Life is so much more than black and white

Summer time is here.

June is already in full swing and so goes our summer break. I must say the first two weeks were rough as I woke up and packed Avery's lunch then woke her up only to remember that schools over! She wasn't happy about that either as she dearly loves her school as well as her friends, so adjusting to no longer seeing them as much and not having school was hard to handle. I think we're over that hardship though as now she continues to write and draw me pictures and stories about her new friends at her new school. 9 weeks to go....

We've grilled a lot, slept in a lot, had a few play dates

Avery and her BFFS (Anna & Sophia)

A fun day at the Dallas world Aquarium

We went to the movies and yesterday finally busted out the swimsuits on a low key Fathers Day.

   It's officially summer. Nothing big planned like last year (thankfully). We have VBS in 3wks, then a girls road trip to Georgia the week after that and possibly a trip to Galveston for a fun weekend but we may bypass that for a stay-cation.

Otherwise I don't have much to update on, which is weird. 

What are fun things you do in the summer time?

-Britt

How Do You Measure A Year?

It's official.

I have a KINDERGARTNER.

I should be asleep with the rest of the house but the entirety of today's events have caught up to me. My feet are killing me, my back aches and I've been weepy and crying off and on since 9pm. Oh the joys of being a mom. We won't even discuss the sink full of dirty dishes or the three loads of laundry awaiting me...

Tonight, we celebrated Avery's graduation from Pre-K. Yep, she graduated. 

The whole day was devoted to making her feel special and celebrating this milestone. For me, keeping busy was a much needed distraction.

                            "Besties"

 Is it weird to be so hung up over her heading to kindergarten? I feel justified as the other moms in her PreK class have expressed similar joy and sorrow but for some reason I didn't really cry about it until tonight, after all was said and done. Something about seeing pictures and video of her make her way across the stage struck me but the ultimate ruination of my emotions was a simple video clip of her sitting on stage and a huge smile beaming across her face as she looks towards the crowd, spots me and shouts "Hi Mommy!" And waves this adorable bashful and proud wave...

My. Total. Undoing.

Evan literally sat up and asked "Are you really crying?! Over that?!" I couldn't help it. It was such a sweet moment captured of both her independence of graduating PreK and heading to kindergarten yet her innocence of still needing me.

As she walked across the stage to accept her diploma they also bestowed her spirit gift to which she was awarded the gift of Joy. I wish I could remember word for word how they described her and how she fit that so perfectly because everything they spoke of her, was her spot on. You could totally see it in her presence on stage! From the way she half skipped across stage, how she sat in her seat, the way she clapped for each and every friend, how she smiled brightly and waved to people in the crowd...all of it...joyful. Avery.

We are so proud of her. It's been an amazing two years at Kidzone Academy and two years before that as MSBC All Stars Learning Center. She has been going to this place since before she was even born! I think that's the most bittersweet part of this chapter closing. 

We've been so blessed for so long by our church and the school. The teachers and staff are also friends and family! They've supported us, prayed with us, hugged and cried with us and have loved Avery as there own since day one. To go there 4 days a week to now just 2 will be a huge change in our routine but thankfully we have Sunday school and Awana. Not only that, but Alyssa will start at Kidzone in September and a new chapter with a different star will begin!

For now though, we are relishing our final week at Kidzone and preparing for August where new adventures and new beginnings await....

Time Flies....

Brittnye

29 and feeling fine!

I Turned 29 on the 1st. 

Yes, yes, I've finally arrived at the last year in my 20's and I'm totally embracing it with acceptance, grace and love. I honestly do not see the big deal. So many of my friends (husband included) are freaking out about turning 30 and I can assure you I won't be that way.

I say own it. Embrace it, because EVERYONE ages and gets older. It's part of your journey and you can't tell your story if you don't accept and live in EVERY moment and capacity in which it's given.

It was a fun birthday. The high was 80*, the sky was clear and sun was shining. I got my hair cut and colored after a year of waiting, did some clothes shopping for myself (gasp!) and came home to a childhood tradition and two of the sweetest cards a wife and mommy could get!

                    Getting pampered.

My childhood birthday tradition still going strong.

Evan and I decided to keep it low key with just a date night out but it turned into a fun overnight trip. We decided to do/try two things we've never done before. Go against our typical fave local food spots and a movie and just try something different and new.

The results were trying a new restaurant outside of town and driving 30min north to experience our first ever casino. We had so much fun! We had dinner at Horny Toad Cafe www.hornytoadcafe.com

It recently opened at the old Good Eats which was our go to place when we were dating, we even got engaged in the parking lot in front of it!! So we were excited to see the building being used again and even more happy now as we will definitely be going back repeatedly!

After dinner, we drove up to winstar world casino (along with half of North Texas it seemed) and spent 4hrs playing slots, people watching, drinking free sodas and witnessing a man win $35,000 (I kid you not). It was fun and interesting but it was also sad and somewhat depressing watching so many people. I came out +34$ and Evan came out +22$ so not losing money was nice. We drove back to Denton after midnight and checked into a hotel to enjoy a child free night (I.E- a solid night of sleep! Best gift ever mom and dad!)

As ever with Texas weather my beautiful 80* and sunny Saturday turned into 28* and sleet and snow by Sunday morning. We were so glad we didn't get a hotel in Oklahoma or away from Denton as the roads turned bad as we headed to church and were even worse after service. 

Such a nice and mellow ending to my birthday celebration though as we capped off the weekend with hot chocolate, a fire and movies in Pjs with the girls.

Bring on 30, I'm ready!

               Accidental Twinsies

Xoxo,

Britt

Alyssa Jane 1yr Pics

First and foremost. Huge love and appreciation to Emily Davis over at www.emilydavisphoto.com

She knows the easiest way to my heart, and how to make me cry happy tears all by taking a picture that will forever be a treasured memory in this mommas heart.

We enjoyed our time playing and smiling and clapping nonstop. Alyssa's favorite thing to do these days. You know, besides WALKING.

Slow down precious one, slow down.

Enjoy!

Britt & Alyssa

                      

       What a difference a year makes!

                   Such a little lady.

           "Clap, clap, clap your hands"

    "You mean I have to keep this on!?"

 

Sometimes you stop long enough to look around you .

Reflecting tonight after my quiet time.

 I have the Best in-loves and "Nina & Pawpa" on the planet, so Blessed with them as my parents. A little overwhelmed with how much they love on me sometimes. Makes it hard to understand my birth parents and things in my childhood.

My girls will never go through what I did and that's all that matters.

 Watching them with these two reassures me that they are safe and they are truly loved. I've come a long way in the 10yrs since God put them in my life. I'm able to forgive, able to heal and finally live my life the way God intended me too without hiding.

O-N-E

 Alyssa Jane turned 1 on Sunday. Hard to believe it's been a year already! I've dealt with my denial, I had a good cry, I boxed up tiny baby mementos and looked over her baby pictures all while whining to Evan about how time needs to slow down.

Alyssa facts:

She's 21lbs, is 31inches tall (99 percentile). She has 4 teeth and is almost walking solo. She likes to read books, clap to music, sing songs and watch Bubble Guppies. 

Her Faves: Blueberries, bananas, French fries, yogurt bites, waffles and green beans.

Not so faves: Pasta, peas, strawberries, beef anything and oatmeal.

Aly,

My sweet, joyful, giggly girl. How I adore your smile and love your laugh. You make our family complete. You are such a blessing to your daddy and I and I know you make your big sister awfully proud with all your milestones and achievements. 

We are truly thankful God chose you for us. How I miss your kicks and bizarre cravings during my pregnancy, how we laughed at how you would react to Avery's voice versus your daddy's. The day you were born, I was so calm and happy. I was never afraid or nervous, I wasn't even anxious. You came on your due date all on your own in what was an easy delivery. You were bright eyed and curious of everything around you and you slept! I knew then you were going to be amazing.

 The past 365 days you have stirred things in my heart, you've helped me slow down and reminded me to stop and take in what's happening around us. You've  created new bonds with your sister and family and even friendships we owe to you and your "cuteness". You are a very loved girl. I hope you always know this first and foremost. That you are loved, you are cherished and you are priceless my sweet girl.

 Your personality shines like the sun. You are so spunky and happy ALL the time. You hardly cry unless your impatient about food or ready for bed. You love music and bubble guppies. You sing anytime your can and are a hoarder or binkies and books. I hope these things never change, well, the binkies of course but everything else is so you.

Happy Birthday, Darling BaBoo.

Mommy, Daddy and Big Sister Avery 

Stay tuned for pictures from her 1yr photo shoot. Coming soon! 

Thankful: Day 4-7

Day 4- I'm Thankful for solid friendships with some amazing people. Some I've known for 15+ yrs, some I've never met in person and some I don't even need to see or talk to for months at a time but when we do it's like we've never been apart! You beautiful ladies are priceless to me and my family. The past 3yrs I've made drastic and sometimes painful life choices, I've let go of friendships I thought I had to keep. I let go of toxic relationships/friendships and have never been happier and it's due in part to the company I keep and all the positive you bring to my life in a multitude of ways.

Day 5- This group of people. For too many reasons to list so I'll say it with pictures.

Day 6- For my "Maaaa". Happy Birthday , today, to the best Mom/Nina/Best Friend/Banana in the Universe. You are priceless. Your faith and wisdom are my constant. You get me better than anyone else I know. I love our chats, random texts, trips, projects, love for all things British,etc. I could write a book. I love you, Nan.

Day 7-  chocolate and desserts. Need I say more?!

Celebrate Good Times...Come On!

This past weekend I celebrated my birthday. Yeah, 28 years old and starting to realize I'm getting old. Perhaps having a baby and being sleep deprived doesn't help but there it is. Evan turns 29 next week and he's already freaking out about turning 30 soon. ha. I can not remember the last time I had such a fun and special Birthday. Don't get me wrong, I've had some good ones but this year was just nice and easy going with nothing too exciting happening and usually there's a group outing or small party with lots of friends and family. Not this year...nope. This year it was just Evan and I having a date night!

Evan used his floater day from work for my birthday so was off work all day! His parents came over and watched both the girls for us (Our first time away from Alyssa) while we went to Lewisville and had Hibachi for dinner to celebrate both our birthdays. There was only 1 other couple at our table and the chef asked if we wanted a full show or just a nice quiet meal to which we both said the latter. LOVED IT! He was amazing still with the fire and jokes and showmanship of cooking our food but it was a short/fast version and we got to enjoy our meal in a much quieter setting than the majority around us. The other couple was older and the husband asked me twice how long Evan and I had been dating which was funny seeing as my wedding ring was in plan sight. As we were both leaving I made a comment to Evan about checking on the girls to which the wife seemed shock to hear I had 2 children let alone a newborn at home. The husband started congratulating Evan for doing a "Good job!" and then adding how good it was for us to "Keep dating" He was British so maybe I was missing something? Anyway, they made our dinner kinda funny and not so hush hush.

After dinner we wanted dessert but didn't know where to go. We debated on driving to Frisco for Cheesecake when I remembered that most Barnes & Nobles have a Starbucks cafe with desserts, so we drove to the nearest one. As we walked in the cafe we both recognized the manager as a guy we went to High School with, not just any random guy but my freshmen year he was one of my closest friends, he was also in the Chemistry class where Evan and I met and joined in on the journal we passed around and wrote notes in! Evan wanted to see if he recognized us so we decided not to say anything until after we ordered our stuff. Once he saw us he made small talk but kept staring at me when suddenly he realized who I was and came rushing around the counter to hug me and Evan and was super excited to see us. We hadn't seen each other since our Wedding so he was so happy to hear and see we were still together and had kids now. When he asked what we were doing we told him it was my birthday and he gave us our cheesecake for free and also made me a special drink on the house. It was so sweet of him and getting to catch up was also great. Evan and I will definitely be seeing him soon.

We headed back to Denton and rented movies then said bye to Nan and Gary and Avery as they were taking her for the weekend to have some one on one time with her (she was so excited). Ate our cheesecake, snuggled up on the couch after we got Alyssa down and watched movies until we both crashed.

Saturday was amazing as we slept in until 9am (Alyssa has been sleeping 6-7hr stretches). Cleaned the house a bit before getting ready to run errands. We shopped for Alyssa and Avery then drove to Grapevine to BassPro so Evan could try to find ammo and a cleaning kit for his handgun and just look around. After that we went to Southlake where we enjoyed Central Market for some goodies for us as well as our friends Ross & Therese who were in the area for the weekend and having dinner with us in Arlington. I love Central Market, seriously...I could spend a whole day there. Got to dinner where Alyssa continued to be the best baby ever by never crying or fussing but being super mellow and sleeping off and on. She only fussed once in the car and we were out and about for over 5hrs!

So if you read my blog, you know Ross and Therese. We met back in Feb of 2009 at an engagement party for Evans best friend Nick, whose (now) wife Kate went to TCU with Therese. Evan and Therese were in the wedding party and Avery was only 6wks old so we had her with us and Therese being a NICU nurse was instantly wanting to see and play with her. We soon learned we had a lot in common and both lived in Fort Worth. Add that Evan and Ross were both Architect majors and we hit it off great. After the wedding we started hanging out, going on runs together, dinner dates, movie dates and enjoying our mutual love of Central Market. Ross and Therese became very special to us. They literally made living in Fort Worth not so miserable for me. Then Ross accepted a grad school offer in Kansas and they moved away to Kansas City. I even went with Therese on her trip to KC to find an apartment for them to live in and we also helped pack them up on moving day. I remember driving back home and just crying, I thought for sure I'd never see Therese or hang out with her again.

So wrong. Over the past 3yrs Therese has been down here to visit about once a year and once Ross surprised her with a trip down to Fort Worth just to have dinner with Nick, Kate, Evan and I. We also email, FB and Blog stalk each other and have random days where we txt nonstop and an occasionally phone date. Therese is just one of the biggest blessings in my life and our friendship although not big on face to face time is still one of the strongest friendships I have. So when she txt me and asked what Birthday plans we had I was super stoked when she asked if they could be a part of them since it just so happened they were coming to DFW for the weekend as Ross had a conference at UTA!!! Talk about awesome timing and an amazing gift for my birthday.

So we had dinner at our favorite Sushi place, Piranha Sushi, and got to catch up over delicious food. You'd never think we hadn't seen each other in almost 2 years! They also got to meet Alyssa which was neat since Avery was that little the first time we met them! I know they were sad about missing Avery this time as they adore her too. It was the perfect ending to such a nice day with Evan and it made my Birthday that much special. :)

 Meeting Alyssa.

 Just like old times.

 The original group. Evan, Me, Nick, Kate, Ross & Therese.

 Avery helping "Tree" Move to KC.

Just Chilling with Mr. Ross.

From Therese last visit in 2010

Girls Night Out.  Before she had to go back to KS.2010

                                        Us 2013                                      Us 2009

One of many activities together...

I said it on FB but I'll say it again. I've come to learn with age that when it comes to friendships I'll take Quality over Quanity anytime. Some friendships are just too special to let distance, time apart, life and other things take away from it.