Random Stops. . .

Driving down the street the other day, I noticed a gorgeous spot on the side of the road and decided to stop and do a quick shoot with the munchkins. 

There's No Place Like Home.

I get asked a lot if I homeschool because I have to or if I do it because I want to. Truthfully, the answer is both. Where we live, there are no public schools that I would consider sending my kids to. I wouldn't say the schools are horrendous, but if I am going to send my kids away for 8 hours a day, I want it to be for something out of this world, and the schools most certainly aren't that! But honestly, I don't know that I would send my kids to school even if they were amazing. I love having my babies home with me everyday. I love being able to kiss them and hold them whenever I want. I love that they are home together, growing closer, even if right now it is through arguing and aggravating most of the time. One day they will cherish all the time they had together as children. I love never missing out as they learn and discover new things. I'm so thankful (most of the time) that it is me helping guide my kids through the tough/frustrating things in their life (hello addition!) I love that I am there to witness as they conquer those challenges (hello again addition!) I've never missed a single milestone and that, to me, is an unbelievable blessing. And I wouldn't trade it for all of the quiet, peace filled days in the world.

This "winter" has been unbelievably mild, and as a result we have had the most amazing spring like weather in March. If my kids were in school, I would have missed all the mornings of spreading a blanket in the yard and eating breakfast in the sunshine. I would have missed all of the laughing and playing in bed before we finally decide to roll out, eat breakfast, and start the day.

This past Monday, we woke up to a gorgeous, sunny day.

 It just so happens that Papa is off on Mondays right now, so we loaded up and headed out to the land. Instead of sitting inside at a desk, we spent the day outside fishing, riding the 4-wheeler, attempting to ride a stubborn little pony, and strolling barefoot in the sun.

I know that our way isn't the way for everyone, some people wouldn't choose it if they could, and that's ok, but for us, I can't imagine it any other way. 

Happy Birthday Little Little!

I am a little late with this post but the weather here has been AH-MA-ZING and we have been spending our days outside playing. Which results in mommy falling dead asleep the moment I get the girls tucked in to bed..

Better late than never though, so here are the pictures from Sophia Kate's super duper first birthday party! 

Warning: this post is INSANELY picture heavy, but the pictures were all too cute, so I couldn't possibly leave any out. (truthfully I left out about 500 pictures so consider yourself lucky)

Sophie, your birthday was such a spectactular day! You were surrounded by all the people you love and who love you. What a lucky girl you are!

 

 You weren't quite sure what to do with your cake, which really surprised us. You are constantly trying to stick your hands into everything, and you LOVE sweets, so we just knew you were going to dig right in. But as usual, you surprised us, and enjoyed your cake your own way-tiny bite by tiny bite. 

 Don't want to miss a single crumb!

 Loved. 

Yes you are.