Memorial Day

When I think of those that have served our country and lost their lives doing so, I grieve. For the young lives lost but also for those left behind. Especially their mamas. Undoubtedly I know the almost hurting love a mother has for her child. The moment you see that tiny face they own your heart...forever. 

 Then they grow bigger and it feels as if that love grows deeper. Roots down deep into your soul. You see that baby face change into the face of a young man and it engulfs your heart with pride. 

This Memorial Day I watched my boys play in the sprinkler. Something so sweet and simple but never to be taken lightly.

To the Brave Ones past and present, those who have laid down their most precious gift, I am forever greatful. Because of their sacrifice I can watch my children play without worry or fear. I can worship my God without inhibition. My simple thank you will never be enough but I will always offer it. 

But we must not forget their loved ones left behind. Those who taught early on what it meant to be brave. To be courageous even when facing danger. To be loyal their country, one that holds freedom for all close to its heart. Those that loved and supported. Those that lost and grieve. My prayers are with you always. Thank you. 

"Greater love has no man that this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

                                                           John 15:13

*Stop on over at my husbands blog. He wrote a beautiful piece on Memorial Day. www.tomatersandwich.blogspot.com

{this moment}

{this moment} 

 A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at SouleMama for all to find and see.

Man and his dog

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Collossians 3:15

Rain

Maybe I'm strange but I love when my kids get to play in the rain (sans the thunder and lightening). 

There is something just so refreshing...renewing about it. About 20 minutes before it began to pour they were sitting at the dinning room table just plain frustrated. Math does that to you sometimes. 

I sent them out, one of the many beauties of homeschooling. I know when my kids brains shut off. 

Ya know I've heard kickball has cured many any ailment. It does wonders for mathitis (wink wink).

Peanut butter and jelly

Why is it that when my babies wear jeans, workboots, and a baseball hat they look so much older. (sniff sniff)

 They are 13.5 months apart. Those first few months were C.R.A.Z.Y! Honestly...I don't remember much. We were on survival mode baby! 

But I am so incredibly thankful though that the Lord planned it that way. He has knit their hearts together. I hate to even use the term best friends because even those kinds of friends can come and go. 

 But these boys, they are like peanut butter and jelly. 

 Love them to the moon and back!!

 And for good measure...a picture of the very dirty dog they brought home for me to wash. :)

Saturday Mornings

hApPy SaTurDay!

The boys are off fishing today. So it's just me and little bit. On the agenda...a whole 'lotta nothing! Woohoo maybe I can make a dent in my good reads stack during nap time. :)

{this moment}

{this moment} 

 A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' over at SouleMama for all to find and see.

Recipe card boards

When I cook using one of my recipe cards I usually lay it on the counter. 

 I thought it would cute to have something to clip it to. This way I can use my cookbook stand. 

 VOILA! Not life altering...but cute. :)

Roll up your sleeves...

parenting is messy. 

There are so many sweet moments. Then there are the days where ya just gotta roll with the punches. Today is one of those days. Ya know one of those where it is hard to encourage because you yourself feel beat down. One of those days where it seems all the baby wants to do is stick his hand in the dog water and share a nibble of the dog bone. 

But I can't call in sick. No nappin' on the job. I'm bringing up young men. They need me today...each day. That is when I lean on HIM the most. 

"And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness..."

- 2 Corinthians 12:9a

Scenes from my dinning room...

The troops are in formation...

 awaiting their orders from the guy in black...

 They have risked life and limb. Traveling through some of the most treacherous terrain. 

'Twas Good

Ahh yesterday was everything I hoped for. My little family + my mom. Todd made me the best ice cream cake EVER! That man...he loves me :) Layers of ice cream and oreo crumbles. So stinkin' good.  We just hung out, drank coffee, grilled and it was just perfect!

The 13th

Tomorrow marks my 30th year on this beautiful earth. I have gone back and forth with how I feel about this fact. At times it freaks me out...big time. Then there are times where, despite starting a family early into my twenties, I feel more womanly and less like a "young lady". After planting in my garden having a quiet moment to reflect (coffee in hand) and think about the impending, I felt such a sense of gratitude flood over me. God has graciously blessed me with THIRTY YEARS so far (let's hope for many many more wink wink)! Thirty years is a long time, albeit young compared to some, but still it's a pretty good chunk of time. I am just so very thankful for all that He has given me throughout my life thus far. I am truly blessed. So here's to my 30th! May the next 30 be just as sweet :)