And We're Off

...

That's what my brain looks like when I sit down to write a post.  I have all these great ideas, and then when I actually get a minute to sit down and type, nothing...

I've read blogs for years.  I am a faithful follower of many.  I find in these bloggers,  what I find in my friends, faithful marriage and parenting advice, someone to relate to, and mostly just a therapeutic laugh.  I am so blessed to have these women in my life.

I live such an incredibly blessed life.  I mean really, if you'd asked me when I was a little girl what I wanted to be when I grew up, the 32 year old me is so much more than I'd ever dreamed.  I don't mean that in a conceited, overly self confident way.  I dreamed of being a wife and mommy, simple as that.  Some people may think that is a sad dream, but honestly, that was what I prayed for every day.

And here I am.  An abundantly blessed child of God, wife of a courageous, loving husband, and mommy to three earthly blessings and one heavenly saint.  My life isn't perfect, I don't claim such nonsense.  But, I am full of joy and loved.  What more could a girl ask for?

2013 was full of some of the biggest blessings of my life.  My broken heart is healing, but I don't expect it to to be completely healed until I see the face of Jesus. We moved into a wonderful home fully renovated by Rusty.  Seriously, he tore out walls, rewired, rebuilt, textured, painted and painstakingly built a home for us. Mostly by himself, thanks to pregnancy number four.  I cheered from the sidelines while he sweat it out in labor.

We were blessed with our fourth blessing, Eli in July.  What a redemptive experience that was, 11 months after our precious Maggie went to heaven.

We FINALLY found and bought land.  This has been a dream of ours for years.  We finalized our home plans, signed contracts and were on our way to literally building our dream, all within hours of Eli's birth. Yes, hours. And this land, is not only our future home, it is the future home of our vineyard.

Ty, you are such a loving, ornery, silly, helpful, sensitive, incredible boy.  You've lived through so much in his 7 years, more than any 7 year old should.  You have handled it with such grace, love and sweetness.  You have such a wild imagination, a servant's heart and you are such a wonderful big brother.  I'm so blessed to be your momma. 7 years old!  I can't believe how fast you're growing up.

Allie, my imaginative, crazy, silly, and sassy fashionista. Where did you get your fashion sense?  Definitely not from your boring momma! You've grown up to be a wonderful big sister.  You take being the only girl very seriously, and relish in your role.  You too have had to grow up faster than you should, but it's helped make you into the sweet, nurturing girl.  You make momma proud.  Kindergarten better watch out.  These four years have gone way too fast!

Maggie. Someday, momma will be able to put your story into words... My heart is still too raw. I love you baby girl.

Eli, you are such a sweet, smiley, giggly, wonderful addition to our family.  Everyone who meets you comments on how your smile lights up the world.  You are so patient with your big brother and sister. And quite frankly, your momma.  You fit right into our crazy fun life.  We are lucky you are so laid back.  I'm afraid most babies would be overwhelmed with the amount of running around we do.  You handle life like a champ and just smile through the ride.  Oh how we love you!

And that's where we are. 2014 is off and running, and I am enjoying every single minute. Thank you God for my crazy blessed life!