Sweet Land of Liberty

As I've been thinking about Memorial Day, I realized that although I've known many people who have served, or currently serve in the military, I thankfully don't know anyone personally who has died while in the service of our country.  Then I remembered meeting Pat Tillman briefly on the football field at ASU in 1996.  I snapped this picture as he was running off the field (it's COOL isn't it??) and then asked his younger brother (who lived in my dorm) if he would ask him to autograph it for me!  He did...and all these years later, I still have it, and still think his story is such a sad one.  If you haven't heard Pat's story, go HERE to read more.

I am forever in awe of the bravery, courage and sense of duty that men (and women!) feel that motivates them to join and fight in the military.  I am terrified of it all.  Every movie, TV show, documentary, book, article, etc. that I hear about war and the atrocities of war continually reminds me that these people are EXCEPTIONAL in every sense of the word. 

I am so proud to be American, and hope that I too would have what it takes to fight for freedom and protect my family if it came down to it.  But until then, I will continue to support our troops and veterans with respect and reverence in my heart for all that they have done and still do for us, and people throughout the world. 

I hope you will be able to take some time this weekend to honor those who have sacrificed so much, even their lives, for our country's continued freedom.  Count your blessings and share your patriotism with your family! 

Have a fun, and safe holiday weekend!

xoxo, Shari

ocho meses ya!

For those of you who didn't take high school Espanol, that means, "eight months already!"

Yes...my baby boy is eight months old today!  

Here are a few tidbits about Aleks:

He loves clapping!

 He isn't quite crawling yet, more like scooting!  

He loves to stick his booty up in the air!

He is a super-smiley baby...and has the most adorable dimples!

He doesn't sleep through the night anymore (not since he started teething (he has SIX teeth!) about 3.5 months ago...) but since he's so easy and happy during the day...I am able to function!  

He still loves music and perks up whenever there is music on, or if I sing to him, or he hears others singing.  

He loves to suck/chew on tags...maybe I should make him one of those taggy blankies?

He loves his jumperoo and since he loves jumping, it's hard to get him to stand still when you hold him...his legs just automatically start jumping!

He is loved and fawned over by his big brothers...the 4 year gap has proven to be not so bad...they have bonded from the very beginning!  

He coughs when he wants your attention... :)  ah-hem! look at me!  i'm so cute!  pay attention to me!

He is a total mama's boy... he cries when I turn my back and when I leave the room...but he also loves daddy and his face always lights up when he sees him!

He doesn't have another well-baby check until 9 months, but I'm guessing he's at least 20 lbs and probably about 29-30 inches by now.  He wears all 12-18 month clothing.  :)  

Love this big boy!  Wish I could freeze time and snuggle him forever.  

Is this profile not the most adorable thing?  And OH! Those fat little baby hands and fingers.  I could seriously just eat him up! 

Sonya JOY: my sister

My sister Sonya came from Austin for a visit earlier this month, and it was so nice to see her again and have her here.  It was sort of a whirlwind weekend full of non-stop action!  There wasn't quite as much down-time as she was probably expecting/hoping for, with Bunco, Angel's baseball games, photoshoots, and Time Out For Women, but it was still fun, and lovely to have my sister to spend time with!  We were able to grab a quick photo with the boys...and yes, this is the BEST one of the bunch.  :)  It just shows them as they truly are!  We are excited to see her again at the end of June!

We love you Sonya!  Come unwind at the beach with us ANY TIME!

recent pins

I know that many of you who read my blog, also follow me on Pinterest, (if not, click HERE to follow me!) so you may have already seen these quotes floating around!  However, they are good quotes, and my mind keeps going back to them, so I wanted to share.  :)

Source: life-confessions.com via Shari on Pinterest

I love this one...but I'm not sure I will EVER grow up.  :)

Source: valeriewoerner.com via Shari on Pinterest

I think this is the first list I've come across that I agree with EVERY SINGLE THING!  Right now I'm working on numbers 2, 3, 7, and 10. 

Source: Uploaded by user via Shari on Pinterest

So true.  This is a good one to share with ANYONE. 

Source: littleremindersoflove.blogspot.com via Shari on Pinterest

This rings true with me in  many areas of my life...  Mothering, Photography, etc.  No matter how many times I say, "I don't care what other people think..."  It will never be true.  I DO care.  BUT, I am learning to be secure in what I decide to do, and HOW I decide to do it. 

Source: jcpurposedrivenlife.tumblr.com via Shari on Pinterest

Found this one right after watching a sweet video of a mother telling the story about her baby who was born without eyes, and also a cleft pallet.  I bawled as I watched, and wondered if I would have the same courage she has?  Click HERE to see that video...

Source: etsy.com via Shari on Pinterest

Yes!  MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!  Not everything lands in our laps...we need to remember to GO FOR IT!

Source: richesforrags.tumblr.com via Shari on Pinterest

I think this one is the theme of my life with my kiddos.  I love being silly and playing with them... seeing their eyes light up when I make funny faces at them or when we have dance parties.  LET GO and HAVE FUN!

Source: read.iamcarisu.com via Shari on Pinterest

This one really made me think...at first I was like, "But WAIT! Our history is what MADE us into WHO we ARE!"  But then I realized that is exactly his point... Don't let your HISTORY control your life.  Brilliant.

Source: motherletters.com via Shari on Pinterest

And, last but not least...one in honor of Mother's Day!

Happy Weekend! 

heart breaker

Aleksander, 7 months old and such a lady killer! 

love him!

My lovely sister Sonya is in town for the weekend...and we are off to Time Out For Women tonight and tomorrow...  a MUCH needed break...and time to refill my bucket!

Happy Weekend!

xoxo,
Shari