The Merwin Family

happy birthday brayden - 6 !

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 20:30:00 +0000

Yeah I'm a few months late in posting...

but I happened to run across these birthday photos- and had to post when I had a few min!

Every year it seems so surreal when my kids are turning another year older.

I wish I could bring time to a screeching halt most days.

Brayden asked for a "lego" party when he turned 6.

I found a lady who brings all the lego kits and props to set up races.

Her prices were incredible and I'd highly recommend her:

= amazing!!

This big bro. He is something else.

I had several commenting to me on Kyler;

What a huge help he was in setting up, assisting kids in building, cleaning up, and finally -the aspect that slayed this lego lady- was that Kyler had constructed cars on the side, and set them all up as rentals. Except he wouldn't take the money for them.

I love that our kids are total entrepreneurs.

Whether it be selling handmade goods, lemonade stands, garage sales or renting premade lego cars, ha!

We kept the party to just a few families,

which made for a perfect afternoon of playtime and pizza.

When you're a teenager, the lego cars aren't quite as exciting.

But these girls managed smiles and helping with races.

It was a fun cake-smash and gift opening.

Legos abounded

And so did the smiles and sugar.

The candy lego blocks were a hit.

The molds we bought for jelloO blocks were not.

They were a crumbled mess.

Pinterest Fail.

No one seemed to mind all the things that didn't go right.

Our 6 year old felt loved and enjoyed his day thoroughly.

Happy Birthday, B !

Christmas Joy

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 20:28:00 +0000

We are in the thick of the holiday season. This is usually where people start asking "are you going crazy yet...are you buried in Christmas...can we just get a few more weeks to prepare"?

I've always loved Christmas. But the past few years I've really had to fight for the joy that comes with the celebration.
Because I'm learning some things about myself.
I can take on too much.
I feel guilty about enjoying it "too much" because there's so many who don't (just being honest about that one- it could be it's own blog post).
I've put a lot of pressure on myself to make it "magical" for my kids.
And the list goes on.

BUT after learning those things about myself, I've become a bit more proactive in being joyful and enjoying this season personally.
I've dropped the unattainable expectations on myself.
I've become more realistic about how much time I actually have (without losing tons of sleep).
I help with families and organizations that I feel lead to. And I try to do it ahead of the season.
I get our kids involved in helping others at Christmas.
I let our house get messy. Really mess. And i let it go.

photography studio office sneak peek!

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 21:39:00 +0000

It may have taken me a year to say...

but I'm finally putting the finishing touches in my studio.

For all the tips, tricks and inspiration-

+ a sneak peek into our journey,

go to

www.kristinmerwin.com

My Saturday Jam

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 13:58:00 +0000

6 AM and it's Saturday.

Which means no ones up early to hustle and bustle out the door. The house is still and quiet. Soccer games kick in this morning but that's hours away.

Sleeping in has become a new treasure since school resumed.

I was up early as the sun rose. Our temps dip into the 60's if you're up before 6 AM. Count me in for that.

This Montana girl at heart, is drawn out like a magnet -from my cozy bed onto the patio- for cooler temps, my bible and that golden light that dances off the water and through the trees.

It sets my heart straight and refreshes my mind.

A new day to be grateful for.

Fall fun

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 02:10:00 +0000

Saturday sleep-in's

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 23:51:00 +0000

Sleeping in today and other luxuries that I have missed ...

We are eeeeeasing our way back into fall schedules. Kayli has started valley performances back up (today) and John was a gem to take her.

Other than that, only Kyler has soccer practices & Brooklyn/Brayden haven't yet begun their fall "extras". Happy dance!

Academics seem to be more than enough to adjust to as we come down from our summer travels and freedom :)

Everyone who knows me knows that fall is heavenly to me. The crisp seasonal smells, "fresh starts" of a new school year and comfort foods that I love to serve to everyone who's over.

Today, as John drove Kayli to her phoenix performance, I took the opportunity to fill the crockpot with fall flavors. This slower pace meant I could even pause enough to freeze time for a blog post. I've really missed journaling our happenings and memories.

I moved slowly, lit seasonal candles/filled diffusers, turned the jazz music up. Although they tried to hide, I coerced the boys & "extra" kiddos into helping scrub/vacuum (they work in exchange for sugar cookies)

While I purged cabinets and organizers, I remembered how quickly they become overstuffed with papers, planners and schoolwork. And -as I do every year- I silently vowed to myself to not become buried in that again.

This is my year to StAy organized!

((Sigh))

But for now, I'm going to enjoy the cleaned space, fresh opportunity to organize again, and the grace I'll give myself for probably never becoming "on top" of this mom gig.

I'm looking forward to so much this coming season; even when my best intentions become buried in life's beautiful mess.

Life really is good even on days that it isn't.

Snuggle conversations

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 19:33:00 +0000

Mom: I love you so much brayden.

Brayden: I love you too.

Mom: I think you are very special.

Brayden: thanks ... I do too.

"Momma why are you laughing"?

Living it!

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 04:13:00 +0000

After a weekend away with family, we are reminded of how thankful we are to have each other. I have a wedding/travel post but for now I'm dumping these cell pics from my phone.

Fun at sunsplash!

Happy campers return home.

They LOVED it up north for girls camp.

Kayli is prepping for big invitation and more opportunities.

I'm an editing machine of some beautiful family photos. Kayli & Saylor. Love.

Daddy runs off to golf with brayden

while kyler is in NYC with Paulette and Sutton. Fun!

A last photo from our trip before I crash for the evening and dream about that peaceful water in North Dakota.

Diplomas & Dimples

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 14:50:00 +0000

Dimples & Diplomas.

We've had a lot of them this week!

Brayden from kindergarten.

Brooklyn from elementary school.

Kayli from middle school.

Phewwww I'm glad last week is over!

Smiles all around.

So proud of these graduates of mine.

I'm also pretty grateful that I finished up a goal of mine --just in the nick of time--

Yep. I'm certified.

Not just certifiably crazy (maybe a little).

But certified as a wellness & life coach!

I finished with a 98% on the written.

And 100% on the practicum.

Insert. || Happy Dance ||

And our celebration of Summer's well-earned ReSt.

Treasures in the trash

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Thu, 26 May 2016 16:11:00 +0000

I dove head first into the piles of paperwork the kids' backpacks have been spilling this week.

Admist the trash, chewed off erasers, nubbed crayons and graded homework lies a few tiny treasures to remember.

I opened Brayden's daily school folder and smiled.

I remembered him starting kindergarten this year and being a bit apprehensive about how it would go being away from me all day.

After the first day, he said "look mom, I wrote your name and dad's name into my folder so it makes me happy every time I open it at school.

It's these little things, scribbles, and thoughts that I appreciate and want to remember.

It's hard to believe this chapter is closing.

Our last kindergartener is moving up!

The end is near

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Wed, 25 May 2016 17:29:00 +0000

I can see the light at the end of this!

School's winding down, sports season just ended,

-it's graduation, party, and celebration time.

It's where the fruit of many months of hard work & labor show themselves.

While the crazy hours of practices, carpooling, homework, projects can be

tedious and long...

they've each been recognized and rewarded in classrooms and activities.

Most importantly, I've seen so much growth on the insides of them and watched them truly thrive and bloom.

Also blossoming is the messes in our house in this crazy season of overstuffed calendars. It's too much to keep up with this week.

Some of my fave blog posts are glimpses

of the sights & perspectives of our home and calendar, right where we are in life.

Games (Brooklyn's softball and Kyler's baseball) have been taking the majority of our weeknights. B's started at 7:45 pm and would keep us out until nearly 10 pm. I think us parents should gotten trophies at the end of the season, ha!

Anyway I walked around and snapped some cell pics of what the "end of year" wrath has left on our house.

Papers, binders, backpack contents, remnants of hard work, scattered around. Waiting for a slow in schedules to be cleaned, purged or filed away into scrapbooks.

Laundry and pool towels that leave evidence of the abundant fun had by lots of kids.

Parties prepped and awaiting the bustle of happy 8th grade graduating girls tomo night.

I love our "lived-in" home.

I love the hub of activity that is a constant confirmation of what the sign says that hangs by our front door:

A place where you're allowed to be exactly who you are.

A place where things don't have to look perfect and everyone is free to grow, change and be.

I'll probably be known as the lady with the untidy house and smiling kids but..

it's an intentional decision to place my priorities exactly where they are.

"Love grows best in houses just like this"

Gearing up for summer

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Sun, 15 May 2016 22:47:00 +0000

Gearing up for summer

means

our family begins gearing down.

These six days a week that have been overstuffed with lessons, games, scouts, recitals, programs and practices- not even including academic/school commitments- they are ending soon.

I have so much to update to this little blog of ours. I'm excited to catch it up to speed/refresh it with a new look coming soon.

Until then, I will smile as we enjoy the final weeks of the school year and celebrate our change of pace that's so close we can taste it!

(shooting/editing some photos as a graduation gift for some cute sixth graders)

Beyond proud of these four driven children, who have big heart and determination. They've worked so hard and truly each done their best in what's been in front of them.

Here's to a couple more weeks of tying up loose ends and resting in the summer schedule ahead.

Raising a tween_____

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Sat, 14 May 2016 04:18:00 +0000

So many ways I could fill in the blank to that ___sentence..

#bestofdays #worsoftdays

And any mom of a tween,

She would understand.

Loving the life we live...

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 18:52:00 +0000

and ... Living the life we love.

With that, I've been having to get really intentional about both that mindset and the use of my time (as I sit outside Kayli's orthodontist appointment posting with my bloggers APP) so...blurry cell pics but all the same love to follow, ha!

Nearly 6 years ago to this month, John and I went shopping to purchase a boat. We said for years of raising kids that when our last baby turned one year old, we'd invest into a boat for our family. A few weeks before Brayden turned one, we headed out to the local marina store.

I don't remember a lot of that experience, except Brayden toddling around and glancing over to see Kyler hanging off the side of one of the showroom models. Those were some foggy days. John and I shopped and discussed for quite awhile- then eventually decided we were "too busy" to make an investment into a boat. Too busy and too broke, actually. Anything "extra" was being socked into mattress equipment and a savings for a home we dreamed about. Too busy because we were SURE that things would slow down once John wasn't working 80 hours a week building the business and I wasn't chasing four children under the age of 9.

Fast forward to 2016.

I laugh now at how "busy" we felt. And that time we thought life would slow down. Sometimes I catch myself yearning for those simpler days. Truthfully though, we're in a good place in our family but we're certainly in a controlled state of chaos with schedules. Color coding names on a dry erase board seems to be the only way we can keep straight our six days/week of lessons, practices and games. I take it day by day or anxiety can creep in, big time.

In March, we escaped the busy-ness for a family trip to Sundance. That skiing trip for us over spring break was an eye opening time for John and I. We spent days on a mountain, freezing cold, skiing, snowboarding, falling, laughing, whining, but we did it together. And we did it without phones, ipads or the chatter of the world. And at the end of the week, every child agreed that it was indeed the very best trip we'd ever had as a family. And John and I agreed.

So once we dealt with the fact that our life with 4 active, involved kids wouldn't (anytime soon) get less "busy," we did some talking and reevaluating. And we decided to take a second look at the option of buying a boat - kind of an escape plan from the real world. The kids begged and pleaded for us to consider it, after we'd gone back and forth.

In the end, John surprised everyone by pulling up to the house with our "action plan" of stealing our kids from the rest of the world. We couldn't get it on the water fast enough.

It came just in time for us to enjoy it with our awesome friends, the B family, who are annual Easter visitors for us.

We tubed, they fished, we laughed, soaked up the sun, and basically tuned in to the great outdoors together with a few less distractions.

Last weekend, with my eyes glazing over at the calendar, we made a last minute decision. As posted on instagram, I admitted that we indeed skipped part of Sat plans, a baseball practice and

set our intentions on a new adventure.

A few phone calls -20 minutes later- we had filled a bag with sunscreen, snacks, extra kids and hit the road to a local lake we'd heard was amazing.

We saw herds of wild goats, swam in the gorgeous blue water, tubed, go-pro'd some fun, but mostly made amazing memories that the girls were still laughing about at last night's softball game.

No days are not slowing down.

Kids are getting older.

Issues are getting tougher.
But one thing is the same and that is us making those memories we want our family to have.

A foundation of good values, love for Christ, hard work --but guess what else?

FUN.

That they remember that their parents loved them more than anything and wanted to make the most of the time we have together.

I'm determined to enjoy all that we can -in the time that we have- and find antidotes to the stress and chaos.

And this.

Whether it's playing in the yard,

or gathered on a tattered old quilt,

on land, in the air, or floating the water...

anywhere

(Void of the endless distractions)

there is something extra important to celebrate, enjoy.

And have immense gratitude for.

family | friends
US.

Intrigued and Curious

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 19:13:00 +0000

Would explain me in many areas.

Especially about this life coaching that so many around the US are turning to, for encouragement and processing many of life's roadblocks.

This profession has interested me for a few years, since I first heard of friends/acquaintances being coached and hearing of their services being offered in our community. I always thought how wonderful to be equipped with real tools & problem-solving techniques for challenges.

So I took the plunge and enrolled into an integrative wellness academy, to become certified myself. I began this curriculum (and personal journey) back in Jan and I'm finishing up the last of my modules, assignments, wellness journal, and action plans for academy's review in May.

In late May I'll take the final exam and (per receiving a high enough score) be certified as a life coach.

This entire process has been one of big growth for me. I'm learning a ton about myself through personality testing, professionals reviewing/reflecting the findings, following (and really living!) the coaching guidelines/recommendations. I'm basically just realizing how imperative mental healing & health is for each of us as a whole person.

Initially I was hesitant to tell anyone what I'm pursuing because I felt one needed a "perfect life" and needed to make all of their own "perfect choices" before they have a certification like that (or at least tell anyone about it haha!). Soooo that basically meant it'd be my secret forever, ha!

Then I decided that was really prideful and quite ridiculous because, well, no one ever "arrives" and frankly if we're not in a continual state of reflecting and processing the balance of our lives, we're probably in a state of denial. Speaking here for myself, of course :).

I'm in the last modules of the healing strategies within this curriculum. I'm completely fascinated at all of the findings and tools we can personally use to heal not just our bodies, but our minds and emotions. And how closely intertwined our systems are.

Up next is filling up my tool belt to equip myself and (hopefully) others with relevant, effective ways to find balance in life. Im really anxious for the upcoming "action plan" ! Mind mapping, "SMART goals" exercises, and what effective dialogue looks like as a life coach. Not EVER "fixing" someone (hallelujah that's never a life coaches lane) but showing others the tool belt -that allows THEM to choose what they'd like to try, what works for them, ect. I love it because it's a safe, non judgemental road map, using the "MEPS (mental, emotional, physical, spiritual) system" that looks at the person as a whole. Belief that we all have within ourselves the ability to self-discover and make the choices best for our reality and perceptions. It's doable and relevant. And it works.

Lastly is the business 101 of life coaching. While its mandatory to learn for certification, I don't think of this as a career or profession for myself. I never did. I'm at a place of self discovery myself and I'm overcoming some real hangups I've personally dealt with. If I can equip my growing kids and someone who comes to me, even better. But I'm grateful to know its never my purpose or intention to provide anyone a fake persona or "fix" anything for anyone.

Here's to an exciting personal journey that actually encourages exposing hurts/pain, finds beauty within those ashes and opens up paths of wellness. My eyes are opening to a new world that leaves me hopeful and rejuvenated.

And here's to taking that plunge and living life

ALL IN!

when words fail you

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:16:00 +0000

There are so, so many countless experiences that I've had- that never make it on this little family blog. Some I want to share so badly, but I error on the side of caution when those stories involve vulnerabilities of those I love; I never want to share a story that doesn't belong to me. Or bring hurt and pain to anyone not ready to open it to others.

Two years have passed since this particular experience, and with my friend's blessing and encouragement, I've decided to share my story of meeting Annabelle.

Typical girlfriends:

When my awesome friend Gina discovered she and her hubby were having a sweet baby girl (#3) we did what girlfriends do.

We began a "secret" pinterest board :) Such a girl thing-right? Plan a party!

There was a couple concerning things on the ultrasound, but nothing that held too much weight. I'd had similar readings on ultrasounds and we all know that those pesky tests & ultrasounds are a blessing and can be a curse of worry too.

I asked Gina if I could throw her a "sprinkle"- which is not a full shower but just a celebration of this precious new addition. And so we pinned. And I pinned some more. I found sprinkle cakes, sprinkle decor, sprinkles of everything delightful. I was giddy with excitement, as I love me a celebration of new life. Planned a photo session of three sweet little girls, how much fun will that be?!

A few weeks went by. I got a call from Gina that things on that ultrasound had not progressed well. Not at all as any of us were expecting.

After another call, late one evening from Gina's husband, the news wasn't what we were believing for. I barely slept at all that night. I drove to the hospital to meet them the next morning. I cried all the way there, the drive was a blur. I don't remember even parking the car, as I walked into the entry with tears pouring from my eyes. A nurse approached me, and I whispered which room I was looking for. I do remember clearly, she put her head down- arm around me and walked with me, telling me that it was her first day working there. She said "do you pray"? And I told her that I did indeed pray, I'd been doing it ceaselessly for this family and I'd also been praying that I could do what was in front of me to do. I told her I'd been planning this baby girl's upcoming shower and wasn't equipped to deal with the devastating future. She said softly "I'll help you find their room and I'll also pray with you". We walked down a long corridor and I felt terrified, like I was in a movie.

And then, as quickly as that nurse appeared, she was gone as Gina's parents approached me.

"Annabelle's just beautiful" gently spoken as true doting grandparents.

I proceeded into the delivery room to meet this precious girl they'd named Annabelle Grace.

And beautiful she was.

10 fingers and 10 tiny toes.

She had her older sister, Mylee's adorable lips, and resembled her oldest sister Cadence, with her little nose. I hugged Gina & Ryan as they thanked me for coming to take Annabelle's photos.

A delivery room should never be a place of loss.

But that morning of Feb 15 it was for my dear friends.

An ultrasound revealed that Annabelle's heart had stopped. This perfect little girl would be delivered into the world by my brave friend who would never be able to take her home. I remember just staring at Annabelle, she was so beautiful in every way.

It was just the 4 of us in that little space of the hospital but I completely felt like I was in a different world.

There was an unexplainable unbelievably thick spirit of peace in that room.

The heaviness that I had felt going in, immediately lifted as I walked through the doors.

I can't even put into words the surreal feeling but I didn't need to with Ryan and Gina, they were swept up into it as well.

The nurses had brought in some special outfits and I documented many gifts they'd be able to do but once- her daddy bathed her carefully and placed a tiny diaper on her for photos. We spoke quietly and even smiled of her familiar features, her incredible and peaceful delivery into the world, and how God had picked up and carried Ryan and Gina all the way to the point we were standing.

An hour passed almost like one second.

I left Annabelle's delivery room, knowing we had captured the essence of how precious and loved she is.

As strong as my desire was to not enter that room, even more strong was my desire to now stay. But I knew their time with Annabelle was slipping away, and it was my cue to go.

The minute I walked into the outside parking lot, I smelled the fresh spring air, felt the warm sunshine and something (what was that weight?) hit me like a ton of bricks.

That beautiful spirit that carried me all the way through Annabelle's photos, was not with me (or I just didn't feel it) as I pulled onto the freeway and cried all the way home. I remember (crazy as it sounds) that I was angry all these people are just going on with their lives, as if my friend's world hadn't just stopped? It isn't logical or legitimate but that was my thought process.

Life for Ryan and Gina changed in every way possible, following the loss of Annabelle. I would like to say that it was a gentle transition without her. But life for them was an uphill climb for awhile- leading into their new season. It got downright ugly for awhile. Not being able to ease the pain of those you love, that is the heartbreaking exchange of friendship. "Difficult" didn't scratch the surface of what their family dealt with. However, they displayed a new picture of "strong" as it seemed that from their foundation - on up, things were being stripped away.

As one season led into another, however, I watched them courageously rebuild their mindsets and soon their lives- from career to faith to family.

With an abundance of courage and transparency, my friend has recently begun a project called

"I am Crowned"

Anyone who's ready to face their past, who's needing compassion for the struggle they're in, and/or who's excited to embrace the future - should consider subscribing to Gina's blog

Gina's perspective is from someone who "gets it". She starts from the beginning of her journey and works her way into the present. Her writing is raw and relevant and I'm so proud of her. "I am Crowned" is a journey that she's been brave enough to bring into social media and the blogging world, in hopes that others may find healing and compassion.

As for me, I'll never thank God enough for NOT answering my prayer, which was "please let Gina change her mind of having me in Annabelle's delivery room". Yes, I'm shamefully admitting that I didn't think I had the fortitude to be there. I was confident I couldn't, at first.

How many of us, won't do the hard things asked of us, because it's easier to put our heads in the sand- get busy doing nothing, and deny God the opportunity to show up for us.

Maybe when it counts the most?

I will forever have a connection with that beautiful little girl, perfectly named Annabelle Grace.

I will forever look at motherhood differently than I did before Feb 15.

Holding Annabelle and walking through the grief with her family, made my perspective shift from temporary and short-term to eternal.

The big picture is one that I don't do perfectly, but I see more often than not. It makes me more patient, compassionate, and it helps me to shift my priorities to family and relationships. They will always come before "stuff" and "busy work". Yes my perspective has changed in so many ways since that day, and I know that I will be forever grateful to be included in this family's journey.

As Annabelle celebrates her second birthday in heaven, I remember in detail this beautiful experience, full of heartbreak- so much heartbreak.

But also brimming with an undeniable redemption.

And inspirational re-building.

I remember to pray for Annabelle's family, especially her momma, who is missing her so very much- this weekend more than others. I hope you'll join me in that prayer and I hope that whatever you're currently walking through, you always remember you're not alone in your struggle or circumstances. Often people never share or even utter a word of heartache they're dealing with. We hide it behind smiles and titles and agendas, even good ones.

So what if we could all look past that and love each other despite whether we feel it's "deserved" or not?

Everyone has their own brokenness, known as the human experience.

It's what we do with all of that hurt.

How we find the strength and faith to rebuild;

that's what really living is about.

That's what Annabelle has taught me.

Look closer, dig past the surface,

that strength is in you.

and that hope is there.

It's always there.

Happy Birthday, sweet Annabelle Grace.

Cell phone dump

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 04:50:00 +0000

One week of pics.

Time to dump em here.

Before they're lost in the never land of my phone's camera roll :))

Happy bday adorable Alex!

A full week.

With few captions needed.

week:

Work at home

Work at school

Work at photography.

...enjoy visit from my gorgeous cousin

And enjoy all the humans in my life.

There's A LOT of them to be grateful for.

And I surely am.

This week has been another confirmation of how precious life is. And how fleeting our time is.

And how I'm not sure I like my kids always using my phone for

selfie shots :)

But it's good to end a post with humor.

This brought me a big smile

with a sliiiiight nod in agreement :)

Full Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 05:06:00 +0000

The phone rang tonight, after everyone was in bed.

I was tired, the call was from "unknown"

so I didn't answer.

15 min go by, the same number calls again.

This time I answer to the quiet voice on the other end, telling me she is Kyler's new scout leader.

She introduced herself and said

"we've never met. But some things happened tonight at scouts that I felt- if it were my son- I would want to know"

I held my breath for a second, waiting for her to proceed.

Her voice slightly shook, and she said quietly "Kyler told the boys in circle time about the death today of the father to their fellow scout. His friend and classmate's young dad had passed away. They all talked a bit about how sick he'd been, how sad everyone was for all of their family but also some ideas to lift their spirits.

It was time to start the meeting with our regular prayer, and Kyler shot his arm up to lead all of the boys in this time. Kyler boldly lead a prayer, asking for peace to fill that family's hearts. That joy would return to them again. It was so heartfelt and tender. He closed, asking it all in Jesus name. It was quite something to witness, with him so young and so humbly praying with his peers.

Anyway, if it were my son, I would really have wanted to know all of that ..and just what a very special boy I have" she finished softly.

At this point, I had soaked the collar of my pj's with tears.

Tears for this brave young family dealing with loss.

And grateful tears that maybe- just maybe- I'm raising children who will be a light and lift others from their sorrow.

That they can keep their eyes fixed on what really matters- loving others- despite the evermad rush of the world.

It's been a tough week with some unexpected news and loss in several areas.

But I love that my kids still choose to love.

Because it isn't just a feeling.

It's a choice some days.

And it's a hard choice some days.

I'm still learning it myself.

Looking beyond ourselves can be difficult and necessary.

That phone call was probably such a "little thing" to that leader who called. But filled my heart to the brim with encouragement, that what I'm fighting for, it matters.

Some (most) days, I am peeling these boys off of each other's rough-housing chaos, repeating "kindness and love" for the 100th time :), reffing arguments in the backseat.

So yeah, I'm just being honest when I admit that getting confirmations, it encourages me to keep pressing forward with determination.

May we all make that phone call, write a note, or find different ways to encourage. It's easy & wonderful to love when it's a feeling.

But it can be even more powerful to love as a choice and a habit.

our recipe for success

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 04:55:00 +0000

recipes for joy.

Don't you wish we ALL had a perfect universal one?

Am I the only one wishing I could give my children one?

If only I could figure out my own, ha! I'm a work in progress every day of the week.

BUT I do see the world pulling on each of us, and it's painfully obvious how vulnerable that children are to everything out there.

So many times, I've wondered if I'm equipping my kids to lead a healthy life.

Will they have everything they need to go out into the world?

Sometimes I feel like I'm sending my jr. higher into battle when I drop her at school.

And we haven't even hit high school yet :/

I'll admit that I've felt almost defeated by our instant and overfilled media.

Like just throw in the towel & "turn my head the other way".

BUT I'm stronger (and more stubborn!) than that.

I've decided my ONLY antidote is to be more proactive in exposing my children to heavier doses of GOOD.

I have a ton of ideas lined up but we're starting

HERE:

Thank you Rick Warren!

When I announced we'd be doing a weekly study together as a family- I wasn't exactly met with huge enthusiasms from everyone.

BUT I'm not easily deterred.

They know my heart is to see them grow and make good decisions for themselves.

I found several series that are book/DVD studies to help equip our family (and anyone!) to healthier living.
They are resources that dive into revelation that took me my entire 20's to figure out- oh how I wish I'd have known all of this.
No regrets- but I sure could have saved myself a whole lot of pain, ha!

And I realize these principles will be continuous review for kids.
Esp the boys, being so young.

But how powerful to learn this all as children.

Each of them have their own study guide. And discussion afterward.

I took the answer key and printed them to leave on the fridge each week.

Kind of good daily reminders for the next six weeks of our series.

And -to be real- I'm 37 and getting some good revelation too. This series isn't even geared toward kids- but it works! I think sometimes we don't give enough credit into how much our children understand & soak into their hearts.

Negative but also positive experiences.

I don't pretend to have it all together.

But I do fight for my kids hearts and protect their growing minds where I'm able.

Seeing a kindergartener fill out the questions and light up when he was able to connect the dots and apply it to his own experience = priceless.

Would love a text from anyone who has other resources! I can repost again with others suggestions.
Looking forward to being more aware and proactive in 2016 -

Monday Funday

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 18:22:00 +0000

Woke up to a messy house & a messier backyard.

But we made a whole BIG lotta fun & memories this weekend to redeem the upcoming boring cleanup.

Monday's aren't my favorite but with John working outta town and kids draggggging this morning-

- I was keeping focused on staying patient.

My only goal for frazzled mornings like today.

So when I FiNaLLy pulled up to school (behind schedule) to drop the last 3 darlings off, imagine my delight when the littlest peach announces "Dohhh geesh I forgot my shoes"

Grateful for being under his spell of sweetness, charm and "baby of the family" syndrome.

I no sooner get everyone dropped off to where they need to be/back home and I usually miss them. It could be partly because it gives me a minute to survey the damage left behind Hurricane Merwin Zoo.

But mostly because they're awesome.

A whole lotta joy.

And I'm just so thankful to be their mom.

Messes, forgetfulness and everything in between.

Happy Monday !

Have you?

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 04:26:00 +0000

I hope it's habit, second nature and the only thing we know.

what matters beyond that = nothing .

90 days

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 17:59:00 +0000

Day 20 of 90 days.

Re-training my brain and body with self care and a whole lot of discipline.

Raising Leaders

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 04:22:00 +0000

Remembering Dr Martin Luther King Jr

-one of my favorite quotes, fit for today, honoring a great man who said it well.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness.

Only light can do that;

Hate cannot drive out hate.

Only love can do that". MLKjr

---

It's not an easy task raising children to be brave leaders, confident, well spoken, sincere, kind, and humble.

But I feel equipped and empowered to do just that with role models, including MLK as well as healthy, heaping doses of prayer.

May we all be a light in our paths.

Friday Phone Dump!

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:00:00 +0000

I need to do a weekly phone dump.

Because I think my short term memory is failing me, I think I need to record photos to jog my long term memory at least.

The zoo is full of randomness.

We've had a full couple weeks (month) of family with the holiday season.

This was a week of back to schedules and sports, scouts, activities, lessons all starting back up.

Back to homework, projects due.

Parent meetings, volunteering & sign ups.

We always stuff fun in there too.

If/then was a special treat this week from Paulette. Amazing Broadway show!

Football season for the boys!

Friends here from Montana, Unthawing from the cold.

We've been enjoying 2016 with fresh citrus from the our trees, grandmas trees and the orchard all around our property.

These creative girls love to play "cut throat kitchen" (spin off of tv show). I enjoy their many creations. This one was fresh lemonade -but I never know what's coming.

Top golf at its finest in the sunshine.

Spent a few days transforming our home back to normal mode. That Cmas tree was not nearly as fun taking down, as putting up. ahemm just sayin.

But after vacuuming 245 times, I think we got all the glitter, pinecone remnants and Christmas glory put away for another year.

All that remains is these bags of that monstrous front Christmas tree. And because I gave myself a bulging disc while tearing down Christmas, I've decided to leave these bags for John to take to storage. I may decorate them for spring/summer :) j/k

It feels good to have a bare, fresh house. Hints of spring are here! Kids are jumping back in pool.

The lemon candles & diffusers are blasting throughout and grapefruit potpourri is simmering =happiness.

It's the little things for me 110%

Loved our time with the K and B families. I got NO pics? Loved them and our fun together tho.

Off to start plugging away on my garage cleaning, it's the biggest project I've put off. I'm going to get hoarding notices from our HOA if I put it off any longer.

Happy Holiday weekend from the zoo!

Through new eyes

noreply@blogger.com (OUR WILD ZOO!) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 05:18:00 +0000

I've become certain of less things as I age (isn't it supposed to be opposite?)...

But one thing I've surely concluded is that life is much sweeter when seen through my children's eyes.

It's more exciting, wholehearted, and with a filter that I hope to acquire more of.

I'm so sad our Christmas break ends tomo. Lots to post. But today was a good way to ice the cake of vacation #azcardinalsVSseahawks