Blowing the Dust off the Blog

Wow. I didn't even know my blog still existed. To see this space bring back many memories and it fills my heart with joy. This space was so dear to me. A space where I documented memories, thoughts, pictures, and all the crazy that life threw our way.

A lot, and I mean A LOT, has happened since I sat down to write in this space. We moved our family of 4 to Portland, Oregon in 2016. Where we would grow closer and stronger as a family unit of our own. We learned to trust God more than ever. We grew more confident in our abilities to establish morals, rules, and traditions. Fast forward to October 2016 and Sam was given the opportunity to interview for a promotion in Austin, Texas. Trust me, my first thought was "we literally just made the biggest move of our life and you want us to do it all over again?" But I heard a whisper in the back of my mind saying "be supportive" and I knew that was God telling me to let go of control. He interviewed. He got the job. And we made another HUGE move in January 2017. To Austin, Texas.

Now let me tell you. This transition wasn't as easy as the move to Portland. (I may have left a small piece of my heart in the Pacific Northwest). Our family of 4 lived in a 750 square foot tiny house (Texas style, because you know everything is bigger in Texas) for the first 8 months while we built a home. It was a time to really learn to appreciate everything around us including each other. We spent a lot of time together (practically on top of each other) laughing, and sometimes getting frustrated with one another because, ya know, personal space. I hauled our laundry to a laundry mat once a week. We had no fence for the dog to roam freely. And our neighbors liked to play music every Friday night until wee-hours. But we are grateful we got to experience all of that. It made me realize that stuff is just stuff, and that our relationships are what really matter.

We moved into our new home August of 2017. And let me tell you, we all still do a happy dance that we are in our home. This is our first home purchase and it is so fun to have a house that we can truly make our own. It has been a crazy ride for sure. 

I decided at the beginning of this year that I would quit my job and be a home maker until God shows me what He wants me to pursue. I am looking forward to 2018 and finding a passion once again. Whether it be in home design, party planning... or who knows God might throw me a curve ball and send me in a totally different direction. But, I am planning to use this space a lot more and start getting my creative juices flowing once again. Even if no one but me ever reads this blog I will be satisfied that I have an outlet.

eight and ten (picture heavy)

This February Abby turned 8 

Her request was a Frozen themed party

(seems to be the party trend this birthday season)

the birthday girl at school

Her birthday happened to fall on the school's annual "Artist Fair"

a cake decorator came to the class and personalized a cake. just for her.

party day!! 

tissue paper garland is the best. cheap. easy. cute.

the party was complete with a runway show

seriously! CAN'T BELIEVE that our baby is 8!

and then... our first born turned 10!

it was Sammy's turn for the "family" party

so it was early morning presents

followed by dinner and presents at Karl Strauss (his choice)

can you spot the PHOTO BOMB

me and my boy 

(don't know what happened to the picture... looks like i have something on my lip)

Now I seriously can't believe this boy is TEN! a WHOLE DECADE! ugh! can I please oh please freeze time!?

Happy Friday!

Oh what a happy day! FRIDAY!!
This week has been a learning experience. Truly learning about the power of prayer.
I recently heard "to let God through the door before you walk in."
I thought to myself "hmmm.... that sounds like something I can do"
So this week, where ever I went, whether it was my own home, someone else's home, work, or the grocery store (especially wal-mart, ha!) I prayed in my car. I prayed that God would enter before me.And to give me strength for any situation.
And guess what people!!?? He did.
And do you want to know what else!? I had an amazing week!
He has taught me that even small, what may seem meaningless, He hears. He delivers. Or in some cases not. But He KNOWS! And He is always THERE!

I am starting a journey. A journey that won't be easy. A journey of moral inventory. A journey of spiritual awakening. My heart is open and I believe He knows that and is so ready to work in my life. I know He is rejoicing too and that makes me smile even bigger!!

I miss this space.
I miss what little creative outlet it has provided me with.
I miss having the time to do such.

Life can get crazy. Like really crazy. Unpredictable. It can get crazy with every day happenings like taking the kids to school, going to work, picking the kids up from school, taking Sammy to baseball, taking Abby to dance, making dinner, making sure there are enough clean clothes for everyone to wear, making sure there are enough groceries in the fridge, and making sure we have enough dough to provide what we need to provide.

Life can get even more crazy. Like really, really crazy. Like so crazy that you don't even know where to turn or where to start to try and make things better. That my friends is how I have felt lately. Circumstances have aroused where I feel completely helpless. Helpless, but wanting to help. Wanting to be there for loved ones that don't want anyone to be there for them. Wanting the best for someone that doesn't want the best for themselves. What do you do?

I am not going to go into detail about what specifically I am referring to. It's not my story to tell. But I will tell you what has given me strength. Strength to stay calm so I can be there if I am needed. One being. God.

I am not a religious person, but I am a faithful person. I have faith that my maker is here and all around me. That God doesn't give us anything that we can't handle (yes it feels that way but it's not going to kill me). He has been so amazing. SO amazing. He hears every thought. Every prayer. Every cry for help. Every time I glorify Him (which needs to be way more often). And in the little that I do glorify Him, He still provides me and the people all around me with love. Love. Pure, everlasting love.

With what has been put in front of our family has been trying. And we have put Him on the back burner. And guess what? He still provides. He still loves us. I can't even describe how my heart feels because of this. God is good. Oh so good.

So I turned 30... like 2 months ago

Almost TWO months ago I turned the big 3-0.

And husband who always goes above and beyond what I expect, surprised me with a limo ride to San Diego with my best friends to shop and eat and drink.

I had a BLAST with the ones I love the most.

I feel so blessed to have learned so much from my 20s and can't wait too see what my 30s have in store for me!!

Cocktail Hour (Santa Barbara Part 3)

 I have to say that my husband is quite the photographer. He takes that camera and just goes. And I love it. Yes, he takes most of the pictures and it wasn't any different once the ceremony was over and it was time for cocktail hour. He took our camera and just went with it, taking over 500 pictures. Yup, he really did take 500.
Cocktail hour was just too fun. Funny people. Yummy drinks. Excellent appys. Great view. Awesome music. Gah! Can I go back?