Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween from Spidermen & Wonder Women

As evidenced by our costumes two years ago (Buzz, Woody, and Jessie), Jason and I are determined to embarrass our children as much as possible before they actually realize it and despise us for it.

Therefore, this year we dressed the kids as mini-versions of the super heroes we were portraying.

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London was, as one would expect, oblivious to all the goodies she was missing out on, but she had a good time nonetheless, enjoying all the attention.  


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Connor enjoyed himself even more than last year, dragging Jason and Pots (my dad) off to play games at our church's Hallelujah party.

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We also visited generous family members (Thanks, Mom, Dad, Gran, Aunt Vicki, Uncle Mike and Aunt Deb, and Grandma and Grandpa Egnew!), got to hang out with the Jessops, see so many of our church family, and even FaceTime with Grandma and Paca before the night was up.

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Halloween 2013

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And I might even have time to sneak one little candy bar out of Connor's overflowing basket to enjoy before crashing tonight.
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Happy Halloween 2013!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Motherhood

A dear friend, Davene, lent me a book entitled Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle.  She writes a blog called Big Mama, and I find her to be funny and endearing.



While reading I found myself laughing hysterically on one page, with tears filling my eyes the next.  This book was able to sum motherhood up on paper, with all its happiness, horrors, hope, and harried moments, something I wish I were able to do with such humor and eloquence.

Since I cannot, however, I wanted to share with you a couple of my favorite excerpts from the book, quotes that made me cry, both with happiness and sadness for everything that being a mother means to me.



These words resonate with my heart.  While there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking care of one's outward appearance (Most of you know that I enjoy fashion -- and bargain hunting -- immensely.), my main concern is the character of my children, not what they look like outwardly.

I pray more than anything that Connor and London will accept Jesus into their hearts, and walk in the world with confidence about who they are, with the aim to make a difference in the lives of others.  I pray that they will be kind and selfless, and will have hearts for others.




Mothers have been "letting go" since the beginning of time, but it doesn't make it any easier for this mom.  I have only been on this motherhood journey for four years, but the love I have for these little people consumes me sometimes, both with excitement for their future potential, as well as fear for any hurt and disappointment they may encounter.  It was only after becoming a mother that I understood the depth of pain that God must have experienced when he allowed Jesus to come to Earth, to know what he would suffer, but to allow it to happen anyway.

Becoming a mother changed me.  I didn't stop wearing impractical heels, much to the chagrin of most of my family, but from the moment I looked into Connor Alexander Davidson's eyes (and three years, five months later, into London Elise's) my heart was no longer simply beating inside my chest, living for my own desires and successes.  I have been irrevocably intertwined with these two other human beings, and their well-being means more to me than my own.  It feels as though my own heart is walking around inside them, I love them so much.

I know that someday they will both leave me, and until they have children of their own, they will never understand the crazy, strong, boundless love I have for them, but they are worth it.  They are worth every dirty diaper, every sleepless night, every fear for their health and future and happiness.  They are only mine for a little while, and as much as I could use a nap and a hour or two of mindless tv every now and then, I wouldn't trade this journey of motherhood for any of my days before they arrived.



(However, I am not saying that a spa day, or a few hours to read a book uninterrupted would be turned down should they be offered.)

P.S.  My mom should especially appreciate the "Guess" reference in the above excerpt...she and I have fond memories of her mortification over a ruined Guess outfit in an unfortunate rollerblading incident when I was a child.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Pumpkin Pickin'

I should be embarrassed to disclose that our trip to Bear Wallow was in September, and I am just now getting around to sharing these photos.

In fact, it was September 29, and if you look closely in the photos, you will see why.  Connor's birthday (and party) was the day before, and he refused to take off the Spiderman costume he wore.  He slept in it Saturday night, wore it to church Sunday morning, and to the pumpkin patch.  I did eventually get him to take it off and wash it, but it was through many tears and gnashing of teeth.

Connor ran around the farm, sliding with friends from church, examining each animal, and inspecting pumpkins until he found one for himself and one for London.

I am so thankful to our church children's team for putting together such a fun afternoon for our family to spend together.


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prepping for the pumpkin patch
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walking the trail
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Saturday, October 26, 2013

Eight Months

On Sunday my little girl, who isn't so little, turned eight months old.

She is now officially a crawler, is starting to try to pull up (I must lower her crib setting today, because I found her nearly standing this morning.), and is talking more than ever (She now says both "mama" and "dada.").

She still has the sweetest personality, and smiles constantly, except when it's past time to eat (which is the most important part of her day...my kind of girl).

I am so thankful for this smile:

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Here is Miss London at 7 and 8 months:


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And here are both London and Connor at 8 months:
Connor vs London at 8 months

Thursday, October 24, 2013

London's Second Word

Since we honored London's first word, which was, of course, "Dada," with a post and video, I believe her second word deserves the same fanfare.

This was taken on our day in Charleston over fall break:


So excited that my girl is now saying "Mama!"

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Calling All Superheroes

I am overdue on posting this, but I had trouble uploading the photos until today.

Months before his birthday, Connor knew he wanted a superhero party, and he asked for only two things: 1) a bouncy house, and 2) his friends to dress up.

He got both wishes, plus so much more.  We were blessed with family on both sides and a few friends (Thanks to Leila, Luke, Gavin, Finley, and Blair for coming!) who came out to celebrate our big boy turning four!

A special thank you to Vern McQueary for the delicious and adorable cake!  Connor could hardly wait until the party to dig into the cake.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day:



Connor's 4th birthday

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Connor's 4th birthday

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Happy birthday, Connor Alexander!