Anyone that checks our blog knows that I go through periods of posting a lot and periods where I just cannot find the time! Life is busy in the Raftery house. What I've come to realize is that no matter how much time you have, you fill it up. I go through times where I throw myself a pity party with all of our weekly to do's. Guilt seeps in and I wonder if my friends understand my season of absence. I'm not the Sam I was 2 years ago....back then I had time to have play dates, mommy time, and go to the gym. Last night as I read my devotional (Out of the Spin Cycle) I reflected on the fact that God has me in a special place regardless of my fears, struggles, and failures. He knows what I need and He understands the desires of my heart. I know there will be a season again that my "mother load" is lighter but I also feel blessed that God gave ME the opportunity to mother three beautiful children...He gave ME the opportunity to take Landon to therapy...He gave ME the chance to help others through our challenges. While playdates seem to be a thing of the past lately, I've had the opportunity to meet incredible courageous families who inspire and encourage me. There are also moments where you see the fruits of your mothering blossom. Just the other day at the dinner table, Kennedy paused and said "Christmas is a special time..presents are great but the real special part is that Jesus was born". The Fruits! Landon is moving right along too. I just love that little guy! He is now able to say his ABC's, count to 10, play memory card games, and the language is coming. Last year I never could imagine him putting two words together but God is faithful and he is now stringing two words together and is able to read sight words. Yes I'm bragging...but I'm so proud! I cannot forget about our Nolan too! He is so sweet and patient and loves his new freedoms of grasping toys, rolling over, and babbling. Oh and I can't forget those sweet dimples of his!
Moving on and rewinding a bit....
This past Thanksgiving was spent in St. Louis with a pit stop at my moms B&B. Although the drive was a bit long (especially with a three month old) our Thanksgiving was truly relaxing and beautiful!
The mill looks so beautiful in November!
Before we headed into St. Louis, Miss K and Nana went hunting for osage-orange fruit that falls during this time of year. K loved it and managed to stash 5 of them in our car!
This was right up K's alley...she adores exploring and finding "treasures"!
Nana and K before we headed out. Thanks for always welcoming us Mom...we love you!
As we gave thanks this Thanksgiving, we also said goodbye to Jared's Aunt Catherine. Her memorial service was beautiful and it reflected the long compassionate life she lived. She was a woman of strength, faith, and love.
Nolan meeting Auntie Evi and Auntie Zoom
Cookie time with Granny Smith
See those dimples...love 'em!
I'm not sure where Granny gets this energy but I hope that I can do airplanes and headstands when I'm that age! The kids soak it up!
Miss K loves her Auntie Zoom! We had some girl time and went shopping at Michaels Arts and Crafts (K LOVES this place) where Auntie Zoom got her a new paint set and Granny found a her a beginners sewing machine....Miss K was quite excited!
Traveling can be exhausting at times but so worth each and every moment!!!
