Our Christmas Traditions

So, I wasn't going to do it.

I wasn't going to put up the tree or any of the decorations before Thanksgiving. 

But, you see we're going to be in Iowa for over two weeks in December and I wanted to truly enjoy our tree, and our home decorated for Christmas. 

So we pulled out the boxes of decorations and it happened. 

Our tree has been up for over a week now and I kinda love it. 

I thought I'd talk a little bit about our Christmas traditions and share some of family traditions. 

We pray for every family that sends us a Christmas card, read more about that here.

Each of our children gets 4 gifts, read more about why and what here.

This year we're doing our first advent calendar, see it here. 

Every year we take a picture in front of the tree and put it in a frame ornament to place on the tree next year, we've been doing this since we first got married so it's been fun to see the pictures through the last six years, see them here. 

We also bake my Great Grandmas sugar cookies, and I love sharing those memories with my kiddos now.

Another new tradition my sister and I are doing for our kiddos is a Night Before Christmas box. I saw this idea online a couple months ago and I immediately thought of it for this year since all the cousins will be together. My sister and I bought all the kids matching Christmas jammies. We'll put them in a box for them to open on Christmas Eve, together with a Christmas movie, popcorn, hot cocoa and some other goodies. I plan on putting them in the same box every year to pass it down year to year have these Christmas eve goodies inside every year.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

A Small but Big Dream.

It's Friday. Oh Friday how I welcome thee. The weekend ahead, with nothing on the agenda except celebrating my sweet hubby's birthday. 

Ava and I will bake him a pie, at his request for his birthday. 

We'll do our best to be lazy but that may not happen because I've got to many projects on want to complete. 

When Orion and I got married we lived out of state from family. We lived 4 hours away from my family. During this time it was nice to be only  a few hours away and be able to make it home for parties, vacations and holidays. 

When we moved to Arizona it was a time in our lives where a lot of things were changing that were out of our control. We needed a fresh start, I was newly pregnant and we looked forward to starting a family in this new adventure. 

Once Ava was born everything changed for me. I began to miss my family even more, and longed to be closer to them. I wanted them to see Ava grow up, I wanted them to be apart of our family moments. 

If we were having coffee today I would tell you that for the last couple of years that has been my dream. A small dream. But yet a dream that seemed way to big to ever even happen. 

Orion and I last last few years have attempted many times to move out of Arizona. It's true. We've applied for jobs, sent resumes, had phone interviews all that led nowhere. Doors closed left and right, and it became clear that God had us here. 

So we started looking for a house, and decided that this is where we would be for a while. Orion got a raise at his job which we were so very thankful for, I was able to stay at home with my kids. And I quietly tucked this dream of living near family away in my heart. 

All while silently at night saying prayers to God about it. We've had sort of a "if we build it they will come" mentality. Thinking maybe just maybe the longer we live here, some of our family will move here someday. Someday.

Can I tell you something? Something so amazing, I could just cry right now as I type this! These are my Grandparents, aren't they cute?!! Yes, yes they are. 

I know not everyone is close to their grandparents, but I am extremely close to them. They have been such an important part of my life. They taught me about the Lord, my Grandmother taught me about prayer. She taught me how to sew so many years ago. My grandfather is funny, I get my quick whit from him. And I'll never forget the day he walked me down aisle on my wedding day. 

My small but very big dream is coming true this weekend. 

A dream that seemed so, so big God has had his hand in all the while. 

They are moving here. 

I almost didn't want to talk about it for fear that it just might not be true. I didn't want to rub it in to my other family, but I'm also just so excited I could burst.

And not only are they moving here, but they are moving right across the street from me and my family. 

The Lord has long since known my desires and he has answered this prayer that I've had on my heart for so long. I am so thankful. 

I can not wait to have them close. I look forward to having them around for everyday life, holidays and everything else. 

If we were having coffee today I would tell you that even though something may seem oh so small to you, it may not be small to God. And those prayers that you think are to small to pray God wants to hear them. He wants to answer them. So go ahead, let him.

Our Iowa Trip: Summer 2013

Summer is over in most of the country, but here in Phoenix it always feels like summer. This past summer we took our family vacation in July. We traveled back to Iowa where all of my immediate family lives. (brothers, sister, mom, step-dad, etc.) It's been almost two years since we've been back in Iowa. We made the trip for a couple reasons; one we miss family and two, most of my family hasn't met little Zane yet so we need to remedy that before he's a year old. 

My parents live in the country. Outside a small rural town. It's where I grew up, my family moved back to Iowa when I was 4 years old. They haven't always lived in the country but they moved there when I was in college and have lived there for the last ten years. 

There's something beautiful, simple about home that I love. Here's a little peek into where they live. 



There was a lot of swimming in Grandma & Grandpa's pool. There were trips to the Farmer's Market, eating at my fave local pizza place. There were simple nights around the camp fire, catching fireflies. Ava was so excited about these fireflies, catching them in jars and seeing them light up was a high light for her. We don't have them in Arizona. 

There's something special Midwest Summers. 




My brothers & sister. A serious picture is always most followed by a silly picture. That's just us. My brothers are six and eight years younger than me, my sister and I are 11 months apart. It's hard being so far away from them at times, but I am thankful for trips like these.



Another high light of my trip was a day trip we took just over the border to Minnesota to see some of our friends and their babies. I'm so thankful for these girls that made the trip with their kiddos, to see me. My friend Jessie (to my right) is pregnant with #3 and her Hubby and Orion are really good friends. I love that we all got to see each other. 




Trip to the Zoo with my cousins and their kids, and my Aunt. My cousin Jeff is 10 years older than me, his wife Stacy I have known since I was in elementary school, she used to baby sit us. Now, here we are all these years later bringing all of our kiddos (second cousins to each other) to the zoo together. 




This trip was so fun! Seven days at home with family, to recharge and to reconnect. I love going home where things slow down, things are simple. It's a refreshing break from life. 



Swimming with Grandma & photo bombs my cousins! I can't wait to head back for Christmas. Ava is excited about snow and making snowmen with Grandma. The countdown is only a few more months. 

Happy Mother's Day.

For some of you today is a happy and sad day all at the same time. 

Some of you are holding your babies close tonight.

Some of you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a little one.

Some of you have lost babies.

Some of you are missing your mamas that are no longer here.

Some of you are single mothers who don't have any help, who are just trying to make it.

To all the women out there; holding your babies, waiting for your babies to arrive, missing the ones you lost, or have yet to come you matter, you are special, you are brave, you are a warrior, you are amazing! 

Today, my heart is praying for you. 

Happy Mother's Day!

These little ones, I have to really say thank you. Thank you for making me a mama. 

This year, I didn't want any gifts. All I wanted was a couple hours to myself. To run errands by myself. 

I gloriously walked around Target for an hour today. Ran some errands, and sat in my driveway in my car after coming home enjoying a coke zero. Seriously. 

The day before I enjoyed a nap, a nice long nap. Then we all went out to dinner together to celebrate. 

I had dessert, which I haven't had in a month. It was awesome. 

Then I pulled into the driveway today after my stint out today, and came through into the garage only to hear Zane screaming his head off. When I walked in the door my husband told me he'd been crying like that off and on for the 3 hours I was gone. 

Back to reality. For realz.

Happy Mother's Day to you all. 

Hope your day was beautiful.

Soak.

When I was a kid my Mother would often times crawl into my bed in the mornings when she came to wake me up. And sometimes we'd lay there for a bit.

She'd say "let's just sit and soak for a while."

Sometimes we'd sit there for 5-10 minutes before getting up. Sometimes It'd be even longer if it was a Saturday and I didn't have to go to school. Either way I treasured those moments with her, loved having her near brushing my hair and talking to me in those moments before we had to start the day.

I look back on those moments and realize they taught me some important lessons. Lessons like, how important it is to sit back and just be still.

Lessons like how important it is not to get caught up in things that don't matter and focus on what really does. Realizing that it's important to take in these small fleeting moments with my children who won't be little forever and who need me to be present now.

A lot of times we get so caught up (I do it too) in the things that have to get done during the day that we  miss out on moments that really make the day. Soaking it up means, realizing that it's ok if the dishes aren't done if it means I got some extra time to snuggle my babies.

give a girl a pile of paper clips and she'll sort them for a good 15 minutes.

So the reality is that my house is kinda a mess, we moved in over a month ago and we're just unpacked. Nothing is one the walls, beds are rarely made if I'm being honest. But, my kids are happy and healthy. We have cloths to wear and food in our bellies. And my family is complete. 

Things are kinda  all over the place right now, but it's ok because I've given myself grace to know that not everything has to be put together all of the time. 

Today we're soaking. 

And that's just fine with me. 

Christmas 2012 Re-Cap

Christmas has come and gone. I absolutely love this time of year, this year went by way to fast. I feel like since we had a baby 9 days before Christmas that it really has been all a blur. Thank goodness for pictures to help me remember it all. :)

Here's a little run down re-cap of our Christmas holiday in pictures. We were so blessed to have my Mom come into town on the 13th and stay till the end of the month with us. She was a big help to have here, my step Dad came a couple days before Christmas and spent the week with us as well. So blessed to have my parents here for the holidays with us.

Halls were decked.

Cookies were made.

A family picture was attempted. Trying to get a good family pic of the 4 of us with one squirmy toddler and a fresh newborn was interesting.

Is there nothing cuter than siblings in matchy Christmas shirts? I think not.

Merry Christmas! Hope you all had a blessed Christmas as well. 

Happy Thanksgiving from Our Family to Yours

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I hope that you are enjoying your day with family and friends today. From our family to yours we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

This year I am thankful for my God, who always provides. This year his provision and keeping of my family has been amazing to see HIM work. 

I am thankful for my Husband who is a great leader, father, husband and friend.

Thankful for my children Ava and baby Worley. We're excited for you to come baby brother. 

I am also thankful for my parents, siblings, grandparents and extended family. Family is one of the biggest blessings ever. 

This year we are blessed beyond measure by so many things.

What are you thankful for this year? I'd love to hear your list. 

Have a wonderful day! 

guilt that covers you like a warm blanket.

I don't even quite know when it happens or if there's a specific moment you can pin point when it starts to set it. But it's there. It's evident.

All of a sudden you're not sure.

You're second guessing yourself. You fight that battle between trying to do it all, have it all and still have time for everything else in your life.

It seems like a constant balancing act. A little bit of a war within yourself. Tugging you back and forth. At times it seems to ease up and just when you begin to give yourself a break there it is again smothering you like a warm blanket over you.

Guilt.



That motherhood guilt. It seems all consuming. Sometimes it may seem like you can't shake it, like it just won't go away. The truth is, I don't know a mother out there that hasn't found herself face to face with guilty feelings in some way or another during her journey in motherhood.

There are days that I feel so guilty that I'm not with Ava more, that she goes to daycare. It breaks my heart when I see her cry when I leave her.

Days when I feel guilty for lots of other reasons. I end up saying "no" to a lot of activities, lunch dates or dinners with friends because I feel so guilty being away from her one more day or hour.



The last few months the Lord has really been dealing with me in this area. I've been praying and trying to work through these feelings, because most of it I know is out of my control. Most of it, is the season we're in. And I know that it will pass, just like other seasons have. Seasons that felt so hard at the time but once you're out of them you feel like since you survived that you can do anything know.

Then you're challenged with another season God has you in, and that's where the lesson comes in. That's the chance to apply all that work that God did in your heart during the last season to the current season.

How do I deal with it? I try to remember and remind myself that I am not perfect. That life is not easy. But God is perfect. And when we seek his will and follow him that is perfection personified. 



I let myself off the hook. Because I know that it isn't my job to figure it all out. It's God's. I give him all my fears and short comings. And the prayers, and the reasons why I feel so guilty.

And then I remember that HE holds me to a standard of GRACE not PERFECTION.

Then I remind myself that I am only human, doing the best I can with what God's given me. And that it's OK if I can't do it all, or don't want to. That it's OK to say "no" to somethings, as long as I give myself a break, do something for myself every now and then. And try not to let that guilt be so suffocating and instead find freedom in who I am and who He's made me to be.



I pray today that you feel encouraged to let those feelings go, because they are crippling. And God wants you to find freedom and be the best woman, mother, wife, and friend that He's created you to be. Maybe you aren't a mother today, but maybe you're just a woman overwhelmed with guilt for various reasons this too if for you.

This is one of my favorite scriptures, because it reminds me that even when things aren't perfect God is. Even when I fail, He doesn't. And as long as I keep my eyes on Jesus he is always in control, he's my strength.

Though my heart and flesh may fail, God is the strength of my heart and portion forever. 

Some thoughts on notes and Encouragement

The last few weeks I've been doing a lot of reflecting during my times in prayer with the Lord, taking a look at myself and pondering how I can be better.

I realized something about myself that I've really become very lax on. Something that at one time was always on my mind and somehow unintentionally I've let go.

I realized I don't pray for my friends nearly enough as I should.

Sure, I try to encourage them, call, text, and email them as much as I can. But more than anything I think as much as I want my friends to think about me I want them to be praying for me. For the things I tell them I need prayer for but also for maybe the things they don't know.

Most of my friends do not live near me, so unfortunately we don't get to meet regularly, because of this I feel even more convicted to pray for them. To pray for the things I know going on in their lives, but more importantly to pray for the things that I don't know, for the things they don't know yet. The things unseen, and the things God has yet to do, but will in their lives. 

Along with this I wanted to do something practical, something to encourage them daily. I love a good little hand written note in the mail. And since I firmly believe that in order to have good friendships you have to be a good friend and exemplify those qualities yourself that you want in a friend. 

I've started weekly taking a small group of friends (3-5) and writing them a little note of encouragement on Sunday nights. And mailing them Monday morning, so that they get this little note at some point during the week. The next week, I'll pick a different group and send them a note. And so on, and so on. You get the idea. Continually rotating who gets a note each week. I hope it gives them a little happiness as they open their mail box, and gives them encouragement to know someone is thinking about them and praying for them. 

So here's my encouragement for you today; how can you show someone you love, a friend how much you care about them? How can you encourage them today? 

In my opinion the best things are small, but they are intentional and that's what matters most. 

*******

I like to get my note cards in the dollar bins at Target, Michael's and the Dollar Store. They always have some pretty note cards, stickers and stamps to make a note extra special. 

Follow Your Heart {Heart of Haiti}

<a href="http://www1.macys.com/campaign/social?campaign_id=134&channel_id=1&bundle_entryPath=/haiti_landing"><IMG SRC=" http://clevergirlscollective.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/heart-of-haiti-logo.jpg">a> This Mother's Day, I'm working with Clever Girls in support of Macy's Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the "trade, not aid" program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.

Today I want to share with you two amazing ladies in my life that have inspired me to follow my heart and grow as a Mother. They have been my examples in so many ways, and now as a mother myself I can't help but think they were some of the best examples.
My Mother, sometimes I feel speechless when it comes to my Mom. There aren't enough words or time to honestly describe just how much she means to me, and I'm often in awe of her selflessness and her giving spirit. She loves unconditionally even when I overflowed the dishwasher as a kid, or ruined her oak dining table with nail polish remover, and pressed her buttons as a teenager. She never gave up on me, always encouraged me. Taught me how to love people even when they don't love back, she taught me patience and how to give to others. She taught me the meaning and importance of remembering names, birthdays and how to pick out the perfect greeting card to give to someone. Thank you for coming to every dance recital, showing up every Friday night to watch me cheer, helping me get ready for every high school dance and pageant. Thank you for the endless shopping trips, and Subway & Sonic runs after church. You're one of the most amazing women, I know and for all that and more I say I love you Mom!

The other amazing woman in my life is my Grandma. There isn't a day that doesn't go by that I don't think about how you've shaped my life. You taught me how to cook, how to bake and how to sew. Thank you for the many amazing camping trips, taking me to the "lotion" and always giving me a place where my creativity could bloom. You taught me how to nurture and grow my relationship with Christ. You taught me the value of prayer, patience and perseverance. You believed in my dreams even when I didn't think they were possible. You are woman of prayer and wisdom. Something I hope to one day be too, your strength and generosity for people is amazing to me. Your selflessness and caring for others is something I admire most. The way you are a prayer warrior makes me in awe!

I know that I'll be able to me the same amazing Mother to little Ava just as my Grandma was to my Mother, and my Mother was to me. I've had amazing teachers. I love you both so very much, thank you for being in my life and loving me always.

~Andrea What is Macy’s Heart of Haiti? Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. Already, Heart of Haiti has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti, providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,500 people in the country.


Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry and paintings and is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

Heart of Haiti products are available online at Macy’s.com.

Thank you to Macy's Heart of Haiti for sponsoring my participation in this “Share Your Heart" promotion. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Easter Memories {2012}

Last year Easter weekend was eventful; an Urgent Care visit turned into Ava having pink eye. Our car broke down which turned into us buying a new one. What a difference a year makes. This year we enjoyed a relaxing weekend. An egg hunt, and a great church service, followed by a dinner we hosted for our friends.

 

I'd never hosted dinner before for Easter, but this year was really fun having our friends over and cooking up some Pioneer Woman goodness! We enjoyed some what of a Mexican Easter celebration with homemade pico de gallo and spicy pork. 

Truly blessed and so thankful for all that our Savior did for me, and for us. Happy Easter! 

{November} In A Nutshell

November flew right by me. I mean seriously, where did it go? We have been filling our weeks and weekends with all sorts of family things. We're definitely keeping busy and on the go. Which is kinda nice. We've been able to do more things as a family this year, which was one of my goals at the beginning of the year.

It's nice to feel that we're accomplishing that. Making memories together, and carving out intentional time. Here's some of the high lights from our month of November.



Nov. 2, we celebrated my Husband's 34th birthday! He is not much of a party person, and prefers quiet at home celebrations when it comes to his birthday. I made him a cake {a tradition I've done since we got married} and we hung out as a family that night. Eating, and opening cards.



We took Ava to the pumpkin patch later that weekend. This year was so much different than last year, it was fun to see her up and running around. She was interested in taking all the "punkins" home with her.



Nov. 11th, that afternoon Ava painted her pumpkin. I thought this would be really fun for her and it was. She really enjoyed getting paint on it. It was fun for me to watch her dip her fingers in the paint and look at me the first time making sure it was ok. We tried to do hand prints all over it, but then she smeared them before they could dry so I just let her "paint" it the way she wanted to.



Nov. 19th, Orion ran the Arizona Run for Rescue 10k! We woke up early that day and headed to Surprise for his run. He finished with a time of 59:09 and placed 7th in his age division and 11th over all for the 10k runners.

We're so proud of him! It's really fun to see him accomplish these goals and get to be there with him cheering him on at the finish line.



Throw Thanksgiving in the mix and that's how our November was spent! I'm actually very much looking forward to the month of December. We're traveling home to visit family for the first time in three years, it's going to be one amazing holiday.

I'm excited to see our family and get to spend Christmas with them. I'm taking a whole week off before we leave to spend it with Ava, I can't wait!

Iowa Visit {Spring 2011}

We visited Iowa back in February when we flew home to interview for a church. It was such a blessing that while we were there interviewing they let us sneak some time away to visit our family. We hadn't seen them since before Christmas and my heart was aching to be near them, laugh with them, and share some every day life with them.

To my surprise there wasn't an ounce of snow left in Iowa. I was looking forward to Ava playing in it and taking some cute photos. Please note, she still has yet to discover snow. But, I won't complain because we Worleys will take sun over snow any day.

my mom with Ava. And I love this picture with all my "sisters." one by blood and the others by marriage. I am lucky.

my precious nieces. they are so beautiful and wonderful. and they love Ava to death.

I struggle so much with living so far from home now that Ava is in our world. Before when I was a single girl it didn't bother me. When Orion and I were first married and living in Minnesota I knew there would come a day when we wouldn't be just a drive away. I miss being near them. I miss being able to come over to their houses whenever I want. But when we are home, it's the most amazing feeling to be around the people who we love and love us too. We cram as much in as we can, see as many people and soak up all the goodness that is family.

my brother and his wife they love Ava so much! I am so thankful for them.

they threw a little birthday party for Ava while we were home.

And a few hours later we threw a engagement party for my brother and his fiance' Jordan.

And one of the biggest blessings about being home was that my sweet friend Jessie and her little boy Jimmy made the trip to Iowa to visit with us. I miss her so much, and it was so good to see her. I can't wait to go stay with her in June when I make a trip back to Minnesota.

Ava and Jimmy will be married one day. We're crossing our fingers for an arranged marriage!

My Aunt & Uncle, they are so awesome! I just love them. Let me tell you a story, when Orion and I got married they gave us the same champagne glasses they drank out of from their wedding. She wrapped them up and included a note that looked exactly like the paper from the person who gave them to them for their wedding. They passed them onto us. It was such a beautiful gesture and I loved having that little piece of them on our big day! They have such a legacy.

My sister in law Jessie, and my future sister in law Jordan. Aren't they adorable! I just love them both. I'm so lucky and blessed that my brothers chose amazing ladies to marry!

I'm looking forward to seeing family again this summer when we travel to Oregon for our family reunion.

Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.