tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45749611179078074822024-03-12T22:19:04.163-07:00Meanderings from a Higher ElevationUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-62489923983883484382017-07-25T12:14:00.002-07:002017-07-25T12:14:18.124-07:00Pool DaySO I am ALMOST caught up from my dumb blogger app deleting all my posts! Have I vented about this yet?! So annoying. Anyway, A week and a half ago we got to enjoy a pool day with my friend, Stephanie and Lucas' buddy, Gavin. It really made me wish we had a community pool. Gracelyn loved being in her floatie just kicking her little legs and Lucas swam like a little fish. Her pool even had a little splash pad and a kiddie pool! SUCH a fun morning. I am so, so sad that Stephanie's family is moving to England this weekend. Lucas talks about Gavin daily and wants to pray for him many nights. It's hard to explain to him that he won't see Gavin for a couple years! :( So thankful for our friendship, Stephanie!! Thanks for letting us enjoy your pool with you guys last week! We will miss you and are praying for you guys!<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-14761873525385428052017-07-24T14:33:00.003-07:002017-07-24T14:33:57.463-07:00Jack Johnson Date NightI was SOOOO excited when I heard Jack Johnson was going to be in Colorado! We got tickets and I looked forward to it all summer. It was a super fun date night with a LOT of good people watching but Jack Johnson was disappointing. I saw him back in Chicago maybe in 2005? He was awesome, but this time was lame. Jason and I had fun dancing and hanging out way past my bedtime (ha!). Still so glad we went and had a great date night together.<br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-39075726155426302002017-07-24T08:29:00.001-07:002017-07-24T08:29:33.615-07:00Library Concert - 7/20/17What a fun morning we had at the library! Katherine Dines performed her kids concert Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Music. I was a little apprehensive to take Lucas since he doesn't always do well in large crowds, he gets overstimulated and I can't get him back but he did AWESOME! He listened so well and enjoyed the music and interaction. And he loved seeing his friend, Addi, too! So glad we decided to go! Gracelyn liked it too, she was so cute clapping alone.<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-16969151557095101672017-07-22T12:49:00.000-07:002017-07-22T12:49:04.208-07:00Food Truck NightMonday night we went to the neighboring neighborhoods Food Truck Night. Considering we don't have an HOA or "neighborhood" per se, it was fun to be able to go to something SUPER close and enjoy a fun night out. They had three food trucks to choose from one which was an ice cream truck. Lucas had fun playing at the playground for almost an hour (Gracelyn on the swing, of course) then we finished off the night taking Cooper for a walk around the path. Love our spontaneous nights with our family! Cooper especially loves when he can be included. <br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-12869444078378268952017-07-21T14:03:00.003-07:002017-07-21T14:03:54.351-07:00On a Search for Prairie Dogs!While watching Wild Kratts with Lucas, I got the idea to take Lucas and Gracelyn to see some prairie dogs the other day. I didn't take into account that it was about 95 degrees and not a cloud in sight but we had a lot of fun on our walk. Lucas thought it was fun for him to spot them on his own and tip toe up to them to see how close he could get. I love how much he loves animals! It was also fun because we went behind our old apartment so there were tons of memories flooding in on our walk. My, how life has changed since we lived there! Afterwards we went to the park to swing and climb. This girl will swing all day long. No matter how long I let her swing she cries when I take her out. <br />
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He wanted to hold her hand. </div>
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"Look Mom!"</div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-21764660932350098922017-07-18T12:55:00.002-07:002017-07-18T12:55:53.198-07:00Dinos at the ZOO!I have already blogged about this a couple weeks ago but I was using the blogger app and it deleted anything I wrote about using the app. (literally HOURS of time wasted...I am not a happy girl!)<br />
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We went to the zoo on 4th of July and had a blast! They just opened the Dino exhibit a few days before. I highly recommend it if you have any dinosaur loving kids like Lucas! Just a little something to add to the zoo of animals. <br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-91804615194065324912017-06-11T14:41:00.004-07:002017-07-02T20:16:46.512-07:00Happy 1st Birthday Gracelyn Rose<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LL-YnIoeNRk/WT4dMDCBtdI/AAAAAAAAfMA/ZvuCvxaw16cNH9FReqcHqJcE2R5-aXG8gCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xjfBQx7TxOE/WT4dNtumfPI/AAAAAAAAfME/Mq6BnEfeqv8fjeRfP3WuCq4eMufx48SlgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d7VfuvvCpFk/WT4dO5S2ztI/AAAAAAAAfMI/fNyDRkT6yCIXL9Rkk-QjuGWorJhUoANnACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1ZxptCgzaY4/WT4dQEf_RFI/AAAAAAAAfMM/oyw8DgsGf4o0UXhWH8TMvGJgBpShY60ggCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K5MyoiX9j3o/WT4dSFDV8HI/AAAAAAAAfMQ/VmN5uR6jrAI0umx3iLpviCRpk0bE1457gCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iiun1Aa4OUY/WT4dTRFJC3I/AAAAAAAAfMU/FLbUIJGvYzMIBlySTQ7lEEak-VduqSCuACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nCyEMTlANU/WT4dUUTXQhI/AAAAAAAAfMY/4kPtT4KaWKoeSc1aYSertAcbwgvLBA2_gCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EpS29vaLth0/WT4dU61xBjI/AAAAAAAAfMc/F6LG-3YAxHwxMkm1QDhftFvaVlRdTwa_ACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tRbsrIqRxhE/WT4dVYKCwWI/AAAAAAAAfMg/JHTnQMK4dYsqgywVlbO-W4jwFDUayvMbACHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gHUzn26tiNw/WT4dV8TC0uI/AAAAAAAAfMk/MLIVCq2VQTkdR4BrxdhFXS4Z9WQ_qhCMgCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cstv0dZabK4/WT4dWvvcklI/AAAAAAAAfMo/9UDjelxMskAav7325KdcO78_gntob68egCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""> Happy first birthday, Gracelyn! I cannot believe she is one! We had a beautiful day celebrating her. Being a second child I feel like she never gets individual attention she deserves...and with a very active, loud brother, she has to take a back seat to everything. How special to be able to celebrate HER all day long. We started the morning with balloons in her crib and singing Happy birthday when she first woke up, which she loved. (Lucas loved it just as much. ;-) We had a birthday party for her with all our friends and my parents even came! Half way through the party I opened the door to our final guests...my Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Dennis. They flew in from Illinois to surprise us, and did they ever! Tears were flowing from excitement and surprise!</p>
<p>But the best part of her special day was that she started CRAWLING! It was almost 6 months to the day that we were told she may never walk or sit up so each milestone is just so emotional! There's no stopping this little girl! SUCH a fun day celebrating our Gracelyn Rose. Thank you so much to everyone who showered her with love yesterday!</p>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-23447398874520456772017-04-22T20:06:00.001-07:002017-04-22T20:11:26.442-07:00Happy birthday Grandma!<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kUx2dGuj7f8/WPwZ7as5OmI/AAAAAAAAbMQ/r4SC67vC5BQUaGjtbjwX5x7uRoOb8rbigCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><p></p></p><p>Cheers to my grandma on her birthday. I miss her so, so much. Thankful that I have her glasses to have a glass of wine in for special occasions like tonight. Happy birthday, Grandma! Hope you're dancing and having your own glass of wine or more with Grandpa!</p>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-82347287581056441602017-04-22T08:12:00.001-07:002017-04-22T12:54:14.057-07:00Sushi Date Night<img alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-94wmk4Q0IdQ/WPtydnkCqPI/AAAAAAAAbEg/mr-1SjRjrKk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" /><br />
While it seriously stinks most of the time not having our tribe or family here in Colorado we do have and have had the best babysitters!! We love our date nights! They're so needed!Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-64563021662758924832017-04-20T15:00:00.002-07:002017-04-20T15:19:46.462-07:00Brother and Sister<p>Not sure who loves each other more! They are so stinking cute together! He insists on pushing her and she just giggles and giggles. Love these two so much!<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8CLDbpHXsg/WPkuBIBzaeI/AAAAAAAAats/9-CW1qlOhrA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrOgiACJiF4/WPkuEU6MJOI/AAAAAAAAat0/2IWjL-YVSKs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXPGO9oBJp8/WPkuGK7PeBI/AAAAAAAAat4/XYW3mVAI5xA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S5maJE9oic0/WPkuT10E_eI/AAAAAAAAat8/hd5ZQ9cRvxA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3eji9NLQLUA/WPkuC4ZI-8I/AAAAAAAAatw/3GkXbNGiMrE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""></p>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-56000225258131219132017-04-20T14:43:00.000-07:002017-04-22T12:55:50.755-07:00Easter Bunny Fun<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">So this is a little late but we just got them. Our realtor's office had an Easter egg hunt complete with an Easter bunny a couple weekends ago. Unfortunately, the kid before us was screaming bloody murder refusing to sit on the Easter bunny's lap so Lucas started saying he was afraid of him as well. I certainly wasn't going to push it since I have no good explanation of who the Easter bunny is and couldn't really give any reasons why he shouldn't be afraid of a bunny that large. :-) But little Gracie thought it was great fun to sit on his lap!</span></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-34118179650896470582017-04-16T19:15:00.003-07:002017-04-16T20:00:25.622-07:00Easter 2017<p>It's a beautiful Easter Sunday here in Colorado. Our family had a really nice Easter weekend! We went to church last night which is SO weird. Easter Sunday has now become Easter Saturday. He is risen, he is risen indeed...but not really. Not until tomorrow. Weird. But it worked really well for us for a number of reasons.</p>
<p>We spent the morning looking for Easter eggs and then playing with our toys in our Easter basket. This was the first year we held an Easter egg hunt in our yard and Lucas had SO MUCH FUN! After taking our tradition family picture in the yard we went to breakfast at one of our favorite breakfast spots. Both kids took a nap today. Lucas gave up naps a couple months ago but still does quiet time...which is not even kinda quiet but I love that he plays in his room for almost an hour each day and today apparently that turned into a nap! I mean BOTH kids took a nap today, AT THE SAME TIME. After nap we went to the park. It was fun seeing so many family's there, grown adults in the field throwing Frisbees and flying kites. Just some solid family time. We had a nice dinner together and our typical Sunday Night Movie night in our living room. I just wish these days would go so much slower! Beautiful Easter and so much to be thankful for!</p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jon9wpoud04/WPQvMDUCeeI/AAAAAAAAaCs/aivLx19eIXo/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h626SHo_A4o/WPQvOknkJFI/AAAAAAAAaCw/BmiohwTmfuE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KOm8D8Yzov8/WPQvQIxMvQI/AAAAAAAAaC0/SYdn7-ScX8o/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P_CJKwcAhOo/WPQvSWW4BYI/AAAAAAAAaC4/FuvT5lyMHhA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F480d9ePJtc/WPQvTWVb3lI/AAAAAAAAaC8/-mc477vcLYM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Xqk_-tWrWg/WPQvfrIndQI/AAAAAAAAaDI/K_XOlFWulzI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9od_MXTFAWs/WPQvVpBU9_I/AAAAAAAAaDE/FEdfGw5bQ1o/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins!</p>
<p>Luke 24:6-7 He is not here; he is risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over the hands of the sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'</p>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-84497935361812629192017-04-16T19:00:00.003-07:002017-04-16T20:54:41.265-07:00I'm Back! Lockwood Update<p>Woohoo! I've dusted off the computer and cracked open this website again!</p>
<p>Through prayer and a series of events in my life the past couple weeks I have decided to take a break from social media (except for my Usborne business). However, I love posting on Instagram because its an easy way for me to update and look back on all these days that are going entirely too fast!! I just love seeing the pics of my kids. So instead I am hoping to capture more of our lives through this blog. We shall see how often I will post but it's my hope that I can capture our life here instead. Being that its been quite some time since I have posted here I thought it may help to update a teeny-tiny fraction of what has happened with us Lockwoods over the past 12 months.</p>
<p>This past year has been the fastest days of my life. Fastest year of my life for sure. We've welcomed our beautiful baby girl, Gracelyn Rose on June 10. She was almost two weeks early and we had to have an emergency c-section. After not feeling her move for longer than normal we went to the hospital and were told something was wrong and that we may lose her. (a whole lot of medical jargon here but basically we need her out NOW because it already may be too late.) We had an emergency c-section which was one of the hardest 45 minutes of my life. Lucas was still at the hospital with us, Jason was with him instead of with me, we were worried we were going to lose our girl and everything happened at lightening speed...none of which was physically comfortable...to say the least. After 40 min of prep, then 5 minutes after the incision our sweet girl was born!! She ended up having the cord around her neck twice but other than that she was perfectly fine. We had a healthy 6 lb 14 oz baby girl. Lucas was beyond thrilled to have a little sister asking if he could hold her ALL DAY LONG. Now,10 months later he is still excited to see her every morning and kisses her all day long, constantly asks to hold her and tells us how much he loves "Baby Grace," as he affectionately calls her. Gracelyn thinks he can do no wrong and no matter how rough he is, she just laughs and laughs at him. They have a very special bond.</p>
<p>Over the course of the past year we have had our ups and downs like anyone else. In December, Lucas was (finally) diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (seeking) which was an answer to prayer. We have known this about Lucas since he was old enough to move but it took A LOT of persistence to get someone to take us seriously and once we finally got the right services and providers in place, we were told, Yes, of course he has sensory issues. Then it was a huge rush to get 3 OT consults in before he aged out of services. Which, of course we need a lot more than 3 OT consults but in the meantime I am beyond thankful for my education and knowledge in this area. But oh how different it is with your own child and in your home compared to being a teacher in the classroom!</p>
<p>3 days after Lucas' diagnosis, Gracelyn had her 6 month well appointment and was diagnosed with hypotonia. Again, we knew something was up and had been pressing for answers but it wasn't until her 6 month appointment that her pediatrician gave us a name of what she had. We were told hypotonia is low muscle tone and we would need to see a neurologist for any further answers. Until then we were given the info that her hypotonia could be something as simple as Gracelyn needing PT and will be clumsy and unable to play competitive sports or as severe as her never being able to sit up on her own or walk. I don't need to share the emotions Jason and I went through hearing this news and then learning it would be 6-8 weeks before we would get in to see the neurologist and 6 weeks before we could have her evaluated to start her PT. Needless to say, we weren't too sad to see that month be the final in the year and welcome in 2017 with some hopefully good news!</p>
<p>Fast forward 4 months...we have been to the neurologist and Gracelyn has had an MRI. The neurologist thought she had a mild brain injury from the day she was born but the MRI in March ruled that out. We are back to square one of knowing what is causing her hypotonia so are praying over what our next steps will be. She has started PT and we have seen so much improvement in the short 2 months she has been receiving services. She sits up on her own and in the last week has started scooting backwards while on her stomach! She is just the happiest, most easy going baby. It's so fun to watch her hit these milestones!</p>
<p>I'm excited to get back into this blog again! I'm just as excited to take a break from Facebook and Instagram. If you're ever on and reading, please comment to say hi! :) Hope you had a happy Easter an thanks for stopping by!</p>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09704629416806772515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-41716248155828277572016-04-19T13:51:00.000-07:002016-04-19T13:57:35.920-07:00Grandma and Papa Visit!And just like that, they're gone. That's how I feel right now. I blinked and they were here and gone. My parents came for a visit the past weekend. It wasn't really even a short visit but I feel like it went by so quickly!! Wasn't I just writing about that a couple weeks ago? Time is just going so fast and I can't get it to slow down! Apparently it's not just time with Lucas but life overall these days.<br>
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My parents arrived on Thursday afternoon just as Lucas was waking up. Boy was he excited to see Grandma, Papa and Sophie. I wish I could write out phonetically how he says they're names...its so cute. :) <br>
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So we had a wonderful weekend together. Time spent with my mom is usually spent shopping, her helping me decorate our house since I have no decorative bone in me. But this time we also got to put together the nursery! We got a major snowstorm (somewhere around 20 inches over two days!) but fortunately the roads were clear enough for us to get out every day. My dad painted the nursery and did other jobs around the house that he thought needed "fixing up." We went out to dinner to celebrate my dads birthday, had a delicious dinner cooked by Jason one night, played games and watched a movie at night, Lucas got lots of Grandma and Papa time in and the dogs loved wrestling and playing in the snow every day. My mom, Luvas and I also went to The Wildlife Experince on their last morning here. It was a great time. I am so glad to have the nursery painted so we can figure out what we are going to do in there (that's a whole other subject...since we plan to use Lucas' furniture but he is still using it.)<br>
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It was a fun weekend together! Love how much we got accomplished but love the quality time together as much! Lucas was so in love with Grandma and Papa...he didn't take long naps and had the hardest time going to bed at night. He didn't want to miss out on any time away from them. Soon as he woke up he wanted Papa and Grandma (and Sophie). What a fun age for him and love that he enjoys spending time with them!<br>
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Thanks Mom and Dad for making the long drive out here so we could spend quality time together! And for all you did this weekend for us! We so appreciate it and love you!<br>
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So getting back to the zoo. It was a windy, yet beautiful day for the zoo. Now that Lucas is starting to talk more, he was a lot more interactive and able to tell me what he wanted to do at the zoo. He loves animals as much (or even more) than me. The train was out of order which Lucas didn't seem to get, asking a hundred times to ride the train, but he enjoyed the carousel instead. He liked the giraffes so much this time that we had to go say goodbye to them before leaving. Very fun day with the little guy and so thankful for our good health! It was just what we needed to get back on track and back into our routine! And seriously, have I said how much I love this little boy?! Trying weeks it's been and many, many, whiny days filled with way too many meltdowns but oh my gosh he is a fun little kid!!<br />
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Duct tape really can be used to fix anything! No idea what they're fixing on this poor camel but he's got duct tape all around him!! </div>
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We spent a good 8 minutes just watching this elephant as Lucas made elephant noises!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-90721711182215812652016-03-30T20:11:00.000-07:002016-04-07T05:21:30.513-07:00Blue Apron UpdateI posted on Instagram that we were going to try Blue Apron and a few people wanted to know what we thought so here we go!<br />
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We got three meals and all three didn't sound too appetizing but, of course we tried them anyway. The first night we made Roasted Cauliflower Panzanella. It took me about 40 minutes to make from start to finish and sending my husband to the grocery store for mayonnaise because for whatever reason we were out and I didn't see the little container from Blue Apron that already had it. I left off the almonds on my salad since I hate nuts but the salad was delicious! Mouthwatering goodness! As I'm typing this, I want to have it again for dinner tonight. Jason agreed, that it was very good, and would eat it again. My only negatives was that it took me a long time to make, it wasn't a large portion and it didn't have any meat. But we both admitted afterwards that were we full and satisfied so we were impressed! And the ingredients include everything, even staple items!<br />
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Second meal was the mushroom & Poblano Pepper Quesadillas. I actually made them for a late lunch on Saturday because that's kind of our routine before church on Saturdays. Again, it took me a long time, over an hour to make from start to finish. Basically Lucas' entire nap was spent prepping, cooking and eating, so major negative there. The recipe was very easy to follow and super tasty! I'd never have thought radishes on my quesadilla would be good, but it was delicious. We were shocked at the portion size again but in the end were both satisfied and full! We both wanted meat again but agreed it was just as good without! Again, very impressed!<br />
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The last meal of the week was Kimchi & Barley Miso Ramen. I'll admit, Jason made this one while I entertained Lucas and got some laundry done. He told me it was an easy recipe to follow but again took about 45 minutes to make. The portion size on this one was HUGE, enough to feed 4 people easily, but also lacked meat. I had one bite and couldn't eat anymore, I hated it. Jason liked it and had all the leftovers for a couple days though!</div>
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So my end verdict is that we both really liked it a lot more than we thought. I loved the convenience of having the meals selected for me and not having to go to the grocery store to get the food. I tried new foods I wouldn't have ever thought to try. No food was wasted, they only send the portion you need. Which the portions were perfect sizes, probably even on the large size. Quite honestly I felt like I was dining at a fancy restaurant every night. However, we both like meat with our meals. And my only other real complaint is I was looking for an easier way to have dinner on the table every night. My time is too precious to me to take up to an hour on meal prep each afternoon/night. There seemed to be a lot of steps that I didn't appreciate enough (like shredding my own cheese or picking parsley leaves off the stems.) (but I also hate to cook, so I'd rather throw food in a crockpot.) I'd have LOVED Blue Apron before having kids, I'd have had the fanciest and tastiest dinners on the table each night but now I just don't have that much time. The only other thing I didn't like was that it doesn't get delivered until Wednesday. We almost always eat out or have date night on Friday nights and like I said, Saturdays we do an early, late lunch/early dinner before church, so the foods were delivered on dates that don't fit our schedule. I'd much rather have them come on Sunday or even Monday or Tuesday.<br />
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If you have the time to cook and are open to try new meals, I highly recommend Blue Apron. We liked it enough to have it delivered a few more weeks. <br />
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Since it's taken me days to actually finish this post, I'll share that we had a major blizzard yesterday when we should have received our dinners. Because of the storm, there was no deliveries or mail. But I received an email from</div>
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blue Apron telling me it was being well cared for and would be here by today. And sure enough it was. I really appreciated their attentiveness (but now I have 3 meals to eat in about 4 days and it's almost the weekend when we typically eat out.) Also, I LOVE the menu for this week, two include meats! </div>
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Another update is that the day of the blizzard our family came down with the flu and still have it. So we wasted all of last weeks meals. The menu looked delicious and I was so excited to try it it none of us were eating or had the end here to cook. So a huge waste of money on our part. Now next week Jason is traveling again and I was so sick the past week I didn't think to cancel next weeks so I guess Lucas and I will be eating fancy dinners each night next week! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-43526211256284446372016-03-24T14:23:00.001-07:002016-03-24T14:23:53.029-07:00Today's Moment 3/24/16I've been pretty good taking time out and cherishing the moment the past week! Not so good about posting but that's ok. Long as I'm cherishing the time with Lucas, that's the whole point for me.<div><br></div><div>Sadly he's been sick the past couple days. (Along with Jason, it's been fun times here in the Lockwood residence for a girl who goes stir crazy being home for just a few hours!!)</div><div><br></div><div>But my sweet boy is sleeping on me right now. He is the farthest thing from a cuddler so he is basically sprawled out over my lap, no cuddling for me! But I can't stop staring at him! And his little breaths, are just the sweetest! Baby's/kids are so peaceful when they sleep! Especially this one who never sits still, it's nice to have him sleep on me where I can watch him. And he has his super cute Christmas Jammie's on because he wanted/insisted on wearing his Santa pj's this morning. So stinking cute! </div><div><br></div><div>Love, love this little boy. Being a stay at home mom is seriously getting harder every day, and the past couple days being stuck at home, isolated from the world with a clingy boy makes it even harder, but this moment right here...makes its ALL worth it. There's no place I'd rather be!! So thankful it's me who gets to hold him right now and love on him when he's sick!! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-26462959461369115462016-03-16T21:08:00.001-07:002016-03-16T21:08:45.836-07:00Today's MomentAs I posted yesterday, I'm a super reflective person and need time to process and reflect on things. Times zipping by and Lucas is growing up so fast and the days are getting so busy I don't take the time to be reflective. I'm going to try to slow down time by enjoying a special moment each day then writing it down here or in my phone. <div><br></div><div>Today's moment was when I had to move Lucas from his breathing treatment to the changing area to change his diaper. He was so engrossed in whatever he was doing on the iPad that he let me carry him and hug him. He rarely lets me carry him anywhere and it was a precious two minutes of cuddle time. So thankful for him and these moments! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-10767402662572358172016-03-15T14:05:00.002-07:002016-03-15T14:09:00.677-07:00Time Slow DownI have been terrible at posting like I promised myself I would do this year. I think when I posted that last time, it was also the last time I was at the gym. Which in all fairness is because when I am pregnant, I am tried. All the time. And the last thing I would ever want to do is work out. I find it absolutely crazy that I just ran 13 miles in July. I cant even imagine WALKING one mile right now. Pregnancy just kicks my butt.<br />
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Anyway, as I was tucking Lucas in for his nap today and he was walking around in circles in his crib so I would kiss his head each time he walked around.This happens every day I put him down for a nap. But today I started to tear up. This is one of those many, tiny moments that happen during the day but only last about a week and will quickly be over. A year or maybe even months down the road, I won't remember that for a week we did this silly little ritual to get him to calm down enough for nap. How when we are supposed to be calming down for nap but instead every time he walks past me I kiss his little head, he busts out laughing and then I cant help but crack a smile which turns to a laugh so we are a step further behind in the "calming down" part. But you guys...these are the moments! These are the moments I live for! But life has been going so full speed that I haven't had time to cherish them.<br />
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My love language is words of affirmation. Jason is really awful at it, (sounds mean, but it's true) so I have encouraged him to write me silly love notes when he travels so I can find the throughout the morning once he's gone. I absolutely LOVE when he remembers and takes the time to do this. It builds me up for weeks!! Well this week he wrote one that said, Lucas loves you...even right now in the middle of this meltdown. And isn't that so true? I mean not so much about Lucas loving me...but that these moments, the super hard and trying moments when all I want is a moment to myself or not to have to deal with a temper tantrum...these are the moments I am going to miss because it is one big package. The meltdown and whiny moments mixed with the super cute, I just want to squeeze you and eat you up moments!<br />
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But sometimes for me, as a stay at home mom, it just gets to be a LOT. A lot of the same. Day in day out. Wake up, same routine all day long, then hit the hay exhausted and wake up to do it all over again. So I keep busy because Lucas does so much better out of the house and at play dates and with other kids (as do I!). It works for both of us. Yet, every single night I go to bed with a thankful heart because lately tings have been amazing. I couldn't ask for any more and I am not being cheesy or fake. Life is truly all I could ever ask for. At least right now, in this exact moment in my life. I've had many, many moments in the past couple months where God has made this very evident to me.So even with the same old, same old routine...it's our same old, and it's pretty amazing. I just need to find a happy medium of the hustle and bustle, go, go, go and being bored and lonely at home. How do I find this medium?<br />
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Lucas seems so grown up to me. He is not a little baby anymore, he's starting to talk a lot more, he has opinions on things, is very quick to tell us what he wants or doesn't want. But he is only 2! TWO!! He's still a little kid, a tiny little toddler! I know someday I will look back at all his pictures today and say, look at that baby face, just as I do with his infant pictures now. So now it's time to do something about it. I've very over committed right now and there's many things I have taken on and truly feel it's important to continue what I've started until it's complete. Or maybe it's my husband who feels that way?! Either way I have another 6 weeks of this insanity. And in the meantime I hope I can find one part of each day to take the time to write down what one special thing. Whether it's here in the blog or just in my overcrowded notes in my phone. A purposeful time that makes me stop and think. To enjoy all the blessings around me and especially what a blessing Lucas and my family are to me. This kid isn't getting any smaller and time will keep moving forward, but hopefully I can get better at stopping and taking a moment to reflect on it all. So very thankful for these days!! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-51962660842831583812016-02-10T11:32:00.001-08:002016-02-10T11:34:06.123-08:00It's a...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z3w6SRf5rt1EuTZzA0-2un9s1D46Xucoc6Ga4v-QdFXW9kb3yyhlffQtA5tOsbutd-qnvmgnin331wP4sxDdw1dEy5sx2ZVfTi8gDJLoxUM-EIz6WFQE3ZjRJWaVeG80eAG4uXki0dY/s640/blogger-image--1275553126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z3w6SRf5rt1EuTZzA0-2un9s1D46Xucoc6Ga4v-QdFXW9kb3yyhlffQtA5tOsbutd-qnvmgnin331wP4sxDdw1dEy5sx2ZVfTi8gDJLoxUM-EIz6WFQE3ZjRJWaVeG80eAG4uXki0dY/s640/blogger-image--1275553126.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Girl!! We are expecting a baby girl the end of June and couldn't me more excited! (Or um, scared. ;-)) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyone want to come visit in June, July, August? We'd love some extra hands and love! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm so excited to have one of each, and a winter baby and summer baby! Now it's time to think about what color the nursery is going to be! I'm so not into pink. Suggestions?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(We haven't posted on FB intentionally so if you read it here please don't post on FB unless we do first. Thank you!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-38903995940037229962016-01-10T19:48:00.001-08:002016-01-10T19:48:50.096-08:00Happy 2nd Birthday Lucas!!Happy birthday to our Lucas Jon! His birthday was actually on Wednesday, but he's been really sick all week so we weren't able to celebrate. Today he was finally feeling better so we celebrated with some sugar cookies which are his favorite these days. I may have made them just so I could hear him say "cookie" because it is so stinking cute! We also opened gifts which he loved every single one! Big thanks to our family who sent gifts, he loves his new chair, book, backpack, suitcase and water bottle. I knew he'd love all those but he REALLY loved them! He gets so excited about everything. I just fall in love with this boy every day.<br />
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We love you Lucas and are so thankful God has blessed us with you. Keep being your spunky, energetic, loving, caring, sweet, vibrant, challenging, cute little self. We wouldn't change a thing about you and are so proud of the boy your are becoming!!<br />
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His "smile" face</div>
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<br />Walking with his new suitcase and backpack.</div>
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So excited!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-78045032705729175912016-01-04T09:15:00.001-08:002016-01-04T09:15:28.243-08:00Happy 2016!It's a new year so while I don't like to do resolutions I figured it was appropriate to make it a goal to start up the writing and blog again. It seems as each day passes, life just keeps speeding up and the days and weeks go faster. Lucas is turning two on Wednesday, TWO! How is this possible? Being that he was born the first day after Winter Break, I'm sure not a year will go <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">by then I don't think about our last Winter Break as a family of two and just how much our lives changed after that two week break together. It was on my mind constantly the past two weeks how we were expecting Lucas to come at the end of January but then just after New Years our little bundle made his appearance. How was that already two years ago? Seems like last week, or maybe last month, but not last year!</span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But then when I really think about how much our lives have changed, how much my heart has exploded in size with love and just how much has really happened in the past two years, it feels like it's been just that long. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But I don't have much to show for it here. I keep up for a while but then we go on vacation or a bunch happens in a short time and I get overwhelmed with trying to write every detail and worry about who I might offend because I didn't have time to write about something they were involved in so I don't write. I used to write because it was therapeutic and helped me sort my thoughts, then it was a way to capture all I was seeing when I was laid off and not working, then it was for us to keep up with family after we moved across the country. But now I do it so I can look back at the memories that are going way too fast. So this year that's what I want to do, write when I have time, but try hard to capture the days that are passing way too fast! And please, please, don't be offended if I miss a big event that may have involved you! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hope everyone has a great Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks to everyone who may join back with me as I hope to write more this year! </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-21025689563854447652015-09-10T12:50:00.002-07:002015-09-10T12:50:59.114-07:00Facebook De-ActivatedIt's been almost two weeks since I deactivated my Facebook account. I have taken it off my phone before and taken long breaks from it but I've never actually deactivated it. My goal was to go a week without it and then I could take it from there. I was nervous about deactivating but after the first day I haven't even noticed I'm not on it.<br />
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When I first joined Facebook it was fun reconnecting with so many high school and college friends who I wouldn't normally see or get updates from. It was fun putting status updates and pictures and seeing everyone else's pictures. I loved (and still love) all the engagement, marriage and baby announcements. But in the past couple years it's seemed to me that Facebook has gotten so negative. Not only all the political and religious posts have gotten to be too much but all the comments about everything. When I deactivated, I think the latest trending news was about the mom who left her baby in the shopping cart at Wal-Mart for an hour. Some person who found the baby took a pic of the baby and posted it on the internet for everyone in the world to see and share their thoughts about what an awful mom she was! Seriously!? Not to mention how absurd it is to post a pic of this poor baby that isn't yours on the internet but what business is this of ours!? Why would someone feel the need to publicly shame some woman they don't know!? A women who is very clearly sleep deprived and was so upset for what she had done. Instead of shaming her, how about we step up and help her with running her errands or making her food or watching her kids so she can get some sleep? Another example from a couple months ago...some couple left their dog in the car and someone took a pic of them and blasted that on the internet where everyone shared the pic then again publicly shamed them as they supposedly were out enjoying a lunch while their dog was hot in the car. We have absolutely no idea if that story is even true. She could have been out of the car for 5 minutes and the dog was fine. We have no idea what really happened except that some person claimed on thing and then we think it's okay to post their pic on the internet for everyone to see. Regardless of what these people are doing wrong, it it no better of us to destroy their lives. (I still think back to Steve Bartman and what the media did to him pre-Facebook days! Poor guy!)<br />
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Sorry I've gone on a bit of a tangent...which just shows me again why I needed to deactivate and get myself away from Facebook all together. I'm tired of all the selective parts of people lives they chose to show. It's impossible not to compare your lives to what people portray is theirs even when you know their life isn't all perfect. I am sick of the million blog posts by moms covering every imaginable topic, organic vs processed, breast vs. bottle, stay at home mom vs working mom, home-schooling vs public schools, pre-school vs no pre-school. What NOT to say to a someone with XYZ, What TO say to someone with XYZ. What to say to a friend who lost their mom/dad/brother/grandma and what NOT to say. I'm a people pleaser so the more of these articles I read the more I'm afraid to open my mouth in fear of saying the wrong thing. But according to all these articles written by random people I will never meet, saying nothing is really the wrong thing. AHHH so what do I do?!<br />
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Its funny because when I have complained to Jason about all of this, he said his newsfeed is nothing like mine. So maybe it's just the type of things I have clicked on in the past and now they're constant;y showing up on my newsfeed. Maybe mines more negative than other peoples? All I know is that for me... I am so happy to take a break for a while. I look forward to when I go back it'll just like when I first signed up and I'll get to see all sorts of engagements, marriages, babyies and everything that drew me to Facebook in the beginning!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-5598629114308355822015-08-31T13:57:00.000-07:002015-08-31T14:31:28.838-07:00New BeginningsI thrive with routines and now as a stay at home mom, I really thrive with routine. I was so excited for summer because of all the fun things it brings but especially extra sunlight, splash pads, half marathon training, outdoor park play dates and the obvious trip back to Chicago...just to name a few. But next weekend is Labor Day (how did that happen!?) and the temperatures finally starting to cool down this morning so I am so ready to start this fall off with some routine!<br />
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Last spring I was attending MOPS at the church we are currently attending. And without going into much detail something happened that really hurt my feelings, I mean really, <i>really</i> hurt my feelings. And while I was finding myself to be extremely insecure about this incident and over-analyzing all the reasons of why this particular thing was happening I felt God start to prompt me to take some other actions this summer to possibly find a new MOPS group. But as much as I had been hurt and tried to convince myself that I should listen to this prompting, it was extremely hard. I have made some awesome friends through MOPS and looked forward to seeing them every other week. I also keep hearing how this church has "the best MOPS program" and I loved all the speakers, service events and crafts that they have done. Seriously last year MOPS was such a very important key of success of my first year as a stay at home mom and I cannot imagine where I'd be as a mom without it. (at least I'd like to think the last year has been successful! ;-)) I'm not talking about just as a mom to Lucas, as that's a BIG piece of MOPS but also socially, introducing me to that group of women and friends that I'd been praying to meet since we'd moved here. MOPS has also been such a fabulous outlet for me, every other week with provided, trusted childcare so I can sit with other women and eat delicious (and I mean delicious!) food while we listen to a speaker who would usually bring me to tears then spend some more time in community with those same women and share whats going on in our lives. Oh and playdates too! It was wonderful!</div>
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As the summer days went on I began seeking out other MOPS groups. There were a lot but one that really caught my eye was just down the street and would be starting up their first year of MOPS. Honestly, this was terrifying...going from a big church with some 150ish women involved to some start up program but the more I prayed the more God told me to reach out to the leader then wait on him to see what this new program had for me. I didn't hear back from that leader most of the summer. I kept hearing God tell me to wait but it was so hard. I hate missing out on things! Plus my "old" MOPS was beginning registration and the buzz was all around registering for MOPS and what group you'd be in and who your table leader would be...but God kept telling me to wait. </div>
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Beginning of August I finally heard from the leader. The MOPS group didn't have enough interest so they were not going to have MOPS but instead would have a Mom's group that would meet at the same time every other week with childcare but wouldn't be affiliated with MOPS. I was excited as I'd been praying about being a mom's small group leader in our area for our church and this seemed perfect but I have to admit, I was also crushed. What about my MOPS!? (are you sick of that word yet?!)</div>
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So I signed up for this group as I really felt God telling me this is where he wanted me but also felt like there was still a MOPS group out there for me. So I looked into MOPS back at the previous church but again kept hearing God say no. Wouldn't you know...I didn't even get a chance to decide what I wanted to do, Lucas was already registered for swim lessons the first few meetings when MOPS would start. Again, I was disappointed but also super excited to know this was clearly not the option for me this fall. </div>
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So I, again, looked up other MOPS in the area and found one just down the street. I hadn't given this group much thought initially because I had heard that this group was nothing like my previous years group. So obviously I wasn't really interested but also felt God telling me to seek further. When I called the church I was led to a woman who was so incredibly welcoming and excited to have us show an interest. I've decided to give it a shot and registered that next next week. </div>
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Since then, after much fear of the unknown and giving up what I know was a fun group, I've decided I need to clear my head of all expectations of what I want from both of these groups and just trust that God will provide what I need as a stay at home mom seeking other moms to do this journey of motherhood. I cannot tell you how excited I am to have two groups of women who meet every other week within just 4 miles of our house!! Instead of a 30 minute drive each way it's 5-10 minutes!</div>
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Lastly, my friend Ashley told me about the app "First 5" from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Its a short (5 minute) devotion to start out your morning and I've loved it! Then they have the option, if you want to go deeper, you can buy the study to go along with it! Since I am not getting the Bible study in either of these groups which I so need, I decided to purchase one and dig a little deeper into the study. The study begins today and I absolutely love it!! Its on the book of Genesis, which I have done one other study one in the past and have shied away other years but am excited to see how God can use this and me!</div>
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I'm so very excited about these new beginnings this fall. As excited as I am for routine, I am more excited to meet some new women and share this awesome motherhood journey with them while also keeping the great ones I've met over the past year. Cheers to new beginnings!!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4574961117907807482.post-42171048427225285832015-08-30T14:11:00.000-07:002015-08-30T16:45:53.265-07:00July/August update (Way, way abbreviated!)So it's been a while. I haven't written because we have been so busy with a million things going on and now I'm at the point where I don't even know where to pick back up! <br />
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We went to Illinois for a couple weeks and had a blast but it was also the trip from hell costing us about $1500 more than planned and just had a ton of mishaps. Numerous things happened like my cat started peeing everywhere in our house, my fish died, out topper flew open on our car while driving 70 mph, and those were only a few things. While I loved every minute of seeing friends and family, we were all so ready to be home and said we may never leave again. Just kidding...I'm sure we will but ugh, we were ready to be home!<br />
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I ran the half marathon which requires a whole separate post. It could be categorized with one of the mishaps of the trip back but to focus on the positive, wow, I ran 13.1 miles. And I cannot believe the support of friends and family who drove down there and supported me and met up with me afterwards! <br />
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My parents visited for a few days and we went to Red Rocks for their first concert there which was amazing.<br />
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It has been over 2 months since I've written so Lucas has changed tremendously! I don't even have the words to explain how wonderful he was on our trip. Sleeping in many different places, driving about 3,000 miles with us, meeting and re-meeting so many different family members and friends. He is such a flexible, easy-going, awesome kid. So much energy and absolutely exhausts me but that kid is so much fun and goes with the flow!<br />
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We've been to a DMB concert which I have been looking forward to since spring. It was amazing. Exceeded all my expectations and so much more fun when I'm not pregnant! ;-)<br />
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We've made the Parker Farmers Market a weekly thing and I have really enjoyed tomatoes every week! Lucas loves that we go to the park after each visit too, One time we even went swimming afterwards. Lucas is such a little fish. Literally puts his face in the water then looks up and laughs to just do it again.<br />
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We have been to the splash pad numerous times, again, the kid loves water. We've found some really fun parks in the area and gone to the zoo a few times. We tried to have Lucas feed the giraffes but he was afraid! Lucas isn't afraid of anything, but I guess those ginormous animals with foot long tongues are kind of scary. Yay, our son does have a tiny bit of fear in him after all!<br />
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We spent a few days at my parents lake house...which actually should be up by our Illinois trip but going to the lake house is it's own little trip. I miss water so so so much, so it's my own little heaven being at the lake house. It was also exhausting because we are on the lake and Lucas loves water. I was beyond worried about him at all times, but he was great about wearing the life jacket!<br />
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We've found out that it's likely Lucas will need glasses at a very early age. I was so excited that he got my blue eyes, but I guess along with my blue eyes comes my terrible vision. We will find out in about a year but the thought of him having to wear glasses as a child breaks my heart. Although he's not really rough with anything so I'm sure he will wear them just fine, never needing replacements. ;-)<br />
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Lucas and I are still volunteering at the nursing home. I haven't felt like we are making much of a difference but God spoke to me in a way I haven't heard from him in a while and we are going to continue to visit weekly per his promptings.<br />
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Jen, Jason's step-sister and Grant came down for a visit a few weeks ago which was really nice! I love having family here and that Lucas gets to spend time with them too.<br />
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I may share further about this later but at the end of the MOPS season last year I felt God tugging at me to search elsewhere for a new group and through that and a long summer of prayers and the unknown, God has led me to a new Mom's group and a new MOPS group...both are just right down the street. Its scary to be starting over with a whole new group of girls but also thrilling and the best part is being so close to home. We will see what this season brings...but I am so excited to not be doing this Moms thing alone! <br />
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We went to Kenny Chesney too while he was here at Sports Authority Field. Such a fun night! Maybe a little too much fun! ;-) So thankful for awesome babysitters we have so we still get to have many date nights! Love me some country music!<br />
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I still help plan the Mom's group I've been a part of since last October-ish. I absolutely love these girls and love that we can do this thing we call Motherhood together! I also love that Lucas has friends he can see every other week and that we are able to have so much fun together with other moms and kids.<br />
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Lucas is awake so I have to jet...I hope to catch up more in the coming weeks and add pictures. I am so very thankful that I get to be Lucas' mom and get to watch him grow. Also so thankful I get to be Jason's wife and for the life we are living here in Colorado. We have so much to be thankful for.<br />
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Love to all for now...<br />
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