Mama's Day

 

Mother's Day just keeps getting better and better. Dan spoiled me in the morning with coffee, pastries, and many gifts (including the white sweater he picked out for later that day). The kids made me gifts at school and each gave me a gift card to my favorite places: Starbucks, Yogurtland, and Del Taco. They know me so well.  It was so funny to hear them fighting over who gets to give me which one when I was supposed to be sleeping in!
That afternoon, my best friend and I went shopping at South Coast Plaza and had dinner at Habana at the Lab. It was such a nice, relaxing day. I really felt loved and appreciated. Being a mom of young kids is never easy, but it's always worth it!

First Dates

 

I love that my kids go to a school that gives them plenty of opportunities. I love that my daughters' first school dances will have been with their father. I love that he tells them they are beautiful, and that beauty comes from the inside. I love that he opens doors for them, and speaks to me respectfully. I love the way he loves us. I love that they have a father who is a wonderful husband. This post was supposed to be about how darling the father-daughter dance was, and how cute the girls looked, but it wound up being about their father, my husband, my love. You can tell the rest by looking at the pictures anyway...

39 and Counting!

 

I turned thirty-nine last Saturday, and it feels surreal. I have no problem sharing my age, and don't plan on turning "twenty-nine" every year, but it still feels a bit strange. There are mornings when I wake up and wonder, "How do I have a husband, a house, and three kids?" Life is weird, hard, and lovely. As the years go by, I find myself quicker to forgive and say sorry, much more able to admit I don't know something and that I could be wrong... I'm not as certain about things as I used to be. Yet, there are some things that I am so certain of, I would bet my life on them, like the love of Jesus.
I need to make lists in order to survive, and without my calendar, I would be lost! Words can not express the love I feel for my few good friends, friends who know my heart and constantly extend me grace. I still talk too much and do too many things at once. I yell at my kids, and snap at my husband. They still love me, and I am so blessed. I've started practicing yoga and would like to have more peaceful moments. I am so glad I decided to tattoo 1 Thess. 5:16-18 on my foot: "Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." This is how I want to live out the next 39 years!

Misc. Monday: Mother's Day

family pics at church

 

 

so much fun, celebrating with these two

sweet flowers,

dan's surprise project with the girls,

so spoiled,

homemade cards,

pretty cards to add to my bunting next year!

 Mother's Day just keeps getting better and better. Saturday, I went out to lunch with my mom and my sister. At church that night, we took some family photos and Henry smiled! Sunday, I woke up to French toast with homemade berry butter and was showered with gifts. Then I got to spend the day shopping with my best friend, and came home to a delicious dinner. Dan was super Daddy, and I am blessed beyond measure.

 

 

Misc. Monday: Easter (Last Edition)

 

He was pierced for our transgressions He was crushed for our sins. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him And by His wounds, we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

 I gave up playing candy crush for Lent. I haven't always followed this practice, and may not do it every year, but felt like I needed to this year. When I was bored and wanted to play, I would praise God for all that I have and thank Jesus for His amazing grace. It may sound silly or trite, but so often I find myself moving busily throughout my day, never even thinking about the one who made this life possible. I want to be more aware, joyful, grateful and in touch with my Savior because He has paid a debt for me that I could never repay.

Wee-Ones Wednesday: TWO

 

birthday breakfast

birthday call from g.ma and g.pa

 

phone kisses

presents

more presents

 

birthday breakfast dessert

kisses from grammy

Dear Hendricks,
I find it hard to believe that you are already two. It seems like you were born just last week. Not a day goes by that I don't feel grateful for your presence in our home. You are such an incredible little boy, and by that, I mean to say you are all boy. You climb like a monkey, jump fearlessly, and run like the wind. You don't say very much, but we all know what you want. You give the best hugs and the wettest kisses. I never want to forget the way your rub your right ear when you are tired or the way you raise your legs up when I try to put you down. You love to cuddle and my heart squeezes a little every time you yell, "mama!" and run my way. You are my last, my baby. There's something very tender about that, so forgive me if I love you a little too hard as you grow up. I pray for you everyday... that you make strong friendships, that you don't move too far away, that you marry a woman who loves Jesus, that you grow up to be kind. Most of all, I pray that you follow hard after Jesus all of your days. I love you, sweet precious boy. Happy birthday!
xoxo, Mommy