32

Early 30's. What can I say about turning 32 that would inspire other women to embrace their 3o's? Mostly what I love about my age and where I am in life is that I'm constantly aware that life is bigger than me. I have freedom in being the Me that God created me to be. So different than when I was 20 and trying to figure out who I was. As I ride my bike in the early morning hours around the island I can take in the smells of beach, the sight of sunrise and the sound of a new day beginning. My heart sours with joy as I praise God for what I have been blessed with and the surroundings he so graciously allows me to live in. I have a secure marriage to man I'm totally in love with, I'm content and fulfilled in my role as a mother of 3 little people who demand most of me all day. The little time I get to reflect, read or chill are so much sweeter than when I was 20. A glass of red or a cold dark beer shared with Kirby on our back porch are like vacations that last one evening but carry me through a week. The dreams of writing articles and books and running an orphanage are still very real maybe even more now that my time is delicate. I know God put those desires in my heart and He wants to see them come to fruition as much as me. But I don't think they are anything compared to this time right now while I'm at home raising my little children. I am grateful for the Hope of Christ. Yes, these may be the best years but they are no doubt very trying. I have never before in my life been so tempted with anger, control and frustration as I am now daily with three little ones at my knees. I have experienced Jesus be for me what he has always promised he will be time and time again. I have learned more about my talents and my struggles in these last years than high school and college put together. So at 32 I am grateful, joyous, loved and still overly excited about being alive.

Some stuff left out

Somehow I forgot to blog about some earlier summer stuff that was soo much fun. This collage is from our first trip to Houston in May for Meg's graduation party. In the pre-party the girls dressed up in 'dress up' clothes and were so adorable doing the macarana on the dance floor. The party was at our friends house and they have a back yard that rocks the free world. Before we left town we had an afternoon at my Aunt's pool. Lots of fun, family and topped it off with sundaes. ( notice the white booty behind the girls eating theirs) I could swear I have already wrote this exact blog? But can't find it so I'm gonna post it anyway.

Black White and Red

Were the colors of the day. Our niece Katherine was married a couple of weeks ago. The wedding was one of the sweetest I have ever seen. Katherine now 20 had been dating Michael since her early teens and he was her one and only boyfriend. She is the best example I know of Purity. Their first kiss was actually during the wedding ceremony! Wow. Although the decorations, bridesmaids and especially flower girls were beautiful, as one watched the ceremony you could not be distracted from the sweet purity of this couple coming together as one .
" Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5: 8

These are a few of my favorite things

Daddy playing with kiddos


Family outing to Stingers (which is complete with a kids playroom) Looks like Kirb is in serious prayer for the mask girl. Oh and notice my new haircut? Not in love with it but glad to be shorter.

playing play dough and other messy crafts

Visit with Crissy

Just returned from Crissy's. It was a blast. She cooked me delicious yummy things, and caught u on the happenings and laughed about the past. Yes, M you were included in a lot of the laughing part. Rylin and Gwen did a Hanna Montana/Miley Cyrus show in which there was a lot of silly shaking ( Rylin) and a lot of hair swinging ( Gwen) while Keegan and Claire laughed on the sidelines.
Thanks C for all the coffee, and wonderful hospitality. We LOVE being at your house.
Here's what we did:

Helotes Nature Center!

There was exactly nothing here. But the kids managed to go on adventures anyway and everyone had a good time. ( except Race)

Along with our Nature center visit we did a lot of hanging out with Crissy's gang. It was much needed time but we missed you M! My favorite was Keegan's stern, " Settle down guys." as he climbed to the breakfast table with his bed- head. Mariah you remember this bed-head from Spring Break? Just as cute this time. Here he is with his adorable cheeks.

Here are some more random chill out pics.
As we were driving away from Helotes Claire says, " I'm sure gonna miss those guys." This after being the absolute most annoying bully of the bunch the entire weekend!
That's what friends are for though right? Full of Grace and Unconditional Love. I"m thanking Rylin and Keegan for giving this to Claire throughout the weekend. Maybe next time she won't feel such the need to fight her way through.