Row, Row, Row Your Boat

This past weekend, we spent a good amount of time in Central Park as a family, enjoying some new things. On Friday morning, we took out a row boats - something that has been on my list of "to-do's" for quite a while. It was even more fun than I had imagined. We took about 300 pictures from the day (not exaggerating), but here are just a few to highlight the memories.

At one point, I wanted a turn at rowing - just for fun, so David and I switched places.

I loved it. It felt good and fun and freeing to be rowing. I had a new perspective and my primary responsibility changed from watching Kate to watching scenery and directing the boat.

Not a bad place, I thought, until a few minutes later when David looked at me and gently asked, "Are you ready to change back?"

I replied that I am great at rowing and would love to keep doing it to which he responded kindly but seriously, "Well, I am a man and I don't like having a woman row my boat."

I busted out laughing. It caught me so off guard.

That was the quote of the day. I must say - biblically, I can't argue. Not that it mattered, but as I looked around, I noticed amazingly there was not a single woman rowing if a man was also in the same boat. Interesting picture. Good reminder.

I happily went back to my initial seat in the boat and enjoyed every minute of it as I was navigated and led - just as it ought to be, I think. It was good to be reminded that he does enjoy leading our family in every way and he does it well.

And, despite my tendencies time and time again to try and take those oars back in our marriage, I am thankful that his strong leadership prevails with a Godly grace and gentle correction.

Thankful for that and for the fun that we had as a family while enjoying this charming City in which we live.

A Birthday - Dr. Seuss Style

Kate turned two last Saturday. TWO. I know. It's hard to believe. She is so grown up and we celebrated Dr. Seuss style with her closest friends that we see every week and live life with. It was so special and super fun, if I do say so myself.

Now, sit back. Grab a bag of popcorn. Put your feet up and enjoy the (l-o-n-g) Dr. Seuss birthday slideshow!

Proud and Honored

When I think of my husband, I am proud.

I really don't mean that in a "not humble" way, but in an honoring and rather humble way. I am so proud to be married to David. I am proud of who he is and who he lives for and what his character is defined by. I am proud that he has chosen a road that few dare to choose for the sake of Christ and His calling for our family. I am proud that he defines his success by standards contrary to the world's. I am proud for how he honors our family and the lines that he draws to protect our family time. I am proud of his dreams and passions and how he is teachable and submissive to the Lord's guidance and Sovereignty. I am proud of how God has given him such favor and direction and wisdom and how he has led our family accordingly. I am honored to be his wife. Proud to be his wife. Honored to walk beside him and to support him.

The whole concept of marriage took me a while to grasp, especially after leaving everything that I knew and was comfortable with in Texas. Oh, but it is such a beautiful thing. It is beautiful when holy submission and joint respect work together hand in hand. And, it can. Oh it can and it is beautiful and right and holy and pleasing. I am thankful for my husband. For the father he is to Kate and how he never complains. He just does and he prays and he encourages and he rests, but he continues to do and love and serve and lead. I love him for all of these reasons and others that I can't even begin to convey with words...and really don't need to.

I remember back in grad school, when my roommate at the time, Mary, said to me, " You know that David Sullivan? He is going to be a great father one day." Now, while that is not the only reason I married this man, that comment sticks with me and I hear those words over and over again. I love that I am not the only one that sees how amazing he is with me, with our family, and especially with Kate. I am thankful that Kate will know better and more deeply the love of her Heavenly Father because of how well she is loved and disciplined and adored by her earthly one.

Your girls love you, Daddy. Thank you for how you lead and love us. You do it well.

A Wedding, An Engagement, A Reunion

A wedding.

An engagement.

A reunion.

I experienced all three last weekend in Asheville, North Carolina.

What a fabulous and crazy weekend. Asheville ranks in my Top 3 places in America to live and it was made even more special because I got to share it with my dearest friends from college (we missed you Dot!) and my newly engaged sister!!!

I feel so humbled and thankful that I was able to be there to celebrate in the marriage of Kimber-Leigh's baby sister, Katy, and the engagement of my baby sister, Stephanie. Such sweet memories. Life is full of them, but this past weekend was that much sweeter because of the significance surrounding these events and because of who was there to share in them.

I wish I could go on and on, but my sweet baby girl turns 2 tomorrow and there is MUCH to be done in the ways of preparation.

Congrats to Katy and Stephanie!!!

Papa Doak Time

Kate loves her Papa Doak. She got to spend some special time with him a few weeks ago when he came up to New York to visit with his friend, Karen.

We went to see Guys and Dolls on Broadway and it was such a treat to get to go with the whole family (sans Kate). Thanks, Papa Doak!

Then, we went out to see the Yogi Berra museum in New Jersey. The car ride there was just as fun as the museum. Anyone who claims to be a Yankee fan needs to visit the official museum (or at least that is what I hear). :)

The last full day and first beautiful day, we decided it was time to see Central Park. Of course, it happened to be the same day as the Puerto Rican Day parade. The one parade that brings out more people than any other (or a close 2nd to the St. Patrick's Day parade). Yea. It was sacrificial love, but we made it through the crowds and into the park. Whatever visual you are getting in your head right now - just multiply it x 10. I'm not kidding. In an effort to show discernment, I'll just say - it was fabulous people watching.

We enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the park as a family. Enjoyed fabulous music, ate ice cream treats, and even embarrassed ourselves in the name of "fun". (Yes, that's me with the hula hoop.)

We had such a full and fun weekend together. I say this all of the time, but as a mother, there is nothing greater than watching other people - expecially family - enjoy and get to know your children. Kate loved her time with Papa Doak and Karen and we hope to see you again very soon!!

Life in the Mountains...It Just Is.

After spending 12 days in the mountains of Colorado, I am ever more convinced the mountains were created with one sole mission - to sing and give praise their Creator. Those who are blessed to spend even one minute in the majestic Rockies, must give pause to their splendid peaks reaching up to the heavens and stand in awe of their magnificence. I'm honestly not trying to be cheesy, but...majestic is one of the few words that comes to my mind, during a commonly speechless moment of staring out at this view day in and day out for close to 12 days. It just is.

Every Colorado trip I learn more about myself, my family, traveling with a toddler, and mountain life. While I could touch on every area, I really want to just focus on mountain living.

Mountain living is a different way of living.

Sense of time is lost. Paved roads are few and far between. Clear and crisp fresh air is the norm. Cool breezes and consistent afternoon rains are quite frequent - even during the heat of the summer. Labels don't seem to matter. Clothing is about function, not form. In fact, I really think that mountain "apparel" tends to stay in more of an early 90's style and progress backwards rather than forwards. Doesn't bother me. I find it rather refreshing, actually.

There are all shapes and sizes. All backgrounds of people in the mountains. Some people running away from something and others running to something.

I always leave the mountains with a fresh perspective and new goals. Yes, you can't get much different from life in New York City, but it's more than that. It's about time to breathe. Time to think. Time to just 'let go' and live unplugged for a while. It's about getting lost in a campfire and worship through reading, prayer, and discussion. It's about nature walks and moments of pure and natural silence. It's about passing on a legacy of the cabin to my daughter. It's about late night games and early sunrise mornings. It's about ... singing praise to our Creator. It just is.

Oh - such sweet memories in the mountains. I love seeing Kate so happy.

I loved getting to see her enjoy a campfire. (that she called "fire truck")

We had such special time with Mia and Papaw.

They taught Kate how to say "2" with her fingers.

Kate got some "new" things (i.e. sunglasses and loved chillin' in the treehouse at the cabin.

She enjoyed MANY treats with Papaw. :)

She got her first pedicure with Mia.

I could go on and on.

Oh - such sweet memories.

Thank you, mom and dad for everything!