{grateful}

Most nights I’m filled with intense anxiety... my heart is racing so I must be dying; did I set my alarm; what kid needs a lunch tomorrow; did I save that paperwork; did I drink enough water; did I go over my calories; what’s for dinner tomorrow; did I sign those papers?!?!!  

On the good nights when I beat myself at my own game of anxiety, I lay in bed and all of the amazing things I’m most grateful for cycle through my brain like rapid fire.... this handsome man beside me who chose me & brings out the best in everyone he meets; my gorgeous, smart + kind kiddos who continue to shock even me with their inate goodness; the roof over my head & my backyard twinkling lights; the food in my home & our shared love for family cooking shows & baking desserts that look silly but taste like heaven; the gorgeous morning skies & sunsets each day I watch atop my neighborhood hill; driving my kiddos to and from sports and activities they love; the cozy sheets I’m tucked into in a quiet home where little heartbeats are snoring away...

It is not lost on me that I have so much to be thankful for or how hard I’ve worked in life to earn it and achieve it. But, I forget often to take in these quiet moments and just reflect on the good things that make all of the worrying seem trivial and reminds me to just breathe and feel gratitude in even the most anxious moments :) 

• xo •

jami

• Joey V •|• Age 5 •

• Joey V •|• Age 5 • 

{LIKES}: lion guard/lion king, captain hook, cheese nips (not its), paw patrol, octonauts, riding his jeep outside, any sport, wendy's chicken nuggets, hershey kisses, shorts, board games, legos, super heroes, his friends, Disney World, m&m yogurts, the color green, handsome shirts, Nana, pancakes, his sisters :) 

{DISLIKES}: most foods/fruits/veggies/sweets, that Caden is older/bigger than him, pants, being itchy, when his socks have seams/strings :)

• happy birthday my handsome Joey Five... you are the very best gift I never even knew I needed & you have truly completed our little family... we love you so very, very much!•

{little boys should never be sent to bed, they always wake up a day older...}

• Viviene Lyn •|• Age 8 •

• Viviene Lyn •|• Age 8 • 

{LIKES}: butterflies, opening packs of sports cards, school, Aunt Kelly, dancing, drama class, Miss D., Kate plus Eight, her besties, playing teacher, being active, her fairy garden, drawing/crafting, the beach, rompers, wedges, jojo bows :) 

{DISLIKES}: mint flavored anything, when she thinks someone is disappointed, making decisions (from what color bow to wear to what sport to play), getting anything less than an O on her tests :)

• happy birthday to my sweet Vivi... my heart has never hurt so much when you lost your Breeski this year... always remember you are so loved & your precious guardian angel is always with you... keep making people laugh & keep being the smart, kind, witty, beautiful girl that you are... you are so my mini me & you remind me everyday to breathe a little deeper & love a little harder... we love you so very, very much! •

{Looking up at a sunny sky, so shiny and blue and there's a butterfly..Well, isn't that a super fantastic signIt's going to be a super fantastic day...Such marvelousness - It's gonna bring a pocket full of songs that I'm gonna sing... And I'm ready to take on anything - Hooray!

Some super fun surprise around each corner,

Just riding on a rainbow, I'm gonna be okay...}

• Liliana Madison •|• Age 10 • t e n!

{LIKES}: gilmore girls, mint bubble gum, iPad & iPod, tank tops & capris year round, swimming, being helpful, her besties, spending time with family, trying new hairstyles, hibachi, ice cream, getting her test folder signed, playing board games, teacher stuff, hanging with the adults, bitmojis, veggies, junk food, taylor swift, sunglasses, watching movies, making iTunes playlists...

{DISLIKES}: cantaloupe, cleaning, being told to wear long sleeves/pants, blow drying her hair, being told she can't hang with adults! 

• happy birthday to our very first baby! watching you grow has been my biggest blessing & my life forever changed the moment I met you... keep bursting with kindness & making us proud... we love you so very, very much!•

{They didn't have you where I come from,

Never knew the best was yet to come...

Life began when I saw your face,

And I hear your laugh like a serenade...}