Welcome, 39!

Well, my birthday was yesterday and I will certainly remember it as my healthiest one yet! I am doing a Whole30 right now so no sweets for me. While I can't say I didn't miss a special treat, I am finally, for the first time in ages not having consistent headaches. And I am glad to give those up! So this new eating plan is worth it. I am looking forward to the reintroduction part and beginning to eat some of my old favorites (hello cheese and iced coffee!) in moderation. Today is day 17 so I am past the halfway mark and in a good routine with it. Getting through all 30 days feels totally do-able now. 

I feel expectant in many ways for this last year before I turn 40. Who knows what the Lord has in store. But He continues to remind and teach me how trustworthy His faithfulness, power, goodness, and wisdom are. 

We celebrated my birthday with my parents on Thursday...

And then, because our friends were in town, we went downtown to one of my favorite spots Thursday evening...

On Friday we took a ride on a Pirate Ship, which was tons of fun...

 

On A Random Wednesday

I love living in a place that people visit; that on any random day of the week, someone may tell us they are coming to town, or that they are here, or that they are planning to visit next month or next year and will we be free. It is such joy to have friends come. And today was a gorgeous day for the beach. Just about perfect, it was. 

And on a side note, I could not love this boy more, who lays his head on me and whispers that he is tired as we take pictures.  He is a gift. 

My Little Helpers

I love getting to go to the store with just one child. Of all four, these two especially talk non-stop when we are one-on-one. It is such fun to hear all their uninterrupted thoughts. 

Auggie

Nothing like a trip to the vet to remind me me that I really do love this furry beast. 

Mother's Day Sweetness

I had an especially sweet day with my littles this year. Nothing special, just sweet. 

Simeon told me multiple times how beautiful I looked and that he loved my dress. It was darling. I was really wearing a shirt and jeans but whatever. Flattery could have gotten him anywhere on Sunday with that kind of talk!

And an ever-present sweetness is now having my mom just minutes down the road from us. I spent part of the afternoon at their house, just me and my mom and dad. We don't get hardly any moments like that ever. And I loved it. 

And just because their relationship is also sweet...

I am grateful to have some other amazing women/mothers in my life...my grandmother and mother-in-law. I am thankful for strong women who are striving to walk their own seasons in ways that are pleasing to the Lord. And so thankful those women are part of my family. 

The Joy of Friends

Some of our dearest friends from Illinois came to visit for the day yesterday. We had been looking forward to it since we moved here and were delighted for the day to finally come!

The kids played and laughed together all day...from Legos to the XBox and from the beach to a late night game of tag. I am not sure the last time I watched so many straight hours of pure fun. 

It's a day that poured joy into my sometimes lonely soul in this season.  I will hold on to the smiles of this day for a while...

I didn't even get a picture of Natalie and I. But I should have. Our friendship spans almost 6 years and too many play date hours to count.  Thankfully, I am sure there are more to come. 

Rainy Days

Rainy days are for building Legos...

...and for getting out all your girly stuff!