kids

when your kids take your breath away

March 8, 2016 by Lisa Lehmann

You know the feeling. Your breath catches. Something takes it away. Something surprises you. The unexpected. The unknown. It’s not often our children who do that to us, but yet. Could it be?

Sometimes our kids make us proud in unexpected places. We naturally swoon at their accomplishments and abilities. But once in a while they do things that are so grown-up. So mature. Sometimes they do things that you can’t imagining your own self EVER doing. And sometimes those “things” appear so suddenly they take your breath away. I had two of those moments back to back in the same evening this weekend.

Taking pride in my children – how did they do with the move?

May 23, 2013 by Lisa Lehmann

Everyone takes some pride in their children. We would not be parents without it. Some pride is good…many forms of pride are unhealthy.

But when I was asked by Miranda how my kids did with the move from Michigan to Indiana? My first thought is how proud I am of them.

We haven’t been THOSE parents. We don’t believe our kids are the “best”, or the “brightest”, or the most beautiful. We don’t believe they are entitled to anything.

Yes, our expectations can be abnormally high at times…but we also expect failure along the way.

We want them to experience life as children…not as small people training for the 2020 Olympics. Children. Children that laugh and fall and make mistakes. Children that know how to play and play and play.

These four human beings we “created” are amazing to me. And I am proud of them. Especially with this move.

As they finish out the school year, I am reminded of what a traumatic year they have endured.

Yet. They held fast.

Friends and family left behind. A home left behind. A horse left behind. A life of being “somebody” in a place where they were known, or we were known. The familiar. The comfortable. All…left behind.

Sure we made the choice to move as a family. But…

They were literally thrust into NEW.

NEW school. NEW people. NEW surroundings. NEW church. NEW.

No real home. Nothing familiar.

Sure we had each other. And we had a firm belief that this is exactly where God led us. But that belief was vastly tested at times.

There have been days of anger and frustration. Days of “this isn’t fair”.

Yet…they persevered.

The transfer from home school to a giant public school. Middle school for the first time. Mean girls. Bulliess. Academic testing. Proving of ones athleticism. Loneliness. Fear.

Yet….they carried on.

And then there is this tiny house with shared bedrooms and bathroom. The fight for ones own space. No place to ever just “be”.

Yet….they just did.

And they didn’t JUST get through it. They have thrived. They have accomplished so much. They have excelled academically. They have done well in sports. They have won awards. I am blown away.

These four human beings have taught me so much this year. They have taught me what it’s like to really have faith. To truly believe in what is unseen.

They have taught me to never give up.

They have taught me that there is hope for tomorrow.

And they have taught me to love more deeply.

Ages. 17. 16. 13. 11.

Who knew such wisdom and knowledge could be imparted by such youth?

Do not get me wrong! These children are not angels. In fact, they tick me off….regularly! But then again, they are kids. It’s their job. And they have a lot to learn.

But, as far as their persistence. As far as they have trusted US. As far as they have believed in a God who is in charge. They blow me away.

So yes.

I am proud of you Noah, Anneke, Isabel and Tahlia.

When I look at you I see a bright future. Not only for each of you, but for any who may have the privilege of coming into contact WITH you.

Now do me a favor. Go clean up your rooms and be nice to each other!

Thank you Miranda for the question, for forcing me to process and think. If you have ANY question at all, please feel free to email me. We are friends right? And if I choose your question you will receive a $25 gift certificate to my store 🙂

love you to pieces,

lisa

Friday Photo Edition

January 27, 2012 by Lisa Lehmann

Little known fact…I have a BFA in photography. My deepest heartfelt desire? To be a National Geographic photographer. Lofty aspirations? Maybe. Am I disappointed that I haven’t done that…yet. No, not really.

My love of capturing images still fires me up every time I have my camera in hand…even if it’s my cell phone!

On Friday’s I will share with you my favorites from the week, sometimes silly, sometimes informative, sometimes just a photo for the sake of the photo.

This week a few cell phone favorites. My daughter Isabel after her play – she was fantastic by the way! My newest ring {{ love }}. Finally, my youngest daughter, Tahlia, getting her ears pierced – from excitement, to apprehension, to fear, to pure joy!

So, are you a closet photographer? Do share!

xoxo,

lisa

Weddings. Anniversarys. Sports.

April 30, 2011 by Lisa Lehmann

Today is my 17th wedding anniversary! Yay us!

Here we are looking rather young.

It has been a whirlwind of career changes and children and moving and more children…

Whoever said marriage is easy and not hard work, was very wrong. It takes determination and perseverance for two very different people to create a life together. We have certainly had our “moments”…but I am grateful to have traveled THIS journey with THIS man.

And with all the wedding buzz going around about a certain royal couple, I started thinking of what I would choose if i was to do it all over again.

Of course I made my husband a new ring a few years ago. I do love that! I am going to redo my ring next…but that is taking me a little more thought.

And with the help of Etsy, there are a million incredibly awesome and creative items I would choose. For instance….

Here is the link to this Treasury collection where you can click on each item and be taken to their shop.

So happy anniversary to us. We are going to celebrate by attending volleyball tourney, a baseball double header, a soccer game and a softball game. How’s that for excitement?

BE creative,
~ lisa

A new week. Florida Vacation Review.

March 21, 2011 by Lisa Lehmann

Blogging. Still wondering what is significant in light of the events happening in the world. But I also know my life needs to go on.

Differently.

Impacted.

But it must continue to propel forward.

My girls and I returned from our vacation. The other half of my family was VERY happy to see us (well, at least I think they were!)

And I would be remiss if I did not highlight our trip in some fashion. It was such a wonderful bonding time with only half of my small people…as well as quality time with my parents! And I really really really needed a break.

So here is our week…in pictures. Be forewarned….this is VERY photo heavy!