Our Last Night In Our First Home

It's been an emotional weekend.  So many lasts, so many goodbyes, so many memories, and yet in the midst of it all, so much joy and excitement for this new chapter in our lives. 

 

Tonight will be our last night in our first house.  There are so many beautiful memories this house holds. The bedroom where we brought our daughter home from the hospital. The kitchen and family room where new friendships were formed and lifetime memories were made.  The dining room where so many meals were eaten with family & friends and card & board games were played.  The backyard which was perfect for fishing, watching turtles, and Mary Grace's first swing set. The back porch where we spent many summer evenings, listening to the frogs and enjoying a slower pace of life.

 

When we first moved into this house we both wanted this house to feel like a home.  We wanted anyone that entered to feel like family.  It didn't matter if paint on the walls chipped, stains on the carpet were made, or the hardwood floors became scratched.  It was our home and those "flaws" reminded us that everything in this life will be gone one day.  What matters is the relationships we build with people, our child seeing Jesus through us, and the difference we make in someone's life.

 

  Life on the lake will always hold a very special place in my heart.  It was here that I became who I am today.  It was here where we became a family of three.  It was here where my precious Mary Grace was came home from the hospital. It was here where I built relationships with friends that became my family. 

 

As we say goodbye to our little life on the little lake, we are thankful for all the blessings Jesus showered on us while we called this place home, and we look forward to all that He has in store for us in this new season of life.

 

We cannot wait to share what this next chapter holds for us. Life is pretty exciting these days!

All Packed Up

Today was supposed to be our big yard sale day, but we have postponed it until next weekend due to the morning rain. So, we are spending the day packing, sorting, and cleaning out. 

While I still have a ways to go, apparently Mary Grace is all packed and ready to go!

Hellos and Goodbyes

Well, my dears, the weekend is quickly coming to a close. I am not ready to say Goodbye! this this wonderful weekend.

On Friday we said Hello! to Clarkco State Park. So far, this is our favorite camping spot because there was so much for the wee one to do. Our site location was nice and flat which made for a better setup (last time it was a bit hilly). Our site was located right in front of a dock and little swimming area. Mary Grace loved meeting new 'camping buddies' and had a ball slashing around in the lake. There are also several great playgrounds which we took advantage of right from the start. The only downside was the Splash Pad wasn't open- however it will be up and going Memorial Day weekend and on through the summer.

On Friday I also said Goodbye! to my car. Yes, I sold Martha White. It was shopped around a couple of places last week, someone bought it on Thursday, and on Friday we handed over the keys. I will miss my little car. It was the first vehicle I purchased on my own as an adult. I've had some great trips, car pools, and adventures in that car. Plus, it was the car I brought my sweet baby home in.

I have an idea of what I want next, but want to look at all the options out there before deciding on one. Plus, we've decided to wait until our house is built before we car shop. So until then, I'll be cruising in one of my husband's rides :)

Moving on.... Next weekend we will say Hello! to Okatibee. We've had reservations for this weekend since March and we cannot wait to head that way Friday. My mom will be joining the camping fun and Mary Grace is ecstatic about having Mima over in her 'tamper' {it's so cute the way she says it}. We are stoked about these reservations because we are right across from a new playground and just 30 yards from the beach! Score!

But before I can pack our bags and head to our happy place, I must first say Hello! Monday. I am counting down until Summer break- only 13 days left!

Bible School Talk

I came across this little jewel this morning and had to share it.

This is my first year as VBS Director, and although I've worked VBS at our church for years, it's quite different being the one managing it all.

In fact, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Okay, very overwhelming.

Our VBS kicks off on Sunday, May 31, and our classes run June 1-5.

Ya'll... that's only a few weeks away! I cannot even begin to list all the must-dos that are hovering over me. And what's more- school is getting out {which is like a frenzy anyway} and then in the middle of it all we are moving.

Moving as in we have to be out in just a couple of weeks.

Moving. School ending. Mission Trip Fundraising. VBS decorations/scheduling/meetings/t-shirt sales.... Oh my!

So.... if I seem a bit frazzled... just remember to lift me up in prayer!

I cannot ask for prayers without giving praises! The Lord has blessed me with THE most amazing assistant director ever. Like EVER. In fact I only agreed to tackle this job if she would stand beside me through it all. I honestly do not know what I would do without my sweet M. She is a prayer warrior, always seeks the Lord, keeps calm, and displays grace in everything she does.

In those moments when I am freaking out over how many bandanas I need for the VBS retreat- she keeps me calm. Or when I ask her what I should do about something- she always says pray and see what the Lord wants you to do. She is constantly helping me focus on 'the main thing' and reminds me why we are doing this mission outreach in the first place.

So... if you are interested in getting involved in VBS- I know the perfect little small town country church where we will welcome you in and declare you family before you know what happened!

Oh Friday, Do Hurry Please

Here's to hoping the weekend arrives a little faster than usual. In a few short days, this will be my view at Clarkco SP.

The grilling supplies are in the camper, the fridge is stocked, and our bags are packed. I have been checking the weather hourly daily, and it looks like paradise is awaiting- aka high seventies, sunny skies, and zero chance of rain.

 We are ready to unplug for the weekend!

Friday Five

Wow. It's been forever since I've joined the Friday Five fun!

Let's get started...


One. The Age of Adaline
I am dying to see this movie!

Two. The Lost Choice
I've blogged about Andy Andrews before, but for those of you who missed it, let me fill you in a bit. He is one of my all time favorite authors. I first started reading his work about two years ago when Nanny J loaned me a few of his books. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama and I am determined to 'run into him' someday while we are beachin' it. I just finished "The Lost Choice" and loved it. So far, I haven't read anything of his that I didn't like.

Three. Clean Out Day
This Saturday we are tackling our upstairs. This is the 'catch-all' spot in our house and I have dreaded it since our house went under contract. My mom is coming over and after the three of us {the hubby included} drink a little Spark, we plan to be super productive and get everything cleaned out and boxed up!


Four. Baby Seewald
I am the biggest Duggar fan - and no, I am not the least bit ashamed! I never miss an episode and will watch the reruns more times than I care to admit. I even stalk them via Instagram :) Needless to say, I was tickled pink to hear they are expecting a sweet little one!

Five. 19 Days
All that is standing between me and summer vacation {in my camper at the beach} are 19 more school days! When my countdown hit the 'teens' I may have done a little happy dance and heel clicks!

Happy Friday, Lovelies!

Home Is Where We Park It

I have fallen off the blog wagon, but alas I am hoping to get back on track. Hey, at least I finally blogged about Mary Grace's birthday party!

 We have so many exciting things happening right now and I want to journal about this exciting time in our lives.

First off, as some of you may know, our home is selling. We are thrilled to start a new chapter in our lives and building our 'forever home'. Although the packing and moving part is getting the best of us. We are trying to enjoy our last couple of weeks in our home.

When discussing where we would live during our time in house 'limbo', we decided we would buy a camper.

Ya'll have no idea. Is it insane to love a camper this much? We have wanted one for years and decided that it would be our best investment, rather than renting for a few months.

We took our first camping trip this past weekend and had the time. of. our. lives.

We are already booked for another fun getaway on Mother's Day weekend. And although we loved Archusa, we wanted to try out some different places and explore. Bob is also looking into booking us at Clarke Co State Park for next weekend- we've been told they have a fabulous splash pad and is very kid friendly.

And yes, we are already planning to park our 'home on wheels' at the beach the month of June.

It felt like we were in another world. My good friend Sassy is always talking about how much they enjoy camping, and my sweet Aunt B has been telling us forever to dive into the 'exclusive camping club' as she calls it.

Good times ahead!

My view :)

Good times!

Squirrel watching

Our happy place!

Of course our first time out was a learning experience. We quickly realized we needed to work on our set up and entertainment. We purchased a flat screen so on our next rendevous we will have something for little miss to do while indoors at night. We are also bike hunting. I found this little beauty and kiddy bike trailer- I cannot wait to take it for a spin with my best girl! We are still looking for the right bike for Bob.

 

We are also looking into some rope lights, grilling gear, a large outdoor rug, chairs, and small tables.  I bought this little lovely for Bob's birthday to use while we camp. It's amazing! It's very roomy and the mosquito netting was a must since MG swells up like a melon when bitten. Plus, it's nice being able to leave your food/snacks outdoors after grilling without the bugs eating it all.

But my favorite thing to shop for has been the 'sign'. Everyone at our last campsite had the cutest little signs so I have been on the hunt. I've finally found a cute design and a friend at work is going to paint it for us :) I plan to have it say "Life Is An Adventure. Just Go  - The James Family". 

How cute is that little lovely?

Seriously though, we have developed an addiction to camping! So much fun!

Some Bunny Is Three!

We had a blast celebrating sweet girl's third birthday!

Three. My baby is three! Where oh where has the time gone?

This party was much different than her first in that we had a house full of little ones! Mary Grace adores her little school friends and she was over the moon in love with having them over for her big day. They all had a fun little Easter egg hunt followed by playtime in the playroom.

Here's a little picture recap of our celebration.

The cake was gorgeous and gluten free!

Our little tradition- we cut all of  her birthday cakes with this serving set, and then she will cut her wedding cake with it.

The best we could do! It's hard to get a picture of everyone looking the right direction :)

My love

My other love

Sweet Charlie and Oakleigh

Egg hunting!

Tuscaloosa Half Marathon

It's Monday and I've decided that it's time I gave this little blog a little attention. So much has happened in the last month or so- we bought a camper, I ran my second half marathon, we celebrated Bob and MG's birthdays, I tackled my first big retreat as VBS director at church, we went on our first camping trip, started preparing for our move in May.... and so much more!  And that's just the tip of the iceberg! There is even more that I cannot wait to share with you- hopefully in a couple of weeks!

But on to the race. You may remember when I blogged about training to run the Tuscaloosa Half way back in January.

There was a time in my life when I thought it was physically impossible to run a 5K, let alone a half marathon. My sweet friend Libby Lou trained and encouraged me...and before long I was running 10Ks.

Still, it's crazy to think that I have run two half marathons so far.

My running partner, Brother J, and I had a great time running the Tuscaloosa half. The course was flat, scenic, and beautiful! I enjoyed this race much more than the Leo Run. We have already agreed that it's one we want to run each year!

Ready to run!

Finish line!

World's best running partner!

April's Verse

It's a brand new month, and you know what that means- a new verse to memorize!

Happy April!

First Night- This New Season

Ya'll, I just put my baby to sleep in her big girl bed. 

Heart, be still.

As hard as it was not to cry when I took down her crib earlier, I saved my sobs for later and put on a face of awe and excitement for my sweet girl. 

She asked me if I would lay with her and I wondered how anyone could pass up such a sweet moment as that. So I laid with her and enjoyed some whispers and giggles before I finally watched her drift off to sleep. 

I kept thinking this is wrong- she's not old enough for this. Surely time hasn't passed this quickly. It seems like only yesterday she was a newborn sleeping under this same headboard.

It seems like only yesterday....

But it wasn't.

 

It was almost three years ago. The looming birthday party reminds me that three years have already passed. Over half of my time with her during her little years are gone- years where she is my tiny girl and not a big girl going to school and growing up.

After she fell asleep I kissed her a hundred times and whispered prayers over her. At the same time I felt my Father whispering over me... My beloved, to everything there is a season. 

So although I am sobbing as I write this, my heart is embracing this new season, giving thanks for the ones that have passed, and looking forward to those that have yet to come.

Big Room For The Little Lady

Hi. My name is Sylvia. My daughter is almost three and still sleeps in her crib.

Please don't judge me.

Yes, my child will be three in less than a month and she still sleeps in her crib. To our defense, she has never tried climbing out until about a month ago. She is a tiny little thing, so we haven't had issues with her outgrowing her crib.

Plus, with our house selling and our big move approaching, I was hesitant to dive into this project. However, it just means we will have her big girl room ready to go when our house is built.

{Yes, big news! Our house is selling and we are excited about building our 'Forever Home'. More on this later.}

And truth be told, I just wasn't ready to take down her crib. After all, this will be the last crib I have in my home. Even with a possible adoption, we wouldn't need an infant crib.

Since sweet pea is turning three, we are bypassing the toddler bed and converting her crib into a full-size bed.

It's bittersweet. On one hand I'm so excited to see her enter these new chapters, but on the other it's said to see other chapters coming to a close.

Any who... enough with the sappy mommy-doesn't-want-her-baby-to-grow-up saga. Let's move on to the FUN part- decorating!


Her birthday party is a bunny theme to go along with Easter {we're having a fun little Easter egg hunt, complete with a special appearance by Mr. Easter Bunny himself}. I totally didn't plan it this way, but her bedding and big girl room goes along with her 'bunny' themed party.

I had been searching for months for the right bedding/decor. Her nursery is so sweet, soft, and elegant and I wanted it to stay soft and sweet. Most of the bedding I saw was way to kiddy- hot pink and lime green flowers galore. Not that there is anything wrong with those choices, they just aren't our style.

I finally settled on the Frank and Lulu Heartwood Forest Collection and am in L.O.V.E. The fact that it was on clearance sealed the deal. After purchasing all the cute accessories, the total was well over $475, but I only paid $201.89. Score! I also ordered a sweet little tulle canopy to hang above her headboard, a feather bed topper, mesh toddler bed rails to help her transition, and a mattress pad.

Big Girl Room by bsjames featuring a canopy bedding

I'm also currently working on two projects to hang on her walls. Since her bedding has a few hearts on it, I'm working on this fun idea via Pinterest. You cut hearts from your baby shower cards and frame them for fun little pops of color on the walls.

The second big project is a shadow box display for the gown I made and hand smocked for her. I'm also planning to frame her bonnet, shoes, and silver keepsakes. I'm also thinking of framing her first dance outfit/shoes.

I love the look of these from dear lillie blog.

I've been out of pocket from the blogging world lately. We've been busy, to say the least. I'm hoping to fill you in on the details of our happy news soon- as well as other amazing bits of happy! So, stay tuned!

March's Verse

Oh my, it's March! I was so excited when I flipped my planner to the next page and saw those glorious shades of green. So many things happening this month that just make my soul smile: Spring Break, the gorgeous green buds appearing on trees, the official start of Spring.....

Oh, happy day, indeed.

This month's verse is a simple verse you've probably heard quite often. It is part of one of my favorite hymnals and it's a great way to worship and acknowledge all the beauty that our Lord sends our way daily.

As the beauty of these early Spring days begin to unfold- rejoice. When you notice those gorgeous rays of Spring sunshine- thank Him for His creation. When you see those tiny greed buds appearing, remember the One who created them- and always rejoice!

Happy March, Lovelies!