Lately, as in most of this year...we've been sick.

Like at least one person every week has had some ailment. 

I'm tired of it.

I'm SOOOO OVER it!

So today during this long deserved, quiet nap time...I'm ignoring it.

I'm remembering one of the happier afternoons we've had.  

Crafting and painting. 

awww....bliss!

 My children beg for me to do "art time" with them.

Sometimes, as much as I love it too...I don't have the time (mainly for the clean up).

 But on the this cloudy winter, afternoon...I rolled out the craft paper and let them go to town.

 I had some wooden hearts that I'd never finished long ago.

I let them re do them. 

 They had way more fun than it looks here. 

 I love how they look nothing like Valentines day...I might even find a spot to put them up all year long. Maybe add their birth dates and weight.

 I like to see where their minds and imaginations take them. 

Unlock the stories and dreams they've been having.

It's good to remember how important those are to them even at the ages they are now.

 I want to nurture their creativity.

 Challenge them to dream.

 Not to forget what incredible things that lay ahead for them.

 I of course, did a little crafting myself. I had a few projects I'd been storing up. 

That is what sometimes pushes me over the edge to say yes to "art time".

 I can't help it...I'm a little selfish like that.

Paint squirted everywhere and brush to form something that only existed in my mind before....that my friends is therapy to me.

and it's cheaper : )

 Even little Miss Liv got in on the action!

Photo Credit: Leland, 6 yrs.

 She is like, what is my Mom thinking...giving me a brush with paint on it.  She's crazy!  

Why, yes, Liv...I am! 

 So if you are like me and a little a paint mess doesn't bother you and you are tired of the winter blahs...

break out the crafting supplies.  Then let your mind run free and CREATE something!

but just remember you'll have to clean up afterwards.

: )

Livingston Ann...a whole year

Here she is from our wee babe to our beautiful one year old.

Praising God for her today!

Happiest Birthday, my sweet one.

 

 

 

Linking up for cool photo ideas with Kelly's Korner.

In case I forget...

Livingston,

It's the eve of your first birthday.  Even as I write those words, I simply cannot believe it to be true.  What can I say my babe, this year has truly flown.  It's like waiting for Christmas to come and so quickly it's over.  Not that you are over, but I know how quickly your childhood will be.  I wanted you so badly.  I longed over wanting a child and praying for God to start our family.  He did that with your brother and sister just a year and a half before you came.  I'm so grateful for them and the gift our Lord has given us through adoption.  Their way of entering our family is just as sweet as yours.  They fulfilled my desire to be a mother and you were like the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. I remember asking the Lord even after we had our two children for me to become pregnant.  I so wanted to feel what that was like.  To know the beauty of Him creating life right inside of me.  To feel you kick and move.  To experience birth and the miracle that is life.  I wanted to know what it was like when my first two came into this world.  You gave me that and so much more.  I remember feeling unsure about being a mother to three.  My baby was just two. How would she handle it?  Could I deal with the pressures of meeting three little humans needs.  And then of course, my biggest fear was would I feel differently about them after you came.  And I did.  Just not in the way I feared.  I think you completed so much of what I didn't know about motherhood.  The fears of maybe I'm not truly loving them as a mother should?  Maybe they do not have my heart as if they came from my womb.  I was so wrong. You gave me a chance to see that motherhood isn't just blood. It's about seeing a sweet, helpless babe and knowing that I can love him/her into what God has for him/her.  So thank you for making my dreams come true and for assuring me that my motherly affection is not based on DNA.  All those months we watched you be woven in my womb and see you stretch my abdomen. I remember the shock when my doctor had me wheeled to the hospital from her office at my 37 week appointment because of suddenly high blood pressure.  We thought we'd never make it through the day and night of waiting for you to make your appearance. I cringe at the memory of them starting my c-section because I was so afraid.  And then everything stopped. Every moment of that long sickly pregnancy was worth it. All the prayers for me to bare a child had been answered.  Our families third born came into fruition. I saw you. Pink. Loud. Breathtaking. You were so tiny and I'll never forget how your little frame rested on my chest when I first held you.  Or the way you had your Daddy completely spellbound.  I was worried for nothing about how your siblings would welcome your arrival.  They were totally, head over heels in love.  I love to see how you've changed our family dynamic and added so much joy to our home.  Though these 12 months have flown by, it seems you've always been here. We are thankful to the Lord for your sweet, easy going spirit.  You crack us up daily with your scrunchy nose smiles and new sound effects.  Observing others is definitely your favorite past time and of course following after our new pet bunny across the living room floor.  I'm sure there is no greater gift of my motherhood, than to see all three of you playing or laughing together.  Every dream and prayer...God has given me sevenfold with you three. My heart cannot contain the bittersweet joy it is to usher you into this next chapter of life.  To see you grow into more of who God intends for you to be.  Tonight as I put you to bed, I swayed gently beside your crib with your head laying on my chest. I sang you a few songs and breathed in your baby smell.  I know this is fleeting and please know that I am anxious to see you grow.  But just for tonight, I want to keep you as my baby.  Tomorrow, dear, tomorrow you can be one.

Love always, Mama

Not us.

I absolutely love Saturday mornings.  It's just such a nice, wind down time for us.  A time to just be a family. No work (mostly, occasionally I will have a photo session). Big breakfasts and a little sleeping in.  Really, that's all this mama needs to feel more like herself.  I think that is what my kids need too.
This week we just weren't us. Everyone was in a funk.  Me included.  We weren't gelling. Liv is teething. Evy had belly issues. Leland was grumpy everyday after school. It was hard.  There were tears. Some yelling. Lots of disappointing moments.

But nothing a little Saturday morning couldn't fix. I feel like the mercies are extra new on Saturday mornings. Daddy's presence and a fresh day with not much to do. A big pile of scrambled eggs, hot blueberry muffins and a pj clad bunch all with smiles. I woke up feeling refreshed and happy to face the day.  I even had a few creative thoughts swirling through my head. That does not reflect how I felt most of this past week. Some weeks are just tough. No one has perfect days and especially perfect lives.  So take heart. Whatever you are facing, you most likely are not alone.  And most everything looks better on Saturday mornings. : )  Unless, whatever you are facing is happening on a Saturday morning.  Anyways, for us this is just what we needed.

My head is swirling with lots of thoughts. Here are some.

1. My house looks like this. 

2.  I'm going to try out this recipe.

3. This baby is trying to devastate me by turning one.

4. I'm going loco stressing over houses to buy and wondering if this one will ever actually sell. This one from bhg.com will do lovely thank you.

5. The Man took me to see this movie for Valentines Day.  It was just what I wanted no gifts, no fuss...just a casual night seeing a chick flick.

6. I'm kind of obsessing over this company and a necklace I want.

You can build your own! They have bags too. 

My Funny Valentines....

 Livingston Ann, Happiest Valentines Day!

You are a silly and sweet baby. That scrunchy nose and funny little laugh can make us crack up. We hope that God continues to grow you with that same sweet, laid back spirit (except when you are cutting molars...poor thing).

 Evy, I love that you love to celebrate ANYTHING.  You kept asking all day when we were going to start out celepration!?!?!  Ha!  I don't think I'll ever stop cracking up at you and you always keep us wondering what will come out of your mouth next. I know wherever God takes you...you will make it a joyful journey!

 Leland, my goofy little guy. I cannot believe this is our third Valentines Day together. You came home from school talking about marrying this little girl in your class.  I'm soo not ready for this part of being your mother.  So slow your role...okay?  But seriously, I love how you enjoy every bit of life.  I can't wait to see how God is going to use your extravert, never met a stranger and happy go lucky attitude. 

Happy Valentines to my littles!

Also a BIG HIGH FIVE to my MAN for being such a rock star.  He is always helpful, loving and attentive.  But tonight he gave me just what I wanted...a low key, low budget (we had gift cards) and casual night to go see a chick flick.  Just what I needed.  Love you, babe!

Randomnicity

Since, I fell asleep last night trying to form coherent sentences, I thought I'd just post a bunch of pictures.  Our life lately....

 Nana and two of her girls. 

We like to tease Papaw that Nana finally got two that are "her girls". 

This drives him nutty! : )

 

Liv is in love with all things "buttons"....especially, buttons she's not allowed to touch.

Remotes, phones, laptops, leap pads and remote control cars.

 Scott took Leland to laser tag for the first time.

He was pretty stoked.

 Then we met up at our FAV place with the kids... Chick-fil-a.

 This little girl may look innocent, 

 but she sure keeps me on my toes. 

Good thing she is cute!

I cannot keep enough fresh fruit in this house.

I feel like it's gone as soon as I get it. 

You could even say my efforts are fruitless.

bahahahah...ok.  

Sorry. 

 I'm kind of getting into having my girls match. I got them some recent little tunic shirts at Children's Place. These little deer shirts were clearance at Target. They just look soo adorable matching.  I'm sure one day they'll just love that I did this.

 Later, that night, Evy got tired of boring ol' baby dolls.  She needed something more lively.

Poor Liv. I guess she'll survive being the human baby doll.

 Some people who follow me on instagram might remember a few of these pictures.  There are those times that I just love a pic that was quickly snapped with my phone, that I have to go back to get a higher quality one with my real camera. Of course, only the subjects that are still make this possible. : )

 Remember me embarrassingly going through my problems with "the visitor".  Well, my sweet sis, Nina gave me a helpful solution.  Go to your local health foods store and pick up Raspberry Leaf tea. 

It helped a lot of my problems within the hour of drinking it.  It's not a long term solution, but I survived the worst of it with several cups. 

 Sadly, with editing photos and just playing on my computer, it's caused my kids are obsessed with technology. The older ones will say things like, I'm working on photos or I even heard Evy once say she was looking at houses. : )

Seems Liv has decided to join in the fun. 

Hope you guys are enjoying the sunshine....

It's a beautiful day!