hello monday

I spent the entire weekend with these fabulous ladies. 

It was awesome. 

We ate, shopped, crafted, and talked and talked and talked.

We stayed up way too late...at least too late for me. 

And I am tired today.

But it was SO much fun. 

Most of these ladies I have gotten to know through blogging. 

What a crazy thing this blog world can be sometimes. 

Wow. 

I am so blessed to know each one of these women. 

They all have different life stories and passions and such big hearts. 

I know that my voice as a blogger is largely a result of losing my sweet baby girl. 

And I couldn't help but think that getting to spend the weekend 

with these amazing and talented women was a little gift from the Lord. 

A reminder that He continues to bring beauty out of ashes.

I did hate leaving my boys behind though. 

I missed them. 

And I was glad to go home and be mama and wife again.

Joel did such a great job with Levi of course. 

I didn't worry one bit. 

And Levi loved the time with his daddy. 

I came home after being gone for only two days, 

and Levi had changed so much.

How does that happen in two days?

Daddy and Grandma taught him how to sign "more".

This child never stops eating.

He wants more all the time.

And now he knows how to tell me. :)

He also is walking about ten times faster then when I left.

Slow down baby!

You are growing up too fast.

And just in case I don't remember,

somebody likes to remind me how big he is.

I know...you are not a baby anymore.

You are SO big.

When we were outside last week he was throwing his ball around the yard.

Not a babyish thing to do at all.

Then he would bend down to pick it up.

So big.

He was trying to walk everywhere outside.

No crawling.

Even getting his first steps through the mud.

Before I know it he is going to be running up and down the driveway.

It was so nice to be outside so much last week.

But I'm pretty sure that the only sunshine we will be 

enjoying today is through these pictures.

Good thing we didn't put the snowsuit away yet!

Oh well.

Sunshine or not,

today I am just thankful for...

new friends,

weekend get-aways,

and a sweet family to come home to.

Hope your Monday is great!