Family Updates

Lily’s 3rd Birthday

April/June 15, 2017/ Leave a comment Edit"Lily’s 3rd Birthday"

It’s been about two weeks now since my eldest turned three. Though things haven’t slowed down much for us, I figured I’d better write about her party before it’s all a blur.  So, it’s now or never. I’ll sacrifice this nap time for posterity’s sake!

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Her actual birthday fell on a Friday. So, that morning as she came down the stairs from her room I surprised her with pink and purple balloons in the living room.  I let her choose (from three options) what she wanted for breakfast, and she decided on a purple smoothie–blueberry banana acai. It was complete with a candle and the happy birthday song by yours truly 

That afternoon–with impeccable timing–she got Grandma & Grandpa’s birthday card in the mail!  She was very excited to see three whole dollar bills just for her 

Later, after nap time, daddy picked up some friends from the airport and we all went to Monkey Pod for dinner. There, she received a beautiful orchid lei from some random customer and a piece of yummy strawberry pie!

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Saturday, the day after her actual birthday was the real celebration day. Her Doc McStuffins party was set to start at 10am, so we had the morning to spend together as a family and get ready for the day! I was up early making cinnamon rolls, and Lily woke up next and help me set the birthday breakfast table (which I hope becomes a tradition)! Then we all watched her open a few gifts from us and enjoyed breakfast together.  It was lovely… and complete with party hats 

We even had some lounge time after our big breakfast!

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Next up was the official party!  Lily had been waiting for this day for about two months. Hehe. We went to party after party for her friends (side note, we know a lot of spring and early summer babies!), and she kept asking, “Mom, is it my birthday now?!”

The theme for her party was, of course, Doc McStuffins. My sweet friend, Natasha, at natashabyrd.com made this cute little video for Lily. Our daughters are inseparable. It pretty well depicts the events of the day.

There were stuffed animal “pet” adoptions…

A clinic, with lab coats and plenty of instruments, to give check-ups to newly adopted pets…

Lots of food and cake… and men standing around the grill 

and of course… lots of fun with friends!

Lily had such a blast the entire weekend!  What a blessed girl she is.  I pray she continues to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). We love you, Lily girl!

Family Updates

My Baby is Three

April/June 2, 2017/ 1 Comment Edit"My Baby is Three"

Tonight, I put my first born to bed for the last time as a two year old. I love telling people she’s two. Three seems so much older than two (insert mom sigh here)… 

When I look back over this year from two to three, I have seen the most change by far in my little spunky monkey!  At two she was still in diapers and barely talking.  Now she’s a potty-trained chatter box who has her own mind and thoughts about EVERYTHING. 

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Lily,

I’m so proud of the sweet little girl you are becoming!  You light up my days… Thank you for being such a good helper and a thoughtful big sister to Emma. You (usually) share your toys and always look out for sissy.  That makes me and daddy so very happy!  

You are incredibly smart and agile.  Your mind never stops turning and your brain is always at work.  You love treats and TV shows; time with daddy, and swimming in the pool; jumping off the couch, playing with friends, and reading books.  What a wonderful blessing you are!

Although you do know how to press my buttons, you help me see my need for Jesus every. single. day.  I pray daily for patience and energy to make it through this crazy season we’re in… but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I pray you would grow to love Jesus more and more each day and show his love to all your friends.  I pray you continue to care for others and serve those around you.  Let God’s light shine in and through you!

I love you so very much, honey bear!

Love, Mommy

Happy 3rd Birthday, my love <3

Family Updates

Happy Mother’s Day

April/May 15, 2017/ 4 Comments Edit"Happy Mother’s Day"

Hey guys. It’s been a while. I’ve been around. Always busy with something, and to be honest, not really in the mood to sit at the computer lately. But today is Mother’s Day. The third one that has celebrated me.  It’s still a weird shift.

As a kid still living at home, it was all about spoiling my mom and finding that perfect gift for her (which I never found by the way). It was about making special cards and rallying the troops (a.k.a. my younger siblings) to make or do something special for her too.

Sometime during college, when I started to pay my own rent and buy my own groceries, shampoo and cleaning supplies, I came to appreciate all that my mom did for me and was still doing for my siblings at home. After I got in an argument with a roommate over who used “my” laundry detergent (love you Mandy), I started to get a glimpse of how my mom felt when we abused our privileges or wasted things she purchased. We took for granted the simplest of provisions. I don’t recall ever (not even once) running out of toilet paper or Q-tips… or not having a clean towel to dry off with.  We always had more than we needed.  And I appreciate that about my mom.  There was never a time that I can remember that she didn’t take care of all our needs and more.  That’s just who she is… always thinking ahead and making preparations for what’s to come.  That’s a trait I gained from her, and one my husband really appreciates as well.  Thank you mom, for who you are and who you taught me to be.  I LOVE YOU.

Being an adult with small children on Mother’s Day has given me a very different perspective on the holiday.  Slightly different than living at home and making crafts.  It has given me a deep love and appreciation for my mother and the ability to understand the kind of love it takes to raise a family.  It’s selfless and hard and sometimes makes you want to scream; yet it’s beautiful and rewarding and fills your heart up in a way you didn’t know was possible. And I’m only three years in!  I can only imagine the kind of emotional roller coaster motherhood will take me on in the years to come… I’ll need lots of prayer, coffee mate, and a giant helping of JESUS!

I love this generational picture of Mema, Mom, Me & Lil. I love these ladies so much!

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On a totally separate note, today (May 14th) marks my ten year anniversary of living in Hawaii.  A whole decade you guys. Wow… That’s kind of insane.

The short version… I flew to Oahu with a suitcase and guitar in hand and never looked back. Three years of “camping” on the mountain where I worked, formerly known as Camp Timberline followed by a year of subbing and surfing. Then, after getting married, three years of teaching middle school, followed by three years of full-time momming.  

And here I am.

I can only hope my next decade is as much of an adventure as my last!

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God is faithful.  If you would have told me in high school that I’d be living in Hawaii and raising sweet babes this far away from my family, I probably would have laughed in your face.  It wasn’t my plan to be here during this stage of life, but I do believe my relationships with loved ones are just as strong (if not stronger) as when I lived there. We love it here. 

Here’s the most important thing though.  So if you’re reading this, I’m talking to you…

Where ever you are in life or on the map, God wants to use you. Don’t wait for all your ducks to be in a row.  Don’t wait for your kids to hit that next stage in life.  Don’t wait for your finances to be in order.  Make an impact on those around you.  There’s only one of you.  Only one person who does exactly what you do. Choose to be positive. Choose to put Christ first and others a close second. Choose to go the extra mile.  You might never get recognized, but your reward will be in heaven… 

Love all these strong women… and little ladies 

This is one of my favorite pictures of my girls… blurry and all.

Faith

Frazzled Friday

April/April 14, 2017/ Leave a comment Edit"Frazzled Friday"

“When we minimize the offensiveness of our sin, we are attempting to diminish the holiness of God.” -Gloria Furman in Glimpses of Grace

This Friday morning has already run the gambit of emotions: sweet snuggles in my lap with sippy cups of milk, quiet time and Easter egg devotions with my little ladies, shrills of happiness for leftover French toast and the coveted blueberries that I only buy once in a blue moon… then there’s the meltdowns and tantrums that occurred when L was told “NO” in regards to another show or game on the iPad. Or the scolding that came when E climbed up on top of her toddler table and played with the A/C remote. And it’s only 8:56am.

Through the words in this book I’m reading and the work of the Holy Spirit, I’m a little more aware of my sin today. The subtle frustrations of my entitlement to quiet or “me” time… the impatience that grows with the whines and interruptions I experience every few minutes, or the selfishness that lingers in my heart throughout the day.  Yes, it’s natural, and everyone experiences these feelings. But I’m reminded today that I do have sin in my life and in my heart. 

Sometimes I can trick myself into thinking that I don’t have sin in my life and I don’t need a Savior.  On those rare days I do exhibit self-control or seem to have things together, it’s easy to think it’s because of my own righteousness. It sounds silly as I type it out.

1 John 1:6-9 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Today, my prayer is that God would keep me acutely aware of his presence–in perfect circumstances and in frustrating ones. 

HAPPY EASTER!  Thank God, that Jesus is ALIVE and death has been defeated.

Family Updates

Frazzled Friday

April/April 1, 2017/ Leave a comment Edit"Frazzled Friday"

#reallife

James 1:5-8

“5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

Wisdom is something I’m going to start asking God for more of… because I really need it.  And I’m going to ask in faith knowing that he’ll grant it to me. Will you pray this with me, and for me?

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Well, we made it!  I really am happy it’s the weekend.  

The girls are napping, the house is tidy, and I’m about to start making some pizza dough for dinner tonight.  We are having some friends over this afternoon who will be leaving the island soon. It’s always a sad time of year when families start getting their official PCS orders to other states for their next assignment.  A very sad time indeed. We will pray that God will surround them with a community wherever they’re headed that will ground them and come along side them to encourage them in their walk with Him.

Even though we’re not a military family, living here on Oahu (and being involved in MOMS Club especially) has really opened my eyes to military life and the sacrifices their families make on a regular basis. Lily will miss her first ever friend, Jonah. And I will surely miss one my first ever mommy friends as they start a new chapter on the East Coast. Best of luck and much love to your sweet family!!

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If you’re feeling frazzled this Friday, take heart! Enjoy the blessings God has so graciously granted us and rest in his goodness.