Worship Wednesday: Carry Me

We moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina this summer. 
What a crazy whirlwind that was. 

Richard and I decided that we wanted to live on post here.   After living 40 minutes away from UVA and Charlottesville, we were not wanting Richard to spend so much time in the car each day.
The areas here in town are hit or miss, and we were recommended to live a similar distance away to be in a "good" area....unless we could live on post. 

We were offered a house on Fort Bragg that would be available around the same time that we needed it to be available.  This house is a duplex, so we are connected to another family.  We are much closer to our neighbors than we were in Palmyra, and some days even the Lake was too close to others.  Our house is a little smaller than our previous home, and we lost a ton of storage space - but we have managed.  My brother even claims the floor plan makes it appear we have more space in some rooms. 

We have spent the summer unpacking, getting organized and getting acclimated to the new area.  I still have nothing hanging on my walls, but we have put up some curtains and most things have found their new "home" or made it to the thrift store.

The area is way different than where we were living, in the middle of no where Virginia. 
We do enjoy being close to most modern conveniences.  We enjoy sending our children outside and allowing them to play and ride bikes without a worry. 

I still feel like we are unsettled, though. The past few months have flown by.  I have grown used to the sounds of artillery and helicopters and planes hovering overhead.  I have grown used to the piles of Army green socks and PT gear that had been packed away for years.
Two years is going to fly by at this rate! 

No worries, we will be carried through.  Without a doubt. 

And because it is Wednesday, here is a song for your viewing pleasure. 



Worship Wednesday: Starts with Me

 

 

 

I used to post my thoughts as Worship Wednesday when I blogged regularly.  I recently have had many stories that I desperately want to share with someone and to remember when my babies are older. 

 

Nine and a half months ago, I had a baby.  A baby, who is now 9 and a half months old.  The days have not been a blur like when Mere joined our family.  Tyson is the brightest light I have ever seen in a person.  And he is busy, and walking!   And three babies keep me busy, despite the fact that two of them are definitely not babies anymore.  I really feel like I am doing a disservice to them by not documenting events and milestones that are passing by like lightning.  As the days pass, I feel like I am in a time warp.  Not that I am not enjoying those moments with my children or wishing them away, but the time seems to escape me and we are so busy and engaged with things that two weeks have flashed by and I did not realize that another month has passed. 

 

We have been living in a new home for almost four months now.  The time passed seems insane to me, because I still feel new to the area.  I have always been slow to warm up to my surroundings, so perhaps that has something to do with it.  Regardless of that, I have sent my babies to school and I feel like the quiet makes my mind clearer. 

 

The constant noise and chatter makes things hard for me.  I am a total introvert.  I crave quiet and peace and serene like a person would crave chocolate or cheese.  So as my days continue, I will be able to write more.  I will share my thoughts.   So as we go forth, look forward to hearing from me more.   

 

I think this song is spectacular.  And I love it.  So happy Worship Wednesday. 

 

What can I do to leave a legacy?

How can I speak with authority if I can't see you?

How can I know the dreams you have me?

How do I believe beyond what I have seen?

If I can't hear you or I can't feel you now?

 

You're my revival song. 

You start where I belong.

What now?

I used to blog.  Often. 
Then I stopped. 

I logged on today, and saw it has been over a year since my last post. 
Yet, in the past WEEK, I have had three people ask me why I don't blog anymore. 

I really don't have a solid answer to give anyone when they ask.   
Answers are plenty though. 
If you wanted to know information about me, you could call.  We can catch up via the old fashioned way....instead of reading about me from afar and feeling like you know what is going on in my life. 

Since my last post, in 2011, I started working outside of the home. 
I taught pre-school children at the school where my own children attended. 
I did not teach my children. 
I worked part time, a little over three hours, for five days a week. 

I didn't get a job because I needed money.  (As everyone knows, teachers don't get paid for their effort or what is required of them - the same is even more true for preschool teachers.)
Instead, the job found me, for a lack of better words.  I had such a grande experience during my time there. 

I felt purposeful.  I learned a new meaning of joy.  Joy from a three year old's eyes is way different than my own.  Not that I didn't understand the meaning of joy - I have children of my own.  But having the ability to share in joy with a child that is not of your own blood and truly love them and be proud of them for their accomplishments is on a different level. 

I formed relationships with people and I grew as a person.  I learned a new meaning of friendship and trust. 

My time there was short-lived because joy was found elsewhere.  After much struggle and the beginning of hopelessness, my family was blessed with the news we were pregnant.  We had wanted a child for so long, but had thought it wasn't in the cards for us.  Little did we know, as with any of God's surprises, that our hand just hadn't been dealt. 

So as I write today, I am less than six weeks away from holding another little Connaroe.  I have two little Connaroes that have grown up and become REAL people.  People who have thoughts and great independence and spunk and intelligence and drive.  They both have such big hearts and are very excited to meet the newest addition to our family.  I watch them with love and admiration at who they have become.  I am anxious to know if I did a good enough job with them.  And I am anxious to have to do it all over again....

I have sent my first born off to kindergarten, and I have seen the change in him.  He has grown so much in the last month since school started.  He is writing on his own, creating his own thoughts and reading us stories.  He has his own opinion about everything and I absolutely adore what a blessing he is to our family. 

And our little Mere has become such a grown up herself.  I am blown away by her use of descriptive words at times.  "Mommy, this is simply too hard!"  She and Lucas are both my ray of sunshine, even in the darkness asking me if it is morning time yet. 

So, although I can't commit to blogging often.  I can attempt to work it back into my life.  I am back at home, being a mommy. 

Worship Wednesday: Awakening

Back when I had time to blog, I thought I would encorporate Worship Wednesday into the rotation of random ramblings and photos and what have you.
But things have changed, and maybe one day soon I will make time to tell you why I don't prioritize blogging anymore.

Regardless, today was Wednesday and I thought I would share a song for worship Wednesday.
Enjoy your week!

May Randoms

The last update I gave you was in May, from my brother's graduation.  So due to  the high demand of photos, I am going through the past few months starting where I left off....We had a few adventures in May, so those will get their own posts. 

But here are a few random photos that didn't seem to fit with anything....

Meredith still loves to blow bubbles....She is a super sweet girl, growing up so fast.
Lucas and Meredith both have outgrown the shoes they are wearing in the photos.

 On Mother's Day, we went to church.  When we arrived home, Lucas insisted that I go sit down so he could wash dishes for me.  Richard took a collection of photos of Lucas in action....this one was just super sweet.

I adore this photo of Mere.  She was so still and quiet and listened to me so well --I wanted to include her and the deer together.  Look closely, there is a doe beside Meredith!

I know it seems like I should have more photos....Don't worry, there are more to come!

4th of July teaser

I haven't blogged in a long, long, long time. 
For some, this is a complete let down because they use this as a method of communication with myself and my family. 

But really, I have had many family requests to post photos.  And I feel bad, because really, it is YOU that finds joy in the photos of my kids.  Even my husband, who is working away for the summer checks my blog now....and mentions how I haven't updated. 

So let's not talk about how I haven't posted since May. 
I will try to take a day and update the blog....and give you a flashback of all the fun we have been having -- mainly because I have some pretty cool photos. 
But let's start with this past weekend....I do hope you had a Happy 4th of July! 

Mother's Day Weekend!

I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! 
Whether or not you are actually a mother, you have a mother or know someone who is a mother! 
This weekend was super busy for us! 
On Saturday, we went to Lucas's soccer game.  I am really sorry, but I never even told you Lucas was playing soccer.  I will make a post about it soon! 

I hung out on the sidelines with my baby girl and she ate while I played with my camera.  (Did I ever even tell you I received a new camera??)

Soccer is great for action shots obviously, and I need lots of practice with proper focus. 

After the game, every one and their brother wanted to talk to Richard.  It was super cool to be social, but inappropriately timed because we planned to get on the road right after. 

Since we were hanging out for like an hour while Rich gave advice, I fed us all from the concession stand at the church. 

Although the lunch was super early, we were grateful for yummy burgers and hot dogs - which were way better than fast food. 

So an hour later than anticipated, we headed across the state.   

My baby brother was graduating from college that evening and we had three hours of driving ahead of us!  We planned to stop along the way at the Williamsburg Outlets since we had a little extra time.  I only intended to stop by the shoe store for the kiddos, and thankfully that is the only place time allowed.  So after a brief stop (seriously thirty minutes) to find, choose and buy Lucas new kicks, we arrived to Norfolk in the nick of time. 

Richard had planned to take the kids to the beach while I attended the graduation.  So he was going to drop me and head out.  I was forced to change my clothes in the car while waiting at stoplights, so I looked like a hot mess. 

We had a short amount of time to get inside, so we headed to the lines....

My brother was a part of the class of 2011 from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, as proven by the sign below.

The ceremony was nice and went by rather quickly considering the number of students being presented with degrees.  I won't tell you that I cried when I watched Travis march in....and sit down...or when I listened to the speech by some lady (I feel awful for not remembering who she was, but she gave a great one about reaching outside your comfort zone). 

I guess it was an incredibly emotional time for me, as it solidified that my baby brother was no longer a baby.  I realize that he hasn't been a baby for years now, but seriously, it is easy to not recognize that those around you are also getting older.
I managed to pull it together and could see my brother shake hands and accept his pretend diploma.

And I saw how he was all smiles as he walked away. 

And after they went through everything else, the singing of the Alma Mater, and the procession out, Travis was still smiling. 

And here is my proof that I actually attended... alive in the flesh.

 

After some more photo-ops....

My brother and his girlfriend, Alicia

Forgive me for the bad camera angle and too many cameras, we are all looking different directions...I blame Alicia (see above). 

My dad and I with Travis

My grandfather and aunt with Travis (my mom's family)

 

So, with that, we had dinner out at California Pizza Kitchen.  I have not eaten dinner so late since I was in college and I was starving!! Dinner (for me) was a Hawaiian Pizza!  Yum!! 

We headed out pretty late and drove home in the wee hours of the night/morning.  When we finally got home, we hit our bed around 2:20 am!  And although I know my brother lives his life like this, it was hard on one who is nearly thirty!

Soooo, it was pretty miserable waking up early on Sunday. 

Lucas woke me up by jumping on me and yelling "Happy Mudder's Day!"

We had a fun day at church with a fabulous sermon. 

Rich and I both cried at some point during the service.  But I didn't tell you that either. 

That afternoon, Rich hit the books studying and I took a nap while the kids watched Pinocchio for the first time. 

We had pasta with shrimp scampi for dinner and after bedtime Rich hit the books again.

I had a few special friends send notes to me about Mother's Day - and I greatly appreciate their words and their friendship.  Things were different this year without my own mother.

So although I don't have any snazzy meals or gifts to tell you about, I don't need any of that stuff to make me feel special.   

I was able to snuggle my kids all day.

My husband and I actually went to bed together at the same time without a law book by his side!

And that was great enough for me!

And now that we have reached the longest post in quite a while, I am glad you read the whole thing :) 

Big Girl Bed for Meredith

Meredith has been begging for a big girl bed for some time now...some days she even requests a bunk bed. 

Richard and I have talked about whether we actually want to get a bunk bed, but we haven't come to any decision as of late. 

I do know that we had a guest bed hanging out all alone without any regular use.  And although I like the idea of having an option, having it take up space for a once a year guest wasn't ideal.

So on one of these rainy days this week, I had the kids help me clear out Meredith's room, take down her crib/toddler bed, and move the guest bed into Meredith's room. 

She was overjoyed with the new change!  (Sorry, I didn't pick up for you!  Imagine a clutter free room!)

I had picked up a quilt on clearance at Tar-jay a few months ago that was adorable and it was $7 (hello! i couldn't leave it in the store!)

And Mere was in love with the flowers when I showed it to her.

She tested out...

and she was satisfied! 

Here's to a good nights sleep! 

Disclaimer:  If you ever intend on being a guest, we have a couch that sleeps wonderfully and a newly purchased (also clearance!) air mattress.  But who knows, we may end up buying a replacement mattress or even a bunk bed! 

Birthday Bunny!

Since my Mere was sick on her actual birthday weekend, we didn't get a chance to celebrate properly. 

She insisted that her birthday was not over until we gave her a cake. 

And at her request, she wanted a bunny cake. 

I knew that I wanted to make her a cake similar to what my grandmother made for me when I was growing up.  I have always had a thing for bunnies.

The cake was in 3-D, with a body made out of a circular cake cut in half.

Coconut as the fir of course. 

And there are few things better than coconut.

I didn't really think this though before hand.

But I decided to make my mom's award winning coconut cake as the cake form.

I really wish I could have discussed this with her beforehand. 

I forgot that her cake (that has coconut milk drizzled over the top) would become super moist and would not stand very well. 

So although the bunny was not able to defy gravity, it tasted amazing!

And with her 3-year-old mind, she thought it looked amazing too!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Meredith!

We actually gave her gifts to her last Saturday.

Have you ever seen a kid so excited over a kite?

Most definately the best $1 I have ever spent. 

She adored Lucas' kite and wanted one all her own. 

And of course, the weather was perfect for flying a kite!

She couldn't have been happier with her birthday celebration!

Good Friday

I grew up in a Christian home.
And in all my 29 years, I had never known of a Good Friday service taking place. 
Service was always a celebration - a traditional Sunday celebration of Easter.
But our church was offering an evening Good Friday service. 
So tonight, for the first time, my husband and I attended a Good Friday service. 
We had no idea what to expect, as today is such an important day in history. 

It is observance of the day that our Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross...to forgive us for our sins and provide salvation.

So should we hear a regular sermon?  Would there be a special presentation? 
What does one do in remembrance of such a life-altering day in history?

Everything was perfect. 
We sang a mixture of old hymns and contemporary music, remembering the Cross. 
We reread the moments leading up to the Crucifixion. 
We took The Lord's Supper in remembrance. 

And although, we did not sing this particular hymn, my thoughts were brought to my mother's favorite hymn.  How Great Thou Art. 
She would sing this out of the blue.  Or often humming the tune while doing housework.

My thoughts are with her today as she finally has met the Great and Glorious God.  And she is spending her days continuing to praise him.

I will share with you, Carrie's version of this beautiful song on this Good Friday.

"And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee"

Whose Birthday??

How was your weekend?  Mine was pretty uneventful....

My Mere woke up on Thursday running a fever.  She was pretty awful, and I prayed she would miraculously recover because Friday was her birthday. 

She decided that sleeping off her illness was way more important than any celebration this year, so we celebrated with lots of ibuprofen and napping. 

The cool thing about a little one being sick is that she wants lots of snuggles (which means I get to nap when she naps).

The uncool thing about a little one being sick is that it is exhausting giving lots of snuggles.  
I know you won't believe me until you actually do it. 

Lucas did convience her to put candles in a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich (that she did not eat), so he and I sang "Happy Birthday" to her at least.

Since I was hoping for her to recover, we decided to hold off on sharing our own presents with her until she was feeling better.

My love bug finally recovered and is back to herself.  And she has not forgotten that we did not celebrate her birthday.  

But she is officially three, celebration or not.  Although she fully expects us to celebrate soon. 

Random Singing Videos

We play music around these parts alot!  So someone is always singing something, even if it is out of tune. 

I hope you enjoy!!

I have posted three videos of the kiddos singing....

"Old McDonald"

"I'm a little Teapot"

A make-your-own-version of "Jesus loves me"
Please excuse the last video, as it is really just audio.
The kiddos were singing in the car at nightime.

I think I have the next American idols!

Time

For a while now, I have been wasting  spending time reading other blogs instead of updating my own. 
My heart wasn't in updating or keeping a blog anymore. 
I had reached a point where I wasn't doing it for ME.
I was only wanting to do it if someone was reading....

And sure, someone is reading this.  I know I have at least five family members that check daily to see if there are updates with the kids and their latest adventures.

 Because that is all anyone really cares about anyways...the cute faces and the stories. 

But my heart still wasn't there.  I felt like it was a chore I wanted to ignore.  I wasn't seeing it as a cathartic experience any longer. 

I tried for a while to force posts.  But eventually I gave into the blog vortex of crafting and organizing....until my eyes glazed over from people who posted photos of what their junk drawer looked like after they had reorganized. 

Really, what had I become that I sat and looked at this stuff like it was interesting?
And why do people waste their time taking photos of putting pens and keys and batteries in a basket to share?

It was only then that I realized I had to stop.  I had to evaulate what I was doing, because I wasn't spending time anymore. 

I really was wasting time. If I wasn't going to be on my on blog, then I needed to be doing something more constructive.

I really have so much stuff I want to share, but I cannot bring myself to do it because I am bogged down with myself. 

I had to find balance.

So I cleansed myself. 

I prayed.
I read...
I drank.

and I prayed some more. 

And somehow, I have reached a point where I feel peaceful. 
Where in my heart, I need to continue on with this blog instead of abandoning it....which was my intention about a month ago.

But I will continue with it as I see fit, and I can do so without worrying about who is reading. 
And if you are reading, well that is pretty cool too!

Snow in March?!

This past weekend it snowed....after a week of having nearly 80 degree temperatures.

The amount of snow was neglegable. 

But it was unbelievable!

These photos aren't even from the event I am recounting....

I just hadn't shared them and thought it would be cool to do so now, since it did snow...

So how did you spend your snowy Sunday you ask?

We went to Sunday School and Church.

I wish I had my camera with me, as the trees were incredibly gorgeous! 

Green and pink buds were peaking through snowy covered branches. 

So now it is Monday, and we were back to a high in 50's.

Crazy I tell you!   

Popping Corn!

My husband received an (air) popcorn popper for Christmas....and no, this was not a random "Why did I receive this?" gift.  He actually wanted one.  Although it was a surprise...kind of.

Anyways, it was a spectacular event when Lucas watched the popper in action for the first time. 
Meredith could care less.  But Lucas, he thought it was the greatest thing he had seen all day. 

Prepping the popcorn kernels.

                                                       Pouring them in....with deep concentration...

                                                      Hearing the buzzing of heating the kernels....

Pure excitement as the kernels begin to pop! pop! pop!

               
                                                                       and then tasting!

                                                               The joys of the simple things....



Happy New Years! 2011!

This year, New Years was in January.  In case you didn't know. 

And we partied like it was 1999. 

But really, it was fun and wonderful and relaxing and stress free. 

So why not share a little of that admist the days of Springtime.....

To follow, random family photos of the occassion.

Driving in, we stopped at the grocery store (ie: Wally world) to pick up a few things...

like cookies and eclairs and queso. 

Because you can't have a celebration without those things.

I also insisted that we pick up New Years attire.

And I insisted on having photo ops with each couple...

My brother and his hot lady....

                                                                My uncle and aunt

                                                               My cousin and his wife

                                                     My children and their New Year's kiss...

                                           This is us.  In case you forgot what we looked like!

               The kids are always so good.....they happily played with blocks for a long, long time...

And that is how we rang in the New Year!