What's the drop dead date for New Year's Resolutions?

Well, my New Year's resolution was to blog more. I have lots of excuses (i.e. no internet until this week!) but really, I just pass out as soon as I hit the sheets! (#1) This ties into thought #2. 

#2. To add insult to injury, I'm on sabbatical from Instagram. So, I promise to blog and I don't. Then I pull off Instagram entirely. You probably think I'm a miserable, no-fun person. I get it. I do. 

Silver lining (for me) is that I am in such a happy place! We are in our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting with our church. It's my very favorite church event. Every morning at 6 am they have corporate prayer services at every campus (and online for those of us who can't make it in person). You have to get up and going bright and early to make it (see exhaustion issue in item 1) but there is nothing like spending these early mornings with God. The church stats coming back to us are truly unbelievable. My best friend has been going in person and had to sit in the floor on the second day because there wasn't an available seat..... at 6 am.... in an auditorium that seats over 800 people. And we're just one of many campuses in our city. It's a wild and marvelous thing to watch. I'm so thankful to be a part of whatever God has planned for this church! 

Anyway.... I'm taking a break from Instagram during this time. Which is not hard at all so it's not much of a fast. It's more about being present with Londie Lu Lu. All of the house selling/moving/crazy work business has not been low on stress.  London has been an amazing sport during all of this. I've drug her poor self all over kingdom come and spent hours on the phone working out all of the details. She has gotten way too many 'just a minute' fingers and 'I can't right now' answers. So, I needed to put the phone down and move into our new home with full excitement for our family! 

So, here is a quick look at our past week! Our children's pastor was praying a ridiculously powerful prayer over the children we are raising. An early riser padded into the bathroom and I told her we were praying over her life. She stood right up next to me and bowed her head to pray with us. Between the encouraging words and a prayerful little girl, I was a puddle. 

The only input London had over our new house was that she wanted sidewalks. We have a sidewalk that leads straight to a park.... and if you hang a left at the intersection, we're a mere 2 biking minutes  from Knox and Lucas' house! It is amazing. We love love love living so close to our people! Also, it's been great practice for learning to ride the new bike Santa brought her!

(Video- click on the link to the actual blog to see the videos!)

It can't hurt that 2 minutes in the other direction is Krispy Kreme right? 

We had two gymnastics birthday parties this Saturday! She was WORN by the end of the day! (Thank you friends!) She is also interested in gymnastics lessons now so maybe you'll be seeing more of these! I wish I had the new camera that Dad gave me for Christmas because it's specifically an action shot camera! This would've been the perfect time to practice! Still, iPhone pics get the job done!

The foam pit was a major highlight!

They had a zip line also. The teacher asked the kids in front of her if they wanted to go slow, kind of fast, or super fast. They all said slow. London? Super fast. Prayers appreciated over my momma heart!
(Video)

Trampoline fun! That monster sound in the middle? That's me! Gross! ;) Hearing your own voice is the worst! Then slow mo'ing your annoying voice... double horrible!
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Monday at the park with our BFF's. They are admiring the baby bird egg that they found on the ground (read: small rock). 

Trying to recreate my favorite picture of London on the yellow bench. These kids are the cutest!

The Rhea's new year in Columbus!

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry for the downright disappearance of the blog. One of my New Year's resolutions was to blog twice as much as I did this year! As long as you're okay with phone posts, which may not be as well thought out or edited for aesthetics, I think I can do it! Life has been outright insane. Perspective, I'm writing this at 3 am because I woke up two hours ago and can't put my brain back to sleep. Grrr. 

Nothing is wrong, so not to worry! It's all good stuff! My house sold!!!!!!!!!

GLORYHALLELUJAHPRAISETHELORD!!! The house has been for sale for a year and a half. Holy cow. That's a lot of making the beds everyday! :) I will write a full post about this soon because it's been the way God has drawn near to me over this past year. It's an important story to tell- even if it's just to remind myself (and my expectations) that God is often found in waiting. He taught me to be patient... A discipline that I've never had much success with, and He taught me in the most gentle way possible. His way is perfect and I stand firm on that foundation. 

The house: Everything was moving along peachy, we were going to rent an apartment for a few months then move into Barry's rental house this summer..... About 4 days ago, Barry's current renters told him they were planning to stay for another year and a half! Our original plan was to move into a cheap, tiny (miniscule) apartment so we scratched that because that would never work for the next few years! So, we have spent this week frantically looking for new options. I am hopeful I found our new place yesterday because we move out this Friday.  I'm 'sleeping on it' (clearly) to find peace about my decision. All of this has been in the middle of our year end at a financial firm, which makes the timing a bit inconvenient! Work has been so busy (read: praise the Lord for success and amazing, understanding bosses), that I've felt like I've been totally steamrolled flat by the end of every afternoon! I have absolutely no brain capacity left! 

So-- life has been a blessing filled doosy this month! But, here's to blogging more! (I can't post this without the biggest of shout outs to my amazingly parents (who are blessings heaped on top of blessings), my extraordinarily kind brother and sister, and my extravagantly loving best friends, Jill and Kurt. My clan of family is second to none. I could never, ever make it through life without you.) 

A few quick pictures of the Rhea's! They were in Columbus this week and mom and dad have been sending over snapshots of their lazy days! I'll say it... I'm completely jealous of these pictures! It's rained incessantly here and everyone is OVER IT. I'd love to be waiting out this weather, curled up with a book, in the comfort of mom and dad's house! LUCKIES!! (But they sure are cute as punkin pie!)

Hard at Work

The elves have been hard at work this year but they still have a skip in their step!

Merry Christmas from the Rhea Lane Families! We love you all!

(click the image below to play)

Winter beach

A few weeks ago, London and I popped down to the beach to hang out with the 'rents. They have encouraged me to come down for the Pensacola Arts Festival for years but I've never taken them up on the invitation. We made a last minute decision to swing down there and I'm so glad we did! I can't put my finger on exactly why I feel this way, but this trip settled into my soul as an important time with my family. It felt like memory making... I talk about it a lot on the blog. The moments that I catch myself thinking, 'Remember this minute. Just like this. Don't forget.' 

One of my very favorite TV shows is called 'The Office'. The darling couple on the show started this motion before their wedding that when they were in a perfect moment together, they would act like they were taking a picture with an invisible camera. It was their way of not forgetting that exact minute. This whole weekend felt chock full of those little minutes that I want to hold on to and make them last. So, here are my mental pictures. 

But first, Jim and Pam {video}. YOU GUYS. If you want to cry every tear you can possibly produce, get on Netflix and watch The Office Season 6 Episode 5. The wedding. EVERY. SINGLE. TEAR. Also, if you watch it and think, 'you know, so and so reminds me EXACTLY of Jim Halpert', then note his age. If he's in his late teens, you need to set up a date with Charley. If he's in his 30's, send him my number immediately. Charley and I are both looking for the same dude, 15 years apart, based on a ficticious character. We are realistic. 

I digress.... :) Not a bad view to drive in, walk on the balcony, take a deep breath, and say thanks for every day He gives. I'm so thankful for our life. 

Finally worn. This was after much much, much dancing to show off for her grandparents!

Saturday morning was COLD. This was our first winter beach trip and it was chilly willy! 

Per the usual, it took Lu all of 3 seconds to decide she'd rather be cold and wet than not be in her beloved ocean. She'll end up seaside one day. No question about it. 

{click}

Gorgeous. This place heals. 

Sand angels :)

This. Just this. {click}

I think I know what the feeling is now. After blogging about it. My folks gave me a rich life. I have such a huge stockpile of memories of the times I knew without a shadow of a doubt that my mom would do ANYTHING for me. And we traveled a LOT. We saw and experienced so many cool things. My parents did a great job of keeping us as grounded as possible but there were plenty of life events that I lived with stars in my eyes because they were big and exciting. Broadway. Snowsking. Beach trips. Fancy food with Dad.

I know what it is now.... London has stepped into my shoes and her amazing grandparents are giving her 'stars in her eyes' moments. I know enough now to realize the importance of these times and am beyond thankful to have evidence of the JOY they are bringing to her life. We are so in love with you, momma and dad.

More to come! I loaded pictures per event so I'll get the others up asap!

Photo Edits

So sorry for not posting more but my computer died and I haven't had time to get to the Apple store to see if it's fixable or RIP for the old technology machine. I can load pictures from my phone but it takes longer so I'm awful about procrastinating! Luckily last night, I gave up on my chores, plopped in the bed at 8:30 and loaded a few posts on here before I zonked out! 

Last week, an Instagram friend challenged me to post a black and white photo each day for a week. First things first- if we're IG friends, I shall NEVER call you out for a posting challenge. I know I could've ignored the challenge but she said something nice about my pics so I decided to try it. I joined in mainly because I typically post pictures with color, brighter color, with a dash of color on top. Think: obnoxious. 

I love it when people post super faded, muted photos, but I can never go there with my pictures. It's just not me. So, I thought going monochrome for a week would be a big change up for me and an interesting project. Turns out I loved it. For 5 days I looked at everything around me to find the beauty in my everyday backdrop. Where was the light coming from? Would the object lose it's 'flavor' if you took the color away?  I've been thinking a lot about getting stuck in ruts. I love our life but it is generally a carbon copy of each week over and over and over, which, trust me, after the last few years, is FINE BY ME. But for this week,  I liked having something to day dream about... a distraction... a little atypical in the midst of our very typical life.

I thought I'd post a few of the pics and edits that I did and see how you feel.. Do you like the black and whites or do you sway towards color like me? 

I didn't use this one because it felt too close to home for me. I wanted this picture all for myself. When you get sweet thing laughing just right, you can see her one tiny dimple that I love beyond words. I'm glad I have this shot. (and I love you to the moon, Lu Lu.)

We always have dinner with the Thomas' on Monday nights. A sweet friend needed a last minute babysitter so we had a tiny little addition to the normal crew. This little plum has two HUGE dimples and our three big kids were falling all over themselves to see them! 

This is a midday bloody mary to celebrate the amazing Jill Thomas' birthday! (I LOVE YOU, Jill Thomas!) I much prefer the color version of this one... see below.

So much better, right?

These pictures look very similar but one made me laugh and I wanted to show you the edits process. Here's the original. London has circus eyes that are apparently looking at two different things! Lucky shot for me! She was so tickled at her different direction eyes, so I don't think she'll be mad at me for posting!

Here's a faded version of this picture that if I knew what I was doing, I would make cool pictures that look like this! 

Here was my submission for the black and white challenge where I pulled all the color out then went back and put her original eye color back in. I kind of loved it so I took another picture where her eyes are normal and did this same process. I might print it for the house! She's so beautiful!

original 

enhanced

black and white. I love it. This one is my favorite! 

So, what do you think? Are you a black and white person or like life in highlighter like me?!

School Picture Time!!

One of my favorite things about London's school is that they hire a family photographer to take their school pictures. They always turn out so sweet! I thought London's were beautiful.. they don't look like her every day smile, but I still love them because they are of *her*. Sweetest, gorgeous girl.

(Your momma could eat you up, child.)

And because they are absolutely family, there's no way I'd leave them of the ole family blog.... Knox Thomas looking tall, skinny, and dreamy as always. Isn't he SO handsome?!?!

Lucas Thomas... what a total heartbreaker. I want you all to talk to him in person because his sweet, mischievous eyes will slay you. I have no power over his persuasion. Goodness, I love him. 

Charley Rhea's Incredible Senior Pictures

Charley Rhea had her senior pictures taken recently. Her momma sent the family a link to look through them all and I've compiled my favorites below. Looking through these pictures was WAY too much for me to handle. I've always loved this girl with a fierceness I couldn't put my finger on until I had a babe of my own. I've ADORED Charley Rhea for every stage of her life. These past few years have been full of highs and lows for us both, and to my delighted surprise, Charley and I shared much of this time together. We've always been super close, but we've cried together and laughed big together, and she's taught me how to navigate life with poise, wisdom, and kindness. (Yes, she taught ME, not the other way around.) I wouldn't trade these last 12 months for anything in this world. I feel like Charley has finally seen a glimpse of the deep embedded love I've always had for her. She's had the chance to feel it and know it well this year. We've been there for each other and it's been a year I will always store away in my mind as IMPORTANT. 

One of the best opportunities God ever gave me was moving to Birmingham. Originally the decision was made in part because I didn't want to miss the twins growing up. I grew up with Charley. I was a part of her life from the very beginning and I didn't want to miss those years with the twins. Turns out, it was immensely important that I didn't miss a minute of this amazing girls life. 

I was here for her elementary school graduation. I was here for the silly, super giggly sleepovers, I was here for braces and softball and finding real best friends. We got manicures before her first school dance. There were relationships that came and went and times of great joy and heart ache. 

Charley is such a perfectly packaged person. You talk to her and watch her brain process the immense amount of data stored in there. Her great intellect makes her seem unseasonably mature. She can talk to you intelligently about every tough subject out there. Girl is SMART. 

She's clear eyed and driven. She's always been a goal setter and she's never shied away from putting her head down and working hard for what she wants to accomplish. She has a remarkable way of pushing life's obstacles to the side and plowing forward. Intentional. Steady. Focused. She is a WOMAN. Strong, intelligent, wielding a power she probably hasn't discerned yet. 

But if you call her phone, and get her voice mail, there's this falsetto voice on the recording that always surprises me. She's still my squeaky little niece. A youngster really. Full of wonder and innocence. There's much more to learn and do and experience because the world is still her oyster! :)

She attends an enormous high school. She'll graduate with over 600 other seniors (give or take). They rent out the biggest arena in the city for graduation. There are so many people. So much diversity. So many chances to get lost in the crowd. But after all these years of cultivating friendships with other smart, fun classmates, Charley Rhea has made a name for herself. They had awards day last week and she won Best Dressed! She was so surprised and had no idea she would win! 

My best friend, Jill, teaches 9th and 10th grade at Charley's high school. Her students don't know that she and Charley are friends but Jill said Charley's name is all the chatter with the underclassmen because they think she is 'beautiful and really sweet to them.' I hope she realizes what a testament this is to her. It's easy to get caught up in the ego of senior life, but her heart is kind. Those younger girls will forevermore look up to Charley because she made an impact on their high school years. She makes them feel important. Kindness always wins. Remember that baby girl. 

My personal favorite. 

She faced some hard times this year. High school is fun but not always easy. She faced some situations that brought out the momma bear in me. She had choices to make on how she would treat people in the wake of hurt feelings and wrong doings. She called. We talked. And then, the most beautiful thing happened. I watched Charley work through a thoughtful process of following her heart. Deciding her own path. Acting the way that made her feel good in her soul... and wouldn't you know, she chose to love, and forgive, and to be brave. 

YOU ARE BRAVE, CHILD. 

She chose to smile anyway. She chose to embrace the good and find joy instead of getting dragged down by anything that wouldn't benefit her life. She chose to rise above.

And it was HER choice. 

To the very core of her, she is beautiful. 

You are GOOD, baby. A diamond. A treasure to me. 

She is teeming with excitement for college. She hasn't made her mind up yet as to where she will go, but she has great choices ahead of her. Her dedication to school has opened up awesome opportunities. She's not settling on a default college. Her years of hard work have given her the options to explore and travel which ever path brings her the most delight. 

                                  Congratulations beautiful. I'm overwhelmingly proud of you. 

I wish we had a picture of every blood and distant relative hugging your neck just like this to serve as a reminder that you are BELOVED. You have taught us all to have fun and be silly and soak up every second of life. You've also taught us to work hard, don't give up, GO FOR IT! Most importantly, you've taught us to always smile, expect the best in people and give second chances when they might miss the mark, love anyway, because that's most important. 

My heart. There are times when I want to send you away in such a commotion of exuberance and excitement that Andaddy would call it 'nonsense'. There are other times that I want to stomp my foot and scream at you for growing up. You'll understand one day how hard it is to watch these pieces of your heart grow up and venture out... a too far distance for me to be able to scoop you up and still dote on you like a child. 

But in the end of days, I know exactly how our story plays out. I'll stand face to face with my good, gracious God and I'll open my hands in thanks, lips trembling, eyes a dam of tears, just as they are now, and I won't say a word. He'll know. He'll know my heart could never put words to my immense gratitude for being able to watch your whole life from the sidelines. Sometimes only tears like waterfalls can tell the story of JOY that someone brings to your life. 

I cherish you, Charley Bug. You are a hero to me.