Fall trips: Fly-fishing, Family, and Fun

It's Fall and always my favorite time of the year. The anticipation of the holidays, cooler weather, cozier clothes, festive activities, and leaves changing just make me...giddy.  

Husband's birthday is in September, so Dan and Ashley helped me in surprising him with a full family fly-fishing trip upstate. He was definitely surprised and we had a wonderful time. 

This is what a van of city folk looks like when trying to escape to the country for two days. Of course, we did fit 4 adults and 3 kids in this ride - graciously loaned to us by some dear friends for the weekend.

The brothers got up super early to fish and I so enjoyed my time reading and praying over breakfast and looking out over this beautiful green pasture, while the children joyfully played outside in the dirt. 

Dreamy.

This was our view in the front. So picturesque and country, don't you think?

In addition to fly-fishing, we enjoyed some family hikes and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. 

 And... living in an actual house is quite fun - even if for two days - thanks to Uncle Dan and Aunt Ashley!

All in all - a grand birthday trip for everyone!

True Beauty

As summer ended, we spent our annual two weeks in the beauty that is the Colorado mountains. There is a special beauty to behold there and not just in the creation of our Creator - though that is spectacular.  Truly mind-blowing.

There is also the beauty of solitude, silence, simple joys and pleasures, time with family, excitement of exploration and adventure.

The beauty of smiling faces and sheer joy of laughter in times of play.

The beauty of the most delicate. 

The beauty of the most complex. 

All beauty reflecting the True Beauty that is our Creator. 

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1

So, I ask myself every year upon returning to this city that we call home: why do I struggle so in finding beauty in the place that I live? Where is the beauty in the brokenness that exists in my heart and in my city day to day? 

How can I allow the concrete to still lead my heart to turn back and give praise to its Creator? Is it a Spirit-led attitude adjustment that is needed? Possibly. Of course, it's easier to experience the beauty in the times of rest than in times of packed schedules and to-do's. But, I daily struggle to find the beauty here - in my life. That is my prayer these days. 

Lord, help me be thankful. Help my heart to turn back and sing praise. Empower me to embrace the concrete and the brokenness and the unfulfilled longings. Thank you for showing us True Beauty - that our hearts may seek after it all the days, in rest and in daily living. Amen. 

birthday: number three

Our first baby girl turned 5.

Let me say that again. She turned five. A whole hand; such a milestone. Of course, we always say she is 5 going on 15. Sigh.

This year, we had what we call the "Shingles Party". :) We went for the simple and the fun. See a pattern?

We had a party themed, "Kate's Favorite Things" - named after her favorite movie and favorite song. (Sound of Music)  The favors were even in "little brown packages tied up with string". We had a Saturday morning party this year - bright and early - Kate's favorite time of the day and Kate's favorite day of the week, because her Daddy doesn't have to work. So, all of her friends met us at her favorite local diner for a pancake and bacon breakfast. Did I mention she wore her pajamas b/c that is her favorite article of clothing to have on day or night?

Then, of course, she had her favorite princess balloon and cake to make it girly festive, doncha know.

Momma threw this box cake to work the night before and had a lot of fun designing it. It's made out of a 9x13 pan, a loaf pan and 8 cupcakes, I believe.

David replied, "Wow, that turned out  much better than I thought it was going to." Thanks, sweetheart. My favorite part of the cake was the edible glitter. If you have a girl and she loves anything sparkly... you must find edible glitter and sprinkle it on ANY cake. It turns it into a magical experience. :)

The kids were calm b/c it was the morning and after we got them all sugared up after Pancakes and syrup and orange juice, we simply walked 2 blocks over to Kate's favorite playground and let the kids run wild. They played with water balloons and ran through the sprinklers. They ate cake and had juice (more sugar) and ran it out. The party was over by 11am and we were ready for our full day of rest, and opening presents, and spending time recovering. The best part - is David didn't have to do much work b/c he was still in mucho pain.

It was by far my favorite party for her. I highly recommend the Shingles Party for your child too...but without your husband having the shingles part.

Kate: You blow your daddy and I away with your brilliance, your wit, your profound insight, your creativity, your love for your family, and .... your laugh. You are unique through and through. You are your mommy's mirror of accountability and reason and your daddy's equal match. For that - we know God gave you to us for a special reason.

You are beautiful. Your big blue eyes reflect such a light and love for learning and your heart genuinely loves Jesus. You are becoming quite an extraordinary young woman already and I can't wait to continue learning with you this year. You sing and dance all day long and you have taught your brother to follow in your footsteps (literally). You only desire to wear twirly dresses and I run out of options most days when they are all dirty. You have developed a love for reading and for reading and memorizing the Word of God. And, you have such style. So much so, that you like to go pick out what Mommy should wear and are very honest when I am wearing something that you don't approve of (really? already?!), sigh.

You are a scooter -master and that helps Mommy tremendously navigating the NYC sidewalks with 3 kids. 

You LOVE taking pictures of yourself with the iPhone camera and lately have started journaling our days by video. Hysterical.

One of your favorite things are our Starbucks dates and I hope that will always be something we enjoy together. 

 You are quite the gymnast.

Thank you for being patient with Mommy as I figure everything out with you - all the firsts. I can't think of a better daughter to do that with...than you. I'm excited to see all that God teaches us this year!
We love you SO much!

birthday: number two.

Sweet little Wesley James turned TWO in the month of May. Momma and Daddy did not have much time or energy to plan a big event but for planning it in only five days - our Lego Party turned out to be a huge hit!

Our sweet friends offered up their back patio for our crew to hang out in and we used their inflatable swimming pool to hold the thousands of legos. I must say - there is no better way to entertain a group of kids and keep them calm, then to have a lego party. We kept it small and simple and it was a blast!

Our little Wesley is becoming quite an entertaining little boy. Actually, we think he is a blast. A whole lot of energy and curiosity get him into interesting situations that are making memories and mommy a little crazy at the same time. Eating a dishwasher tablet, playing in the toilet water, unrolling numerous toilet paper rolls just for fun, drawing on the couch and the wall and his body, dumping out hundreds of his sister's tiny beads all over the floor, pouring out the 3 gallon jar of ground coffee on the kitchen floor, well - you get the picture. I could go on and on. The funny thing is just about all of those happened in just one day... by 10am. Not kidding. That was also the day that mommy was trying to redeem this said terrible day with a group bible time and Wesley cuddled up in my lap and sweetly reached over to my bible, turned a few pages and just ripped an entire page in half.

Ironically enough, that rip was right in the middle of Proverbs 31. I do not lie. I have scotch tape there now to prove it. Oh Wesley, you daily remind me that I need to stay on my knees to raise your boy heart.

You steal our hearts with your smile, your hysterical sense of humor (at such a young age), your sweet voice singing numerous worship songs, and your remarkable guitar playing positions.

WJ has already learned that the answer to most questions is... God. He still uses both hands to draw but his left hand to play his "no string" guitar. I know, I know - we are going to get him a real one some day. The no string one is not a bad idea though...I'm just sayin'.

He has also learned how to push just about every button on his sister's patience remote and there are many lessons learned daily in their relationship. Isn't that the sweetest part about siblings? So sanctifying isn't it?! Oh, but they play together so well. Wesley has carried on the lego-loving torch from his sister. They can play for hours. Literally. (Hence the party idea) He is also the proud owner and rider of his very own Razor scooter. You have to be pretty coordinated (and determined!) to maneuver that little baby on the sidewalks of NYC and he does it! He can also be found climbing ANYTHING, ANYWHERE.

He is seen carrying his blanket and either his puppy dog or his football around with him everywhere.

Even more than his blanket, Wesley James ADORES his daddy, and rightfully so.


He has a most tender spirit and when it's time to dress up, he puts on his helmet and carries his sword. When I ask if he is a mighty soldier, he turns to me and yells, "No, I'm a MAN!"

Oh, Wesley James. We love you more than words can say. You keep us all laughing... and crying. :)

Here's to the big TWO year old!

birthday: number one.

Hello, McKinzie Lynn!!

On April 13th, we celebrated our first birthday in our "season of birthdays". We welcomed with joy - and in a bit of a fog - this sweet baby girl.

 (2 days)

David and I still look at each other and say... do we really have THREE kids? When did all of this happen? Wow, God has blessed us abundantly and unexpectedly.

We had no idea that McKinzie would be a girl and in the delivery room - it was a most joyous moment when we found out. Kate was the FIRST person to come in after she was born and learn that it was indeed a girl. Her response was, "I knew it!" Spoken just like the self-assured, confident girl that she is and I could see the excitement on Kate's face at the realization that she now has a sister. There is nothing more special.

(2 weeks)

McKinzie is as sweet as they come. Calm and patient (until she is not).

(2 months) 

The one word I use to describe McKinzie is happy. She is so smiley. She loves to smile and started to cackle this past month. I can't help but look at her and smile, which from the sound of my last post, is a good thing and quite a reminder of God's sweet provision.

(3 months)

This is what I wake-up to each morning. I mean, seriously. Every morning. Neither of my other kids were like this...is that the beauty of having three? Maybe. I highly recommend it (but know it can be overwhelming).

McKinzie - what a delight you are already in our family and we can't wait to get to see your little personality develop even more. You are a JOY!