Beach Blast and A New Chapter

We had an amazing week at the beach with my family. This week is something that we look forward to and talk about all year long. I always feel a few days of sadness when it's over because of how much we anticipate its arrival. This trip was one of my favorites.

 

We had so many special times of just sitting at the table, while the kiddos played, and talking about life and relationships. Some talks we laughed til we cried. It was so refreshing. My kids and my nieces play amazingly well together and so it was kinda like having a babysitter! We were able to read books and chat to our hearts content. We always eat amazing dinners and I'm kinda ashamed to say I ate steak 4 nights in a row!! It was Delish!

 

We spent hours at the pool, the lazy river and the beach. It was like a rotation of fun each day. Christian and I decided to paddle board for the first time and we had a blast! We took Aubrey out with us and had the chance to see multiple Dolphins! She was amazed. We are so blessed to get to take this trip every year. It is memory making at its finest!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And in other amazing news, my sweet daddy retired after almost 39 years of work. No one works harder than my daddy so this is well deserved and much needed! We were able to be apart of a retirement party for him at his plant and it was absolutely incredible to see how many people came out to honor my dad. I always knew he was special, but it was so heartwarming to see how many other people felt the same way. Hearing stories about him made me cry tears of proudness and love. I know he is anxious about this new chapter in his life, but we couldn't be happier to have him around more now. Not to mention how great it is cause he will be working with my brother and so ill get to interact with him in that way too. Praying he finds his way and begins to absolutely loves this new beginning in his life. So proud of you dad...for working so hard all these years and for taking a step of faith in venturing into this new chapter. I know God has amazing things in store for your life! 

 

 

3.5 and 1.5

Sometimes I lay awake at night and plead with the Lord to just let time slow down. I am relishing in motherhood with my two loves and to think that this time will pass by so quickly makes me feel such deep sadness. I find such joy in these days home with Bre and Weston and nothing makes me more discouraged than realizing that one day soon they will be grown and in school. When my heart feels saddened by my loves growing older, I do my best to give it to the Lord and instead focus on the joy that comes with each milestone and moment of growth.

I can hardly believe that in a few short months, my Aubrey Lane will be 4 years old. She is becoming such a sweetheart and I feel like her little personality is finally beginning to shine through. She is understanding conversations and can really grasp what is going on around her. She has an extremely smart mind and doesn't forget anything. She will make you laugh and loves nothing more than to make me smile. I love that she has passions and great desires for things and I am learning each day what makes her tick. A few things that she loves at this moment are swimming, her cousins, Elsa and Anna, dancing, pretend playing (grocery store, teacher, hair salon), and believe it or not she loves playing with her brother. I love that Aubrey is a natural leader and I see such wonderful qualities in her that I know will downpour into her friends and siblings lives. We tell her constantly that God created her to be the oldest in the family to set an example to the little lives that come behind her. She takes great responsibility in that role and I am so proud of the obedient, caring, kind-hearted little girl that she is becoming. I am seeing her stubborn, disobedient side beginning to step aside and in return I am seeing her flourish with love and respect for others.

This is the face I got when I asked her for a sweet smile! HAHA!

My main man Weston Hayes just made a year and a half and my oh my he is becoming a handful. Weston seriously has the vocabulary of a three year old and talks like he is a pro. I'm sometimes stunned at what comes out of his mouth. I forget that he is still so young because he can communicate with me just as well as Aubrey. Weston is absolutely the funniest little guy on the planet. He is a hoot and not a moment goes by that I don't have to just stop and laugh at his goofiness. I can see such a tender heart in Weston already and all I have to do is say his name very sternly and he will immediately begin to apologize. He sits in time out and does his punishment and is always willing to repent and give hugs the moment you come back in the room. Half the time, when I am fussing at Aubrey, Weston is apologizing even though he has nothing to do with her situation! Weston adores his sister and wants to do exactly what she is doing at all times. Life with Weston is so much fun and full of joy and laughter. He is truly a blessing to our whole family.

Aubrey Lane will begin "young 4's" at school in the next few days and I am so excited to see what lies ahead for her. I know she is going to absolutely love school and we both loved meeting her new teacher. She even spoke to her teachers on orientation day!!  This is huge as we have struggled for over two years now to get her to speak at school. I praise the Lord for the amazing development strides that Bre has taken this year.

When I'm awake at night...overwhelmed by sadness at my babies growing and getting older...I make it my prayer that I will find the joy in each moment. I pray that I won't be focused on hanging on to the past, but instead embrace each moment and look forward to the memories that will come ahead. I am beyond blessed that I have two incredible little lives that I get to be a part of and help guide along the way. My life is enriched by their innocence and zest for life. Getting to see life through their eyes is one of my greatest joys.