moving toward 38 | what i learned

During church last week the speaker talked about a birthday tradition his family has. At family dinner the person celebrating their birthday shares what they learned from that year. I thought it was such a great idea I'm going to implement it in my family this year and since my birthdays first I'll get us started.



Always trust Adam. He's almost always right, operative word being almost.

When a trip presents itself, go, especially to an exotic location.

London and Paris are at the top of my list for favorite cities. I am happy to go back anytime.

Do not move, go on vacation, buy and house and begin a renovation project all at the same time. The aftermath is disastrous.

Home is where your loved ones are.

I can get by with a lot less sugar, but not less chocolate.

I love my dishwasher.

I have way too much stuff. I need to simplify.

Light brings peace and warmth.

Serving together as a family not only strengthens the family, but helps you become closer.

An animal adds so much to our family life. Our puppy has brought us together.

Photos and art help bring life to home.

Creativity and making things fills my soul.

It's ok to say no.

I enjoy online classes.

When dark days come don't loose hope -- lean on friends & family, delve into the scriptures, and pray.

Write down the inspiration you receive and reread it often to remember you've already got your answer.


Thank you for sticking with me this year through my blogging drought. It's good to reflect on the year, learn from it and move on. Thirty-eight has all the makings of a wonderful year. I cannot wait to get started.

the party

We wanted Bella to have a party she wouldn't soon forget so we decided to have Adam create one of his elaborate scavenger hunts. He does this on a whim all the time for our girls, creating demanding clues (he desperately wants them think), which usually includes the feelings fear, humor, and fun. He was excited for the challenge. It took way more work than I ever thought (he got so into it making a map, clues, getting neighbors involved, etc.), but as we soon found out it was well worth it.





He had the girls trekking around the neighborhood, entering backyards looking for clues (we talked to all of our neighbors ahead of time, but they didn't know that), big dogs to create fear, mazes, deciphering riddles and even french.



He had them calling grandparents, looking for clues online, using a compass, climbing trees, working through mathematical equations, and sabotaging innocent candies with sour. I think that was his favorite part and too bad he didn't get to see their reaction -- not even I got the full reaction, but heard afterward how disgusting it was.




Of course it all ended with a treasure box full of girly treasures they had to unearth.



She said it was her best birthday yet -- somehow i don't doubt it.

It's sure is good to be twelve!

twelve

sweet bella. we love you and know that if you stay the way you are, you'll always find what you're looking for.

happy birthday!

celebrating sweet 16

My mom is a leap year baby, celebrating her 16th birthday today, and consequently we are celebrating accordingly -- all day. My sister came into town for this very occasion, and while today may not live up the hype of her 15th birthday celebration (when she turned 60), we are giving her exactly what she wants -- time with her family.

Happy Birthday Mom! I am continually grateful for your example in my life and that I belong to you. I love you dearly and hope you have the bestest 16th birthday!! And how could you not with me around... winkwink ;)

P.S. Megan says, "grandma is awesome! i love being with her."

[36]5 days

[collection of iphone & canon 5d photos from my 35th year]

My world is far from perfect.
I'm tired most of the time.
There are relationships I long to mend.
I over think.
Sometimes what I say and what to do don't always meet up.
I'm insecure about a lot of things.

But

I have a husband who seeks to understand me, who will sacrifice his sleep to spend more time with me (love our late night chats), who makes me laugh at anytime, who loves me despite my flaws and irrationalities.

I have three beautiful daughters who work hard, who lavishes me with hugs and kisses, who light me up and keep me smiling, who have patience with me when I fall short.

I have lovely family and friends around me who i can look to and that inspire me.

I have a desire to be my best and am constantly working to improve.
I am not afraid to admit when I'm wrong.
I have a testimony of Jesus Christ.
I appreciate the "normal days" of life.
I let the details of my everyday help me see the joy and goodness all around me.
I am hopeful.

On this, my thirty-sixth year, I have plenty of room to improve, but I am exactly where I want to be -- I feel completely content and most blessed.
Bring on another 365 days. I can't wait!

xoxox

seven

It's not so much that she's seven that's throwing me for a loop, it's that she hasn't been a baby for seven years. I don't know, it just seems like yesterday that she was toddling around my house with kitty in toe. Maybe it's because not much has changed. She is still spunky. Still happy. Still loveable. Still a whole lot of Megan.







We joke around here, and have joked for years, that there is a lot of Megan--she definitely has a big personality. There are moments, I admit, where she is a lot to take in (she tends to talk a lot), but mostly she is an utter delight and I enjoy her enthusiasm. In fact, it's that enthusiasm and her love for life that I am grateful for as she has reminded me on more than one occasion just how amazing life can be.



Thank you little g for always making me smile!

tess bday revisted

I'm certain if you asked Tess she would tell you her birthday was a success, that she very much enjoyed her day. Except for maybe one part--piercing her ears.


It was of course her choice, but apparently she wasn't quite prepared for the stick. She later told me it felt like they had stuck pins in her ears and I gently had to reminder her that's exactly what they did. I mostly felt bad for the poor little girl who was watching Tess get them done. I guess the mom should never had told her daughter to watch and see how easy it was.

But before all that we had breakfast together as a family. Tess is one to never really know how to handle the attention of a birthday so we had to ease her into the lime light.



Of course she seemed to handle it pretty well once we got to the party. Even though the weather didn't cooperate like I had hope, the rain was off and on enough that she was still able to ride her new bike.



Speaking of her bike, Adam and I got her pretty good. When we got out of the car at the park to unload everything she noticed we did not bring her "old" bike just Megan's. She was devastated and began to cry. I assured her I would ask Grandma and Grandpa to stop home and bring it, but when they showed they didn't have it either--all part of my plan. She was super bummed which made me more excited to give her the "new" bike. Instead of making her wait after dinner and waste all the good riding time I grabbed it out of the car and started riding around the park. I yelled at her to get her attention that I had her bike and come get it. She seemed sort of confused at first, but once she got it she chased me down. She was and still is excited about her new ride.



It was a great day from start to finish and I'm glad she thought so. Later that night she gave me a big hug and thanked me for a fun day. Bless her heart--I would happily do it again and again.



I still look at her and am amazed that she is already nine. Everyday I am grateful I get to learn from her and watch her grow. She is a little bit goofy and a lot sweet and all mine. love you tessinni--never change.

eleven

She's turning eleven today, quite a milestone for her, for us, as I take another step back and give her more of the independence she is seeking. As my first she's unfortunately become my experiment in so many ways as I try to navigate my way through motherhood--how much to hold on, how much to let go. She is only eleven after all, but a mature eleven year old at that, one that has taught me countless lessons and who's wisdom goes far beyond my own. She has been an incredible gift to me and I thank God for sending her first because not only is she an amazing example to her younger sisters, but she easily forgives and understands that this is new to both of us and we're bound to stumble along the way. Everyday I hope and pray that learning together will be what keeps us strong.

What more can I say than I love this girl to pieces and adore her unique peaceful spirit that she so readily gives.

Happy Birthday miss Bella! I hope your day is as magical and full of goodness as you. love you lots xoxo

thirty-eight

This was us or I should say them this morning at our birthday breakfast for our favorite boy. They have been so excited for this day to come, they adore their father, as do I, and couldn't wait for his day to be special. The fact that his birthday landed on Saturday and they got to start the day off with him, at breakfast, was icing on the cake.

Our conversation began at Einsteins bagels with a question proposed by Adam, "What do you love most about me?"
Megan started declaring, "He always gives us presents."
Tess: "He's the best at tickle time and you make the best cookies."
Adam: "Yes, you're right, I do know my way around a 9x13 pan."
me: "He's very thoughtful, always thinks of others, and is a good father."
Bella: "I like it when he gives us riddles and he loves us for who we are."
me: "oh i like that, he definitely wants you do be your own person."
Megan: "oh and he's really really really really nice."

We all laughed and our breakfast celebration continued.

The girls have helped me write this post and reminded me about who said what and when. While we sit reminiscing about what happened an hour ago we all agree, we are so lucky and feel extremely blessed to have him--we are so happy he was born.

Happy Birthday luv!

best start

[photo by adam | it's so nice that he knows me well enough to document this moment without me having to tell him to.]

Although my birthday was full of good moments the most memorable was the one first thing in the morning. Waking up to little feet running up and down the hall, back & forth whispers, all of them huddled, pressing their ears to the door to determine whether or not I was up yet. They were excited to showering me with handmade birthday cards and breakfast in bed, all of it of their own doing, so I didn't make them wait too long. Once adam walked out and gave them the ok, they ran in & cuddled with me in bed til I was ready for any kind of bright light.

Waking up to them, their excitement, their thoughtful notes that said "you're the best mom ever", "you are sweet", and "I love you"--well, nothing can beat it. It was the best way to start my day.

Thirty-five

When I was headed to meet my family for lunch this afternoon I thought of this picture of me blowing out my candles on my second birthday. I don't remember the actual moment, in fact so many of my childhood memories are finding their way to that forgotten place deep in my mind, but I can recall the times I looked at this photo while growing through the years and I can remember German chocolate cake with it's pecan and coconut frosting to be a favorite of mine.



Immediately upon finding this photograph I was draw to my mother. I couldn't help, but think of this picture I took of myself in January and couldn't believe the resemblance between the two of us--her dark hair and eyebrows, distinct cheek bones, hair identical in style, and even wearing an outfit I might wear today.

If I have my math right, and I'm certain I do, my mom is 30 in this photograph (or days from turning 30) so I'm a few years older than her. I'd be celebrating my seventh birthday in this picture if my mom was 35 and it occurred to me more than before the way our lives mirror each other. She was here once, living the life I live now--young family, small kids. I imagine if I read her journals from those years she would share some of the same worries and concerns, have the same sort of dreams, and long to be the best wife and mother she could just like me.

From generation to generation big things change, life experiences make imprints and change our direction, but the little things, they stay the same. What was important to her then is important to me now. I think this must be God's way of telling us how much we need each other. She has wisdom that I need, she's done this before, and can't imagine a better woman to learn from--the woman who is responsible for my birthday.

I feel extremely blessed to have so many amazing people in my life. I would not be the person I am today without each one. And I say that with all sincerity. So thank you. Thank you for your friendship and love. Thank you for always reminding me that I am better than I think I am.

xxox,
amy gretchen

randoms from the month of May

Congrats to Bella! She got first place in her class spelling bee. She left that morning telling me she was going to come home with a trophy and she did. I think that's the secret in action.


This is the card Adam made for his mom for mother's day. It's little bits and pieces of email forwards she has sent him over the years. I thought it was endearing.


The lilacs have been out for a couple of weeks now and it's been a good couple of weeks. I love lilacs.


Tess took a few friends bowling for her birthday last Friday.


Saturday Adam and I spent a good amount of time looking for music. Always a good pass time for us. (photo by tess)


I took these 3 to get a Slurpee and as it turns out the machines were broken UGH! Surprisingly they did quite well with the news, but I had a feeling they wouldn't let me leave without getting them something. Here is Megan negotiating what else they could get as I take the picture. Shouldn't they have a sign from the street that says "machines down"?


Before we went to the cemetery we celebrated Tess and my niece Estee's birthdays. Don't those cupcakes look delicious? Let me tell you they were. My SIL Amy could go into business.


We went to Liberty park Memorial Day with our good friends who's daughter was having a birthday. It was a low key day walking around (the weather couldn't have been more perfect) talking while the kids played in the water attractions, and going on a few shady rides. Still can't believe we went on those old rides...I was less than certain we weren't going to fall to our death.

turning 8

I really cannot believe she's eight. Eight! It's not that I never thought this day would come, rather in my head she will always be that silly, sensitive four year old girl I saw in the picture I posted yesterday.



1. Everyone tells her how much she looks like her dad, but when I see her, I see me. I think she is the most like me.

2. She is sensitive and emotional.

3. She's one of the most compassionate people I know and would do anything to make someone happy, even if that means giving up something she wants.



4. She loves to spend time with Adam and I. Even if it's just being in the same room with us doing different things, where ever we are you will usually find her. I've come to find out that she's definitely a quality time kind of girl.

5. She just started the piano last fall and says she can't wait til she can play with Bella and Megan as they play their violin.



6. For someone who is quite picky about their food she eats non-stop. Among her favorites are hot dogs, oranges, cucumbers, beef stew, and pizza. Crazy for someone who claims she doesn't like cheese.

7. She's loves art and if she's not outside playing, she'll be inside drawing or painting.

8. She is such a daddy's girl and is heavily influenced by him. For instance her favorite song is One Day by Matisyahu.

Happy Birthday sweet Tess! I love you.

she's 10!

It's crazy. It really is, that I've been a mother for 10 years. I knew the day would come when you would look across the table and see your little child, grown into a little lady, able to participate in conversations and yet still excited about the little things. She's definitely her own self full of her own individual ideals, but still enough mine that I'm allowed an opinion as well....wonder when that will change? Three, maybe five years.

Here is a list of 10 things I love and adore about the girl she has become...
(I could have gone on and on)



-She loves knowledge. Craves it.
-Her favorite TV shows are Nova, Everyday Italian, and American Idol.
-She has a fabulous memory. If you want to know what color shirt a character wore in a movie, you ask her. If you want to know the lyrics of a song, you ask her. If you want to know what day we left and come home from a vacation, you ask her. She knows. Seriously. I would trust her account above my own or anyone else's any day.
-She loves hamburgers and 5guys.
-She loves getting lost in the world of words. She's a reader. She's been known to write as well and even won the reflections contest at school this year for a poem she wrote.



-She likes alone time. I think it's something she needs daily to replenish her spirit. She's like her dad in that way and I have learned to love it.
-She's aware of what she's not good at and wants to improve. I'm not exactly sure where this comes from or if everyone has it and it comes at different times. It's not something that weighs her down, rather she's conscious of it and wants to be her best self.
-She doesn't loose control...ever!
-She has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.
-She loves animals.
-She has the most beautiful color eyes. They're greyish-blue. Very unique just like her.


Doesn't she looks so old in this picture? I can totally picture what she will look like as a teenager.

Love your guts Bella.
I hope you have a magical day.
love, mom

monday miscellany

-It's been a cleaning day today. Love Mondays.

-I never mind cleaning days when I'm listening to a book. I've been listening to Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese. I started it last summer and never finished, not sure why. I'm quite enjoying it today.


-Bella had a birthday party at the local rec center Friday after school. The highlight of the party for me was when the 7 year old named Dillon crashed the party. We were passing out pizza to all the girls when I noticed a strange boy sitting at the table ready and willing to eat. I asked him if he was suppose to be at this party and he said, "Yes, my mom dropped me off". I was laughing so hard about it I just couldn't kick him out, plus he was so insistent that he was suppose to be there. It's funny, it took a long while for Bella and her friends to notice him. Once they did they asked him if he was going to a girls or boys party. He said, "boys". As soon as he said it you could see something in his brain click. He scanned the room and realized it was a "girls" party. His face went bright red and ran out of the room. Good thing he got his fill of pizza first.

-Nothing like letting the fresh air in to help clean away the weekend. I am savoring these spring like days while they last. I hear it's suppose to snow tomorrow. :(


-Now that I have 3 hours a day to do my shopping when I need to take kids with me it's a wonder how I was able to do it all those year.


-I was sent the WC brochure in the mail last week. I have to say it was pretty creepy/crazy seeing my name in print, however, I am feeling a little more excited about it.

FYI for those of you who want to come to my class and my class only. I found out that unless you purchase a ticket through me you will need to purchase a day ticket which is $25. I am more than happy to get you a ticket for my class only I just need you to 1) email me, including your name and address & 2) send me $9 before March 31 (I will send a reply email letting you know where to send money). The tickets will be mailed to me and I will send it by mail to you. Now I don't believe these tickets guarantee you a spot. I can't imagine the class will fill up, but I know if it does they won't let you in so allow time for parking/walking.

monday miscellany

-It's suddenly quiet now. The giggling little girls left for school and I'm finding I'm missing hearing their laughter in the distance.

-I need to know, how can loosing 1 hour make it feel like you've lost 8? I woke up this morning knowing I slept fabulously, but didn't feel rested. Instead I felt like I was making myself get out of bed at 2am. I noticed that even Adam and the girls were effected so it wasn't just me. Looking forward to my body adjusting to the time.

-I do, however, love the light in the evening. I don't enjoy loosing the light in the morning, but man do I love feeling like there's more time in the day.

-I started The Forgotten Garden last night and wish I hadn't. It captured me right away and it's all I can do not to steal away on the couch and read the day away.


-We celebrated Adam, my father-in-law Tom, and Bella's birthdays at our house on Satruday evening. Bella didn't know until a few hours before that we were celebrating her birthday as well. It was funny to see her anticipation grow even though she was already so looking forward to all the cousins coming. FYI she is the best person to give gifts to because her reaction make you feel like you gave the perfect gift...and it's usually true.

-I keep getting these strange phantom itches on my ear lobe. I still can only feel part of my left ear and absolutely no feeling on my ear lobe (not a surprise, I was told that would most likely happen). Anyway, my ear keeps itching, but when I go to itch it I can't feel it so there is no relief. It's maddening.

- I feel slightly guilty about blogging right now. I'm suppose to using these few hours while everyone's gone working on WC. I spent a good 6 hours yesterday working on it and retyping what I already have because I lost my file. Don't ask me how. Lucky for me, since it's already happened once (loosing my talk), I've been in the habit of printing it out when I leave the computer. So glad I did.


I went to lunch with my friend Dani last week, even though I wasn't expecting it, she bought me lunch for my birthday. It's always so hard to try to make lunch dates fit, but decided if you really want something you find a way. It was so good to see her, she the type of friend who always comes with a smile on her face and always makes you feel loved. Thanks for a great afternoon Dani.

-One of my new favorite things: when a bill comes in the mail, particularly a medical bill, and it says I owe $0.00.


Last Monday night for FHE we had an art lesson. The girls have been drawing a lot lately so Adam decided to give us all a lesson on vanishing points and perspective. It was very useful to me as well. It was a huge hit with the girls, in fact I've never seen them pay so much attention, even Megan kept from talking.

it's my boys birthday

We woke up to snow on his birthday last year. I remember waking up really early, for some reason I couldn't sleep, and took this as the sun was rising. Still one of my favorite photos.

I'm safe inside this morning listening to my girls and their cousins laugh and thinking about my boy. It's his birthday today, but I already told you that. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world and I blame him for it. Thought I would share with you why.



There is never a dull moment when he's around.
He has a way of making you feel.
When he loves, he loves with his whole heart.
He's always looking for an opportunity to serve.
He quietly puts up with my many sp.



He's an artist.
His art is uninhibited.
He likes old and used things.
He has very specific opinions and isn't afraid to share them.
He is not a fan of TV and reminds me frequently, "TV will always disappoint".
Because of me he has a fondness for almond toffee symphony bars.
He's not afraid to work.
He's not afraid of anything....except confined spaces.
He's confident.
He lives life to the fullest.



He loves books.
He reads about inspiring men and woman.
He has the best taste in music, especially the more emotional tunes.
He loves the fall.
He has a thing for the Northwest.



He loves to travel.
He loves architecture.
He will travel 40 minutes just to find a good place to have breakfast and walk around.
He's a pizza snob.
He's a great host.
He enjoys entertaining.
It's all about the mood for him.
He loves creating the perfect ambiance, which for him includes great music and low lighting.
He loves candle light.
He's touch is healing.



He's handsome.
He has the most inviting blue eyes.
He's understanding.
He is good at surprises and anticipation.
He's fond of giving gifts.
He likes to shop at Banana Republic.
He's a writer.
He loves to share what he knows and learns.
He gives of himself freely.
He's a morning person.
He enjoys his time alone.
He really dislikes anyone who calls after 8pm. You are forewarned.
He dislikes obligations.
He's not a fan of small talk.
He loves deep meaningful conversations.
He's encouraging and helps you believe you can do anything.
He enjoys spending time with his family.



He's the best father.
He loves to make his girls laugh.
Any free moment he has he saves it for us.
He's my best friend.



He motivates me to be a better person.
He makes me feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
He taught me what it means to love.
He taught me what it means to live.
He is my everything and I thank God daily that he is mine forever.

Happy Birthday my love. I love you like salt.