I’d Marry You All Over Again…

 

::  I’d Marry You All Over Again  ::

This week marks our 16 years together and 11 years of marriage {whoo hoo}! I wish I could tell you that we have some spectacular plans to celebrate… but that’s surely not the case {not with a recent move, four kids, and the beginning of our homeschool journey}! It’s sort of fitting, however. I feel like we’ve passed the initial excitement of being freshly married, the tumultuous first years of getting into a groove, and even the “seven year itch!” We’re settling into a cozy, quieter type of love. The kind where you feel safe with the other person, and supported no matter what crazy ideas you may have. The type of love where you’re secure in the feeling that the other person is in it for the long haul…truly through sickness and in health, good times and in bad… in joy, as well as in sorrow. The kind of love where you are content and happy just having a peaceful date night at home {as long as there’s a happy ending involved… whether it’s ice cream or the steamier kind}! It’s a wonderful type of love…. [Read more…]

{weekend} lovelies

 

{image via: the jew in jcrew, tumblr}

 

:: Weekend Lovelies ::

Whoo Hoo! School’s out for Summer! Although fabulous to have a break from the normal school routine, it’s usually a bittersweet time for us parents, right?! I mean, let’s be honest… the kids are home around the clock so there can be a lot of sibling bickering going on and requests to play on electronic devices or watch television. If you’re anything like Nicole and I…. you are wondering how you’re going to keep screen time to a minimum, and instead, actively engage their minds with something more worthwhile! This Weekend Lovelies is dedicated to just that! You will find several amazing links for outdoor activities, kid-friendly recipe ideas, DIY play projects, and much more! Enjoy, friends…. and have the loveliest weekend! {xo} [Read more…]

Family Time

 

:: FAMILY TIME :: 

I’ve been having a hard time accepting how much time my family spends away from each other… whether it’s Husby at work for days at a time at the fire station, or just the kids weekly schedule with school and other activities. As much as I try to soak up quality time with my family during the week, it never seems like we get enough. Our schedule seems consumed by the runaround schedule of drop-offs, pick-ups, homework, and other obligations…. as I guess it would with four children.

So… just over a week ago, Husby and I decided to forget about the never ending to-do list at home and take our two youngest to the beach while our older boys were at school. It seemed horribly wrong to leave Ryan and Seth out of the fun…. but I reminded myself that they had this alone time with us when they were little, too {right?}! We packed up a picnic lunch and headed to one of our favorite secluded spots in Laguna Beach….  

[Read more…]

Humbled, Present, and Still

I am not new to the feelings of mommy guilt.

The feeling usually strikes at least once a day.

There is always something that I imagine I could be doing differently or better.

Sometimes I get frustrated with the monotonous nature of

picking up toys, folding clothes, and organizing clutter all day long,

while preparing what seems to be – – endless meals and snacks.

Not to mention the runaround of school drop-offs, volunteering, errands, and extra-curricular activities.

I tend to hit a wall, usually when my Husby has been working at the fire station for several days on end.

I realize in that moment, that I must let go of all the expectations that I have for myself and be…

humbled, present, and still.

Through my stillness the love, laughter, and silliness of the day seeps into my head.

I am able to focus on what’s truly important in life…..

my family, and taking care of my sweets.

Although I whole-heartedly try to be the very best mother, wife, daughter, and friend….

I do fall short, and that’s okay.

There are many days that I don’t live up to my own expectations.

I am hard on myself….

as I know most mothers truly are.

We try to be supermoms and juggle everything, with strength and grace, that life throws at us.

At the end of the day, when my children are all snuggled up in their beds and sleeping soundly….

I finally relax, and let go.

Humbled, present, and still…..

I accept the day for what it was, and myself for who I am.

I sit and pray that tomorrow brings the freshness of hope, happiness, and the makings of cherished memories

with the four little ones that I love most in this world.

{xo, sara}