finally some peace

This may sound odd and/or confusing to some.  But the past few months have been frustrating, confusing, un-nerving, etc for me.  Most of the time I've been feeling unsettled, uncertain, uncomfortable....a lot of "un" whatever.  And somewhere in the most recent weeks that is seemingly melting away in general.  Sure there are parts of my life/body that still have me in that "un" place -- but for the most part I'm finding a sense a peace.  A sense of creating my routine, my general demeanor towards life & being OK with what is.  

And in all honesty - I've been needing that peace with all the changes going on around me.  Thank you Lord for your peace that passes all understanding & for leaving your peace with me!

Now...bring on the weekend! Hope you enjoy yours friends!
<3

a trip, some photos, & a thought

This past weekend, Isaac & I made our way to Denver.  The objective in traveling to the Mile High City: visit with Isaac's brother, wife, & meet our new nephew Kapono.  Definitely a trip we were looking forward to - and were happy to add it in to our typical 3 trip/year agenda.  I mean who doesn't love holding a cooing baby?!  Plus, it was really nice to have some quality time with my brother-in-law & sister-in-law. Time to rest, time to visit, time to just stare at the little guy & chuckle together at his pouty lip (that he is very quickly mastering). Parker man & I decided to stay at a hotel about 15/20 minutes from our family - mostly because I really didn't want to put pressure on them about having to "entertain" us, or worry about waking us or vice versa.  It actually worked out really well....because one day my SIL Crystal had some errands to run & the boys wanted to shoot guns.  So I dropped Parker man off at their house & made my way back to our hotel to rest, do some work, and putz around.  Everyone did what they needed/wanted to do & were happy.  Most of all it was just great to build some memories together and visit.  Definitely my favorite thing to do.  We even cooked up a quick Hawaiian dinner for Matt for his first Father's Day -- and I know being there for that made Isaac super proud of his brother.  I can tell how proud he is of Matt & how well/fast he's taken to being a dad.  A reminder of all the blessings in our families!

Here are a few photos snapped over the long weekend....sorry for the poor quality, I forgot our camera & only had the trusty iPhone available!

 Kapono boy himself -- such a sweet heart! And with reddish/brown hair & light eyes, so cute!

 Parker & Kapono visiting -- Pono was a fan of Uncle's tummy!

 Big man put the little man in his jammies

 On our last morning sitting in Pono's favorite spot -- the front porch.

Sad to leave the little guy but excited to see how he grows!

 Parker man found a new "use" for the Boppy...haha

 Kapono in love with his "My Little Lamb" swing. He was happy as a clam watching the mobile go round & round.

Isaac & I were reminded of how many blessings there are all around us.  Though there are challenges, nothing really outshines or should out weigh the goodness that surrounds.  Maybe it's babies that bring things back to center - their needs are simple.  Their love pure.  A reminder to care for & love one another in that same manner....to only expect people to be exactly who they are & respect them for that.

<3

Random Thoughts & Photos

Well it's been another "new normal" kind of week at Casa de Parker.  Filled days & evenings, small moments with husband, hard but good conversations with husband/friends/family, & reminders that my Lord is good...

Our best friends were in town visiting from Hawaii - This is Heather...sporting Isaac's new helmets for McNary.  She's uber tough...can't you tell?? ;) We heart them & am thankful for our friendship - she & I have been thru thick & thin, best friends since 5th grade!

 MacKenzie girl here is my 14yr old niece -- just was "promoted" from 8th grade last night, and is officially now in high school! Yikes...I remember when she was just a wee babe. Such a funny, wise girl.  And thankfully she loves the "retro" cheer sweater I picked up for her to support my alma mater & her new school.

 Ike & I made the trip out to South Salem on Friday night to see and support the senior class at his former school.  It was such a treat to walk the grad line with him and hear so many kids thank him, to hear them tell me he was/is their favorite, etc.  And there was one kid in particular we wanted to see; who I know has told Isaac that he hopes to be the same kind of man Isaac is & how Isaac was the father he never had, that in many situations he just wanted to call Isaac "Dad."  Let's just talk about super proud wifey over here - a reminder that all the long hours & extra work are important, they are meaningful, & a bigger game is at play.  Following graduation we made our way to our favorite teriyaki spot in town (the sweet owners know & love us). Lets just say, since our life now fully revolves around Keizer we'd both been craving this meal! A special date night with my Asian honey. ;)

 Sunday afternoon was B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L in good ol' Oregon.  So while Isaac kindly let me spend alone time at the gym (running did not go as well as I hoped, but yoga was great), he & Boston boy did some major yard work. These two are besties, and I know when the day comes we'll both be heartbroken when Boston is gone.  He's a big lug...not your typical small, slender lab...he's a beast! But beyond loveable & kind spirited.  And now my yard looks trimmed & beautiful :)


Random thoughts for this Wednesday:
1. I love friends who are encouraging, especially in the area of healthy living. I so appreciate encouragement, kind reminders, & grace! 
2. It's time to get my hair cut again - but I'm afraid my hair dresser cousin is still going to be disappointed in my "damaged" hair...it's much better than it was previously, but now I'm all anxious about it.  Silly I know.
3. Hoping the Ft. Collins, CO fires won't disrupt our travel plans to see family this weekend...must call hotel.
4. Exactly 45 days til our Eagle Crest vacation! HUZZAH! Top 5 favorite places on earth.
5. Can someone please teach me how to be a wash & go kind of girl...I want healthy happy hair, but mine always seems to be a frizzy mess if I leave it to its own devices.  Ready go!


Welp, that's all I've got for today friends....
<3

 

do not be afraid

There's been a stirring in my over the last 6-9months.  A stirring I've been thoroughly confused by.  A stirring that has taken me from one emotion to the next - mostly because I was & still am quite uncertain of what the stirring means.   

As a self-proclaimed control "freak" these kinds of stirrings - you know, the ones with no clear direction or meaning - tend to throw me off my game.  Truth be told I've mostly been stuffing or ignoring this stirring.  Probably because it seemed easier to do that than sit & dig in to what might be behind that stirring (sorry for the extreme use of the word stirring... can't think of a better term).  

Last evening I was blessed to be in fellowship with some of the kindest, warmest women I have met.  Women who inspire me to be authentic, women who's beauty is far deeper than just what is seen, women who, even if its just in that moment, are not afraid to live from their most confident place.  In our study time last evening I had a bit a revelation...that often times I make my own plans and develop entire scenarios/experiences in my own head & completely miss what the Lord is doing or is trying to teach me.  Looking back I think of all the things that I have missed -- how sad.

And I'm noticing in the past few days that God is clearly saying to me (the only clear thing I have right now)  is to not be afraid. In my weekly memory verse, in my morning study, in the quiet wisdom from trusted friends.

Who knows what that stirring is or what it means.  But what I do know is that I will not be afraid.  I will trust & I will praise -- because there is nothing that the Lord is doing that will bring harm.
<3
"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me?" Psalm 56:3-4