The Simple Things

Last Friday we had a simple play date with our special little playgroup. The big events for the day were: Number 1) Popsicles. As you can see Connor and Emelia thoroughly enjoyed theirs!!

And so did the rest of the crew!

Number 2) A dump truck delivered mulch into our driveway.

I'd say this was exciting for my little buddy!!

Connor was a little intimidated, I think...

Little Atticus was all smiles. :)

Sophia's amazement almost matched Landon's.

WOW! They were all so impressed.

Number 3) Our first outdoor picnic of the year.

Number 4) Freedom given by the mommies to play around in the mulch pile!!!!!!! Look at my son!! Ecstatic!

Sometimes, it is the simple things in life that can bring so much joy. I am really reflective of this today and hope everyone reading can find something simple to enjoy today.

The Days of My Life

Though the title of the post may be inspired by my favorite Soap of all time, I am so very grateful that my life in no way resembles the loves of the characters on that crazy show! I am feeling thankful today for my blessings, who can help it with the beautiful sun shining? I thought I would take you through some highlights of our past couple weeks

Connor really has gotten to be a big boy. I look at him on this slide and cannot believe how much he looks like a little boy, not a little baby anymore. He is talking a mile a minute, loves anything electronic and is following Landon around like a little puppy (sometimes to his detriment!!).

Here Landon is super excited about the worm that I found for him. You know you are a boy mom when you actively seek out worms when planting flowers to save and share with your little fellas. I would say he was thrilled! Our first worm of the summer. :)

He could not get enough of these worms and was perfectly content for at least an hour digging in the surrounding dirt.

Connor managed to get some digging in too! He was not quite as sure about those worms, but he had fun, none-the-less. I am sure that his worm bragging days are coming.

Connor has really enjoyed trying on hats lately. I really could not resist this picture. He is looking so serious, pacifier and all. What a sweet sweet boy he is!

Oh he's sweet alright...and he is also 16 months old and into everything! This picture was one of those..."Oh, NO, don't do that, No, No, well....wait a minute, let's get a picture for your wedding slideshow one day!" I love that I can laugh at these situations and enjoy my precious children for who they are...even if they make big messes. :)

Landon got shots at his 4 year check up! 4 years, it is so hard to believe! He weighed in at 30 pounds (Connor is 27) putting him at the 3rd percentile. My little peanut. He actually gained 4 inches in height from his last check up and jumped from the 3rd in height to the 20th! Go Landon! He got this donut as a prize for getting his shots and hey, he could use the calories!!

Connor also benefited from Landon's shots...though we have no trouble feeding this kid who falls on the exact opposite side of the growth curve!

Stan took some time out of his day on our trip to celebrate Pa Cole's 86th birthday to play ball with Connor. Stan is really just a phenomenal father. What a blessing that he makes a priority to spend time with both boys...he certainly learned from the best.

Anna and Brandon were also there celebrating with us. We just can't get enough of these two. What a blessing they both are! I actually got the opportunity to spend the day with Anna shopping recently and Stan went to the ACC tournament with Brandon. We are so grateful to have the relationships we do with these two!

Nanny got some time outside with the boys as well, flying a Buzz Lightyear kite she got. They were all having a blast! What fun memories.

Nanny and Landon were playing with Nanny's little hand creature. Kay is absolutely taken with our boys and takes every opportunity to be silly and just relate to the boys on their level. I had to take this picture because it is the epitome of my mother-in-law's relationship with Landon. He still calls Nanny, "his best friend". What a true gift.

Nanny always has time for "Connor-man" as well. Connor has gotten to where he will call her by name. Let's just say that her face lights up for sure. We love our Nanny!

Pa Cole and his two great-grandsons. We did the best we could with two tired little boys and the sun in everyone's eyes. I really try my best to capture every visit with have with Pa Cole on camera and share these pictures with my boys. It is hard that they have lost their grandfather. It is also a blessing that they have a great-grandfather who is as wonderful as Pa Cole.

Getaway!

Just returning from a weekend get-away with some of my best Carolina girls (GO 2011 ACC Champs!!), I am so thankful for life. I am so thankful for time to relax and reflect. I am so thankful for friendships that have lasted through the tests of time.

We slept in until 11:00 (8:30 for me- which is still sleeping in!), got pedicures, went shopping and had a wonderful dinner at the cabin, starting at 10:00pm! We were on "friend time". We shared hearts and tears. Catching up means more as the years go by and less time is available for these type of reconnecting of souls. My friends are truly the sweetest gifts God has blessed me with!

Disconnect

I looked up the definition of disconnect today: not plugged in or connected to a power source. Though there were many different definitions, I felt this one was more closely linked to the title of this post.

As I reflected with a dear friend this morning, I used the above term, more as a noun than a verb. I am not sure if my thirties or being a mother have caused me to be more contemplative on life, my purpose, my varying interactions with people and relationships I hold dear.

I realized that there are many ways to use the word, "disconnect". Most ways are related to a power source being unplugged, a phone call dropped, a computer crashing, etc., etc. You can also use the term as a noun, more as a "disconnect" with another person who may not share your views or beliefs and you recognize that there is an "unbridgeable disparity" between yourself and said person.

What in my life have I disconnected from, where do I feel a "disconnect"?

As I grow in my faith, I am learning that there are some very stark disconnects with some of my "old" ways of thinking. Though, I am not a person who "turned away and rebelled" in college or even experimented with risky things, my way of thinking and processing life has changed as I have grown and hopefully matured in my faith.

I have always been what would be referred to as a person with a "nurtured conversion" in becoming a Christian. Often I have felt as though my lack of big wow has caused a disconnect with some folks who have been through a big life-altering moment.

I am disconnecting myself from that assumption. I have no control over how others perceive my life and my response to it. AND, I don't know that anyone even thinks this! What I do have control over is being connected to the one true power source, Jesus Christ. I know without a doubt that my life has changed because of my relationship with Christ. In this Lenton season, I am going to work on my disconnect with life on this earth- and focus on my connection with Christ.

Sorry for the heaviness in this post. It's life, what can I say?

Random wandering, yet loving thoughts

I love this little face. I love those little teeth. I love the syrup in his hair. I love the giggle that is almost audible even in this photo. I love this life. I love this gift.

Putting into words the way a mother loves is just impossible. I am reflecting tonight on this love and the love that my heavenly father has for me and I am just awestruck that he could love me even more than even a mother could imagine.

I am thankful for that love. Instead of listening to the words of the world crowding in on me, ridiculing me, judging me- for whatever reason they deem necessary, I turn to my heavenly father's arms and let him love me.

I try to find inspiration in the little moments, the quick breaths of fresh air, the precious sayings of my 4 year old. "Daddy, my beard is growing back. I need to shave it again!"

My 4 year old is so impressionable right now. What is he learning from me? Is that little feisty attitude modeled after his mother? Oh, how I yearn for my boys to know the truth that is so rich, the truth that God loves them for who they are.

Lord, let me be a mother who shows the love that I feel and that is showered upon me by you.

Neighborhood project

This past weekend we set off to assemble the swing set my parents got us for Christmas. Stan was looking at the directions- "Takes 2 people 8-10 hours" and we headed into the weekend knowing it would be a large investment of time. But totally worth it!!

Well, the above crew, our lovely neighbors came over and pitched in! What a gift!! What fun! Of course a little vino didn't hurt the progress of the major project!

Here is Stan getting started.

Sam and Porter putting in some awesome neighborly help.

J.D. and Landon took turns rolling down the hill, bringing back so many wonderful childhood memories for me.

Connor made sure the food detail was covered.

He also took time to play with his little buddy, Anna.

Landon and J.D. saying, "Cheesy Potatoes" for a quick picture.

Connor and Anna had a quick outing in the double jogger. Having two 15 month olds helping out with a wooden swing set containing at least 100 screws was a little on the scary side...hence the walk.

As you can see from the following pictures, the swing set is a huge hit! Thanks Mommom and Pop, thanks wonderuful neighbors! Come swing with us any time!!

Love Letters

Dearest Stan,
I couldn't have imagined a more loving, wonderful, faithful, caring spouse. You complete me, you bring me joy, you point me to Christ, you encourage me. You are a wonderful provider and protector of our family. You are a rock through the tough times. You help me keep my perspective. Your priorities are in the right order. You are giving and kind. You have a great sense of humor. You are a fantastic father. You are the love of my life. I am truly humbled at the gift God has given me in you.

Remember this picture? This was our very first anniversary we spent together as a married couple. Things have changed a lot in almost 8 years from this picture, but the love we shared then has only grown stronger. I am so honored to call you my husband.


Dearest Landon,
I just love you to pieces! You, my first baby, have changed my life so much. You have brought me joy, laughter, love like I have never known and a real connection with the love that God has for me. I love the way you giggle, they way you talk with such emotion and really share your feelings with me. I love our craft time. I love to see you play with your friends. I love to hear you pray. I am so proud of the big brother that you are. Connor is a lucky little guy to have you! I love our snuggles at bedtime while reading bedtime stories. I love the look in your eyes when you have a "secret" to tell me. I love your sweet tooth. I love watching you play trains, cars, Lightning McQueen and Toy Story- I love your imagination. I love you, little buddy, you are growing so fast. What a gift it is to be your mommy, I love you to the moon and back!

Dearest Connor,
Look at that sweet face. My how you have brightened our world, coming in as our second born, little buddy to Landon and 4th member of our family. It is amazing the love I have for you, unimaginable before you came, but second nature to me now. Any second born (or third, etc.) should know that a mother's love pours out to each of her children in immense measure, not one more than another. Your smile is absolutely heart-melting, your disposition so cuddly and your hugs simply are the best. I love to watch you read your books, pointing at the pictures and just talking all about it. I love to listen to your words explode, particularly when we are watching animals and making their sounds. I love to watch you melt into my arms, falling asleep with the most adorable peaceful grin. I love how you love me. You are such a precious gift to me, oh how very blessed I am to be your mommy.


More Valentine Fun...

Our dear friend, Kerri, helped Landon make cupcakes...and lick the batter! I am not sure who had more fun with this activity!!

Landon did his own Valentine's this year, writing his name and everything. My how big my little buddy is getting.

Landon got to make cookies with Sophia and our friend at playgroup on Friday. All the kids did a great job creating their own cookies. Landon's were completely done on his own as I was chasing Connor around the house trying to prevent him from getting himself hurt!! That boy is a climber!

"Look mom, a big blob of icing and lots of candy coated toppings!! Yummy!"

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day and feel as loved as I do.