ah life

I can't believe how long its been since I've poured out my heart on this little blog.

I sit here, for the first time in 2 weeks, with a few minutes to spare.  I can hardly believe just a year ago I was taking it easy, super duper pregnant, chilling with Jude during the day and watching foodnetwork tv. These days, it's been literally GO GO GO - all the while, with the same (plus way more) responsibilities of the family.

It felt good to stop and breathe this morning.  I cleaned my windows and little Leland followed me around.  His breathing is unmistakeable.  His giggles make me pee in my pants.

I guess after a hectic season, it always feels good to stop and notice the blessing of stillness.

Joel and I had a fantastic date night last weekend - I'm still reeling from the conversation...the food and the night as a whole.  He just completed the design of the 80+ page historical book commemorating the Cleveland City Mission.  It was a project he willing took...not just as a side job to provide for us....but because it was something he loved and believed in.  (pic of the book he designed below)

Last weekend was the banquet officially celebrating the 100-year birthday of the CLE City Mission.  It was emotional to say the least.  I listened to countless stories of lives changed by the acts of mercy over a hundred years.  It is truly possible that we joined some of the most compassionate and kind people in all our city in just that one night.

I love that my husband is, in a small way, a part of that rich history.  I love that we got to sit and be a witness to the faithfulness of God through human hands. 

Isn't the book SO pretty???  Way to go baby!  ;-)

you're an original too

Oh the press is giving Jessica Simpson SUCH a hard time.  I would hate to be in her shoes - being scrutinized and such for gaining a few pounds.  Something we ALL do from time to time....but I guess that's the price to pay for fame.  It got me thinking, though....

 Do you ever get preoccupied with the superficial stuff?  I think we all do. 

What is on trend for Fall or what are the fashion dont's.  While I agree with much of the experts here and there, sometimes I go overboard in my thinking.

I have to remember I was created to have interests, desires and likes/dislikes and they may not always be on trend with what is on the runway in Milan.

Have you ever had someone copy your style?  On more than one occasion, I seem to notice people in my life-radius all of a sudden have a haircut like mine...or the exact same clothing I just bought.  They say that 'imitation is the most sincere form of flattery' but to be honest, I hate flattery!  Probably because it's not authentic and there is nothing on earth I appreciate more in my relationships than authenticity.

Just be you.  I'll be me.

*Disclaimer*
I do realize that, to some degree, we're all copy cats from what we see in window displays, magazines, etc.  Even the bible will tell us that there really isn't anything 'new under the sun' - but my point here is I believe that we can get caught up in duplicating something we like while we were given something very spectacular to work with.

Just a little tid bit from my heart to yours.  Beauty is everywhere.  In me.  In you.  Do what YOU like. Wear what YOU wear.  At the end of the day, you are the one who has to live with you. 

perspective

I had this conversation with 2 different people yesterday:

How a perspective of life can alter the course of a day/week/month/year

It's really a phenomenon to me.  I mean, I have always been a very positive person. Otherwise, I have found it easy to look at that half-full glass.

The interesting thing about this concept is I am noticing that I am surrounding myself with those types of people as well.  The negativity and expectation of 'bad' in life is really draining.  While I realize we can view the world through rose-colored glasses, I dare to say that no matter how bad life gets...there is purpose and something to be gained out of it.  (Always easier said once you are past the tough parts)

I started thinking about my friendships.  I consider myself very blessed to have a few people in my close circle that hear my heart, share theirs, and offer beautiful and timely advice to me.  I also realize that in a lifetime, I will only get a few so each one is to be cherished, nurtured and appreciated.

Reminds me of the song my dad taught me when I was in first grade and started having 'friend issues'...

Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold...

this mom at the grocery store

I took Lee out just he and I.  We did a little shopping.  He loves the mirror in fitting rooms and is just a pleasant little person to take out and about. 

We stopped in at the grocery store to prep for people coming over tonight. 

I saw this Mom.  She was young, vivacious and her little girl was sweet as pie.  She was about 18 months.  Everytime she'd roll down the same aisle as Lee, she would point and say "BAAAAABY!!!"  Leland would simply smile and make a silly face at her.  It was sweet to watch them.

What was cooler was this Mom.  She zipped around the store, making her daughter laugh, barely buying a thing, and all that mattered was that her baby smiled.  I even saw the Mom riding on the back of the cart like a kid and heard her little one's belly laughs from 2 aisles away...

I love how kids bring out the kids in us.  I never want to grow up.  Ever.

a beautiful time together

It's been a season I appreciate. 

One I will look back with gratitude.

Just not sure I want to re-live it. 

One where we are SO busy, barely seeing one another on a consistent basis.  

This past weekend was healing and timely. 

Joel and I managed to go on a great date...take our kids out to make some great adventurous memories....get a ton of photos....hang with friends....and do lots of nothing.  

 It was fantastic. 

the start of something new

Kindergarten begins today.

You are so ready, Jude London.

You are going to be phenomenal at all things Kindergarten.

I am going to miss you during the day and I know your little brother will too. 

But, I am ready.  Because I know you are. 

Be a great friend.  Be a great listener.  Laugh alot.  Learn heaps.

I'll be waiting for you when you hop off that bus. 

~Mommy (& Leland)

bridge to boyhood

I am watching how fast time is going right now.

Life is so sweet with its daily dose of laughter.

Joel is in a season of busy but we're so enjoying the time we are getting.

Jude is prepped for Kindergarten. So am I.

I know his little mind is ready for such structure.

Leland is watching Jude and emulating him in so many ways.

I am enthralled by the sibling thing.

It's amazing and wonderful and there are times with these boys where I can't look away.

I took them on a walk tonight.

We went to Gates Mills...a beautiful walking bridge enchanted us.

We threw leaves over the edge and watched them hit the water. 

I couldn't get over how such a sweet and simple place could capture their attention so.

In this crazy time, I'm trying to take not only actual snapshots...but the mental ones too.  This one is a keeper.

I imagine them fishing on this river together when they are older...