Indians, Pilgrims, & Turkeys: Thanksgiving Fun 2016

In a season where politics is at an all-time high of hatred and lack of tolerance, one would think our country would be giving thanks in a more public way. Remembering our heritage and how the coming together of two communities started this great nation might do us all some good; however the retail stores alike have seemingly decided to skip over Thanksgiving all together.

Well, not in this house! We have been enjoying Thanksgiving fun since the 1st of November. Reading books, discussing the importance of giving & being kind, dressing up as pilgrims/Indians/turkeys, and enjoying a Thanksgiving feast with Adelaide's class. And of course a lot of snuggles in our Thanksgiving pjs and talks about what we are thankful for! To me, to our family, giving thanks and celebrating one of the most important holidays seemed very fitting for 2016.

Aspen Michael: 2 1/2 Years

Dearest Aspen,

This is a difficult letter to write. You have struggled these past few months with all of the changes happening around you. Out of all the kids, you are definitely feeling them the most. For awhile, my sweet baby boy was replaced with a defiant, "no saying", tantrum throwing two year old. It was not something that I saw coming and I think blindsided me to say the least. Two words: growing pains!

In late July, you reluctantly gave up your paci...well you actually kept chewing the tips off due to intense molar teething so it had to go. That was met with massive sleep fighting resulting in a tired boy and a very frustrated mommy. One night you actually stood up on your bed for over an hour. Your little legs would wobble and I would ask if you were ready to sleep now which was met with "no." Finally you caved and collapsed on the bed around 11:30pm. There were other nights when you would turn the lights on and I would find you asleep right next to the door in the fetal position on the floor. Oh boy was that a horrible phase! The sleeping issues have continued as you mostly end up in our bed each night now. When daddy isn't home, I like to think you are being "the man of the house" and keeping mommy safe. This is of course until a few nights ago when you actually boycotted sleeping all night only succumbing to sleep around 6:15am. Operation "GET YOU TO SLEEP AGAIN" is in full swing. 

Thankfully in the past few weeks though, my sweet pea has returned with wanting to "snuggle me mommy" and noting "mommy I want you."  You are such a lovable boy and I am happy to see that coming back into your daily personality.

Some of your favorite phrases include: "I do it", "I buckle", "I don't want to." You are coming into your independence and trucking through new challenges. We worked on potty training a bit this summer/fall which you have done well when we stick to it. You love to push Brighton in the stroller and find it to be a very serious responsibility. 

You are taking weekly swim lessons and really loving it. Again a new challenge to have mommy on the sidelines but you have really taken to Ms. Kaelyn and are enjoying a new big boy activity.
You have been taking tennis lessons with Adelaide since August and boy are you into it. You have come along nicely and are enjoying your time with Coach Steve! He is teaching to play left-handed...you will thank me later for this!

You have begun excelling at 2 Day 2's with Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Kenney at Harvey Browne. It was rocky at first as there was definitely separation anxiety but you are truly loving school now. You are so big walking into school at carpool time and I can't help but smile when you tote your big backpack around. I am forever grateful to have the opportunity for you to learn and grow at such a wonderful school with amazing teachers!

You are still as curious as ever. Always asking "who dat?" or pointing out "sissy this, bubby that," or "Mimi's house or Papa's car". You continue to light up at cars and trucks. Anything that moves really. The first time we went to Papa's building and you saw his cars, your eyes were wide open and all you could muster was "Papa Cars!" You are such a little Collins and I love that about you.

I know we will look back on this time and appreciate the growing & learning that is has brought to your life as well as ours. I am proud of the little boy you have become and know that you will do great things in life. You are unbelievably sweet to your core and I adore that about you.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Celebrating Our Fifth Year

The day of our wedding, one of our best men brought over my wedding gift from Ryan. It was a gorgeous wooden box with an etched picture of Lincourt {the winery where we were getting married}. Inside there were 5 bottles of wine with 5 special dates for the future. The first being for our one year anniversary. The second being for our five year anniversary. 

It has been a long 5 years of marriage with many ups and downs. The last few months particularly trying causing a lot of strain on us. We have had to fight very hard to get to where we are in the present day.

To really celebrate, relish in all of our accomplishments & challenges, and reconnect through rejuvenation & relaxation, we had a weekend getaway to one of the most amazing places that we have ever been.

We spent a day in Scottsdale at the spa complete with a couples massage, mineral bath, and steam room. We wandered around and had a leisurely lunch poolside. We had no timetable. No plans. No rush. We talked. We relaxed. We enjoyed a 4 course dinner and drinks over the moonlight. We shared memories from the past. All of the fun things that we had experienced over the past 7 years of our relationship. We spent 11.11.16 in the best way possible. The two of us and only positivity. 

The next morning we drove two hours up to Sedona. Gorgeous doesn't even do the drive justice. An impromptu stop at Page Springs Vineyards for some wine tasting was the perfect mid-afternoon setting. It reminded us of Lincourt in so many ways and was a hidden gem from God.

Once we arrived in Sedona, we hiked to Cathedral Rock as the sun was setting. Magnificent. On so many levels. Breathtaking views and a sense of peace.

The next day we continued our relaxation and had the privilege of visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is a church wedged between two rocks and the architect set out to make the outside resemble a cross. The church sits on top of the rocks and is surrounded by all of the amazing red rocks around. As I walked in, I knelt to pray. The candles lit all around me with prayer intentions. I was moved to tears immediately. The words of prayer could barely be pieced together. 

They say Sedona is a healing place, and I feel like healing was felt. For myself and the burdens I have carried as of late. For our marriage and the strains that it has faced over the last 5 years and especially the last 2 years. Coming back, we definitely have a renewed sense of "us" and the foundation of our relationship.

CHEERS TO 5 YEARS OF WEDDED BLISS AND MANY MORE TO COME!