Lucky Me, Lucky Boys

As I was chatting with my mom this morning, she said something that really made me stop and appreciate my partner in this crazy game of life. She said, "You know what I loved most about bringing the boys home on Sunday?"

I replied, "You finally got to sleep?!?!"

"No, I loved getting to see Jared's face when he saw his boys walk through the door. His face lit up!"

She is so right!  Everyday when he comes home from work, Jared's face lights up when the boys run to him and jump in his arms. This is a scene I've been taking for granted. Not anymore!  These are the small moments that should be treasured, perpetually reminding us of our blessings.

My boys have a Daddy who saves energy to play with them when he gets home. They have a Daddy who loves to read with them at night, say their prayers, and tuck them into their cozy beds. I have a hubby who helps me around the house, cooks dinner if he's home in time, and lets me get some quiet time when needed. Beyond his help, he's my greatest cheerleader (that's quite a visual, right?!).  He's the one who doesn't laugh when I verbalize my dreams and goals, but instead he brainstorms with me a plan to make it happen.

At our wedding, our pastor recounted a story of Jared as a young boy. Bob had just had a heart attack, so Jared made a card for him that read, "I hope your heart feels better!"  He delivered it to his office at the church. This is just one example of the big heart inside his 6'5" frame. He always puts others before himself. He is one special guy, one that I'm so honored to call my husband and the father of our boys.

As my sappy post comes to a close, I challenge you not to let life's craziness blind you from seeing the small moments in life. Be vigilant as you look for the multitude of blessings that surround you.

I Need a Silent Night

After the hustle and bustle of the days leading up to Christmas, we were completely and utterly exhausted.  Thankfully, we planned to go to the beach on Friday the 26th with the family.  It never fails that the salty air and crashing waves leave me feeling revived.

After organizing our personal Toys-R-Us (more about that later) and tidying up the house, we hit the road for Folly.  Traffic was a little slow, so we spent some time on the back roads.  This route definitely set the tone for a slow-paced, relaxing weekend.  Due to our evening arrival, we put the kids to bed after dinner and just hung out with the family.

Saturday was absolutely gorgeous!  We spent time at the beach playing, running, and building sandcastles.

Parker wore himself out and fell asleep on our walk.  Talk about a workout...carrying a 24 pounder while walking in the sand!!!

We tried to take advantage of the beautiful weather.  After naps, we took the kids to the park.

Later in the afternoon, our extended family came over for an oyster roast.  Then, when the sun set, we loaded up and went to the James Island Festival of Lights.  Wow!  I was not expecting a light show of this magnitude!  No wonder it is ranked #3 in the nation!  In addition to the lights, there is a section that you can walk around in that is complete with a Christmas sandcastle, a train ride, and a carousel.  Hamilton and Allie rode the carousel with DeeDee and Papa.  Ham was kind enough to let his papa ride the tiger!  

 Walt enjoyed everything from his marsupial pouch!  

Sunday brought departures for my sisters, but we spent the day with my brother and parents.  Sunday was even warmer than the day before, prompting the boys to take a dip in the Atlantic.  They are crazy!!

While we were at the beach, the porpoises put on a show for us.  They were jumping and riding the waves.  If you look closely, you'll see them in this next picture.

Monday was our family fun day.  My brother and daddy had to return to the grind at Merrill Lynch, so we stayed down at the beach to take the kids to the aquarium.  Hamilton was surprised to find out that the IMAX theater was showing his favorite movie, The Polar Express.  Both kids LOVED the show although they didn't like the water in the face.  Ham couldn't get over that the chair squirted him!

This weekend was exactly what our little family needed!  Since it's frigid outside today, I'm reminiscing and planning another little excursion to the beach!!