Run Daddy Run!

I have to brag! Chris ran a trail race last weekend that he has been anticipating since early summer. His first trail run! 32.5 mountain trail miles! I'm pretty sure this "trail" had it all...rock climbing, hill climbing, technical downhill parts and the occasional "normal" trail run. I've watched the dedication that went into preparing this day over the last several months and it has been  amazing. It's so reflective of the person he his...his heart, drive, commitment, passion and willingness to learn, not just about running but life!

It was a wonderful experience to walk with him on this journey as he began to add miles to his runs and see his progress. The trail he ran today was one that was extremely challenging to say the least, and he didn't give up.  The kids and I were fortunate enough to be there to greet him at the finish line! It's such a huge accomplishment and we are so so proud of him! And I can't wait to hit the trails again soon with my love! 

"Run because it's beautiful. It epitomizes struggle, growth, failure, victory, surrender, love, fear, and life."

My Tribe

I saw a quote today and I LOVED it! "Find your tribe and love them hard". Oh how perfect! My tribe is amazing! These four little people (one we can't wait to meet, but no doubt just as

amazing as the others!) and my partner, my awesome tribe leader. 😊

Often when Chris returns home from work or before we call it a night, I kinda give him the run down of the day and tell him who gets the "happiest tribe member award", the "grumpiest", the "funniest", "most helpful" and so on. I'm able to tell him the details and how each earned this award and we laugh and soak in the memories of the day. They are my tribe, my life.

My tribe. Oh how I love them and they love me. I'm so greatful for our tribe leader, who loves us and loves us hard. Y'all! He puts up with a lot and never seems inconvenienced or undone, I know there are days when he's taken 500 calls, fixed 500 problems and worked for other people from the time he left in the morning until returning late afternoon or evening. And then, without batting an eye jumps right in the moment he walks in the door to hear all the kids want to share and his wife who rarely has an adult to speak to until his return, meaning, I'm ready! ;) Exhausted, worked out, and yet still loves us with the best of him! 

The kids! My sweet tiny tribe members. They are the ones we do this for. To see them bonding more with each other every day is so special. We will soon welcome the baby of the tribe! The last one and for that, we are all excited and counting down the days! This little one has no idea what he/she is getting themselves into but we can't wait to welcome them to our tribe and love them hard!

There's so many who love our tribe and we couldn't be more grateful for that. There's family....grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. So many of them are there to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and the kids activities and sports with us whenever possible. The kids love having them be a part of their life and sharing their accomplishments, as do we! 

There's also our church family that love our tribe! We are so blessed to be a part of a church family who would do just about anything for you. When we, and other members of our church, recall every major event in life...confirmation, graduations, marriage, the births of our children, baptisms, hardships, they have been and will be there! And then the week to week, Sunday school teachers who love and teach the children. Our church is blessed with a wonderful pastor and family who are so present. And the people, the wonderful caring people who make up the church. What a special special treasured extended family to have! It's one of those "families" you know will ALWAYS be there. 

And friends. Not just acquaintances but the real friends that help get you from one day to the next! No complicated, questionable, superficial friends, but the ones who you know you can call/text anytime and be honest and raw with. The ones you know love you for you and build you up.  The real ones, the genuine ones. The VERY few people who you find in this life that love as hard as you do,  and when you find them, don't let go! And of course, there's no doubt you get hurt and lose some in the process of finding these friends. I can think of some who I would absolutely consider part of my tribe! My first friend, a cousin, yet sister, who has walked every step of the way with me and just gets me. Not a day goes by when we don't talk. There's no work involved in maintaining our relationship, it's just effortless, drama free, and real! My childhood friend who I've been so fortunate to walk through every milestone of teenage years to adulthood with and we still can share so many moments together. We live miles apart and yet we pray together, laugh together, and cry together. It's these kind of friends that you just know there's nothing hidden, there's nothing to figure out, just being yourself and being loved. There's new friends, old friends, family friends, and everything in between. And each one placed in your life for a reason, sometimes only a season, and it is my prayer that I'm able to provide them with the same genuine, effortless, friendship and love they give me.

I know everyones tribe looks different. But these people, the ones who make up our tribe and love our tribe, what a treasure! God knew just who I needed and I will love those He gives me and love them hard. Being a girl who I am with the experiences I have...loving hard, genuine, and drama free is by far one of the most important things to me in this life. So thank you, Lord, for My tribe and may I always love them hard and with all the love they deserve! And may you too, "find your tribe and love them hard"!❤️

My October

My sweet October boy, oh how much happy you add to our lives! You're quiet, wise, observant nature reveals what a thinker you are. Today, you say you want to be super man when you grow up, the funny thing is, you don't know you are already are! You are so incredibly super! You are so loving and kind and you're imagination is incredible! You are oh so handsome. You can melt a heart with a single look. That white blond hair and those big blue eyes can make the world go away! 

You are the baby for now, your brother and sister adore you. With each passing day, I sit and admire the bond you three are strengthening.  You will soon embrace the role of being a big brother! You are excited and already talk about the things you will do with our new baby. I can't wait to see how you adapt to being someone's little guide and helper! I think you will show amazing love towards your baby brother or sister. 

Watching you grow into a little boy has been one of life's most amazing adventures, and we are just getting started good! From the time they placed you in my arms, it's been amazing. You have added so much to our family! Entertainment, brotherhood, incredible love for your sister, and sweetness! So much good in such a little boy! You're heart is big, you're soul is old and wise, you will do great things, my boy! We love you so very very much. You will forever be, our October! Happy birthday, my baby boy! 

We celebrated with a party of his choice, camping out. We set up the tent in the backyard and were joined by my cousin and her family for an evening of hotdog roasting, pumpkin carving and s'more eating. It was a wonderful time and hopefully just the "camping trip" he was hoping for! :) Grandparents and a couple aunts joined for cake and pizza the following afternoon! Small and simple celebration for my sweet boy and he was so appreciative and loved every minute! :)

Backyard campout and afternoon with grandparents! :)

 

Faith in the Journey

I had a precious parenting moment, one you kinda want to remember forever. One that reminds you what you're doing all this for, or why you do what you do. It may seem so insignificant to some but it really hit a spot with me.

I'm an super sensitive introvert by nature, so I don't seek out too many extra curricular activities or relationships, because any introvert would understand how mentally exhausting that is. Don't get me wrong, the kids take piano, gymnastics, soccer, football and are highly active in our church. But for our schooling we have chosen to do our own thing, outside of co-ops etc. that are available and this suits us! It's a busy season, a tiring one, and often a season of solitude, on my end. Be it just the way things have played out, my growing up years, or just my personality, most days are quiet and usually just revolve around the children's school, activities, or needs. I have a handful of wonderful close friends that communicate regular via text. We can share stories, encouragement, and love this way! And I'm so grateful for them and their continued support and encouragement, even in this knee deep (probably more like head high, but you get the idea! 😉) season of motherhood! 

We do our thing, and occasionally I find myself wondering if my children are okay with this life, it's simplicity. It's different from most but we are content and really feel like we are where God wants us. I look at them some days and wonder if any of it really matters much. But little reminders and comments from them sneak in to let me know, however different our life is, it is the perfect, most fitting life for us, and they are happy, as are Chris and I. 

On this particular day, the kids finished up their school work and were eager to head outside (as they always are!). They play a little outside before we start and usually play out until lunch time. Their play is very imaginative and self directed. I intervene very little and so far they never get bored and rarely disagree with one another! I tend to stay out of the way and just check in every so often. Well today, when I was walking out, I could hear lots of encouraging and praising going on but wasn't sure for what. As the children made their way around the house, I saw that the big kids were teaching Grady to ride his big boy bike! They were so patiently encouraging him and explaining what to do. He was so receptive of their guidance and had so much faith and trust in what they were telling him and showing him.  And before lunch, they had him going on his own! It was so beautiful! 

Not only do I hope they do these things for one another as long as they live, it was so representative of what I hope and dream for them in this life. I hope they are always willing to learn from each other, teach one another and have faith in one another, as well as having the same faith and willingness in God as they journey through this life. Life is tough sometimes. It gets hard. Things happen we don't understand and may never. Our journey may look nothing like most people we know, and that's okay! I want them to be strong and faithful. I want them to be learners and teachers. I want them to represent God and be a light were The Light is hard to find. 

So, in their innocence and play was a beautiful moment I hope to always remember, and this moment was just validation I needed right now to show me what we do all this for. Why we are where we are, and I'm so grateful God led us here. My heart is so full ❤️