Radical

It's amazing how quickly everything can change. I'm not just talking when you move or change a job. Those are big changes, don't get me wrong. I'm talking about the shake you to your core, knock the breath out of you type of change. I'm living that right now, in this moment, in the past moments, and future ones to come. I'm not who I was even 2 years ago, my path has veered another way, my roots are taking hold, and I'm starting to grow.

I'm terrified, shaking, unable to catch my breath but when I stop and listen, it's there. That peace. I'm loosing those I have held so dear for the majority of my life and that is heart achingly, heart breaking, and pure...hell. Again, I stop. I'm gaining people, wonderful people. People that lift me up, build me up, and let my light shine.

I can't be who I was, who they all want me to be, because that girl has evolved. The woman, the radical woman I have become and am still growing into has other goals in mind. This radical woman is fiercely protective of her family, determined, gentle, hard working, and....happy.

Looking down the path, I see warm light and a place to rest. A place to celebrate. A place to take root and grow wings. Scared, yes; but hopeful. Trusting in Him that the warm light I'm wandering towards is home. I can't wait to get there.

Stop. Take a breath. Close your eyes. Do you feel it?

A week of firsts

I know I am still behind on posts and updates so I am going to do a quick personal overview of what’s going on and then get into the fun happy things!

1. I am currently going through rounds of testing to hopefully find out what is wrong with me after over 10 years. I don’t know if it’s serious or not but hopefully Monday will show some answers.
2. My mothers job was up in the air for a month or so, but thankfully God came through and she got to just do a lateral move doing pretty much the same job but for a different department. Plus, she is going back to school! So proud of her!!
3. Josh started a new job and my job is expanding. Lots more work stress there as well as time.
4. My beautiful sis-n-law is a college grad! Super proud of her!!
5. My best buddy/sister from another mother is FLYING through beauty school with multiple gold stars right behind her!
6. A good friend is getting awfully close to baby time! Go tell her hello if you get a chance @ Pure Joy and Adoration

Now for some fun stuff! This has truly been a week of firsts.

I had my first Mother’s Day (w00!).

This is Drunny. He is a dragon/bunny hybrid and now lives at my desk. I also got a very sweet card from my loves. Then we had a nice lunch and Red Robin and Lizzy ate her teether :)

 

Elizabeth rolled over!! Sadly I have no pictures of this but it was an awesome addition to my Mothers Day. I do, however, have cute pigtail pictures!

Next, Elizabeth decided she wanted to start feeding herself. So now all you have to do is hand her the bottle and she takes it and goes to town!

 

Okay so , I’m exhausted from everything listed above and desperately want to just go lay on the couch with my hubby while the little one is napping. I will try and update soon!

Unexpected Delays

I know it has been a long time since my last post but life got the best of me. Elizabeth got sick, I got sick, then I stayed sick, work got hectic, J had new job opportunities and studying, and at the end of the day it was all I could do to make dinner and get the house picked up. Some things had to be put on a back burner for a bit and this happened to be one of them. I’m attempting to get back into the swing of it though so stay tuned!

Elizabeth will be 5 months old on Easter! Time has flown by but she is absolutely amazing!! She is very vocal and entertains herself easily. She is almost sitting up unassisted but has almost no interest in rolling over what-so-ever. She gets onto her side and grabs what she wants and then is good. We have started experimenting with rice cereal, but only on occasion. She likes it but only when she’s in certain moods. In my last post I talked about trying out the Up & Up brand of formula. We’ve been using it for about a month and half now and nothing seems to be different than the Similac. Since then we have tried the Up & Up diapers and are about to try their wipes as well. Overall it is cutting our “baby bills” in half!

Lizzy got a few new toys. A jumper, a play gym, and an aquarium soother. She loves them all and uses them daily!

As you can see she is growing by the day! Hair accessories have become a constant because, well, she has a lot of hair! Plus, it has my curl to it so it tends to be a bit unruly! She’s beautiful in every way.

I realize that this has been a mostly picture post but today has been a quiet day for me with lots of thoughts swimming in my head so pictures will have to do. I will try to update again soon, hopefully this week!

Sweetest Moments and Project 31

This morning my husband, our beautiful girl, and myself laid in bed after her morning feeding. It was one of those moments that I will cherish forever. Lots of smiles were shared and sweet coo’s and aahh’s. I could not have asked for a more amazing morning.

I have to say, I am completely and utterly in love with my daughter. She makes each day such a gift. My first few days at work, I was told over and over that I am just glowing. I glow because of her, I glow for her.

Project 31

Day 3: Who is someone you know that inspires beauty?

Right now, I would have to say that J, my husband, is the person that inspires beauty for me. He has known me for almost 11 years. He has seen me at my thinnest and at my heaviest. He has seen me both as a friend and as a lover. He sat with me through 30 hours of labor and an emergency c-section. He held me though my lowest points of post partum depression. To this very moment, he still tells me I am beautiful. Not only that but he shows me.

Now, I am watching him tell Lizzy how beautiful she is and I pray that he will be able to instill in her the same confidence he has given me. I feel completely comfortable around him no matter my attire or how I feel. I feel the beauty he sees in me. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

THE LIST:
Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7. Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.
Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. Describe your personality.
Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Day 24. What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me." (Pics are great!)
Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31. Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!