IMG 1668(1) from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
Today has been quite a day.....and it's only 12:30pm. It started with Maddie waking up grouchy, me feeling tired after being up at 4am for no reason at all, and MJ carrying around a Dr. Pepper can that eventually exploded all over our kitchen. This all happened before 8am. Also, did I mention the cleaning ladies had been here yesterday!!!! That's how it works in this house. The worst messes always occur on a Tuesday.
Flash forward to 8:45am. I have our handy man here to fix our kitchen window and run down the list of all things I'd like done this month. As I'm heading out the door to take Gracie to camp, the nurse from Maddie's school calls. She threw up in the gym! Awesome.
Today was the last bible study with my group and suddenly after what was already a hellish morning, I had to change all of my plans. Nothing seemed to be going right.
I decided to get Maddie and stop at the store for some sustenance. She seemed fine and to be honest, I think the liquid allergy medicine I had to give her this morning is what really upset her stomach. Because she seems fine to me.
So, we've been hanging out, playing with the baby, making banana bread and making music. This day has turned out to be pretty wonderful.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Gracie Graduates Pre-K!
I'm just so amazed by her. She is a beauty on the inside and out and she is such a joy to have in our home. Today, Gracie graduated with many of her friends who will go on to Kindergarten in the fall. She graduated from her class but will continue at preschool for one more year. I love her so very much and loved every minute of watching her perform today. Summer has arrived!
Monday, April 29, 2013
What happened last week...
Mason decided to walk....all the time....constantly.
It is so cute but also so crazy because he also just turned 10 months on Friday. So, it was a big week around here.
Also, I've been pretty MIA since I started taking this class to renew my teaching license. It's A LOT of work but the awesome news is that this is my last week. Yep, I will be done by this time next week. Phew.
Also, Maddie lost her second tooth. The tooth fairy brought her a dollar and she was so happy. It fell out at school while she ate spaghetti :-)
Gracie continues to be amazing and is seriously growing up. Her demeanor and word choices crack me up. She's the easiest now and I never thought I'd say that!!!
Happy Monday ;-)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Mason practicing....
Mason at 9.5 months from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
I thought this was a good view of my life right now!!! :-)
I thought this was a good view of my life right now!!! :-)
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Happy Easter!!!
As you can see from these pictures that we were up bright and early (6:45am) and the girls were already dressed in their finery ;) MJ had no clue what was going on and we realized that the Easter Bunny only brought him bath related toys (hehe)! So, our day began and I paused to think that Maddie is still such a believer in this Easter Bunny and that made my heart happy. I realize that these beliefs are not around forever and I really want to enjoy them while they are still "true" in our home. I love that childhood wonder. It is beautiful and it's what being a kid is all about.
Church was wonderful this morning. The message was a reminder of how much God loves us; each of us. Despite everything we do. That is a miracle. I'm thankful today that I have a savior who looks at me with more love than even I have for my children. That is amazing. He is Risen!
Oh praise the one who paid my debt
and raised this life up from the dead
-from the song "Jesus Paid It All"
Monday, March 25, 2013
My 35th...
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It was a wonderful birthday; probably the best I've had in a long time. I just wanted to make this post so that I can remember how I looked and felt when I turned 35 (with children ages 6.5, 4.5 and almost 9 months). No wonder I'm so tired!!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Artist
Maddie has been taking an art class for the winter and her work was on display over the past 2 weeks locally. So, on Friday after school we headed down to see it for ourselves. It was so fun seeing it in person. You could see and sense how proud she was. I thought it was pretty amazing. I just love these moments in time.
After we saw her art, we headed over to Starbucks to grab a drink and a snack. As we celebrated, this is what they did. Love them so much.
PS: Her picture is of a Unicorn....of course ;)
Maddie, Gracie and Me from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
After we saw her art, we headed over to Starbucks to grab a drink and a snack. As we celebrated, this is what they did. Love them so much.
PS: Her picture is of a Unicorn....of course ;)
Maddie, Gracie and Me from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Things have been hard around here for me lately. I have talked to some about how I'm feeling, but I usually feel like no one understands.
The back story is the Gabe has been suffering from headaches/migraines since November. He has been to regular doctors, chiropractor, neurologist, had an MRI, etc. He is receiving treatment (lots of medicines) as well as nerve blocks a couple times a week (think, several to a dozen shots in his head). Sometimes he feels better from the shots, but other times (like yesterday) he seemed to be worse. It's very painful for him and I can see that.
But I'm struggling.
At first, I was struggling with thinking that something even more serious was going on. I was worried and my fear took over. I cope with fear by acting angry and distant. It ain't pretty but it's the truth. That's how I spent a lot of November and December. In January, I tried to change my attitude; it's one of the only things I can control and so I tried. I also prayed. Nonstop. And, I felt better. I felt more compassionate towards Gabe; towards the headaches. I felt hopeful for the appointment with the neurologist. I felt like maybe this would end soon and we could get back to regular life.
Now it's almost March and he is still in pain. Everyone I talk to asks about him. It's nice that so many people care for him and his health.
But, not many people think to ask about me. About what it's like to take care of the kids all day on my own and then when Gabe walks in with a headache (and no patience for them), to explain to them (again) that he is in pain and not to have hurt feelings. About how it feels to constantly be talking about the headaches, level of pain, meds to take, etc. It's exhausting. It's making me resentful. It's also making me ashamed of how I'm feeling. Yes, I know he's in pain. Yes, I know it isn't about me. But, why does it feel that way?
I want Gabe to feel better but I also wish that I was using this opportunity to grow. God gives us things in our lives to grow our character and faith. I think I'm failing this one big time. Instead of growth I choose to stay mad, annoyed, irritated and put-upon. I want to be helpful to him and a much better listener. But in the midst of it all, I simply cannot. It's so very hard.
So, I will keep plugging away. I will stay busy with the kiddos and try not to take Gabe's impatience or bad attitude to heart. I will pray and read and zone out on reality TV. I will eat salads but also chocolate because that just does the trick sometimes. I will be at therapy (individual and group) every week because that keeps me sane. Most importantly, I will take care of me while taking care of everyone else.
The back story is the Gabe has been suffering from headaches/migraines since November. He has been to regular doctors, chiropractor, neurologist, had an MRI, etc. He is receiving treatment (lots of medicines) as well as nerve blocks a couple times a week (think, several to a dozen shots in his head). Sometimes he feels better from the shots, but other times (like yesterday) he seemed to be worse. It's very painful for him and I can see that.
But I'm struggling.
At first, I was struggling with thinking that something even more serious was going on. I was worried and my fear took over. I cope with fear by acting angry and distant. It ain't pretty but it's the truth. That's how I spent a lot of November and December. In January, I tried to change my attitude; it's one of the only things I can control and so I tried. I also prayed. Nonstop. And, I felt better. I felt more compassionate towards Gabe; towards the headaches. I felt hopeful for the appointment with the neurologist. I felt like maybe this would end soon and we could get back to regular life.
Now it's almost March and he is still in pain. Everyone I talk to asks about him. It's nice that so many people care for him and his health.
But, not many people think to ask about me. About what it's like to take care of the kids all day on my own and then when Gabe walks in with a headache (and no patience for them), to explain to them (again) that he is in pain and not to have hurt feelings. About how it feels to constantly be talking about the headaches, level of pain, meds to take, etc. It's exhausting. It's making me resentful. It's also making me ashamed of how I'm feeling. Yes, I know he's in pain. Yes, I know it isn't about me. But, why does it feel that way?
I want Gabe to feel better but I also wish that I was using this opportunity to grow. God gives us things in our lives to grow our character and faith. I think I'm failing this one big time. Instead of growth I choose to stay mad, annoyed, irritated and put-upon. I want to be helpful to him and a much better listener. But in the midst of it all, I simply cannot. It's so very hard.
So, I will keep plugging away. I will stay busy with the kiddos and try not to take Gabe's impatience or bad attitude to heart. I will pray and read and zone out on reality TV. I will eat salads but also chocolate because that just does the trick sometimes. I will be at therapy (individual and group) every week because that keeps me sane. Most importantly, I will take care of me while taking care of everyone else.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
MJ: The Man on the Move
MJ at 7.5 months from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
My Movie from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
My Movie from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
February 2013: It's been a BIG month :)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Grace Celeste
Gracie
February 2013
4.5 years old
I've been thinking about Grace a lot lately. She's the middle kid. In fact, we watched a Brady Bunch episode last night as a family all about Jan being the middle child; how she feels invisible.
If you know Grace, she is anything but invisible. Her clothes are always her own choice and they stand out! It's very Grace-like.
I don't ever want to be over-looking her. I can see how it happens; Maddie is really figuring out reading and Mason is on the verge of walking. So a lot of attention goes to them. But Grace has incredible qualities and I see them everyday.
She is naturally creative. She loves drawing and cooking. She reserves her love; but once she accepts you, her love is very powerful. The girl is funny. A silly sense of humor and a language all her own. She changes clothes at least once a day ( I did this as a child) and she LOVES tights. Every outfit includes tights. I love to cuddle her and watch cooking shows on Saturday mornings. She is the only kid I do this with. It is on my top 10 list of favorite things to do. She is an amazing little sister and an equally amazing big sister; she has the best of both worlds. She has a hard time accepting compliments; she deflects them by acting out in the opposite way. Many have said she's an "old soul" and I believe this to be true.
I love her so very much and never want her to feel invisible. So today, I make a point of seeing her; really seeing her. And my gratitude for this little girl pours out.
If you know Grace, she is anything but invisible. Her clothes are always her own choice and they stand out! It's very Grace-like.
I don't ever want to be over-looking her. I can see how it happens; Maddie is really figuring out reading and Mason is on the verge of walking. So a lot of attention goes to them. But Grace has incredible qualities and I see them everyday.
She is naturally creative. She loves drawing and cooking. She reserves her love; but once she accepts you, her love is very powerful. The girl is funny. A silly sense of humor and a language all her own. She changes clothes at least once a day ( I did this as a child) and she LOVES tights. Every outfit includes tights. I love to cuddle her and watch cooking shows on Saturday mornings. She is the only kid I do this with. It is on my top 10 list of favorite things to do. She is an amazing little sister and an equally amazing big sister; she has the best of both worlds. She has a hard time accepting compliments; she deflects them by acting out in the opposite way. Many have said she's an "old soul" and I believe this to be true.
I love her so very much and never want her to feel invisible. So today, I make a point of seeing her; really seeing her. And my gratitude for this little girl pours out.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
MJ's Dedication
February 3, 2013
7 months old
Today was such a special day for us. Mason was dedicated at our church and so many friends and family members came to help us celebrate. It was so neat to hear and see how loved MJ truly is and how blessed we feel to have him in our family. The girls looked beautiful in their new dresses and shoes and acted like perfect ladies on stage with us.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Madeline
Today, it happened. It finally happened. She lost her first tooth. The girls were playing outside over at a neighbors house and I walked over with MJ to get them so we could go somewhere. As I was talking with another mom, I heard Maddie saying "Oh my gosh!! I.JUST.LOST.MY.FIRST.TOOTH.!!!!!!"
She was ecstatic. It seems like every day (for the last month) we've been having discussions about what she could possibly eat to make it fall out. Today we learned the answer. It was a marshmallow :-)
She was ecstatic. It seems like every day (for the last month) we've been having discussions about what she could possibly eat to make it fall out. Today we learned the answer. It was a marshmallow :-)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Us, in the New Year
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These pictures pretty much sum up the past 2 weeks. It's 2013 and life is good!!!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
I need to write today. This overwhelming feeling of sadness and grief over the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings has really gotten to me. I feel depressed.
The thoughts keep returning; every time I look at Maddie. She is 6 years old. She is in Kindergarten. She went to school Friday, with excitement and joy. It breaks my heart that there are mothers right now who can no longer say "Good Morning" to their children. I cannot fathom it.
So, I live in a bit of denial by keeping super busy, not watching too much news, and listening to uplifting Christmas music in the car. But, I keep thinking of them. Those children. Those teachers.
I felt scared to let Maddie go today. We drove over to school and I prayed out loud for her and her safety. I pray for her a lot on the way to school each day, but of course today it felt necessary. She is so unaware of this tragedy. She is excited for Christmas, and library today, and her sandwich with a new flavor of jam. She is light, carefree and happy. It's all a mother could want.
I am trying to do as my Mom suggested; "lean into" my faith. It is hard in moments like these. I have cried each day while praying for God to please bring peace. I've prayed that I cannot understand this; I've been angry with Him. I've pleaded for a change in this world. I went to church yesterday and prayed that our nation would sense a healing that only He can bring.
Today, life continues on. I will keep putting one foot in front of the other. I will keep praying silently, out loud and with tears. I will keep my faith. That is really all I can do...
The thoughts keep returning; every time I look at Maddie. She is 6 years old. She is in Kindergarten. She went to school Friday, with excitement and joy. It breaks my heart that there are mothers right now who can no longer say "Good Morning" to their children. I cannot fathom it.
So, I live in a bit of denial by keeping super busy, not watching too much news, and listening to uplifting Christmas music in the car. But, I keep thinking of them. Those children. Those teachers.
I felt scared to let Maddie go today. We drove over to school and I prayed out loud for her and her safety. I pray for her a lot on the way to school each day, but of course today it felt necessary. She is so unaware of this tragedy. She is excited for Christmas, and library today, and her sandwich with a new flavor of jam. She is light, carefree and happy. It's all a mother could want.
I am trying to do as my Mom suggested; "lean into" my faith. It is hard in moments like these. I have cried each day while praying for God to please bring peace. I've prayed that I cannot understand this; I've been angry with Him. I've pleaded for a change in this world. I went to church yesterday and prayed that our nation would sense a healing that only He can bring.
Today, life continues on. I will keep putting one foot in front of the other. I will keep praying silently, out loud and with tears. I will keep my faith. That is really all I can do...
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Christmas Time!!!!
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| Griswold has nothing on us! |
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| Thankful Tree Finale! |
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| Some of Maddie's "Favorite Things" |
Monday, November 26, 2012
Mason is 5 months old today!!!
IMG 0774 from Sarah Mejias on Vimeo.
So, today is pretty special because MJ is 5 months old and Elisabeth is in labor!!!! I'm so excited for this day :)
So, today is pretty special because MJ is 5 months old and Elisabeth is in labor!!!! I'm so excited for this day :)
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Today I am grateful for so much. For my husband, children, family and friends. For our health, our home and plenty of food & clothes. Basically everything. We have so much. More than we need, that's for sure. So today my goal is just to be present and mindful. I want to focus on them and me enjoying them. Happy Thanksgiving!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Perfection
There is so much I want to write.
But, I want it to be....perfect. That is one of my hardest struggles. The idea that in order to do something, I need to do it perfectly (or at least work really hard to have it appear that way).
Lately I read two of Anne Lamott's books, Some Assembly Required and Operating Instructions. Both are fabulous, by the way. One is about her experience as a grandmother and the other is about her experience as a mother. She is my favorite author and there is just so much wisdom in what she writes. But above all else, when I read her words, I feel okay. It's like she has a way of describing exactly how life is (how imperfect it all really is) and being fine with that; not even fine, rejoicing in that. She seems to be able to rejoice in her imperfections! That is what I'm working towards.
I wasn't always this way. I'm not sure when it started. But at some point in my adult life, I realized that I really liked control. I felt better when I felt in control. It calmed my anxiety and made me feel safe. Control is really such an illusion and is almost always about something else (fear mostly) but I've made myself believe that if I'm on top of everything, then nothing will go wrong.
I have to say that feeling that way is exhausting. That's it. I've gotten to the point in the last 4 months to simply realize that I'm exausted by the overwhelming need to have it all together. I'm notcicing that this timeline coincides with having Mason. Maybe having 3 kids is what God needed to show me that I don't have it all under my control. But that really, He is in charge. In one of the Lamott books she talks about those car seats that have a little steering wheel so the kid can think they are in charge of driving the car. She says that while the child is working so hard to drive, the real driver looks in the back seat entertained by that determintation. She likened that to us being the kid and God being the real driver. I LOVE that. How true!
The thought to write about perfection came to me this week when I went with my kids to a playdate at someones house I'd never been to. When we walked in, her home was immaculate. She had candles burning (so it smelled really nice), pillows placed just right, floor vacummed. She is a person with a lot of energy so she began talking....and talking....and talking. Some people do nervous talk. They are uncomfortable so they fill the space with words. My husband can be that way. I'm learning to be more of a listener. I've always been known as a talker (ie; report cards from childhood labeled me a "social butterfly.") But now I find that I want to be more of a listener. So, I listened. And she talked (somewhat frenetically) about laundry day on Tuesday, money she spends on her kids clothes, the size of her small home, etc. But, as I listened I noticed that she basically talked about perfection. About her need to have the dishes completely done, laundry put away, house mopped in order to feel okay. And I TOTALLY GOT IT.
That has been me. For quite some time. I have stressed about the stuff that doesn't matter. I have been overly consumed with having my home be just right. I have freaked out before having people over because the kids are eating crackers like chimpmunks in a room I just vacummed. I get it. I have totally been a Martha when I need to just be a Mary (see Luke 10:38-42). Mary was in the moment, concentrating on her guest and serving. She was not worried about the appearance of things. Martha was missing the whole thing because she was cleaning! That is such a good parable for me.
I don't want to miss this. To miss this crazy time of having a 6 year old, 4 year old, and 4 month old. I want to enjoy the moments, all of them. Even the ones that involve crumbs. I also want to let go. Let go of the appearance of things, of me, of everything. Don't get me wrong. I still want to look nice, but I don't want all emphasis to be on the outside stuff. I've been working so hard on my inside stuff for years now. I think all that work is finally producing some fruit. I think I'm beginning to be okay with myself. Which, by the way, is really, really difficult.
I'm glad that I've shared this this morning. My home has been quite quiet. The girls are away with Gabe and it's just Mason, me and the dogs. It's given me the time to blog and to reflect. I know I'm not perfect. None of us are. And I want that to be okay. But, since I am human, I'm pretty sure I will vacuum again today :)
But, I want it to be....perfect. That is one of my hardest struggles. The idea that in order to do something, I need to do it perfectly (or at least work really hard to have it appear that way).
Lately I read two of Anne Lamott's books, Some Assembly Required and Operating Instructions. Both are fabulous, by the way. One is about her experience as a grandmother and the other is about her experience as a mother. She is my favorite author and there is just so much wisdom in what she writes. But above all else, when I read her words, I feel okay. It's like she has a way of describing exactly how life is (how imperfect it all really is) and being fine with that; not even fine, rejoicing in that. She seems to be able to rejoice in her imperfections! That is what I'm working towards.
I wasn't always this way. I'm not sure when it started. But at some point in my adult life, I realized that I really liked control. I felt better when I felt in control. It calmed my anxiety and made me feel safe. Control is really such an illusion and is almost always about something else (fear mostly) but I've made myself believe that if I'm on top of everything, then nothing will go wrong.
I have to say that feeling that way is exhausting. That's it. I've gotten to the point in the last 4 months to simply realize that I'm exausted by the overwhelming need to have it all together. I'm notcicing that this timeline coincides with having Mason. Maybe having 3 kids is what God needed to show me that I don't have it all under my control. But that really, He is in charge. In one of the Lamott books she talks about those car seats that have a little steering wheel so the kid can think they are in charge of driving the car. She says that while the child is working so hard to drive, the real driver looks in the back seat entertained by that determintation. She likened that to us being the kid and God being the real driver. I LOVE that. How true!
The thought to write about perfection came to me this week when I went with my kids to a playdate at someones house I'd never been to. When we walked in, her home was immaculate. She had candles burning (so it smelled really nice), pillows placed just right, floor vacummed. She is a person with a lot of energy so she began talking....and talking....and talking. Some people do nervous talk. They are uncomfortable so they fill the space with words. My husband can be that way. I'm learning to be more of a listener. I've always been known as a talker (ie; report cards from childhood labeled me a "social butterfly.") But now I find that I want to be more of a listener. So, I listened. And she talked (somewhat frenetically) about laundry day on Tuesday, money she spends on her kids clothes, the size of her small home, etc. But, as I listened I noticed that she basically talked about perfection. About her need to have the dishes completely done, laundry put away, house mopped in order to feel okay. And I TOTALLY GOT IT.
That has been me. For quite some time. I have stressed about the stuff that doesn't matter. I have been overly consumed with having my home be just right. I have freaked out before having people over because the kids are eating crackers like chimpmunks in a room I just vacummed. I get it. I have totally been a Martha when I need to just be a Mary (see Luke 10:38-42). Mary was in the moment, concentrating on her guest and serving. She was not worried about the appearance of things. Martha was missing the whole thing because she was cleaning! That is such a good parable for me.
I don't want to miss this. To miss this crazy time of having a 6 year old, 4 year old, and 4 month old. I want to enjoy the moments, all of them. Even the ones that involve crumbs. I also want to let go. Let go of the appearance of things, of me, of everything. Don't get me wrong. I still want to look nice, but I don't want all emphasis to be on the outside stuff. I've been working so hard on my inside stuff for years now. I think all that work is finally producing some fruit. I think I'm beginning to be okay with myself. Which, by the way, is really, really difficult.
I'm glad that I've shared this this morning. My home has been quite quiet. The girls are away with Gabe and it's just Mason, me and the dogs. It's given me the time to blog and to reflect. I know I'm not perfect. None of us are. And I want that to be okay. But, since I am human, I'm pretty sure I will vacuum again today :)
Thursday, November 1, 2012
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