Loooong day

Yesterday was one of THOSE days.

Overwhelmed and grumpy from sunrise to sun set. 

The babies were

Fed and ready for bed by 5pm.

 The clock seemed to slow as I anxiously waited for the freedom to lay on the couch and do absolutely nothing.

NOTHING!

Then I got this text from Jamie, 

my cousin just a few houses over.

3 minutes later she was knocking on the door.  

“I am here to help!”

 Moments like this

Remind me 

the power and strength that comes from family.

I am reminded that God is aware of me and my personal struggles.

I matter to him, and he will send angles to help lift and encourage.

The best week

In December Spencer and I celebrated 5 years of marriage.
We planned and saved for a cruise, 

It was the best week. 

After dropping the kids off at my parents house we flew to California. 
Warm, sunny California. 

Reuniting with my brother and family left me missing having them so close.
 I love the McWagners. 
Especially little Zhenya. 

In Catalina we hiked, snorkeled and ate a Carmel Apple on the beach .  

In Mexico we rode horses, visited a flea market and saw La Bufadora. 

My favorite part was

 sitting outside each morning,

 the gentle sway of the boat.

Feeling the cool breeze, while watching the early sun glimmering off the waves.

 Spencer sitting across from me.

It was perfect. 

#PaintingforRefugees17

Saturday we drove up to CSI in Twin Falls and presented boxes full of paintings. Painting for Refugees art drive has been a project I have been working on with a few close friends since August. Hours went into planning, marketing, and Skype meetings. 

I remember dreaming of hosting an art drive and frantically writing ideas as they came on paper. Desperately wanting to help refugees in a way that was close to my heart, through art. Working up courage, I reached out to a coordinator in Twin Falls and presented this idea. Her prompt reply and story of refugees using sticky notes from a local bank to add color to white walls fueled my little flame.  

I cannot imagine being a Refugee, away from familiar comforts and possibly divided from loved ones. I wanted to help. Knew I needed to help. Our mission throughout this drive was to welcome and uplift refugees through art, one painting at a time.

The Red Brick Retreat

Everything is mostly unpacked.

Boxes clasped in the garage,

the Christmas tree is up

and the holiday music on.

Months ago when we decided to stay in Idaho this Christmas,

Spencer wanted to rent out a house as a little get away.

Now here we are 

in what I call the Red Brick Retreat. 

Huge thank you to my mother in-law

who made this temporary transition 1000 times easier.

Its starting to feel and look like Christmas everyday.

  

#LightTheWorld

I remember driving home from the hospital 

late at night after visiting Spencer.

The agony at having to leave him, exhaustion and guilt seemed to consume me.

After weeks of pain and confusion, Spencer had been admitted into the ER for surgery.

Hot tears making their now familiar way down my face 

I silently plead, 

"I can't. I can't. Where have you been?" 

In that moment a thought entered my mind, warm and familiar

"I am here." 

The image of my sister showing up to watching my girls, hair wet and uncombed from the shower, flashed through my remembrance. My brother in the ER to administer a blessing, the dinners brought to my home, a neighbor stopping by to clean dishes, countless calls and messages from friends and family. 

I was not alone, and I never had been.

My burdens have been made light through Christ my Savoir. He works through others. The Lord will always send me reminders, messages and encouragement.

Its up to me to recognize it. 

Then be that person for someone else. 

Day 4:
"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
-Matthew 22:39

Dreaming of Yellowstone

  Friday morning started off 

 peaceful and quiet.

Too quite.

I was just a couple seconds too slow 

as I saw Miss Finnley chop off her pony tail.

We laughed.. and then cried as I carried 

her soft brown hair to the trash. 

A nap time and a couple of snips later 

we were feeling fresh and spunky.

 

The next day, Saturday.

I LOVE Saturdays.

Off the Yellowstone where we shared

fresh air

warm apple cidar

breathtaking views

and an excitement to explore.

Halloween 2017

Some of the things I love about Halloween this year:

watching Spencer gut and carve pumpkins

Pumpkin Cinnamon rolls

Cool crisp air and puffy jakets

Monster mash and thriller

Practicing letters with Finnley

Bubble Guppies- Spooky House Party

Surprise lunch date with Spencer

Dressing my kids up in their costumes

Meeting up with the Whitlock family to trick off the streets at Seasons Medical

Eating chili and corn bread with friends

Meeting Kalebs girl friend?!

Hearing Finnley say 'Trick or Treat' in her sweetest voice

Babies bedtime

Eating Finnleys candy

Hiding her candy

Snuggling Spencer under a warm blanket and

 watching the new Pirate of the Caribbean movie 

Lets do that again.