All Good Things...

At the end of each year I enjoy looking back on all our memories... and what a year of memories it has been! Here are just a few of the top ones.

Little Sunshine, who was our precious #4 for over a year and then went back home...

I continued on my journey to a healthier me, lost 70 pounds, and ran my first (and last) 10k!
(I'm starting off strong in January to drop 15 more pounds... I am determined to weigh less than my husband... even if it's for just one day!! Feel free to feed him carbs and chocolate if you see him!!)

Madeline and Audrey continued to try out new skills and hobbies... perhaps seeing them bloom most with our American Heritage Girl troop... I LOVE the amazing relationships we have added to our lives with girls and moms alike!

We took our AMAZING three week ROADTRIP WEST...

Kayla started Kindergarten, so all three girls are now in elementary school!!

I lasted two months at home with no kids before going back to work...

Like every year, we've had ups and downs... joys and sorrows... but it really would be summed up best by saying "it was everything it was supposed to be."

I can't speak for the rest of my family, but my personal goals are ones that I think just come with age and maturity. (The first of those creeping faster than the second.) Those of y'all that have known me these last 7 years, and our jump of faith that moved us to eastern NC, know that I very much believe in living the SEASONS God gives. I fully acknowledge that God gives us things for a season... gifts, people, experiences, jobs, hardships... He gives and He takes away. Every year I get a little better at fully LIVING these seasons. Meaning: enjoying them or attempting to find a way to enjoy them, learning their lessons, knowing that they will always come to an end and another will begin, not rushing them, allowing myself to FEEL emotions during them (even the hard ones), and finally not giving over to the obligations that so often come with them. That last one has been a BIG one for me this year... not just doing things because it's expected of me... but instead finding what works for me and my family and being okay if others don't agree with my choices. So with that said...

With the end of 2017, I am allowing myself the freedom to let go of my "regular" blogging and the guilt I have about not posting so often. Don't get me wrong-- I LOVE being able to share our life with all of you and the prayers and online support I have gotten over the years from you all I cherish. I still plan to write when I need to, to write and share big family events or happenings or updates... but honestly... the main reason I started this blog was for my girls. And as they have grown this year I have seen the need to reign in what I share, because no longer am I just sharing my opinions on life, I'm sharing theirs. And somethings they don't want shared with the entire world. As their mom, I respect that and their need for privacy. That is the main reason I have stepped back these last months, especially out of love for my oldest daughter and her reaction when people ask her about things that she knows she didn't share. Yup... mom is an oversharer. Guilty.

Perhaps one day I'll write a book. Perhaps I won't. But regardless, these last TEN YEARS of blogging are something I've done as a tangible gift for my girls, so they can remember their early lives, where we came from, and how God moved in every season of our life to put us right where He wanted us to be.

So to all of you-- best wishes for an AMAZING 2018! Thanks for being a part of our life for so many years through this blog-- I'd love if you'd still be our friend in real life. Call us, text us, plan a trip to the beach, or send us some snail mail... we love you guys and are glad to have you in every corner of our world cheering us on.

A Crazy December...

Wow! Where have the last few weeks gone?!

As you can tell by the length of time that passes between my blog posts these days, life continues to be busy. There are lots of things to catch you up on in general with family life... but I'll save that all for an end of year update... how's about I catch you up on December??

With everyone being at our house for Thanksgiving, I was SO excited to be able to put our tree up and decorate the house so early, it was an added bonus that Oma and Opa were still here. Plus we had an extra week in there before December even started, I thought December was going to be kind to us this year. 

Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away on November 30th and that meant a trip to Michigan for me. Luckily my sister and I were able to get a decent flight out of Raleigh and fly instead of making the long road trip. It was a beautiful time of memories for my family honestly, I was glad my sister and I could be there with my mom and dad. Grandpa Weiss was 91 and still had every bit of his mind. His heart and his kidneys just couldn't keep up anymore. Up until the last month he lived at home and while it's never easy to lose someone, what a good life he had, and how peacefully he passed. I was blessed to be his grand-daughter. 

But even with me gone... the December calendar rolled on. I of course had it packed full... and you can bet that first weekend that I had to load up and leave for 4 days was a doozie. But no worries, Mark Blevins ROCKED his dad title out! I won't lie-- Madeline and I had a bit of a freak out moment on the Friday I said I was leaving when we realized it was AHG parade and music performance weekend. We both had our doubts... while Mark is an ABSOLUTE awesome, fun, and amazing dad... schedules and details are not his forte. But I left him a novel, a list of other moms' phone numbers that could help him in a pinch, and the second best thing to me... Madeline. He nailed it y'all! He got those girls everywhere they needed to be... ON TIME! What?!? Yup, you read that right. And brushed their hair. And had them wearing matching clothes. And took them to the beach afterschool one day. And had my house cleaner than when I left it upon my return. And sent me pictures. We laughed when I got home as I promised I wouldn't yell at him ONCE for the rest of the month if he was late or got a scheduling detail wrong-- he played 110% when it mattered-- and I so far am keeping true to my promise! The first few days I was back the girls would go to tell me something and he'd cut them off and say "Don't tell her that!! And we'd all chuckle. Some things mom doesn't need to know. I agree. But here are some pics from their weekend! 

Upon my return, we've had the Christmas Flotilla where Audrey had the honor of serving as a judge this year...

Our Annual Christmas Cookie Decorating Party...

And we squeezed in some time to earn some trophies for our gingerbread beach houses that we submitted in a contest on OKI this year. Madeline got 3rd place, her cousin Isaac got 2nd place, and Opa and I with the 5 kiddos took 2nd place in the family division.

And today is only the 12th!! You can bet we still have one or two events coming and a week left of school fun too! WOWSERS! This may be the LONGEST month of December ever. But man have we lived it. 

Now after reading all that don't you dare for a hot minute think that life right here is all rainbows and unicorns... we've had our share of meltdowns and drama these last weeks too. I'm struggling hard juggling work, home, and 3 kids in school. We're working through Kindergarten and a lot of behavior issues-- luckily mostly at home and not at school. Mark is STILL working to finish his PhD... maybe by summer?! (I swear I've been saying this for 10 years!!) I yelled and screamed through Christmas card picture session #1 when one child acted like a big jerk. (We had picture session #2 this past weekend. Mom will get the pictures she wants. I did.) And already this week we've had one of our children attempt to crush all of another child at school's Christmas hopes and dreams by saying Santa and elves aren't real. Y'all know we don't do Santa but I certainly thought we taught them better than this. Oy! Life is VERY real up in our house... we've needed a whole lot of Jesus!! 

But... I hope this finds you all well-- celebrating a wonderful December-- and holding tight for the New Year ahead. If you need these words tonight as much as I do... here they are... 

It's all a season. Embrace it. Live it. Feel it. Shed a few (or a lot) of tears in it. And embrace some grace for your journey, friend, there is plenty to be offered. We're all in this together and every season is a chance for us to grow closer to HIM. If ever there was a season to know He came to earth and died on a cross for you, to save you from this mess we make of things... it's this season of Christmas. Celebrate it for what it is. Pure and simple. A gift. 

Thanksgiving 2017

Since I cancelled our annual hosting of  the July 4th festivities this year and headed west for a month this summer, I claimed Thanksgiving at our house. Y'all should know how the Slivensky side of my family works by now, we do anything but the normal... because... well... we can. If there is something we all agree on, it's that life is too short to do things because you HAVE to. And so, it was another spectacular gathering with my crazy family!

We hit the beach for a warm day...

We had a beach bonfire and roasted s'mores...

We played turkey kickball with our friends on Thanksgiving morning... 

We took the annual picture in our silly turkey and pumpkin hats...

We went and saw the movie "Wonder" on Thanksgiving day... 

We ate ITALIAN food for Thanksgiving dinner... garlic bread included...

I entered us in a gingerbread house contest but didn't know we had to actually use gingerbread until I read the rules on Thanksgiving day...

We made our handprint t-shirts... we're taking bets as to when Audrey and Lucas finally say "enough... we aren't wearing those dumb shirts that you make us do every year!!" :) You all know Madeline and Isaac will be making them until they are at least 18!

We took family pictures which ended in everyone getting their wanted pictures for Christmas cards EXCEPT me because my middle daughter decided to have a teenager moment that about got me arrested and her on Santa's permanent "naughty list"... 

We watched the Wrightsville Beach flotilla from the draw bridge... standing on the bridge while it went up may have been more exciting than the flotilla... 

And we did our 1000 piece puzzle... 

Okay... everyone but us two did the puzzle. (We hate puzzles!) We just kept the bar open and everyone's drinks full. But for the record, dad and I both contributed by putting ONE piece in that puzzle each. Mine may have been the last one to go in, but they saved it for me. Because that's what family does. 

They may call me the "cruise ship director" when we are all together... but it's for good reason... if there is something I want my kids to remember about holidays and our family it's that we spent our time together well. We didn't just sit and stare at each other, our phones, or a TV all week. I want them to remember the giggles, the silly adventures, the stories, the bedtime snuggles, the ridiculous games... I want them to WANT to be with their family. Because I do. And sure we eventually get tired of each other and our little quirky habits... but by then we always have to go our separate ways and all is forgotten. 

There are days I wish so badly we all lived on the same street-- heck-- within the same city or zipcode! But then I wonder if these visits, all crammed under the same roof would be so much fun?! I kind of think they wouldn't. 

And so after our week of Thanksgiving, I am obviously thankful. My people are my family but more than that they are my friends. I'd pick them every time. And I'd like to think that when given the chance, they'd buy a ticket to jump on my cruise boat the next time around... and the next... and the next... because indeed a crazy little adventure is always in store! 

Grits

When your dad runs "corn trials" at work every summer and comes home with some of the dried crop a few months later, what else would you do other than make homemade grits!!?

Audrey's favorite food is grits. She was SO excited to make her own and taste test it. She learned all about the settings on the mill, sifting out the chaff, grinding the corn, and then sifting the meal from the grits. 

And she says her homemade tastes better than store bought! Imagine that. We love a good agriculture day here at our house. 

Bookworms!

Kayla goes to bed around 7:30 every night which gives the big two about an hour before their bedtime to do whatever they want to. Madeline typically takes her latest book to bed and gets to reading but Audrey will draw or play legos... well, up until about two weeks ago. 

Now this is where I typically find them after we come out of Kayla's room... 

Yup, all snuggled together with their latest chapter books in Madeline's bedroom. Oh the adventures they take reading each night. I hope they'll always love books the way they do now. 

 

Troop Camping at Lake Singletary

Camping at Lake Singletary has been on the calendar for months. Seriously, you have to reserve these group camp dates EARLY!! And life has been super busy so with the planning of everything I had not had time to sit down and even think about how much fun this weekend was going to be. I was too worried about meal planning, shopping, packing, etc....

Our family went up Thursday night to check out the facility and prep camp for everyone's arrival on Friday morning. I must say, from the minute I unlocked all the doors on the camp buildings, I felt right at home. I spent every summer from Kindergarten all the way through my college years attending or working (at) our Girl Scout camp in the mountains. I loved it. And this place reminded me of every sweet memory and friendship I had over those 15+ years... seriously, I even teared up a bit. And how grateful I felt to be bringing my three into this same experience. Sigh. Who knew a camping trip would be so emotional!? LOL!

The five of us set things up and ate dinner as soon as it got dark. Right after dinner, Audrey said that it must be late so we should go get ready for bed. Little did she know it was 6pm!! The time change has not quite registered. Mark and I played a long and we seriously were all in bed by 7. It was fabulous. I can't even tell you how many weeks it has been since I've gotten in bed before midnight. I am still transitioning into this life with a job and I am STRUGGLING to say no to things. (Hence why I haven't been blogging much!!) But I am working on it. I slept for over TEN hours on Thursday night and it was glorious. And the best part of good sleep... I woke up and was ready for campers! That is exactly how I needed to start this weekend-- because trust me-- I have stressed and packed-- made lists-- stressed-- bought groceries-- make more lists-- and was certain I had forgotten something big. But guess what? It all turned out just perfectly... but not because of me... I missed details... I forgot things... but you see...

These beautiful women showed up...

And with them came these 20 beautiful girls!

We spent our days hiking, bug exploring, fishing, cooking, playing...

And in between we were hugging, laughing, giggling, and building relationships...

But not just with each other... also with our Maker. This weekend I was reminded why I chose to lead an American Heritage Girls troop instead of a Girl Scout troop. (I was an ALL OUT Girl Scout y'all. Eagle Scout equivalent. I LIVED Girl Scouting.) And while Girl Scouts was such a HUGE part of the outgoing, strong, opinionated, do-anything woman I have become... it was not where I grew close to Jesus. Once I moved out of my church led scouting troop in elementary school led by my mom and some other moms, that wasn't a focus, actually it was never even spoken about. BUT I want that for my girls, all the way through. I want them to see Jesus in everything they do. I want them to serve not because they have to or because it earns you something-- but because those who believe in Jesus serve out of that love for Him. I want them to have godly women as role models to turn to when it's too hard to talk to me. I want them to be bold and know they can say "Jesus" in every day conversations with their peers. I want them to SEE, FEEL, and TOUCH Jesus not just in a church, not just in a Sunday School class, but EVERYWHERE. And this weekend... God gave my heart a little nudge and said... "they are right where they need to be." And not just my girls... all those sweet girls... and all us moms, too.

Lake Singletary is a perfect place for sunsets. We caught two and had beautiful, meaningful, quiet reflection, and worship times right there on the docks.

The leaders and I said it numerous times but oh how I wish there was enough time and sunset those nights to sit eye to eye with each of them and remind them how special and unique God made them... just like each sunset. It's hard being a kid... it's not easy being a girl... and it certainly is hard for them to love themselves as they were created to be with the pressures they face every day. (I mean look at the struggle it is for us women!!) I pray they left with at least a tiny glimpse of how big God really is.  The tears in a few of their eyes was all the assurance I needed to know that God was moving. Not because of me, more like in spite of me.

And last night, these two asked to plan worship time for the group on Sunday morning... I honestly forgot to give them time and these were the two that showed up and asked. They picked their own topic... "God's Beautiful Creation: Us" and related it back to the sunsets we had seen. God you are SO good!!

And so, tonight... as I've put away laundry, restocked the fridge, and prepped for another busy week of life in our household... my heart still feels about three sizes too big for my chest. What a blessing this weekend was to me... what an honor to serve with these other women... and what a JOY these girls were to be around. I don't know the plans God has for each of them, but I know that seeds are being planted and relationships are building. Not just in my girls but in their generation that so desperately needs Jesus.

Nursing Home Visit

Every so often, our AHG troop plans a visit to the local nursing homes. At our last meeting we made some cute little "cupcake" gifts-- socks wrapped up with a chapstick-- to deliver to our friends. We got the date on the calendar and this morning was our latest visit.

I remember visiting nursing homes as a kid when I was a girl scout. I didn't like it. The people in the nursing home were always one extreme or the other-- super touchy wanting lots of hugs OR could barely move and definitely couldn't speak. I did not like going on these visits but as I have gotten older I have gotten to the point where I am much more comfortable with being in nursing homes and loving on the elderly of the community. But now, Madeline has become the me of my youth. And this morning she BEGGED to not have to go. Sigh. Well you know us, you aren't getting out of something that easy. And so she went. But she was always the last one in a room, if she even made it in, she was the one holding stuff so that she was protected from any sneak attack hugs. And as you can see in the pictures, she was always in the outskirts if she even made it in at all. She was polite and smiled, but she was a fly on the wall if I've ever seen one.

Luckily, Audrey and a few of the others were the opposite. They loved singing, talking to, and giving hugs to the residents. Kayla was a bit bashful at the beginning but warmed up quickly although she somehow managed to find EVERY bowl of candy in the entire place. 

We were there about an hour visiting but what a difference it made to those residents! We had lots of smiles and a few tears as we made it around visiting. What a blessing these people are to the community-- then and now. I've said it before, but we really need to start making this a monthly routine for our family, just to go and visit. 

It was definitely an hour well spent and if you have the opportunity-- GO! Visit with the elderly of your community. I promise you'll be glad you did-- they truly are hidden gems to us all.