March Madness!

I am a March baby.  Unlike a middle of winter or summer birthday where the weather is usually predictable, you never know what will happen on March 3.  But cold and rainy or warm and sunny, memories of my birthday are filled with sweet family.  My earliest memory is when I turned 5 years old. My parents threw a surprise party at Burger King.  I remember seeing my cousin and best friend peeping out the window and hiding down in a booth. I arrived to the party on the back of my dad's motorcycle. (Seriously! I rode with him often.  Don't tell my boys.)  Fast forward 30 years...my sweet love gave me a night away.  I didn't travel far.  Maybe two miles.  I enjoyed strolling downtown and taking my time in stores, a delicious meal followed by chocolate cake (of course), a long bath, reading a book uninterrupted, and sleeping in....til 9am!  As restful as my 24 hours were, I was excited to return home to my boys and girl for a family celebration.

I really get into blowing out candles.

                                                         Party goers.

The kids and I made a trip to visit my folks.  We hitched a ride with Joe's mom who was traveling to see her mother.  She drove while I kept little people fed and happy.  It is always great to see my parents and grandparents. My mom is busy working this time of year because of tax season. I am thankful for little Joe's extended time with my dad.  The weather was beautiful which meant a lot of adventures in the woods, helping Papaw at the barn, riding the tractor, and a campfire.  I am bad to go visit and not take enough pictures.  Here are a few by the fire.

                                                   I made some cookies and brought them to the boys.

The second weekend in March my husband found himself unexpectedly serving his wife.  In the night, I awoke and (as little Joe says) I "blew out" my back.  Very painful, very humbling. For four hours I lied in bed unable to move because of tremendous pain (to me anyway). I was unable to sleep because of the uncomfortable position.  I thought of those who are in chronic pain that I know and prayed for them.  My pain was short lived while theirs is constant.  When they are tempted to despair may they know that the Lord will sustain them and give grace to endure though the pain is unbearable.  As a result of my eventful night, Joe took over all duties with children and meals for a Saturday.  It seemed best for me not to lift anything.  That week he even came home around baby Joe's nap to lift him in and out of the crib. Turning 35 is great! I will say that I made a poor choice in moving a piece of furniture a couple weeks prior to the "blow out".  Girls, take care to lift with the legs!

I composed this about a week ago and am just now posting.  Unlike a quote I recently read, I do read blogs, but I don't always post on mine!  In Joe's defense, he reads some blogs, mostly surfing.  He definitely enjoys the updates though that I report to him from yours.

quote of the year

'...I don't read blogs...Sufficient to my own life is the tedium and banality contained therein; I really have no interest in compounding such with the tedium and banality contained in the lives of other people.'

Carl Trueman

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The Aquarium again? Hey, that's what he wanted for his birthday!

Joe's birthday was last week. He turned 35. He took the day to spend with his family, even though I encouraged him to go off by himself. He wanted to watch his boys run around an almost empty aquarium,  eat Chick-fil-a for lunch, and pizza for supper. I know, sounds terrible that I didn't cook for him on his birthday, but he insisted that his wife be free from those duties for the day. 

Glad he is not real.

I kissed a frog. Look below to find my prince.

Baby Joe close up with the rays.

Largest salt water fish tank in NC with over 800 fish.

My prince!

The night before his actual birthday, we celebrated with dear friends. I did cook then! And made him a carrot cake.  Thankful for another year with him!

Field Trip

We have a membership to the aquarium. With it, is admission to all three NC aquariums and the NC Zoo, and some others around the country. We definitely take advantage during the winter months when there are no tourists at Pine Knoll Shores. Watching the boys run around looking at the swimming creatures God has made is delightful.  Little girl sat contently in her stroller.  This trip was not planned. It was a needed spontaneous outing. Laundry, dishes, dusty furniture, and sticky counters will always be here. But these sweet years with my children will not.

A Sunny Sunday Afternoon At the Beach

On a recent Sunday we loaded the van with kids, boards, kites, and a sense of humor.

The weather was beautiful and the waves fun.  We had a fun afternoon together making memories.

For Friends Far Away

                          Spurgeon did great for his Christmas photo shoot.
                          Gabby on the other hand.......
                          Love you, sweet Bugs!

Adjusting

Started back to school this morning after a loooonnnnngggg break. Trying to adjust to life with three kids, two under 18 months. Sweet girl M is our foster daughter and is 6 weeks old. She is such an easy baby for which I am most thankful. Baby Joe is very busy and in need of lots of parenting. Life is crazy right now but beautiful. I have been encouraged lately by a book given to me by a dear sister in Christ. Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic is a short read from a mom who is seeking to be faithful amidst the chaos that can arise in a home filled with precious kiddos. I have laughed and been convicted in my own parenting. Praying you all have a happy, heaven minded new year.