mommy and me ballet.

(sorry for the poor quality of these photos. I need to get our camera out and take a few)

we started a mommy and me ballet class a few weeks ago. Norah loves it and asks to go to dance class randomly during the week. I have always said I wouldn't force it on her, but I will admit, the dancer in me is pretty excited she likes it. honestly, I don't think she'll stick with it forever. and halfway through the class last week, she came up to me with a little whine in her voice asking, "play hockey now?" yeah. Chad was very happy about that one. she's still asking to go to class so we're not quite done yet!

though I really should find some kind of track and field for two year olds because she would own that. I quickly found out that Norah is the two year old who - while everyone else is taking instruction in a circle - is running crazy around outside the circle and checking herself out in the mirror. when she is supposed to tiptoe a teddy bear to me and back to her teacher, she somehow gets away with leaving the bear with me and going back for another. yes, we were hoarding the bears. she is quite the character there, but I'm enjoying seeing her personality shine, as overwhelming as all of her energy can be for me sometimes. 

love..

for Joe.

we are sad to be so far away today, but it is such a comfort to hear about that big room so full just for him and to read words like "beyond description" and "irreplaceable" written all over social media. he would love that.

I've been thinking about the time we stayed with him in Tennessee a couple of years ago. he had moved to the half way point where we would usually stop on our way to and from Michigan. he was so excited we took him up on the offer to stay there (he even posted to Facebook when we arrived) and had gone to the store to get some food for us. it was a short stay, mostly just to sleep, so we watched a couple of epsiodes of The Office with him and reminisced and went to bed. I remember he made sure to have cookies for me (of which he had already opened, ha) and ice cream in his freezer because he wasn't sure what I would want to eat since I was pregnant. heart of gold, that guy.

this is a really old photo from one of the times I did his hair. we always had fun at the salon, ha. we'll miss you, Joe. ❤️

if you feel led, consider donating to help cover his funeral expenses and please continue to pray for this amazing family. you can donate here: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/y60eoy/donate

love..

happy Mardi Gras.

I just have to gush about this photo for a second. because that face while she's playing with her 'dada' makes for one joy filled mama.

also, have to mention how weird it is that yesterday felt like Monday because of Mardi Gras. things I never knew I'd get used to. it's bigger than Christmas here and even though we don't participate that much it's still just in the air. but it worked to our advantage because we had Chad home for a week.

I can't ignore the fact that his job seems glamorous. it can be. that quickly fades. it is not family friendly. a majority of the people he works with are single; there's not much room for other things after work. the hours are kind of outrageous and he's usually exhausted. some shows we just push through in survival mode. but when he has a few weeks off in between, I am so grateful. he gets to be part of our day to day. regular jobs would only allow him weekends and holidays and I love that we get to have some extra time with him once and a while. kind of makes up for the long working days when Norah might not see him at all. it's obviously not ideal for toddlers that thrive on consistency but I'm thankful for what we have. now I'm going to just stare at this photo some more.

love..

king of my heart.

it was 73 degrees Friday. and while that's all nice in January, I can't help but wonder what that means for the month of August. praise the Lord for air conditioning, I guess!

so we're home. it's always an adjustment for me and this time is no different. waking up in a house with a couple extra family members and knowing your parents are right down the road is nice. so being many miles away without knowing when we'll go back is always a little hard. and Norah is so bored without all of her family and those darn Michigan dogs. so I decided to take advantage of the weather and take her for a walk. she's always up for a walk.

I just wanted to share this song though (I'll post the video at the bottom too). we came back to town facing a few unfortunate things. one being a half empty shed. there are so many reasons I am thankful it was just the shed, and not our house or cars, but when you're processing what might have happened and how it all feels premeditated and like a really bad joke.. and you're glad to just be back to your own bed, but then can't quite get comfortable because you feel a little violated. it just kind of stinks that the comfort of family we just left is so far away, honestly. and it is only things that were taken from us, but still a bummer. 

anyway, the song. it's long but I'd just turn it on while you're doing whatever it is you're doing today and declare it over all of the things. a friend posted it on Facebook and I hit play and just started walking. walking in a place that sort of feels uncomfortable this week. but going confidently because He is good. He is protecting us and has never, ever stopped.

so here's this pretty little thing.

just really happy she doesn't fully understand that anything is weird and can play in her yard without fear and sleep (though not for very long, ha..) like this and dream sweet dreams.

but in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

love. 

a gentle answer.

a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.. the soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:1&4

I've never seen anything confirm these scriptures like parenthood. I know she needs to hear the word no sometimes, but when it's out of my own fear or anger, 'no' is never helpful.

she seeks nurture. it breaks my heart to know so many babies are deprived of that.

I'm convinced you learn the most in your life when you're raising a toddler. I'm sure I'll continue to say that through each stage, but for now.. toddler.

this bird is so brave and this year is going to be quite an adventure, I'm sure.

hello 2016.

love.