Happy Wisdom Day

Cheers to another birthday celebration! Yesterday marked my 29th (eeeek, last year of the twenties)!!! But instead of focusing on the years I've gathered, here's a few "How To's" I've learned in my growing years...

How to be grateful: it's ok to not have everything. Be appreciative for what you DO have.

How to be more patient: although it's an ongoing battle as parents, I continue to practice being more patient by breeeaaatthhhiinnnggggg and assessing the situation. Don't be impulsive and let anger or frustration cloud your vision on what needs to be said/done. 

How to be happy: it took me awhile to understand that this is 100% in our OWN hands. Only YOU can make YOU happy. There are things around us that increase that joy, but true happiness begins inside... and only YOU can control its presence. 

How to accept change: as we grow up, everything around us changes; whether it's the city, the lifestyle, or the people. For me it's mainly been people. I have learned (and beginning to accept the fact) that people change... friendships change... and that's ok. It doesn't have to be good or bad. It just is what it is.

How to NOT allow negativity in my life: again this is something completely in your control. If I don't feel that something is helping me grow - just weighing me down or making me feel blah - then I let it go. Move on.

How to stop and pause: this is probably the most challenging, because I feel I'm always on the go! Even if I'm at home, I never stop moving... cleaning, laundry, picking up toys, changing diapers, or just keeping two kids pleasantly happy throughout the day. But through the hustle and bustle I realize my children are growing at a rapid pace and I can't let a "busy life" get in the way of enjoying it... so I have to make myself STOP and slow down. 

How to give it all to Him: this area of growth has been by far my most proud accomplishment. To put it bluntly, I am a worry wart and with everything I think "what if", especially with my children. The anxiety level is unreal. But as I began building a stronger relationship with Christ, I realized how much more relaxed I become when I remind myself that He is in control and He will not fail us. My constant reminder is ... "to worry, means to not trust God." And under all circumstances, I DO! So I have learned to stop, pray, and give all my worries to Him. :)

There's been a lot of obvious growth in my last 29 years, but more so in the last 4. My perspective on what's important has changed tremendously and that's a result of life experiences. Life challenges us in many ways - sometimes to a point where it can feel damaging - but how we choose to handle it determines the end result. I chose to learn and GROW.

Can't wait to see what this next year has in store...

A special thanks to my dear friend, Tammy, for my new planner!!!

InstaLovin [Fitness edition]

I have always had a love for fitness, but I would often go through phases; strong cardio one month, heavy strength training another. But when I finally found a good balance, I put everything I had into it. Back in 2011, I was on a roll with the right food, the right routine, etc. I was all in and got my body to a place it'd never been before that time - strong, firm, all in all healthy. It was a great challenge for me, and I was so proud of myself for sticking with it. That was until..... well, life. After one missed trip to the gym, I found myself missing another... and another... and another. Then when I started to feel sluggish, I ate sluggish! I wasn't the biggest person on earth, nor would I have even considered myself "fat", but I wasn't nearly as strong or as fit as I once was. And it was upsetting. I decided to just maintain what I had going on, and that was that. 

Then came baby #2!

With all the changes going on the second time around - and time moving forward, aka getting older - I was determined to get back into the shape I was back then. I started a routine of getting my butt in the gym as often as I could throughout my pregnancy. This photo was taken during one of my last sessions. I was almost 30 weeks. Once I hit the 32 week mark, I was done! My body was talking and I had to slow down. Booooooo. 

I started working out 3 weeks after giving birth [really Megan?] but started having some complications, so my doctor of course told me "stop!". Being told to "stop working out" is as unmotivating as a cold morning on a rainy day. But after weeks and weeks went by, I was slowly getting back into a groove with the OK from my doc. Woo hoo!!! Of course it wasn't overnight, but I began eating cleaner than I ever thought possible. Usually one or two fries from my child's lunch, or the leftover half-eaten chicken nugget was harmless - but not this time! It was time to get serious. If I was going to do this right, then it was all or nothing!! 

Fast forward five months... and here I am now.To hold me accountable, and keep myself motivated I began documenting some of my progress and posting them on Instagram. 

But I'm not doing this alone. Everyone needs inspiration and encouragement! So today I wanted to share some of my favorites I turn to throughout my news feed. It can be a photo of progress, food, or motivational wisdom. Whether it's a local trainer here in my own town, or someone random [I follow a lot of those], they inspire me each and every day. Note: these are just a small handful to avoid a mass overload... there are many people who have inspired me to stay in love with fitness and health. I wish I could acknowledge every single one of you.

Another thing I can take away from the last photo is that a hat is a great way to hide that painful "last rep face" as I call it - I literally just made that up and I think I love it. But you know what I'm talking about. Yea a hat would come in handy.

I'm so excited to see how far I can push my body. A giant thanks to my motivators out there!!!! Here's to PROGRESS and funny faces.

Mr. Mom

While allergy season, with continuous lack of sleep has me like this...

My amazing husband on the other hand is all...

Just wanted to take a second and recognize him for always stepping in and being husband of the year. He's up with the baby all night, and up happily willing to make breakfast and coffee in the morning. I just love that man to pieces and I am grateful for him e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y. 

But it's time to get mama feeling better... I'm sure he could agree to that.

Weekend Staycation

Living within a couple hours of big cities provides endless adventures... baseball games, water parks, you name it! This weekend we decided to pack up the kids and go on a road trip to Indianapolis to visit some friends and surprise the kiddos with a visit to the Children's Museum!! With our youngest, only 5 months old, he wasn't too impressed, but Audriana was pretty excited. Although we didn't tell her where we were going, she was just looking forward to the trip! When we arrived the next day, her expression was priceless. 

To save space, I just compiled some photos from the whole weekend! So, here's our weekend look book with GREAT friends and a shockingly successful 4 hour day at the Children's museum!! Whew.....

There's really nothing better than a family vacation. They've always been my favorite. I'm just so excited and blessed we get to do that with our own children now!! The weekend was long, but man was it one for the books! Our first road trip with both kiddos - where our little man slept the entire 2 hour drive there, AND on the way back - and my husband and I ended it all with a high five [no joke]! We're ready to do it again!!

Love ALL

While currently striving to motivate myself in this matter, I thought I would share it with others in case they needed it, as well.

"Above all, love each other deeply, 

because love covers a multitude of sins." 

1 Peter 4:8 [NIV]

Bunny Ears & Egg Hunts

What a weekend!! Pretty lazy this morning, writing this post via phone. With an early church service, two family gatherings, Easter egg hunts, and even a family stroll to a park, here's a glimpse into the day that now has me so [gratefully] exhausted. 

And yes I'm aware of the floral jeans with gray converse; no judgement please. You do what you can with what ya got.

Meanwhile, little man was quite the trooper. 

Blessed is He who died for us, to make this life we live so beautiful. Without His sacrifice we wouldn't be able to endure such precious moments.

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter weekend!! 

Inspired By A Song

If you're like me, you can easily relate your life to lyrics in a song. Not just any song, but there's always that one [or few] where you say, "...that's how I feel!". That's always been me, except I would maybe even write a song as opposed to just relating to one. Regardless, music was my therapy.

Music was often the remedy to any emotional rollercoaster I endured. Majority of the time it all stemmed from most likely a broken heart [oh, high school] but in my adult years they were from a much deeper matter... figuring out "who am I? What's my purpose in this life?"... [whoa megan, where's this going].

Today I heard a song that reminded me of some challenges I encountered a few years back. "Challenges" being that I went through a very young marriage/divorce, getting caught up in a dark place to mask the effects of it all, which only lead me into the wrong direction everywhere I turned. I felt my life was completely out of my control. And what I came to understand was that IT WAS... 100%. But it always has been. We were made by a Creator who opens many doors for us, but initially we decide where we want to go. That isn't how it should be. Too often we trust our own judgement, when we should be trusting His.

Along with many others, [today] the song that brought that all back to me was Francesca Battistelli's "Write Your Story". It's a great reminder that God has our lives already written out, while we are made to just live it out. However, we don't always do it. From the beginning we decide what is good for us, and what fulfills us. We decide what is best to provide for our future and the future of our kids. But doing it alone isn't what He intended. I don't make choices in the household without consulting my husband, we don't make choices in the workplace without consulting our boss. Why is life any different? Let Him be our guide and assurance. Allow Him to show you the right direction and .... trruuuuuuuust me.... it will be fulfilling in more ways than you could imagine.

We are indeed His work of art, and the image we should portray is that of His best. I have learned that the choices I used to make were never consulted with Him and as a result of that I found myself completely empty. The moment I knew my life was not my own, it was a game changer. It really made all the sense in the world. And here I am now... [a short glimpse of my testimony].    

 

A Special Day

At first glance, the vast majority of people double take when seeing parents with children of a different race. Although now a days it's becoming more common. Regardless, I still get that look when first introducing my parents to someone new. It seems to take a second to sink in and then [lightbulb] "oh she must be adopted." [applause] Yes, indeed I am. A brief summary of that is explained here, if you're interested in catching up on that.

Moving forward, along with my celebration of birth, my parents also celebrate the day they brought me home. 1...2...3... awwwww. :) It's quite a special day, as it's known for in fact. We call it "My Special Day". Dad pops in the video and we watch the old footage of when they finally placed me into my parents' arms after several patient months of waiting. It gets us everytime. Seeing myself introduced to my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, it's really something else. Sharing it with my own children is something special, too. Although they're much to young to understand it now, they will someday.

Even though the focus of today is celebrating my arrival, it's also a celebration of God's master planning. He always knows what He's doing, and that day He brought me to a family, to a life that was much more than I could have ever imagined. 

A bloodline couldn't define our family anymore than what we are today. They are all that I know and I am so very lucky to have them. 

Happy Love Day

Let's see. This time last year on Valentine's day, I was here...

Having breakfast here...

And dinner with these fine peeps...

I'm not sure we can top that this year, but the only downfall was that we weren't with our kids [although at the time we only had one]. I know Valentine's Day is to be spent with your significant other, but I would fall into that category of people who don't believe in one single day having to represent your love for one another. Yes it's an excuse to get dressed up fancy and go out, but lets be real... we really could do that on any other night. My husband and I have date nights as often as we can, so this is really just another dinner night together. :) Not any less special, but certainly not more special than others. 

Kids have it pretty easy, to say the least. Their Valentine's Day consists of candy, cards, and crafty Valentine's Day boxes. Well, this year I got to help my little one put together her first Valentine's Day box for school. I had the joy of cutting all the little pieces [literally every little heart was cut out of a piece of paper. Stickers would have been much easier but we like to keep things interesting] and she had the fun part of gluing it all on! A nice mommy/daughter craft night.

Last, but certainly not least... I want to take a moment to wish this very special gal a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ♥♥

Yes, this unfortunate soul has had to share this love day with the world. But I make sure she's loved no matter what! ;) Love you, Erika!! 

Happy Love Day, everyone!! 

My Golden Boy.

To the man who makes life so easy.
...who loves like no one I know.
...who puts everyone before himself.
...who loves his children more than life.

I am so lucky to be married to this man.

Chris,

Twenty-nine years ago, God broke the mold when he made you. For years I prayed for someone to share life's journey, not knowing His provision for me was already set - with you. What a gift you are. I'm so grateful for you each and everyday. Thank you, for your unconditional love and the true strength you provide for this family. You're my angel, and I love you so so so much.

Happy birthday, my love.

  

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Well we have managed to survive our first week at home! If you read the end of my last post, you'd understand what I mean by survive. 

This past week has reiterated the importance of managing time, but most importantly dividing that time between two kids and a husband. 

Another thing I learned is that a mother's love has no limits when it comes to her family. Although at times my heart seems like it could burst! I have been overwhelmed with emotions, both good and bittersweet. 

My daughter has been an only child for four years, and now she has to share her time with another; as do we now as parents of two. Our son is an incredible gift to our family, but we have done our best to not overlook Audriana's needs among the changes. I have to credit our extended families as well, spending extra time with Audriana and/or showering her with "big sister" gifts. She certainly hasn't felt like she's lost her spotlight; not that it's even remotely possible with that girl. 

These next years ahead of us are going to be quite the adventure. I'm anxious for the milestones of our new son, and to witness the relationship between him and Audriana. I grew up an only child, so the friendships and bonds between siblings have always fascinated me. I'm blessed to at least enjoy those moments through my own children now.   

Lastly, I have to acknowledge my inability to do any of this without my dear husband. With a few things left to finish in the nursery, the chaos approached us quickly when our son decided he wanted to get here in the middle of the night - TWO WEEKS EARLY. Yet, Chris managed to get everything together while I rested at the hospital and take care of all things I'd be unable to do once we were back home. Even with a hectic [end of the year] work week, Chris stayed around the house to make sure we were all taken care of. Whether it was fixing us breakfast, dinner, or simply waking up with me at night just to let me know he was there if I needed him... [tears commencing] ...I feel so blessed to have him as my husband. Words couldn't express just how incredible he is.

God continues to shower us with so much love, and there is no where else I'd rather be than in this moment.

The Best of 2013... into the New Year!

To accumulate all of the memories 2013 brought us, I decided to share them in photos.

Here are a few highlights!

1. The BEST vacation 2. Audriana's first haircut 3. Derby [faaaamous] 4. My Best Friend's Wedding

1. First day of Preschool 2. My first volleyball team 3. Fall festivals 4. First Halloween at the zoo

1. Family tailgates 2. New York babymoon 3. First gymnastics class 4. Disneyworld!

On November 24th, I was baptized...

1. First visit with Santa 2. A priceless expression on Christmas morning... my favorite.

Lastly, we ended the year the best way we could have thought possible. Breezing through all the holidays and holiday birthdays, our baby boy landed his own special day on December 28th. Audriana was so excited to meet her baby brother, and we were on cloud nine with the completion of our family.

This passed year has been filled with so many blessings.

Although I could relive each memory over again in a heartbeat, I'm more than ecstatic to begin our newest journey this coming year.

2013, you were good to us...

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!

1. I just realized my "post scheduling" failed me; leaving NO Christmas Eve post. I'll never trust that darn thing again.
2. I have totally skipped out on sharing our holiday festivites.

Excuses? I could think of a few.
Too many photos. Too many visits to document. I'm 38 weeks pregnant [probably my best go-to].

Today, however, could not be overlooked.

It's my daddy's birthday! And yes, I still call him my daddy.

I have already mentioned once before what an amazing father he is, but without sounding redundant he truly is the best man I know [alongside my husband, of course]. Words can never express my gratitude for eveeerryyyytthhiinngg my dad has done for me, for my daughter, and our family as a whole. He's selfless in all ways you can imagine, and has the biggest heart known to man.

He's an incredible grandfather to Audriana, and we are just anxious for our new son to meet this amazing man we call "Pop". 

Happy birthday, daddy!!!! You're by far the most idol man I know, and I love you so much.

That Moment I Question My Normalcy

I love coffee. 

Like... 

Really. It doesn't have to be caffeinated to get me through the day. A simple decaf will do just fine. I simply just love the taste of coffee; especially coffee flavored ice cream. YUM [pregnancy hormones take over].

But on a serious note, I do love coffee and I've mentioned it once before. It was in one of my early formative blog posts [aka very elaborate and colorful]. So if you happen to view it via dreadful plug in, then my apologies for the corniness.

Moving on. I have come to realize with my love of coffee, that I may have established an obsessive relationship with my Keurig. 

I really don't know what I would do without it. I almost feel like going back to a regular coffee maker would be like returning to the stone ages [as if I've ever lived in that era, but that's irrelevant].

The convenience of placing a small container in the machine, and pushing a button is glorious. Of course you have to remember to fill the water from time to time or, well... fail.

But the options of different flavors makes it all the more fun. Usually we stick to a basic medium roast, but every now and then the husband will get fancy and buy some kind of holiday flavor. 

Sadly, decaf is limited so I don't get to enjoy the flavored brew. Although I'm grateful, because then I'd have no excuse to stock up on my Pumpkin Spice & Peppermint Mocha creamers. Cha-ching!

And finally, I love the Keurig for the simple fact that I can use my sweet little caddy [wedding present from a bestie] and set up all the containers like a Marriott concierge breakfast getup. 

 Or at least I like to think that's what it looks like. More or less.

An InstaLOVE Life

I love instagram for the simple pleasure of stalking viewing purposes. There's something intriguing about viewing the adventures through another's eyes, or lense for that matter. Whether it be fashion, travels, makeup, or nonsense, I could be on it for hours. Especially being that Facebook is mostly drama, Keek seems to be flooded by all Kardashians, and I have yet got into the hype of Twitter.

With that said, I thought I'd share a few of the people I vicariously live through in the lovable Instagram world.

Negin [if that's your name] I want your hair.

Ms. anniep, I'll take one of everything. Please and thank you.

Hey garypeppergirl, can we become besties and take me on some of these excursions?

Wendy, I want your wardrobe.

And for whatever real reason, I just love her.

Love & New Life

Well, we have just wrapped up quite an eventful weekend! Without going into elaborate details, here are some highlights. 

One of my favorite people in the world [also known as my aunt] threw me a beautiful baby shower on Saturday. I was able to capture a couple of my most favorite details, but they don't do it a bit of justice. Scrambling to enjoy every second, I left the photog to my sister-in-law! Thanks, Em!!! ;) 

With my family and friends gathered around, Audriana and I felt truly blessed.  

 And Sunday, I got baptized.

No words could possibly explain the emotions I endured this entire weekend. I was overwhelmed with love. Thanks to everyone for sharing this weekend with us, and especially for the support and love I received on Sunday.

Simply an amazing weekend.