"You Are Beautiful My Sweet Sweet Song"

When I was thinking about a blog post for Ma & Pa Days 2015 this was the first song that came to mind.  I think it so accurately describes the demanding, fun, selfless, precious, rewarding, time-intensive and sweet sweet life stage of being Mommy & Daddy to very small children.  Those of you who know me well know that sometimes I still really struggle with this season of life and finding my purpose amidst such an exhausting schedule.  Or maybe I should say...those of you who know any large amount of young mamas know that they often feel this way.  At any rate, I am growing and learning how to mold myself to fit into what God has planned for me in each season of life...and this one sure is beautiful.

So...for Mother's Day...I spent time focusing on myself that day (insert giggle here) while Brian was at work.  May was still bringing "cool" mornings, so I decided to capture a selfie of me in my robe drinking my coffee. I love that Luke is waddling around in the back ground.  I thought this was a good reminder of how precious these little years are...sitting in the backyard in the early hours of the morning already covered in sand & dirt....and meditating on God's perfect creation in little children.  I do love them so much.

Of course I also made the kiddos pose for a few Mother's Day photos with me.  Carly was so sweet to participate!

I treated myself just a little bit at nap time...seriously...I don't typically do this when my kiddos are sleeping...

Brian came home, grilled a nice meal for us and we just played.  Low key...just a mama & her little family. ;)

Father's Day was not quite as low key...but every bit as precious! I took video of Carly talking all about her Daddy to start the day and we texted some photos & videos to him at work.  We went to church and heard a wonderful sermon on the role of the Father...and couldn't help but be overjoyed with delight as I thought about how wonderfully Brian fits into that mold.  

Carly made a craft for Daddy that said, "You're Tie-riffic!" and was very excited to give it to him when he arrived home!

Our Father's Day tradition is to head to the golf course & all tag along while Daddy plays! I packed every snack I could think of & I believe we still ran out by about hole 14.  Let's just say we called it quits when the food ran out.  We were, of course, drenched from head to toe on the 100+ degree heat index on Father's Day,..so it was home, showers & bedtime after that! Carly REALLY loved golfing & is probably at an age where she could go with Brian any time and sit through 18 holes.  We will probably give Luke a few more years...and we will leave it at that, ;)

Ok...I may have made some edits to brighten up the colors in this photo..but I really really like this picture!

Although we didn't get to spend any time with our parents or Grandparents during these special days, it doesn't mean we didn't think about them and the legacy they have imprinted on our hearts & minds! So many of the decisions we make are based on their wonderful & loving examples of what it looks like to be selfless, Godly & grace-filled parents.  Brian and I are so thankful we grew up in such wonderful homes and the road our parents paved before us is the one we hope to follow.