Weekend Trip

We took a quick trip to visit Ericka and Nathan...and ohh did the boys have fun! I love this picture of Dr. McSteamy and Dr McDreamy!

I also cherish my time with Ericka. The honesty and openness between us is like a breath of fresh air. We can talk, disagree, laugh and cry all in the same hour...and of course the food is always good!

Falling

I am learning more about myself every day...and about life.. Perhaps that is what wisdom looks like...a collaboration of epiphany's. I always knew, because the bible told me so, that age came with wisdom. What I am loving today is that wisdom is not something you suddenly have or do not have, it is something that you acquire over time, over each lesson learned, over each triumph and each disappointment. All of that to say I think I am collecting a few tidbits of wisdom these days...and they feel more precious that diamonds.

I am an emotional, passionate, strong willed, go-get-em type of woman. I rise quickly and fall hard. At first I did not I ever want to fall, but I am realizing now that perhaps it is the falling HARD part that brings unnecessary pain without growth. Almost like a leaf on the most beautiful Oak tree, it must fall every year it is a part of it's necessary process of life. Have you ever watched falling leaves, they almost float. They are full of style and grace...they are gentle and meek. They slowly become a part of the soil which eventually energizes the tree to grow in the spring with an even further and stronger reach than before. I want to stop falling like a dense rock and start falling with grace and purpose. I want to fall in order rise again...except rise higher, stronger and wiser.

I can feel the season of my life changing...I have known it was coming for a while now. Change is never easy or simple...but it is required in order to grow...and oh how my souls craves growth at a pace that I have a hard time keeping up with. Big changes are coming and I want this change so badly. I have dreamed about it for 2 years. I have prayed about it every day. I have worked hard and sacrificed in order to make it happen and my husband, my right hand...he has worked even harder to see this dream come true. Now we are moments away.

I feel my leaves are ready to fall. And on Monday when they start coming down...I pray I have enough tidbits of wisdom in my heart to fall with grace, purpose and love.

2 Years

Yesterday Wade and I celebrated 2 years of marriage! He is so good to me. There are a million times a day that I thank God for him...and I think wow God knew just what I needed! He loves me just as I am, he encourages me, he holds me accountable, I never get sick of him, he makes me laugh, he takes care of me when I am sick, he is an AMAZING father and he is a true leader. I love being married! Walking through the doors of our home brings me endless comfort and joy. I am full.

I found out that 2 years is a fiber anniversary. Wade took the time to look it up and order pillow cases with our names! I love them. We enjoyed dinner at my favorite place and Hunter behaved the entire meal!! When we got home Wade put our wedding video on!!!!!!!!!! What a treat to watch it. I have not seen it.....and watching it with him last night brought back so many beautiful emotions. March 15, 2008 was a magical day in my life....and it has only gotten better with time.

I hope to watch the video every year....I never want to forget the way I felt on that treasured day.

Snack time

Oh does this kid love lollipops!


-- Post From My iPhone

Time Away

I have always been the type to just toss a bag in the car and take off for a weekend adventure.

When Laredo was a pup we would hop on planes, travel in cars and crash at friends places. After Hunter made his debut I still got out for weekend very often....now my little man walks, has his own idea of what he wants to do and does not sit still. Traveling has become very complicated.

There are somedays I feel like complicated is bad and others I think complicated is beautiful. Seeing Hunter eyes explorer a new park and watching a huge smile creep onto his face, feeling him grab my hand and say "hurry mommy!" over and over until i picked up my feet, and holding him as he falls asleep after a long adventure filled day makes the 1200 pieces of luggage, while traveling WORTH IT! That is when complicated becomes beautiful.

Our weekend away in San Fran was perfect. Just an hours car ride, time with my parents, a to die for place to stay, perfect weather and a little adventure all made it a memorable weekend. And as always it is great to be home.

Solar

For the past two months I have been working on proposals to replace some of our electricity needs with Solar Power! In the process of Hulling/Shelling, Packing and Shipping Almonds we use over $300,000 a year in electricity! I knew solar would be expensive, I knew solar would come with grants and government incentive for a business like ours, and in the long run I knew solar would have incredible financial reward...but I did not expect to have our carbon footprint outlined so simply.

By replacing one of our 9 electric meters with solar power it would be equal to planting 194 acres with trees.

I love that it was that simple for my heart to understand. I want this plant to be a place that is as wonderful for Hunter as it is for me. If we go through with this plan for solar I want to name my 194 acres of trees....aka our solar farm...Hunter's forest! Ha.

I really believe solar is going to happen in a big way for our country. I think it needs to. The rebates and incentives are tiered and over time they will disappear as more people get involved in solar. I also believe the technology will blow our minds in the years to come....I think of what the Iphone has done to cell phones and I have faith that something big is in the works for solar power.

Therefore it is really when not if for solar power. We each get to make that call. Same with DVD players...it was when will you toss your tape players and get a DVD player. Same with flat screen TV's, computers and so much more. But what I LOVE about solar technology is that it not only is cool but it comes without wires, it harnesses the primary God given source of energy and it makes our planet stronger and healthier.

I love solar.

Black or White

Parenting is GRAY to me. Has Hunter terrible two's and his screaming/throwing/hitting/super clingy to mommy stage is "normal" or have I failed to teach him some necessary socialization skill...?? We make the best calls we can each day. There is no black or white, right or wrong. Each child is a master piece.

Moments like this video he is a fun loving, smart little boy and then other moments he is monster.

My mom would quickly say this is payback...and that history proves strong willed children when led correctly flourish in success....they are true leaders who rock this world for Jesus.

We are trying. I keep telling myself that we are trying to do everything we can for this little monster. To make him strong, healthy and happy. I pray that is enough and sleep well knowing there are way more sweet moments than I can count!