Starting a new chapter

On Wednesday August 12, this sweet chocolate face will be starting kindergarten.  As you may or may not know, I'm a stay at home mom.  I have been since Mr. D was about 4 months old.  I've always wanted to stay home with my kids.  My mom stayed home with me and I always thought that was so important to raise my kids. I have nothing against working moms, I have lots of friends who are, just for ME this was of high importance. So I have been home with my babies for the better part of 9 years.  Yes you read that right, 9 years! 

But in just about a week this sweet little girl who has become my favorite shopping buddy will leave me for the big exciting world of kindergarten. Look at that face!  How can you not just wanna eat her! LOL 

And while I'm excited to find more time for working out (hello marathon in less than 100 days!) and having lunch dates with this hottie, my heart is also very heavy.  I remember Mr. D's first day of kindergarten and the anxiety that he was feeling about being away from me all day with people he didn't know.  I remember hugging him and telling him I loved him and to shine for Jesus. I also remember sobbing the entire drive home praying that he would be ok and that school would be a good experience for him.  When I dropped Mr. S off I remember shedding a couple tears but that boy needed to go to school!  He is way to smart for his own good and needed the challenge that school brings.  He was more than ready and so was I!  

But this?  My baby girl?  The child for whom I prayed and begged God to give me?  When I got pregnant with Miss V we had decided it would be out last child.  My body doesn't handle pregnancy well and having 3 under 3 was definitely a handful. So we decided boy or girl we would be done at 3.  So I immediately hit my knees every night begging and pleading with God to give us a girl.  Actually I prayed for twin girls but that is a whole nother story.  But I prayed and prayed for her to be a girl.  To be a healthy baby girl.  And praise Him she is happy and healthy and has been from the start.  I even have this verse in her room because I found it to be so true and fitting for us.

But now that desire of my heart is getting ready to go out in the big world and where does that leave me? Am I still a stay at home mom if there are no kids at home? I know that my place is still here taking care of my family.  I know that my days will still be filled with laundry and dishes and cleaning the house and making sure everyone has everything they need.  But without doing things with them, what does that make me?  Where does that leave me? I'm struggling with this a lot.  A lot more than I would care to admit.  I feel like I'm having a midlife crisis.  The woman that I have become over the last 9 years is suddenly in a place where she has never been before.  Some times freedom and new experiences are good and some times bad but they almost always come with some anxiety for me.  What will life look like for me over the next year? Will I still feel useful and like my place is here as they all get on the bus and I'm left alone? Is it selfish to do my training while they are gone and focus on me for a bit? I have so many mixed emotions. I'm not ready for next week but I don't have to be! We will take it one day at a time and God will give me the strength and peace to put that sweet baby girl of mine on the big yellow bus and wave happily while they drive away.  

Love, Lacey

Family Vacation 2015 PICTURE HEAVY!

Hello Little Loves!  We spent our annual family vacation in Port Clinton, OH.  Its such a nice little place with some many things to do. I didn't take pictures of everything but I will share as much as I can!

This is the beach where we stay.  So beautiful!

Miss V was in a picture taking mood so the next couple are her pictures.  I think she did pretty good with this one!

She also took this one and I love it!

There are my littles! 

We stumbled upon this winery!

They had the best little area to sit and the tastes they give you were very generous! I'm not a red fan but I thought all of these were  pretty good! The setting made this is fantastic place for me! 

We went out to Marblehead lighthouse for a little while.  It is really beautiful and I could have sat there all day watching the waves and exploring the rocks.  

(I stole this pic! sshhhh)

One day we went to Monsoon Lagoon . I'm not big on water parks but I wanted to be a good sport because everyone else wanted to go!  This place turned out to be the best kept secret!  It wasn't very big which worked to our advantage but you got so much for your money.  We went on a weekday so the price was $20 per person but that got us the water park, unlimited putt putt, bumper boats, & go karts.  We could also go out to our car any time so we packed a lunch and sat in our van to eat.  The park was small enough that we didn't have to mother hen our kids the whole time.  They could play and run and enjoy and so could we!  It even had a swim up bar with daily specials that we may have enjoyed!  Highly Highly Highly recommend if you are in the Port Clinton  or north /west of Sandusky go check them out!! Well worth it!

Mr. J and I snuck out for a date one night while my sweet mother watched the kids.  After a lovely dinner at a winery (Mon Ami Winery) we decided to find the sunset and found a lovely little pier to walk out on.  This was right after the sun set and it was one of the most gorgeous skies! God was definitely showing off his painting skills all week!  We were treated to so many gorgeous views! 

Until this happened on Thursday!  That's algae bloom.  It basically turns the water into pea soup and you can't go near it.  It disgusting! So we decided to leave after breakfast on Friday morning and do some more exploring on the way home!

I'm glad we did because we found this place right out side of Toledo in a town called Perrysburg.  If you haven't been here (and you live in the area) you need to go!!  It was SO neat!  We are already planning our return trip for this winter.  Lots to see and great prices on clothes and gear! We loved it!

I met a new friend! You know that moment when you question if it's really dead and trustworthy? this was that moment.  My face was as close to his mouth as it could get without touching.  PHEW!

And I found my new favorite brand!  Ok it might not be my absolute favorite but I'm loving the name!

All in all this was the best vacation we have had as a family.  Usually we deal with rain, sickness, moodiness, & bad listening skills.  But this one was smooth sailing from start to finish.  I still can't believe how good it was.  It was a vacation to remember and one that went far too fast.  We are already planning our return for next year with lots of adventures in between! 

Love, Lacey