Maggie's Birthday

We celebrated Maggie's birthday yesterday with our little family.

I kept saying, "Happy birthday, Maggie!"

And she would say, "Happy birthday, Maggie!"

I don't think she got it.

She and I went shopping in the morning.

After nap/quiet time (because she never fell asleep), we went bowling.

Can you see the enthusiasm?
Henry and Maggie made it through five frames.

Then spent the rest of the time running around,

playing hide-and-seek in the chairs,

and finding arcade games to play,

dance on,

and swing on.

Brendon and I took turns bowling two frames and watching kids.

We had fun.

The kids had fun.

It was a success.

Then we went home for dinner.

Spaghetti and meatballs.

I don't think she knows what her favorite food is yet.

We had cupcakes to celebrate Maggie.

We sang "Happy Birthday (Maggie)" while Henry blew out a candle.

Then "Happy Birthday (Maggie)" while Mom blew out Maggie's candles.

And then we chowed down.

At least Mom and Dad chowed down.

Henry ate frosting.

Maggie ate a few bites and was done.

In an effort to get the kids down to bed quickly, I forgot to open presents.

But two-year-old's don't know presents come with birthdays.

So we opened them the next morning.

She loves the stroller we got her.

She pushed it around all day today.

Church was cancelled today because Lubbock shuts down when it snows (as it should).

So we had two fun family days:

a birthday celebration yesterday (and today),

lots of Daddy time,

and fun in the snow.

It was a fun weekend.

Best.Vacation.Ever

Brendon and I went to Orlando together.

Without any children.

I felt like I left an arm in Lubbock. 

And a leg.

It was--for lack of a better word--amazing. 

The start of a new tradition (i.e. trips without children).
Carissa was a saint to take on our children for six days.

What did we do without our kids?
We ate out.

We slept without interruption.

We went to bed whenever we wanted to.

We played games.

We talked.

We held hands.

Brendon had a pediatric conference.
When he wasn't with me I was basking in alone time.
I didn't have any internet connection aside from the hotel lobby computer.
It was wonderful.
I went shopping by myself until I couldn't walk anymore.
I took naps whenever I felt I needed one.
I got in the shower without Maggie walking around me or crying at the door.
I watched TV.
It was wonderful.

Although not together the entire time,
Brendon and I were able to spend quality time together when we were with each other.
We found some must-eats in Orlando,
including the best turkey burger I've ever had.
I'm talking no-toppings-necessary good.
I don't even really like hamburgers/turkey burgers.


We went to Disney World's Hollywood Studios.
We played ping pong and pool.
We watched a movie.
We sat in the hot tub.
Brendon ran a 5k with me.
(It's my dream to have him for a running buddy.)
In return, we spent a day at the beach and I had my first surfing lesson.
Only Brendon could coerce me into surfing.
I was terrified, but I enjoyed it.

Brendon and I loved this trip.

When we got home, our children were thrilled to see us.
Maggie excitedly laughed when she saw us and wanted only Dad.
Dad saw a tear in her eye.
Henry was sick and just wanted to cuddle with me.
He was on the verge of tears.
It was a sweet reunion.

Since our trip, Henry seems to be more obedient.
(Thank you, Jones'.)
Maggie still laughs when Dad comes home.
I'm more patient (so far).
And Brendon is back to a busy schedule.

Ah, real life.

Finding Joy

I have had a difficult time lately finding joy in my role as a mother and being a stay-at-home mom.

I have always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. Nothing else.

Ever since I can remember, I've dreamed of having a husband and raising children all day, every day.

But my dream isn't everything I thought it would be. 

It's a tough job.

Mentally, physically, and emotionally taxing.

In all fairness, my mom said being a mom is hard.

"That's why I stopped at four," she says.

But I didn't understand. 

Until now.

I have prayed to find joy in this noble calling. 

And sometimes I feel it.

I feel joy; the feeling people often use to describe motherhood and parenting.

I feel elated to have children and to have the privilege of raising them.

Tonight I felt a moment of joy.

It came as I watched Henry and Maggie laugh as they chased each other around the room.

As my children and I watched home videos, I remembered why I love babies so much.

To me, babies are the essence of joy. 

That's not to say babies are easy.

Neither are toddlers.

And I'm sure teenagers aren't free from pain and worry.

I'm finding wisdom in the saying:

Anything hard is worth doing.

Theodore Roosevelt said, 

"Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty."

I think that's where my struggles lie in finding joy.

My dreams came true, but being a mom is much more challenging than anticipated.

And so I am extremely grateful for those moments when the love I have for my children 

(because my love is always there) 

converges with joy for motherhood. 

When my head and heart unanimously rejoice in raising children, in being their mother, in having a family.

Maybe I don't feel joy as often as I should,

but in my heart of hearts I know there's nothing else I would rather be or do.

And so I will continue this path, difficult as it may be.

And I will continue to pray for strength, guidance, and endurance,

and for help to recognize moments of joy.