GA State Fair

This year the GA State Fair moved to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, only 15 minutes from us. I'm not sure why it moved and I'm not going to take the time to research at the moment. I don't care anyway, since cute pictures to highlight the memories we made are all I need.

Cotton Candy!!! She was SO EXCITED.

Nick and Addy on the carousel

Sweet girl

I think this was Addy's favorite ride

Julie and Addy, just before we watched the Monkey Jockeys. Monkeys riding on dogs around a little track. None of us were sure what to think about that. They were cute though!

Kid swings

Maddox on the fish ride

My favorite face of the night

Getting ready to ride the weird dragon coaster

Never a good sign when the ride starts going forward up a little hill... and then comes backward to the starting point. Even worse when it does it SEVEN. MORE. TIMES. That's right, a total of 7 "attempts" of button pushing by the guy running the ride. Had it been anymore than a kiddie ride I would have promptly gotten off! Nick and Addy moved to the back of the ride to distribute the weight, and we finally got to go around. Lailey didn't like it by that time since the starting and stopping had made her wary (for good reason! Me too!). And then the ride wouldn't stop! Perhaps the guy felt bad that it hadn't worked well, or there was no one in line, but poor Lailey kept saying to me "I wanna get off!" but I just kept encouraging her and laughing. Well, we lived to tell the tale. And this, friends, is why I do not ride the big fair rides, thankyouverymuch.

Can you see her face? My usually thrill-seeking kid was not going to ride this again.

This calf's name was Sadie! 

There was NO way that sheep was getting her cotton candy!

See Maddox, they're sweet! (And then it tried to eat my hair)

Goat with a mouthful of hair

He kept laughing at the adorable goats (I want one!) but I didn't succeed in getting a picture.

Here cow, eat the food I finagled from some unsuspecting girl. No, really!

Unintentional hilarious picture!

I really like ferris wheel pictures

See, told ya.

Okay, last one.

This is not a ferris wheel. It's a puddle. With a ferris wheel in it.

Kiddos with their giraffe hats the guy at the duck pond game so generously gave them (valued at  .9 cents each)

Davey Finishes the ATL Marathon for the Second Time!

I'm so proud of my hubby! He set out last year to complete his first marathon. Most people do a half marathon (13.1 mi) first, but he went for the full 26.2 miles and did amazing. The Atlanta Marathon is known for being a difficult and hilly course, but he accepted the challenge once again and has made us all proud.

Having fun in the beautiful weather

Maddox climbing and watching 

Addy, Eli, Whitney, and Maddox (and their new cousin, due next month!)

Addy and Lailey

Shelley and Maddox

Last year the weather was FREEZING! This time, I was prepared with coats, hats, gloves...and as you can see Lailey had to push her long sleeved shirt up it was nice and warm in the sun. Beautiful day for a race.

Here he comes, wearing his Xero Shoes

Davey gets a lot of attention for his footwear while running. People are always shocked to see a runner clad in very thin sandals. For anyone who is curious, they're called Xero Shoes. They are intended to mimic barefoot running, and obviously Davey loves them. Check them out if you're interested. I have run short distances in mine and I really like them as well. Significantly cheaper than running shoes, they also last much longer as well. Since he puts in so many miles training, they are a very economical choice for us.

Shoes are "fresh" from the race...with grit still on them! 

Close up of the unique medal from this year

Almost there!

He did it!

Lagene ("Grammy") wasn't able to make it last year since she had just had back surgery, so this year was special because she got to be part of Team Dave.

It really takes a whole family to make a marathon happen. I may not have run the miles, but between us we had to juggle taking care of the kids to make the intensive training schedule work. 

Authentic family picture

3 Akin kids...soon to be FOUR in November. (Congrats to Eli and Whitney!)

Halloween 2013 - Rapunzel and Flynn Rider

I absolutely LOVE costumes that go together, like entire families dressing up in the same theme. I don't know why, but I love it. Someday, all of us will have to dress up, but this year I was good to get one costume made (really just one part) and then we used what we had for the rest. If you haven't seen the movie, Tangled, well, you should. It's one I truly enjoy watching with my kids and the music is fabulous. And I'm picky. 

Anyway, Lailey received the Rapunzel dress last Christmas, and it's beautiful. I convinced her that she should be Rapunzel for Halloween. The dress is gorgeous (and I didn't have to make it!) and it's not going to fit forever. Once she was convinced, the logical choice for Maddox was to be Flynn Rider...

And what a handsome little Flynn! I did make his vest, which I'm pretty proud of. I would say I'm an intermediate seamstress, but I didn't think that the vest could be too bad. I took another vest he has for sizing and went from there, piecing it together from Pinterest pictures and movie pictures. There were some COMPLICATED patterns online. Mine was much easier, and I was so pleased at how it turned out.

The infamous Ghostbuster with Flynn and Rapunzel

Grammy kisses

With cousin Addy (as Aurora - Sleeping Beauty) and grandparents

My little buddy

Princess Ariel (friend Mia) joined in the fun at our church's festival

I don't do spinning rides. Thankfully, the Ghostbuster does!

Here is a video of us digging out the pumpkin guts for our jack-o-lantern. Maddox didn't like touching it, which is why he's not in the video. Lailey was all for getting messy, but that should surprise no one. I carved a nice and simple Mickey Mouse this year, but apparently didn't take a picture.

Trip to the Fire Station

About a month ago, Lailey and I were returning home from grocery shopping when my car unexpectedly cut off while driving and I coasted into a fire station. Great place to end up, right? The firemen looked at my car, and then it started up again (the problem has since been identified and fixed). But before we left they gave Lailey a tour of the place, including a fireman's hat and stickers. She loved it, and we promised to come back another day when little brother could come. That day came today. 

It took the kids a second to warm up, but as the friendly firefighters ushered us back to the garage where the big truck sat, they were in awe. They got to climb in the truck, check out all the equipment, and ask questions. Well, one of them asked lots of questions.

The firemen were so friendly and the kids had a great time.

Definitely the highlight for Maddox was "driving the big truck." He was so happy sitting there, and he almost threw a fit when we lifted him down, but the prospect of climbing up the big stairs to go see where the firemen live distracted him.

Lailey's favorite part was probably seeing the pole from the top. They both kept trying to inch forward to see the pole, which made the firemen pretty nervous. But I knew they wouldn't try to leap in the hole. Well, Lailey might.

 He even slid down the pole so they could watch.

Another fascinating thing to the kids were all the knobs and meters and levers on the side of the truck. They wanted to see what they all did of course, but the firemen explained that that would let all the water out of the truck. 500 gallons worth, to be correct. Well, then the kids kept saying "Let the water out!" Maddox especially. They were really curious about the water. But no, we can't empty the firetruck.

What a fun - and free - little adventure! The firemen were so nice to us. If Maddox's new love (besides music and drums) becomes fire trucks, we may be heading back here soon.

30 Before 30

Well, the time has come. I considered doing this post ages ago when I actually started this list. But life happened and here I am, three days from turning the big 3-0. How do I feel about that? Fine, actually. Maybe it will hit me in one way or another, but for now, I'm cool with it. I'm not anxious about ending my twenties, in fact, I'm happy to be where I am. I love my husband, my kids, and the crazy life God allows us to lead, being held in the palm of His hands.

What is 30 before 30? Oh right, you might not know. Inspired by a friend who did this a few years ago when her twenties decade came to a close (and she was inspired by her friend), I decided to make a list. A list of 30 or so things that I wanted to do, see, or finish before turning 30. I didn't stress over it (as you'll see) but just had fun. Why stress? It's 30, for goodness sakes, not 100. I gave myself a head start and actually made the list about a year and a half ago, updating it on the Notes app on my phone, and adding to it whenever I felt the need. So, in no particular order, here goes...

1) GO TO DISNEY WORLD WITH LAILEY (DONE!)

2) RECORD A CHILDREN'S CD
(IN PROGRESS) It will hopefully happen eventually.

3) REDECORATE OUR MASTER BEDROOM FAIRLY INEXPENSIVELY BY SELLING A LOT OF STUFF 
(DONE!) We did not, in fact, sell a lot of stuff, but rather re-purpose some furniture and donate a lot of things. A garage sale was going to be too much work. I did save birthday and Christmas money for awhile to make it happen. Unfortunately I have either deleted or misplaced the "before" picture, but this is the after. In short, this is what we did:

AFTER - but still in progress

 - Remove 2 nightstands, one chest of drawers, one large mirror on other dresser, two desks. Not counting the large mirror (which was a part of the dresser we refinished - not pictured) that's FIVE PIECES OF FURNITURE. Gone. Outta there. I can't believe we had it all in there. The reason we could do this is that we also moved the kids into one room. Our nursery became an office/multipurpose storage room/junk place again. The chest of drawers became a homeschool and art cabinet. Confused yet? Yep. So happy with that change. One more step to simplifying our house as much as possible.

 - Change room color from peach-ish orange (never what it was supposed to be) to a soft gray. LOVE.

 - Take tall bookshelves from nursery that were black and paint white and aqua.

 - Move bed to left wall instead of between windows.

 - Replace non-working fan with chandelier

 - New quilt, sheets, pillows, and curtains

 - Hang pictures (including a very cool piece of artwork that my sister painted for me for Christmas last year)

TO BE DONE

 - Style bookshelves. Now that #27 (see below) is done, we have more room and can do this.

 - Paint trunk and use something fun to cover sides. The paneling was starting coming off and I decided to take it all off and revamp it. Not sure yet what I'll do.

 - Finish hanging pictures

4) HAVE AT LEAST ONE SUCCESSFUL GARAGE SALE AND PURGE

(DONE) Well, we didn't have the garage sale but we have gone through loads of stuff and donated carfulls of it. Like that word, "carfulls?" We did. One of the blessings of a small-ish house for a family of four is that it prevents me from being a packrat. If I don't have the space for something, I donate it. A good rule is "one in, one out." Meaning, for every one item I bring in I try to remove something else that isn't needed. Like clothes, for example. I gave away about half of my clothes. If I hadn't worn it in about a year (with the exception of a few special items) then it went bye bye. This, however, has wonderful benefits. I make room (and an excuse) for new clothes. :) So smart, I know.

5) TRAVEL TO WA TO SEE FAMILY

(NOPE) We'd like to save for it for 2014.

6) FINISH READING THROUGH THE BIBLE

(IN PROGRESS) I'm about 3/4, maybe 4/5 through. Again, one step at a time.

7) GET SOME OF MY PHOTOGRAPHY FRAMED OR ON CANVAS AND USE AROUND THE HOUSE.

(DONE. AND STILL IN PROGRESS.) I have framed some pictures that are up in our room, but I'd like to do more. Canvases are expensive though, and I have to prioritize.

8) TAKE A PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

(NOPE) I have not taken a workshop, but have read and studied a lot on my own. The underlying goal here was to improve as a photographer, and I feel that I have. I can look back at pics a year ago and I've already learned so much.  I hope to continue to improve and look back in another year and think the same. I love it.

9) READ A CLASSIC

(DONE!) I chuckle at this one. It began with the great ambition to read Les Misérables, a favorite of my SIL Julie, which is very very long. I started it but didn't continue. Who knows why. But this summer I picked up reading again after a long hiatus. Having two kids will do that. I didn't even mean to accomplish this goal, and some would heatedly debate if the books I read are "classics," but nonetheless, I have read 6 of the 7 Harry Potter books and have absolutely enjoyed every minute. I'm dying to finish the series but have made myself wait since I have too much going on this month and it's torture to pull myself away from a good book. I will be patient. Oh, and if anyone spoils the ending for me, you will die. That's right, Amy, you too!

10) WATCH "GONE WITH THE WIND"

(NOPE) Anyone up for a movie night?

11) FINISH AND PRINT MADDOX'S BABY PHOTO BOOK

(NOPE) Hasn't happened either, but it will maybe over Christmas break. The pictures are all saved, just have to find the time and money. 

If you've made it this far through the list you're probably thinking one of two things:

a) Wow, she hasn't finished a lot. What a slacker. Or...

b) Wow, it makes me feel so good Sarah has not finished all her goals and is totally 100% okay about it. I can stop with the mommy guilt!

Continuing on...

12) TAKE A FAMILY CAMPING TRIP 

(DONE!) We went to Chattahoochee Bend State Park last fall and it was wonderful. Maddox's first camping trip.

13) SEE A BABY BORN

(DONE!) I had the amazing privilege to be with my sister when her son, Matthan, was born. Love that little guy!

14) RUN A 5K WITHOUT STOPPING

(ALMOST DONE, unofficially) I didn't actually enter a race, but I did start running a little this summer and ran close to 3 miles.

15) WRITE AND DISPLAY OUR FAMILY VALUES

(NOPE)

16) FRY AN EGG ON THE SIDEWALK

(NOPE)

17) TAKE BALLROOM DANCING LESSONS

(NOPE) Hopefully this coming year though.

18) BEGIN HOMESCHOOLING LAILEY

(DONE!) And I'm so incredibly excited about this one. We're doing Classical Conversations this year. This is a curriculum but also a community, so Lailey goes one morning a week to "school." She is learning so much and so are we. There is too much to explain about CC, so maybe it will make it in another post.

19) CONTINUE LEARNING TO COOK HEALTHY VEGAN/VEGETARIAN MEALS

(ALWAYS IN PROGRESS) I have learned so much about cooking in the last couple years since we've really improved our eating habits. That's not to say we eat perfectly (no such thing), but we do get a variety of whole foods, which is my goal.

20) LEARN ALL THE MOVES TO "THRILLER"

(NOPE) Still willing to learn though!

21) TAKE ANOTHER CAMPING TRIP WITH EXTENDED FAMILY

(DONE!) Last Spring (2013) we went with my dad (Grandpa Jim); Amy, Tim, and Matthan; and Christy, Jason, Sadie, and Titus. It was a crazy trip but a fun memory.

22) MAKE FLOSSING A HABIT

(DONE...and not done) I was really good for awhile, thought I mighta had a habit. But then again, maybe not.

23) GO SING KARAOKE

(NOPE) Again, any takers? I would totally go if someone would go with me.

24) PRINT ALL MY FAVORITE ONLINE RECIPES AND MAKE AN EASY TO USE BINDER FOR MEAL PLANNING AND COOKING

(DONE!) 

 

25) PRACTICE THE PRESENCE OF GOD

(DONE?) Can one ever be "done" with this? I do feel that I practice his presence in some ways, and I will continue to do so and am always learning.

26) CATCH UP WITH BLOGGING 

(NOPE) Bwahahahaha.

27) INSTALL SHELVES IN LIVING ROOM TO DISPLAY BOOKS AND MOVIES

(DONE!) This was a relatively simple project with such great results. We made SO much space elsewhere by getting movies and books out of the way. The shelves area bit full but they're so functional. We were able to de-clutter our living room and that makes me so happy.

28) GET PAID FOR TAKING PICTURES

(DONE) I really don't want a full business, but in the past year I have had the opportunity to grow in the photography realm. I get to do what I love and make some money at it. 

29) BE CONTENT.

(FOREVER IN PROGESS) I tend to be an overachiever, even if I don't want to admit it. I always "think" I can do it all, and in the past I'd have an endless list of things I wanted to do in my head and I used to be unhappy with myself when I couldn't do them. Okay, sometimes I still do. But then I sit back and remind myself that even when I don't "feel" like I've accomplished a lot in a day, I've done so much. What is it about we modern young moms who think we have to do it all? I know Pinterest contributes to that lie. I even took a vacation from the site for awhile when I started feeling like I wasn't doing enough and knew I needed to get off that destructive path of thinking. The world makes us think our kids have to be in adorably coordinated clothes, our houses have to be perfectly decorated, our meals have to be planned and super healthy, our clothes must be stylish and beautiful, and the list goes on and on. None of these things are bad, but when we hold ourselves to these ideal standards all the time, it's exhausting, unbiblical, and sinful.

Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

How many times do I miss "what is better" because I'm "worried and upset about many things?" Who cares if my kids aren't dressed while we're at home memorizing Bible verses? So what if my house stays messy while I'm investing time educating my daughter to know God and make Him known? Sometimes a frozen pizza frees up kitchen time so that my husband and I can have real, uninterrupted, adult conversation in the evening. 

This goal of "being content" has changed my life. I will never have it mastered, but I'm content with even that! When I start feeling like I haven't gotten anything done (which is ridiculous because most moms have done 20 things before breakfast is over), I breathe and remember what is important. I don't allow myself to have "mommy guilt." I might have it, but I dismiss it or pray about it. I try to keep the important things important. At the end of the day, the only things that matter are God and family. That's it. 

30) THERE IS NO #30.

And I'm content with that.