Weekend Love

We had a sweet weekend, how about you?  With the end of the soccer season this past week, we finally had a free weekend and some time to spend with the kids and each other.  We did exciting things like clean the house...

 ...we are teaching the kids to help us with some chores around the house and their favorite one to do is to help unload the dishwasher.  It's a dangerous blessing :) We love their excitement and eagerness to help but we have to move at warp speed to keep one or both of them from unintentionally breaking my dishes! 

 Ava and I played nail salon :)   Note to self, need to play that more often.  She was one happy girl to have "paint" on her fingers and toes! 

Forgive the grainy-ness of this pic, this was taken on Saturday night from the top row of the balcony at our Church.  We went to the TobyMac concert, which was amazing!!!  SO, SO Good!!!

We are old-school DC Talk fans and we love Toby Mac's stuff too.  Our kids especially love his music :)   We have frequent dance parties rockin out to his stuff.  His concert sold out like 8 weeks ago so it was a packed house and it was a LOUD night!!  Jamie Grace and Chris August opened for him (and they were excellent too) but we are big fans of Toby Mac and the show he puts on...worth every penny!!  If you have the chance to see him, do it!  We were greeters and I got the biggest kick out of seeing people in their 60's and 70's there.  I can't imagine what they were thinking when it was bumpin in that worship center and people were dancing (including us) all over the place!  Hilarious :)His new album is amazing and doing so well on the secular charts, but better yet he loves Jesus and is so clear and outspoken in his music.  Such a fun (late) night, we are exhausted today! 

 This afternoon we got another chance to get away and leave the kids with a sitter while we went to a wedding in the most beautiful setting.

 Yesterday it was raining, today it was beautiful!  What a backdrop, huh??  This place is called the Chapel in the Woods and I think that's a pretty appropriate name. These pictures from my phone do not do it justice.  With all the gorgeous fall colors and the afternoon sun streaming in, it really was breathtaking!

Waiting for the ceremony to start :)

Can you spy a third wheel??

A violin, a guitar and a banjo.  What a great combo!  And that tree behind them??  Gorgeous.

The cute groom and his Dad, who is also a Pastor.  I got very choked up listening to him talk to Sammi and Dan during the ceremony, thinking about the day when (we pray) Travis will be marrying Ava and Carter off too.  What a special blessing as a parent to do that...His Dad did a beautiful job and it was very touching. 

 Is this the cutest wedding party or what??  Those bridesmaids and those lace umbrellas??  Darling :)

Sammi, the beautiful bride.  She was a high school student when we came to Grace and last year she was one of our volunteers.  We love her and her new husband, also one of our former volunteers.  So sweet to watch them get to this day!

Honestly, this setting!!

 Just adorable.

 And romantic...I love weddings!  Makes me love my husband all over again like a young bride...

The canopy above us was breathtaking.

Of course I had to get a picture with my sweet man!

It was so great and very needed to get a little time out with him this weekend.  It's been too long since we've had a date and we were long overdue. 

 

What a great weekend!  Hope you had a sweet one as well!

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!