a year of delight.

a year ago today i was awaiting the arrival of our little girl. 

 Today we celebrate her life. The joy and laughter she brings. All the milestones that this year has brought.

We love you so much Eden Grace. We truly can't imagine our lives without you. This year has gone by so fast and you are growing before our very eyes. You are oh so close to walking and I know by this summer you will be running outside with the "big" kids. You soon won't be a baby anymore but will always be our little girl! I love being your mama! 

Happy Birthday Eden!

live in the sunshine.

this week we have been...

soaking up the sunshine, opening up the windows and letting the fresh country air come in, playing baseball in the front yard,  making a playhouse out of the old doghouse, hiking at silver mine, going to the park ...(um make that three times) :), drawing chalk pictures on the sidewalk,  taking evening walks out the lane, driving with the windows down, running barefoot, eating lunch outside, and enjoying the warm temperatures.

yes..spring is finally here and we are loving it!

Happy Friday!

"Live in the sunshine,

Swim in the sea,

Drink the wild air."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

motherhood.

I have recently come across some motherhood quotes that have made me smile. It is always encouraging to know I am not alone on this journey and to be spurred on in the day to day.

on the craziness of motherhood...

I love my children and I'm thankful down to my bones for them. I would throw myself in front of a bus for them but sometimes can't manage to find the energy to get them another cracker.

And that is the crazy we call parenthood.

Emily, www.chattingatthesky.com

on the value of children and how the world views them...

"If you are just looking for sympathy and an eye roll about the work you do, just mention you have children to someone at the grocery store." 

Rachel Jankovic

(and by the way this is so true. i get comments every time i go to the grocery store..both good and bad)

And for those nights when the children are tucked into bed and you feel human again and can't remember why you were so frustrated a few hours before,

" I am such a great mom during this time of day. I should write a book about how calm and levelheaded I am between the hours of 8:30 and 6:00 am not to mention how quiet and obedient the children are. I whisper "sleep" and they go, keeping on in their slumber without objection. I really got this "parenting overnight" thing down.

Jeane Miller,  www.neighborlies.com

on remembering to laugh...

"I truly believe that one of the greatest skills a mother can have is a sense of humor."

Rachel Jankovic




on the reality that this is what i was created to do....

secure.

 Hindsight is always 20/20. Recently I have been reflecting on this time a year ago. I was so uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. I was afraid that everything was really not going to be okay. Maybe this baby would never come out. Maybe I would never be able to walk again without pain. Maybe...maybe, maybe. My fears and questions seemed to confront me at every step

This morning I awoke to the sounds of my healthy baby girl crying "mama" and reaching her chubby little arms to be held. Her smiles and giggles bring me so much joy daily. 

A couple weeks ago I hurt my back somehow while bending down to pick up Eden. I was in a lot of pain. I spent a lot of time on the couch. It felt oh so familiar to those weeks leading up to Eden's birth. You would think I would learn from that time but my heart went right back and starting doubting again God's goodness. I was confronted with things in my heart and I did not like what I saw. How quickly I doubt His love. His plan. His goodness. But he drew near and touched those deep places in my heart...and my back. He whispered His promises to me there in my weakness.

He is always there. Even in those times that feel dark and scary. He is GOOD. He is LOVE.

My heart can rest secure. 

this picture brings me to tears every time. so much love.

ordinary sweetness.

A little belated but... Happy Easter from the Buckwalter's!
Here's some early morning smiles to brighten your day. :)

I sometimes hesitate to blog when I don't have anything profound to say or exciting to write about. But it is the ordinary everyday moments that make life sweet. Lately my days have been ordinary but good.

Thank you Lord for LIFE! Ordinary days. Laughter. Sunshine. Donuts. Ice cream. Family.
LOVE.