Undeserved Eight

I'm sitting here trying to figure out how I got old enough to have 3 kids, and have an 8 year wedding anniversary. What in this world? I am not one of those girls who is all finicky about getting older. I may be a little scared of the big 5-0, but 30 wasn't a big deal. It does seem weird though, when you look in the mirror and see someone older (and hopefully wiser!) than what you see in your heart...ya know? I still think of myself as a kid, and almost keep expecting someone to tell me I'm not mature enough for this life I'm living.

I've been blessed with a husband who couldn't care less about aging. I'm pretty sure I could look like the wicked witch with another 50 pounds to carry around and he wouldn't notice. He's a keeper. Another reason he is a keeper? He loves me even though I frequently act like the wicked witch. (Yesterday was a tough day for various reasons that I will passively aggressively leave off this post, *snort* and I definitely had a few tantrums that he lovingly smoothed out.) AND he gives me an anniversary present to replace the beloved anniversary present just like it (given to me several anniversaries ago) that I accidentally killed. *He also apparently loves me in spite of my black thumb, and lack of cooking skills.*

So all this rambling just to say, I'm blessed and covered in grace, (from my husband and the God who gave him to me) and it's totally undeserved. Which in a way is the best, because then I know I don't have to be or do anything to keep it. I hope that as we age together, and as our marriage ages, we do so with grace. I am thankful for these undeserved gifts -plants, husbands who get it, mind-blowing grace- and want to spend every day between the next 80 anniversaries remembering the wonder in all I've been given. Happy 8th anniversary, Ace! I love you!

Unconventional

This past weekend we had the chance to go to our local Homeschool Convention. Even though I was homeschool all throughout school, I'd never been to it. It was a really great event, with tons (ok, too much for my overwhelmed brain) of great information and resources. Lots of people sharing their combined wisdom gleaned from years of schooling thousands of children. (Hey, homeschoolers love big families, what can I say?)

We have been interested in homeschooling for awhile, and this last year we did preschool at home with Merrick. It was pretty laid back, since I think he and I both needed to ease into it. It went pretty well. We had our rough spots, but for the most part he seemed to really enjoy it. He would often ask "when are we going to do school?"

It was encouraging to see so many people, getting homeschooling done so many different ways. I'm glad there's so much freedom in teaching at home; looking forward to lots of hands-on learning and field trips full of real-life learning. It gave me a little more confidence that maybe, just maybe, I won't ruin my kids when I try to teach them at home. ;)

Rained Out

So today was our much anticipated Tough Mudder. I was ridiculously excited. Then something called Andrea happened. She is a big jerk. They cancelled the event for today, and we are still hopefully trying not to get our hopes up that they will let us run it tomorrow. So bummed. But on a positive note, we have an unexpected day to sit around with the hooligans after a very busy week. But if anyone knows me, you know I'm itching to get this pent up "was going to run a 10 mile muddy obstacle course" energy out. Keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow!

The hooligans might not be an obstacle course, but they're pretty entertaining and dirty. Close enough. ;) Hope everyone else is enjoying the weekend!

Birthday Party

I'm a big fan of birthdays. I love my birthday, I love presents, I love cake, I love celebrating my kids birthdays, etc. I don't really care that I'm getting older...I just love birthdays. My birthday was this past Monday, and it was satisfactorily celebrated with a trip away for a few days.

First off Billy and the kids woke me up with Starbucks and CFA in bed, and a gift and card from my hooligans. They opened both the card and the present themselves, and it was just perfect. They told me they wanted to get me a card with a noise-making toilet on it, but Billy wouldn't let them. ;) I love being a mom. It's hilarious.

After that I went for a birthday run, which probably isn't fun to a lot of people, but an hour of running is bliss to me. Then we loaded up in the car (after dropping the hooligans) and headed to Ocean City MD for a few days.

We had a blast there. Took a 32 mile bike ride (one of my crazy ideas) to see the wild ponies at Assateague State Park, ate lots of ridiculously good food, slept late, ran on the beach, sat in the hot tub, bought the kids goofy presents, etc. It was an awesome birthday present. I am sad to be heading home, but can't wait to kiss my babies.

Speaking of babies, they just Face-timed us on the road and some of Merrick's first words to me were: "Mom, don't freak out..." Haha! (He was telling me a story about finding a black widow. Yikes! He knows me well.) Then we discussed tadpoles and negotiated their wishes to miss nap time today. Just the usual. ;)

Had a great trip, but excited to get back to where I love to be the most, with three of the best gifts I've ever been given. Birthdays are the best.

Burning Love

So my sisters and I had the chance to shoot another wedding this last weekend. It was at a beautiful home out in the country, under the (very) warm sunshine. I joked about how we have had such chilly weather so far this year, but this couple gets a scorcher for their outdoor wedding. The bride somehow managed to look fantastic and not sweat a drop however!

The setting was truly gorgeous, with sweet heartfelt decorations and beautiful colors. The family was welcoming and fun, and it was adorable to watch the bride be given away by two (protective...haha!) brothers and her parents. You could tell this was a family who had already blended their two families into one.

As always, it's such a privilege to shoot a couple's wedding. We loved being a part of it, and loved watching this special event take place! We wish them the best!