Captured

"A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away."   Eudora Welty

Gnight..love

the Californians.

Happy Wednesday out there! Hope this middle of the week is all kinds of wonderful for you. Can you believe this summer is winding down already?! When I was a kid it was always such a bummer as the nights got darker earlier and I knew school was right around the corner. Who am I kidding, it still bums me out some..summer is amazing!! We are definitely trying to get out as much fun of the season as possible. Which we did a good job of just this last weekend!
Our friends from the OC made the flight over to good ol' Idaho and stayed with us Friday through Monday. It was the best time, getting to show them around and spending quality time learning more about them individually and as a family. They are such a cute match, have been married a year and a half and have the most adorable six month old baby girl! My husband was a groomsman in their wedding and we were all able to witness their special day but of course were unable to spend time just hanging out. Rightfully so, with the busyness going on! This trip sure was a blessing, nonstop fun and fellowship, lots of talking and laughing! Our boys absolutely adored sweet little Autumn and now want a baby sister..EEEK!! ;) We were able to hit up the local farmers market, walk around downtown and you know it..coffee shop stops made the cut!! They really love the Lord, having them here was very refreshing and extremely encouraging! We are so thankful for their friendship. Here are some snapshots of our time, enjoy!

love! 

Attitude of Gratitude

Well, hi! Let me tell you, I get determined all the time to be more consistent with my writing and well it doesn't always work out that way. I sure am trying though!!  

We've had our share of lounge days this summer but for us this hot season is always an adventure! A couple of weeks ago we made a quick weekend trip to the Portland area along with visiting the coast!

 Our days are usually jam packed with activities which we love and plenty of time to relax and hang out with family at night. One of my closet cousin friends and her husband are expecting a sweet baby boy in September and I was lucky to be able to make it to her shower her awesome church family threw!

She and I were like peanut butter and jelly growing up and I am beyond excited getting to be a part of their parenthood journey. I truly can't wait to see my boys and their guy get to be the best of pals and cousin friends just as we were and are!! Another tiny one to love and snuggle!! As quick as our trip was the weekend was enjoyable and not at all rushed. 

Ryder and Linc are so adaptable and really are just troopers even when they get tired. Parenting is full of new learning experiences and present PLENTY of opportunities to practice patience. Some of those "ops" we fail miserably, might want to scream a little but overall I just am gonna take a moment to praise my precious boys. They have gotten so many compliments, Ryder mostly, Linc is still pretty young, about how polite they are. At times I feel as though I'm always urging them to use manners, "what do you say"? Feeling like a nagging mama, but personally I feel like today being respectful has just gotten lost. So when darling old ladies appreciate little guys being gentlemen that warms my heart and makes tough parenting days extremely worthwhile!! 

Anything in particular you and your family/kids are working on? How do you show them you're proud of them? I'd enjoy hearing what works best for encouraging your loved ones! 

Thanks for taking a time out to catch up, I'm gonna go watch my littles "lead worship"!

(In concert at his grandparents the other day)

Ryder has a makeshift stage, they get out their "b-tars" and sing their hearts out.

 So moving and amazing to encounter!! Thank you, Jesus! Have a fantastic rest of your Thursday!! 

Summer Storms

Hey again. Looks like I jumped from spring right into this blazin summer! This area definitely experiences its fair share of heat but this year it came on so early!!! June had a couple weeks straight of 100+ degree temps. Way, way too hot to do anything outdoors. My littles do not enjoy being cooped up, so we are doing what we can to keep busy! 

Luckily we have had out of town family visiting off and on which has made for some fun sleepovers, eating out and overall good times! My guys are so loved by so many and I am truly just so thankful! 

My heart has been heavy some lately and  it's been tough to shake to be honest. As much as I actually love these real life summer storms we've been having(thundering as I write) I can't say the same for life's wind and rain. I can easily fall into a pattern of taking on others burdens and maybe even worrying about issues that are not in my scope of control. Wanting the best for everyone and cringing when I see a path being taken that I wouldn't take myself. My biggest problem I suppose is that I keep using "I". It's not about me. And there is  not a single thing I can do. Especially not in my own strength. God, can. And I trust that he will work everything out for his good! Totally easier said than done, but once I'm in a place of thankfulness and gratitude, my peace arrives. 

My blessings overwhelm me. His ways are higher than ours and his mercies new each day. When dark skies are getting the best of you, grab a hold of his word and stand on his promises! Pray words of encouragement over your family, friends anyone who comes to mind. :) 

Love.  

Karate Kid

Well, hellooo! How goes things?! :) I realize I did tell myself I'd stay in the swing of things and post more regularly but well I get a big thumbs down for sure!    

The culprit? Life! Being a wife and mama is by far the greatest gift in the world and one that keeps me all kinds of busy. Both little guys are growing and hitting every milestone that comes along. 

My Lincoln, 18 months already is just cruising these days! Running, jumping..anything to be like his big bro. And talking up a storm! Mind you, we so far can only translate a handful of words but my oh my he has plenty to say. My favorites are "tuss" (toast) and "dodge" with a silent d (garage)!!! Serious music to my ears! Oh and instead of "Da" my husband is now "Da-eeeeeeee", all day everyday, lol! 

Then there is our Bubba, Mr. Ryder. Four years old, and of course has to know everything and asks only about 1,000 questions a day! He goes through spurts of what particular toys he'll play with week to week and right now he's back "into" Rescue Bots, basically Transformers for small folks. Also, just a couple weeks ago his auntie put him on his cousins bike without training wheels and off he went! Hasn't looked back since and rides like a pro on his very own big kid bike! I may get a lump in my throat on occasion watching him, it's the cutest thing and he is so proud! So many new adventures! Including, karate. We initially had taken him to a class a couple of months ago which he hated! The kids in his class were all way older and there really was a lack of instruction, so I totally felt his pain. However, we signed him up at a place closer to home and though it took a few classes to warm up, he now  loves going! He has always been super independent and polite but tai kwon do just cushions those qualities even more. It's the neatest thing to watch, he follows directions, is loud and is "behaving like a black belt sir"! Can you tell I'm pretty proud of him?!

Such a fun thing to be a boy mom!  

How about you, I'd love to hear what's new?! 

Love.