Surprise!

How many of you read that headline and thought, is she pregnant??  No, no...this is not that kind of surprise!  I get asked that constantly :) This one was was a surprise for my Dad last week.  My Dad just celebrated his 60th birthday and months ago, we decided to surprise him by flying my sister in from South Carolina and descending on our hometown to surprise my Dad with the thing we knew he would love...all his girls home!  We were able to keep this under wraps and TOTALLY surprise him, which was so fun.  He had NO idea we were all coming home and that made his reaction to his sudden change of plans, so great!

Travis and my brother in law Jesse couldn't get away to join us, so the kids and I picked up Stacie at the airport in Minneapolis and then we quietly made our way to Iowa on a Thursday night.  My Mom and Dad were meeting with their small group that night which provided us the perfect opportunity to head to their house when my Dad would have no idea we were coming.  We met up with my sister Jennie and her husband Dave and then after some covert texting with my Mom, we waited for my parents to get home (and for my Dad to take the trash out to the curb, ha ha) then we drove up with our lights off and snuck up to the front door.  It was FREEZING cold out and I had to wake Carter up but we were all pretty excited to knock on his door and yell, surprise!  Which is exactly what we did.  Ava was all about it and like a bunch of little kids, we knocked, got a pit in our stomachs from the anticipation and then waited for the porch light to come on and the front door to open...

SURPRISE!!!  It was such a fun moment, my Dad just stood there and looked at us all for a second then said, "What???"  We laughed, got out of the cold and then gave up our months-long plan, explaining just how we pulled it off :) Having his three girls home for a long weekend was the icing on the cake, but having his grandkids home too was the cherry on top!  Ava and Carter were very excited to see Grampy and Grammy and had been working on their best "surprise" for days.  We got to their house around 10pm and needless to say, it was pretty late before we got to bed but I can't think of a better reason to stay up :)

Love my sisters!  So glad we got this bonus weekend together.  We only get to see each other a handful of times every year, although we are pretty connected online and over the phone, so it was a total treat to hang out for a few days and enjoy a crisp Iowa fall.

The day before we came home it was like 80 degrees but a cold front moved in and the whole weekend was COLD.  But it didn't stop these two from running and playing in the leaves.  My parents have some great, old trees that produce tons and tons of leaves :)

Leaf angels??

Gotta admit, I was pretty happy to get those hats and gloves out again. 

I love me some red cheeks all bundled up :) 

Awww, I'm in love with this one!

It's all fun and games til Mom wants a picture!

This little peanut sure loves her Grampy!  She was so happy to be at my parent's house, even though we drug them all over the place to shop :) My parents have all of our barbies from childhood at their house and those barbies are a big draw for her!  

Of course the stars of the show are my parents and their aunts and uncles, but Carter loves to run in the yard, play with his little tricycle, and the dogs.

We love to see our Ryley everytime we're home and the kids love my Mom's dog, Ollie too.  Carter especially has been very good about being gentle and not chasing them around.  Ryley can take it but Ollie won't have it!  He's heard us tell Ollie to be quiet so many times that we kept catching him say, "Hush! Ollie!"  So funny!

The aunties!  So nice to have some additional smiling faces when they wanted a snack or some help.  They know exactly who to go to when Mom says no :)

This kid would live on this tricycle if he could...

...and really, with that face, could you say no to him??

We had such a great time but no one enjoyed it more than my Dad and my Mom!  Now that I'm a parent, I can understand exactly what it means to them to have their kids home...Someday I hope Ava and Carter and I are planning a surprise visit for Travis!  My Dad was so happy, so grateful to have us all there...As only Dads do, he took the three of US girls shopping while we were home!  It was his birthday but like usual, we girls scored big :)

 

I love my Dad so dearly, he is an incredible blessing to me and to our family.  I would do anything to celebrate him and I'm so glad we got to.  Happy Birthday Dad!!  Love you so much!! 

Carter's Birthday Breakfast

It's been such a fun day!  Our little Carty celebrated his 2nd birthday today and we had a family party this morning to start the day of right.  He's been anticipating his birthday for the last few days, mostly because Ava keeps telling him about it every 10 minutes :) I'm not sure he'd ever pick up on it if it weren't for an older sister who is (very much) into birthdays.  So, when we put him to bed last night I turned into a busy bee and set the scene for a breakfast party he'd love!

Curious George is a favorite character in our house right now and I knew Carter would LOVE to see his favorite monkey everywhere.  I didn't go crazy, $15 later from Party City and I had a sweet and simple party to go :)  We went back and forth about throwing him a party with friends but life has been very hectic for the last month and we decided we all needed something quiet and simple.  Plus, we aren't big fans of elaborate birthday parties and pressure for people to buy gifts.  We already have so much, it's just fun to celebrate the day and love on our kids! 

Of course a balloon had to be part of the celebration!  My kids go crazy for balloons, I think all kids probably do.  I was very proud of Ava when we picked out a balloon for Carter and she started asking for one too.  I explained that it wasn't quite time for her birthday yet but when it was, I would come back and she could pick one out.  She said ok and didn't protest, and the gal behind the counter told me how rare it is to see kids who can take a "not yet" from their parents without melting down.  I laughed because she certainly is capable of that reaction too, but I was proud of her being happy for Carter and willing to wait for her turn.  Sweet girl :)

 I got excited thinking about the look on Carter's face when he stumbled into the kitchen the next morning, I knew he would be all about George!!  This turned into one tacky table but when you're two, the tackier the better!

 We also got his presents all ready for our breakfast party.  A train table was his big gift, but how can you have a train table without trains???

 As we predicted, this little guy was up early today and it took him no time to spot all the fun to be had!  His Daddy took him to pick up donuts while Ava and I got ready for his little party.

We discovered he's not so much a fan of the party hat :)

But he was intrigued by the donut and the candle!

Two...how did we get here already??

The big sister was more than happy to wear her hat and give Carter the play by play about what we could do next!

 My curious Carter, love him so much!

Two of my favorite guys.  Like Father, like Son...I have a feeling these two are just going to keep me up at night as Carter gets older and more like his Daddy, adventurous!!

 After we ate and sang and coached Carter about how old he is, we moved on to the best part...presents!!

 He was more than happy to participate in this part :)

 Ava played the role of advisor and narrator.  Carter happily played along.  Almost more than his gifts, he loved that wrapping paper with the trucks on it most of all.  Classic. 

Isn't that the way it goes??

 Everytime we celebrate a birthday or a holiday, I think about that verse that tells us how the Lord loves to give good gifts to his children...although this is just a taste of that, I get it.  It's so fun to give gifts to our kids, especially when you know how much they'll love it!

After the first few he got the hang of opening the big ones!

 He looks so old here doesn't he??  Yes, trains and more trains were the hit of the day! 

Taking it all in, plotting his next move...he kept saying, "Choo Choos!!  Oh my goodness!" 

 The birthday boy and his loot!  I'm so grateful that we have the ability to give him gifts and spoil him because we love him, I know that's a reality I often take for granted. 

 Carter's birthday happened to fall on a Wednesday, which is Trav's busiest day, but he took some time this morning to just be home and I intentionally planned nothing today.  We had donuts together, ate breakfast, opened gifts and then just let the kids play!  We have been so busy lately, TOO busy and this was just the day we all needed.  Travis eventually had to leave for work but the kids and I just hung out all day.

And this is how what Carter looked like for hours...

 Very serious, very intense...the boy loves his trains!  And cars, and balls, and trucks, etc.  :)  :) :)

Tonight we went to Church and the birthday boy got to play and celebrate with his little friends.  It was like a free party I didn't have to plan or oversee, score!!  We sure love our little 2 year old, he is the sweetest addition to our family and I'm so thankful the Lord surprised us with the gift of CARTER!

 I miss my baby boy sometimes but I really love watching him grow and develop into the boy God created him to be.  I love seeing his personality take shape and getting a glimpse into his heart.  It's been a busy two years but the BEST two years of my life. 

 These two have been the highlight of those two years.  We are blessed to be parents, their parents, and so grateful for Ava and Carter.  As they get older and mature a little bit, it's a joy to see their own relationship grow as siblings.  I hope they are alwasy protective of one another, kind and loving.  I know we'll have some hard years when they fight more than they get along but I do pray now that they will treat one another as a gift from the Lord. 

This little birthday boy has been such a JOY in our lives, isn't he cute??

We love you so much Carter and always will.  You are the best little guy for our family, we are so glad the Lord chose us to raise you and love you.  I hope it was a fun day for you, it was a great day for us to celebrate YOU!!

Happy 2nd Birthday buddy!!

Community

I wanted to share this news with you today because I think it's a significant opportunity that may be just right for YOU.  On (in)courage today, there was a big announcement about new community groups that are forming for women of all kinds, all ages and stages.  I'm sharing this with you because I think we all need to know how the Lord uses the internet for GOOD things, for things that build up and encourage and support his Church, as opposed to all the creepy and in appropriate ways people abuse the world wide web, you know??  There are God honoring things happening online, sometimes we just don't know about it!

 

 Today on (in)courage, they are rolling out tons of groups and inviting YOU to join one if you are looking for a community of women to belong to.  I know there are seasons in our lives when we all feel lonely or disconnected.  Some of you are active in your Church and have opportunities galore to connect and yet, that's not a reality for everyone.  Maybe illness has you homebound or a new baby has you up in the night, alone and feeling like you have no life :) Maybe your kids are in the thick of the school years or maybe this is the first school year you've got no one to send.  Whatever your stage or whatever your age, there is a group for you to join!  I defintely do NOT think that internet friendships and community groups replace real life, face to face relationships...those are SO important.  However, I do know that sometimes we find ourselves in a season with lots of real life friendships and sometime we don't.  I think this is a fabulous way to meet a need for those of us who feel lost or disconnected from other believers.  Who couldn't use a voice of encouragement and support in their world??  We all need that but we also need to be that for other people too.  I don't think this should be the "cake" that feeds your soul, but I do think it could be the icing!  So if you're longing for community and want to meet up with other amazing women from all over the world, check it out.  Read this to hear their heart and vision and consider it.  Who knows what the Lord could do?  These are the groups they are offering:

 

Artists
Bible Study Gals
Chronic Illness/Homebound
Depression
Empty Nesters
Marriage Mentors
Moms of Teens
Motherhood
New Moms
Single Gals
Social Justice
Special Needs Stories
Working Moms
Women in Ministry
Women in Your Local CommunityWomen over 50

 

Do you fit one of those categories??  Check it out if you do!  Again, I'm all about the local Church being a priority and place where you faithfully plug in for teaching, fellowship, corporate worship and service opportunities but I also know that groups like this can be a real source of support and community if you are lacking in that area.  Some dear women in my life are friends I've not met in real life but have personally kept up with and been encouraged by through this little blog.  I never would have dreamed God would do that?  I think other women who speak truth into our life and who point us to the Lord are invaluable.  I think every woman (person) needs the following 4 people in their life: Paul (older woman), Timothy (younger woman), Barnabas (encourager) and Nathan (confronter).  Maybe the women on (in)courage could meet one of those needs in your life or you could do that for someone else.  God knows our needs even before we do and it would be foolish to think He couldn't redeem the internet to work in his Church! 

 

Just passing on the love today in case you needed to read this :)

Hope you have a blessed Tuesday! 

The Changing Seasons

With September coming to a close tonight, I guess you could say that we are embracing the changing of the seasons in our house.  Although it was warm this weekend, we have had some cooler days and evenings lately that have me longing for Fall.  We've been a little temperature confused in the last couple of days but I have high hopes that we'll cool off again and be back in our sweaters soon.  For my family's sake I need it to cool off because I jumped the gun and started swapping the summer stuff for our fall/winter wear and naturally, the day after I did it we hit 80 degrees. 

Isn't that the way it goes??

I grew anxious to dive in and start the transition largely because the Lord blessed us with a family who handed down tons of clothes for both of my kids and I needed a place to put them!  So I spent a day pulling everything out of every drawer, assessing it and weeding out what was too small or out of season.  I don't know about you, but whenever I do this I have very mixed emotions. 

 On one hand, I get very excited to put some new clothes in their rotation, things I can't wait to see them in or that I know they will enjoy wearing.  But at the same time, I get sad pulling things out that trigger memories of them looking so cute or seeming so little.  It amazes me how quickly and how drastically their sizes change.  In the last couple of weeks I've really noticed how short Ava's pants are, how Carter's arms seem to be sticking out of every long-sleeved shirt or how shoes that fit both of them just a month ago are suddenly too small.  How does that happen??  Do they really grow overnight?  I'm thinking they do!  But I'm also so grateful and feel so blessed when the Lord meets our needs by using other people who give to us so generously.  I appreciate hand me downs so much and I always want that to prompt us to give with the same open arms, resisting the urge to hold tightly to "our" stuff.  It's a blessing to give but it's also a blessing to receive.  We are grateful! 

Ava is turning into a little clothes horse.  She loves to pick out her outfits now and she is tuned into what everyone is wearing.  When I brought home bags and bags of new (to us) clothes for her she was seriously like a kid in a candy store.  She just kept squealing and telling me, "I sooooo escited Mama!  Wook at all dese new clowes for me!"  She especially loves dresses and the more "twirl-ability" the better :) When I ask her about her class at Church or who her friends are she likes to describe people by what they are wearing, ha ha!  She has loved picking out a new thing to wear each day, sometimes multiple times a day, and I'm realizing how often I have to make deals with her regarding clothes and shoes.  I try to be pretty relaxed and let her change outfits or wear what she wants when we're at home but when we go out I hold my ground about what shoes she needs to wear or if I think she'll be too cold or hot.  I seriously thought I had some years before I had to compramise on clothing choices with her but I guess not!  Even now I catch myself telling her how cute she looks based on what she's wearing and then wince a little thinking I need to be clear that I think she's cute all the time, regardless of her outfits or her looks :) Yikes, I'm sure I read too deeply into stuff like that but I just see so many sweet girls in student ministries at our Church who are already enslaved to the approval and opinion of others instead of basing their self-worth on what the Lord says about them.  I think we as Moms can contribute to that if we aren't careful and unknowingly pass down our own insecurities to our daughters too.  At three I think I've got some wiggle room but I do want to choose my words carefully, you know?  

Of course I should probably stop worrying so much about that and instead turn my focus to Carter, who thought he might want to wear the princess crown that Ava loves :) I so badly wanted to text this to Trav at work and tell him that Carter asked me to put this on him then said "Coote!" when I did it!!  That would have brought him home pretty quickly!!

The seasons are changing in many ways right now.  Not only are the leaves falling and children's feet growing, but so are their interests and abilities.  We are just 10 days away from Carter's second birthday, which I can't believe.  I really don't have a toddler on my hands anymore ...Ava is defintely a preschooler and Carter isn't too far behind.  They play so well now and both of them talk constantly.  I can't keep them out of many things (case in point) and I'm starting to reason more and more with them instead of just issue consquences. 

 There is much joy, plenty of opportunities for patience and a greater dependence on the Lord than ever before. 

Things like this mean a great deal more to me these days.  As the seasons change all around me I'm realizing how much I need to change with them.  I need to plug into my source for strength, power, perspective, wisdom and ask the Lord to meet me daily, or hourly in my need.  Change is usually good, although it can be hard and it almost requires work.  I'm so thankful that the Lord is faithful to my children and faithful to me.  For all the times I fail them, I'm so grateful that his grace covers me and reaches deep into their hearts to speak to them too.  I feel like everyday is another day of learning and growing, for me!  I'm realizing that so much of parenthood is learning to roll with the constant changes while holding tightly to the Lord and seeking His wisdom above my own. 

 

As your October begins, I'm hoping that you will embrace the changing seasons in your life too, knowing that the Lord often uses these times to teach us more about who He is while we rest in Him, our unchanging rock. 

 

On another note, I have high hopes that all of the new clothes and the outgrown clothes will land in the right spot tomorrow as I'm not sure I can take one more day of chaos and extra laundry...Sound familiar??  Change is a process, no matter what kind it is!

 

Happy Monday, friends!

Friday Night Fans

I've been spending a lot of my time lately like this...

 ...on the sidelines with this motely crew.  This is my typical set-up.  I pratically have everything but the kitchen sink at most games.  Snacks, drinks, books, chairs, blankets, coats, hats and two little people who are always ready for action :)

We don't have to come.  But because we love this guy, he tends to pull our heartstrings everytime and we go to cheer for his team, to be "with" him and to give our support on the sidelines...although we rarely stay put on the sidelines!  Most of the time I'm chasing one child or the other, but we manage to watch a play here and there and of course we're always ready to cheer when we score a goal.  I wanted to be there especially tonight because it's been a long week.  Our favorite coach has pneumonia (seriously, that makes a round of pneumonia for each one of us this year!) and we lost a game last night that we could have won.  We all needed a happy ending after a week of things not quite going our way! 

It was a beautiful night and the game was at a gorgeous soccer complex.  We had grass and endless amounts of it to run, to jump and to play. 

So naturally, Carter thought he'd sprawl out on the sidewalk :)

And work on his breakdancing skills?

That face!  That kid!

He knew he was making me laugh :)

He is something else! Boy, do we love him :)

Not to mention his older sidekick, Miss Personality.

Can you even stand her in that outfit??

If Carter is my wild card, she is our full house!  She is always pushing the envelope when it comes to my clearly defined boundary lines, or saddling up next to a fan who has a treat she thinks she'd like to try :) She loves to yell, "Go Soufwest!" and "Go Stars!"  She's a mess but she's been really fun to watch the game with.  She loves her Daddy and likes to yell at him from the stands :) 

This little guy mostly likes to snack.

Or run from me!

Don't let this picture fool you.  The amount of time Carter actually spends in that chair is next to none.  I like to think of it as simply a home base that he touches here and there :)

You know, when he needs another snack.

I was hoping the games might get a little easier for me this year...Not sure why I ever thought that!  They are far from "easy" but, they are definitely more fun!

I love these little fans like crazy.

We've had a good time this season and on nights like this one, it's hard to argue with gorgeous weather and several hours of playing outside.  There are lots of things we could do on a Friday night, but going to Daddy's soccer games really seems like a win/win for everyone.

And speaking of winning, that's exactly what we did!  We won!  We woke up at half time and scored 5 goals in the second half to win 5-0.  Not a bad way to end our Friday night!  

I say it every season and I'm saying it again.  Win or lose, we love the coach!  We come for him and we cheer for him.  We had a great end to our week and we went out for pizza to celebrate :)

We are heading in to the tournament play next week but it's been a fun season and I'm glad we've been able to go to most of the games.  Next year I have high hopes that I'll finally be able to sit in my chair and drink my coffee for at least a half, but I think I might still be dreaming a little bit!  Who knows? 

 

I'm thankful for a happy ending tonight, for some good family time and for a beautiful September night.  This is such a simple season of life and I love it...

 

Happy weekend, friends!