Cheers to the Week, Party On Edition

If you know me, than you know I love, love, love birthdays. They are my favorite. And last week was our Harrison's 5th birthday! So, we were definitely saying CHEERS to that and more this week, and will continue to do so, as we welcome in the week/end: 

High FIVE for Harrison. I posted details from Harrison's party earlier this week but wanted to share what our 5-year-old did on his actual birthday, too! He awoke to our tradition of decorations on his bedroom door and then ran into the kitchen to find more decor and his gifts and cake awaiting. 

He was thrilled to then join his daddy for the annual birthday breakfast date and chose Waffle House as the venue. The apple doesn't fall far... ;) He then had some time to play at home with his new toys before he and I ventured off to his preschool field trip! It just so happened that the pre-k graduation playground celebration was the day of his birthday #perfecttiming; so, we met his preschool buddies for the field trip at a local park, where they ran wild before enjoying cupcakes and popsicles. 

After scooping up Bella from school, we headed home where we had lunch and had more playtime with his toys. I don't think the kiddo came inside all day, and luckily, we had beautiful weather that day! While Bella worked with her occupational and then speech therapists at our home, he and I snuck off for a little scavenger hunt and Momma Date at the farm stand located just outside of our neighborhood. 

Shortly after, his Bammy, and then his Nana and Pop, arrived! They had come to celebrate the birthday boy and cheer on Raleigh in her flag football game that night. First though, I fixed the birthday boy's request for dinner: sprinkle pancakes with syrup. Done and done! After then watching Raleigh's game, we came home so the birthday boy could blow out his candles, eat some cake, and then play a little backyard family baseball before hitting the hay. Whew! We were pooped but had so much fun celebrating our 5-year-old! <3

Sports march on. Whelp, our undefeated Riverdogs are undefeated no more after losing their first two games last week. Hopefully, they'll bring home the W when they play tonight! Meanwhile, as I mentioned above, Rals was so excited to have her grandparents there to cheer her on in her game last Thursday - Go Cowboys! And then our Nana and Pop were still here to cheer on Harrison in his teeball game last Saturday morning, and he just loved it! <3

New contacts, who dis. Banks has officially made the switch: from glasses to contacts! Doesn't he look so grown up?! And, after a few days of practice, he got them in all by himself one morning. Go Bankster! :) 

A Make-Up Birthday Celebration. Have y'all heard of Lindsey Regan Thorn? She is a well-known make-up artist in the Charlotte area with a huge IG following, and she is awesome - so knowledgeable about make-up products and application. I was so excited to attend a private make-up lesson with nine other girlfriends as a way to celebrate a dear friend's birthday last week. We sat and took in every word and product recommendation as we oohed and aahed over the make-up transformation she demonstrated on our beautiful birthday gal pal. I  ordered several of the products she recommended and used them for the first time this morning! I will report back after I use them for a bit. :)

Double date night. After a crazy Saturday that included a yard sale, teeball game, coffee with my mentor, and birthday party for our birthday boy, my hub and I were able to sneak out with a couple we love for a little double date night. It was the perfect way to close out a crazy day last weekend! 

Let's see: the last week has also included more sports; a IEP meeting for Bella with her awesome education team; an overnight stay at the vet for our little kitty, Theo; a dentist appointment for my big three; preparations for Teacher Appreciation Week next week; swim time with buddies for Harrison; an in-home date night with my hub; etc. May has arrived and with it, May madness begins! :) 

And now, the weekend awaits! My hub left earrrrrrly this morning for a special weekend: a deep-sea fishing trip with great friends to celebrate the last year of his 30s! This is the third year in a row he's done this fishing trip to celebrate his birthday, and I know they are going to have the best time. Meanwhile, I'll be flying solo with my s{quad}. Banks has a baseball game tonight, Harrison has a teeball game tomorrow, and we'll have lots of fun together in between. Have a lovely weekend, friends. Be back next week if I can, although we have two big birthdays to celebrate, so I may be scarce around these parts. Regardless, I'll "see" y'all soon! 

Mom-ing Through Faith: On Being You

What does God think about when He thinks about you? 

Kicking this Mom-ing Through Faith post off with a stop-me-in-my-tracks kind of question, huh? At least, it did, me, when one of the speakers posed this question at the Made+Known conference I attended back in March. 

Hmmm...what does God think of when He thinks of me? 

There are things I hope He thinks and there are things I hope He doesn't think. But the truth is, as the speaker pointed out that day, how He views you is...your true identity. He sees us. He knows us. He loves us anyway. I am working hard to be my true, authentic self, the best version of me, the version He sees and expects me to be. It's hard and I fail every day. But I keep trying. 

You know another stop-me-in-my-tracks kind of moment that gets me every time? Any time I fly. I love looking out the window, watching as the trees and the buildings and the cars grow smaller as we ascend. Watching as thousands of people shrink right before my eyes, until they are but mere pinpricks, millions of them. I am one of those pinpricks. Me? One of those pinpricks. My life? One teeny tiny speck on this planet for just a brief moment in time. It makes everything I think of as a "problem" seem small. It can definitely make a person feel insignificant, looking through that airplane window at all the other pinpricks, each with her own thoughts, feelings, faith, belief, family, friends, career, day-to-day life. 

And yet, God designed me specifically - different from everyone else in the world. Different from all the other pinpricks, going about their days out that airplane window. One with my own unique gifts and talents, my own personality, my own heritage, my own faith and beliefs, my own strengths and weaknesses, my own DNA, my own fingerprints. I am but a pinprick, and yet He created every single hair on my head, just as he uniquely did for all the other pinpricks. And so, another question:

How has God made you specifically? 

Here is (some of) what I know about me: 

I am a follower of Jesus. 

I am fiercely loyal and have an impassioned desire for justice. 

I am equal parts introvert and extrovert. 

I take my role as a momma very seriously and love being around, and with, my family. 

I am a partner to my hub, and him to me, and we work hard to work together. 

I set goals and follow through to achieve them. 

I am an organized planner who loves a routine and working ahead of deadlines. 

I am a caregiver who enjoys helping others, sometimes at my own expense. 

I strive to be a light to others, choosing to encourage rather than tear down.

I love cheering people on. 

I love to create - through writing, through baking, through crafting.

I take my health and fitness seriously, enjoy being active and feeling strong. 

I am not typically an initiator but will always show up for others. 

I am not a wallower. I believe it is action that changes things, not simply talking about them.

I am sensitive and can be overly critical, with both myself and with others.

I struggle to relinquish grudges, particularly when those I love have been hurt. 
I try to be open-minded but can also be quite staunch in my beliefs and opinions. 

I can be quick to judge. 

I can be quick to snap. 

I struggle with anxiety. 

I am not spontaneous.
I sometimes fall victim to the comparison trap. 

I try to control the world around me.

I am a broken sinner. 

I am a follower of Jesus. 

Good, bad, ugly. Truth, revealed. But, it is me. And I was created in this specific way for a specific reason, one that only God ultimately knows. So, what do I know? I know that He wants me to know Him; to grow in Him, through Him, with Him, and for Him; and then to go forward in spreading the gospel. 

The same goes for you. That list of mine up there? That combination of traits (and others not listed) is what makes me, me. Yours will be different than mine, specifically and uniquely as God designed. And yet, H created us all with one sole purpose: to love each other and love Jesus. 

So...What does God think about when He thinks about you? 

And one more, this one from me: Are you using what makes you, you, to further His kingdom and pursue the ultimate purpose for your life? There has only ever been, and will only ever be, one you. <3

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

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.