Monday, April 14, 2014

Seizing sunshine.

...
I have come to realize that life has too much noise. 

Perhaps it is the daily grind, balancing of the school assignments, field trip dues, managing work schedules, doctor checkups and the incessant to-do list constantly compiling in my overcrowded brain.Too much sound and structure that keeps our calendars so busy and our bodies in constant motion. All of it... for whatever the reasons... it makes me tired.

And it is not just me. It is everywhere. This is a busy season of living, no? 

So, when granted the opportunity to step away, unplug, and just open your calendar to boundless adventures. You don't just casually accept it but rather you seize it for all the beautiful freedom that it can be.

Because... it is in the silly

overly-handsy...

dirtiest day of play... 




That you discover your ability to fly...

Way up, up, up in the trees...

Or just underneath...

that the wind moves you.

 For whatever aches your soul and makes you weary in the world...

 it is in this place that you are not alone.

There is always someone beside you... to help teach you the way.

 Big and small... we all need a little time to cool down...

rest our bodies...

and surround ourselves in people we love.

If there is anything of pride that I will take away from parenting, it will be that my children were allowed to just play. It is my hope that through this, they come to know that life is adventurous, magical and messy and always best when surrounded by people that love you for the beautiful person that you are inside.

Give love and let life live. Sounds about right to me...

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Lucy's Three

...


Lucy,

Man. That might be the best cheezy face on the planet. No surprise at all that it belongs to you. You are a comedy genius, kid. Your siblings offer unique gifts that build our family... the calm, tender hugs, big thoughts on the world. But YOU. You make us laugh more than anyone else. Your silly, playful, spirit is such a joyful part of my everyday. 

Lucy for such a peanut, you sure are carving out one fearless and adventuresome path for yourself. Every day, you remind us that it is possible to experience EVERY range of emotion within 30 minutes, that conversation is best if conveyed only in song and that you are capable of doing absolutely way more than we give you credit for. Thank you, for reminding me of your independence all the time. Oh, to just have an ounce of your confidence...

You are such a beautiful light in our family. Despite being our youngest, you are the one that most helps Molly feel brave and Gabriel find his silliness. Tiniest body, loudest voice. It figures.

There are so many days that I really believe you possess some form of fairy magic. The love that you show towards "Beluga"  with daily tummy rubs and belly story time have helped my heart in more ways than you will ever know. You are my old soul with so many great ways to express yourself. Your endless vocabulary continues to astound me.

It has been such a present to have just Mommy and Lucy time this year. What an adventure we will have next year with you as the big sister at home. Honestly, I can't wait. 

Happy Birthday, Lulu! We sure do love you.

Mommy


Lucy is THREE! from Julie May on Vimeo.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Wedded Bliss

...
It would be a big ole' lie to tell you I haven't been sitting on this post for a bit avoiding the surge of happy/sad emotions that would surely comsume me when finally looking through all the pictures of our trip. What an amazing week of Island Life.

You know, I am convinced it is never ever a bad idea to roll up a Wedding, Babymoon and best friend reunion all in one incredible week in paradise.

St. Croix... where have you been all my life?!?!














I mean, the sunsets???? Rocked my socks off every.single.day.





That sky paled only in comparison to the bride on her wedding day.


What a beauty queen.




Considering a destination wedding?? Mays vote YES. 

Where else can you day-drink beer from a straw...


Build glorious grownup sandcastles...



Steal sunshine with the love of your life?

Hang beach-side with some incredible friends?






And rock your sweet moves with both the bride...

 And the groom???


In paradise. That's where.

What an adventure!! Can we go back?????