First.

That's the title of the song I've had on my heart this last day or so. Its sung by Lauren Daigle who is an awesome christian artist. She is a former American Idol contestant. Several of her songs have popped up on Pandora when I'm listening.

I find it so interesting how the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Sometimes through something we have come across over and over again but it isn't relevant until that particular moment. Like this song for example. How many times have I skipped it on Pandora in the past. Well the words really called out to me recently. It starts off first "before I bring my need I will bring my heart, before I lift my cares I will lift my arms". How good is that? It was such a good reminder to me. Especially as I'm really learning on how to grow my prayer life.

It is a reminder that although Matthew 7:7 says "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." We should remember to seek his face and worship him before anything. His presence alone can equip us with everything we need to face life's challenges. Its such a good song I recommend checking it out "First" by Lauren Daigle. 

It's probably safe to say she is one of my favorite artists now because another one of my songs from her is "Here's my Heart". 

10 Months New

Is exactly what I am. I'm definitely not the same person I was 10 months ago. I remember when I was pregnant with Travis and I would wonder how different I'd become. I always heard you change when you go from being a mother of 1 to a mother of 2. When you think you can't love your next child anymore your heart just grows. I guess that's a way to put it. 

In our circumstances I feel I did twice as much growing. These past 10 months have taught me way more than I expected. I thought I had grown patient but I had more to grow in that department. I've learned to have faith too. I was always a believer in God. With everything Travis has experienced and we as a family, made me grow even more faith. 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. 

Hebrews 6:19-20

Travis had his follow up appointment with the geneticist today at CHKD. She's so sweet and knowledgeable. She was so happy to see us and said how much Travis had grown. That he was developing beautifully. She even held him and gave him little kisses. That is a total reminder of how faithful my God is. We are now able to see her yearly. Just to continue to make sure he's doing well. 

I feel a need to ask if you are reading this and hopelessness has taken over, you're experiencing something, or believing for something in particular. Message me so we can pray together. Esperanza1461@aol.com, on IG, or even Facebook! 

Hugs!!!

Life These Days

Thought I'd make a blog post and include some images from this morning. A little info on how my days have been lately with just the kiddies. Especially since daddy is away on the ship. Theyre getting ready for an upcoming deployment this year.

I'm taking this as a sort of practice for when the deployment does get here. So many different emotions going on in my head. Mainly because my honey is usually so involved in our day to day lives. We do everything together. I really do consider him my best friend.

So I've been trying to find a new normal for us. Making lots of lists, schedules, and changes to make sure we get to everything. It also helps me stay busy and in the moment. As opposed to focusing on the fact that he isn't here, ya know?

Well we've been taking on several projects around the house. The most recent was adding to a gallery wall in the boys room. My plan was to add shelves but they just didnt work out. I ended up just leaving them on the ground and using them as a book racks instead.

They were unfinished oak and I stained them with a weather wood color and painted the interior an aqua color. I'm including some photos of the attempt at putting them up haha. It's really just pictures of the boys fooling around. Enjoy!

Wall Art DIY

Im back with another home decor DIY project. I'd been on the hunt to fill a spot on our dining area wall. Previously it was filled with a canvas that didn't portray the look I was going for. So of course I took it down and left it bare haha.

Pinterest wall decor was my frequently searched request. When I stumbled upon some branch wall decor. I knew I could definitely do it myself. My toddler's always bringing twigs with him inside the house lol. All I needed was a fabric. Initially I wanted some loose felt but couldn't find it. Instead I opted for some oatmeal tweed yarn and I'm glad I did.

I cut the strands about 2 feet long each. Then just tied a lark's head knot individually with each strand around the twig. I wanted them at an angle on the bottom so I gave it a trim. That was probably the most difficult part in my opinion. Then I used a strand of the same yarn to hang the piece up.

Hope you enjoyed. If you give it a try, let me know how it goes!

Terra Cotta Clay Pot DIY

Just recently I've become a plant parent, plant owner, whatever you want to call it haha. Seen tons of decor using greenery in design magazines, pinterest, and other cool places. I was scared to pick any up because I didn't think I was capable of keeping them alive. I have enough trouble with my littles lol. Well I totally did it and my little plants are thriving.

I decided to buy 3 more, which didn't come with pots. So I bought some Terra Cotta clay pots from Home Depot. The white ones they had were $10 that's why I just went with the terra cotta ones for 79 cents and bought a can of white spray paint. Took about 3-4 coats and I was good to go. I'm obsessed with all white decor too, if you haven't noticed.

The plants were about $3 each at Home Depot and the spray paint was $5 I believe. I'm in major DIY mode. Especially since I've finally gotten used to all the things that come with home ownership. Hope you enjoyed!

Happy DIY'ing!

Golden

This time of year is perfect in Virginia Beach. Is it weird that I love cloudy days? 'Cause I do. I've been trying to find different ways to shoot with my 50mm 1.4. You don't have to be limited when shooting on one focal length. It can easily be made to appear distinct depending on things like distance from you subject and the subjects distance from the background. Here are some images from this week so far. :)

Munden Point Park + Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

So we headed to Back Bay Wildlife Refuge on Thursday afternoon. We’ve gone a couple times in the past & always enjoy our time there. This time we arrived around 3pm. Since the sun goes down later this time of year, we were able to see more. And by see more I mean snakes & deer which we definitely saw more of.

On Friday we just about made it to the North Carolina state line cause that’s where Munden Point Park is located. It was beautiful, peaceful, & secluded. Almost too secluded if you ask me haha. We had a great time though. There were lots of trees, water all around, and multiple playgrounds. We recommend checking it out. Both places are located in the Pungo/Sandbridge areas.

Well here is our experience pretty much in pictures or at least the kids’.