Water Babies!

There is something blissfully simple and yet profoundly memorable about summer days spent around a backyard wading pool. I remember running down our backyard hill with reckless abandon to jump into the small pool, swimming on our stomachs in circles for what must have been hours, giggling til our cheeks hurt. I've heard it said that having children is like reliving your childhood, and I am finding that to be true in so many ways. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here are a few thousand!

Oh so serious!

Now he gets the idea

And now that there's a ball involved, yes please!

Check out the cool water I captured near Emma's leg. Have I said anything lately about how much I love my camera?!

Does this picture not say mischief?!! Just look at her expression!

Nothing like swimming to get those tummy's growling. And lunch outside makes clean-up a snap!

My Boys

Look at this big boy! I never thought he'd grow out of his pack n play at nine months of age! He's a monster I tell you!Okay, if you just had a blond moment and believed the above statement, here's the truth. This is the girl's baby doll pack n play! Pretty realistic toys they make these days eh!

And this picture epitomizes an afternoon nap for a daddy. You never know who you'll wake up next to. The girls thought daddy needed a friend to sleep with.

Six Years!

Happy Anniversary Travis! Six years ago today, at this very moment, about 11:00am, I was standing at the entrance to the sanctuary, waiting for the Anne of Green Gables theme song to start playing. I remember how elated I felt, light as a feather, could not wipe the smile off my face. When I looked at you as I was coming down the isle, flashes of our life together kept moving across my mind. Our honeymoon, our first home together, having children, vacations, every day life, growing in the Lord together. Just know that reality has been the fulfillment of those hopes my love. Yes, sometimes harder than those optimistic, naive dreams, but also much richer and deeper in blessing than I could have imagined. It sounds cliche, but I truly mean it when I say, I love you more today than I did on our wedding day! I know you more, and I have witnessed your love for me, anchored on a foundation of forgiveness and choosing to see the best in me, withstand the winds of my ugliness and weakness and have seen my love do the same for you. That is the stuff of love for a lifetime. Til death do us part, yes, that's what we have! For better or worse, you've got me babe! I look forward to the rest of our lives together sweet man, and realizing what this journey God has for us will bring.
Always, Your Sarah

Nana's Visit

My mom came up for a summer visit this week. It's always such a treasured time, having her here. We do life as usual, but it's somehow richer and better. Her extra hands and arms and heart are a sweet retreat, even amidst the usual tasks of a day. We did get to do something out of the ordinary last night however. Last night, just she and I went to a local fund-raising production of Pride and Prejudice and had an absolute blast! We sat in the front row, right in the center, such a treat! The actors were amazing, made us laugh and captured our hearts. It was such a good getaway for me. We love you Nana! Until your next visit...(Above: My favorite picture in our goofy photo shoot in the back yard!)

Nine Months In, Nine Months Out!

Happy nine month birthday sweetie pie! You get cuter every day, if that's even possible. We love you more than words can say "Monkey", you are the sunshine of our lives! Thank you Father for giving us this sweet little boy to raise and love, for entrusting us with this precious person. We pray you will guide us as we lead him to You. Even in our weaknesses, help us to be the parents he needs to become all You've created him to be. Amen.
Here's looking at how much you've changed in nine short months! Slow down baby, slow down!

God's Newspaper

This morning:
Emma is crying and saying "ow!" I come into the room and ask what happened.
Emma: "Chloe pinched me!"
Me: "Are you telling the truth?" (We've been teaching about the importance of being truthful)
Emma: "Yes mommy, God knows I'm telling the truth. He was reading His newspaper, but He looked over it and saw Chloe pinch me."
Me: "Oh good, well in that case, thank you for telling me the truth." (and yes, Chloe had a correction for the pinching:)).

The Perfect Shorts!

I am just so excited about my find this evening, I had to share! As moms, we are always on the wardrobe quest for the perfect balance between style and modesty, comfort and affordability. I mean come on, none of us want to surrender to frumpiness for the sake of being modest! And on the same token, our bodies have changed a bit and we have no buisiness sporting muffin top or cellulite! Can I get an Amen?! Well ladies, I think I may have found the perfect shorts this evening! They are Walmart's Faded Glory Cargo Bermudas. Without sounding like a spokesperson for the company, let me tell you what I love about these shorts. They are midrise, so just the right rise in my opinion, and the waist is stretchy, but also drawstring with a button for just the right fit and comfort. They are a linen blend ( I LOVE linen!) and the pockets/buttons/strings are all in just the right places for a totally in-style, young look. I bought a pair in the brown and one in the white, I'm just so thrilled about them! And here's the best part, they're only $12.00!!! So now you've just got to go try some on right!

There is a Season

(The beauty atop my kitchen table: Mother's Day flowers:))

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like they are drowning in spring to-do lists!? These are full days my friends, but very, very good days too. I wish I had more time to ponder the deep mysteries and truths of life and faith, oh how my hands are itching to write, but it seems God has different priorities for me these days. There are children to love on, taught, and trained, a house that needs cleaning and organizing, meals to be planned, groceries to be shopped for, a husband to be pursued in intimacy and friendship, a Savior to spend time with. Extra projects, like cleaning out closets to get ready for our garage sale or writing eloquent, picture-full blog posts? Well, let's just say I'm squeezing out the last few drops of my time and energy to do these things when I can, which isn't often. So bear with me, and don't forget me sweet friends! As Paul often says in similar words, I think of you often and pray for you whenever you come to my heart. We eb and flow on this journey yes? There is a time and a season for everything. Now on to that load of laundry that needs folding... Until the next squeezed drop...

All my love!

Sarah

Spring in Pictures

A Boy of Eight Months

First of all, know that there are MANY more pictures coming! I need to make albums to share here I think. We have been having so much fun this spring and I know you all love to see new pictures on here, so never fear, I am working on it. But for now, enjoy this little set of three pictures that capture what a boy of eight months does to fill his time these days.We have Sawyer's pack n play on the back patio. He loves the fresh air and we love the convenience of being able to do all our backyard activities more freely.

Any guesses what our precious Monk is working on here? Okay, I promise I won't use it as blackmail when he's a teenager.

Ah yes, a good ol' bath in the sink. Bathing is by far one of his favorite activities. That's all I've got time for right now, but keep checking back. I've got lots of pictures of the girls that will make you smile:).