These Little Moments...

I've been preparing my heart and mind for this for over a year now. We are officially homeschooling! This is both terrifying and so liberating; I am now responsible for my daughter's education. As if parenting isn't challenging enough on its own, I've also chosen to serve as my child's  teacher-of-all-subjects . I am truly so excited about this new adventure, but this decision to homeschool wasn't necessarily an easy one for me. I have essentially chosen to take Gracie away from the only school she's ever known and from the friends she's had since preschool. I gave up my teaching assistant position at this same school, a perfect situation for me, knowing I may never get that opportunity again. I also know that homeschooling carries its own social stigma and it would be dishonest of me to say I'm completely unaffected by what my friends and family think about my choices. That being said, I've received so much support and encouragement from my ...

Sean and I just celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary! Marriage has truly been the greatest adventure. I know that our marriage is such a blessing and I try not to take it for granted. We have built a life together and created the family of my dreams. Being married is not always easy, we don't always agree and we have seen tough times, but I'm happy that I have lived and learned and loved with this man by my side. God brought us together and we are committed to fighting for what we have. 11 years in, I can honestly say, I am happier and more in love than I was on our wedding day! I didn't think that was even possible. Sean,  No one knows me better than you do. You are my rock and the love of my life. I feel so blessed to be married to a man who leads our family so well. You work hard to provide for us and always make us your top priority. I am so proud of the man you are today and I love you with all my heart! Happy Anniversary! I will forever hold this day clo...

It is difficult for me to believe that my baby  is no longer a baby at all. He's grown into a handsome little boy and is now turning 6-years-old. I am so very thankful for my Ethan; having him in our lives brings more happiness than I could express. His smile melts me. He is so affectionate and tender-hearted. He is a beautiful soul with so many wonderful qualities. I have absolutely loved watching him grow into who he is today. Ethan, Where does the time go? It seems that just yesterday I was holding your tiny head in my hands and admiring your sweet little chin and kissing your soft baby cheeks. Now, you are so full of energy and life and I adore every moment with you.  Things About You: -You have graduated to a yellow belt in Taekwondo. We began this journey after a friend's birthday party in March of this year. You loved the party, you loved your trial class, and now you are hooked. Perhaps the coolest part of all of this is that watching you has encouraged ...

My little girl is sleeping soundly in her bed as I type. I tucked her in and kissed her goodnight, and as I did these things, I was aware that these were the last moments I would spend with her as an 8-year-old. Tomorrow, she will be 9. My heart is celebrating this blessing that is ours, but I also feel the sadness that comes with every passing year and my inability to adjust to the speed with which the years go by. I want time to give me a break and let me linger in this most beautiful of life stages for a while longer. I want my babies to stay little. I want them to keep little hands and little smiles and bodies that fit in my arms when I hold them.  And yet, I want them to grow. I want them to discover who they are and follow their dreams. I want them to fulfill the plan that is laid out before them by God, because I know that plan is so good. I want to teach them and encourage them, support and love them every step of the way. My sweet Grace,  Words cannot expr...

Today, we celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. There was a time when this milestone seemed so very far away. I am feeling so lucky, so blessed, and so happy today. I would marry him again in a heartbeat. Looking back on 10 years of marriage makes me excited for the next 10, and the 10 after that, and the 10 after that...and on and on into forever. I'm in love with our love. Our love story is precious to me, but this doesn't mean it's been perfect. We have certainly experienced hard seasons, times of hurt, anger, and feelings of disconnect. But there has also been so much beauty in the growth we've experienced - side by side - as a couple. I've always felt that this is the key. You stay side by side. You grow together, dream together, laugh and cry together. Fight for each other, together. Pray for each other, together. I still feel very new at marriage, even after 10 years, and I certainly don't have it all figured out, but there has...

Ethan, The sound of you laughing in your sleep woke me up at 5:30 a.m. today. I turned over to find you snuggled between your mommy and daddy, in your usual spot, with a little grin still lingering on your face. What were you dreaming of on this morning of your 5th birthday? I'd love to discover what happy things occupy your dreams, sweet boy. At 5:39 p.m. you will "officially" turn 5 years old. I find myself hanging on to every minute that allows me to say that you are still four. Five sounds too big. It sounds like the beginning of a new chapter in childhood. It sounds like I can't claim you as a baby anymore, at all. Happy Birthday, my sweet Ethan. My favorite boy in the whole world. My baby forever and ever, no matter how old you get. You came into this world on June 16, 2011 and perfected our family with your presence. Now, you are a Lego-loving little boy with an incredible imagination and loads of energy. You can run, jump, and kick all day and somehow ...

I pulled together the kids' first and last day of school pictures from the 2015-16 school year. It's always fun to see how much the kids have grown and changed during those school months. It was a great year for both Gracie and Ethan! We are now enjoying our lazy days of summer! First and Last Day of 2nd Grade First and Last Day of 4's Preschool