Adoption On Our Hearts

Anyone who knows us well knows that adoption is something that the Lord has put on our hearts. We don't know when or where, but we are ready and willing when the time comes. And yes, we know we had four children in four years, we know the heart wrenching process of adoption, the emotional and financial costs. But we feel called. Ever since I read The Family Nobody Wanted as a child, this has been on my heart. And for anyone who cannot understand Missy has explained more eloquently than I could ever try right here.

My Durham Bucket List

When Ferris graduates in May, we will be heading somewhere. Of course we don't know where, which is exciting and frightening at the same time. In the meantime though, we have grown to love Durham and everything it has to offer. Great neighborhood schools, a super-friendly atmosphere, the BEST stores (seriously, SuperTarget- where have you been all my life?) a mailbox with a flag, we've got a lot to be thankful for here. But there are still some things I need to do, so without further ado, here is my Durham Bucket List

1. Eat at the pretty Chinese restaurant and Nana's
2. Ride the bull at Shooter's
3. Sing karaoke- out loud, with an audience


Well that's all I have for now. It probably sounds silly to you, but this whole process of moving has allowed me to face my biggest fears. I just have a few more to do. Oh ya, and I like to eat out! So there may be some more coming, but right now this is what I've got!

Skipping Home

My favorite moment of the day is without a doubt getting my big kids off of the bus. The waiting, looking around the corner to see if I can see any yellow. And then that moment when they get off the bus, they smile at me with these big huge smiles! And then, each day, something magical happens. They each take a hand and we skip down the street. It is one of those perfect moments of motherhood. And I know it won't be long before they don't want to be seen with me. So yes- that grown woman skipping down the street is me- and I wouldn't trade these moments for the world.

Ferris it is!!!

Ok, so some time ago I wrote wondering about why bloggers used these cutesy little nicknames for their husband and kids. The Pioneer Woman has the Marlboro Man, Kendra has Lovey Loverpants. Well, now I have mine at last...ladies and gentlemen may I introduce Ferris


Why Ferris, you might ask? Well, if you're asking then it is obvious you don't know my husband. He is the most fun-loving, carpe diem, grab life by the horns guy you have ever met. I didn't know him in high school, but I'm quite sure his classmates thought this about him, everybody still does! And truly, he is. Somehow things always work out for him, no matter what he does, or doesn't do. So, would this make me the lovely Sloane Peterson? Not quite. I work hard, am a 'by the book' type of girl and honestly, sometimes Ferris' exploits frustrate me. Honestly, I am more like this...




I do know though that he pulls me out of my comfort zone way more than I would like to go, but I always end up having more fun! Ugh, I hate when he's right!!! ;)

Operation Beautiful

Seriously, I love me some Operation Beautiful. As a woman, teacher, and Mom, I know what being bombarded with "perfect" images does to girls minds'. And O.B. is out to change that, one post it at a time! Caitlin is inspirational to me, it's one of those ideas I wish I came up with myself. My six year old daughter and I love to create affirming post-it's and put them up everywhere. What a wonderful way to spread the word!

If you are looking for a great holiday gift, try the Operation Beautiful book! Caitlin is in the process of writing one now for teens and tweens. Will definitely be picking it up for my 3 daughters!

So tell me, do you carry post-it's in your purse like me? What do you do to help others feel special???

Seriously Inspired or How mama got her groove back!

Honestly, is it difficult for other people to wear so many hats? Sometimes I feel like everyone wants a piece of me. Kids, husband, friends, schools, work, seriously, it is beyond challenging. And somewhere in there, mixed with all of that- you need to carve out some time for yourself to remember who you were before you became a mom and wife. It's tough. I take a lot of guilt trips, both from others and self induced. Am I doing it right? But once you remember who you are, everything else gets easier. Suddenly I become a better Mom, a better person, and a better friend. These things for me are simple- enjoying my coffee, heading to church, girls' nights and dates with my love, magazines, baths. When I take the time to do these things- life feels so good!!!

What do you do to renew your spirit? Do you think it makes you better at the other parts of your life?

Apology- Johnny's home!!!

I am sorry that I've been away for so long. I guess I will break up the last few weeks into sections which are easier for me to write and edit, and easier for you to read. So the major part is this- Johnny has finished year 1!!!!! I am so super excited for him! And his internship this summer is in Boston- does it get any better than this? As much as I am really starting to like it here I am looking forward to going home for 7 weeks. I am so excited to see my family and friends, enjoy The Mud House and The Ice Cream Smith, and bask in the freedom of almost always having someone to mind the kids for me!!! In the meantime, having Johnny around has made for a glorious last week. He's here- playing with the kids, doing laundry, and I've even seen him reading for pleasure- something that life as an MBA student just doesn't allow. I think I have fallen in love with him all over again, we all laugh so much more when he's around!!!

Blog Names

Ok, everyone knows I'm new at this blogging thing. So I've been perusing other people's blogs just to kind of get an idea. Not famous blogs, simply friends' or friends of friends', and I really enjoy reading them. Except one thing. Why do bloggers make up cutesy little nicknames for their husband/kids/dog? Is it bad blog etiquette if I don't? Will I not be allowed to sit at the cool blog lunch table??? I just don't get it. Is it to respect their privacy? Beacuse I think if you have a blog where you share your families most intimate moments with all of your friends since you were in diapers- you may have a problem with the whole 'respecting privacy' part. I think I may in all seriousness ask this question to my favorite blogger, the Original Dottie Hottie, Miss Kendra of Kendraspondence. Her writing is so rich it's amazing and her posts make me laugh, cry, and learn a lot about myself so much so that sometimes I find myself thinking about them for days. And when she talks about Lovey Loverpants and Tater Tot, I usually find myself laughing so much that I never cringe at their little names. Will get back to you on this...

What inspires you?

Recently, I have begun following Gretchen Rubin's Happiness project. I came upon it quite by accident, and now I look forward to her little piece of insight in my inbox every day. Now those of you who know me know I am generally a happy person, but I've never really given it much thought. Well, Miss Gretchen spent a year thinking about it which she made her blog and book. She's got some really interesting insights, that I had never thought about before like 10 ways money can buy happiness. I urge you guys to check it out!

Sydney is 6!!

I can't believe that as of last Friday, I have a six year old! I definitely don't feel old enough! But honestly, how lucky am I to wake up and see this face

every morning???

My First Post!!

Ok world, here I am! My very first attempt at blogging! I have been completely inspired by so many amazing blogs- and I have always wanted to write my own. The problem is I never knew what kind of blog I wanted to do- a blog about my kids, my recent move, my husband, or my general thoughts on life. Finally, the answerI decided on is all of them. So here we go...