{first} snowfall.

On Tuesday mornings I have a work meeting, so Andrew has dad duty. On the way home from my meeting, I had the plans for the day running through my head. Lunch. Target for returns. Maybe play with some puppies at the pet shop. Organize some more Christmas decorations. But when I came home and the rain just kept coming and Audrey asked if we could just stay home, I said okay.

I'm so glad she did. Because we would have been galloping around Target and missed out on watching our very first snow fall of the year. We literally watched out our window as the rain began to turn to giant snowflakes. Immediately Audrey wanted to get geared up to go outside even if it wasn't sticking yet.

And so we did. I abandoned my plans and enjoyed the magical moment.

Within a very short amount of time we had a small amount of accumulation.

I watched it from my kitchen window in awe.

What would playing in the snow be without coming inside for some

hot chocolate with homemade whipped cream and sprinkles?

I usually despise the cold and winter months. But for some reason this year, I'm like bring it. There is something so enticing about being forced to stay inside like trapped in a snow globe and just slow down. To give up plans. And just be. Come February I will be wishing away the cold, I'm sure. But for now, I will put on my fuzzy socks, curl up with blanket, and tell Naomi for the umpteenth time to leave the ornaments alone.

29.

Tomorrow I will begin my last year in my twenties. It's only natural to reflect on the last {almost} decade and know that these years have been good. Not always easy, but good. I'm thankful that I'm no longer trying to find my path in life, but I'm comfortable in this skin that is slowly aging. With lines of laughter and marks of motherhood.

I may not have that enormous house that I wrote about when I was ten in my little diary. But my heart. Oh, it's so much bigger than I could have ever dreamed. And to think, this year, my 29th year, it will grow even bigger with the addition of number three come May.

In my twenties, I've experienced death in one of the hardest ways of losing the woman who birthed me. I've learned that life is short. {But eternity is coming. And sweet reunions.} And sweating the small stuff really is silly. And mostly, I want to become more aware of others and less consumed with myself. This, I'm always working on.

I'm so thankful I have arrived. I'm in the now. This is life. I'm not wishing away the days or eagerly wanting to be older (I remember doing this many times in my teen years). I'm learning that life is made up the struggles and the joys, what matters, is how you respond to it all. {Often times I need to remind myself of this.}

Bring it 29. Teach me a lesson or two. I'm ready for it.

**Photos by the beautiful, Liz Russell.**

{right} before my eyes.

She says things like I'm so brave, mama. I'm going to tell daddy how I climbed this all by myself today! And Look, the horse is galloping. And No, No, Naomi, we don't put leaves in our mouth.

And her sister, isn't going any slower. Her understanding of my words, astounds me. Her smile is contagious.

 And her delight when she sees an animal is infectious.

[This I know.] These are the hardest and best years of my life.

And today, I'm taking it one day at a time. Because, they are growing up right before my eyes.

to the market.

Holiday weekends are the best, aren't they? I love having the excuse to do absolutely nothing except spend time with the people you care most about. That's exactly what we have been doing. Including one of my most favorite things--go the farmer's market on Saturday mornings. It's becoming our little family tradition. Audrey knows she can expect some delicious kettle corn and go dance with the bird man. Heck, Naomi has been going since she was just four days old. And now, she is almost nine months. {whoa}

Today I picked up the biggest zucchini I have ever seen, tomatoes, cucumbers, wild red plum jelly, the most amazing peaches I have ever tasted, and some free flowers given to us because my girls are just so darn cute. [I'm not a proud mama or anything.] Then I tried to snap some pictures of the girls with a beautiful brick background at the market. I managed two shots, because they were more interested in the brick then looking at me.

One of my all time favorite pictures I captured today has nothing to do with the market.

But I cannot resist sharing this most adorable bum picture.

The rolls are as scrumptious as they look. 

this is what you would see on a sunday.

Yesterday we were at the park [Folks, it got up to 73 degrees here, it was amazing.] and some boys were playing football. I told Audrey to yell "Go, go go!" and instead she yelled "Go, Colts!"

We are a football family, specifically an Indianapolis Colts family. There's no denying it.

Most Sunday afternoons this is what our home looks like.

Let's talk about this picture for a sec, shall we? My little sister (who was in the hospital just the previous weekend) is playing with Audrey and Jonathan on the floor- they were having a blast. My dad is hiding in the back, laying down on the couch. Andrew is probably checking his football stats on his phone while watching the game. My older sister is holding Naomi. And who knows where my younger brother, Caleb, is, he was there, somewhere, probably getting more food. My other younger brother, Isaiah, was also there with his beautiful wife, Allie. For a total of eleven people. That doesn't even include my oldest sister and her husband who live too far away for my liking. [Lisa, feel free to move back anyday now.]. My family is big and ever growing. So when we invite over just my family, you get a herd. Maybe one day we will have a herd of our own, just maybe.

Our Sunday afternoon home is filled with family, lots of food, and chaos. Just the way we like it. Our home isn't big. We have one bath. Three bedrooms. A living room. And eat-in-kitchen. But it's filled with a lot, I mean, a lot, of love. 

It's our messy, Sunday tradition.

these days.

These days are good. Like, I'm actually really enjoying this whole I have a toddler-and-newborn stage. And I think I'm getting the hang of it (sort of). Now before you go and grab a tomato to throw at me, know that I'm so far from perfect. Because there are days where I want to lock myself in the bathroom and have a second to myself with a coke in hand. And just Monday, it was 4pm and only one of us were out of our pjs (which was Naomi only because she had a blow-out). And last week I let Audrey watch way too much tv because I was so, so tired. [You are getting the point, right?]

But, for real, these days are good.

I may just be sayin' this right now because Naomi gave me 7 hours of sleep in a row again last night. But, hey, I'll take it and be all happy about it.

Or I may be sayin' it because I really love what I do. And this is the truth. Motherhood rocks.

Being a mom makes you get bundled up and go outside on really cold days just because your two-year-old wants to play in the corn, mama. And then you get to see the fall beauty outside and feel the beautiful crisp air all because of your little one.

Like I said, motherhood rocks. I recommend it to anyone.

twenty-eight.

Today I'm another year older. And I do believe, you grow wiser with each year as well. [In fact, older women (and men) are so intriguing to me and the stories they have to share about their long-lived life.]

Twenty-eight is going to be good, I think. I don't wish to be younger and I don't want to wish away my days to be older. I want to live for now and be in the moment [at twenty-eight].

I'm incredibly blessed.

That's all.

proof is in the mess.

My patience was growing short yesterday morning. I was getting snappy with Audrey for reasons that I shouldn't have been, I mean, she's two, I can't expect her to be older. So I stopped myself and quickly thought of a place we could go to get out of the house.

The beach.

Yeah, it's cold. But the water and sand is such a refreshing place for me. And I knew Audrey would love it and Naomi would enjoy being right next to me in the sling. And bonus, hardly any one was there except for a sweet old couple taking a walk and a fisherman out in the water.

I grabbed my camera and put in the diaper bag. But when we got there, I didn't want to bother with trying to capture the moment, so the camera stayed nestled between the tiny diapers. We found shells, wet leaves, acorns, and hopped on the squishy sand. At first I told Audrey not to go near the water because her shoes would get dirty. Paaallleeeassse. That's silly. We were at the beach, touching the water was a must. So our dirty shoes went right up to the water and the water tickled our fingers.

On the way home Audrey fell asleep and as I picked her up out of the van I looked down at the mess. And almost began to get frusterated. How does our van get so messy so quickly? But it didn't matter. Because that mess, it was proof of our life well-lived. The popcorn kernals from the Farmer's Market all over the floor. The clean, empty dish that I need to return to a friend because she made us a lovely dinner. The empty juice container and raisins scattered, point to our abundance in food. The sandy shoes from our beach trip. The candy trash from a recent birthday party we attended. Now, I did end up cleaning up in the van. But, it was a happy clean up (if that makes sense).

I'm so thankful I have these girls to make messes and make my life so much more beautiful.

By the way, Naomi is already three weeks old today.

me {right now}.

I read her books with enthusiam even though I am so very tired. Trying not to wish away this special time that I get with just her. I ask her what songs she would like me to sing tonight as I gently rub her back with my hands that have motherly wear to them. She request Itsy Bitsy Spider, Jesus Loves Me, and Jesus Loves the Little Children. My voice comforts her even though I would never dare to sing by myself in front of an audience. We say our prayers and goodnights.

The door shuts only for me to be able to go and comfort my other little one. I nurse her and think has it really already been a week since she was born? She is nourished with my very own body.

I kiss my husband goodbye as he leaves for work, at 9:30 at night. [He worked an extra full day, but sometimes he still has to catch up during the late hours. This is our norm.]

I lay her fragile body down to make a cup of hot tea for myself. I breathe a heavy sigh.

As my tea steeps I hear our first-born crying. I'm amazed at how I can calm her so quickly with an extra touch to the back and rock of the body. She's back asleep.

I sit and drink my not-so-hot tea now. And I am thankful. Not because my life is filled with glamourous moments or a lot of time for myself. [Because it definitely is not.] But I'm thankful for the ability to comfort and love.

reflection.

• It's been four days now since our family became four. And I can't believe how natural it feels.
• I'm more confident this time around and much more relaxed. I'm so thankful we were able to come home early from the hospital and that Naomi didn't have spend any time hooked up to monitors or making a trip to Riley Hospital like we did with Audrey at this point.
• We have already made it out of the house twice. Once to the park yesterday and once to the Farmer's Market today.
• So thankful for the meals that have been made for us. I seriously think this is one of the best things a new mom can get.
• I totally teared up when Audrey met Naomi for the first time. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.
• Audrey is so gentle and sweet with her. Loves to hug, kiss, and hold her, but not overbearing (yet).
• The hardest part of having a newborn right now hasn't been actually having a newborn, it's been Audrey acting out from all the change. Our little (almost) two-year-old has managed to learn to open all the doors in the house in the last two days and has decided to come out during naptime on her own with only an hour nap (she almost always takes a two hour one). She also has had a harder time going to sleep. Usually she is a great sleeper/napper.
• And ohmygosh, have I mentioned how big Audrey is now? I swear, she grew overnight. I look at her and think where did my baby go? And also? My love for Audrey grew like crazy.
• I'm bias, but I pretty much think I have the cutest newborn, eva.

peachy keen.

Just checking in to say hello and I hope you all are having a beautiful Labor Day weekend. Our weather is about as good as it gets right now. [I even wore a light scarf to church this morning. You know, because I have been wanting to whip these out now that it is fall to me.]

One of my favorite moments from the weekend so far was at the Farmer's Market when we were given a peach to eat from two sweet Amish girls no older than 10. I was going to buy it, but they insisted on us having it. I plan on paying it forward to someone else. Even though it was just a peach, it made my morning, and I think I will keep those Amish girls close to my heart as a reminder to myself.

A Farmer's Market morning.

nourished.

Garage sales. Check. Farmer's Market. Check. Lovely afternoon naps. Check. Praising Jesus. Check. Beach moments. Check. Relaxation at the park while listening to a free concert. Check. Lots of daddy-daughter moments that make my heart jump. Double check.

These moments fill me up. Right when I feel like I'm withering like a flower without water, I get nourished with a flood of love moments.

Feeling so restored from the weekend. And I hope you are too.

these moments.

These are the moments I want to remember. Because the little things in life are so big.

Sitting on the edge of the back door listening to the mowers around.

Eating a peanut butter sandwich.

Finding a caterpillar on the ground.

Then being surprised by a worm that pops out.

These moments happen without planning. Without spending. Without rush. Without an agenda.

These are my favorite moments.

just a day.

It's these days I love. I breathe in and breathe out. And bottle up these moments so I can have them forever. Then sometimes open up the lid just ever so slightly so I can smell all the sweetness from it.  

Not just the days we go on a special trip like to the museum [although those days are fun and cherished!], but the simple days.

Like the days we visit daddy at work usually with a lunch or just a surprise drop-in to say hello, exchange kisses and go on our way. It brightens all of our days.

Then we head to the park. And more moments are made on just a day.

I'm convinced it was a secret park. Hidden in a bubble that no one else could come into. It was just me and Audrey at this small park on a sunny 60 degree day.

Just a {simply} lovely day.

And she grew up right before my eyes.

Monday Rambles on a Tuesday.

I'm a day late on my usual Monday Rambles. But that's okay because as I am typing I am eating Sour Patch Gummies and that makes me happy. In fact I think I will just make this my happy list...

• We have had some incredible weather here. We spent two hours at the park yesterday. It was so fun to see Audrey on the park as a toddler. I was reminded of how grateful I am that I can take Audrey anytime during the day to do fun things like that. I don't ever want to take for granted that I stay home with Audrey, because I know how hard it is for working moms. And I respect them so much.
• Audrey's pigtails. Need I say more?


• I had my 10 week check up today and heard the heartbeat with the doppler. Everything looks great. I am still getting sick, but looking on the positive side, it's not as much!
• I am going shopping for a dress tomorrow to wear to a wedding that we are attending in two weeks. And I don't even think I am going to Goodwill for it. Whoa. I know. I am super excited about the wedding, because I get to spend some much needed quality time with just my husband. Audrey is going to be in the loving care of my really good friend, Stephanie and her husband, Drew. It will be our first time away from Audrey, but I am 100% confident that she will be fine because they pretty much love her like she was their own. And I have a feeling they are going to spoil her.
• I almost forgot- I won something on a blog this week! Not just any blog, I love reading what Steph has to say over at Adventures in Babywearing. She is a mother of four, and just so amazing. She was putting on a special online baby shower for her friend, Beth and everything Beth received they were also giving one away to a reader. And I won something! I won an amazing Sleepy Wrap (baby carrier) from Heavenly Hold. I chose the orange one- I wanted to try out a fun different color. I can't wait to use this wrap with baby #2. I love babywearing!

That wraps up my happy list. What's on your happy list this week?

The Joys of Parenting.

One of my most favorite times of the day is when Audrey first wakes up. We hear her talking to herself and jumping up and down in her crib until daddy goes and gets her. Then I hear Mama from afar until it gets closer and closer. Mama Mama Mama. Then I see her smiling face and daddy lifts her up into bed with me, I get a quick hug and kiss and then she is ready to go. Down. No matter how tired I am in the morning, those moments are so precious to me. 

Then when we go to bed we are reminded of our morning snuggles when Andrew pulls back the covers and lays on a toy whisk.

These are the joys of parenting.

Come On Get Higher

Did my post title remind of you of anything? And no, not an old hippie. I was thinking about that song Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson, which I happen to like a lot.

Of course, this post has nothing to do with Matt, or an old hippie for that matter. But it has everything to do with my sweet Audrey Rose.

She has become quite the climber. Not so much on tables (thank goodness) or even stairs (only every now and then), but she loves to climb on her chairs. One of which is her little rocking chair that was her daddy's when he was little. *tear

She's such a big girl now. I can't even stand it.

And this my friends, might happen 3-4 times in a row at least 3-4 times a day.

Oh, and notice the necklace. She picks one out each day to wear. She's a girl after my own heart. What can I say.

Gah. I love her.

Don't touch the yellow stuff.

We finally got a real good snow fall yesterday. A blanket of white is everywhere. It's beautiful. And it's peaceful. And it's a good excuse to stay in your pajamas all day. Not that I would do such a thing. Ahem.

We bundled Audrey up and out she went to experience snow for the first time. We whipped out a piece of cardboard and towed Audrey around in our front yard. Don't you wish we were your neighbor? I can't help it that we are ghetto cool like that.

This is the Life.

One of my all-time favorite things to do: be on the water. There is something so incredibly peaceful about being surrounded by such calm water that it looks like glass. I love how God's beauty stares you in the face so hard that you want to stare right back and take it all in.

I hope Audrey will enjoy being on a boat and in water as much as I do. Some of my best memories growing up were on a boat. She seemed to have enjoyed her first trip we took this weekend. She fell sleep when we were speeding on the way out and on the way back in. We set up a "tent" for her to block her from the sun while she slept. She loves to sprawl out when she sleeps. Oh, and the adorable swimsuit came from Old Navy on sale for $8. Holla!

Vanilla wafers were a big hit among the cousins.

[Ohmygosh- are they not the cutest things ever? Seriously. My heart is melting at this very moment.]

Sporting the new Body Glove gear that Grandpa got them. It was a little big for Audrey, sort of swallows her up. But she enjoyed using it as a teether.

I just can't get enough of her. And yes, that is my new swimsuit from Old Navy- on sale for $24.50 total.

After a day at the lake on Saturday. We went and had a worship service at an overlook of the lake this morning. It was beautiful.

This is the life.