The Good Life

Fair warning — I’m going to be a little vulnerable. 2025 has been a season of hard . My family and I have been walking through a lot. It hasn’t been just one thing; it’s been multiple things. It’s been a season of loss in one way or another. A season of feeling out of control. A season of anger and bitterness, while trying so very hard to forgive. A season of saying good-bye to people and things. I should also say these aren’t just my own personal stories or trials; they are shared with those I love the most, so I won’t be sharing any details. But I’m sure many of you reading this have walked a similar path and felt the weight of a hard season. We all do at some point. In this season, I’ve been learning to fight for joy. To find beauty in the everyday — in the mundane. In the days that are nothing special, in the days that are beautiful, and even in the days that just plain suck. A little over a month ago, I decided to take a social media break for at least 30 days. It was hard at firs...

1|52 Looking ahead, with 2017 just a reflection. My hope for 2018 is to simplify my life. Spend more one on one time with each kiddo, take more walks in the woods, sit and talk more, laugh and enjoy each other to the fullest. Oaks and I took a walk to the river today, just the two of us. It was seriously cold, but it was sweet to have some time with him. Cheers to the new year!

Even though it's cold outside, we still try to have as much fun as we can!  This particular week in February ended with a ton of fun at Great Wolf Lodge.  Jason and I decided that instead of buying the kids more "things" for Christmas, we would buy them experiences.  We hadn't been to Great Wolf since Lakelyn was one.  Avery and Oaks had been talking about going back, and were always telling Lakelyn how much fun it was.  We made a cute little note and wrapped it in a box to give them Christmas morning.  Needless to say, when they opened it, they were super excited.  Might of been the best response ever to a Christmas gift!  Beautiful snowflakes! Isn't God's beauty AMAZING!  My little Elsa watching Frozen on this snowy day.  This costume has been worn more than any other in this house!  Family challenge of who can do a handstand push up.  I lost, but I will get them next time!  lol!  Morning s...

Another week in February has come and gone.  With Valentine's Day this week and Spirit week at school, it has been a fun, but busy one.  Lazy Sunday mornings can be such a blessing sometimes.  Can you believe I was on this couch too until I got up to take the picture?!  These girls sure love to cuddle with their Daddy.  I can't say that I blame them! ;) For spirit week, students had to dress like they were 100 one day.  Avery wore her hair in rollers with a robe and house shoes.  I think she will be one cute 100 year old some day. Lakelyn loves to floss her teeth.  Now if I can just get her to quit pulling off a whole yard of dental floss to do it! This was 80's day for Spirit week.  Now that is something I can do well!  haha!  You can't really tell in this picture, but I have Avery's hair teased and "winged" out on both sides.   They were so proud of their Valentine's Day boxes.  Lake sa...

On February 6, 1926, an extraordinary person was born, one of my hero's, someone I love with all my heart, my Papa Crawford.  As a little girl, I would run around his milk barn with my sister, Katie, and cousin, Jill.  We couldn't wait for the milk truck to show up, the driver would always give us a carton of ice cold milk to drink.  We spent many hours playing in the barn, letting the calves suck on our fingers, building hideouts, trying to tame the wild barn kittens, creating escape routes, riding the 4-wheeler around the farm and the list goes on and on.  When we weren't outside we worked puzzles, colored, roller skated in the basement, set up photo shoots and pretended to be models, and sang to the top of our lungs...Grundy County Auction and The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia were our favorites.  I have too many wonderful memories to count, but I am willing to bet my Aunt Linda probably has most of them on video.  haha! Visiting Papa and Granny ...

On Saturday, the roads were clear enough for us to head to a friends house for an afternoon of serious sledding.  The hill behind their house is amazing and we all had so much fun!  A weekend in the snow with my family and friends was perfect, and just what my soul needed. Beginning my day with my quite time.  Wish every morning could be this peaceful!     Our driveway.  It was a beautiful day! The Link and Strader kids ready to race.  I was super impressed with Avery's snow boarding skills.  By the end of the afternoon, she could make it to the bottom of this huge hill.  The boys were too excited about the car hood! Lakes wipe out!  Sledding and hot chocolate with  your best friend...doesn't get much better!  My love!