Mother Daughter

 

One of the gifts we gave our girls for their 10th birthday was their first "Mother Daughter" get-away.

It was something I've dreamed about since they were born!

For over 20 years now, my mom and I have gone on Mother Daughters, aka a girls get-aways.

When I was blessed to have 2 little girls of my own, I started planning our little get aways!

My dream came true last week

 as we headed to the beautiful seaside town of Santa Barbara for a few days.

There were many lovely moments, but this one was my favorite!

I gave the girls a list of activities they could choose from to fill our time.

One girl was very excited to watch a movie in our room!

All in our jammies and ready to cuddle in bed with a movie, we were disappointed to find that we didn't get movies in our room!  Imagine that! 

 I guess they wanted us to look out the window at the ocean or something!

We ended up watching an episode of "Little House" on my phone and it was magical!

Left over pizza, tiny phone propped up on a pillow, long past bedtimes..

 I really felt like I was hanging out with my girlfriends!

 

 

I have to say, this trip came at a great time.

Honestly, life with 2 girls can be a bit rough from time to time.

Especially when they're twins.

Especially when they're 10!

And to be even more honest, these past few weeks have felt rather hopeless in the "mother of girls" category.  I get so frustrated with them and their endless arguing or bossing or talking back!

Take me now Jesus!

But this time away together felt like a breath of fresh air.

They didn't bicker or compete for my attention.

They acted like best friends.

Our time away gave me the reassurance that everything is going to be ok.

I'm going to be ok.

Sometimes it takes getting away, out of the everyday normal, to see people in a new light.

I saw 2 little girls that are not so little anymore, 2 girls that I can't wait to take away again!

Whatever Is Lovely - Think About Such Things

  

It's no secret that social media can be misleading.

As can blogs.

We post photos that look great and everyone is happy and smiling.

And to some extent, I'm ok with that.

We all know that there is more going on behind photos.

For example

endless running that led to a few days of shin splints!

thorns in our feet

itchy legs from the tall grass that I "made them stand in"

Moma falling down in the tall grass that left more than my legs itchy!

Arguing over who holds the balloons...

But I kind of look at my posted photos like life as a parent.

I know there are many tough days and attitudes and disobedient moments,

but I don't want to dwell on that or burn those moments into my brain.

Because for every rough day, there are at least 3 others that are good!

I want to focus on the good and burn those images into my brain.

Images of my kiddos laughing, throwing flowers into the air, running freely, embracing the moon.

I want those magical moments to be what comes to mind first, not all the negative.

I want the special times with my children to get me through the rough times!

I'm not in denial or trying to put up a false impression.

I simply want to focus on the good.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.