and we headed back to the lake.  Lindsay Jane was, again, a huge fan!  Made my mom so happy!

Mommom and Pop with my three.  :)

Happy lake baby!

Stan got out his kayak and pulled Connor around on the float, since Connor didn't get to go on the boys camping trip.

Landon swam out to check things out.  Don't worry, he was offered to get into the little raft, but the sibling rivalry started up right away...leading to a time out and a missed opportunity until an attitude was changed...

Landon considering getting in.

And, he decided not to, but my Connor was all smiles, enjoying his chance to be a big boy.  He can't wait to go on the boys camping trip too but Stan said, one more year.  That's ok by me.  I will have my two littles again next year.  :)

And...I love this one.  Connor told us that he missed his kitty cat and wanted me to take a picture of he and Midnight when we got home.  :)

I really treasured my time with my two little ones.  It was really nice to have Connor be able to bond with his sister and also with me- without any pressure to be older like his brother.

Landon also had a special time, which he really needed. My parents said he was very well behaved and really had a ball.  He got to see my brother, sister in law and niece in Maryland, got to go to Captain Billy's crab house- where I used to go when I was little, he went to a National's Baseball game, he met my dad and mom's older sisters, he swam with Pop and really had some special time to bond with my parents without the two little ones around!  He also got to go on his first Cole Boys Camping Trip, a treasured time for sure.  I love the legacy of strong men of faith in the Cole family that Landon is already getting to spend time with.

The week was a win-win for everyone.  What a blessing!

Hope you enjoyed!

Little Pieces of Clay

I entered our beach trip needing a quiet space away (don't we all!).  It is really hard to get that with three little ones, especially when I try to really live in these moments and not wish them away.  I had been adjusting to a lot of stress at work from a new computer system and some other unspoken real life hard stuff.  The beach is where I find God's peace. And, I needed it.

Though the trip was different than I expected, I found more than God's peace.  I found myself sitting in the sand, looking at that vast sea...realizing how very small I am and how very little I can do without God.  Releasing it all to Him is something I have mouthed many times.  I know that it is best to let God be in control in my heart but my logical rational mind has a hard time letting go.

I read parts of two books, "You're Going to Be Okay" and "The Power of a Positive Mom".  The combination of the two lead me to my knees.

No matter what our struggle (and by the way...we all have them), God will take it. We can trust him to take care of our every need, thought, stress, pain.  Giving it up to him is freedom.  Freedom from fear, stress, hurt, disappointment.  When we trust that no matter what happens, he has our best in mind, we eliminate all of the "what ifs", the "why me's", the "I just don't understands", the "it's not fairs" and we replace them all with a rich inhale and exhale of pure contentment.

Karol Ladd, the author of the Power of a Positive Mom wrote that contentment "comes from the heart; it is not dependent on material things, it is the opposite of self-pity, it is independent of what we have or who surrounds us." She also referenced Job - that he knew where his peace and security came from, not from having a multitude of things, but from knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was faithful.

Contentment is the essence of the picture above- in my heart.  My beautiful family together, at the place where I most easily sense God's presence.  Contentment is something that just is.  And I need to take time to exist in it.  While it is easy to recognize in a space away, my prayer is to practice it daily.  And that is heart work...

I loved this commentary that I found when looking up the definition of contentment-  "contentment doesn't mean you are happy in the bad times, it means you are satisfied with life because you know that God has things in control."

This is what I needed to read.  The beach is where I needed to read it and soak in the realness of God's nearness in teaching me to fully rely on him.  All of my senses engaged, I see the vast ocean, never ending, leading my eyes to eternity,  I taste the salt, I smell the air, with salt, earth, life, I feel the sand gliding through each finger and toe, I hear the waves, the birds, the children laughing, the storm rolling in...because they do always come.

And I inhale and exhale God's peace.  In the midst of an impending storm, I feel content. I feel peace.  I am able to soak in the words of the following poem with purpose.  Without thinking about the storm that might be around me... but not in me.

"I took a piece of plastic clay and idly fashioned it one day; 

and as my fingers pressed it still, it moved and yielded at my will. 

I came again when days were past, the form I gave it did last; 

and as my fingers pressed it still, 

I could change that form no more at will.

I took a piece of living clay, and gently formed it day by day; 

and molded with my power and art, 

a young child's soft and yielding heart.

I came again when days were gone; 

It was a man I looked upon. 

He still that early impress bore, 

and I could change it never more."

I need to practice peace and contentment to be the mom that my children need and deserve.  I need to smile more, laugh more.  "What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.  They are but triffles, to be sure, scattered along life's pathway. The good they do is inconceivable." - Joseph Addison.

I need to pray more.  Though there is little time for quiet reflection and space in my life right now, the time is now to mold these three little pieces of clay, while they are malleable...and maybe, just maybe, they will be better at practicing peace and contentment than I have been.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all things through him who gives me strength." - Phillipians 4:11-13.

Surf City 2014: Part Two

Part Two of our Beach Trip is filled with photos from our "inside camera" that we carry out to the beach...but very carefully as not to get any sand in it.  Most of these pictures are from our indoor activities or from our walks on the beach in the morning or evenings.  I can't take any credit for most of the scenery pictures.  Stan is the scenery photographer, I just take pictures of the kids.  :)

One of our favorite things about the beach is snuggle time with the kids.  Stan took full advantage...this was also on his birthday.  The boys were happy watching a little TV and Stan took a good ole snooze.  :)  I think that was one of his favorite birthday gifts!

I decided to bring a couple crafts for the kids...this one was vacation approved as the boys made towers out of toothpicks and various candies!

Landon got the award for the "Most structurally sound" and Connor got the award for the "Tallest".  I also had to give out a few more awards...such as "Most Creative, Most like a Hang-glider, Most like a Race Car".  Landon was all over making sure that there were equal awards too.  :)

And...while the boys were creating...so was our little Lindsay Jane!

We made a delicious (if I do say so myself) chocolate birthday cake for Stan who turned 35!!

Since Nanny came, we got a whole family shot.  What a crew! The candle is out on the three because our little rascal, Landon, could not contain himself to wait!

Stan got some books about photography.  :)

A trophy that was long overdue...for his accomplishment back in 3rd grade..."The fastest third grader in Alamance County".  So, not only is my husband the bearer of the title, "Mr. Teen Alamance County" but he is also the proud title holder of the fastest kid in Alamance County in 3rd grade!!  :)  What a lucky lady I am!

A hug and kiss for dear ole' mom, who really went the extra mile to get this trophy made up for Stan.  It really was just so sweet!

A beautiful picture from Stan and I's walk on the beach on Tuesday night.  Mom and dad manned the kids and we went on a long walk.  We also stopped at a little bar that overlooked the ocean.  It was great to get out and sit with my man while looking out at the beautiful night sea.

Stan and Landon also had some walks, which was also a treat.  This picture was under the pier.  What a cool shot!

I just love these of Landon.  This is such a genuine smile.

He is getting so big.  He is so much fun with SO much energy.  Stan and I have really been amazed of how much he is maturing...most of the time!! :)

He is quite our little runner and is obviously following in his dad's footsteps...watch out Durham...we may have to put an order in for another "fastest kid" trophy!

Sweet big boy by the sea!

Landon being Landon.  He is most likely somehow karate chopping the waves...and commanding the ocean.

Sunrise...Stan hit the beach before 6:00 with my dad one morning to get these shots.  The beauty of the ocean, sky, sun and their coming together is just breathtaking to me.  I always feel God is so near at the coast...it is hard not to see Him in the presence of such beauty and vastness!

Crab picking time!!!  See the crab hats!  The boys were into it this year more than last and are learning the "Frey Ropes" of eating crabs.  My family has been doing this together since I can even remember.  It is so cool to see my kids getting in on the family tradition.

Even Nanny tried some...not sure what she thought...but she was a trooper, as always!!  Lindsay Jane would have no part of any of it...but she sure did give us a sweet smile!

Zaiya had been telling Karen all day how much he was looking forward to the crabs...only to refuse to eat them!!  Kids!  He wouldn't even smile for his Tahti Kristen for this picture!  He also had playing with his cousins on his mind.  Good think Karen and I both brought mac and cheese as this is what Zaiya and Lindsay Jane ate!

Mommom...a real crab eating professional!

Pop...see that smile.  He loves cooking live crabs.  Makes me think about the times I spent as a kid watching my Pappa do the same thing.  It is very nostalgic...my dad also does what my Pappa used to do too...somehow...those little pesky things often escape!  Ha!

Getting them out just in time!

Mommom continued the tradition of reading "All God's Critters" to all of the kids.  Lindsay Jane was enamoured by the book...as all of the kids have been. :)

Mommom and Pop taking a beach walk.  I think these mountain folk get along just fine at the coast.  :)

Dancing with Lindsay Jane.  Another favorite thing my parents have done with all of my kids.  Such a sweet time for them and for me.

Sunrise...again!

Thanks to this little one...

But, the beauty!  A-ma-zing!

This was the only storm of the week.  It came on Friday evening.  It was ominous!  The sky was just crazy looking!  Another reminder to me of the bigness of God.  What beauty, even in the threatening sky.

Lindsay Jane thought it was hilarious...she laughs just all the time.  :)

The storm clouds over the ocean.

Playing in the covered porch while the storm threatened.

Silly Lindsay Jane!

You can really see the clouds in this one.

Last walk on the beach.  Landon went with mom and dad to see my brother in Maryland, so it was Stan, me and the little ones.  We walked to get ice cream one last time.

Such sweet memories.

Lindsay Jane was getting washed off after her chocolate ice cream that got all over her.

It was a delight to just be present in every bit of the time and space we had over the week...even in the mess, the crazy busyness of three kids, the early mornings, the dirty diapers, the balancing act of mothering away from the comforts of home.

I have so many reflections to share.   Those are for another post...my two little ones are upstairs ready to be done with rest time and move to our next big activity...Sam's Club!  Ha!

Hope you enjoyed.  My sister's awesome pictures and my reflections will be next!