sedona in spring

May has been a serious dose of busy.  

A good busy, I can't really complain. Lots of family laughter, delicious food and movie watching.

Last week our little family of three went to Sedona with my parents and sister for a little vacay. It was so delightful. Once Jack figured out how to sleep in the bathroom (it was a handicap shower so he wasn't asleep in cabinet or anything) the party got even better. He even slept in until 8 one day! It was amazing.

Jack was entirely entertained by anything outdoors. He loves the grass, rocks, running, climbing and now swimming. He has only been in a pool a couple of times before this and it was so interesting to watch how hesitant he is around water. He likes it, once he is in there, but I think the whole idea of being in a body of water is a little overwhelming for him. My dad, the infamous splasher and ride-giver, took Jack throughout the water and he soon discovered a love for the giant bath tub.

Between running up and down the hallway in the hotel, tipping over his little car and saying "Uh-Oh, crash!" overandover (to which my heart swelled at the cuteness every time) Jack was the busiest I think I've ever seen him. Our boy loves a good vacation. Can't say I blame him. And I think he got that from me.

 

Jack also has this cute, but kind of quirky love for fish. I don't know how, but he does. He goes wild when he sees a picture of a fish, plays with a rubber one in the bath tub and ohmygoodness his number one goal at the library is to see those fish. 

He says "feeshes" over and over. It kind of sounds like feces. I laugh. 

So we went to the trout farm and saw a whole lot of fish in a small body of water. Jack thought it was hilarious.

One morning Jack kept saying "fishy, fishy." and led John right to where the fish tank was in the lobby of the resort. They had a grand time looking at fish.

Our boy and fish. Who knew?



There's something so poetically beautiful about Sedona. My heart is so full there. I love Prescott, I truly do, but there's something about Sedona that is a gorgeous utopia I've yet to experience anywhere else. The way the creek is constant yet peaceful and the trees that grow by the water are strong and so green. It's really away from every ounce of busy life.

Can I say how much I love seeing Jack with his grandpa? He just started saying "papa" and whenever he sees him this kid goes into a serious fit of giggles.

And we had some family time too. Though it's apparent Jack is fully capable of livin and lovin' life without mom and dad for a few days.

So we are doing it. We are leaving Jack this weekend with my parents (thanks mom and dad, AGAIN.) and getting away for the weekend. Just the two of us. First time overnight without our kiddo and I am a little bit excited. Okay, a lot. I know Jack will be in great hands and will have the time of his life.

Happy Anniversary, my love. Four years and here's to so many more.

4 years ago today

Four years ago today, I was in a blissful state. I was (and am) as twitterpated as a girl can get.

Friends and family from around the country (and a visitor from England) came one by one, and I said hello. I wish I had more time with each one of them. Time seemed to be in slow motion and yet there wasn't enough of it. 

The next day I was going to marry the love of my life. 

Granted, we hardly knew each other, but who cares? We were in love and we were getting married. We were young and it was a breezy June day in Phoenix. Hot, of course, but still a little cloudy. I was thankful for those clouds. 

Often I tell John how I can't believe we get to grow old together. It really is an incredible journey.


The night before we were married I went out with the girls. They all came from different times in my life. My childhood best friend, my sister, kindred spirits I was blessed to meet along the way. I wish I could have had a wedding party of 25, let me tell you. It was tricky to find ways for all of them to connect, but they somehow did.


And we laughed and stayed up late talking by the pool. 

Then, on June 2nd 2007, I married my true love and it was wonderful. And four years later, it's still wonderful. It's been a long, hard road, but by God's grace we've made it this far.

partner in crime

"When everything feels all over
When everybody seems unkind
I'll give you a four-leaf clover
Take all the worry out of your mind
Let my love open the door
Let my love open the door
Let my love open the door."

let my love open the door as performed in dan in real life

This week I was reminded of what a kindred soul John is. 

He's that type of best friend that you want to fight your battles with. He's the solid and secure base that makes the every day seem not so scary. He's the one you want on your team when disaster strikes. He's the one you want stroking your hair when you're pukin' (cause he did. It was gross.) He's the one who graciously goes to walmart at 3am to get soda for his puking wife. what.a.man. did i mention he saved me last week? yeah, that's him.

just a couple of youngins'!

pre-marriage, pre-baby, pre-prescott! so in love.

'cause it's hard when people say mean things, or expect more out of you than you are able to give or demand things that are completely unreasonable. It's hurtful when people take their anger out on you. Of course. But somehow it's much easier to take when you have a partner in crime to share the reaction with. To laugh or cry or just watch something funny to distract you. Somehow, those hard trials in life seem less painful when they're shared. 

sometimes, I imagine what we'll be like 30 years from now. We talk about it often (seriously, my man likes to PLAN!) We talk about our empty nest, full hearts, children possibly scattered across the country (or world) and our prayers and hopes for the lives. We talk about the adventures we'll share and the trips we'll go on. We talk about how hard it will be to let go and how we'll possibly do it. We sit in silence. 

I think we both wonder how we can love Jack so immensely, but remember that one day he'll need to fly. That our time with him isn't forever. We hold him with open hands.



I try to quickly remind John (or, er myself...) to enjoy the moment and not worry about the future. We know change is good and Jesus brings change so all we need to do is focus on the now and pray for His will.


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