getaway

We did it.

We escaped for a few days and let me tell you, it was lovely.

I had forgotten how fun it is to sit and enjoy a meal, just the two of us (because, let's face it, we are pretty cheap and rarely go out just us.) I forgot how easy it is to "run in real quick" when you're without a child to unbuckle and then re buckle into a car seat. Let's not even start with gettin' the stroller out. 

The delicious anniversary dessert we were given. She kept saying we could only pick one. I chose the chocolate one. YUM.

John is such a great husband and if I need a trip to the store flyin' solo one night, he's glad to oblige, but it's just not the same going alone. I LOVE company and especially love it when they go places with you. I am not much of a flyin' solo kind of gal. I've tried, but alas, I fail often. I enjoy it more now that I'm mama 24/7, but I still would prefer a pal to sing with in the car rather than sing alone. 

I did miss our boy, but was thankful for the break. By Sunday night we were reunited. He didn't seem to notice.

So, the weekend included a lot of music blasting car rides, yellow light runnin', 9pm ice cream trips, walks around the shops and reading late into the night. Oh, and plenty of tv watching. Though, I was surprised how little I missed cable. It was just perfect. We ate at some fun little places, had some old favs and enjoyed a delightful Jamba Juice (we don't have one up here.) 

We talked and laughed and it felt like we were dating, but obviously, better and I knew him so much deeper and more intimate than I did four years ago. He's truly become my best friend, my partner, my confidant, my love. I am so thankful we get to be in this journey together. That our lives are forever one and our little family will make up some of him and some of me. I couldn't imagine a better man. Truly.

We also hit up our favorite second hand shops in Phoenix and made sure to swipe some good deals. Bargain shopping is wonderful, but it takes time and patience, not something I have a lot of with Jackboy. 

Jack had the time of his life. He swam most of the days we were away and got a skinned toe and rough knees that signal boyhood is in full force. He's a wild man, our little guy, and I love trying to keep up.

I did miss that cheeky smile and slobber chin

Thanks to mom and dad and Mags for watching Jack. He was so well taken care of. Oh, my dad was showing off his new permanent front teeth. And Maggie was teasing him.

post getaway pool party.

The first day it was kind of hard to be back. To get up at 6am, to wipe faces post oatmeal, walk away from temper tantrums, make dinner, and return to busy normal life. I enjoy fun. I know real life isn't vacation-mode and that's okay, because I do like to get a thing or two done too. I was just gently reminded how good it is to get away and remember what started it all.

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.

the graduation

My sister graduated a couple of weeks ago.

though I was feeling better in this picture, the sickness was about to get worse.

I was so, so sick that week. Like, the sickest I've been in a long time. I got a horrible ear ache the night before we were supposed to go down the mountain and I woke up wondering if I could even go to her graduation.  


So thankful for the garlic ear drops that soothed the ear ache at 2am and so, so thankful for my husband who stayed up with me in my painful state. Those drops were magic.


We traveled down on Friday and were able to see my sister graduate. Jack was still getting over his cold so he stayed at home with my gracious Aunt who watched him. 

Mags and Mom and Pop

Isn't Maggie beautiful? I taught her all she knows. Just kidding.

 My grandparents, Aunt and cousins from Florida came for the graduation. I was once again reminded how amazing and wondrous it is to be in a room with people who share so much of your person. Your hair color, your laugh, your jokes, your eyes, your sass, your emotions, your heart. It will never get old to share a laugh with someone who finds humor in the same things you do. It's beautiful to be with those who have known you your whole life and love you still. Who have watched your grow up and change and have loved you through all those stages.
 

Florida cousins who I used to hold and pretend I was babysitting. Am I that old?!

My grandparents we grew up down the street from. Now retired and living in Florida. 82 and 85 and lookin' GOOD. 

My grandpa fought in World War 2 in Germany. He helped liberate a concentration camp. He is incredible and one day I'll bust out some pictures of him from his time in Germany. So thankful for the way he served our country.

And it was so incredible to see my brother again. I haven't seen him since Thanksgiving and that is just too long. Though I was so sick and spent most of my time on the couch or in my parent's room sleeping, I didn't want to give up the time to be around family. Especially since we don't see them often. Andy is as charming as ever and charmed the socks off everyone he saw. He made everyone laugh, just like when we were kids. He also showed me all the funny youtubes, a ritual when he comes to visit.
 

Though our oldest brother was missed in this picture, it was good to have all the siblings back together.

Jack got a good dose of antibiotics and is back to his normal, wild and hilarious self. He loves being with family almost as much as I do, though he doesn't seem to love to sleep at my parent's house as much as I do. The first night was horrible and he spent most of the night snuggled in bed with me. By 6am he was up and ready for fun. I cried, wondering how a sick mama keeps going without getting sicker? How do you find energy when you literally have zero left? In swooped my parents who graciously took their lil grandson and off our hands and let us sleep a couple of more hours. The other nights got better as I let him have the room all to himself. I said, see ya. I'll sleep better on the couch. John traveled back up north so he could preach on Sunday morning.


I feel so thankful we were at my parent's house that weekend. Besides being sick, having family around to help with Jackboy really is a blessing. I once thought and dreamed of being off in a far away land, experiencing life alone and family-less, a sacrifice I was willing to make. I'm so humbled and thankful that God knows us better than we know ourselves and He knows I'm just not that strong. Not yet anyway.
 

So Maggie is officially out of high school, 18 and moving on. It feels surreal. I feel old. I can't believe that time is already here. I don't think my parent's are ready to be empty nesters. She's grown up so fast.

 

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.

a wee bit snotty

what a face. I think he was trying to squeeze past me while saying "owwww"

Lately, things in our home are a bit snotty. Like, drooling lips, stinky breath, booger infested noses and lots of face wiping going on. We've got a cold going around and it ain't good. It's a rough one and somehow I caught it. Now, I don't want to boast or brag, but I rarely get sick. It's genetics really. I remember maybe one time in my life that my dad was sick and it was for a day and than he was back to the racetracks. My mom? Hardly ever. She only gets sick around Holidays and that's because she's workin' her booty off. They are the essence of good health. I pray that continues for the rest of their lives. I inherited their health. Well, if you discount my chronic ear infections as a kid and dozen strep throats as a teenager, but really, who is keeping track anyway? 

watching his daddy mow the lawn.

 

i love my allergy-man. he handled it like a champ. and didn't come inside sneezing with watery eyes. and I had myself a little giggle.

Jack's sick spot on the couch, complete with a motor trend. His favorite reading material as of late.

So, I got Jack's cold. Maybe it's because I kiss his face about every five minutes or wipe his nose with my fingers and forget to wash my hands (eww, I know, but what can a mama do?) or that I share a bite of pretty much everything with him. He's mah boy. What can I say?

But it's been a rough one. Besides sounding like a man every morning and hawking up lungs, I am trying to slow myself down because the hardest part for me when I get sick is slowing down. I want to keep up with the pace of life. It's no brisk run, but it's a grand pace. 

So, here I sit on an overcast day, Jack taking a morning nap (something he hasn't done since his last cold in January) and I with a cup of water still in my pj's. Trying to relax and trying  not to want to be at the Dollar store with my pals and their boys right now.

having a snack with one of his good friends. yes, they were going in for a kiss at that exact moment. and that nap-hair. wow.

This past week has been beautiful. The weather warmed up (briefly, another cold front comes in tomorrow. Which I welcome.) We've spent our days at the square, play dates with little friends (and their mama's) and a whole lot of lovin' on our sick boy. 

Jack had his first big-boy puke on Sunday evening. His daddy caught in Jack's shirt, great reflexes, perfect timing and incredible disgusting. I thought I would be the kind of mom who swoops in when my darling son pukes and panics, but I didn't. Maybe it was because John was there and when he is I typically panic more, but John was/is always my hero and carried him into the bathroom while singing soothing words to his kiddo. I cleaned up. With a spray bottle of vinegar and water. Jack was so precious as he clung to his daddy's neck afterward, pale and greenish and looking shocked at what had just happened. My heart melted and we got him into his jammies and he fell fast asleep. My sweet goose.

It was just that once and I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a little nervous he'd do it again during the night and didn't want to be the one to catch it that time. Does that make me a bad mama?

mama day/week

This Mother's Day turned into an all week event. 

I took the liberty to make each day a Mother celebration. 

A gracious and dear friend volunteered to watch us young mom's kiddos on Wednesday so during that time I got a hair cut. Getting your hair washed when you spend a significant amount of time each day washing dishes, washing kids, washing hands, washing kid's hair, washing down tables and a high chair, is absolutely incredible.

It was awesome.

On Friday night a few of us young mama's hit the town and got delicious appetizers, dessert and some (decaf) coffee. We chatted, laughed, shared our love stories, shared advice and experiences, exchanged birthing stories and had a few bathroom breaks mixed up in between. Three hours of some bursts of laughter, inappropriate conversation for our 15 year old waiter's ears to hear (he probably wasn't 15, but my goodness, he looked young) and delicious food made this mama's day a day of joy. And my heart wells up with thankfulness at the friendships God has allowed me to experience. Both friendships over the years and the new friendships that accompany this mama-journey with love. 

and no evening would be complete without a little photo shoot.



Saturday morning brought snuggles in the early morning, with waffles and strawberries. Parties throughout the afternoon (not M-Day related, but quite fun) and good food, ya'll. I associate a good time often with good food.




Sunday my parents and sister came up north and we browsed the antique stores downtown and ate pizza while the weather cooled. I'm looking forward to the Mother's Days to come. I'm thankful for my mother and all she taught me and how she created such a lovable childhood for us. I'm thankful for John's mom who raised him to be such an awesome man and daddy. I'm so thankful to be a mama. To see Jack think of proud I am to get to be his mom. It's the greatest gift. 

The day ended with a story read by grandma and Jack's tired little self fighting sleep like no bodies business.

date night 2011

It's warmin' up here in the west. We don't have AC and majority of the year, that's okay, but I'm kind of secretly nervous about the summer. I have a feeling it's gonna be a hot one, people.
 
Last night I woke up at 4:30 to hear John talking in his sleep. I rolled over, half awake, half-what's-goin-on to hear him say "love covers a multitude of sins. we have to remember that." in his sleep. I patted his arm, said a lil 'that's right, baby.' and got up to go to the bathroom. This morning when I asked him if he remembered saying that he said he didn't. I smiled. What a cool little nugget from God while we sleep to remember His love covers everything and it's not something we can give on our own. 

It's easy to say, to think about, to talk about, but man. It is so hard to do. To be. It's only from Him.

Two nights ago we went out on a date. It's been a while (a long while) and it's not something we do regularly. We do try to take advantage of Jack's 7pm bedtime and will cuddle up with a sweet treat (latest was coconut ice cream dipped in chocolate and almonds. helloooo) and enjoy our favorite tv shows. But two nights ago we thought we'd be spontaneous and young loves. We got a babysitter last minute and he whisked me away by 7. We jumped into the land cruiser as the sun set and embarked on our dreamy date night. It still feels weird yet familiar whenever we get in the car without Jack. Some days it feels forever ago and some days it feel like yesterday it was just us. 

We went to a cozy little Italian place and ate the best veggie lasagna ever. It was my man's dream meal. Small salad, big entree and small scoop of spumoni ice cream for dessert. Simply heavenly. It was a dream meal for me too.


Every time we come home we always say, "we should do this more often." Probably the budget restart of next month. aka, our 4th anniversary. It's fun, but not quite as fun to see how much it costs. but oh so worth it.

and Jackboy did just fine. 

moments

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