Thursday, September 11, 2014

Happy Birthday, Mattias!

Mattias, sweet boy! Happy Birthday!

I hope you know on your birthday just how loved you are. This video was so fun to make because it so perfectly captures who you are. You are my fun-loving, silly, energetic, athletic, musical, sweet boy. You are both easy-going and nonstop energy. You make me crazy and fill my heart with joy. Our day are filled with more laughter, more cuddles, more messes and more awe because of you.

Every night, as we flop on to the couch, exhausted, we can't help but marvel at what an amazing little boy you are becoming. My prayer for you is that you always use your many talents for the good of others and remember that your gifts have come from God. You have the ability to do a great many things in this life- so much comes naturally to you- and I can't wait to see where this life takes you.

I could not be more proud to be your mama. I love you so much.



ps. I know this is a super long video but since I hardly blog anymore, you can also pretty much consider this a year in review :)

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Big Sur

Yesterday I thought to myself, if Big Sur doesn't get me to blog, ain't nothing gonna get me to blog. So here I am.

Big Sur has been on my must-visit list since we got here nearly three years ago and we only just yesterday finally managed to make it happen. The best part was that it lived up to and exceeded all my expectations. It was gorgeous, powerful and peaceful.

 At one point during the day, Chris mentioned that he remembers the first time he saw the Pacific Ocean. He was in college and remembers feeling like he had waited so long to see it and here is was. The vast Pacific. I too remember seeing it for the first time. I was in high school visiting LA with a friend. I remember noticing its power. It dawned on me that our kids won't have that moment. They'll never remember the first time they saw the Pacific Ocean. Meredith was about 18 months old and Mattias must have been tiny. Every single time we visit the beach here, I can't help but laugh to myself because these kids are living a dream and they have no idea how good they have it.

 And yet, I can be the exact same way. Yesterday after we hiked in to a beach, I sat while the kids played and felt overwhelmed with the beauty. I spend a lot of my time fretting over what the future holds for us. How long will we live in California? For another year? Two? Five? Forever? I want so badly to know where we will eventually call our forever home, but in that moment, I was reminded to worry less and be grateful more. No matter what our future holds, I am incredibly grateful for this chance to live in California and see some of the most beautiful pieces of the world.




























A few of Meredith's gems:



A pose for dad: