Words to Remember: Welcoming Change

Welcoming Change:

As the pages of one chapter end and a new one begins, take a moment to pause.

Close the eyes and inhale. Feel your lungs expand as you breathe the air surrounding you. Notice the long inhale opening your heart, creating space for all the emotions surrounding this sacred space within you. Give them a name.

Exhale and release. Soften your mind into the present moment. Between the pages of these two chapters. Maybe it's a new job, a child heading off to kindergarten or to college. Maybe you've recently moved. But where you stand today is unchartered ground. This period of transition has awakened a new chapter to open from within you.

As you pause, soak in moments from the past. They were exactly as they needed to be. Because those moments, strung together like individual beads on a necklace, are what have created the beautiful strand of your life. They are what have brought you to where you stand today. Full of heartache, loss and failure and disappointment but also full of hope, laughter, love and joy. Let the light of those moments travel through you like the warmth of the sun on the skin on a summer day.

The light within you is the source of truth.

Looking ahead, you may find yourself worrying, overwhelmed at the unknown pages ahead in the next chapter. Unsure how to navigate them or where to even begin. Yet, pause, my friend. Plant yourself firmly exactly where you stand and feel the earth beneath you. Just as that earth grows the most magnificent trees, it's taking the seed you have in this very moment and is preparing you to blossom. Let yourself grow in this very moment. Stay open.

Stay open when the rains come. Stay open when the night sky darkens. Because the light of the stars will continue to shine, and what makes the stars is also within you.

Trust the process. Welcome this season of change with courage and faith. Walk hand in hand with both and they will become your North Star.

All destinations begin with taking a single step. Yet remember, dear friend, that with each step you take, you invite the opportunity to pause. To take a breath. To remember that exactly who you are now is exactly who you are meant to be. And whatever lies ahead, you will not fear. Your light is made for this time. Your light has been gathering, ready to shine in this very moment.

With love,

Sara

Georgia Beginnings

For the first time since moving into our new home, I find myself sitting down and seeing glimpses of how we've been turning this house into a home the last 9 or so days. We are so grateful for the opportunity we have to create a life for our family here. Transitioning a house into a home can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it also has moments and rhythms that have become a bit familiar to us.

These past nine days our intention has centered on: logistics, exploration, traditions and connections.

Logistics - I set a personal goal to unbox our house as quickly as possible. The quicker I could complete the "macro" portion the quicker we could start creating systems and routines that work as far as the ins and outs of everyday life. This was the first time we've moved without a toddler, and we found the unpacking process to go much quicker (ha!). We still have a ways to go with the order, but it will happen as it needs to. Alexis was a champ with helping me unpack the entire kitchen and offered loads of ideas for where things could go. The kids took full ownership over the pantry unpacking. And this time, we had the kids unpack the majority of their rooms themselves. Overall, while some kids definitely enjoyed unpacking more than others (some found it to be painstakingly boring), working with them and setting small goals and continual check-ins suited much better than sounding like a broken record. And they had the satisfaction of taking their space from a pile of boxes into something that felt much more familiar.

Exploration - we've tried to balance in moments of exploring and learning more about where we live. Whether it's taking a different route home from the store or planning an outing somewhere, the exploring helps imprint both familiarity and memories in the mind.

Traditions - slowing down enough to keep up on the small and simple traditions is huge for keeping us all centered on what matters most and not be so overwhelmed with the "to do" list. They are extremely simple, but foundational for the rhythm of our family culture. Family dinner, a few moments to share what we are grateful for, a few minutes discussing scriptures, praying together, our weekly dinner out/movie at home and ice cream - all of these small traditions have held the space of familiar within all of the change. The tradition of Mike blessing our home invited the sweetest feeling of peace.

Connections - this one is definitely a learned skill for me that I'm trying to always get better at, but proactively reaching out and setting up times to connect with others is something we've done this past week. And while my brain tried to convince me to cancel and get back to the "to do" list, it turns out those times connecting with others has been the exact thing to fuel the soul. I've been trying to get better at intentionally connecting with the kids (and not just working on projects all of the time - an easy way to buffer all of the chaos). So when I set up the slip n slide waterslide (it's not actually called that, but that's what I remember calling them as a kid!), rather than jumping back into the house to get more done, I stayed with them, and of course they convinced me to just start sliding with them (which turned out to be so fun!). Or when they really want to play a card game, or show me their latest magic trick, or listen to them read something they love, or to tell me that they miss Florida, or that they don't know how things are going to work out - those are the moments all of this is really about. And slowing enough to listen, love and hold space for them is the exact kind of connecting we want to create. 

The photos over this time have been a bit random and sporadic - some moments completely missed for sure, but these catch glimpses of Georgia life we've been starting together. 

 Abigail loved the hotel room. She kept commenting on how close everything was - like she could hardly walk and would already be at the bathroom. She found it so convenient. After our second night in the house, I asked how she slept and she said how much she really loved it. She then said "mom, can we stay at this hotel another night?!" I chuckled and told her this was our home and we'd stay here a long time. She laughed and said, "mom you're so funny! This is just a bigger hotel! Our house is in Florida!" It took her a few more days before she settled into the idea that this really is "home." Love how those minds work!

 A fun outdoor piano we found at a park near our hotel.

 A cool "ninja warrior" park we found.

 Checking out the Chattahoochee!

 Visiting dad at work!

 Hiking Kennesaw Mountain!

 Trees. Loved this one!

 Enjoying a bbq with some amazingly kind co-workers.

 The girls checking out a park and loving the tire swing.

 The pantry "before" photo.

 The empty house and boxes!

 The moving truck!

 Max on his last day of basketball camp - he found out about camp the night before it started, and while I wanted to hold off on juggling driving him, we are so grateful we had him do it! He had a great experience, learned A TON, and on the last day actually won the Coaches Award - the Coaches honored him by sharing how he really stuck out to them with how hard he worked, how he took action on anything they suggested and how he asked questions to better himself - and then applied whatever he learned. So so cool.

 More unpacking.

 Creative time together (we had no internet for the first few days)!

 The mound of boxes!

 This awesome tree was in full bloom the day we moved in, and I found it so welcoming. It has the biggest bees on it we've ever seen and I look forward to soaking in it's beauty again and again!

16

I have much to catch up on with our adventures this summer, but I must take a moment to write a few thoughts while they are fresh on my mind.

Today, Mike and I celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary and have known one another for over 18 years.

This past weekend we were able to spend a big portion of our time with the youth ages 14-18 from our church. Admittedly, Mike was just coming back from being out of town, and prior to that the kids and I had just gotten back in town from our summer trip to Utah (more on that later), and there was part of us hoping for a quiet weekend. But the bigger part of us knew that spending time doing things that fulfill others ultimately fulfills and strengthens us and so we embraced it. Mike was there for the entire conference and was able to hang out and connect with a group of awesome youth. Funny enough, on his first night there, he looked across the room and recognized one of the youth from our Nebraska congregation! It turns out he and his brother were attending conference while in town visiting some family friends. What a small world!

I had been asked to help out with the planning, prep and serving of the food. My main meal was on Saturday afternoon and it was a "prep" meal for the etiquette dinner they were planning to have that night. It was a 5 course lunch - where the youth practiced and learned the ropes for the upcoming dinner. And while part of me had been hoping for an "easy" lunch like deli sandwiches, chips and a cookie, I learned a ton in the planning process of a five course meal, and was super grateful for all those who stepped in to help prep the food! We had salad, rolls, tomato soup (made from scratch by a dear friend who was happy to take on this task!), grilled cheese sandwiches, green beans and brownies. All of the food was meant to be practiced with proper cutting and handling of a fork, spoon and knife, and was meant to be simple. The trickiest part of the meal was that everything needed to be prepared ahead of time and kept warm. But, thanks to lots of great ideas from folks, a whole bunch of crockpots and prepping ahead of time, it went off without a hitch!

As we finished loading the car and I was leaving to pick up the kiddos (who'd been playing at a friends home while we were at the conference), Mike was headed back over to continue serving the capacity he'd been asked. And while I was tired and ready to head home, I couldn't help but pause with gratitude as I looked around.

I find if I am still and listen, nature - specifically trees - seem to speak with wisdom. The shapes, the sounds, the unique characteristics of each one connect to life in so many ways. I love how trees differ in the regions of the county we've been able to live. Since moving to South Florida, I find myself captivated by the big trees and wonder at what intense tropical storms and hurricanes they have survived. Oh the stories they must hold.

Which brings be back to the parking lot. As Mike was walking away, he was parallel to these beautiful Oaks. Moss and small plants growing throughout them, full of shade, and green with life. The parking lot was built around them in order for them to maintain their natural state and beauty. They stood so tall and clustered together in a way that clearly strengthened the whole. Standing under them, you could feel a noticeable temperature drop from the strong Florida summer sun, and the sound of the leaves as the coastal winds softly blew was calming for the whole soul.

In that moment I had a profound connection. So simple, yet it brought tears of gratitude and clarity to my eyes.

I soaked in the beauty of these oaks - the life they have seen pass around them, the strength of their roots to stand tall against the forces of winds, how they continually reached upward toward the light that strengthens them, how they give what they can to benefit the world around them, how their small and simple actions have compounded over time to represent lasting growth, how they are always growing but never seemed rushed and stand still with the present moment - and I saw Mike and our equal partnership in the same light.

Don't get me wrong. I am fully aware that Mike and I are not trees.

May our children know that the principles and wisdom in that moment reminded me of what we strive for in our marriage and commitment to one another - to lean into one another, to lean into and trust God and His plan beyond our own. This path has brought us much more strength and joy than ever trying to stand alone. We have felt the light of Christ strengthen our marriage in ways that simply could not have happened on our own. We are full of weaknesses, but know fully that together, with Christ, we are stronger. As we've embarked on challenges and unexpected changes that life brings - we've chosen to dig into our roots, to grow where were stand, and it's something we hope and strive to continue. To prioritize and focus on lasting growth and let go of what no longer serves us. To create space for learning and expanding our roots or branches. To mend what's broken. To connect and work together. May our children know that it's the small and simple actions where we grow and learn from the most.

Standing in the parking lot, and in the days since, I've felt an abundance of gratitude for walking this journey and adventure with Mike. It was no coincidence that a secretary to a men's college basketball coach and a basketball player would be brought together. Our journey together has been an adventure where we've strengthened our roots together as we've moved through four states, one foreign country and the times and seasons of four children in our home and countless other experiences. May our children remember that as we strive to focus on what matters most more than what matters much. And seeing the beauty of these trees gave me confidence that for Mike and I, our now small trees will continue to grow and expand in ways we've yet to imagine.

To an eternal abundance of learning and growth together - Happy Anniversary, hon.

Saturday Adventure & Wisdom From the Trees

The rainy season is on full swing and there have been some beautiful storms this past week. I love the sound of the thunder, the rolling and life within the clouds, and the rain. The sound of rain feels majestic. We've had to be creative with our bike rides to and from school - being safe if there are thunderstorms and adventurous if there is a drizzle of rain. We all have ponchos and have really enjoyed it!

Our Saturday adventures this week were at a County Park not too far from our home. Mike scouted it out and we headed, not really knowing what to expect.

As soon as we pulled into the park, I knew we were going to love it.

This "tree house" is unseen from the cars and roads, so once you take the trail back to it, you really do feel like you're entering an enchanted forest. 

 Once the kids saw the stairs, they ran as fast as they could to get to the top!

 The view from up top is tough to capture. But the growth on the trees, the trees growing from trees, the lush vegetation - I found myself staring with wonder at the beauty of it!!

 Sometimes I love to hang back and soak in this crew in as they are surrounded by beauty created so Divinely.

 Another section was a boardwalk throughout a marsh. We saw loads of turtles, fish and spiders, but didn't see any gators (this time around!).

 I love to stop and soak in the trees. To think about the storms, the winds and all the things that have tried to break them. Yet, they stand. Tall. Always looking upward. Finding true strength from their roots. I can't help but think of the "storms" and "winds" I've felt, and how my strength comes from looking upward and learning from my "roots" - for me that not only includes learning from our ancestors - those who have walked before us, who have sacrificed so that we can stand where we do today, but in studying the "roots" centered in Jesus Christ. So grateful for the scriptures and the daily wisdom and light they bring into every day life. And so grateful for a prophet and apostles in our day who truly keep us "rooted" through their loving guidance.

 There were some naturally growing lime trees (and we saw some orange trees) that had popped up in a few places - a great opportunity to chat about how trees planted in one place can pop up in others. And we had to document the first time walking on a nature trail with limes on the ground!!

 The roots!!

 Mike took this one before we left (since I'd been behind the camera the whole time). So grateful for the opportunity we have to be parents. And so grateful for the opportunity we have to experience and live in a variety of places together. There is beauty everywhere and truly feel so much love in the creation of nature that surrounds us. God truly is the author of diversity!

Roots and Branches

Maybe I've taught too much yoga, but this thought hit me like a truck one day while driving home from class.  Literally.  Except the truck was in front of me, and pulling a big tree that was headed off to be planted somewhere.

Fresh from vacation, we'd had a few experiences that triggered this whole analogy a bit more.

What am I writing about?

We're all roots and branches.  Some of us are all roots, others all branches, and some of us are a bit of both.  And as life changes, so do we.

Think of a person that is a root.  Someone who knows where they are from, and where they have been.  Comfortable with the place they are at, and choosing to root themselves in deeper.  Maybe with a job, old friendships, their home, or possibly with things that tie their roots to memories of the past.

Then, think of a person who is a branch.  Continually reaching and looking outward.  Extending to new opportunities, challenges or friendships.  Depending on their time spent as a branch, some extensions are sturdy and strong while others are delicate and fragile.  Only time will tell whether they too will grow and flourish or break off only to begin somewhere else.

Then, think of what encompasses both a branch and a root.  Recognizing the comfort of the past, while fully embracing the unknown.  Likewise, someone who embodies both has a solid trunk establishing them firmly in the present.

I've seen what happens when someone delves into their roots deeply - so much that they seem to forget all other parts of the tree.  Holding onto things or memories tighter than what is sitting in front of them.  Reaching so badly for the roots, as if they are the only thing keeping them upright.  And to a point, yes, they are what holds the tree down.  But have you ever seen a tree survive in that way?  I sure haven't!

I've also listened to lots of roots talk about how good their roots are.  How firm they are in the ground, and how no other root can compare.  And, to a point, I agree.  But at the same time, I question if we all spent our time digging down under the ground, we'd have no opportunity to see the beautiful shade that's been created above us.

Likewise, if all we did was seek to create shade (and branch out), we'd miss the fundamental importance of what holds us in place.  Possibly throwing away any sense of balance and literal solid ground beneath us.

Moving to two different states where we didn't know a soul has taught me a lot about what it means to grow a new branch.  I know the feeling of walking into a room where you don't know a soul.  And I've learned how awesome it is to visit the roots of comfort - family, friends and places of familiarity.

And I'm full of gratitude for those roots who decided to extend branches of help, reassurance and friendship.  While they were rooted in consistency, they chose to look up and extend reach to those who were looking for something to grasp onto.

Because I also know what it is like to walk into a room full of roots who like to continue looking at their other roots.  It's exhausting to break through.

With the analogy in place, I look ahead at where we could all be a bit more branchlike in our rootdriven lives.  While keeping those roots protected, sheltered and safe is just as important as it is comfortable, maybe looking up at the branches every once in awhile is good too.

Start of Summer

 Lots of time on the playset.  I snuck this photo of Mike up there while they were telling each other spooky stories.

 Homemade goo, or glop.  Hard and soft at the same time.  Definitely best outside!

Trips and adventures around town.  We love the zoo, children's museum, and the library.  Our friends introduced us to the metal slides in downtown Omaha.  I first took Alexis and Tayler while Max was at school.  It was so fun.  Tayler couldn't get enough of me holding her down them.  I couldn't wait to get him back.  I talked about them all week, and really built up some excitement.  It was completely anti-climatic once we got there.  The really big trees that keep it nice and shady were dropping stuff like crazy, and covered the slides.  They were so sticky, the kids could hardly make it down.  It's back on the bucket list to try again - this time with wax paper!

One of my favorite parts about the start of summer was this robin who decided to build a nest in the tree just outside our front window.  I never knew they worked so hard and fast to build them.  We caught her starting it on Saturday, and by the time we checked again on Sunday afternoon, she was laying the mud inside the nest!  We had a great time watching the process - from the nesting, to the eggs, to the hatching, to the feeding.  It was the best spot because we could watch everything from our window without disturbing her, or trying to climb and lift everyone up all the time to get to it.  Her constant efforts to prepare, then feed and provide were endless.  I felt like she and I could really relate.  Then, within a couple weeks, they were gone and grown.  I no longer felt like we could relate as much.