So, we let him jump.

I went down to document Lucas and his cousins and their first splash of the summer. With the water lower than summer pool, the docks were halfway out of the water and slanted. The rocks along the shoreline, normally buried by the water, were exposed. All these things made me nervous for Lucas and the other kids. I stood at the edge of our dock and watched Lucas scramble down the rocks. My heart leapt out of my chest and I cautioned him to be careful. He ignored me and moved faster down the rocks.

I threw my hands up and yelled for him to stop. As I did, the camera that was wrapped around my wrist flew off and plopped in the water.

I immediately yelled, “I dropped my camera. My camera is in the lake.”

Everyone stared at me blankly. They’d all heard the plop, but assumed it was a fish, a rock, a kid jumping, or anything other than my camera. Hysteria momentarily took over, but I finally calmed down enough to realize that it was gone for good.

Since the lake was still fairly low and I had dropped it right by the shore, Mike somehow managed to retrieve it. I was grateful, but my hopes weren’t too high that it could be saved.

We let it dry through the weekend, but it was ruined.

Disappointment only begins to describe my feelings, but I realized it wasn’t the end of the world. It was a decent camera, yes. It was a lot of money (for us), yes. But it can be replaced (eventually).

These days, I’m having a hard time grasping the difference between coincidence and God’s will. This particular incident is no exception. Am I just that big of a klutz, especially with cameras? Was it merely an accident? Or was it a sign from God?

Because in the days since I dropped my camera, I’ve come across several signs telling me this was a message from God.

Take for example, this article on How to Miss a Childhood. It has challenged me to be more present with my family, especially my kids. While it talked more about unplugging from technology, especially phones, I also related it to my addiction to my camera. I spend so much time taking pictures that I often miss the real moment. I’m getting a posed snapshot of a moment I never truly lived.

Or what about the other night as I listened to the The Catholic Guy? Lino and Father Rob ranted about how society today is SO wrapped up in snapping pictures that we miss real life. They encouraged listeners to put their cameras down and enjoy the moment! They begged us to stop worrying about capturing the moment and LIVE it!

Hmmm.

I’m not saying God would intentionally cause damage beyond repair to my 2 year old, $300 camera. But perhaps I needed to learn an important lesson.

He knew that I had a true addiction to my camera. The only way to break the addiction was to break the camera. He knew I wouldn’t be able to set limits for myself. And as long as my kids were doing something adorable, He knew I’d end up behind the camera again. And just so we’re clear, my kids are usually doing something adorable.

He also knew I’d be upset and disappointed about my camera, so he made sure that article made it across my newsfeed. He made sure that my plans changed on a random evening so that I’d find myself listening to that episode of The Catholic Guy.

I’ve been without my camera for nearly two weeks. I’ve missed so many photo opportunities. It’s truly been like breaking an addiction.

But you know what? I’ve also enjoyed some pretty amazing moments. I’ve taken mental snapshots and tucked them within my heart. I’ve been an active participant in life rather than a passive spectator behind the camera.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence that I dropped my camera in the lake. After all, I have a poor track record when it comes to cameras. Whether God had a gentle hand in this or not, it was a lesson worth learning.

I know myself and I know that I’ll eventually own another camera. My sister has offered to loan me her old camera for the time being, too. But this whole experience has taught me that the best moments are the ones we savor without distraction. Sure, a picture would be a great treasure. But, sometimes the moment is ruined when it’s captured.

Are you as guilty as I am of snapping away your life? I challenge you to leave your camera at home just this once. Capture the memory in your heart. Enjoy the moment. Live.

Life happens when we stop clicking and start living.

Some of my last photos:

I got up from my chair and suggested we head to the backyard to swing. I pushed them in their swings for who knows how long. We sang songs at the top of our lungs. We laughed. We made up silly stories and laughed some more.

We kicked the soccer ball back and forth. We picked wildflowers. We wandered around our yard and the field behind us.

We headed back to the deck. I let Lucas strip to his underwear and climb IN the water table to play.

I sat back down in my chair and took in the world. I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face. My kids were having the time of their lives. I was, too.

This was the most serene I’d felt in a long time. There wasn’t a care in my world, no trouble on my mind. This moment was meant for me and I relished it. I admired the beauty around me and the sweetness of my children.  Pure joy radiated from me.

I ran inside to grab some towels and saw that I had a message on my phone. As I listened to the message, my heart sank.

I was supposed to have been at an appointment at 2:30 that day. It was nearly 4:00.

Somehow, I’d lost track of an entire day.

How unlike me, I thought. Sure, I can be absent minded and I can do some silly things, but missing appointments is not one of them.

Mike realized there was something wrong, but he was talking to someone on his cell phone. I mouthed to him that I’d missed my appointment and he gave me a nod of understanding, but went on with his phone call.

I called the office and explained what happened. They told me they understood and that they’d waive the “no show” fee. We rescheduled my appointment* for this week.

The appointment wasn’t for anything serious. It wasn’t a big deal and it all worked out. Still, I felt terribly guilty. I was angry with myself for being so irresponsible. Normally, I have “to do” lists and spend my days wrought with worry about what I have to do and when I have to do it.

I went back outside to watch my kids, but I just couldn’t shake the disappointment in myself. When Mike finished his phone call, he came outside and sat down next to me.

He chuckled a little and tapped his hand over mine. “That’s so not like you,” he reminded me.

I shook my head and said, “I know.”

I put my head down in my lap and started to cry.

“Did you get it worked out?” He asked. I shook my head yes.

“Are you enjoying this time with the kids?” I shook my head yes.

“Then, don’t worry about it. There’s nothing to cry about. Keep on enjoying those kids over there.”

And so I did. I forgot my worries. I let go of the guilt and disappointment. I headed straight for the water table and splashed along with my kids.

I know it’s not the most responsible thing in the world, but sometimes life happens when we miss appointments. It happens when we clear our schedules and our minds. It happens when we make time for what’s most important. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t worried about anything. I was truly soaking up my beautiful, wonderful life.

I pray that you might snatch up some of those fleeting moments yourself! Is there something on your calendar today that can wait?

Life happens when we miss appointments (as long as we reschedule)!

*My appointment was for my first laser hair removal session on my underarms. It was my Mother’s Day gift from last year that I hadn’t redeemed. Like I said, it wasn’t anything serious at all. Frivolous? Yes. Serious? No. I wouldn’t trade that missed appointment for the world.

Here are the top 10 things we’ve been up to lately:

10. Mornings out on the deck

9. Playing at (or sometimes IN) the water table.

8. Play dates to the zoo

7. Walks through the neighborhood and at the park

6. Impromptu romps through the sprayground at the park

5. Bubbles

4. Soccer in the backyard

3. Washing cars

2. Running through the sprinklers

1. Swimming in the lake

There’s nothing like summer! I’m really savoring the precious moments with my kids these days. Life is good.

What have you been up to lately?

Life happens when we celebrate the (summer) season!

Now, head on over to Many Little Blessings for Top 10 Tuesday!

I find it a unique coincidence that over the past three years, on this particular weekend, I’ve been either running a half marathon (2010 & 2012) or giving birth (2011).

As I ran those 13.1 miles on Saturday, it occurred to me that running and childbirth are quite similar. This was not the first time that thought had crossed my mind.

When I gave birth to Lucas, I was in absolute awe of myself. I just brought a human being into the world! There was pain (numbed for awhile by that wonderful epidural). There was more pain as I recovered. But there was such adrenaline and happiness and pure awe!

The pain eventually subsided and I embarked on the journey of motherhood. A few miles down the road (of motherhood), I took up running.

My running wasn’t anything serious- a few miles on the treadmill here, a few miles through the neighborhood there. Then, my sister took up running and convinced me to do a 5K with her. The 5K turned to a 10K which evolved into my first half marathon.

Somewhere around mile 8 or 9 as I was losing my will, she said, “You’ve had a baby! You can do THIS”  And so I ran! I crossed the finish line with tears streaming down my face. I was in absolute awe of myself. I just ran 13.1 miles! There was pain (numbed for awhile by Aleve and Icy Hot). There was more pain as I recovered, but there was such adrenaline and happiness and pure awe!

One year later, mere minutes from delivering my sweet girl (without an epidural), as my confidence was floundering, the thought crossed my mind, “I’ve had a baby! And I’ve ran a half marathon! I can do THIS!” And I delivered my Caroline with tears streaming down my face. There was that pain again. And that awe.

Saturday, as my knees weakened my body and my resolve, I reminded myself, “I’ve had TWO babies, one WITHOUT an epidural. I’ve already ran a half marathon! I can do THIS.” And so I did!

It was with this race that I feel like things came full circle.

Obviously, running and childbirth are different life events. They affect different parts of our body, different aspects of our very being. Strangely enough, though, they have some pretty amazing similarities. Each experience has taught me a little bit about the other and so very much about myself.

You are never truly prepared. When I first discovered I was pregnant with Lucas, I read all kinds of books, lurked around pregnancy message boards, and sought advice from experienced mamas. I stocked up on maternity clothes and baby gear.

When I first took up running, I read several books, lurked around running message boards, and sought advice from experienced runners. I got new shoes and technical gear.

Though I educated myself thoroughly and prepared in every way I knew how for both events, nothing could prepare me physically, emotionally, or mentally for these major experiences. Pregnancy is unpredictable and babies typically come on their own terms. No pregnancy or delivery is textbook. Nothing happens as planned.

Running has its own element of unpredictability. Though it is easier to “prepare” for in some ways, we can’t be certain how our bodies will perform on race day. Weather conditions, course conditions, and a variety of other elements can play a huge factor in our performance.

It’s important to prepare, but it is even more important to be flexible and adapt to whatever comes our way.

You must listen to and trust your body. It is important to listen to the signals our body gives us. When I was pregnant with Lucas, I blacked out while driving to a work function. It was hot outside and I was most likely dehydrated. My body was telling me to slow down and take care of myself. I had been running around getting things together for several work functions and I had stretched myself too thin.

Mere hours before delivering Caroline, my contractions weren’t anywhere close to “textbook.” They were coming every minute, but only lasting 15 to 20 seconds. The doctor on call didn’t think I was in labor and so I waited it out at home. But, I knew that I was in labor. If I had listened to my body, I would have left for the hospital in plenty of time. Instead, it was a race to get there and I delivered her within 25 minutes of our arrival.

Likewise, with running, it is important to listen to the signals our body gives us. Is that pain in our leg/knee/foot a sign of injury or overuse? Are the muscles just tender because they are in the process of being strengthened? Do we need to back off a little? Do we need medical attention?

It is more important than ever to stay in tune with our body and listen when it’s trying to tell us something.

The experience is personal. If you are or have ever been pregnant, you’ve probably listened to at least one woman’s horror birth story. Or perhaps you’ve asked a trusted friend to give you the gory details. In the same way, I’ve heard dozens of stories from fellow runners about what happened to them on their running journey.

What I learned from giving birth twice and finishing two half marathons is that these experiences are deeply personal. We might be surrounded by other mothers and other runners, but we complete the journey alone. No one knows what it felt like for me to give birth- only what it was like for them to give birth. No one knows what it took to get me through each mile or how the emotions saturated my body as I crossed the finish line.

It is important to listen to and lean on others, but we must be prepared to conquer the feat alone. 

The pain is temporary. I remember having several conversations about childbirth with my mom. She used to tell me that once they place your baby in your arms, you forget all the pain. She didn’t say you didn’t feel any pain. She just meant that you forget about it because you have your miracle in your arms. I  was skeptical until I held my two miracles in my arms moments after bringing them into the world.

Oddly enough, as I crossed the finish line after battling 13.1 miles of pain, doubt, and exhaustion, I temporarily forgot about it all as I bowed my head and received my medal.

It is important to remember that the pain will not last forever, but the pride, the joy, the satisfaction, and the sense of accomplishment will always remain.

It’s completely worth it. Both childbirth (and the parenting thereafter) and running take a lot of preparation, hard work, sacrifice, and endurance. The road(s) will be painful. You’ll find yourself doubting whether or not you are capable and competent (You are!).

While the journey is tough, the experience is completely worth it. 

These experiences have made me stronger, braver, and more confident. They’ve challenged me. They’ve made me a better person. They have empowered me to try new adventures and to truly live.

Perhaps you’re curious about motherhood, running, or some other experience equally exhilerating and wonderful? Get out there. Give it a try.

Life happens when we finish the race. 

1.

I’ve been busy this week cleaning, organizing, and party planning! My little ladybug turns ONE on Sunday. We are having her party on Saturday, though. If you couldn’t guess, it is a ladybug theme. We are very excited to celebrate with our family and friends. I don’t really go wild and crazy for birthday parties, but I do like to have some touches of a party theme. I’ll post pictures and a recap next week.

2.

Did I mention that I’m running a half marathon on Saturday? The same Saturday as Caroline’s party? Yeah. I like to do things like that to make myself extra crazy! I chose Saturday for a variety of reasons, but one I’m most excited about is that her Godparents will be in town! Her Godmother (Mike’s sister) is an AWESOME runner and is also running the Mini. She and Mike will run their crazy fast 8 minute miles and then will have to wait for me for like an hour (or more) at the finish line as I run my snail’s pace. But I digress.

3.

Today will be a busy day! I know I should be taking it easy before the race in the morning, but I still have some errands to run for the party. One of the few things I haven’t been able to find are party hats! Do stores not sell them anymore? I know I could have found some online, but I just assumed there was at least one store in this city that would have solid color party hats. I’ve found a few hats at various places, but they were all part of a birthday theme that did not in any way mesh with ladybugs. I realize party hats are not the most important thing in the world, but I just have this vision of Lucas in his party hat on his 1st birthday.

See what I mean?? The cuteness!

4.

Anyway, my sister is coming to the rescue. She has these party hats from when my niece turned one (almost 13 years ago) that we use for pretty much every birthday party at her house. These hats are none other than ladybug hats! I don’t know what they are made of that we are still able to use them so many years later, but I’ll take it! Thanks, sis! My other errands mostly include the grocery store and Sam’s for food I couldn’t buy too early.

My nephew, Sawyer, on his 2nd birthday (2009)

5.

After I finish up my errands for the day, I have to do one last sweep through cleaning. For once in my life I started getting the house ready early. I’ve already done most of the cleaning, I have some decorations up, I have everything else sitting out ready to go. After cleaning, we are heading up to the runner’s expo to pick up our packets. We are meeting up with Mike’s sister and her family and we might head to the chow wagon. If not, we are having a spaghetti dinner at Mike’s mom’s house. Fun!

6.

I am nervous to run this race for a few reasons. For one, my knees are still bothering me. I’m going to look ridiculous, but I’m wearing a knee brace on each knee. Also, after the 10 mile race, I hurt my foot. I think it has finally healed, but I slowed down on my training because of it. Also, when I ran my first half, I had my sister there with me. She encouraged me and didn’t allow me to give up. Without her, I’m afraid I’ll walk more and not give it my all. Finally, the weather can’t make up its mind. One day it says it is going to rain. The next it says it is going to be 70 degrees or hotter. Both of those are terrible conditions for my running. If given the choice, though, I’d probably take the rain. There is no way I can run 13.1 miles in the heat!

7.

I’m excited that two big events in my life are happening on the same day! Both are major accomplishments, in my opinion. I crossed the finish line of a half marathon AND I made it through my baby girl’s first year of life. Her party will be a real celebration! I can’t wait!

Life happens when we run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1).

For more quick takes, visit Jen over at Conversion Diary!

I was ecstatic for her when her dream of becoming a novelist came true. Of course, there was a twinge of envy, but she is talented and hardworking and very deserving.

After reading her first novel, I sent her an e-mail letting her know that I enjoyed it. I gave her a bit of my backstory, as well.

She thanked me and wished me luck in my endeavors. She surprised me, though, when she said, “Enjoy this time while your kids are young. I always wanted to be a writer, but I’m glad that I shared that time with them first. Your time will come!!”

I appreciated her kindness and her genuine hope for my future success. But the latter part of her e-mail left me a bit disgruntled. “Who does she think she is? Why can’t I be a writer and be there for my kids?”

As it turns out, though, she was right.

When I started Life Happens When, I wanted to use my words to inspire others to embrace the journey of life. I’d be lying if I said that was all it was for, though. Any publicity gained would be welcome and would help me make my writing dream(s) come true.

What has surprised me is that I have gained some publicity. My posts may not have gone viral. I might not get hundreds of comments a day. But I’ve been exposed. I’ve gained readership. I’ve gained dare I say followers.

While this is weird and surreal, it is also a HUGE step towards my dreams.

I love this corner of the internet. I love the way it has challenged me. I’ve discovered myself over and over again as a writer. I’m encouraging myself alongside my readers.

It is hard work, though, and it has taken a huge toll on me.

I was driving down the road the other day and I know I heard the voice of God. I have trouble deciphering His voice among the crowd sometimes, but this time, it was clear.

Wanna know what He told me?

He said, “Leanne, it’s not time.”

I thought about it for a minute. I let the words settle in. I pondered what exactly He meant by it. Instantly, I recalled the words I had shrugged off from that e-mail.

Suddenly, her voice, God’s voice, and other voices of reason began swirling around in my head:

“Enjoy your kids.”

“Live your life.”

“Write for fun.”

“Stop putting so much pressure on yourself.”

“You don’t have to be Superwoman!”

“Your time will come.”

“It’s not time.”

For a brief moment, I considered my own insecurity. I considered the devil sneaking in to destroy my self esteem and my dreams.

But I heard it again and I knew.

It’s not time.

This does not mean I will never publish a book. This does not mean that my dream of being a “real” writer is lost.

This means that though there are STILL stories and advice and words to be written, there is more to my life (especially right now).

There are kids to take care of. Walks to go on. Zoos and parks and libraries and Chick-fil-A’s to enjoy. Bubbles to be blown. Boo boos to kiss. Cuddles and snuggles. Adventures.

Exercise. Time to myself. Chats with friends.

Dates with my husband.

Laughs to be had.

Life to be LIVED.

Computers to be shut down. Facebook to be ignored. Blog posts to leave unpublished. 

While this message from God was pretty unexpected and felt like being slapped in the face, it was much needed. I am a writer, yes, but I am more.

It is so easy to get wrapped up in things that we are passionate about. We get swept away by the idea of something and soon it takes over our life.

Sometimes we need to step back and remember that our life is composed of many parts. We must give our best effort to our most important priorities and responsibilities. When we feel like we’re being pulled in a million different directions, that’s usually a sure sign that we’re neglecting something important.

Perhaps it’s time for you to give something up? Or take a break? Or just slow down? Not for forever. Just for right now.

It’s not time. Not yet.

Life happens when we wait our turn!

1.

Last night, my sweet Caroline took 3 steps all by herself! She’s been standing by herself for two months, but has been completely uninterested in taking any steps (unless she’s holding onto something). A few minutes later I got her to take two more steps on her own. I can’t believe it! She is very steady and is holding her body differently than she was just a few days ago.

We shall see what comes of it. Lucas didn’t start really walking on his own until 15 months. So far they’ve been neck in neck when it comes to milestones. When he was 11 months, he was doing pretty much the same things- standing on his own, taking steps while holding onto something, etc. At 13 months, he took a few wobbly steps, but didn’t start really walking until 15 months. I don’t know. Little sister might win this round!

2.

Which brings me to the fact that my baby girl is nearly one! Her birthday is in 9 days. Unbelievable. I keep thinking about this time last year. I was oh so miserable. I was big and uncomfortable. I was fed up with my students and the absurd amount of paperwork. I was tired! Mike was working nights which meant by the time Lucas and I got home from school (since we had to drive across town), Mike was gone. I couldn’t get sleep because I was up with heartburn, or going to the bathroom, or dealing with a 2 year old who was still getting adjusted to his “big boy” room. Then, we’d get up at 5:00 in the morning to do it all over again.

At my 38 week check up, I begged my doctor to release me from work. She told me that she wished she could help me out, but ethically she couldn’t sign any paperwork saying I couldn’t work just because I was uncomfortable. Touche.

She did, however, schedule an induction for the following Friday at 39 weeks. Little did I know, my girl wanted to come on her own schedule. But, more on that later.

3.

This past Wednesday, I got my hair highlighted and cut. I hadn’t been in over two months. You might remember my first quick takes all about my hair. Yeah. I’ve been fed up with my hair. Originally I was trying to grow it out. It was actually the longest it had ever been (which wasn’t really very long). But it had been a nightmare to deal with. So I got it chopped. I mean chopped. And I’m super blonde (which wasn’t completely intentional, but oh well). I can’t decide how I feel about any of it. I don’t think I’ve ever had hair this short. Ever.

I’d take a picture of it and show you, but…

4.

My camera is somewhere in our family’s lakehouse. We went there last week for Spring Break. I couldn’t find it before we left, but I know I had it there. It isn’t in any of our bags. It isn’t in the car. I’m at a complete loss. On top of that, our old camera is nowhere to be found in the house. What? I haven’t taken pictures in over a week. We went to the park the other day and I didn’t have a camera with me! I’m going crazy! I just hope I can get someone to take some good pictures for me at Caroline’s birthday party next week.

5.

Lucas’s cousin gave him a pretend cash register (thank God for hand me downs) and it has quickly become his favorite toy. I have to admit, I’m having a pretty good time playing “store” with him. I brought up the pretend shopping cart from the basement and showed him how to put things in the cart to buy. The register makes a “beep” noise every time you “scan” an item.

We take turns being the “buyer” and the “worker.” But he’s a little confused. He thinks there is a “buyer” and a “payer.” After I ring up all of his items, I’ll tell him what he owes. He says, “No no no. You are the payer.” If only it worked that way, hun. If only.

When I’m the clerk, I always make conversation like, How are you today sir? or Did you find all of your items, sir? Before he leaves, I say Thank you, sir. Come back soon. Or something like that. It is so adorable when he’s the clerk because he repeats the same kind of things, but gets them jumbled like Hope you come back for your items, sir.  Yes, he calls me sir. We’re working on it! So fun.

But now I am kind of kicking myself. Even though it is super fun and I love how interactive/imaginative it has been, we end up dragging all the toys out. His “house” is on one side of the playroom and mine is on the other. He notices if I take something from his house that he already “bought” and he also notices if I discreetly put things away that either of us have already “bought.” Translation= huge mess. But a fun mess.

6.

I never wrote about the 10 mile race I ran three weeks ago as part of the training for my half marathon (next Saturday!). I actually had a great run and a somewhat decent time (for me). I loved the course, too. But somehow I managed to hurt my foot. Apparently, I am not cut out to be a runner. I haven’t trained as much because I’ve been trying to let my foot heal. I finally ran yesterday for the first time in two weeks. My foot is a little tender, but I think I’ll be okay to run next week. And then I’m not running ever again.

Okay, that’s not true. I’ll still run, but I’m not training for another big run for awhile. And I’m looking forward to concentrating on some strength training (so perhaps I’ll stop injuring myself).

7.

My husband and I are going on a date tonight. We haven’t been out alone together in months. We will most likely just do the cliche dinner and a movie. And I’m 100% okay with that. Yay!

I have to tell you, life has gotten so much better for me lately. I’d say most of it is just an adjustment in my attitude, but it has also been a readjustment of my priorities. I’m obviously still on the computer and I’m still writing. Probably even a little too much, still. However, it doesn’t own me anymore, which has made all the difference in the world.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! What do you have exciting going on?

Life happens when we live!

Head over to Conversion Diary for more quick takes!

That all changed the Christmas I was 8 years old. My mom and I were riding down the road when I looked up and saw, “Breakfast With Santa” on the marquee at Dairy Queen. I immediately told my mom I wanted to go.

My mom was flustered and taken aback for several reasons. For one, we never ate at Dairy Queen, for two, this particular Dairy Queen wasn’t even near our house, and for three, I’d never in all my 8 years been so adamant about seeing the jolly old elf up close and personal.

After some deliberation on her part, she finally agreed. I was so excited I could hardly stand it.

The morning of the breakfast came and we stood in line to order our food. We sat down at a table and waited. And waited. And waited.

Finally, dear old Santa came to our table. He spent less than a minute with me before moving on to the next group. As he left, I burst into tears. My visions of Santa and I getting to know one another over scrambled eggs and sausage biscuits were shattered.

That breakfast is not only one of the most disappointing memories of my life, it is one of my most vivid.

You see, in my literal 8 year old mind, I actually thought Santa would be eating breakfast with me. It didn’t occur to me that Santa had a tight schedule. I never factored in the dozens of other kids who wanted to meet him, too.

It’s something that my mom and I laugh about to this day. Though my mom always adds that she was reluctant to take me for that very reason. My enthusiasm wore her down in the end.

So why exactly am I telling you this heartfelt Christmas story in April? It’s simple, really. We are heading to my MOST favorite place on the planet this summer. That magical place where dreams come true.

The other night, as I sat on the phone making dining reservations for breakfast with the princesses, lunch with Disney Jr. characters, dinner with Winnie the Pooh and the gang, I chuckled at my breakfast with Santa memory.

When I told my 3 year old about the fun places we get to eat, I made sure to clarify that we weren’t actually eating with any of the characters. That they would stop by to say hello, to take a picture, maybe give us their autograph.

I have no way of knowing what’s going on in Lucas’s little head, but I would hate for him to experience that same kind of let down I did with Santa Claus.

Though the characters don’t actually sit down and eat, they are very friendly and take their time with each table. They don’t rush on to the next one (like Santa did). I’ve enjoyed many years of dining with the characters, now, and I can’t wait for my own kids to experience it.

I am beyond excited to take my children to the happiest place on Earth. I can’t wait for Lucas to meet his favorite characters- Mickey, Buzz, Woody, Belle (yes, Belle)! I can’t wait to see if he’ll be brave when he meets them or if he’ll be scared. I can’t wait to see how Caroline reacts. I’m thrilled to watch the Disney magic unfold for my family.

Most of all, I’m excited to see my favorite Disney places through the eyes of my children.

Do you have a funny, yet traumatic memory from childhood?

And perhaps more importantly, do you have any suggestions or tips for Disney World with two littles?

Life happens when we believe in magic!

Our life is crazy, chaotic, fast-paced, but SO fun.

It’s also mundane and quiet and boring (in a GOOD way).

Our priorities have changed, our family has grown, our wealth and health have ebbed and flowed.

But, one things remains the same: We are just as crazy about each other as we were when we first met. Despite all the changes we’ve been through, all the bumps in the road, and the challenges, we still love each other with wild excitement.

I’m eternally grateful that we both showed up to the same bar on the same chilly April night. I’m forever indebted to my friend Brandy for shoving me in your direction.

I’m glad you were attracted to me. The girl with hair quickly thrown together and very little make up on. The girl in plain jeans and a simple black shirt. The girl singing into her beer bottle as if it were a microphone. The girl you watched from afar.

I’m grateful that my perceptive friend took action. I’m glad that when Brandy shoved me over to you that you smiled so big and looked so sweet and handsome in your button up shirt.

I’m glad we had so much in common as we played our game of 20 questions. Catholic? Yes. College? Yes. Which one? The same one. From here? Yep.

You made me laugh. You made me feel completely normal and not at all self conscious while we danced.

As the night came to an end, I innocently surrendered my number to you. I didn’t bother to agonize. I knew you would call.

I didn’t realize the phone call would come at 10:00 the next morning, though. I didn’t anticipate a voice so chipper and excited that early in the morning. I didn’t expect an invitation for lunch.

Two years later, on the very same weekend that we met, I tilted my head and smiled at you from the other end of the aisle. You smiled back, watching me from afar. It was chilly. And it rained. Some things went wrong. But we said “I do.” And later, we danced.

We have been married for 5 years, now. The time has flown by, but the years hold a myriad of memories and a love that has grown deeper and more passionate.

Last year, we celebrated 4 years at Olive Garden. I was 37 weeks pregnant. You wrestled our strong willed 2 year old. Across the table, I battled heartburn and discomfort and clutched my stomach as our daughter kicked me from within. You asked me if this was how I imagined us celebrating 4 years of marriage. Without blinking or thinking, I smiled and said, “Absolutely.”

This year, we spent time together as a family. We went to a tiny Mexican restaurant in a tiny town near our family’s lakehouse. This year, we not only had our boy- a year stronger in will, we also had our wild, curious, mess of an almost one year old girl. My sister and her family celebrated with us, as well.

Was it romantic? Not in the slightest.

Was it how I imagined our life on our 5th wedding anniversary? Precisely.

Our children are not only the best gifts we’ve been given in our marriage, they are here because of our marriage. They are a product of our promise 5 years ago as we stood in front of our family and answered “yes” when our priest asked if we would lovingly accept children from God. They should be part of our special day.

We have our fair share of romantic nights. We get plenty of alone time- we make sure of it.

But when we invite our children and our family into our anniversary celebration, we are sharing our love with them. And that’s exactly how it should be.

That little country bar that was oh so popular the night we met? Well, it’s closed now.

But that is NO indication of our love or our marriage, as I may have joked when I heard about it on the news.

No, our love defies it all. We slide through the sorrow, the heartache, the bad times, the occasional knock down drag out fight with relative ease. We make it to the other side stronger, more resilient. We’re always ready for the next challenge.

We savor the good times. We slide our hands together and give thanks, we laugh and talk, we marvel at all we’ve been given.

We still stay up late into the night, planning our tomorrows.

As we welcome a new year together, I am curious and excited about what’s in store for us. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

Happy Anniversary, Michael!

Life happens when we celebrate our love.

P.S. The last two photos were taken by my good friend, Roe. The one where we are saying our vows also aptly includes Brandy, my maid of honor, the girl who helped our love story begin. Sorry the pictures are kind of blurry. Roe is the ONLY person who shared her photos with me from my wedding day. Thanks, Roe!

I wish that I’d continued to sew, but I didn’t. A few years down the road, I went through a brief sewing phase where I made (with lots of help from my mom) pajama pants and drawstring bags for family and friends.

My mom is a great sewer and is currently on a pillowcase kick. Our family has dozens of Disney themed pillowcases. She’s made the kids pillowcases to match their rooms. She’s made college sports pillowcases. Over Christmas, she decided that she wanted me to sew a pillowcase for my mother in law and my nieces and nephew on my husband’s side as gifts.

I had just enough of the sewing bug to agree.

My mom brought her sewing machine to my house one weekend in December and we got started. She already had tons of material and I picked from her stockpile for each person. All I really had to do was sew a bunch of straight lines. She cut the fabric, ironed it, and did pretty much everything else that didn’t involve straight lines.

She encouraged me along the way. Even when my lines were jagged and I’d managed to mess up the threading, she always insisted that I was doing great. Even though I just sewed the straight lines, she claimed that I did it!

I felt such pride in my accomplishments and my family enjoyed their pillows!

With Caroline’s first birthday coming up, I found myself perusing Etsy one night for all things ladybug (her party theme). There I found several adorable pillowcase dresses and I fell in LOVE! I was just about to order one of them, when it dawned on me that I’d really like the experience of making one. It is essentially the same concept as the pillowcases, so I asked my mom about it. Of course, she was on board and so excited.

My mom is on Spring Break this week so we went up to Hobby Lobby for the pattern (on sale for 99 cents!), some ribbon, and coordinating material for the bottom of the dress (mom already had the main material).

Once again, my mom did most of the work. She figured out the pattern, cut the material, ironed, pinned, and lined me up at the sewing machine to sew those straight lines. I did have to do a topstitch, though, so I’m moving on up in the world of sewing!

The dress turned out adorable and I’m so proud of it. I already have several other ideas for a princess dress and a 4th of July dress for my sweet girl! I told my mom that I want to do the bulk of the work (with her guidance) on the next dress we make.

Sewing does not come naturally to me at all, but I’ve enjoyed learning how to do it. It is such a neat skill to have and I hope that I will continue to grow in confidence and in proficiency.

Life is all about trying new things! I like sewing because it makes me feel self-sufficient and even a little old fashioned, but there is a whole wide world out there waiting for us! What would you like to try?

Life happens when we learn something new!