Spring fun with Pop

WoW, this post is a little late, but better late than never! Two weeks ago, we were fortunate enough to have a wonderful visit from my dad, or 'Pop' as my kids call him. He spent the week living in our basement at night, and basically playing 'MANNY' to my little family during the day while Paul worked. He was such a HUGE help to me because Hunter was home on spring break, and without my dad around there was NO way I would be able to rest, per doctor's orders.

Now, just because I was ordered to rest does not mean we sat around and did nothing all week....it was spring break of coarse. Unfortunately, I didn't get to actually enjoy fully participating in any of our endeavors, but that doesn't mean I didn't have fun. I had a wonderful time sitting on our blanket shooting photos of all the fun times my kids had with their POP.

We had a blast visiting the Madison County Bridges

Running through mazes

Can you find Hunter????

Playing at a local park

and fishing and frolicking at a nearby lake

When you mix some sunshine, outdoor fun, GREAT company, and a camera, you get lifelong memories for these two wonderful kiddos......Can't wait to see what memories await us this summer:)

St. Patty's day Fun

We were blessed with perfect weather and perfect company this St. Patty's day.

We had this guy to get us all in the irish mood.

The Kids were good sports and let me dress them up in GREEN.

Hunter even made his sister a green necklace to go with her dress and I made her a festive hair bow

Hunter was able to squeeze up front and get a perfect view and grab LOTS of candy

While Kinz and I stayed in the back and sat on our chair and cheered as the parade passed by

Overall, it was a perfect day spent with my two perfect kiddos:)

Slowin Down

These last two weeks, I have been given a warning/ blessing in disguise to slow down and rest due to some minor 'pregnancy-related issues'. Well, if you know me at all resting and relaxing is not exactly my fortay! I feel at my best when I am busy, a quality that I have been strongly advised to 'tone down'...so to speak. No heavy lifting, no standing on my feet for too long, and absolutely NO exercising....which makes for a very chubby and unhappy pregnant mama.

I do know one person who has been very thankful for this 'new me'.....my husband. My first weekend off of work was spent doing absolutely NOTHING.....which is a foreign concept to me, but one that is very familiar and enjoyable to Paul. I had to actually force myself to lay down when the kids napped, and when they were awake, I just laid on the floor and let them play around me.

As I reflect on these past few weeks, honestly, I have to admit I have never been more stress-free in my entire life. Despite this minor pregnancy scare, I have been able to do just what the doctor ordered.....relax, relax, and relax some more (or as much as you can with two rambunctious kids).

My point in sharing this information is not to focus on what is going on inside me, but what is happening around me.....I feel more present in my kids' and husband's lives than ever before. I mean don't get me wrong, I have always given my family my utmost attention, but I think the fact that I was always on the go, had led me to not be as present mentally as I probably should be.

So that being said, I am very thankful that for whatever reason, God has called me to slow down. I am focussing on being healthy for this new baby growing inside and busy enjoying my two wonderfully energetic kiddos and very EXTREMELY caring, funny, and patient husband.

Is there something or someone in your life that is calling you to slow down and focus a little more time and energy on a particular aspect in your life?? If I were you, I would listen....you never know what you are missing:)