It only takes once...

We say our prayers every night.  Without fail.  We read 4-5 books, sing 4-5 songs, followed by some rocking and then our night time prayers.

Now I lay me, down to sleep.
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep.
God bless mommy, daddy, Easton & Kirby...

The rest changes night by night.

Last night The Boy informed me Mrs. Emily (his teacher) left early from school.  We talked about it a minute and he said she was sick. We agreed we should add her to our prayers.  So, we did.  We said our normal prayers, I laid him down, covered him up and to sleep he went.

Fast forward to today.

I was getting a run down of the day from Mrs. Emily.  I'd asked about Eli because I hadn't seen him.  She informed me he had fallen and split his eyebrow and had to go for stitches.

Once in the car, I was asking Easton about his day.  We went through a few things and then got to Eli.  We talked about him falling, hitting his eyebrow on the bookshelf and having to go to the doctor.

Without prompting, or suggesting, my boy said 'my say my prayers for Eeee-yiii?' and folded his hands and looked down.  I sat there with a lump in my throat, not believing my ears.  Then he peered up from under his brow as if to say 'well...get on with it mom.'  So, we prayed.  Then he asked 'my say prayer for Eyi go to doctor?'  And we did.  Then...'my say prayer for my 'nack.'  And that we did.  And he was satisfied.  And quite tickled with himself. 

There is really nothing to big or too small for our prayers.  Eli's eyebrow or our 'nack.

The fact is, my boy knew we needed to pray.  And he knew I'd pray with him.

And, in my book it doesn't get much better than that. 

Bittersweet- new chapter

Well.  We've made the move.  We no longer live in the home we've lived in for 8 years.

This weekend we moved into our 'new apartment' as we've been calling it to Easton.  Original I know.  Try not to copy.  New home just didn't seem fitting, since it would be temporary.  So apartment it is. 

It was so bittersweet to leave the place we've called home for so long.  Friday night was a late night packing up the last of our things and fixing some last minute plumbing items from the inspection list.  Saturday morning we had some great friends and family help us load up the truck.

It all went a litle too fast.  I'm thankful that they had it loaded up so fast, but then again, I kinda wanted to soak in my little house one last day. 

Before I knew it I was standing in the middle of my empty living room.  I stood there looking with tears in my eyes.  The hardwood we laid board by board.  The light fixtures we hung when we re-did our kitchen.  The cabinets we worked so hard on when Easton was a new baby.  The tile floor that was laid one late Friday night.  So much work was put into this house. 

 It's hard for me not to mourn the moving on from this house.  It holds so many wonderful memories.  Our first home.  There will never be a place sweeter than that little house.

Yesterday we went back to the house to get the last few things.  I cleaned from top to bottom, Lance mowed the yard and Kirby got some last sunshine on the deck and by the back door.  It's officially ready for it's new owner.  I hope she'll love it as much as we did (do). 

It's odd how you put comfort into a 'place'. Growing up we lived in 3 houses. The first one I don't remember, but the last 2 I remember very well. Each have different memories for me. I remember making the move from my childhood home to my high school home. The feeling of homesick was so overwhelming. Yes, I had my stuff, my new room, my mom and dad, but it wasn't home.

It became home.  Eventually.  But it did take time. 

That's the same feeling I have today.  I know home is where my boys are, and little Kirby, and our stuff, but at the same time, this apartment just doesn't feel like home.  I feel a bit homesick today for my little house.

This too shall pass, but for now, I miss it. 

Fingers crossed for the final inspection this afternoon!  Closing either tomorrow or Thursday, then it's really not ours. 

<

{embrace the camera}

I love love love this picture.

I took it walking to the car on the way out of church on Father's Day.

The only Father's Day picture taken...and with my phone. Oh, the shame.

These 2 really do make my day.

That is, when they aren't making up stories about WoolyBooger, Viney Do, Lenoard & CornBread.

But really, that makes me smile too.

Because it's them. Their thing.

 

But then, the fever came.

I was called by school Monday afternoon.

Easton had a fever of 101.

By the time we got home and I had a chance to take it myself it was 103.

I knew what it was.

The dreaded Hand, Foot, Mouth.

Sure enough, Tuesday morning brought on the mouth sores. 

He kept asking for a 'new ra ra' {passi} because his 'was dirty'.

But with some motrin, tylenol and 2 days of one on one tlc from mommy & daddy

 he's almost as good as new now.

Here's to a healthy weekend and lots of energy!

The big move is this weekend.

I might be feeling a little weepy if I take time to think about it.

Our first home. 

Moving from our first home.

But, I'm hoping being so busy lessens the tears.

Fingers crossed.

Happy Thursday!

Father's Day

There's just something about a daddy.

My love and appreciation for him has grown so much over the years.

Seeing him with my own child is the most heart warming feeling ever.

So to my daddy- Happy Father's Day Papa.

I love you to the moon.

And this man.

I never dreamed how much I'd love him this many years later.

How much more I'd love him as my son's father. 

There is something so beautiful about sharing your life with someone.

Even more beautiful is watching that special someone

become the father to the child you created together.

Boo, you are an amazing father.

Easton is lucky to have you.

And so am I.

We love you.

Happy Father's Day to all the Father's out there!

You all cary a big responsibility. 

Your kiddos are watching!

As our pastor says, if our kids were following in our footsteps, may they always lead them to Jesus.

{a first} potty edition

Milestone Day in the Farrar house!

Easton used the potty for the FIRST time!

We've tried several times, they've tried at school several times, but no luck.

...until yesterday!

They sat him down after nap...and as you can see below...SUCCESS!

Boy, was he proud of himself too!

It was so fun to see how excited he was to tell us! 

I don't know if it was fluke, or what, but I'll take it! 

You've gotta start somewhere.

Maybe once we get moved and settled, we'll try some big boy undies.

I don't know if I'm ready for all that just yet!

Way to go Easton!

Dear Vacation

Dear Vacation,

You came and went so quickly.
We didn't have much time to plan or anticipate you, but you were amazing nonetheless.
You were quite the surprise, and we enjoyed every minute of you.

My boy, he really loved you.  He talked about you the whole way home.  He wanted to go 'back there' he'd say and point behind his car seat with his thumb as if he were hitch-hiking.  Back to the beach to jump in the waves and play in the sand.  And ride airplanes.

I hope to brag about you very soon,
but for now, I have 16 loads of laundry to fold & put away, dishes to put up, groceries to buy and a house to pack.  Oh.  And work.  Yes.  That too.

Oh.  And those 980 pictures I took of you, they have to be weeded through and edited.
I've got a new 'cation book' to make for my boy.
And I've got a movie to make of the 55 short clips we took of you so we can relive these memories over many times.

You came at the perfect time.  You were much needed.  You refreshed my soul.

For now, I can't write much more.

Duty calls.

But Vacation, I love you.

Sincerely,
me

The Graduate

Where has the time gone?

I remember just yesterday bringing her home from the hospital. 

I remember the moment she was born. 

I stood right by my mom when she was welcomed into this world. 

Her first bath. Sitting her in front of the Christmas tree in her sweet little white dress and bonet. 

Her first day of Kindergarten.  Her tweety bird glasses.  

Making clothes from paper and Papa's shredder. 

Her first kiss.  Drivers license.  Driving.  Prom. 

It all went way to fast.    

And now, she graduates?  How?

It's true what they say, 'time goes faster as you grow older' but just how is my baby sister now a

High School graduate?

I have so many wonderful memories of her, even though we're 11 years apart. 

She was my little side kick.  I was the built in babysitter. 

She always fit in, whoever was at the house, or wherever we went. 

She was everyone's little sister. 

She was loved by all from the start.  That hasn't changed.

Always one for style.  This was dress up day at school.  Minnie Pearl. 

She's loyal.  She's beautiful. Inside and out.  She's firm.  She's talented.  She's stubborn.      She's determined.    She's strong. 

I'm happy to call her mine. 

There is no doubt in my mind she will do big things.  She will be someone. 

Go Bird!  Fly!  You can do anything you want!!!

Al,

I'm so proud of you.  From the start you were mine.  You had my heart.  Those little sweet eyes would look at me and I would melt.  Still do.

You have become such an amazing young woman.  It feels weird calling you a woman, but that's exactly what you are.  You have been such an amazing example to those around you.  Not falling into peer pressure and being like the rest.  Your uniqueness makes you stand out from the crowd. 

You're a leader.  Not a follower.  You stand firm in what you believe and how you feel.  You are fiercely loyal and for that, I am thankful.  I'm thankful to always have you on my side.  Lord knows I never want to be on opposing sides.  You've got a mean streak a mile long.  But I love that about you too. 

My little sister from the start, but now, my always faithful companion.  Me, you and mom.  Peas & Carrotts. 

I cannot wait to see what you will become.  Part of me thinks a fashion designer, part of me thinks a magazine editor/photographer.  Maybe adopt 27 little loveis from Haiti.  Whatever you chose, you will soar.  I believe that.

I believe in you. 

I am so proud of you.  Of the person you've always been. The woman you are growing to be. 

You will do great things, no matter what.   Remember to always put Jesus first.  He will lead you.  Things will get overwhelming at times, but just stop.  And think.  And remember to listen. 

Live in the moment.  They go to fast to focus on tomorrow.  Just live for today and all else will fall into place.

I love you bird.  More than you will EVER KNOW!

XOXOXO
Ann