You Don't Know You're Beautiful

Parker and Austin both sing... a lot! It's cute when Parker discovers a song on the radio he really likes. While he's a little behind on what's current, he has been singing One Direction's, "You Don't Know You're Beautiful." It's hilarious. After seeing a music video of the song, he wanted to make his own. Here are two takes of the video.

Spiritual Sunday

I have been thinking a lot about the support system that surrounds me. Part of what makes me apprehensive to move, is that it's hard to make new friends. Even here where I already had a lot of connections, it took about 6 months to really make some new good friends. It's so easy for kids, as they introduce themselves without self-conciousness and assume everyone could be a new playmate. I wish it were that easy for adults. I am really hopeful because we are moving to an area with lots of young families, and that that will help in the quest for new friends.

But as I approach the time to leave some of my very dearest friends, I have become so sentimental and appreciative for what they offer in my life. I was listening to a podcast the other day about how important it is to surround yourself with good people. Not just people who are good, but people who are running the same race you are. When you keep company with people that are awesome, that think you are awesome, and that share the same goals in life, you can live very peacefully. The worst is when you are around people you compare yourself to and leave you feeling less than. Or when it's all about them. The best friendships are when you know you are genuinely there for each other. When you would do something for the other person without recognition or compensation. And I have some of those friends right now, and I recognize what a gift they are.

Here's a beautiful quote from a past leader of the women's organization in our church:

"We cannot always lift the burden of one who is troubled, but we can lift her so she can bear it well."

Good friends make you inspired to be a better friend. Good friends would do anything for each other, without thinking twice. As a means of recording my life at this moment, I just want to make note of two really important people in my life at this moment. 

Kate... I feel like Parker's 2 year old preschool year was a gift from God not only because he loved it and it gave me a little break, but because I met Kate. Sadie's mom Kate and I became fast friends when our kids bonded. We would sit on the playground most days after school and chat as our kids played. We would share our challenges in parenting, weekend plans, and happy events. We would share our hearts and ask questions and listen to one another. Kate is the most beautiful person inside and out. When I first met her, I was struck by her outer beauty (she's the stretched out beauty I always dreamed of being:)), but within minutes of meeting her I was impressed by her friendliness and kindness. She also loved Austin (she recently had a baby boy, but cuddled up to Austin when we went to visit and said, "You're still my first love."). She constantly invited us to things, brought extra snacks for the kids, and texted me encouraging or funny messages throughout the week. Having her around made me think twice about the kind of friend I was, and made me more intentional in the rest of my friendships. Kate and I are not best friends and don't see each other every day, but I feel like her friendship in my life has changed me for good. She makes me feel valued. Our preschool days of seeing each other a couple times a week are over, and it breaks my heart. I feel like she has no idea the impact she's made on me. But I thank the Lord for bringing us together. Maybe we'll be in-laws someday:) 

Stephanie... This lady has her act together! I saw her for many months at church before really talking to her, but I was always so impressed by how beautiful and put together her family was. Then we started chatting occasionally and I noticed she was great at asking questions. She could talk to anyone about anything because she knew how to ask questions. I feel like I'm terrible at that, so that was inspiring to me. Then we worked together in the Primary and our friendship grew. I loved her passion for motherhood, even though she was always truthful and open about her own challenges. I loved her willingness to host events at her home (I love hosting, but have never had a space that could accommodate many people). She makes everything beautiful. She helped me learn how to curl my hair, after I complimented hers. She just makes you feel good. She walks in a room and the whole place lights up. She is so positive and complimentary. Instead of feeling like you wish you had her life, you leave feeling blessed she's your friend and encouraged to implement some of her ideas. (Teddy Roosevelt said, "Comparison is the thief of joy.") When Pete went away in May, she and I still weren't THAT close, but she texted me right away offering to have us for dinner. My boys play very well with her kids and they looked forward to the play date while I looked forward to the adult conversation. She had us over many times during the past five months. She also hosted Pete's b'day dinner. She watched my kids on occasion so I could just have some alone time. She is one of the busiest people I know, but she never seemed too busy to include me in her life. She's taught me a lot about making people feel important through asking questions and rendering service. I am in denial that we won't live 10 minutes apart anymore, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to have cultivated this deep friendship that I know will stand the test of time and distance. 

And I leave you with this. "Be Still My Soul." I am overcome with emotion at the thought of all that I have and what I am leaving behind in a few weeks. But I know my future is bright. I know there are friends to be had in Virginia. And I know all things work together for good, even in the midst of challenges. Be still my soul. 

Pool party

We had a pool party with Carter and Abby a few weeks ago. They were having the best time and then all of a sudden after 20 min or so, they were done. What the heck? Pool prep is a lot of work! But they had fun while it lasted. Here's a progression of jumping off the side. 

 Cute Abby with her lei on.

 And Austin the cheese-ball!

Back to School Night

Last week we went to Back to School night at preschool. Parker loves going to school and has been really challenged in his reading and writing skills. It's very exciting to see him start to develop a love of learning. His good friend from church is in my mom's class this year, so she was there too. The kids got to play around the church patio for a while and they released tons of beach balls for the kids. Parker was so sweet to scoop up two... one for him and one for Austin. He never stops thinking about his little brother. 

 We've loved being at RBCPC preschool and I'm really hoping his school in Virginia is just as good. Philosophy-wise it's very similar to this one, and the director said his teacher is really great, so we'll see.

Jump place

The trampoline park by my parents house is really awesome. The boys love to go and bounce around for an hour, I like seeing them go crazy in an air conditioned setting without me having to yell "Stop running! Don't throw that! Calm down!" (Does that give you a glimpse into what it's like in our home?) 

 Conveniently, In n Out is right next door, so sometimes we make a pit stop. And by sometimes I mean most of the time. The boys love the hats and stickers, and Parker has also been really into their burgers lately. So cute.

I'm really going to miss In n Out when we move. We'll have Five Guys, but that's not the same. They don't give stickers:(

Rhode Island trip! Whoop whoop!

I'm pretty much the luckiest person ever, that my parents would be willing to watch my kids for the weekend so I could go visit Pete. When I told Park I was going, he said, "What? I miss dad too!" Sorry bud, but I'm about to fly with you cross country in a month. Not doing that twice back to back. But the boys had plenty of fun at home with Grammy and Papa. 

And I had plenty of fun on this little vacation. It was so amazing because we had no agenda we had to stick to. No house hunting, no weddings, no early mornings. It was perfect. So I flew out on Friday morning (early!) and flew into Chicago around lunch time. Potbelly's (my favorite sandwich place from Ann Arbor) was literally steps away from my gate. Now that is divine intervention. 

So I got myself a clubby. It was amazing. 

 After that I boarded the plane for Rhode Island. I flew Southwest and had a great experience. Everything was on time, I watched direct TV from my phone the entire flight, they gave snacks, plenty of legroom. Definitely recommend Southwest.

Then Pete picked me up (in uniform, as he was coming straight from class), and it was great to see him. It had been 6 weeks since I'd seen him. Anyone reading this who has a husband deployed you are probably rolling your eyes because I'm so lucky Pete's even accessible during this time away, but this was the longest stint for us of being apart. It was so good to see him.

We immediately went to the Officer's Club for dinner. It was right on the water and had the most beautiful view of Newport. We ate with one of us fellow JAG's and his wife. Very fun to meet them. He is meeting the most fascinating people through this training.

 The accommodations he's been in are quite nice. It's like a hotel room, where they come and clean up the room every day, but he also has a fridge and microwave. He also has his Vitamix so he can make smoothies. The bed is literally the most comfortable one I have ever slept in. I kept telling him how good he has it here, as I remind him I am sleeping with Parker who ends up perpendicular in the bed by morning. He agreed I have it harder right now.

In the morning, he went and did a 10 mile run (because he's training for a marathon and he does stuff like that... crazy!) and then we went to the traditional post-run lunch at Mama Leone's, a great restaurant right off the base. Fellow JAG and marathon runner Dennis met us there. Dennis ordered the large calzone just so I could see how enormous it was. Baffling.

 Then we went and drove around downtown Newport. The boat show was in town, so there were lots of east coast folks walking around with popped collars and cardigans tied around their shoulders. The area has some of the most beautiful mansions I've ever seen. Some are traditional Cape Cod style, but some are much older looking. Everything looks kind of haunted in my opinion. We also did the cliff walk, which runs along the main street of mansions. Really cool.

 Yeah, we were pretty happy to be in the same state:)

 For dinner we went to Anthony's, a local seafood market and restaurant. It was delish. Pete had swordfish and I had calamari.

 The next day, we drove up to Boston. It was only about an hour and 15 minutes. We were able to park in the Coast guard parking lot (thank you military perks), and that saved us a lot of money and hassle. Boston is super fun to walk around. We walked the freedom trail and saw some of the sites.

 We even saw the perfect hotel for Parker to stay at when he comes to visit next time:)

 Boston Commons.

Then we had a great traditional italian meal. 

 Pete and I are similar type tourists. We like to see things, and then move on. We don't dig real deep into the sights. It's kind of embarrassing how much ground we covered in one day, but it fit our style. Next we drove out to see Harvard. Neat. Then onto Plymouth. Saw the rock. Check. Walked around the cute little town in hopes of finding a pastry. Boston was booming with patisseries. Plymouth, not so much. Pete really wanted a cannoli, but then he found out it was filled with a ricotta mixture (Pete doesn't like riccota), so then he changed his plan. He wanted Boston cream pie instead. We ended up betting a boston cream donut from a local place and it was great. We also experienced a cro-nut for the first time. Very filling, but very good.

 Following Plymouth, we still had some daylight to kill so we drove out to Cape Cod.  Cute area, but we didn't really know what to see or do there, so we just drove around. The drive back was so beautiful. There were lots of accidents on the main highway, so the detour we took ended up being great for seeing traditional cape cod style homes and beautiful waterways.

 For dinner, we ended up in downtown Newport again, and went to a great little pub.

On Monday, Pete had class, so I bummed around downtown some more, exercised, and then met he and about 8 of his buddies for "wing night" at the O Club. Those guys are serious about their $.30 wings. Then I left early EARLY the next morning. It was a great trip, and it felt like we had so much time together. We are three weeks away from moving, and we are so ready. The boys talk about him all the time and Austin especially has become much more sensitive and has been crying for daddy.

I walked away from this trip feeling more proud to be a military wife. So far, I haven't really felt connected to the community, but staying on base for a few days, you realize what an important job it is that Pete is doing. He's not just a lawyer, he's a lawyer working on behalf of the US. His role is vast in contributing to various functions of the military. He is meeting fascinating people, who are equally passionate about their duty to serve. As much as I hate being apart for so long, I'm not the only one doing this. There are wives and children all over the country who are apart from the person they love, and we do it not because it isn't a big deal, but we do it because our country depends on people who are willing to serve and make sacrifices. We aren't apart because he's a regular lawyer. He is training to contribute to a very important cause, that ultimately serves every person in our nation. I'm proud that he followed his dream to serve our country and our hope is that our boys will grow up with a greater sense of appreciation for the military, for our freedom, and for our family. Being apart has been the hardest thing I've ever done as a parent, but we've done it. We are capable of doing hard things and getting through times where the circumstances are not ideal. I know we will look back on this time (5 months total of being apart) and realize the blessings and the growth that came from it. And for that I am thankful and hopeful for the future.

Final beach day of the summer

I have a love/hate relationship with the beach. I love the sound of the waves, the glitter of the water, the smell, etc... I hate the sand, the trek to and from the car, kids getting covered in sand, and my car ultimately looking like the sandy beach itself. But for the sake of all that is good with the beach, we do go every month or so. The boys love it (until their hands get coated in sand and then they rub their eyes... then they like the beach less). Anyway, we went one Saturday morning with the Miles' and it was great. We had breakfast at a yummy place in Del Mar called Snooze. Delicious french toast and very kid friendly. Then we enjoyed a few hours at the beach. The kids were a mess by the end, but it was a great final farewell to summer. 

 Laura is amazing with kids, and when she's a mom, she'll be the absolute best. She does everything with my kids so happily and I am so lucky to have her in my life. She also took over as director of Kids Sing, so that's pretty amazing too! What can't Laura do?

Three weeks!

Only three more weeks til we are back together! I have never been more excited or dreaded a move so much. Can't wait to be a family again and get settled in our new place, but also hate to think of leaving the place I will always call home. I think I'll just stay in denial until I board the plane. 

Good habit... bad habit

Yeah, remember that good habit I established last week? That was good. Not blogging the rest of the week... bad! I even have pics from my Rhode Island trip to post. Where did this week go? Anyway, first things first...

This quote really resonated with me, "He wants us to teach them (children) when they are young to turn to Him when they're older."

Having a knowledge that we are not alone in this life, is a pretty powerful realization. We inevitably go through challenges, simply because we are human and that's the way this life goes. But I simply don't know how people persevere when the going gets tough and life seems insurmountable, without a faith that there is a God in heaven who knows us and loves us and promises to see us through. How do you endure day after day without a knowledge that he will never give us more than we can handle? I am so thankful to know that even when I hit a bump in the road, that the Lord will ease my burden and hear my prayers. In Isaiah 61:3, it talks about being given beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. I know that we can be sustained through our trials when we lean on Him.

It seems like everywhere I turn, people are going through HARD things. HARD, HARD things. My heart has seriously been pulled in every direction this week feeling for these friends who are going through the ringer. Elaine Jack said, "We cannot always lift the burden of one who is troubled, but we can lift her so she can bear it well." I pray I can be the lifter for someone this week.

Good habit

While I know it's important to read the scriptures, it is WAY too easy to not do it. I forget, I have other stuff to do, the content can be tedious, etc... So I skip it one day, and then the next, and so on. Reading your scriptures becomes a habit, just like not reading the scriptures becomes a habit. So I am challenging myself to be better about developing the good habit, not the bad one. And it's not only reading scripture that's important, it's studying them and researching and praying and reading other supplementary literature that helps grow your faith and understanding. To hold myself accountable to this goal, I am going to post on Sundays on the blog a spiritual or uplifting thought that I have been pondering during the week. That will help me to plan ahead to think of a thought to think about:) 

My heart has been heavy this week, as a friend of mine is going through a huge trial. Her young son had an accident, one that could have happened to any of our kids, and he has been fighting for his life. He fell off a picnic bench and hit is head wrong. This could have been any of our kids!!!! His life is no longer in danger (after 10 days she can finally report that), but his mom has said how he now has "many mountains to climb." One moment her life was blissful and "perfect" and a split second later, everything changed. Now her daily thoughts do not drift to "What's for dinner? I wish I didn't have to go to the grocery store" or "I wish the kids would just settle down." Now they are, "I want to hold my baby. I haven't held him in 10 days" and "What does the future of my son look like?" I can't even type this without crying. She has remained faithful and strong throughout this time, but even when you believe that the Lord will see you through, the ache and hardship does not disappear. 

The children are singing a song in Primary called "Build an Ark." Listening to the song this week, I have been deeply touched: 

Noah was a prophet, a man who did not fear.

When he taught repentance, the people would not hear.

So the Lord told him to build a boat

That could hold a ton and stay afloat.

Then Noah started building and said within his heart:

“I will build an ark before it starts to rain.

I will follow the Lord and do all things in His name.

I’ll prepare ev’ry needful thing. I will walk in righteous ways.

When the rain starts to fall on me, I’ll be ready for that day.”

I can be like Noah. Yes, I can be prepared.

I can build my ark, and I’ll find safe shelter there.

I can do the things I know are right.

I can learn and pray with all my might.

And then when storm clouds come, I’ll be safe within my ark.

I will build my ark before it starts to rain.

I will follow the prophet, for he speaks in God’s name.

I’ll prepare ev’ry needful thing. I will walk in righteous ways.

When the rain starts to fall on me, I’ll be ready for that day.

God has always been with his children. Since the beginning, he guided faithful men like Adam and Noah. In this song, I was struck by how the Lord prepared Noah before his trial (the flood). God didn't send a flood and then expect him to get on board and believe and follow Him. First, Noah developed his faith and a connection with God. God prompted Noah to teach his Word and be an example to the people, which he did. When God told Noah to build an ark, a task that was not previously in his skill set, Noah did not question this prompting, because he was so close to God that he knew he should trust Him, no matter how far fetched the call. Sometimes we feel ill-equipped to deal with the hand we've been dealt. We feel like we can't do what's required of us. We can't possibly handle a trial like the one we've been given. But that's why it's so important to prepare as well as we can for the trials that will inevitably come. We don't know what our personal challenges will be, but they will come. And if we are close to the Lord and trust him with unwavering faith "BEFORE it starts to rain,"He assures us that we will be "ready for that day." We may not always feel like we are ready. No doubt Noah (and his wife... can you imagine his wife on that boat with all those animals?!?!?) struggled, but when you know the Lord is close at hand, we have an edge. 

We all know someone who has been through something hard... really hard. Maybe it's you. I know I have. There's such hope in this song, and I think that's why I love it so much. This is been the song I've been humming all week, so I've been able to talk about it a lot with my boys. I have told them that we can all be like faithful Noah. We can do our part to be close to God, to make good choices, to "build our ark", so that no matter what storms lie ahead, we will be buoyed above the waters. We can find shelter during the storms of life. There is no greater hope than that. To know that hard things will happen but we are not alone. My prayer this week is that I will walk in righteous ways, that my children will do the things they know are right, and that we will all be ready when the rain starts to fall. Prayers for my friend and her sweet baby boy named Parker, who has showed me that we can be faithful, steadfast, and even grateful amidst unthinkable challenges. 

Noodle king

Parker must be growing, because that boy is eating so much more lately. Sometimes he is a toot and fights me on what he'll eat for dinner, but usually he's sweet and eats what I make. Sometimes he'll comment, "Mmmm... this is the best dinner ever. You're the best mom ever." haha. I really enjoy going out to eat with the boys for lunch. I took them to Panda Express one day and they shared my meal with me. Parker ate all my chow mein and loved all the different entrees. He claims that chinese food makes him strong!

 Oh, Austin too!

Party animals

We celebrated Grandpa Lieber's b'day last weekend. It was a Hawaiian theme and the boys loved wearing their leis. 

 Papa also gave Austin a cute little haircut. He looks so darling.

9/11

No matter how much time has passed, when 9/11 rolls around again, you are transported back to that morning years ago when our freedom and safety was rocked. When we no longer felt like a spectator in the world wars on the other man's turf. Not that all that was already going on wasn't devastating or important, but on our soil, our innocent civilians, our buildings... It was a day like no other and I can hardly believe this monumental day was actually during my lifetime. 

Today we remember those that were lost, we thank those who have served and continue to serve on our behalf, and we pray for our leaders to make wise decisions for our nation. It's crazy that so many years have passed and we are still in a place of unrest. It's so scary. 

And yet on the other side of the coin, many celebrate birthdays and wedding anniversaries on this day. There is also reason to be grateful, happy, and hopeful. So today I cling to those emotions, because that's all I can do. We can still maintain a reverence for that day, while keeping a countenance of hope. Obama's speech last night about our future involvements with ISIS and the threat that is still posed against our own country, was a scary one. Especially being a military family now, these speeches really hit home, and have the potential to greatly impact our family. Just when we thought we were nearing the end of the war, greater threats have come about. As a mother, you want nothing more than the safety and happiness of your children. While my kids are living blissfully unaware of most of what's going on abroad, there are children around the globe being subjected to every parent's worst nightmare. I pray for peace around the world, that we all might know of the higher power which has given us life and given us purpose on this earth. 

First day of school... finally!

It seems like it took forever for school to start for Parker but the  day finally came. Mrs. Valdes is his teacher (she was also the assistant in his class last year). She's great with the kids. 

First we had visitation day. He has lots of buddies in his class from last year. Jakey, Parker, and Tucker. 

 First day. Austin looked for his name when he got in the class when Park was checking in.

Parker has really been missing Pete. The night before he was sitting under the kitchen table crying because he was missing him. So sad. He told my mom that he pretends that his stuffed animals are Daddy, so he can sleep with him. He also told him, "I'm done being the man of the house. It's a lot of work." haha. 

So boy did this video make his day when he watched it on the way to school...

Now everytime we see anyone in uniform the boys yell out, "Hey, it's Daddy's Navy friends!"

 Austin basically asks if it's time to pick up Parker the whole time he's gone. These two!

Some cute guys...

That's my handsome husband in uniform, perfecting his "thousand yard stare." He found this pic someone took from the parade on Labor Day. 

 Uncle Dan came home from his mission. He is happier and healthier than he's ever been and we're so proud of him.

 And then there's this grumpy guy. He's going through a moody phase. It's hilarious!