Riviera Maya

Five nights and six days at one of the nicest resorts we've ever been to. In one of the most beautiful locations. The Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Thank you for your prayers. We felt them. Our time together was beautifully uninterrupted. Each day started with a little rain but the clouds soon dispersed and the sun made regular appearances. Greg's cold was nearly over by the time we arrived to the resort. There was only one day of work related meetings for Greg. Otherwise, we basically rotated between the pools, the beaches, and restaurants (with the most amazing and exotic food we've ever had). Did I mention I didn't have to cook a single one of those meals? Now that was a treat. And we even had a little fun playing a few sports we both enjoy!

So....

In unedited and rapid fire fashion, here's our trip in chronological order. 

Sad to leave....

As much as we wanted to stay, we couldn't wait to get home to see our kiddos! I had a couple videos and pictures left on my camera that we would flip through during the week whenever we started to miss them. We never worried about them but now and then we'd talk about our favorite attributes of each child. And oh how sweet it was to see them this morning! Jumping and hopping into my arms with excitement, shouting, "MAMA! MAMA!!" It was like seeing them for the first time. 

Anyway...

The trip was ummm dare I say, BETTER than our Honeymoon?? I truly felt like every detail of this trip was designed specifically for us. We did not deserve such special treatment. Thank you Lord! And even more, it was so great to vacation with the person I've shared the past (basically) 10 years of my life with. Our love is so much deeper than it ever was the day we left for our Honeymoon. 

God is good.

***

Reliving the Honeymoon

I loved our Honeymoon. I know not every newly married couple has a fantastic Honeymoon experience (for various reasons) but I have to say it is STILL one of my favorite memories with Greg.

Seven years and two kids later, we have not been to a tropical destination since.

Until now...

We have the privilege of turning a "work trip" into a tropical vacation starting tomorrow!! I cannot tell you how thrilled and blessed I feel right now. This trip could not have come at a better time in our marriage. The fact that we are going to the same place as our Honeymoon trip is no coincidence in my mind. It's by God's grace 100%. 

A few prayer requests:

(1) Greg is currently sick. Achy, stuffy, borderline feverish. He went to bed at 7:30 last night and basically felt like trash the past two days. Pray he gets better quick!

(2) This will be the longest we've ever been away from the kids. Pray for them to adjust well. Pray for us to not worry about them while we're gone. They are in good hands. 

(3) The weather forecast where we're going is definitely warm but looks like it will be cloudy and stormy every single day. Pray we get just one day of sun. Just one.

(4) Regardless of how the trip goes. Pray that our time together will be fruitful and refreshing. Whether we lose our luggage, our plane gets delayed, or the weather is as bad as it forecasts...pray that nothing will come between Greg and I during this precious time together. Nothing.

See you in a week my friends!

***

Feeling like a zero today...

Maybe it's b/c I took the kids to the library the other day and after specifically telling Mason "NO", he purposefully and successfully cleared off an entire shelf of DVD's in front of three other mom's and their kids.

OR...

Maybe it's b/c Greg came home one night from work asking what was for dinner, and I carelessly waved my hand from my comfortable position on the couch saying, "Well, we had the last of the macaroni and soup, so can you make a sandwich for yourself?"

OR...

Maybe it's b/c I've been sleeping in and letting my feet hit the floor without any quiet time with my Jesus. I feel frazzled, and unable to get out the door anytime before say, 10 o'clock in the morning. I then try to squeeze some Bible reading in the middle of the day while the kids are "happily playing" only to be interrupted by two screaming children who are fighting over toys. It doesn't make for very good "quiet time". 

OR...

Maybe it's b/c I haven't cleaned my house in who knows how long and honestly I don't care to. I mean, I'm ashamed at how unashamed I am. Really.

OR...

Maybe it's b/c by the end of the day, I realize I've yelled at my kids more than I've poured loving words into them. And I feel like all I want to do is race through the hours until it's bedtime when I can FINALLY have time to myself.

OR...

Maybe it's b/c after taking nearly three weeks to fast from Pinterest and FB, I'm right back where I was before the fast. Thankfully I'll be away from the internet ALL next week, so there will be NO temptations.

OR...

Maybe it's b/c I've had zero comments 5 out of the last 6 posts, and I've contemplated giving up the blog. Why is it that comments feel so gosh darn good?? And when I don't get any I feel as though this blog is not compelling enough. There's something about feeling "heard" that is motivating. I guess I need to keep asking myself, "What is the purpose of this blog?" Maybe it's just simply a way to record and keep track of my life. But, I sometimes wish it could be more than that. Still sorting that out...

OR...

Maybe it's b/c of this yucky, rainy, dreary weather. I miss summer. Period.

Anyway, if YOU are feeling like a zero sometimes, just know that I do too. We all do. And that's okay. What I need to remember is my purpose is not about succeeding in every area of life. It's about seeking Christ in every area.

The potty

It's a milestone for all toddlers but especially true for our sweet little girl...

Kensie sat on the potty seat by herself for the FIRST time yesterday!

This is a big deal for most first time parents, but I feel the need to give you the "back-story" for exactly why I'm so proud of this girl and why it's such a big answer to prayer! I haven't blogged about this topic other than to say I've simply been dreading it. I guess there's a certain amount of embarrassment all parents feel when it seems like their kid is "behind" in a certain area. 

When Kensie turned 2, I thought to myself, Okay! Here we go! This is the year of potty training! I wasn't looking forward to it but kept it out on the table. I lovingly tried to introduce the topic with little discussions now and then--always with a positive outlook and affirming words. We had a special day where we went with excitement to the store and Kensie picked out her favorite princess undies and princess potty seat. She was so excited to bring them home and try on her new undies. We chatted with slightly older kids who were fully potty trained and Kensie would cheer for her friends as they showed how they could go "all by themselves". But, she had zero interest. Then one day during bath time she accidentally went #2 in the tub and it freaked her right out! Screaming and crying. I don't think she understood that's what comes out of our bodies! Understandable, right? Anyway, I was extra careful not to react negatively and calmly tried to assure her that it was okay, I wasn't upset and that nothing was wrong. Ever since then, her lack of interest turned to straight up fear of the potty. I would casually ask if she wanted to try sitting on the potty and she would immediately start to wimper. "No Mama. I no want to. I so scared..." It broke my heart to see how terrified she was. So I just let it go and stopped bringing it up. I don't believe in throwing a child into a situation their not entirely ready for. She clearly wasn't ready.

Thennnnnn she turned 3, and I was like Okay! We're still in full-time diapers over here and she has never even attempted to sit on the potty! What can I do to help this girl?

Then it hit me.

I realized I hadn't been giving it to God. There was no way I could change this little girl's heart. But, God could! So, a couple weeks ago I talked to Kensie about her fear of the potty and how maybe if we asked Jesus to help us, maybe we wouldn't be afraid anymore! We prayed out loud together as often as she wanted, sometimes twice a day. Usually it was something like, "Dear Jesus, we know you can calm our fears. God, please help Kensie not to be afraid of the potty anymore. We pray with all our hearts that you would give Kensie a desire to want to use the potty when she's ready. We trust you Lord. Amen." No other discussions or conversations about it--just simple prayers.

So, yesterday sometime shortly after breakfast, when Kensie ran up to me and shouted, "MAMA! I want to use the potty Mama! I really want to try! I want to be a BIG girl Mama! I not scared anymore!", tears started to fill my eyes. We rushed into the bathroom and I watched as she climbed up without any help onto her princess potty seat. Her eyes radiated with excitement and joy as we praised Jesus right there in the bathroom. 

"Kensie! You did it! I'm so proud of you! Isn't Jesus so awesome?...he helped you not be afraid anymore! Praise the Lord!" 

"I know Mama! I like a BIG girl now! I not scared anymore! Hallelujah!!"

She asked me FOUR more times throughout the rest of the day to use the potty. I was in total shock and amazement. (PS-Nothing "happened" while on the potty yesterday...but just the fact that she wants to sit on there is enough for me right now!) 

We're gonna take it as slow or fast as she wants to, and no doubt there will be some ups and downs ahead of us. Right now, we're just excited to start the potty training journey!

***

Family Beach pics

We were able to sneak in some beach pics a couple weeks ago. 

The kids were troopers even though it was somewhat cold and windy.

This was pretty much my dream photo session and I was so thankful we caught one of the last semi-warm, beautiful sunsets of summer.

1) the beach

2) the sunset

3) holding hands with the ones I love

And heaven will be even BETTER than this!? Our God is awesome.

I'm telling you, this gal Tammi has outdone herself this time!

You can get to know Tammi HERE. We are always blessed by her incredible talent. 

Capturing moments like these are truly "more than words". 

morethanwordsphotographybytammi.com

Thank you, Tammi.

***

Book recommendation

I have been relishing the ways God has been speaking to me these past couple weeks. Deep and personal ways that can only come from the Father.

One of His tools are books. I've mentioned before that I don't really prioritize reading in my downtime. But lately I've been craving it! Rising early to be in the Word and seeking communication with Him. Staying up late reading other books that speak directly to my life. He's given me such a hunger for truth.

I picked up this book at the True Woman Conference I attended.

Just the way God pointed my attention to this book in the midst of thousands of other books on display is a story in itself.

Anyway...

It's one of those books that's more than just inspiring. It tells a story we can all relate to. 

"There it was. The wilderness. Settled at Etham, they could see it--coughing and swirling in the hot desert wind. The last place their tired feet wanted to take them. The wild, time-wasting wilderness....

What do you do in a situation like that? How will you respond when you're at Etham with a clear view of a more comfortable route but also a sure certainty that God's presence is leading you another way? The Israelites  had that kind of decision to make: should they turn back and take what seemed to be the most simple path to where they were headed, or should they continue pursuing God, knowing full well that the direction He was going would lead them on a more difficult route?" - pg. 62

I think it's safe to say, we have ALL experienced the "wilderness" in one way or another.

This book is powerful. No doubt about it. I can't even explain how much God is reaching out to me through each page. It's exactly what I need to read right now.

God bless you as you travel through your own wilderness...

***

Proud moment

Leaving the mall playground.

It's close to lunch time and of course I forgot to pack snacks and sippy cups. Meltdowns are on the horizon. Kensie refuses to put her shoes on by herself, b/c velcro straps apparently are "too hard". Just as I'm regretting my decision to not bring a stroller for Mason, I look up to see him running away from the playground. 

More like sprinting. 

Towards the mall entrance. 

I drift away from Kensie leaving her to fend for herself and her half-velcroed shoes. I yell after Mason to "STOP!", which clearly means "FASTER". Regrettable decision #2. Sprinting and now giggling he approaches the handicap button (which ALL mom's know magically opens the door). By this time I'm half-way between both children. 

Kensie's yelling from behind, "MOM! WAIT FOR ME!! DON'T LEEEEEEAVE MEEEEE!!!!!!!!", 

I'm yelling to the escape artist up ahead, "MASON! COME 'ERE! RIGHT NOW!!!". 

Mason is giggling hysterically by now, realizing how fast his chubby legs have carried him and all that's separating him from the parking lot are two gigantic "magical" blue buttons.

First button pushed. He sweeps through the first door. 

It was like one of those bad dreams where you are running but not really moving that fast. 

How was I not there yet?!

During all this there was a small group of "old folks" nearby enjoying food and fellowship. When they realized my predicament, and that they were located closer to Mason than I was, a sweet little 70 year old woman popped up out of her chair and was able to grab Mason's hand before he pushed the second button.

*Sigh*

Just thought you'd like to know how thrilling our day to day adventures are.

You're welcome.

***

Fine motor skills

I'm totally loving these "preschool" years but I must admit I'm not always thinking about preschool type activities. Kensie is not currently in school yet but loves pretending to be a student. We like to color, do puzzles, stickers, and an occasional matching game. But overall, I'm not a natural teacher. It doesn't help that I have a hard time letting the kids "go to town" and make messes.

So when my friend suggested focusing on activities that help develop fine motor skills, I thought I better try some! 

Today we made a cereal necklace using yarn and Cheerios...

Kensie got the hang of it pretty quick and dove right in.

She fizzled out after about 10 minutes, hence the necklace turned to bracelet...

Oh well, she enjoyed it.

I figured I'd make one for Mason too...since all he wanted to do was eat the Cheerios. 

(surprise surprise)

Cute right?

Yeah...

They lasted about 5 seconds before being totally consumed.

***

If you want more fun activities to do with your kids, check out my friend Jessica's blog. She's always got something fun going on at her house. 

Table swap and Fall decorating!

A few weeks ago my neighbor and I decided to have a "Hoarders" sale. I found the idea from THIS BLOG.  It was such a hilarious post, we both figured it was worth a try!

Long story short, we sold a TON of crap. We literally copied everything the blog recommended and it worked like a charm.

While sorting through our "crap" prior to the sale, I discovered my neighbor was selling a gorgeous dining room table (on her sister's behalf) for a mere $250. I've always adored our little antique table I found on craigslist about 4 years ago. It just always bothered me that it only came with 5 chairs. It was impossible to find a matching captains chair to complete the set. Plus, it was just a tad too small and rickety for when we had company over.

So back to the Hoarders sale...

I saw my neighbors gem of a table and we decided to swap tables right there on the lawn! 

We pulled my little table outside to the yard sale and put the "new" one right in my dining room. 

I ended up selling mine for $200 to a guy who pulled up on a motorcycle (of all the people I pictured buying it, he was the last one! We died laughing.). 

In the end, I paid $50 total for a pretty awesome upgrade. I got an almost brand new table (more solid and will last a lot longer) PLUS an extra chair than I originally had PLUS a table about two feet longer than my original.

Here she is in her new home! 

Some fall decorations may have crept in as well....

I still can't totally give up the beachy look. Do you spy the starfish on the wall (below)?

But I tried to incorporate some Fall elements in other ways...

 And who says white pumpkins don't go with everything?

So we're keeping a little beach around here. It makes me happy.

***

Revive my heart...

I was able to get away for a couple days last week. 

BY

MY

SELF.

I was a bit crazy trying to get everything in order before the trip. If you're a mom of little ones, you know what I'm talking about. Figuring out childcare, making meals for the hubby and kids you are leaving behind. Pretty sure I yelled at my kids 486 times while I was packing and cleaning just an hour before I left. 

But oh my goodness...did I need this get-away.

I attended my first True Woman Conference down in Indianapolis, IN.

I have been to smaller church retreats in the past. But, when I saw over eight THOUSAND women in the Indianapolis Convention Center...

I was blown away.

It's hard to put into words everything I experienced with God in those two and a half days.

But I CAN tell you...

It was breathtaking.

It was challenging.

It was freeing.

It was convicting.

It was motivating.

It was encouraging.

It was powerfully lead by the Holy Spirit.

It spoke directly to my heart.

I left with this phrase running through my head....

"The more you know God, the more you will hear Him."

Lately, I've been kinda going through the motions. The daily routine of life. Ever been there? 

Yeeaaahhh. 

I've been wanting some direction in certain areas of my life and was just expecting God to point the way. What I haven't been doing is intentionally seeking Him. Pulling my face close to His and whispering what's deep in my heart. Absorbing His word and pouring over each verse with the intention to learn something fresh and new. I was getting distracted by shopping online, facebooking, pinning, and other silly things. 

I'm currently taking a break from FB and Pinterest. They are not bad things per say. It just turns bad when it's all I can think about. When it's the first thing I want to check at the beginning of the day. They are sucking my precious hours every day and it's time for a priority adjustment. I want to soak up every bit of Him so that when he does speak I can say, "Yes, Lord. I'm here!".

Mornings are not my friend. I don't like getting up. Plain and simple. I tend to complain about it too--which only perpetuates my bad attitude. Maybe if I get up just a bit earlier to start by seeking the Lord first, I will despise mornings a smidge less?? 

I'm giving it a try anyway...

After announcing my fast, one of my close friends asked, "So are you giving up the blog too?"

Nope. 

Still here.

:)

***

You can listen to ALL the same speakers/ sessions that I heard at the conference online for FREE if you are interested! (My favorite speaker was Priscilla Shirer...I had goosebumps the whole time. Powerful speaker.)

CLICK HERE

***

Mason {18 months}

Speaking of growing up around here....

THIS boy is 18 months old today.

Has a bubbly personality and a whole lotta spunk. 

A friendly little man who waves and smiles at anyone and everyone.

A professional "little brother" who knows exactly which buttons to push.

Is a lover of food, any kind of ball, trucks, putting things in his mouth, throwing things, hitting things, and getting dirty.

He's 100% boy and I 100% love him.

***

A picnic birthday for Kensie {sweet & simple}

Life has a way of sneaking up on you. Never more true than when you have kids. Tiny, helpless, infants one minute. Jabbering, running, giggling toddlers the next. It's crazy to think our sweet Kensie girl turned 3 today.

 But, that's how life is. It's sneaky and crazy at the same time.

This girl loves all things princess and picnic related.

With both in mind, I decided this year to keep it super simple and to the point. We love you. We think you're a princess of the King. So let's do what you love most and have a picnic!

We started the day off with a decorated bedroom door. Squealing with delight does not even come close to the sounds that girl made when she woke up in the morning. Wish I would have caught her in action.

Then later in the day a tasty picnic dinner in the front yard...

No other guests. Just us.

But it was lovely.

No extra decorations (besides the helium balloons). Everything else we either had or borrowed.

No "real" gifts this year. The kids have more than enough toys and we wanted to change their perspective on birthdays a little. So, a quick trip to the library to pick out her favorite movies, and then to the grocery store to pick up the helium balloons--and the girl was thrilled.

We also signed up for a child through World Vision. Her name is Saundarya. She's the same age and has the same birthdate as Kensie. For now, Kensie loves watching the 15 second video of Saundarya coloring on a piece of paper (she watched it 4 times in a row) and she adores the fact that they both love playing with dolls. Hopefully this will mean more to Kensie as she grows up. Just another way to keep the focus away from us on our birthday. Planning to get Mason a child on his 3rd birthday as well.

Sometimes the simplest birthdays are the sweetest.

***

Some {Life} and some {Pinterest}

Life has been full here. As most of our lives are.

Full of hard things...

So much work and little time with my hubby and growing up even when we don't want to and diaper-changing and house-cleaning and getting sick and then getting better again and raising kids and yelling more than I like. 



Full of good things too...

Laughing and tickling and chasing each other down the hallway and snuggling and reading together and coloring and learning new words and being silly and going for walks and feeling full of life.



So to keep this post more interesting than my life ramblings thought I would share my favorite pins from this week...

Source: custombibletexts.wordpress.com via Shannon on Pinterest

It always is, isn't it?

Source: procaine.tumblr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Swimming pool made to look like a pond...in my dreams!

Source: tikkido.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Kensie is turning 3 in a couple days. We are forgoing a big party this year and keeping it simple. But I still like this cake.

Source: marthastewart.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Fall is coming whether I'm ready or not. Love this muted table setting.

Source: girlinthegreenscarf.tumblr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I love this. Especially this past week.

Source: practicalenrichment.wordpress.com via Shannon on Pinterest

DIY sweatshirt. This is SO happening. At some point.

Source: damnlol.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Okay so I thought this was funny. Ummm it has 63 repins and 30 likes. I mean I DID use the word "hilarious" in my description but sometimes I don't get how Pinterest works. 63 REPINS?? Come on people....there are way funnier things than this. 

Source: flickr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Hoping to get a pic like this before summer is over!




Whether your kids just started school or you're the one running after them at home all day, I hope your September has started off well!

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