Sakura Bloom Sling Diaries Vol. IV: Confidence

Dear Ava,

"No woman is a more vibrant instrument in the hands of the Lord than a woman of God who is thrilled to be who she is." --Sheri Dew

Thinking back over different stages of my life...I can remember times when I wasn't "thrilled" to be who I was. My confidence was fragile--whether I was struggling with my physical appearance, not believing in my ability to accomplish my goals or try new things, or not having confidence in my spirit being able to get through hard times. I hope you come to know Ava, before I really did, that being confident in your own skin and your body's abilities is awesome, but it's not everything. That no matter how many times you try and fail, you can always always always try again! And that through different stages in life you will be stretched far beyond what you're comfortable with, but I promise that you'll learn through it all and come out stronger and more confident if you remember that you're not alone.

As your mom, I am with you and your sweet brother all the time, and yet I can feel so lonely at times. Honestly, motherhood has thrown more blows at my confidence in myself than I'd like to admit. But Ava, your unconditional love for me--your trust and your forgiving, little heart--is what always builds it back up. You and your brother are daily evidences that I can have an impact on the world. Takes me breath away just thinking about it!

You'll be two this March, and you're already miss independent...as long as you feel comfortable in your surroundings. ;) When we're out and about, you are passionate about either being worn in your sling or walking and exploring all by yourself. I appreciate both! Aves, I think that wearing you from the start has been a beautiful way to instill in you a comfort and confidence that you are loved, which has helped you feel good about venturing out and trying things on your own. I'll wear you as often as you'll let me. Seeing the world from similar points of view never loses its magic. It sure added to the magic we experienced at the Ice Castles in Midway this past weekend!

And back to the quote I shared with you at the beginning...I am thrilled to be your mom Ava. I am thrilled to be your sweet Daddy's wife. I am thrilled to be a sister and a friend and a woman of God who makes mistakes but tries to learn from them. And I am thrilled to be able to watch you become an instrument in His hands. I love you Ava, always. 

Love,
Mom

** I'm wearing Ava in a Simple Linen Sakura Bloom sling, in silver. Thanks to my sweet Adam for taking these pictures. :)

A Good Day for Sledding

New Years Day we decided to start the year out right--got outside to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a day of sledding! It was a beautiful day. The snow was super packed-down and not prime for sledding, but we made the best of it! Winter sure is beautiful here in Utah.

Dear Brooks,

Today it snowed. And it snowed and snowed. Felt like we were living in a giant snow globe and we kind of loved it. :) While Ava slept, you and I headed out, per your request, to "play snowball fight like ELF"...oh, bring it on. ;) Wish I could have captured video of our sheniangans! But considering that I finally took my phone out with us capture some fun in all that powder (we've loved the snow the last couple weeks!) I'll call it good.

Watching you, sweet boy, try to catch snowflakes on your tongue, stomp through knee-deep snow, making and throwing snowballs in your batman gloves that are too big for your little hands, and then reminding you where your pockets were so you could warm up those hands that you said were "so wet and so code" were just a few moments that made my mama heart smile. And after you decided even your hat was "wet and code", we came inside to soak gingerbread cookies in milk, and it topped off our afternoon pretty nicely. We've had some pretty great mom-and-Brooks afternoons lately, and I treasure them. I treasure you.

Love you forever Brooks! And I'm so excited for our white Christmas next week!

Love,

Mom

Melting

It has been a GORGEOUS winter. I've loved feeling like we were living in a snow globe. Little flurries could constantly be seen outside our windows...snow covered every branch of every tree...the mountains looked like they had a thick, white blanket tossed right over them...for a few weeks there were giant, stunning icicles lining every roof in sight...and when evenings came the snow would turn a lovely orange-y pink color from the sunset, then at night the streetlights and moonlight make the snow almost glow. 

But over the last couple weeks, the snow covering our yard has been melting, we can see grass starting to peak through, and tree branches everywhere are bare. To say I am excited to soon go to the park with the littles and play outside in the fresh air more often, well, that would be an understatement. But at the same time, my snow-deprived-childhood-heart is sad to see it go. 

So call me crazy, but even near the end of this crazy-long winter that has pounded us with the snow, I still love this white stuff. I may not be a fan of driving in it, but it makes me grateful for a warm home and the time I get to stay inside all cozy with our little family. And knowing how much my Dad would love to get some powder back home in Washington, makes me appreciate it even more.

Anyone else out there love snow??

My favorite snowy memories this past winter here, here, and here.

Sledding

It's been a winter wonderland here since Christmas. Icicles line every roof in sight and the ground and trees are covered in sparkly snow, so much that some days it feels like we live in a snow globe. :) But because we were sick over the holiday, we weren't able to get out and enjoy it. New Years came around and we were all feeling better just in time to get out and do some sledding with my parents and sister who were in town. It was so fun! Even though she was all snow-suited-up, Ava was a peach and slept in her carseat the whole time. And Brooks, he loved the snow but not the sledding, after one run he was done. But he did love watching us sled, and every time we reached the bottom he'd tell us to, "Go, go! Agaaain!" So we did. :) The hill was tiny, but I still couldn't help but scream all the way down.  Thank you Kira for letting us borrow a couple sleds! Our freezing buns were thanking us for that soft pad on the long one. ;) And to warm us up, we all enjoyed some hot chocolate we picked up from Maverick (my favorite).

As the sun began to set Adam and "Gram-mom" taught Brooks to blow the powdery snow from his gloves and he thought it was pretty awesome, love that boy. :) 

It was a good day.