Happy Father's (Dad's) Day

Anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a dad.

-unknown

Today I want to take the time to honor Jeremy. August 2006 I fell in love with Jeremy Hefner who at the time I knew as "Hef". I remember running to tell my mom who he was & how excited I was for her to meet him. I remember my dad saying what a good boy he was & how he was the one baseball player I was allowed to "date". I remember being so nervous on our first date (so not my personality) & I got butterflys when his blue eyes would look into mine. I remember telling Coach Myers I was dating "Hef" & he got this smirk on his face then said, "Sarah Grace, there couldn't be a better guy." I was totally head over heels for "Hef"

Years went on with us dating, we got married, & continued to pursue Jeremy's career in baseball. We knew we wanted kids & always talked about having a family but we "planned" to have our first baby after a few years of marriage. God's plan was better. We found out we were pregnant July 2009. I will forever believe that God's plan is always better than ours. We wouldn't change a thing. Jeremy was the best husband throughout our pregnancy. He spoiled me beyond belief. I don't remember cleaning one dish, opening one door, or lacking in any of my cravings (some thanks to Drew Miller for the powdered donuts). I ate plenty of waffles... Hefner homemade waffles that is! Jeremy took such great care of me.

Jace came into the world March 22, 2010 & Jeremy was officially known as Daddy. I remember looking at Jeremy the first time we met Jace & we both had big tears of joy in our eyes. Since that day I have enjoyed watching Jeremy with Jace. Jeremy even changed Jace's very first diaper all by himself! I was one proud Momma from day one! 

Let's just say Jace thinks his daddy rocks... literally. They even head bang in the truck together to Jesus Freak & all sorts of fun music. I love watching them together & I love the bond they share. I love watching him read to Jace, wrestle, pray, play ball, & carry him around the ball park. I love watching him teach him new things like using a bat or a new dance move. I love watching Jace run into his Daddy's arms when he walks out of the clubhouse. That is priceless. (I think I tear up every time) Thanks for being such a great Daddy.

Today Jeremy is in Colorado Springs for a road trip so we aren't able to celebrate with him until Tuesday, however, his parents were able to make the drive out there for his game. His Mom was able to surprise his Dad with a spur of the moment road trip to watch Jeremy pitch on Father's Day. I know Jeremy will be so excited to see them & get the chance to hug his Dad on Father's Day! 

Happy Father's Day to-

 my husband: Jeremy,  our Dad's, our Grandpa, our Uncles, our brothers: Scott, & Brandon! 

We love you all!!

Saying: Thank You.

One thing I love to do & sometimes wish I was better at it is to write Thank You notes. I hope Jace learns the importance of saying thank you to the ones around him. I love to go pick a new design of thank you notes at Target (my favorite place ever) & then just sitting down & thinking of all the people who deserved to be thanked, getting out my pin, & simply sending them love in a card. So many times we rely completely on technology to say these two words & I hope I never get away from writing them in my own hand writing. It may be sloppy but I believe it is more personal that way :).

Today as Jace continues to nap I can't help but realize I could sit here all day & think of people in our life who deserve a simple "thank you". It overwhelms me with love & true thankfulness in my heart for the people God has brought into our lives over the years. Hopefully someday I will be able to get a thank you card to each one of you... I will do my best. Until then, I want to say thank you to all of the people who have taught us, prayed for us, helped us in many ways, supported us, & have truly loved on us. Your sincerity never goes unnoticed.

I want to encourage you to send someone a thank you note this week in YOUR handwriting :) Share the love!

Road Trip: We meet again.

Sunday night Jace & I stayed home from the ball game & we packed Daddy's suitcase. Jeremy never expects me to do things like that but it's always nice to have it done so we can spend the time after the game together rather than packing & I enjoy being able to do it. So, instead of loading up for the game we decided to stay home, do laundry, & pack his bags. I knew being out here we would get attached to him being with us so much but I didn't realize I would really dislike the long road trips. If you know our family then you know none of us are good with goodbyes...Ever. No matter how long in between it is we go without seeing one another it's not fun.

Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoy my time out here with Jace. We have a lot of fun just relaxing, snuggling, playing ball, etc. There is just something about having to tell your husband goodbye.... whether it be for a weekend, week, month, or for some... years. I can't imagine what kind of feelings army wives experience. I have the most respect for them & their families. They are such strong women. 

Thankfully, Jeremy comes home Monday night & we will be waiting for him at the airport with big smiles on our faces! We will get to celebrate Father's Day when he gets home! Until he comes home Jace & I will enjoy our quality time here in the Arizona heat. 

Love on your loved ones & always kiss them goodbye :)

This & That.

Mr. Jace: (almost)15 months.

It's really hard to believe our son will be 15 months on the 22nd of June. Really? Does it really have to go this fast? I am so thankful that the summer of 2009 we found out we were going to be parents. Wouldn't change a thing. Jace brings such joy to our life!

Jace loves playing with his Daddy. I am so glad we are out here in Arizona to spend this time with Jeremy. Everyday he is becoming more & more like his Dad. They are quite the pair!

They played 'hide & seek' at the airport while waiting on Aunt Megan & Alivia to arrive. I was the photographer to capture the fun.

Jace got his first 'man' haircut from his Daddy. Jeremy &Uncle Scott say this is a true boys haircut. It is really starting to grow on me & I think Jace likes it too. He loved having a sucker throughout the haircut & Dad did a great job!

Ace & Bear: Jace's 2 best friends at the moment. As you can see he eats, sleeps, plays, & watches movies with these two. It's so funny & so sweet to watch him pull them around the house. They will be kept for many years I am sure.

Jace loves going to the grocery store with Momma. He is usually a hit with all the women working at Basha's. He gets a cookie & balloon. His favorite treat! We usually make it home with chocolate fingerprints on all the packages but it's always fun for us to go! 

Jace is walking everywhere now... I mean everywhere. It's so fun to watch him run to his Daddy's arms after baseball games.

I hope you enjoyed the updated pictures of Mr. Jace. Each day we are learning new things & saying new words.

Here are a few of the words that have been added to our vocabulary:

Church

Chair

WOW

Pool

Blue

Cool

Juice

Bubbles

Dog

Momma & Daddy

Go!!!!!

Document your little ones as they grow! I am hoping to keep up with all our kids someday so we can always remember each stage of their life!

what love really means.

Grace, laughter, joy & tears (family)

Today I just can't stop smiling inside & out. God has truly shown himself to me in our lives the past few weeks. I found this picture & thought it was a good representation of what love really means: grace, laughter, joy, & tears. 

I am so thankful for my sweet little family & the joy it brings! Last night after the game Jeremy & I sat with Jace in his room for a really long time doing absolutely nothing but laughing & laughing so hard we had tears. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I couldn't help but fall asleep with a big smile on my face knowing how much love we have for each other.

I can't help but mention that by no means is our family perfect. Everyday we fail, we need grace & trust me there are times of tears... of all sorts. I believe because of those times we love each other more & more each day. I can't help but hurt for the children who have never experienced love. They fail, long for attention, hurt,  & everyday they feel rejected without knowing what loves feels like. I pray that through our tears we can learn to love more & to laugh more often. I pray that even though our family might not be perfect that each day we share love with the world around us & someday we can show other children what love really means: grace, laughter, joy, & tears.

Let's make a difference one day at a time. Show someone today what love really means.

Sweet Company.

We have enjoyed having such sweet company the past few days: Megan & Alivia.

We were able to surprise Jeremy with their visit because he hasn't had the chance to meet 2 month old Alivia.We have had fun! Jace has been learning how to "love" on her instead of "poke" her... we are getting better :) I even got to snuggle with Alivia on the couch this morning. I can't believe how fast you forget them being so small. I loved Jace at the age & am more than willing to hold her every chance I get (Jace willing). Megan & I have enjoyed catching up, playing with the kids, running, & going to the baseball games! It is so fun watching Jeremy hold Alivia. He faces completely lights up! It is so nice to get to spend that quality time together... It has been way over due :)

Looking forward to the rest of their visit! We love having family here with us! 

Thank you Brandon for sharing your sweet little family with us this week! We have missed you but glad they were able to come out here!

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the week!

Too much sleep? Not enough sleep?

Jace relaxing early in the morning.

I have been trying to figure out what is best for Jace's nap times. He is getting to the point where one afternoon nap would be good instead of taking 2 naps everyday, however, he doesn't seem to think so. I know the minute he gets to being fussy or rubbing his eyes he will crash. Sure enough, when I put him down he naps. He has been taking a shorter nap in the late mornings & a long afternoon nap... followed by 10 hours of sleep (give or take a few). Some people tell me its too much sleep while others say its normal. I have been battling this decision of keeping him up the past week or so but he is always so much happier after a good nap. I like to think he is just growing because he has no problem cleaning his plates. I am going to pray & see how this week goes... I have pretty much come to the conclusion as mom you just know what your kids need at this age... Instinct as some say. Well, mine just needs naps. I guess things could be worse? Not enough sleep for him or us? I'll take the naps :)

Maybe one day I will look back & being wishing for 2 nap times again? ;-)

Go with your instincts this weekend & take a family nap! I'm sure it's well deserved!

Hobbies.

I have to admit that I never thought I would ever have "hobbies". I have always been so busy in sports & school growing up I never got the chance to really seek any anyway. Well, things have really changed... for the good.

I have hobbies.

Here are a few of the things I have come to enjoy:

Blogging. (obviously)

Taking photos of Jace & our family.

Running.

Reading. (never thought this one would happen)

Mentoring others. 

Health food stores. (when I have the time)

Starbucks (does that count as a hobby?)

Baking at Christmas time. (like my mother)

These are just a few that I have really taken on in the last year or so & I am happy to say they are apart of who I am. My sister-in-law has taken up sewing. Go see her crafts here. I have one of her aprons to wear while I bake & I love it! 

Things I wish I enjoyed or was talented at:

Cooking gourmet meals, sewing, cleaning, play the guitar, sing, & scrapbooking. Maybe someday.

What are your hobbies? 

Pictures taken last night of Jace:

I hope to get a nice camera someday! 

Stepping up to the plate: at home.

"

This Momma is stepping up to the plate: at home.

Any wife & mother to a husband who travels a lot can relate to my blog today. When your husband is gone on the road sometimes you just have to step up to the plate & take care of business. Well, not necessarily business at that kind of plate but business at home. When your husband is gone you must be able to "pinch hit" for him until he returns home. I'm not comparable to Lenny Harris (holds record for most pinch hits) but I'd like to think I am pretty good at coming in to bat for Jeremy at home while he is gone.

I play catch, wrestle, watch basketball, pray, unload strollers, lock doors, take out the trash, wash dishes (yes, my husband does our dishes...spoiled I know), & even kill bugs.... I hate bugs. Last night I killed not one but 2 bugs. Yuck. I think I told Jeremy a million times how disgusted I was that I had to do that & how I wish he was here to do it for me.

Stepping up to the plate while daddy is gone is a big job. When you are a pinch hitter you are expected to get a hit coming cold & confident off the bench... you have to be that good. Well, this momma is doing her best to step up to the plate while daddy is gone & when he comes home she will be glad to hand over the job until she gets the call up again on the next road trip. 

I take on the challenge willingly... sometimes.

Television.

(I hope I have 3 boys someday)

Today Jace & I have spent the whole day at home. We have gone on a run, done laundry, dishes, baths, bible study on skype, lunch, & he has even taken a morning nap. As I was finally sitting down after laying him down for his afternoon nap I had the urge to grab my blanket & plop in my recliner to relax. I grabbed the remote & flipped on the T.V. Jeremy & I have both said we don't want our family to be consumed with the television & really we don't watch much unless it's: Veggie Tales, Sportscenter, or TVland..... I have come to enjoy The Voice too. Today as I was "relaxing" I was trying to remember the last time I just sat down, curled up, & truly relaxed without trying to multi-task. Let me tell you,... it felt gooood. 

We hope to continue to be an active family & teach our kids to play, read, or go outside over watching tv... (unless it's nap time of course), however, today I have to admit that I enjoyed my T.V. time in the recliner. It was a nice escape from the mess I probably should have been cleaning up in the other room. I don't plan on getting up until Jace wakes up.... don't judge ;)

When was the last time you just stopped & relaxed? 

"Sometimes it's ok to just "relax".  Enjoy it!"

-quote by my husband to me after a long day.

Chasing Dreams.

Everyone always asks me how I deal with letting Jeremy follow his dream & how they admire me for allowing him to go for it. I appreciate the compliment with all sincerity, however, sometimes I think people just misunderstand. 

We both have dreams & we both are chasing our dreams... together. 

Jeremy cheers me on everyday. He encourages me to follow my dreams as a mother/runner/trainer. He compliments me on the things God is doing in my life. He makes sacrifices behind the scenes... like letting me go do my thing in the off season months. Keeping Jace while I go for my long runs. Standing out in the freezing cold to watch me run. Holding me accountable for my goals. Just as much as I sit in the stands & cheer for him he is doing the same for me. My dreams might not be as noticeable or obvious but trust me they are there. I think as a baseball player's wife we can let our own dreams get put on the back burner & by no means does anyone mean for that to happen... it just does. I am so thankful for a husband who encourages me to chase after my dreams. Together we are working to put our dreams together as a family & chase after them, even if that means we make sacrifices for one another.

*I pray that we are examples to Jace & that the passion God lays on his heart is one he will chase after... we will be cheering for him!

I pray I am the encourager & cheerleader Jeremy needs me to be everyday... not just in baseball, but in all the dreams we have for our family even if someday those dreams change. 

Who is your cheerleader in your life? Who are you encouraging?

Memorial Day Weekend

Watching Fireworks after the game.

First of all, I want to say Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to all the men & women who have, currently do, & who will serve willing for our country. You are appreciated greatly!

Our Memorial Day weekend consisted of, well you guessed it, baseball :) Friday night Jace & I got to enjoy our first (that could actually watch) fireworks show after the game. Jace wasn't sure if he liked them or not. He wasn't frightened or thrilled, just completely focused. It was fun!

Saturday we enjoyed a normal baseball routine day! Jace met a new little friend, sweet 9 month old Brooklynn at the field. Her parents are the Munters & we hope to spend some time with her & her mommy this year! It's always great to meet another family!!

Sunday was a day I can look back on have a good laugh. Jeremy pitched on Sunday. Our usual gameday consists of us dropping Jeremy off at the field, going to Target, & grabbing Chick-fil-A before the game. Well, we did just that... somewhat :) We dropped Jeremy off at the field, went to Target for some much needed diapers, then attempted to go to Chick-fil-A & realized it was Sunday...ugh, Chick-fil-A such a dirty little trick to play (Tim Hawkins line- I like how they are closed for Sundays but love that place!)! So, we found us somewhere to drive through for Jacer & headed to the park. The wind was CrAzY & if anyone would have seen me trying to open doors & get our things together they would have thought I was nuts. Once I had everything loaded to go inside & about to pick Jace up I realized he only had one shoe on.... He had taken it off in the cart at Target & this mother forgot to grab it! Awesome. Windy, Jeremy's pitching, & my poor son doesn't have shoes. I decided it was too late to go back bc we would miss Jeremy's outing. We attempted to walk inside & then there it went... Jace's hat... We chased it all the way down to the clubhouse. Now someone really would be laughing. Got the hat & inside we went! The nice Eegee man (amazing slushy stand) brought me my favorite Pina calada eegee w/2 spoons for Jace & I. At this point I was praying Jace would fall asleep on my lap... who am I kidding? This is his highlight of the day: baseball & not to mention it was bark in the park night so he was thrilled to see all the dogs. No way was I going to keep this boy on my lap for 9 innings. We spilt the slushy on my shorts & decided that this just wasn't going to work... I think the lady sitting behind us a few rows felt sorry for me... she doesn't know this isn't near as bad as other days... it was just funny I'm sure. I finally decided to go search for Chrissy & see if she had a blanket in the office we could borrow & about that time Teresa showed up with a big blanket. It was perfect. Jace loved being barefoot on the blanket. He stood there all night, no problems. He also spent about 3 innings just laying on my lap. I was so thankful for Teresa, that blanket, & for an awesome little boy who behaves so well so that I could watch Jeremy pitch. 

With all of that said, Jeremy pitched great! He went 6.1 innings & got his first win! So proud of my husband! Loved being apart of it.... even with all the chaos! :) 

Here are some more photos!

Momma & Jace

Jace with his serious face.

He likes looking at himself on the Iphone camera.

Can't get over how much this looks like Jeremy.

Family Lunch.

Jace loves him some spaghetti!

Family Lunch: 

Instead of having a family dinner we have what you would call a family lunch. This is the one time of the day we have together as a family, sit around the table, & enjoy quality time. Whether we have sandwiches, spaghetti, or decide to go out to eat we take full advantage of this time together. Breakfast is usually whatever each of us grab (Jace likes eggs & fruit) & dinner is split up between here & the ballpark depending on the day. I enjoy our family time & hope to broaden our menu for lunch! 

Take advantage of your family time! It's precious & priceless.

Baby fever?

(Photo taken by Aunt Megan)

So, I have to admit... I think I am coming down with something. What is it you ask? Baby fever. Yes, it's a little early for us to be thinking about baby #2 or is it? 

The other day it seemed like everywhere Jace & I went we saw little newborn babies. I never knew how bad I would want multiple kids. Seriously, I always thought I would only want a few but the more I get older the more babies I want. (don't worry Jeremy knows this, lol) I know having one is nothing like having 2 or 3 but oh I sure hope God blesses us with the opportunity to find out! We don't plan on having another baby quite yet... However, I hope at this time next year I am big & pregnant... well, maybe not the big part? ;) I can't wait to see Jace as a big brother! He definitely already has the personality of a big brother & I hope that sticks. 

The cure to my baby fever is to run this marathon in December & really put my heart into it for the next 7 months then we can start talking babies again... until then I will hold my baby niece tightly every chance I get, along with any other babies we are around & enjoy my quality time with Jace before the Hefner's become a family of 4. 

Thank you Lord for the blessings of children! 

For my husband.

My husband's favorite cookies: No Bake Cookies.

*Made them for Jeremy to welcome him home from his trip! Jeremy's mom, Darla has made these for him as long as he can remember & I just hope to make them half as good as her! :) I hope Jace likes my cooking as much as we like both our momma's cooking! (I love baking like my mom does!)

This blog goes out to my husband! We have been together almost 5 years now & I love him more today then I did 5 years ago. I love him more today than I did yesterday. Lately my blogs have been about our experiences with Jace & I sure don't want to let the fact that I have an amazing man I share a last name with go unnoticed. 

As I mentioned before, Jeremy has been gone for an 8 day trip. He comes home today! The one good thing about having a partial (longer sometimes than others) long distance relationship is that fact that the butterflies are always there when you meet back up! I remember in college when we were both playing ball at different colleges & I would get butterflies knowing he was going to show up at my game or that I get to see him after working long hours at OSU football games. Then when I would fly out to visit him in Fort Wayne I remember sitting on that little bitty plane from Chicago to Fort Wayne getting anxious in my seat to get there & see him waiting for me. I couldn't wait for those baseball games to be over & was always so thankful he was the first one out of the locker room so we could go to Chili's & catch up. We were best friends & still are but for some reason I still get all shy when I first see him... silly I know.  I have to say that the butterflies today are much more than the ones 5 years ago. God has truly blessed me with a loving, caring, grateful for every little thing I do, sweet, manly, Godly, baseball player, best friend, awesome daddy, of a man! 

Thanks for letting me brag a little bit about my husband today. He deserves it. 

Love you Jeremy!

My struggle to be superwoman.

The things my morning has consisted of: filling up juice cups, cleaning, making grocery list & finding recipes,... Oh & can't forget my "power" drink!

So today as I have been getting ready for Jeremy to come home I have spent my time doing the things listed above while praying & spending some time with God. I figured since these things are heavy on my heart & mind now I better share them while the Jacer is "resting". I want to share with you something I have struggled with & something God is really, I mean really showing me lately: My worth. His love for me. His purpose for me.

I have such a passion for fitness & helping other women. It has been something that has grown more & more over the years & I know God has big plans for that area of my life... in His time. I have developed a passion to stay away from mediocrity. So why am I here changing diapers? Doing laundry? Cleaning up poop out of the bathtub (yes, that is something that is reoccurring at our house. Taking volunteers to anyone who wants to come clean the bathtub?? lol) Fixing breakfast, lunch, dinner, & snacks? Why God if that is a passion you have laid on my heart am I not doing it right now? Should I of moved out here? Am I really glorifying you in picking up messes 24/7?? Honestly, am I? Last night after Jace went to bed I went into his room & sat next to his pack n play just to watch him sleep... I began praying for him & this is what God told me (not verbally of course)

"Sarah, you are right where I want you. You are raising a human being. They need you & I have big plans for you." 

I felt an overwhelming peace of comfort come over me... and this morning? Well, I have been thanking God I am able to be here with my husband & son. I am thankful I get to sit in the stands almost every night & cheer for Jeremy. I will cheer the best way I know how.  I am thankful I can meet new people & I pray to impact a life this season. I am going to change diapers the best way possible. I will support my husband with all that I have. I will play with my son & use my imagination with the best of my ability. I will stay fit & focused the best I can without putting it before my family. Sometimes, its the little things like changing diapers & just being you that glorifies God. 

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 

Colossians 3:23-24

What superhero are you trying to be today?

-Be the person God wants you to be today. Don't try to be superwoman. It's ok if you don't have it all together. I sure don't & I am thankful I don't because then why would I need Jesus? Maybe thats my mess in a message?

God's light shines greater through "cracked pots" than through those who have it all together."- Joyce Meyer (always inspired by her)

Daddy's schedule.

(Jace napping w/his dog)

During baseball season we adjust from our schedule to daddy's schedule: baseball time. 

During the off-season bedtime for all 3 of us is usually around 8:30 (getting old? na! just early wake up calls!) but during the season our bedtime is usually midnight. I remember sitting through a wives luncheon listening to a wife talk about her boys schedules & all I could think about was how crazy everyone would think I was if I let my son stay up that late. Well, here we are over a year later & guess what? Jace's bedtime is midnight. It didn't take long for us to adjust to his schedule & while he has been on the road we have tried to keep the same sleeping schedule as if he were home so we don't have to adjust again. Honestly, I think it was harder for me adjust to this schedule than it was for Jace. I still seem to wake up too early & start yawning at games. Don't worry, Jace still gets his naps, play time, & at least 9 hours of sleep each night... and PLENTY to eat :) it's just at different times than most. 

We eat breakfast at 10:00, lunch at 1:00, play, nap from about 3:30-6ish, dinner, then off to the baseball games we go & if Jeremy isn't playing we usually just make an appearance & take our time getting there, bedtime when we get home (sometimes starts in the truck on the way home). We have condensed our naps into one long nap as of right now until further needed (morning power naps do still happen). 

*Hoping to get my training in sometime in the mornings!

We might not be normal, but as I always say, "what's normal anyway?" 

Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!

wearing Jace out before nap time to stay on daddy's time. He was getting sleepy by this point!

****Go follow my marathon training at my new fitness blog!!! 

http://themarathonmommy.blogspot.com/

Mess.

Let God turn your mess into a message. -Joyce Meyer

Here is just a glimpse of what the Hefner house looks like majority of the time.

(notice the 2 baseballs in Jace's hands)

I am going to let you in on a little secret of mine.... sometimes you gotta let the messes go. 

Before having any kids I use to have a lot of time & energy that I could put into keeping up the house & honestly I really didn't mind it. I enjoyed having a "picked up" house, however, my room didn't always portray that. I had the time so why not? Turn on some good music & spend my days while Jeremy is gone cleaning up for when he gets back. Well, things have certainly changed. Don't get me wrong I still pick up & enjoy the moments I get to clean the house but I have come to learn I love the messy moments way more than the clean moments. 

Let me explain. I love hearing Jace play & talk with his toys in the other room. I love peaking around the corner & watching him look through his not just one, but 6 books. I love watching my son playing with every kind of ball there is & bringing it to me to play catch.... in the kitchen :) I love sitting him on the bathroom counter & letting him brush his own teeth & get water,... everywhere. I love letting him learn how to use a spoon & getting yogurt all over both of us. I love seeing him play in a box in the middle of the living room & for a split second look up at me with his priceless grin. I love being able to stop whatever I am doing & being able to just leave it there to hold my son. I love looking in the kitchen & seeing a pile of dishes that need to be done because that means we are all here together & Jeremy has fixed us homemade waffles. I love curling up on the couch w/my blanket & hot tea while Jace does inventory on every single toy he brought with him out here.

These messes aren't huge messes & I am sure it will only get more interesting the more children we have, but I have fallen in love with these kind of messes way more than I love having a clean house. By far. God has shown me that I need to slow down & enjoy these type of messes. I need to slow down so I can hear his voice instead of being wrapped up in the busyness of life. God teaches us through the messy moments not just through the messes in our home but through the messes in our life. Maybe your house isn't as messy or maybe you don't even have kids to make that kind of mess, BUT do you have something messy going on in your life? What is God teaching you through your mess? He wants to use your mess to teach you something so you can bless others by your experience.

Seek God in your messes today!!!

Here are a few more pictures of our messes!

eating yogurt.

reading.

turned his shirt into a hat. 

eating cheerios watching some bball before bed.

(most of the cheerios I found this morning.)

playing with his box.

Cherished moments.

The one piece of advice every mother has told me is to cherish each moment. They grow so fast.

They are so right! Jace has already grown out of the snuggling age & into the wrestling stage. He is a loving boy but always on the go! He plays well by himself, super independent, & constantly holding a ball (or dog) in his hand from the moment he wakes up. He is what you call "all boy".

However, this morning I was able to cherish a moment (30 minutes or so) of snuggling in the chair with my son. Usually after breakfast he is ready to go. Ready to go play that is... not today. I had fixed eggs for breakfast & was trying to clean up the mess but had a little boy pulling on my shorts to hold him. Then he began pointing to the chair, grabbed the blanket, & he was content. It was so sweet. We watched 5 different episodes of Max & Ruby while he laid his head on me. I began to get tears in my eyes just thinking how fast he is growing. I never knew motherhood could mean so much. I guess you don't ever really know until you are a mother yourself. (your own or adoptive-all a mothers love) He likes to blow kisses so he blew probably 100 to me in the chair... I think thats when the tears came. It wasn't long before he wanted back down on the floor with his basketball. I cherished it while it lasted.

A friend told me the other day how she was reading Steven Curtis Chapman's wife's book about their little girl & how special being able to hold your baby is to a momma, especially, after you have lost them. I can't imagine how that must feel. I am so thankful for everyday I get to hold my baby boy. I am so thankful I can carry his whole 25 pounds around with me, even if sometimes it's a lot of work.

Cherish the moments you are given with the ones you love.

Fingerpainting & Manners.

First off I want to talk to you about the thing I am giving my 100% effort into this week: Manners. 

Jeremy & I have both said that is one of our goals with Jace & I am stinking to it! (Jeremy is too but he is gone this week) Before Jace really understood I would just say it for him then proceed to go on just so that he would be familiar with it. Now it's getting to the point where he is proving to us that he knows because he will sign & say it when he wants to just not everytime. So, this week has been a week of patience for me. Yes, we even made a song about patience to interrupt fit throwing at our house so I even have to sing it to myself sometimes. (patience, patience, we need more patience.) Cheesy I know but it SO works with him! Anyway, yesterday we spent probably 15 minutes sitting in our high chair after dinner because we wouldn't say please. Finally, he gave in & did it. No turning back now! :) 

On another note, here are some pictures of us fingerpainting this morning. I thought this would be fun for Jace to get his hands dirty in something else besides dirt. It's good for this age to feel different textures & explore so this was fun! 

He wasn't too happy with me drawing on his picture.

We made this one for daddy :)

We also made handprints for our grandma's & aunts! Picture on top will go on fridge.. it was all Jace on that one!

Pretty sure bathtime was his favorite part of the whole thing!

We had fun fingerpainting & now he is down for a nap. I am enjoying my time out here on the patio... enjoying the fresh air until I hear a little one start yelling for me. Ready for Jeremy to be back in just a few days!

Inspiration.

My beautiful niece, Alivia.

This is a picture that represents my sister-in-law, Megan's blog. Today I wanted to share with you where I got my inspiration to really dig into this blogging thing. Megan shares something almost everyday about what is going on in their world to inspire you. Go check out her blog! :)

http://megarmstrong.blogspot.com/

I have enjoyed being able to express myself in words & photos! Thank you to all who read my blog! If you haven't yet go click on the follow button on the bottom left of this page to follow my blog! Have a wonderful day!

Friends.

Today Jace & I got to spend the day with our sweet friends, the Schmidt's.

We are so thankful for wonderful friends. The ones that you feel like you are so much alike you can be yourself with them & they just "get" you. The ones who treat your kids like their own. The friends that no matter how much time you have spent apart when you see one another you pick up right where you left off. We are blessed to have several friends like this, however, today I was so glad to see our friends... Nick, Jill, Mason, & Drake.

We took the boys to Chick-fil-a, to the park, then just hung out & was able to catch up with each other! It was so nice to be around familiar faces & feel comfortable with friends. Jill & I are the kind of friends that are so much alike its weird... I love that we don't have to explain ourselves but just know exactly where the other one is coming from. 

Just a few years ago we were roommates with them in California during the baseball season & at that time Jill & I both were pregnant with our boys... Drake & Jace... Mason was just 2 at the time. Today our boys were playing in the next room while we were able to catch up & Mason was on prayer patrol at dinner ;) Oh how time flies! It feels like just yesterday we were 2 pregnant girls eating & napping alot :)

These past few months as a family they have been rehabbing in Peoria, AZ after Nick's 2nd surgery on his arm. He is a left handed pitcher with the Padres organization & just has a few more weeks until he can hopefully get back to the game. I have been so inspired by their faith during this time. As we all can imagine rehabbing can be a frustrating time especially for them as it is their 2nd time to go through it, however, God has been doing some amazing things through them during this time. I am excited to see where God takes them! They are so special to us! Thank you Schimdt family for being an inspiration to us!

Please be praying for Nick, Jill, Mason, & Drake as they finish up with their time in AZ & on to play this game called baseball! 

Therapy.

Not my typical therapy today.

Usually my therapy is waking up before the sun rises, lacing up my shoes, turning my headphones on to something up beat like the Black Eyed Peas or if I'm in more of a calm mood... Hillsong United. Then its off on the pavement I go for a nice morning run. That my friends is my kind of therapy. 

As an athlete growing up I use to hate running, I mean hate it. Then as I got into college I realized it was a stress reliever for me & it just kind of stuck. I had no idea how much it would affect me once I became a momma. It is true therapy. It is my one chance to get a breath of fresh air & enjoy me time. I love the way I feel after a long run & it makes my days filled with energy otherwise I wouldn't have! Yes, you can say it... I am a running junky. lol ;)

Sad thing is that today my therapy was not my usual... It consisted of icing my knee & relaxing in the recliner. No ipod. No fresh air. No me time. Just on the couch icing while Jace plays in the floor & I read my book. I still have not fully recovered from the past half marathon like I thought I had... looking more & more like I have runner's knee (whatever that is) so I am taking this WHOLE week off from running to give it a rest one more time. The pain isn't anything I can't handle but pushing it might make it even worse. Hoping to get it looked at soon & back to my old self! :) Until then my therapy is on the couch. 

A light pilates workout is on my agenda for tomorrow.... followed by appointment w/the ice & recliner. 

What is your favorite kind of self therapy??? 

Road Trip.

Probably one of the things I dislike most about my husbands career are the road trips.

After spending the off day together at the zoo & hanging out at home we dropped Jeremy off at the airport this evening for his 7 day road trip. Before we had Jace I would spend these days a little bored & finding myself catching up on too much rest. This year being out here with Jeremy will be much different for the road trips. I will get to spend this time hanging out with our sweet little boy & getting some time for us to bond. We will miss Jeremy so much this week, however, we have a fun filled next few days together! Staying busy is key! We are going to make the most out of the one thing I dislike but have come to deal with.... road trips. 

Here is a summarized agenda for the next 7 days :)

-Petting Zoo

-Apartment pool

- Tucson Rec Pool (has a beach area for little kids!)

-Feed Giraffe's

-Storytime at Dosenberry Library

-Visiting an outdoor mall followed by lunch date w/Jace :)

-Taking a day to visit our friends in Phoenix, the Schmidts

-Possibly clean daddy's truck??? ;)

-And lots of time just "hanging out" 

*Better believe we also will be cheering for daddy at home on the nights he pitches! 

We may or may not get all of these things in on this road trip but we have plenty to do to keep us busy until daddy gets home! Looking forward to this time here with my son! 

Technology.

Thankful for technology.

Yes, that's right. I am thankful for my Macbook. I am thankful for my Iphone. I am thankful for Facebook & Skype. Without these things it would be much harder to be away from the people we love.

Yesterday I got to join in on my bible study back home with some amazing girls! I sat on my porch with the mountains behind me but felt like I was right there with them & was able to join in on the discussions. What a blessing techonology can be!

I am so thankful we can call, text, send photos, skype, & hear the voices of the people we love! It makes being here in Arizona so much easier & allows everyone to follow how fast Jace is growing! I also love the fact that we can have "facetime" with Daddy when he is on the road & see his face! Love that Jace & I can sit on the couch not only just listen but WATCH daddy pitch... 

Some say technology is bad but this baseball family says it is much appreciated! :)