I’m Baaaaaaaaack!

I know, it’s been a ridiculously long time. I’ve resolved to post over the course of the past 2 years (yikes!) and obviously did not succeed in those resolutions for whatever reasons, but here I am now!

As far as it relates to me, I think social media is a blessed and cursed thing at the same time. It’s incredible the relationships that can be made and fostered, the wealth of ideas and knowledge easily at your finger tips (huge fan of Pinterest!!!), and the ability to shrink our world so people and ideas are not as far away as they used to be. Say goodbye to the notion of long, lost, friends – hello facebook! With all the wonderful things, there is also the flip side of the coin. It can be such a black hole of time that I can get easily sucked up in. Public gossip, online drama, comments, followers, and overall constant comparisons to others can work against my general happiness and purpose, if allowed, and let’s face it, that can easily happen. I will never have the most friends, be invited to every activity, do picture perfect activities all the time, dress the best, go on the most exciting places, easily pop kids out on a whim (I jest :), but that is okay, because I really like me! I try to remember that often people show the rosy world to what there reality is, and that is not a fair comparison.

I bring this up because part of my hesitation in the past to post was my own self consciousness of what I contributed to my online presence. Must have amazing photography – check! Must have witty and grammatically correct writing – check! Must show interesting lifestyle – check! Avoid any view of less than perfection – check! What is THAT? My life is not perfect, now don’t get me wrong. I lead a pretty awesome life, but I have my own share of trials and heartaches. I am in the constant fight to remain positive in my miscarriage battle. I am not great at it. This past year I added another 2 miscarriages to bring my total to 8, and I’m not going to lie. It STINKS!!! I feel like I get the wind knocked out of me and it takes a while to build my resolve for happiness again, but I do it! Another secret, err, not so secret to those who show up to my house unannounced, I’m a horrible housekeeper. So I can make a mean meal, I can sew a pretty awesome outfit for my 4 year old, I’m pretty good photographer – these are my strong points to offset my faults.

My precious girl after church today.

In my blogging void, I have missed out on journaling what has happened in my family for the past (almost) 2 years. I hate that! I’m terrible about sending my family pictures, including Madeleine’s birth family. This is for me the best place to share, the good, the bad, and the ugly! So forgive me for bearing a little bit of my soul. I’m encouraging myself to put my best real self forward, if not for anything else, but for my family, and if I can reach out to some friends too, I would love it!

We’ve obviously stayed a family of 3, but our adventures increase. Because Andrew works from home now, we have the ability to spend a lot of time together, and I love it when Madeleine will say, “Hey guys, we’re a family, aren’t we?”. It’s like we have our own personal fan club.

Speaking of Madeleine it’s amazing to me to see how much she’s grown. She’s taken gymnastics ever since she was 1 and has really excelled at her gym. If you could see her cartwheel (bragging alert) I’m sure you would be amazed. She’s got an amazing talent for someone so little. Her gymnastics’ teachers love her and push her to work hard. She’s also taken t-ball and dance, but gymnastics is her favorite! She’ll start kindergarten next year whether I like it or not! I can’t believe how the past 5 years have flown by with her in my life. Time goes on warp speed with Madeleine, and I don’t like it, not. one. bit.

Madeleine with Ms. Janey 

Because of the housing market collapse our home remodeling company was no longer able to support our family and an opportunity presented itself last year for Andrew to work with a friend in his outdoor equipment company. Basically they sell all the backpacks, gear, sleeping bags, you name it to wilderness rehab programs. Andrew loves to work with all the different companies and research gear, it’s right up his alley!

Me, I’m just same old me. I really feel like I haven’t changed much over the past couple of years. I drive Madeleine to preschool, go to playgroup, sew, cook, take pictures, repeat!

So here I am, back to blogging!