Rolling into Five: A Bowling Birthday Bash

Several months ago, I gave Harrison a number of different options for birthday celebration ideas, and he was adamant about what he wanted as soon as this particular suggestion left my lips: bowling! And what the birthday boy wants, the birthday boy gets! :)

Honestly, this party was super easy, as we hosted it at a local game and attractions center. There was very little I had to do, seeing as how 60 minutes of the 90-minute party would include 30 minutes of games and 30 minutes of bowling, all of which was provided by Sports Connection. This meant I really only needed to provide some favors and some food, and the party prep was D.O.N.E. He had so much fun, and it was pretty darn easy to pull together. Win-win! 

Here, a look at Harrison's 5th Birthday Bowling Party: 

The Invitation. I found these on etsy via BS Super Clip Art. The seller was easy to work with and had the pdf file to me in a couple days, which I then printed at our local UPS. Easy peasy! 

The outfit. I gave Harrison several options of party shirts, and while my hub and I were crossing our fingers he would select the retro bowling shirt option, he was insistent on his selection. I bought the shirt from etsy seller Lollipop Kids 14, who was great! 

The favors. Y'all know this baker loves a celebration - it is the perfect excuse to get back in the #DocMommaBakes kitchen. While our current family schedule doesn't allow for me to take on custom cookie orders again just yet, I do make an exception for my own kiddos' birthdays. I made these bowling pins and balls as part of the favors, and it was so fun to get back to baking again!

The guests also received personalized bowling pin water bottles (which I purchased on Amazon and then personalized myself using my trusty Silhouette Cameo) and a miniature bowling game (also purchased on Amazon). 

The food. The food was simple and easy! Because the party was mid-afternoon (i.e., after lunch but before dinner), we opted for some "Gutter Balls" (i.e., cheese balls), "Bowling Balls" (i.e., Whoppers), and thematic cupcakes of course, which were easy to make thanks to some black sanding sugar and white candies. ;) 

The fun. Although we missed a few friends who couldn't make it, three of Harrison's sweet buddies were able to come, along with two of his cousins, and, of course, his three sibs. We just loved getting to spend the afternoon with these cuties while celebrating our bowling birthday boy!

Harrison had an absolute *ball* at his bowling bash, and we are so thankful for all of the sweet guests for *rolling* with us that day. Okay, okay. I'll *spare* y'all from any more party puns. ;) Happy Birthday, Harrison. We are so glad you were able to *strike* up so much birthday fun (okay, NOW I'm done). 

Five.

Dear Harrison,

Five years ago, at 7:55 am, you entered this world and stole such a big piece of my heart. Your daddy and I had kept the news of whether you would be a boy or girl to ourselves, and we couldn't wait to share the news. Moments after you were born, your daddy proudly walked out to the hospital waiting room and whispered the big news in your big brother, Banks', ear, who then announced to your grandparents, big sister, aunt and cousins, "It's a boy!" He then proceeded to share with all that you would be named "Sammy Watkins," after his favorite Clemson football player - Ha! #GoTigers, a statement that was met with laughter before being corrected by your Dad: you had been named Harrison Robert, after your great grandpa, who I always adored and was one of the greatest men I have ever known. <3

Since that day, you have brought so much joy (and lots of clenched teeth and deep breaths, if I'm being honest ;) ) to our life, buddy. You make your daddy and I laugh every.single.day. Whether you are re-enacting a scene from America's Funniest Videos or making a quick-witted remark, you keep us entertained and so happy. But we always remember NOT to tell you you are hilarious - you can't stand for anyone to call you that. 

You are so emotionally attuned with those around you - if you notice I am frustrated or upset, you will stop what you're doing to come to my side, immediately asking, "Are you okay?" before giving me a big hug. You are the best snuggler and never turn down a chance to cozy up with me during our Family Movie Nights. You are sensitive and sweet, always kind to your friends and one who always wants to make others feel included. You have such a precious heart, honey. 

You absolutely ADORE your big brother - he hung the moon and the sun and all the stars, in your eyes. Even though you are four years younger than him, you two are thick as thieves, and it has been such a beautiful blessing to watch your relationship blossom over the last few years. If Banks is doing it, you want in: In fact, when we went to Disney earlier this year, you would literally say, "I want what Banks is getting" every time a waitress would come to our table to take our order, no matter what he was having. :) More days than not, all I need to do is look in our backyard after school to find you and Banks playing baseball or football together. My sweet, sweet boys. And that's not to say you're not close to your sisters - you and Raleigh have so much fun together and you just love to cheer on your "Bella baby." You are the sweetest, buddy.

I must say this, too, though: while you were an absolute angel during the "Terrible Twos," we should have seen what was coming during ages 3 and 4 - we were due for it, I suppose, seeing as how you were such a ridiculously sweet and easy 2-year-old. But those two years that followed were a bit more...shall we say...challenging. Some days I would forget what your actual voice sounded like, certain I would only hear whines for the rest of my life. You would be up way-too-early most days (and you continue to be our earliest riser) and only recently have you not needed daily naps. It was a tricky two years. BUT I feel like we have finally crested that mountain, as your sweet, easy-going nature has re-surfaced recently...most days. ;) 

Honey, you are SO ready for kindergarten. While my momma heart will ache a little when you graduate from our beloved preschool next month, you could not be more excited to attend FMES next year. You are smart and hard-working, admittedly more of an academic than an artist (apple doesn't fall too far, buddy), and you absolutely LOVE to write out names and words. All your teachers, both those at your preschool and those you met with during kindergarten registration, all commented on what beautiful handwriting you have - and you really do! So neat and precise. :) In addition to your academic growth you have also hit a growth spurt recently and while, you are the littlest of the Lu Crew bio babes, you are definitely looking more grown up and more like a big boy these days. Siiiiigh. Time just won't listen when I ask it to slow down. 

Harrison, you are absolutely adored by our family. You are the sweetest, snuggliest, funniest, smartest, happiest little light in my life, and I am so proud to be your momma. Keep doing you, buddy. I'll be with you every step of the way. Happy 5th Birthday, Harrison Robert. You are one of a kind.

With All My Heart, 

Momma

Mom-ing Through Faith: On Three Necessary Relationships

When I attended my church's women's conference, Made+Known, last month, there were several messages that spoke straight to my heart. One was about the importance of being real, authentic, genuine, and vulnerable in our relationships, most notably that with God. I wrote more about it HERE. 

Another topic that pulled at my heart was about the three necessary relationships we women need in our lives; so, I thought I'd share more about that here. Some of these sentiments came from two speakers from the conference, Lindsey Knuckles and Jess Connolly, who lovingly poured into us that beautiful weekend. A bit about what was shared: 

As women, it is important that we connect with other women and maintain three vital, life-giving types of relationships in our lives: 

• Someone who pours into us. This is someone who may be a season or two ahead of us in life. It is someone who can speak truth to us and with us, someone who can guide and encourage us, someone who can pray for us. For singles, it may be someone who is married. For the new mom, it may be someone who has a few parenting years under her belt. For the seasoned mom, it may be the even more seasoned mom, whose kids are older.  
• Someone who we are pouring into. This is someone who is a season or two behind us. It is someone whom we can speak truth to and with, someone whom we can guide and encourage, someone whom we can pray for. It may be the children or adolescents we lead as their LifeGroup leader. It may be the mom who is a season or two behind us. Etc. 
• Someone you are walking through this season of life with. This is someone who may be in the exact same season as us, who knows the good, the bad, the ugly, and the truth behind our days. Who can commiserate with, and encourage, us and vice versa. 

I realized that, while I feel pretty solid with the latter two types relationships - I am pouring into precious others and walking through this season of life with trusted others - I did not have a pivotal, Godly, Christian woman pouring into me. I have wanted it for years but there was always an excuse that was easy to use to keep me form seeking it out: "I'm so busy;" "I'm so tired;" "I don't have enough time;" "I can't add anything else to my schedule;" blah, blah, blah. I was justifying myself right out of having a mentor. Even though I desperately needed one, I talked myself out of it. My husband, on the other hand, has had a mentor for years: a man who is a season ahead of us in life, who pours truth into my hub when they meet regularly, every few weeks. I saw their relationshop and admired it, yet didn't seek out my own. 

Until the Made+Known conference. 

The story of how my mentor and I connected is one that was a sign from God, no doubt. I had been talking to my hub a couple days after the conference and mentioned that I was ready to find a mentor. Without hesitating, he said two names had immediately come to mind that he thought would be great mentors for me, both of whom are very involved in our church and whose husbands my own hub knows. A few hours later, that very same day, I received a Facebook message from someone inquiring about a completely unrelated topic, completely out of the blue. The author of that message? The first name that my hub had suggested as a mentor for me. 

We met for coffee two weeks later and will now be meeting regularly. Amazing how God puts all the pieces into place for us. <3

What about you? Do you have a mentor? Do you mentor someone? Do you have trusted friends you are walking through this season of life with? I am happy to pray for you, and with you, that you find any such relationships you seek. Just reach out and let me know. <3

And please hear this, which was also shared during the Made+Known conference:  

The enemy works to isolate us from community. He wants us alone, isolated, lonely. And sometimes, he succeeds. Sometimes, we refrain from connecting, instead isolating ourselves from the world, from others, from authentic relationships, from God. Maybe this comes due to feelings of insecurity, fears of being left out, being jealous of others' relationships, or falling in the comparison trap. All of those are the enemy at work. Don't let him win. 

Just show up. We don't have to show up with the answers. We just have to walk through the door. Be genuine, authentic, and transparent. Step outside of what's easy. And lastly, something that brought tears to my eyes as I thought of what I wanted in my relationships in others at this stage of my life: 

Be intentional in being relational, not transactional, in relationships. 

This is where life-giving relationships flourish. Just as Spring has now arrived, maybe it's time for new relationships to be planted, too. How can you grow in your relationships today? 

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2: 3-5.

Spring Break 2019

We had such a wonderful Spring Break together as a family, and I wanted to re-cap it here for memory's sake. We packed in equal parts fun with relaxation and truly enjoyed our week. Here's how Spring Break 2019 panned out for us: 

Day 1. Day 1 started with a half marathon for this momma! 

I ran my first one back in October and was excited to do it again in Charlotte's Racefest. I wrote this on Instagram and wanted to share it here, too, because being a momma isn't easy and I am inspired by so many amazing mommas out there: 

Lots of hard work was put in between the nooks and crannies of mommahood over the last few months - I ran this one for US, mommas, and thought of each of the inspiring mommas in my life when the rain and hills tried to take me down. So, thank YOU for your inspiration, mommas. 

 

I beat my first half-marathon time by 10 minutes, running a :40-second faster minute-per-mile pace than I did in October. My goal is always the same: just run the whole thing. But I was definitely pleased with my PR and was thrilled to not only cross that finish line but to also spot my favorite people on the planet rooting me on at Mile 10 and again at the finish line - my Lu Crew. <3 We ended the day with rest and family time...perfect. <3

Day 2. Our second day of Spring Break was filled with church, a hair appointment for a little "me time," and a Top Golf double date to end out the day. It was my first ever time to Top Golf, and it was SO fun!! I cannot wait to go back - it was good fun, good food, good drinks, and great company. <3

Day 3. This day was supposed to be one spent with my childhood best friend. Unfortunately, one of her sons woke up with an ear infection and strep throat; so, the day's original plans had to be cancelled. Instead, I took my s{quad} for a little TCBY for lunch (Bella loved the gluten-free, dairy free edition she got to enjoy!). Then, back at home, Raleigh lost another tooth! 

And then, my hub and I surprised our big three with a trip to Carowinds for the evening, where we took on our favorite rollercoasters, including the Fury and the newest one, Copperhead Strike. So.Fun.!

Day 4. Day 4 was meant to be a fun one involving Putt-Putt at a new (to us) mini golf place; unfortunately, Bels didn't get the message. She was overly tired and ended up scream-crying for 16 of the 18 holes :/ #threenager #theREALbehindthehighlightREEL 

Luckily, my Big 3 didn't seem to mind one bit and they had a blast! We came home, napped, woke up happier, and cooled off with some sprinkler action, ending the day on a high after our rocky start. 

Day 5. It was time to pack it up and hit the road for Nana and Pop's on Spring Break Day 5. My hub had left early that morning for a business trip to Atlanta, so we met him in Aiken later in the day. For the last few years, my hub, my father "in law," and Banks have spent a few Spring Break days at Pop's favorite place: his lake lot. He has a really nice camper there and they spend several days fishing, staying overnight in the camper, enjoying each other's company, and making the sweetest memories. Well, this year, Raleigh and Harrison were old enough to join in the fun! About an hour after we arrived to Aiken, they were back in the car and on the road to Pop's lake for a couple days of fishing fun. 

Day 6. Meanwhile, Bella, my mother "in law," and I hung around Aiken for a couple of days, just us girls. And we had the BEST time - our little Bella just relished in all the Momma/Nana attention, and my mother "in law" and I just so enjoyed each other's company - so many heart-felt, beautiful conversations contained in the walls of that home. It was definitely a special visit. 

Day 7. Our fishermen and fisherlady returned back to Nana and Pop's early this day to beat some nasty storms that were coming through. We spent the rest of the day and night just relaxing at Nana and Pop's, enjoying our time together and our restful visit!

Day 8. It was time to head back home to gear up for Easter! We arrived home, unpacked, got laundry washed, and accomplished our main goal for the day: dyeing our Easter eggs! We spent a quiet night at home in anticipation of our last day of Spring Break...

Day 9. ...Easter Sunday! He is risen! The kiddos awoke to find their Easter baskets filled and their dyed eggs hidden all around the backyard. We headed to a beautiful service at our church and then enjoyed a yummy Easter lunch with dear friends at their home. <3 The day ended with knocking out several projects around the house as we prepared to head back to school.  

And now, only seven weeks separate us from summer. Although it's hard for this Momma to head back to the reality that is the school year, this past week was an awesome reminder of the summer fun that lies ahead. The countdown is on... :)