One Of The Most Precious Sounds In The World

Parker had his first experience with bubbles this week. He loved them. He found them hilarious. I know he has been laughing for quite some time now, but I still never get enough of his deep, belly laugh. I think it has to be one of the best sounds in the world.

I Serve A Risen Savior...

This year, we were blessed to spend Easter weekend with my family in Kentucky. It was a quick weekend, but full of visiting our favorite restaurants, spending precious time with old friends, traditions old and new, rare family time, and worshiping our Risen Savior in the church I grew up in.

This was Parker's first Easter and such a special moment to share with him. I found that this year, Easter had an even greater meaning. I grew up in church. I trusted in Jesus as my savior at a young age and never looked back. I know the story of the crucifixion and resurrection like the back of my hand. I have been told since I was very small how God sent his only son to die for me so that I could be wiped clean of all my sins and spend eternity with Him - something I didn't deserve. However, this year, the intensity of that gift meant so much more. I knew in my head, how difficult that must have been and what a large gift it was. However, starring at my son, holding my son in my arms, I finally  understood -truly grasped - just how much of a gift it was. I can't imagine sending Parker to die for anyone, much less a world full of strangers. It was in that moment, that I developed an even greater appreciation and love for what Christ, and God, really did for us. For me. It's a gift I can't even begin to understand or comprehend, but one that I am more thankful for than ever before. After my mom died, I remember being reminded and thankful for the gift that Christ provided us with for the shear fact that it meant I would see her again. However, having Parker and thinking about what it truly would mean to send him to die for something others did, brought about an even deeper appreciation for the gift of salvation. It's almost indescribable. Humbling.

It was also a joy to be home, not just with my blood family, but with my church family. There is nothing like a crowded church worshiping, not singing songs, but truly worshiping, the Lord. It takes on a different meaning and love when it's a place of comfort and familiarity. It's something that we have struggled to find since moving to Florida. We have found churches we enjoy, but none feel like home yet. It was nice to be back in a place that knew our history and held so many wonderful memories, especially those of our mom. It may be a different church building than the one we grew up in, but the feelings are there, as are the memories. Every time we are back home, one of the hardest things we do is go back to church, but at the same time it's the most comforting. It reminds us of our mom. Makes us feel close to her, sad that she can't be with us, but joyous that we will see her again.


We were also able to spend time with old friends. One in particular who I haven't been able to spend quality time with in a long time. It made me appreciate those life-long friends even more. The ones who have been with you for most of your life, accept you for who you are, and stand by you. Again, just another reminding moment of the amazing people God has blessed me with.

We ended the trip with a wonderful family lunch. For the first time in a long time, a family lunch that everyone could be at. It was a nice way to conclude the trip. Parker got to experience his first Easter Egg hunt - though he really didn't do a lot of hunting. We were able to see my grandmother, who is doing much better after her hip surgery and who, naturally, is in love with Parker, her only great-grandchild.

It's always nice to take some time to relax and be around loved ones, but more than that, be reminded of just how blessed we truly are.

In The Florida Keys...

At the end of March we had the opportunity to take a girls trip to the Florida Keys. The original intention was not for it to be a girls (plus Parker) trip, but unfortunately, Ryan  had a necessary test come up that prevented him from going with us at the last minute. It was Rachel's spring break and I already had the days off from my job, so we decided to go anyway and it was definitely worth it. It was a much-needed break and weekend of relaxing.

Rachel and I had been to the Keys once before on a family vacation and it was just as beautiful and laid-back as we remembered. I grew up taking family vacations. My best memories are ones that revolve around trips. My parents were never concerned with what we had, but rather, spent our time (and money) on trips. It's one of the things that I am most thankful for, especially with my mom not here anymore. There are few places I can go that don't contain some sort of memory from a family vacation. It helps to always provide subtle reminders, not only our family, but God's comfort in memories. Because of that, I can't wait to share family vacations with Parker. It's always hard on us to find time to go places as a family with both sets of relatives living out of town. However, it's important to me that we establish some sort of family vacation routine, just us, because those are the times I remember, and enjoyed, the most. Those are the times I felt really bonded to my family.

After finally feeling settled into my new job and feeling as though I finally had some hold on the way things worked, the trip to the Keys was a much needed break. With my job, it's hard to separate family and work since they both take place under the same roof. However, I was able to turn off the computer, put the cell phone on silent, and really enjoy some quiet time. I have never seen anywhere in the United States that displays such beautiful, crystal-clear waters.
It was a perfect reminder of how diverse the landscape of our contry is, but more than that, what a creative and unique Creator we have.