{reflections.}

It's hard to believe that 2 years ago from right now, I was frantically packing boxes, organizing {as much as I organize- which is not much}, and preparing to make a move across the country. I don't wish for it to be 2 years ago. I look back on that time as pretty much blissfully horrific. Is that possible?!? It was the hardest thing I've ever done to leave somewhere I absolutely loved, somewhere my heart felt truly connected with the people who lived there, somewhere that it just felt "RIGHT"... I don't wish to go back to those feelings, those tears, and the constant pep talk to my heart to "BE STRONG!"... I do not wish to ever have to tell my best friends good-bye like that again... I do not wish to ever again have to say good-bye to the house my first child was brought home to from the hospital and spent the first several months of his little life in... But most of all, I do not wish to have to contend with the confusion my heart felt during the months that followed our move. Moving is a big deal. Moving out of state is a bigger deal. Moving across several states is an even bigger deal. And moving somewhere you don't particularly WANT to live, is the biggest deal of all. 

After the above, I'm sure no one is still reading... But just in CASE you ARE still reading... 

The last 2 years have been a huge growing experience. For those of you who are rolling their eyes at the dramatic paragraph above, read on:

-I have learned that whatever STATE I'm in, I can be content. 

-I have learned that as long as I have my husband, my children, and my Jesus- it is HOME.

-I have learned that no matter where you live, people are human.

-I have learned that even though I'll always prefer to not live here, I have found true peace in living here.

-I have learned that being close to my family is a splendid thing indeed. Something I can't imagine giving up now that I have experienced this luxury.

-I have learned that Ohio is a good place to live, too.

-I have learned, as a matter of fact, I really actually kind of like living in Darke County, Ohio. I kind of even like Greenville.

-I have learned that great friends are hard to come by, and I can maintain my friendships across the many, many miles even if it takes more effort on my part. 

-I have learned that new friends are incredibly hard to make.

-I have learned that even though I think of Washington, and our loved ones in Washington, every single day...

I am truly at peace with where the Lord has brought us. And though it's not always easy, I thank Him for bringing us to where He has brought us. We may never fully understand why we are here, but we are very thankful for His guiding hand and rich blessings to us.

The GREATEST blessing of all that has come from our move is being close to my family... The memories we would have missed by fulfilling something we "prefer" rather than something that has been an enormous benefit for our children...

{miles & pappaw pushing snow in the bob}

{ga-ga stopped by to bring miles a valentine's cupcake... a huge hit with jed, too.}

{fun with cousins...}

{pappaw & ga-ga- the greatest in my boys' eyes. and they made that move worth every tear.}

{a party for the lil man}

We celebrated Layne's birthday Sunday evening with family and a few friends. What started out to be a "circus" themed party turned into more of a "movie-theater" themed party, or so Matt informed me. I'm really not sure till it was all said and done that the party had any theme at all, but it sure was fun!

I had planned to do the celebrating outside on our patio... But it started to rain JUST as I was preparing to bring out the last of the food- AND snap pictures! So, there aren't any really good pictures of the props, in my opinion, but you can have a look and see for yourself.

Layne had a great time and behaved like any one-year-old does at their own party... A little confused about all the ta-do but happy for the attention... But I'm pretty sure Big Brother had the best time of all! We woke him (Miles) up from his nap once everyone got here (and he was STILL snoozing)... He sleepily marched outside and started playing. He had a very thrilled but dazed (and still a bit sleepy) look on his face... But he grabbed a toy and proceeded in the march/bike-riding/toy-pushing down the driveway sweetly greeting all of his friends and cousins...

Layne ate more popcorn than most adults would ever think about eating before the party actually even started... but what can I say- it was HIS party!! (And his Great Gramma was holding him- things like that are to be expected. And cherished.)

Let the party begin...

{i had just started putting the food/drink out... and it began to sprinkle...}

{lemonade with strawberry puree...}

{the elephants are really the only thing that made it "circus-y" in the end...}

{party is now INSIDE the dirty garage... if i had THOUGHT to have parties in the garage, i might have cleaned it out... *sigh. it did start a new brainstorm of how to restore this old thing we call the "garage" which is a whole 'nother story for a whole 'nother time...}

 {more of the same...}

{dirty, embarrassing garage... but shelter from the rain for which i was thankful...}

{the older boys eating their movie-theater food...}

 {elliot doing what elliot does... chillin'... and being a cutie!}

{miles with gramma neenie the great- that has 2 meanings. she is great and she is the great gramma!}

{soon to be poked, picked, swatted, splattered, and squished...}

{momma, i really have no idea what to do with this...}

{but it COULD be potentially fun... Ooooh! and is that CANDY?!?!}

{this is really as bad as it got. he was mostly interested in picking the sixlets candy right off the top... fine by me, precious boy.}

{the proud parents.}

{and the worst thing about parties... cleaning up the mess.}

 

{happy birthday, happy boy!}

God knew just what we needed when He placed this little guy in our lives...



{precious layne asher- 1 yr.}

Layne has been an absolute blessing to us... He has spent hardly a moment of his little life fussing or grouching. He has been full of smiles starting at just 2.5 weeks old. He laughed- a big ole full laugh- at 8 weeks... {At his older brother, no less.} He has been sweet, adaptable, cuddly, funny, and SO happy since he was born just a year ago today!  He also has a very stubborn and contankerous side, but that's neither here nor there... Because today, we are just going to celebrate the life that has been given to us! We love you, Layne Asher! We cannot imagine our life without you!



{its only the beginning. the best is yet to come.}