Today has been a day of adventure.


With the arrival of spring comes much outdoor time.

The air is crisp and warm. The breeze is consistence and does this heart good.

Jack is loving everything outdoors. He has no fear of falling on rocks or falling at all, really. This, he does not get from me. I pray that he doesn't love snakes. Or scorpians. Or things like that, but I have a feeling he will.



Today we played outside with friends. We laughed, we watched the boys manouver shovels and take each others trucks. I could see them as elementary aged kids, playing in the water and catching garden snakes. I could see them chasing each other through the woods. It's hard to imagine Jack that old, but I know he will be. Before I know it. I'm so thankful for friends that will be going through that journey too. For friends that Jack will know since he was so little and will great adventures with.

It's days like these that I really feel Christ's healing. In moments where laughter is shared and funny one-year-old's keep you on your toes. In moments where a good lunch and some sparkling water really hits the spot. Times when you can feel your friends sharing the load. Just being with you on the journey.

 The boys. Complete oblivious to the camera and taking it all in.

 It's hard to capture all the beauty that was out there today. 

Is there a new Office episode on tonight? Because I've been missing it. For real.

jack attack

Spring arrived this week. And to celebrate we ate oatmeal and got oatmeal in our (Jack's only, thankfully) hair.

And I'm finally ready to embrace Spring. 

Typically, I'd like for it hold off a few months more, but the air smells so pure and fresh and the breeze is so pleasant. The blue sky is like a an ocean of warmth. I am anxious to begin our project of putting up a fence and a swing set. One of the goals for March/April 2011. Jack is going to go wild. He loves being outside so much, but few boundaries=wild child.

The two cars on the right are his recent obsession. I kid you not, he gets those two cars every single morning and evening. Just those two. He has one for each hand. He'll play with others, but at the end of the day these two are his fav. My heart fills with joy at the very thought of it. Our 15 month old is obsessive just like his 'ol mama.

So while we enjoyed the brief snow on Sunday, we welcomed the 60 degree weather by Monday (which does a number on your allergies and/or headaches.)


Have I mentioned playdates should be renamed mommy-dates? Because they are a piece of my sanity, I tell you. Sharing a Red Baron pizza with friends and watching our little guys bully each other off of the rocking horse brings such love. So thankful for friends to share this journey with and to laugh instead of lose it with.


Each step throughout the week brings another wave of healing and rest. From times with friends to a visit from my Dad to a handful of Parenthood episodes. 




Spring brings with it hope. Hope for the future and that we never leave His hands. 


Truth be told, my little Jack is a bit of a bully. I don't think he means to (all the time) but he gets a little aggressive. And scares some friends. Sometimes all he wants to give is a hug and other times, he wants to communicate that he's not too happy. I'm trying to teach him to be gentle, which typically results in an attempt-to-kiss, but being a little too rough. I have a feeling he'll always be affectionate (courtesy of his papa, who loves to cuddle.) but we're really trying to work on no hitting. Even when frustrated. Which often results in Mel learning new ways to discipline besides a smack on the little hand. He just hits back anyway. Here's a play by play of the guy in action.

 Thankfully, Ollie didn't seem to care too much.

Where oh where has my little boy gone? He's growing up. Too fast. 


I love this picture. And the yellow binky you can barely see on the chair. He's still a lil guy.

stillness

 

The weekend came to an end too quickly (been saying that since about 7th grade) and another week has begun. The retreat was insightful, inspiring, and relaxing. It wasn't much of what I had expected, but is life ever? I did get a bit of reading in, slept by myself, and managed somehow to not really think about naps, diapers or binkies. When I got this picture in the morning, my heart melted with love. These two faces bring such joy. Jack is such a mini-John. I love it.

The speaker talked a lot about resting and pressing pause on the busyness of life. Sometimes I feel like I need to press play a little more and get my rear in gear. No, but seriously, I was reminded once again how each one of us is different and that's what partly why life is as adventurous as it is. If we were all the same type of person, where would the dynamics flow from? I'm thankful for every ounce of dream-goals I have, but also so thankful for the days when it's just about being still with Jesus, enjoying the little things and embracing the moment. And perhaps a good song and/or movie.


I'm thankful for my little family and the mountains to return home to. I'm so thankful for time spent away and stories of life in others countries. But it's good to be home and man, it was incredible to stop at Sprinkles (for a friend) and Yogurtland (for me) two things we don't have up here in our 1990's-esque city.


++


After a late drive home on Saturday evening and after Sunday morning church, John and I braved the trek down the mountain once again to go to my parent's to watch the Superbowl. It's always been a sort of holiday for us. My dad enjoys the game, sleeps through halftime and we eat way too much queso. That being said, it was worth the trip and the chicken sandwiches were delicious.  

Jack, obviously, was very into the game. He kept us entertained with his other cousins. He is cracking me up lately and full of personality. Today I was having a playdate (at this age, they should probably rename them mommy-dates) and we were envisioning the future and when all our kiddos start talking. Oh, man. It will take playdate to a whole new level, I think. Or we'll just send them outside to play. 

My sister and her boyfriend Caleb. We were really into the game, if you can tell.

John was actually watching the game. Jack and I were all fun and games.

++

On Monday my mom and sister played hooky and we went out to breakfast for my birthday (which isn't until tomorrow.) It was delightful. We went to our personal fav, La Grande Orange and ate a delicious and healthy breakfast while Jack played with his trucks.

and then Jack got tired. Like really sleepy.

My mom and sister. Are they not beautiful? Seriously. Maggie's eyes are magic!

A mom and her daughters

So, we returned to Prescott yesterday and all is well. Spring is around the corner and the cold weather has left us for now.

"So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Your love is strong."

jon foreman "your love is strong."

uh-oh

Jack is kind of a binky-holic.

My fault?

Maybe.

My Goose has an ear infection. His second in his life and the poor boy just can't shake the pain. Thankfully, he's sleeping well at night, but during the day he is all fuss and whiners. He spends most the time in my arms or on the couch reading books. He loves himself a good book. Can't say I blame him.

While we were picking up his prescriptions at Fry's, Jack dropped a book he was reading (told you, he's addicted.) and out came those two little words I've been waiting for. "Uh-oh." and he starred at the floor. I smiled to the boy and reached down to pick up his book. The pharmacist was so tickled and laughed the whole way to retrieve the medicine.

He said it again and again since we got home and it cracks me up. Is he really at that stage already? I mean, he says 'mama' and 'dada' but this was the first word that is probably in my top-five-favorite-things-that-kid's say. Number 2? I love you, of course. My heart was full of happiness.

...

We saw a brief fall of winter snow yesterday. And when I say brief, I mean only about 3 minutes worth of snow fall. My heart sunk. I had greatly anticipated at least an inch. I woke up at 6:00am to go to the bathroom and opened my blinds to check and see if it had fallen. It hadn't. I was bummed and quickly snuggled back in bed.

I know everyone to the East of us is really hatin' the snow, but could you please send some our way? I'm sure California wouldn't mind a bit either. Just kidding.

capture moments

Today was a massive playdate kind of day.

Our home was full of little fingers, bowls of soup, pb and j's, fussy babies, chasing children, and lots and lots of laughter. just the way it should be.


fellowship is a sweet and beautiful thing. 


Do you ever have weird quirks that you wish someone would say, "Don't do that. You're stressin' over nothing."

Maybe not. 

I have this little quirky habit of biting/peeling the skin on my fingers. When things are busy or stressful or I'm running on little sleep (uh, yes and yes.) I begin to pick and tear. Before I know it I've created little scabs and I need to tape band aids around my fingers to keep them from being attacked any more. I've gotten better since high school, but I still do it. And it's annoying. Interesting fact? My brothers, sister and dad all do it too. It's genetic! I wonder if Jack will?


Here's to stressing over nothing, embracing the busy and the slow and just enjoying life.

oh that silly goose face. makes me smile everytime.
this is jack's new stink face he makes when he's pretending to smell/blow his nose. also it's the face he makes when he doesn't want something or wants you out of his way. 


i want to capture faces like those and place them deep into my heart.

a change of pace

I think I have a love/hate relationships with Mondays. Unlike most peeps, Mondays are our Sunday and John is home. All day. I love it when he's home, I truly do, but sometimes I get a little...agitated? Am I alone in this? I love having him here, to eat lunch with, sit with, talk with, be with, go out and do things with, but sometimes it gets a little crowded. I guess I'm just used to my routine. And so is he. Sometimes we clash a 'lil. Not a lot. Sometimes it's just better to do separate things for a little while.


Monday morning began with a trip to the donut shop. A local place just opened and we are trying to support them the best we can. It has little to do with the fact that we love a good donut and there is no Dunkin's in Prescott. Oh, wait. 



I have great memories of my dad getting a dozen donuts for us from Jolly Pirates on Saturday mornings. Sometimes we were allowed to go with him and pick out our favorite. I can still see the box on our kitchen counter and how quickly they were gone. 

that's me with my brothers and dad. Not getting donuts, but spending a day at the farm.

After the donuts were finished and Jack had eaten his oatmeal (because, that's right, we were not so nice parents and didn't get a donut for Jack. He didn't even reach for one or anything! He loves his routine too, apparently, and was perfectly happy with his oatmeal.) Jack I went to the zoo with my dear friend Mattie and Cougan. John was amazing and put a new faucet in (one that may or may not be the right fit) and enjoyed some alone time. My man digs some alone time (who doesn't?)

Cougan and Jack. Looking so grown up.

probably Jack's favorite part.

++


this last week i fell in love with/became a little obsessed with instagram app on the 'ol iphone. It is so much fun. If you are on there, let me know. My username is melled. almost all of these pictures are taken using instagram.


1. a different view

taken on the way home from church. Jack barely made it out of the parking lot. I carried him inside and tried to balance a sleeping toddler and the phone. Love that kiddo.

2. looking up.

taken at the zoo.

3. abstract. here's for some serious honesty: i do not know how/care to take abstract photos. i looked at all sorts of abstract examples and this is the best i could come up.

driving home from bible study. baby at home with dad. the Beatles blasting on the radio. the Land Crusier is on empty.

4. Hair. this is Jack, almost every morning when he eats his oatmeal. Today I left him alone with it for a little bit too long.

 

5. Half. In the Old Navy dressing room enjoying the 50% off 50% off sale. It.was.awesome.

This contest is both challenging and fun. I'm diggin' it.