JOY & JESUS

JOY… it’s easy to associate this word primarily during Christmastime as it takes focal point on mantels, hanging as tree ornaments, scrawled on wrapping paper and tags. And joy should take center stage because JESUS is our JOY! 1 Thessalonians says, “For you are our glory and joy.” And often when we see joy in the Bible, it’s surrounded with celebration and rejoicing, and there is no better celebration than Christ’s birth!

 

December at our home is a month anticipating the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. We place the boys’ nativity scene near the Christmas books so they can play, while we read together as a family. They move the sheep, add army men to the nativity, push the button on top of the manger so it plays “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and rearrange baby Jesus. We talk about Jesus being born a baby and later dying for each of us because He loves us so. At their young ages, we see their attempt to grasp who this Jesus is. 

Each day the boys open their Advent Calendar counting down to December 25th, one day closer to Jesus' birthday!  Behind the numbered door hides a treat. Our oldest loves the small treasures: stickers and candy and pennies for wish fountains. Our youngest delights for a moment, then is off to the next distraction.

 

And then this happened.

Ty, who’s two, was playing by the nativity, moving the people and animals in and out of the manger. Then he sat very still, and from the corner of my eye I saw his chubby hands cupped, baby Jesus cradled in his open palms. He looked up at me, his blue eyes large and full of wonder. 

“Can Jesus take a nap with me?” he asked.

Off, he ran down the hall, into his room. For hours, he slept, grasping the figure of the Christ Child. When he woke, Jesus stayed with him the rest of the day: on the couch while he read with his brother, on the ground while they played trucks, and on their table while they shared snacks. 

I was struck by this small gesture Ty showed in choosing Jesus, how he held tight to a tiny physical object that represents the real, living King.

He chose Joy and carried him everywhere.

This Christmas, may we be like Ty… maybe we don’t carry the nativity figurine of Jesus in our pocket, to our work, school, or Holiday parties, but may His Joy reside in our hearts and overflow into our daily lives. May the decorations and ornaments, wrapping and tags be a reflection of who we celebrate on Christmas Day!

 

Retraced Steps

Heart-throb, right?

Think again!

I am wild with love for this little man, this two-year old goofball-meets-stubborn-tornado!

But last week I hit my breaking point, had myself a lovely mommy meltdown thanks to this heart-throb.

Walk with me while I share...

I'll start with two weeks earlier. The Bentley Fam joined us at the Pogue Cottage for a weekend of family fun.

Heather and I met my sophomore year at APU and it was love at first friendship sight. We have walked through every season of life together: dating then marrying our spouses, working in youth ministry, extreme loss, babies, moves, buying homes, sharing deepest sorrows and skyrocketing joys. She is a source of grace and authenticity, and my life is richer because of this dear friend and her beautiful soul!

Over the weekend the hubbies surfed a morning session while we gabbed in our pj's, the kids drawing art projects and racing back and forth in the backyard,

We grabbed time away, talking for hours over turkey cranberry sandwiches and chicken harvest salads.

Maddie and Tanner fell in love {no big deal... hee!}

 Nate stole my heart... and Ty's food :) {I love a man that can eat}

We introduced them to our love for Portola Coffee and fountain wishes,

bought ripe avocados and sweet plums from SOCO Farmer's Market.

Shared Ruby's shakes at the Huntington Pier

and giggled over grilled cheese mustaches.

We barbecued tri-trip, drank wine, stayed up way too late, and savored being together as families; once two couples, now two families of four!

And when they left, Tanner moped, missing Maddie.

And Ty threw an over-tired fit inviting a half-joking response from Bryan.

Calmly my hubby looked at Ty and declared, "Sorry bud, Natey took all your binkies with him. No more binkies!!!"

My eyes like saucers, started at Bry's. My body froze. Sweat broke out...And just like that, we exchanged the couples nod, the we-are-in-this-together glance. A spontaneous decision, requiring a silent Go Team commitment. 

Were we really doing this? Was Ty ready?  

Well, ready or not, tonight was the beginning of No Binkie Zone. After all, the kid is two and he's ready... 

or is he?

The first night went surprisingly well...no clawing at the walls or jumping out of his crib in protest. He did wake up an hour earlier, but all in all, we could manage.

And then came the following day, nap time resembling a wailing siren ~ on/off he cried for hours. He refused to let me hold, comfort or sing to him. He really wanted nothing to do with me at all. I'm confident he was cursing me in his two year old noggin! His 45 minute nap resulted in a very inconsolable Ty Ty.

Thus began two weeks of leading to my mommy meltdown. My fun-loving Ty turned sleep-deprived monster.

I said black, he screamed white.

He hit his brother, and Stella too.

I'd ask him to pick up his trucks - he'd throw them inches from the toy basket, his eyes challenging mine as if to ask "Was that close enough?"

He ran away from me, cried for Bryan non-stop, and made me question my ability at being a mom.

That's just because he's two, you say!

No, this was the result of a stubborn, sleep-deprived boy who lacked self-control and understanding.

 

But we refused to cave. 

If we cave, he'll know we're fibbing and then he'll go to college with a binkie, probably still wearing diapers, and we'll have no credibility as parents.

Very rational thinking, I know!

He's too old for a binkie, he can cope without one...  

We. Will.  Hold. Our. Ground!

After sleepless days and disrupted nights, I called Bryan one morning. 9:38am to be exact.

I'm done! You have to come home.

This isn't working and Ty doesn't like me and... pause to wipe snot off my phone...I have no more patience and I don't know how to be a mom... sniffle sniffle...

You get the idea. Mommy meltdown at it's finest!

 

We went another week. Seven days of our son acting uncontrollable due to lack of sleep.

I know he's two. I know he has to learn to cope without a binkie. I know all the pep talk, Go Team motivation you're going to empower me with because it was the same sports banter Bryan and I were pouring on one another every evening, at God-awful 2am, and mid-day over the phone, and we came to a humbling parent realization.

We had to retrace our steps.

We had to accept that perhaps this wasn't the best timing, 

we had to swallow humble pie and agree that sleep was more important than attempting to remove a binkie from our two year old,

we had to remind ourselves that both our boys are so distinctly and uniquely different, each ready at his own time,

we had to say we were sorry, that we had the best intentions, but that we'd made a mistake,

we had to admit enough is enough!

Mr. Heart-throb woke at 5am this morning.. crying {never a good way to start off the day} and continued to whine for Bryan to hold him, pounding on the door, screaming in exhaustion.

Hours later, I walked to the sock drawer, pulled out two binkies, grabbed my grumpy bundle and laid him down with his pacifiers.

For hours I relished the quiet peace of a sleeping boy. Waking up happy, the heart-throb version of Ty had returned.

Not perfect, not suddenly sharing all of his toys and never whining, but rested and full of energy~ full of Ty!

And a lesson learned by this mom that sometimes all we have to do is retrace our steps!

Bang! Rush! Whoosh! Tys is TWO!

 
He came in the afternoon, a nurse scooting friends and family out of our room only minutes before he took his place in the spotlight.

He came with a bang! in a rush! whoosh!... suddenly there was Ty.
And it's been that way ever since.
Bang! Rush! Whoosh!

I was worried I wouldn't love him as much as my first child.
I was concerned I wouldn't bond with him like our two-year old son.
I was unsure how to know another little person.

But then came Ty!

Ty with his hedgehog-ish, black mohawk fro!
Ty, his powerful personality contained in his chubby body.
Ty, his one-of-a-kind giggle bursting from his chipmunk cheeks.

And today our Ty is TWO!

Two much of the most perfect addition to our family.
Two hilarious for words.
Two gifted with comedic timing, breaking the occasional serious tone.
Two in love with every stranger, welcoming them as new friends.
Two unaware of personal space, often hugging those strangers in the first 30 seconds of meeting!
Two busy for the human eye to take in.

Ty, they say when you have another child you grow another heart. 
My heart for you beats twice as fast to keep up with your boundless vigor.
To watch you run everywhere, every second of every day, stopping only to nap and sleep.
To hear you shout 'Tanner', overjoyed to be reunited after your brother's preschool hours.
You taste each bite, voraciously shoveling blueberries, pad thai, pizza, and bananas into your mouth.
You smell flowers, bending close to petals as you help me water.
You grab your favorite, well-loved metal trucks and line them up in the living room, on the back patio, on the windowsill...

 

You, our hedgehog-turned-curly-mop. 
You, our heart-exploding echo of joy
You, a blessed addition to our family, to this world
You, a gift beyond
You, the definition of 'celebration', 
we celebrate you, 
our Ty,
Turning Two!

Happy Birthday, Ty Christian. We can't wait to see how God uses your bang! rush! whoosh!

What did you do in school today?

What did you do in school today? I ask my oldest as he clicks his seat-belt in place.
Cheeks red from running, hair wild from play, he looks out the window, and says these words:

I don't know.

He leans over to tickle his little brother. Giggles and screams erupt in the backseat.
Brothers re-united after three, apparently looooooong hours!

I'm determined. I target the mirror on his eyes.

Tell me about it bud, how was your time at school?

More giggles. More high-pitched screams...

Who I am kidding? This conversation was over long before it began.

Stomachs are growling. Nap time is looming {for one son at least}, and Tanner is not interested in the slightest about reviewing his minute-by-minute PreSchool education with his crazy mother.

Yet, here I am, day after day, asking the same question and receiving the same distracted evasive answer.

What did you do in school today?

I don't know!

The right question with the wrong approach.

Around our worn, rectangular kitchen table, white cottage legs hold a million memories ~  the dark surface scarred from hot pizza boxes feeding friends over multiple moves, pen indentations from writing cards, a thousand sprays and wipes of snacks, marker scribbles, and peanut butter cracker crumbs. It's around this table we share dinner as a family.

Bryan looks at Tanner and asks magic words.

T, can I ask you three questions about your day at school?

Tanner's face lights, expectant of the questions asked specifically for him.

I watch, spellbound by what unfolds. My husband, over his plate of chicken, rice, and black beans, casually focuses his eyes on our oldest ~ no backseat distractions ~ and unwraps gift questions.

Who did you play with on the playground?
Tanner rattles off names, filling in the pauses with hand gestures and stories about fighting "bad guys" during free time.

What story did Miss Peggy read you guys?
"This one about a bear, it was a nice bear, and..."

I lean in... watching stories spill out, onto the worn table, liquid words pooling together before dripping off the edges.

Okay, third question. What was the coolest thing you learned today?
The word race continues... his hands fly, his voice energetic and hurried, recreating scenes and offering up details about his day.
We learned about the letter A. A is for anchor, and apple, and...

He knows what an anchor is?

Unbelievable!

The magic circles. Now, our oldest became the question-asker.

Dad, what did you do at work today?

He too is learning to inquire, to be an "others"seeker, with an awareness that the world is full of individuals, each with their own story ~ a story interesting enough to ask about, a story wanting to be shared. A world outside of his four-year old scope.


My prayer sky-rockets. 
May we are raise sons, who, whether in the company of their peers, or adults, are comfortable answering questions and confident asking questions.

Magic dust settles.

All this time.
I've been asking questions of my son, but forgetting the simple concept of asking specific questions.
Reflecting in my brain, I sift through past conversations with friends. When I ask about them, I long to hear the specifics, to grasp the heartbeats in their everyday.

Are you feeling connected in your new church? 
How is the adjustment with two kiddos? 
What is the next step in his job interview?
With being overwhelmed, what can you take off your plate?
Have you tried the chocolate baby bundt cake at Corner Bakery? {don't laugh ~ it's an important question!}

Yet, why don't I ask the specifics from my own child?

 
These questions are meant to draw out of the real corners of life, rather than the general expanse of open sky.

Not there there is anything wrong with asking, How was your day?

But specific questions often lead to answers one didn't know they had until asked!

When we first moved to Atascadero, the transition was numbing.
Enter city girl into small town. A town of strangers. A town with more cows than people.
An adjustment, to say the least.

People asked how I was. And I replied with the standard.
It's new. It'll take time. It's good. 

One particular Saturday I found myself on Mama Sue's couch- the mom of my dear sister-friend, Heather. Her blue eyes reflected my green pair ~ watery and fragile.
How are you adjusting to the move?
A simple question, but with specific movement.

Hours, I sat on that couch, watery eyes turned to floor puddles, setting words free to feelings I didn't realize I had.

It was a healing couch conversation.
Simply because of her specific, wrapped-in-love question.

Lesson learned.
Ask specific questions.


School days look different now.

In the morning, backpack already on before the oldest walks out the door, I kneel down and hug him. I pray for him, and remind him how he makes my heart smile. I tell him I can't wait to pick him up and ask him three questions about his day.  

Be looking for some cool stories to share. I can't wait to hear about your school adventures. 

He goes into his day with expectation. Whether it be looking for a new friend to include in his "bad guy" search, or learning unique facts about The Person of the Day, I no longer ask, How was your day?

Now, I squeeze him at pick-up, and savor the car giggles and screams. Arriving at home, I give him and his brother time to eat, wrestle, and settle in.

 {Caught stealing cookies off the kitchen counter, but at least they're sharing}

Then, I put our youngest down for his nap, Ty grasping Mickey Mouse in one hand, and Elmo in the other. Door closed, I walk into our living room and sit with Tanner. It's Lego time. Our time. To build. Create. Imagine. Talk.

Primary-colored miniature blocks scatter all around, we get to work on building Lego ships.

Conversation unfolds; comfortable, intentional.

Can I ask you three questions about your day?

No distractions, no forced answers,  just a comfortable back-and-forth of asking and sharing specific questions.

A slice of Sunriver, Oregon heaven!

Vacationing with my hubby's side of the family is in full swing!

At the age of 4, Bry's memories began, their family of 6 piled into the Volkswagon Bus, sans air conditioning, Beach Boys blaring, the 14-hour road-trip en route to Sunriver, Oregon for a week of pure bliss. And now the family has grown to 3 daughter-in-laws, 6 grandkids, and a partridge in a pear-tree in the form of 3 suedo granddogs! We come from Encinitas, San Dimas, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Huntington Beach by car and plane.

Every other summer, we anticipate this time, packing sweaters for the chilly evenings, and plenty of sunscreen for swimming, river-floating, and biking. Surprises await the cousins in coloring books, and glow sticks for the epic tradition of after-dark dance parties, the youngin's coming down from their sugar highs, and full, played-out days.

Seven days of endless bike paths, floating down the Deschutes River, enjoying home-made dinners on the porch,walking into the Village to enjoy Goody's flavor of the day {waffle cone, please}, savoring sweet family moments and holding them close until two summers from now, when the family returns to this slice of heaven in Sunriver, Oregon.

And heaven it is!

Settling into our condo, each family is greeted by the thoughtful assurance of mom and dad: fresh ground coffee for the morning's brew, creamer in the fridge, bananas and oatmeal, wipes and diapers for the babes. Extra, small notions that grow my heart.

It's going to be a special week!

The morning sun stares through the skylight and cheers us out of bed, beckoning us outside amongst the pine trees, shining river, his rays illuminating the bike paths and sprinkling of flowers.

Oh, the flowers!

Queen Ann's Lace scatters among the river brush, their cream faces lifted, reflecting glory to their Creator. Baseball size wish flowers, and lavender, furry-orbed puffs. Neon magenta petals push their way above the reeds, mini joy explosions of beauty. I can't process it fast enough. His Glory is manifested all around.

In the trees, vibrant hues on every leaf. Green, a thousand shades, underfoot to high above. He spared no expense when creating Sunriver!

As always, we start the first morning with the traditional bike loop, pausing near the local airport, model airplanes sputtering down the runway and barely breathing as they float horizontally above the ground. Tanner and Ty pop their curls out of the bike trailer to watch, their eyes still, the four of us squinting in the sun. Magic moments, these are! Built upon one another, they create a mountain of memories.

We bike further down the path, and approach Sunriver Stables, a barn welcoming horse-rides. Tanner debuted his first pony-ride on our last trip, at age 2. "Blueberry" was the appointed pony and walked an unsure toddler around the ring. Fast-forward to the present, our oldest now four, and Ty where Tanner was then, with all the confidence his spirit can contain. Amazing how two years grows us~ it promises stronger determination and more steady footing. Looking at my oldest, I see former fear replaced with excitement at the opportune, an eagerness to try. And my heart grows.

Comfortable afternoon hours settle into reading on the porch, Ty napping in the corner room. Cousins shoot their dart guns, others walk to the Village Country Store for fresh peaches and milk. Rondi and mom prepare dinner while baby Wyatt crawls on the white sheet, it's soft cotton hugging the grass lawn. Dad and Kristy play Ladderball and I sip a glass of wine, the most reverent act one can do while sitting on a porch.

Dinner is ready, and we gather inside to hold hands and thank the Lord for this food, this family, this place, where for one week of our busting-at-the-seams summer, we fly or drive to be together, and enjoy a slice of Sunriver heaven!

A day in the life at the Pogue Cottage

If you happen to find yourself in Huntington Beach on this fine, summer-fading day, a magnetic pull draws you to our home, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse soundtrack rockin' at decimal 10, a few steps before the threshold you'll pass a weathered black chair holding cheerful coral begonias in her lap, our front door open, screen cracked to welcome you in.

And in you'll walk, laundry piled on the far right leather chair, my favorite Laughter pillow propped, the smell of fresh coffee waving good morning, Bruiser jumping to greet, Tanner running down the hall ~ bare buns in search of board-shorts, and Ty carrying whatever he happens to be eating at that precise moment {and trust me, it varies moment to bless-ed moment- at not even 2, the kid is eating me out of the home}.

 

I holler to you from the kitchen, where I'm pouring coffee into my creamer, greet you with two arms, no make-up on, typically in workout clothes, but this morning dressed for the beach, my green and white striped bandeau bikini hiding under a chocolate sundress.

Pick your mug, help yourself to creamer {if there's any left}. Please make yourself at home.

You watch the scene unfold:

Ty wearing his typical sumo-wrestler stance, his busyness covering every room, legs wide, those stubby trunks supporting his stubbornly silly frame. He now has another "snack" grasped in his chubby fingers and is no doubt shouting to turn the Mickey Mouse soundtrack "up", while his other hand sneaks down the back of his diaper {help please... what do I do with a kid whose hand is prone to wander?}
I adore this little man. My Ty, who smells of toasted brown sugar and sandy socks, whose grin stops countless strangers, and strong will has me on speed dial to 'Oh Lord' ~  he keeps me on my toes ~ and knees ~ and I'm convinced he will move mountains.

The sound down the hall piques your interest... you pass the leather chair decorated in clean clothes waiting to be folded {don't hold your breath}, and peer through the cracked door, Tanner's vintage surfer room on the other side. Model cars and trucks {a hand-me-down from church friends} stall on the dresser, surfer bedding rests on the trundle, and you almost have time to take in the art wall above the reading nook before your eyes land on the noise...the noise of a stark naked boy performing kung-fu moves in the mirror, smacking his buns, and slitting his eyes for the imaginary opponent.

You have to cup your hand over mouth at what follows:

He is now peering over his unclothed backside, staring in the mirror, flexing those cute buns.
"They are getting bigger. My buns are getting bigger!"An eruption of "hi-ya's!" then 4-year old grunts! His words, a reflection from his recent doctor's appointment where he was told that, he is indeed, getting bigger, in addition, to having a mom that threatens to put him in a "Tanner box" if he continues to grow. It's all in love, I assure you. And now we know ~ his buns are getting bigger with the rest of him! 

Too late!

He heard your giggles and opens the door, his sky eyes staring up at you! The world is very big to this sweet boy, one he will navigate cautiously and intentionally. I adore my firstborn, this angel meets fighter-warrior.

Mickey has run his course, coffee mugs are drained, and it's going to be a great day at the beach! Join the party if you dare.

It will involve meeting at a childhood favorite, Little Corona Beach, with an old friend and her son visiting from small-town, our once-upon-a-time home in Atascadero.  Buckets will bow a thousand bows to the ocean, salt-water diving onto the sand racetrack, each boy holding his own car or tractor. Conversation is easy ~ comfortable and worn as the sleeping driftwood. We cheer the oldest boys, as they jump from unsure footing to the subtle current below.

Do you see it?

The energy, the life, the beauty beheld?

Children imagining and fighting "bad guys", savoring food, be it simple pb&j and raisins, the ease of friendship, and holding-on-to-the-last-days-of-summer weather.

It's an irreplaceable moment, and I'm so glad you are sharing it with me.

Now, back to the sounds of Mickey and sights of unfolded laundry...
sand must be washed off, and eyelids need resting.

Thanks for stopping by a beautifully typical, full-of-life summer morning at the Pogue Cottage!

Living in Plan B

It was a Plan B type of week.

As in Plan A simply didn't get the memo, took off on vacation, and left no forwarding address.

Whatever the reason, life lesson "go-with-the-flow" whistled in the breeze and rose with the sun, consistent and daily.

Life: Our youngest came down with a morning fever {did I mention our kids are rarely sick?} which resulted in my tardiness to a work meeting.
Plan B: Snuggles galore with this little boy typically too enamored with life's adventures to stop for a mere second and hug his mother!

Life: A sushi date ~ two patio seats basked in summer dusk and inviting us to sit, and the Viva Las Vegas Roll calling our name, only to receive word that our oldest son had a 102 fever!
Plan B: Our next date night location and menu selection already anticipated {make that two Viva Las Vegas Rolls}, and the 45 minute drive to pick up the boys from their doting grandparents gifted us much-needed quality conversation.

 

Life: In celebration of Tanner's 4th birthday, Mimi and Papa planned a surprise outing to Zoomar's Petting Zoo {if you are an Orange County local, check it out here}, but had to hit the pause button when the Birthday Boy's stubborn fever insisted on lingering on/off for several days.
Plan B: Quality grandparent time at home ~ movies splurges, puzzle creations, and yes, ice cream cones... 'cuz what birthday is complete without ice cream?

Life: Not enough room in our small bedroom closet.
Plan B: Eying blouses, sundresses, and sandals I haven't worn in a year, a bag full of fabulous finds for any gal in want of a new wardrobe awaits!

Life: Reality reminder from the Anxiety Bug gnawing at financial worries: my 6 week temporary job  has come to a fruitious completion.
Plan B: God's provision in the form of being asked to write a monthly article for TRU, my contribution geared towards encouraging parents. Hello!
Learn about this incredible spiritual parenting ministry, TRU, here.

 

Life: Piecing coolers, smores ingredients, beach towels, and EZ-UP canopies Jenga-style in the Pathfinder, beach-bound to celebrate our now healthy, 4 year-old's birthday in true bonfire fashion, only to discover that not a single beach-pit was vacant!
Plan B: Updating the fam on Birthday Bonfire's new location ~ The Pogue Cottage! Being that Tanner's only wish was to celebrate with his cousins, he was just as excited! Everyone pitched in to create backyard summer magic, and my sister-n-law saved the day by bringing their killer water slide and portable fire-pit! An impromptu makeshift Spiderman banner, blue Ball Jars overflowing with Red Vines, mini Rolos Smores, and clean bathrooms made it the perfect Bonfire Party! Without sand!

Plan B.
It's a looser, hands-open, faith-focused place to live.
Years have taught me that while it's wise to make plans, it's my mindset during the process, the potential changes and shifts in those plans, that directly effect the outcome.
Life doesn't take orders, our calendars only have so much room, and our plans aren't always His plans.
The "go-with-the-flow" approach has carried over from friends I admire, a city oozing with a kick-back vibe, and an unwavering desire to rest confidently in the center of my My Heavenly Father's plans.


Try it.
Go with the flow.
Be flexible.
Be surprised.
Be amazed at how often Plan B grows you in ways Plan A wouldn't.

Just watch, it may better than anything you could have planned!

My Mother's Day Dream

To all you moms out there,  

Happy almost Mother's Day!

Being a mom, means pouring yourself out day after day

Wiping noses, breathing in giggles, sacrificing your time for their time.

Cutting endless halves of pb&j, modeling forgiveness, and throwing in one more load of laundry.

Being a mom means forfeiting temporary sleep for Candy land dreams.

And, being a mom beckons taking some time out for you.

To recharge your battery.

Fill up your cup.

And remind you of what is important.

And frivolously fun...

For Mom's Day, here are some things that have caught my eye...

Gap sweater 

Gap Hoodie Cover-Up

 J. Crew striped dress

{are you seeing my striped obsession?}

This cute number from Banana Republic

A striped cardigan, Banana

 

A subscription to this magazine

 

A refill of my favorite perfume, Ralph Lauren Romance 

 

 Some rose bushes for our yard. I adore fresh picked flowers sprinkled throughout our home, and these roses are known for their strong, sweet fragrance. 

Heritage, an English rose.

Double Delight, a fragrant hybrid rose.

Radiant Perfume 

And what bouquet wouldn't look fab in these glass vases from One Kings Lane

 

Cute, outdoor pouf

 

 Dar dishtowels

from

 Crate & Barrel

 

And this cute sign for drying our suits!

But more than anything, I live for these moments ~

watching my boys throw seashells,

and being silly with their daddy.

Throw in my favorite chocolate craving

and evening margaritas with homegrown limes,

family time with Mana and Papa Shorty,

and Pops and Mimi

and you've got

one

blessed 

mom!