Letting Go + Lake Pictures

A theme, goal, whatever you want to call it, in my life the past two years has been to slow down. I realize it goes against our culture and natural human instincts. If we all don't stop, take a breath, look around at what we're running to and from each day, we'll go a bit insane. I feel it's quite risky to live life in a rush. We trap yourself in a go-go-go mindset and end up missing out on the quite amazing and beautiful journey life has to offer. We wear our minds, bodies, spirits down until everything that truly matters (aka: people) suffers greatly.

As I move along in life and stumble upon trial after trial, I feel God whispering "slower...nope, even slower.." I feel I'm finally grasping what he has in store for me during this season in my life. I have a clearer vision of my priorities and Christian duties thanks to His whispers. Sometimes I want to scream, 'But I know what I'm doing! Just let me do this!' Who am I kidding?! Ha. Let go and Let God, right? So while everyone around me is packing their summers full of camps, swim lessons, and gymnastics...you'll find us doing just the opposite.

We'll be winging it. Pool one day? Sure! Park to feed the ducks another day? Why not! Lake house this weekend? Bring it on. The BEST childhood memories I have are of the completely random, spontaneous things we did with our family and friends. Time, moments, years are gone in a flash. O'Ryan is so so incredibly young. Camps, lessons, and all that junk can wait. Summer is a great time to push hard on the brakes. Let go, Let God, and Live it up!

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Last weekend was our first trip to McQueeney this year. We were pleasantly surprised with a little cool front, too. Although the weather was nice, I was itching to to the jetski and boat in warmer weather. The Guadalupe is just calling my name! Memorial weekend we plan on heading there with family and friends. From then on, most weekends will be spent in Central Texas, on the cool river with the cypress trees!

A Happy Life

A happy life must be to a great extent a quiet life, 

for it is only in an atmosphere of quiet that true joy dare live.

Bertrand Russell

Today I had a super relaxing day.

O was at school and my good friend Rachel came over with her two youngest girls.

We had girl time and watched K play in the baby pool.

I could definitely use more of these days...

Ones with friends, sun, laughter and baby smiles :)

Less is MORE

Our April has been a blend of things. 

Very warm weather. Bubble guns. Baby pools. Allergies. Hunger Games series. Date nights. Potty training, sort of. Heating pad. Massages. Watching caterpillars transform into butterflies! Doctors. Watermelon. Snuggles. Prayers. Praises. Some tears. And plenty of laughter!

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Less really is more.

Simplicity is often best.

Being still is underrated.

Chill days at home are the most memorable.

Observing > Talking

Backyard picnics are more fun than fancy meals

Less is more.

:)

Boomer!!! ...Sooner!!!

Aaaand that's the only time you'll see me write that :)

GO BEARS!!!!

Sorry. 

I just uploaded these same pics of FB, but for those family members without FB here they are! Pictures from our weekend in Norman, OK. A total of 11 of us traveled to watch Eric play in the spring game. Thank you Coach Stoops for playing ALL of the players, including my little bro. No matter what happens from now on, I can say that Eric's dream came true. All he's ever wanted along this journey is a CHANCE to show everyone what he can do. And he's been blessed to have that chance, now not only during practice but during an actual game. 

We couldn't have hidden our pure JOY and PRIDE for him that day if we wanted to!!! I haven't seen my mom that smiley in a while! :) One of the best days of our families' life. Thank you Lord! You get all of the glory.

If you step back, it's a beautiful story God has weaved together for the world to see. A story He knew and began putting the pieces together for a long, long time ago. A story of dedication, determination, faith, hard work, patience, endurance, positive attitudes, and an unwavering sight on a high goal!!! 

And having a supportive, loving system of family, friends and even strangers is simply the icing on top!

We love you Eric. Thank you for your inspiration to us and all of those you encounter!

My cutie jammin out.

Our shirts were such a BIG hit! The whole day people came up to us asking about Eric and congratulating him and us. GOOD IDEA MOM on making shirts!!! And THANKS Kortni for making them :)

Hiding from the tornadoes, yikes. One JUST missed us.

Game day.

Eric said it was a great experience to sign autographs and interact with the kiddos. 

Daddy and O at the races 

Copying O'Ryan's "I'm on a SUGAR HIIIIIIGGH" face.

ERic had several tackles, even though they put 1.

Worn out after the game.

O'Ryan's shirt.

"We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. ⁸ We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. ⁹ We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. ¹⁰ Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything."

2 Corin 6:7-10