Fall photos at Enchanted Gardens

Today is my sweet boy’s 1st birthday. This year has been incredibly long yet, fleeting at the same time. Life has certainly changed in so many ways, but one thing that is certain is my love for this crew. I loved capturing these moments at Enchanted Gardens in Richmond. We headed out there early one Friday morning and staked out a few places for photos. This spot was my favorite. Enchanted Gardens is a nursery but also has so many other aspects, lots of pots, roosters, goats , a greenhouse and shopping. They also have food trucks on the weekends.

I took a blanket and some OFF spray so we wouldn’t be attacked by hay and mosquitos. Thankfully it was still cool outside and I was able to capture these moments.

There is so much going on this month! Birthdays, fall festivities and Halloween celebrations. I cannot wait to experience it all with them. I hope you’ve filled your calendar with all the (safe) fall fun that is happening. I’m hoping and praying for all the fall cool fronts to sweep into our area. We are so ready for fall.

Amber

A New School Year

Kindergarten is in full swing at our house as Peter and I have chosen to home school. We are home schooling mostly because it is something that we can control in a world full of uncontrollable things.

I decided to go with a curriculum called Sonlight based on a friend’s recommendation (Thank you so much, Melody!). It’s literature based with lots of colorful books and it is very easy to dive into. When the box came in, it felt like Christmas. I love books and the girls were so excited to see so many of them. (We are awaiting the science portion of our curriculum, several people are homeschooling these days, so science and several other books are currently on back-order.)

I am no expert on homeschooling, but I feel like this program is fail proof. It’s all laid out in an easy to use design and it is very easy to follow. As silly as this sounds, I almost feel like a substitute teacher jumping right into a lesson, that is how well this program is put together, and I am so thankful for that.

Each subject has several objectives. As we complete each objective, I cross them off the list. On the days I work and Peter is home, he can easily pick up where I left off.

Our first day was not what I expected at all.

Peyton and I both actually enjoyed it.

We began with history and reading books on historical figures. Included in the teacher’s guide are questions that you can ask your child about what we just read. Next, we tackle reading and writing. This past week we read a book about a scuba diver and his encounter with dolphins. We also practiced writing the letter F in upper and lower cases.

Found this cute little divider at Target in the dollar spot for $5.

We save math for the end of the day. Presently, we’re learning that numbers are real tangible things. Included in the curriculum are small blocks, manipulatives, that can be used with each lesson. The girls love to play with them.

Peyton is loving our one on one time. I am definitely seeing a different side of her that I have never seen before.

All of the learning takes place in our office/ gym. I purchased a cubicle organizer for our books and a desk for her to do lessons at. I’ll probably add more as time goes on, but for now this is all we need to get started.

I found this desk at At Home a few weeks ago. We were planning to get one for her room anyway. I love the gold details. I’m still searching for a chair for her. For now, one of the dining rooms chairs will do.

It’s such a weird time for everyone right now. Whatever path you choose to take, just know that there is no right or wrong way to do things. It’s simply what works for you and your family.

I don’t know where this road leads. I don’t know what the future holds. But I do know who holds the future.

We’re all in this together,

Amber

This post is not sponsored, just sharing our experience.

Happy Birthday, My Sweet Peyton

I can’t believe that our oldest is 5. It seems like only yesterday that I found out I was expecting. Peter and I had been married for almost 2.5 years and we were looking forward to having children. I remember our conversations about it. We would’t have them until the time was right. Our plan was to graduate, secure great jobs, buy a house…etc. But honestly, no matter how prepared you are, I’m not sure there is ever a right time to start having kids!

I feel such a tremendous responsibility to them and as much as we are trying to lay a foundation for their future, I know that trusting God for their future is the best thing we can do for them.

I recently heard a sermon about having fun with our kids. The words spoken were, “It’s not your job to ensure your children’s success in life, it’s your job to make sure they feel loved and are having fun.” This hit me so hard. I want Peyton to say that her childhood was fun and that she felt loved. I know that one day she will face all of those adult responsibilities. For now, I want to have fun with her and show her the love of God.

Peyton, I am so thankful for you. You are such a blessing to me and I am thankful that God chose me to be your mama. Happy 5th Birthday, sweet girl.

Photos by: @thehoustonbloggerphotographer

Charlotte's Birth- Super Bowl Sunday

Don’t Blink Photography

Justin Timberlake had just belted out his opening tune during the half time show when I felt a cramp that was the equivalent to a steak knife stabbing my abdomen. It was at that moment that I put my plate of super bowl goodies down, looked over at my sister and decided to call my ob.

It was February 4th, 2018 and I was 9 months pregnant. I woke up that Sunday, made my usual bathroom trip and thought to myself, I think today is the day. I had started feeling a slight tinge in my stomach that morning, not enough to alarm me, but just enough to make me aware. I drank more water and waited for either my water to break or for the pains to become so unbearable I’d have to act on them. After all, I certainly did not want to be a false alarm, taking up valuable resources at the hospital.

My sister and brother-in-law invited us to their house for the game. Peter stayed home and meal prepped for his work week and I went to Kroger and waddled around trying to find something to share at their gathering (and I secretly hoped that walking around the store would help move this pregnancy along).

So there I was, watching the half time show, clenching the arms of the sofa, when I decided it was time. I called my ob and explained my symptoms, of course she advised to come in and that she would be the on call Dr. the next morning, so I felt at ease. My younger sister went to pick up Peter and he drove me to the hospital.

Once I was placed on the toco monitor and I saw the contractions myself, I knew there was no turning back now. I was already dilated too much and Charlotte was on her way very soon. I was thankful that I listened to my body. Charlotte didn’t wait for my ob, about 6 hours later she entered the world with the ob on call that night. She arrived at 1 am. With tiny feet and a tiny nose, she filled up a very large space in our hearts. Can’t believe she’ll be 1.

-Amber