Time Marches On

Lately I've been struggling with feels of sadness when I think about the shortness of life.  I find myself full of disappointment because life seems to be going by at speed faster than I can comprehend or keep up with.  I am constantly telling Christian that I wish life would just pause...momentarily and let me catch my breath. I want to just suspend moments and be allowed to take it all in...savor the memories.  I find myself holding Aubrey a little longer before putting her in her crib at night, smelling her sweet fragrance.  I find myself giving more kisses to my husband and capturing his hand at a moment's notice just so I can remember his embrace.  I find myself taking deep breaths and savoring peaceful times like a night walk or a hot bath.

Life is so short.  It is so fleeting.  It's just a wind.  A vapor and it's gone.

I see my grandparents aging and passing on...life is not forever.  I see loved ones taken too soon and leaving behind young families...life is but a moment.  I see my own self changing and maturing...and I have to admit, it's hard.  I have to keep myself from getting too down and discouraged. I have to purposefully see the beauty in each and every second.  I pray the Lord takes this sadness and uses it to teach me the real meaning and purpose of life.

For now, I'm taking each second of life captive.  I'm embracing each and every moment...mundane or magical.  I'm storing memories and special occasions in my heart because that's all I can do.  I can't pause life.  I can't stop it from moving by like a rushing wind.  Instead I have to choose to grab it...hold on tight and let it take me where it may. I must seize every opportunity because quite frankly I may not be given another one.

I'm not going to allow the busyness of life to get in the way of the beauty of life.  I'm choosing to breathe deeper. Let my hugs and kisses linger.  Take longer baths.  Read a book a little later.  Savor a meal and eat an extra piece of pie. Tell my loved ones I love and appreciate them. Choose patience and calmness over chaos. Laugh more.  Praise louder.  Let clothes stay unfolded and play more.

Life isn't something to be taken for granted.  I'm not going to allow the sadness of the realization that life is fleeting to get me down because then I'd just be losing more time. Time that I could be making more special moments and storing up lasting memories with the ones that mean the most to me.

I pray as we see our grandparents, parents and our children age...we won't be filled with sadness or regret but instead recall all the wonderful memories with those loved ones. I thank God for each new day...another chance to love, laugh and be with the ones you love.

Kiss longer...breathe deeper...laugh louder...

Happy Birthday Bre!

We had a fabulous time at Aubrey Lane's birthday party.  It was such a special day for my sweet girl. We just kept it simple at our house so Aubrey would feel comfortable. We had a small group of friends and family attend and help celebrate ONE YEAR with Aubrey Lane! 

I chose a simple owl theme simply because I like owls! Ha! Aubrey's room is all owls so I figured why not do her party in that theme as well.  

Aubrey loved her cake.  I don't think it was so much the taste of the cake, but rather the excitement and fun of getting to make a huge mess. She had a ball just playing in the cake...tossing pieces over her shoulder, rubbing icing in her hair, and tormenting the dog for a lick! What a blast! 

This is her kissy face. I know she is enjoying life when she starts giving out free kisses. 

Owl Cupcakes are a must!

 Those dang monthly pictures came in handy!  I tell ya...those are fun to begin with...but later on down the road, they are just doggone painful. I think I took them way too seriously.  I mean, I did a full out photoshoot for each month. I'm not sure I will continue that tradition with all my children! HA!

 "You're a HOOT! Thanks for coming to my party!"

 My fabulous friend Becky made these adorable cakes. I will not admit to eating 3 pieces and causing my grandfather not to get a piece because we ran out. Nope...wasn't me.

Seriously--this is the best cake I've ever tasted. Hands down the most delicious thing to ever enter into my mouth. If you are in the Baton Rouge area...you must let this chick make your cakes!

 The party table!

I am still amazed that I even have a child...much less that she is now ONE! God is so good and He is so faithful to our family. We are amazed at His goodness to us. A special thanks to all our friends and family who came and celebrated with us...we adore our family and friends to pieces!

Happy One Year Birthday Aubrey Lane!!!

We love you as big as the sky!

One year

My sweet baby girl is one year old today.  My emotions are running wild this morning and I can't quite figure out how I feel about this milestone.  On one hand I'm thrilled to see her growing and becoming this beautiful little person, but on the other hand I'm devastated to see this precious time pass by so quickly.  I'll never get to have her as a baby again.  I'm so blessed to have this angel in my life.  Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine life with her would be so amazing.  She's the joy in my step, the laughter in my heart and the love of my life.  Happy Birthday Aubrey Lane!