Our Heroes (NICU Nurses)

The term hero kind of sounds cliche. But truly, I can't think of another word that would even come close to describing how brave, intelligent, comforting and loving the Neonatal Intensive Care nurses are at Community Medical Center.

From the moment Anchor Joel was born on May 4th at a teeny 1 pound 15 ounces, not once did I feel that he could have been in better hands. There were many moments when just the look of kindness or sincerity would help calm my fears. The sure hands that helped my only son to my chest for the first time and even up to the hundredth time, I knew he was in the best care.

These nurses, whom I now call friends, were his moms when I couldn't be there. They cared for him and loved him while I was still heavily drugged for the first 2 days. They were my hands and comforting voice in between my 252 trips back and forth to the NICU.

Some heard me laugh every time my son would pass gas, some saw me mad at the scale the last few days there... but all of you saw me cry. Whether tears of exhaustion or tears of joy and hope, you were there to just listen.

Most of you new our faith and shared your stories of redemption with us too. The words we read together with each new bible verse we would hang on his bed, brought comfort to all of us. Some prayed with us each time we left our son.... and before every procedure or test he had. We thank you for your faith as it helped us keep ours strong.

One of you even walked me all the way to the emergency room the night I discovered I had mastitis; just so I knew exactly where I needed to go.

A few of you even found time to touch this mamas heart through baby feet crafts. I will cherish the foot anchor and Mother's Day craft. One of you helped me climb way back behind the isolette and ventilator machine to hang up his banner just to make it feel a little more like his home there. 

There really are not enough words of gratitude I could express to say how grateful Joel and I are for your care and comfort of our precious boy. My heart belongs to the NICU now. Your love helped carry us through that scary but incredible time we had in room 2.

I will never be the same because of you.

I love you.

XO.

Relaxing Realizations

I guess it's been a couple of days since I've written here. Honestly, I have been in 100% relaxation mode!

We have been on a mini 'working' vacation... I say working because Joel had to travel for work this week and the girls and I just jumped in the car and went along for the fun. That is exactly what we were having... FUN! We even built a fort!

We spent the afternoon at our friend Kay's house to craft on Wednesday. See the goodies we made? The girls love spending time with 'Mama Kay' as they get to craft a little something every time.

The rest of the time, the girls and I pretty much have just hung out at the hotel. We got a suite this time so having the extra room proved very beneficial for a certain little one year old to take her 2 daily naps.

I dove into an incredible book yesterday and am almost finished today! Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle is hilariously funny one moment and will bring a little quiet tear the next. Such a good read that I even skipped out on the nightly swimming session with family because I just couldn't put it down. (Truth be told, I had to force myself to write tonight because all I want to do is finish that book!)

It's amazing at how much a person can do when they are absent from the distractions of our every day life! I'm blown away at the girls and their ability to sit down and not only finish their school work in a very short amount of time, but really excel at it. They have finished their daily work in approximately 2 hours each day as opposed to the 5-6 hours it takes at home. The same amount of work, same difficulty... but I'm fairly positive there was a lack of "Alyn, please load the dishwasher. Arly, the dog needs fed. Can you watch Avin real quick while I switch laundry." And so many 'so ons' that I'm sure come out of my mouth almost every minute.

This week also brought on some deep conviction and evaluation of my life and heart. I am praying, planning and preparing for a new year that will be full of growth and action in a simplified way. I'm looking forward to a face lift... in all areas of my life. (Yeah, that kind of seems cliche typing it - but I'm ready to raise my standards for myself.) (I actually don't really need a face lift... but something else could be lifted.) (Did I just say that?!) (One more week of weaning and we are finished... CHEER & TEAR!)

XO

Jari

Cozy Cruise Down a Sparkling Memory Lane

Joel and I took our girls for a little cruise around our old stompin' grounds tonight.

I finally finished up their Advent Calendar (only 5 days late!) this morning  - - hard to do when you're on the road - - and tonight I knew that we had some free time and it would be the perfect opportunity to cruise around town looking at Christmas lights.

Right after we finished our Chinese delivery dinner... (heck yes, delivery because it was -11 degrees when we ordered dinner - - BURR!), we bundled up and heated up our new ride. (Have I told you that we got a new vehicle about 12 hours before we left MT!!? and we LOVE IT!)

Anyhoo, we bundled up, grabbed some hot caramel steamers to go, and made our way through West Boulevard. I will say that Joel and I were highly disappointed with the lack of Christmas lights up. It's been many years since I had been up there but when we were little, that street would GLOW like Clark Griswold's house. It was such a big thing for me to do while in Rapid City, that I absolutely wanted to take the girls up there to see the beautiful sight. But tonight just wasn't the night. Maybe 5 houses had lights up. So sad.

But our adventure didn't stop there. We drove up some big hill streets and saw some beautiful homes with lights. Then we drove past the hospital and showed the girls where they were born. Since we were on the right side of town, we did a drive by of our two homes in the city.

Oh my.... The house on Ivy brought back memories of Joel and I first learning about each other and living together for the first time. Many nights partying there. Many nights just snuggling on the couch getting to know each other. Many nights of tears there too when we experienced our first pregnancy as a loss. We parked out front and shared so many memories with the girls. It was surreal.

Then the apartments just down the street. That was Arly's first home. All the way until she was 16 months old before we moved across the state. I'll never forget climbing up the three flights of stairs with a baby and then sweet toddler while carrying groceries. She had her many firsts in that apartment and that is where we started our family. Two bedrooms, barely enough room for a dining table, and community laundry. Ah memories.

I loved tonight. I wish I had some photos to share with you but my phone battery was sucked dry. Which is nice to be unplugged and have the chance relax but not having photos to remember this memory really stinks.

That brings me to another point. So you know that I have been fasting from social media since October. I have found that because I'm not on Instagram, I'm not taking nearly as many photos of the girls or just documenting our every day moments.

I actually had a few of my favorite people (grandma, sister, aunties!) question me about my social media fast this past week and kind of beg me to come back... just for the photos of the girls.  I totally understand where they are coming from but I'm not ready to come back to Facebook at all yet. But I do want our family and friends to have photos of us. And I do want a reason to remember to take the photos throughout the day. But I'm struggling how I'm going to make that happen or whether I'm ready to go back at all. I've enjoyed the break. A lot.

Instagram would be the place I would return first. Honestly, it's what I miss the most. Just photos. I could even link it to my Facebook feed for those who aren't on IG.

Hmmmm....

Decisions, decisions. Lots of prayer and rules will be needed.

One more note:
Saturday is Avin's 1st birthday and we did a little shopping at downtown's square. Look how much fun the little Bear was having. Time to prepare for the party!

XO.
Jari

Behind the Scenes

We had the privilege of starring (a funny, awkward attempt at acting!) in a short film this afternoon.

Our church, Sovereign Hope Church, has an incredibly talented media team. They make the best short films I've seen. Don't believe me? Take a look at their website. Search Identity and Stories of Grace. 

Today's scene was of Christmas morning. 

Here's a sneak peek. 

It was a fun experience. From the makeup and hair (not too much makeup  and messy hair since it's a Christmas morning, wake up and open gifts with the family) to decorating and the many takes from different angles with a variety of lens and equipment.

It really made our family appreciate all the work our media team does for each of their films. It took 3 hours (a really fun 3 hours!) to get a finished 30 second film. (When I said movie stars I meant it!) we can't wait to see the finished result from Daniel and Luke. There will be a lot of time, editing and whatever else goes into the film before it's just right. 

Thank you Luhmann's for opening up your home (one of our favorite homes ever!) Thanks to Patty for all the behind the scenes work and dinner! Delicious! And to Cameryn for tree and decorations!

We are blessed beyond belief to be surrounded by such authentic and fun friends!

This was a day the girls are sure not to forget. One of them has now been nicknamed 'Holly-Wood' but I'm not naming names... Ahem.... Alyn!

This little bear was wiped out after an afternoon of acting and diving out of a high chair (ouch! Poor baby!)<---- not the scene we wanted tonight  :(

I'll be sure to share the final product when it is finished. 

Have a lovely night!

XO

Jari

The Beeb... My Beeb

Tonight I am writing to honor my sweetest niece, Kaci. (aka Hasey Beeb, Cecil, Ceese, The Beeb... and many more!)

Girl, you have always been one of the brightest sparkles in my eye. I'll never forget when I found out your mom was pregnant with you. I was so excited because I knew you'd be like a little sister to me. 

I was 14 when you were born and have loved you every moment for the past 17 years. 

When you were little little, I remember just reading to you, playing hide and seek, taking naps with you and playing the 'laugh out loud until we annoy the whole house' game! 

You were the first one to teach me that I could really love beyond myself. 

When you moved away with your growing family, you grew up so fast. I loved our phone chats and I'll never forget the conversation your mom and I were having when you were suppose to be heading to bed. Your mom asked if I wanted 'p-o-p-c-o-r-n' to which you came running down the hallway and very matter of factly said "I would like some p-o-p-c-o-r-n!" Your mom spelled it out so you wouldn't know what we were talking about but even at the age of 2 you knew! 

You are so intelligent. I'm so proud of your academics and all of your accomplishments through the years, but even more so of the way you choose to live your life. 

Your always so positive. You serve other people joyfully. You are always so kind; especially when it comes to entertaining your little cousins who look up to you so much. 

I know we don't get to see each other very often. It hurts my heart that we are so far away since we left SD, but I know our bond will only get stronger the older you get. You have become a beautiful, amazing young woman. I love you like a daughter. Like a sister. Like a friend. 

Tomorrow, when you face your challengers, I want you to let go of every past game. Let go of every win and every loss. Play with all your heart and all your guts and sweat. You can do all things through Christ. 

Go Scottie's!!! Know we are cheering our lungs out from 750 miles away! 

CAN YOU HEAR US?!?!!!!

LOVE YOU!!!!

XO

Auntie Jari

Happy Halloween & Hair Do!

This morning started off as a treat. This mama got a 2 1/2 hour timeout that involved scissors and some foil! Sounds scary... But it was far from that! 

Joel treated me once again with a morning at the salon. He came home from work to hang out with Avin, while the big girls were at school co-op at the church, so I could have some me time. 

As you know, I've been bleaching my hair for the past 2 years and it was pretty toast. Today I went with a more natural blond (almost my adult natural color) and cut about 5 inches off the back. I really like the new look but it'll still take some time to get used to. What do you think?

Then I rushed home as I still had a costume to make before my biggest little got home from school. I wanted to surprise her and have it finished and surprisingly, it happened! 

We went with all hand made costumes this year for Halloween. Arly chose Pocahontas and 2 yards of faux suede and a couple hot glue sticks later were we set with a poncho, skirt, headband with feathers and even a treat bag. 

(Wow! When I see this photo she looks so old... And beautiful... And I'm so proud of the lovely young lady she is becoming)

Alyn was 'Squirty' the clown. And an adorable clown she was! We had almost everything down in the dress up bin so all we had to get was the suspenders, shoe covers, and nose.

(She played the part quite well! She was hilarious and was the life of the party!)

Little Miss Avin almost got forgotten this year. Joel and I came across the funniest little grandma ensemble that we totally wanted her to be but couldn't find a used walker we could saw down to her size. So I kind of forgot all about her costume until 2 days ago. I remembered seeing a little octopus DIY costume on Pinterest a while back and totally winged it on her costume. It turned out completely adorable!!! 4 pairs of rights, a role of wire, a bag of poly-fil and some felt and we had ourselves the cutest little octopus you ever did see. 

(Everyone commented on how sweet she was. She even got pretty good walking with the belt of 6 extra legs by the end of the night!)

We had some of the sweetest friends join us for the trick or tearing and some super delicious chili (spicy and regular) and hot dogs. Add some hot chocolate, wassail and Oktoberfest and you have yourself one amazingly, comfortable, relaxing night with perfect company. 

We honestly couldn't have asked for better weather and conversation tonight. 

I'm heading to bed, with a happy heart and smile on my face, because I ended my month of focusing on relationship really doing just that. 

I'm so blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible people. 

(I'm going to have to watch this one!)

Happy Halloween!!!! From our house to yours!

Now bring on the Christmas music and tree!!

XO

Jari

Change

When you know it's FINALLY time to make a change... you just know. Oh yeah, it's made VERY clear.

For over a year, I have known what I need to do, but was always unwilling to change. What if I lost friends? What if I didn't keep up with everyone's everything? How will I know what's going on? How would people be able to keep up with us? Who do I show my kids new tricks to? What happens when I need to chat with someone? Or stay connected with my customers?

Let me take you on a little trip down this very conviction.

Over 2 years ago, I was sitting in a bible study with friends sharing what our biggest sins were.... mine... finding self worth in what other people think of me. I spent a lot of time praying, asking God to remove this idol from my heart. Little did I know, He would remove it physically. The end of that summer, Joel and I 'lost' BOTH of our computers, Kindle and iPods. What's even more interesting... we lost our identity. No really, it's true. We were on a road trip back to South Dakota and as we were leaving the hotel in Montana, we were in a rush. We drove all night and were exhausted by the time we arrived in Rapid City so we went straight to bed. When we woke, we unloaded the car and there is NO electronic bag! GONE! We're not sure if we left it at the hotel or maybe in the parking lot but the hotel did not find it... neither did the police. Not only was all of our electronics in that bag... but so was all of our taxes, pay stubs, bank account info, and everything about us. We were in the middle of purchasing a home and everything, even our identity was gone. (Backing up just a bit... 2 months prior we left our unmarked electronic bag on the bus at Disney World because we were in a rush to get off - - but we got it back that time after 3 hours of searching and amazing Disney workers)

So there I was... knowing the idol was taken away... and I went out that morning and purchased another computer so I could stay 'connected.' It's like I couldn't help myself.

Fast forward two years and MANY conversations with Joel and other friends about how I need to step away or find some balance with my online world.

Friday... sitting in bible study, the group of gals and I had to share what our biggest distractions were that was keeping us from having active faith in God. I wrote about that here but was too scared to write about something that I felt I couldn't live without. So I talked about sleep. (which by the way... we don't have a handle on at all!)

I talked about facebook with the group of girls and we justified that I 'needed' it because that's how I do run most of my Scentsy business... with customers, team, etc. It's just something I couldn't give up... I couldn't live without it.

Saturday night, I was reading '7' by Jen Hatmaker (GREAT BOOK... Thanks Shelby for the recommendation!) on living in excess. Too much. It's taken me a while to get through this book because it really speaks to my heart. This season of my life, I'm seeing very clearly on what is too much. Possessions, Food, Media... Media was the chapter I started AND finished Friday night. In this chapter, Jen and her family took a 30 day fast from all media. This is what she said.

Ok Lord... I'm listening. I hear you, but I'm just not sure I can do it? How can I give it up? How can I still be successful without it?

Sunday afternoon, I saw a friend post on facebook about how she needed a break... a simple post that said "...I need to reclaim some intentional and purposeful meaning to this life."

Ok OK God.... I hear you.

Sunday evening, I had a cranky spell (this happens more often than I like to admit) - -

 insert my thoughts as soon as I yelled at the girls about the house and the mess.  My selftalk: "You are a monster! You are so addicted to what others think of you... You compare your bloopers to every one else's highlights... You want what everyone else has... Stop looking at this! Stop spending so much time comparing yourself to others! Stop spending so much time in the online world and forgetting about YOUR world.  Look around you. You have a God who wants to spend time with you. Who loves you and can satisfy you more than any 'Like' or 'Follow' ever would. You have a husband that is so tired of trying to have a conversation with you while your nose is hovering over your phone and you don't even make eye contact with him. He lies beside you in bed and falls to sleep waiting for you every night to turn off the phone. Your girls deserve more from you! The only reason you get angry with them is because you are frustrated that they want your attention when you are giving all your attention to these online relationships. They just want you to love them... spend time with them... acknowledge them. They are your REAL world."

and as I got in the bath, took my phone, and opened up Bloglovin'; this is what I read.  NO FRICKIN' WAY!

Lord I hear you LOUD AND CLEAR.... and THANK YOU for the ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER!

So there you have it... my reason WHY I have to CHANGE and say goodbye to social media for a while. I'm not sure how long.... maybe 6 months? maybe a year? maybe forever?

What I do know is that right now, in this season, social media is not enriching my life. I also know that it is stealing energy from my home and family and giving me a crutch to hide behind a keyboard and not develop strong relationships with people. Do I think it's going to be difficult to walk away? ABSOLUTELY. Do you I think it'll be better for my family? NO DOUBT! When I was telling the girls last night about my decision and we were talking about idolatry and walking in obedience, Alyn looked right at me... with tears in her eyes and said "Mom, for real? You would give up facebook?.... " I said "yes, baby, I'm going to." As a tear fell, she simply said "Thank you." and gave me a hug.

THAT is why I must change. My girls are my biggest mission and my mission starts now.

This doesn't mean I won't be around. I'll be here... right here actually EVERY DAY! I'll be blogging this journey and every journey we have a long the way... in the CRAZY SPRY way... but I just won't be posting on facebook or instagram anymore. So if you want to see us, you'll have to read here. There are a few ways to make sure you stay in our loop... if you want to.

You can click on the FOLLOW BY EMAIL link in the upper left column.

You can click on the FOLLOW ME ON BLOGLOVIN' in the upper right column.



 I know I'll miss seeing you and your families so I would love a text or email every once in a while from you.
Don't be a stranger... Say Hi every once in a while. I'm going to be going through FOMO most definitely... (Fear Of Missing Out) but it'll be worth having the party be outside and me: sitting in my house, uninvited by myself, working on faith, family and relationships.

 XO.
Jari

My Mama

She's going to kill me... But I couldn't help it. I have to show the world who I came from and who I love.

World... This is my mama. 

And I love that smile. 

I don't get to see if very often but when I do, it makes me so happy. We live far apart and our visits are always so short. But I cherish each minute we get together (even if I am throwing adult fits!)

My mama came out to visit us for a few days earlier this month. The girls always love visitors especially when it's a grandma variety. 

I'm so thankful we got the opportunity because I work for home and we school from home to spend every minute with her that she was here. 

We went shopping, to the market, out to a diner for lunch and a milkshake (see our appetizer... Umm dessert before the meal photo above!) Now that is a smile! Other than that we did a whole lot of lounging and she cuddled with the girls. 

When I see my mom it brings a comfort of home. It makes my heart happy. When she is happy, so am I. 

Love you mom!

XO

Jari

She's going to kill me... But I couldn't help it. I have to show the world who I came from and who I love.

World... This is my mama. 

And I love that smile. 

I don't get to see if very often but when I do, it makes me so happy. We live far apart and our visits are always so short. But I cherish each minute we get together (even if I am throwing adult fits!)

My mama came out to visit us for a few days earlier this month. The girls always love visitors especially when it's a grandma variety. 

I'm so thankful we got the opportunity because I work for home and we school from home to spend every minute with her that she was here. 

We went shopping, to the market, out to a diner for lunch and a milkshake (see our appetizer... Umm dessert before the meal photo above!) Now that is a smile! Other than that we did a whole lot of lounging and she cuddled with the girls. 

When I see my mom it brings a comfort of home. It makes my heart happy. When she is happy, so am I. 

Love you mom!

XO

Jari

5 Spry + 5 Crow = One Happy Mama!

I have a friend who is INCREDIBLY talented behind the lens and who is becoming like a sister to me. We had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with her capturing memories of our little family.... but I have a problem. I CAN'T DECIDE WHICH I LIKE BEST!!! I LOVE THEM ALL!

Jessie is a phenomenal photographer and owner of 5 Crow Photo here in the Missoula area and I'm so happy that she got these amazing shots of our family. She is so patient, full of ideas, flexible and the quality of her work just makes me melt.

Here's where I need your help!

I have this grand idea of creating a gallery wall that folds around a corner of a couple of walls in our home. We have next to nothing hanging up now, so I definitely want some family photos included in this gallery. But it's nearly impossible to choose on my own which photos to print when they are all so good. So please... could you let me know what your favorite 3 photos are by the number in which they are listed? Pretty pretty please?

And if you would be so kind... to go to 5 Crow Photo, look at her beautiful work and click LIKE. Jessie is working hard on getting her new studio ready and I know a little marketing help would just be icing on the cake! :) Oh and I heard she's doing something fun over there on her awesome page too!

CAUTION: Spry Family Overload.... Enjoy :)

Thank you Jessie. Love you beautiful friend.

XO.
Jari