Mama MIA

"Missing in Action" that is!

Oh boy. I don't know what is going on except that God has His own plans for how I spend my days. And blogging hasn't been at the top of the list. I've always loved blogging - keeping family and friends up to date with our family happenings. Sharing funny stories or maybe encouraging my fellow mommies by opening up my thoughts and feelings. I've always felt like this blog was a wonderful part of God's plan for my life - a piece of our life song to Him. I find such joy, comfort, strength, validation in the family blogs I follow. So when I don't have a chance to read them (much less write on my own!) for a while, I start to feel bad. A little guilty. A little disconnected. A little overwhelmed with "how I'm going to get back in the swing?". Especially when there is so much to catch up on. Finally today, I accepted the fact that "not blogging" doesn't mean "not living". It doesn't mean God isn't using me or working in our family. He's got big plans. I should know that by now. And while I love the days when life and blogging cooperate to create an easy-going, give-and-take relationship - a sort of codependence - I equally appreciate all the things that have hindered the blogging. Trips to the pool, coffee with girlfriends, vacation Bible school, painting the guest room, " SB potty-training" (it's twice the work and different goals - but so cute to see him on his elmo potty seat reading a book :) hehe), reading a new book, going to the movies, shopping at Ikea (okay maybe that was more stressful than enjoyable...how do you not get lost in there?)

And most recently a trip with my best-friend/sister to see my best-friend/cousin.

Of course I also got to see the cute little red-headed girl we all know and love.

But now - of course as soon as I'm content with not having time to blog...I have a moment. So I guess I'll pick up where we left off. :) Big stuff still to come...but this should tide you over. Here's a quick summary of some of the day-to-day joys of...

California...

We made ourselves at home...with coffee...

...and tea.

The perfect morning recipe.

Laguna Beach

Beach hair looks good on you baby.

Home is where the Starbucks is...wait...isn't that how it goes?

Deep concentration to beat "Ya-ya" (Leah.) ;)

Beach Buddies are the Best Buddies.

Dear playground covered in sand...

...you've ruined all other playgrounds for my son.

Pancake Breakfasts

Yummm

Shopping (better cause you're in California)

They have merry-go-rounds at this mall!? How fun!

Or not...

Inflatable Pool-Time

There's nothing like splashing around in an inflatable pool in the front yard. Making a mess.

Making new friends.

(very carefully that is)

assessing the situation...

Watch out!

Phew! That was a close one. Good thing he took that "lion taming" class at Gymboree.

(Yep...Jet's toes are still the cutest I've ever seen.)

Making something special for Aunt Kayleigh's birthday

And just...making memories.

It's was such a wonderful time. I loved all the "every-days" in between the "extraordinary" ones. Jet was spoiled beyond imagination and he loved everything about his visit. And so did we.

Coming up next...