Our Zoom Zoom

There are times in life that everything stops - time passes but life remains still.

We had some difficult news this past week. News that someone so close to our hearts has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She is a women of strength, beauty, and laughter - she has an amazing way of bringing life to a room, smiles to ones face, and love to so many. Christine "Zoom" is not only Jared's godmother, but she is a friend, an aunt, a cousin, a daughter, and an "adopted" Grandma to our family. I'm writing this blog today in order to surround her with prayer. She means so much to so many and I know this is a time that our God is greater than this disease. I've seen miracles. I've seen healing. I've seen the way prayer can impact a situation. Please pray that as Zoom enters this long journey, that she is surrounded with care, wisdom, and most of love.

We love you Zoom! Let's beat this!

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand ~ Isaiah 41:10

Tag! Your it!

My friend Meghan sent me this tag - thanks Megs! It's fun and a great way to know your friends a bit better.

* I am: a child of God

* I want: to give my children a life filled with love

* I have: a great family, a cozy home, and friends who I admire

* I dislike: olives

* I miss: my sweetie!!! 4 months 1 week to go!!!

* I fear: being alone

* I feel: grateful, blessed, and loved

* I hear: Miss K needing some momma love

* I crave: sushi!!!

* I cry: very easily - a bit on the emotional side. Jared says, “Your leaking again!!”

* I usually: juggle school, being a mom, and staying peaceful

* I search: where our family will be living next...new city, new schools, and a new life

* I wonder: what heaven is like

* I regret: not enjoying the first couple months of Miss K’s life. I was to busy trying to perfect - that we cannot be!

* I love: my God, my hubby, my children, my family, my friends, my life!

* I care: about the feelings of others

* I always: dream of tomorrow

* I worry: too much - this is my work in progress!

* I am not: great at prioritizing my days

* I remember: my wedding day, the birth of my two beauties, and the way my parents have loved me

* I believe: that tomorrow is a new day

* I dance: around the house with the kiddos - we’re a bit on the WILD side!

* I sing: in the shower, in the car, in the house, I guess about everywhere. Jared’s favorite song I sing goes like this, "It’s time to wake up! The birds are chirping! Chirp, Chirp, Chirp!!!" That one is for you babe!

* I don't always: appreciate the smaller things in life

* I argue: in order to gain control - it never seems to work and always leaves me feeling exhausted

* I write: two papers a week. I actually enjoy writing...it gives me a sense of creativity and keeps my mommy brain going

* I win: when I’m shooting hoops with my hubby (the only game I can win against him!)

* I wish: I could go on the Amazing Race

* I listen: to my inner voice - it guides me, inspires me, and motivates me in life’s journey

* I don't understand: a lot in life - sickness, tragedy, loss, hate, greed.

* I can usually be found: at the park, market, riding my bike, or studying.

* I need: to love others shortcomings

* I forget: that our children our growing before our eyes!

* I am happy: relaxing on the couch with my number one guy!

I tag Beth, Alison (you have to do it this time!!!), and Erin.

MY BIG SIS

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.  ~Isadora James

Meaghan - You have been such a blessing to me and my family over the past two weeks. I miss you already! I miss laughing with the person that gets me so well and having you close by to ease my worries. Your loved beyond words and I'm so proud of you and your amazing dreams. May these next weeks pass by quickly  - I can't wait to see you soon!

Thank you for your help, your words of encouragement, and your beautiful presence! 

love, your little sis  

Round and Round the Carousel We Go...

St. Augustine is one of the gems of living here in Jax. The area is filled with both beauty and history. We always try to take our family here when they visit and I knew Auntie Meaghan would fall in love just as I have. Here's a few snapshots of our day!

This street is in National Geographic for one of the most beautiful places in North America

Miss K in awe!

We visited the Mission of Nombre de Dios...a place that is sacred and considered a "beacon of hope". As I walked the grounds, I felt my late grandmother walking beside me. She was and still is a beautiful figure in my life.

Auntie Megs and the kiddos clowning around!

Round and Round we go!

"The Salt Life"

January! 75 degrees! Clear Skies! It Must Be A Salt Life!

One of my favorite places to unwind, relax, and breath (besides Jared's arms) is the ocean. It's filled with wonder, tranquillity, and peace - did I fail to mention I love it! Kennedy and Landon had a blast with Auntie Meaghan. She is a playful sort...goes with the flow and knows how to have FUN! I love having her here - it has truly helped me pass the time and get all the odds and ends accomplished. 

We started our afternoon by heading out to Neptune Beach to visit their weekly "green" farmers market. I walked away with some goodies (fresh just-picked cabbage, olive oil soap, and the most magnificent Kenya coffee I've ever tasted). After the market, we headed over to the beach. Meaghan and Kennedy found some pretty cool shells while I chased Mister Landon around. A good day indeed! 

Here's too a great afternoon!!!

Home Sweet Home

3,000 miles and 45 days later...

They always say, "home is where the heart is". There is something so profound and so real about those words. We've had an amazing adventure for the past 6 weeks filled with fun, laughter, and love. I feel blessed to have people in my life that encourage and strengthen me, who care about my children, and who are willing to go through this long journey with me. People have said, "I don't know how you do it, how you can handle the separation from your husband". My answer has always been that I'm surrounded by people who love me and people who genuinely care about my family. Thank you to all! Thank you for being there when I've needed it the most! 

We are back home...

It is great to be home and have a sense of normalcy again. Kennedy is back at school and Landon had his very first day today. It is so amazing to watch their happiness and watch their little lives transform. They make each new day unique and fresh!

Home sweet home

 Thank you Meaghan for being with us in Florida while we make this transition back home. Your an awesome sis! 

Daddy we love you and can't wait to have you HOME!

HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

My sisters (minus one - love you Nicole) and Meaghan's boyfriend Fredo rang in the new year at Downtown Chicago's Navy Pier. I missed my BIG KISS but my sweet sis's were able to cheer me up! Happy New Year! 

MISS YOU BABE!!!!