determined to be hopeful NOT hopeless

I had hoped to post about last weeks happenings. But you know, life happened and was unable to do so.

I had hoped to post about Micah's birthday and our Disneyland Afterhours adventure. 

I had hoped to post about my little brother Greggy flying in from Michigan to surprise the family. I had hoped to pick him up from the airport as planned but not only did the morning turn into a complete mess but my car wouldn't start and I no longer took part in the surprise.

I had hoped to attend church service this past Sunday. My Poor teething baby. Vernon's schedule was off and I stayed back to watch it via web. Again. For the third week in a row.

I had hoped for Vernon's nine month check up to go well but instead I left in tears because of the feelings brought on by the realization that he is behind on quite a few "skills" according to the nine month questionnaire

I wish I could say it didn't get to me, and that I know all babies develop differently, but it did. Greatly. and my heart was heavier because of it.

I had hoped that Elsie would be handling her big girl bed as beautifully as she did the first couple weeks, but she isn't. She is getting up multiple times during the night, and we are not used to this kind of thing from her.

I wish I could say I handled these long nights graciously with patience, but I haven't. 

I had hoped that the Gingerbread Latte I ordered, after waiting in a twelve minute drive thru line with screaming babies in the back seat, was what I would receive. Instead I gulped a nasty swig of Egg Nog latte. This discovery wasn't made until I was well on my way home.

I wish my babies (even with all the teething & not staying in bed phases) would stay this little forever.

I hope that I will live closer to my friends again someday.

I hope to learn to pray without ceasing. 

I hope to one day be a more virtuous woman. I am trying.

I had hoped that by my age I could take hold of my emotions rather then wear them on both sleeves.

I hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

and make wonderful memories with your loved ones.

I also hope you don't have a mister like this lurking around to devour your Thanksgiving Ham. If you have no idea what that is in reference to read Micah's post about that year here. 

I hope you will all take the time to listen to this and be as blessed as I am every. single. time 
I listen to it. 

Psalms 31:24 "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy birthday dear

MICAH

Happy Birthday to you! 

Happy Birthday to the most swell guy I know. Wishing you a day full of love and surprises. You deserve everything and more. 

Micah, you are an amazing husband, father, friend, and son. You make me laugh when no one else can. You bring so much sunshine into my life. You are my best friend and wish I can give you everything you ever wanted. I hope you have the most splendorific day ever! I love you!

xoxo, 
Your sapphire. 

an offering of hope

Mr. Fox

He was created for a very special event

Happening right now over here

Kimmie over at Sugar and Dots is hosting a HUGE raffle for Project Hope. If you haven't heard of this wonderful cause you should check it out here and read of sweet Laura's heartbreaking stories and what got her started on this venture here

This is one of those things that I can not personally relate to but have been touched by so deeply and can't help but get off my keester to help in any way possible. I encourage you all to check out the links above and to offer any LOVE you can. Any donation gives you a chance to win Mr. Fox and TONS of other amazing products by some of the most talented gals out there. Not only are your donations tickets towards winning loads of goodies but gives you an opportunity to take part in such a beautiful ministry that helps women in times of despair.

I am always amazed at how God always brings such beauty even during a time of pain and suffering. Though this is the season to buy, buy, buy it is also a time to Give and give again. 

Acts 20:35 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

bittersweet

in less than two weeks Vernon will be 9 months old. In nine short months I learned my heart could love so much more than I ever thought it could. I found out that time really does slip through the grips of my hands, no matter how tightly I hold on. I also realized I haven't had a day with Elsie in that same amount of time.

I mean of course I see her everyday, interact with her, love on her. It is just all in between her baby brother's feedings and naps. There has been an occasional girls night to run and get a tasty treat together but no more than an hour or so.

I will be 100% honest. I miss it. You know, the me and her days. alot. You all know how obsessed I am about my lil' man and he will forever hold my heart, and though I love him more than words I still can't help but think of days past. It feels like just yesterday we were in Dana Point walking to my local coffee shop every morning, having our lunch at the baby beach or just lounging in the patio swing reading books. uninterrupted. 

I somedays feel guilty for longing for quality time for just the two of us. As if my love for Vernon doesn't run as deep. But it does. He comes first. everyday. He is my baby. He still needs me so much. But Elsie doesn't understand that. And her cries to be held while I'm holding him breaks my heart. Her wanting me to sit and read while I feed him makes me sad. Not all days, but most.

I know she needs me too. Somedays more than he does. I mean she is a girl, MY GIRL after all so she of course will have days when she just wants to be held and sung to. I get her.

So that is why we did it. We had our cake and ate it too. Our special day. The one I have been wanting to do for months.

After a fabulous family breakfast we were Disneyland bound with no time restraints before us. Not only did we ride her fave rides multiple times, but we hugged Minnie, devoured churros, danced alongside the parade and casually coasted past her normal nap schedule. Not only was our day incredibly memorable but we topped it off by getting a hotel and snuggled together all night. Just her and I. 

After check out and before heading home we shopped at Downtown Disney to find her a special souvenir to remember our special outing by. I knew it would be a Minnie Mouse of some sort. She picked out a ballerina Minnie Mouse and has held onto her since. 

It's funny to me that even though I longed for this day and enjoyed every single second with her, I couldn't help but miss Vernon. So, so much. Does this momma thing every get easier with finding balance? I have no idea, but I do know that this is my calling. This is my life and I love these two precious beings more than anything and can't wait to create long lasting memories with each of them.

Psalm 127:3 "Behold, children are a heritage of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Movember

Have you heard of this?

Last year was the first year I had heard of this fundraiser because of a friend who was part of the campaign. 

Here is the low down.
"During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men."


How awesome is this? I mean after reading that statistics on prostate cancer and finding out that 1 in 6 men will get it made me a little sick to my stomach. That is a greater risk than us women getting breast cancer and yet we don't hear much about it. 
After reading on the Prostate Cancer Foundation's website what an asset the Movember Fundraising is to their research I was even more proud of my husband for taking part of this campaign. 

"Movember has initiated a growing international dialog on prostate cancer and men’s health and is an invaluable partner in energizing the global research enterprise for prostate cancer. Here in the U.S., unrestricted funding from Movember is helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation accelerate the world’s most promising research, enabling game-changing projects from whole genome sequencing and the development of innovative therapies. These will help men with advanced prostate cancer live longer, more productive lives than ever before.”  - Dr. Jonathan Simons, CEO and President of the Prostate Cancer Foundation 


Though what he is doing is admirable, I'm not gonna lie, I'm not a fan of the stache. I know this a dream come true for Micah since he has been wanting to grow one for some time but due to corporate policy hasn't been able to have facial hair for about eight years.

 So basically his office "no facial hair" policy has worked in my favor considering most mustaches, now I said most, not all, mustaches creep me out. Especially when they are on someone who shouldn't have one, like say... my hubby. He doesn't have the sketchy "should be driving a windowless van around schoolyards" type of look but more of a Magnum PI jumping out of helicopters look. Which ultimately cracks me up every time I look at him. I can take NOTHING he says seriously because it is just too comical. I love him, and love that he is raising money for this cause, but come Dec. 1st that Stache is Trash. Fo realz, it's gotta go.

Not only is his "new look" a good laugh but so is his team's name. 

pretty snazzy huh?

Join the Sons, support the cause. Please feel free to donate any amount using the link below. What a great way to help in such a Noble cause.

Movember

Namesake

Meet the Ribbles

Vernon Ribble was named after Micah's Papaw, Ribble Bristo. Both Mamaw and Papaw flew out here to meet his namesake. Bless their sweet hearts for making the trip to come visit. They are the most warm and loving people you will ever meet. I sometimes forget that they are Micah's grandparents and not my very own. Although they do treat me as if I am their very own. I have never felt more welcomed by anyone in my life as I have with these to wonderful people. This is the kind of thing when they say you not only fall in love with your spouse but their family as well, and it is so true with them. They are those grandparents that you just want to hug every time you walk by them.

Here Elsie is anxiously awaiting their arrival. I made the mistake in telling her they were coming not realizing they would land after her bed time and would head straight to their hotel. She still kept peeking every time she heard a car door.

Vernon loved bouncing on his great Papaw's knee.

 Elsie was showing Papaw how to use the iPad

 Fashionable as always, Mamaw was rockin' her silver glitter Toms. I heart her. 

 If she wasn't on one of their laps she was riding on Mamaw's walker. HAHA!

 Generation shot with them all in their flat caps and plaid. 

Mamaw's sparkle Tom's had Vernon up and crawling right towards them. He went right under the table just to get to them.

 our mini Papaw

I almost couldn't post this picture because every time I look at it I instantly start to weep. I don't know why, it's just seeing my precious babies and their Great Grandparents touches my heart. This was just one of the best weekends with family. So much quality time and good laughs. Catching up and learning so much more about each other. I didn't want them to ever leave.

I truly am so thankful for these two in my life.