Memory Keepers

It came across my mind that one of the reasons I like to take pictures and keep a blog is that it keeps a record. I feel my memory of my past has many holes and sometimes a fog that surrounds it. I sometimes wish I told Deveraux more of "my stories" and hope I will more. I think some of that stems from the lack in my memory. Well I want to remember these days and I want a record. Pictures are very important to me, I believe because they are the keeper of my stories, my memory keepers that I don't want to forget.

I do desire to become a storyteller for Deveraux and Anderson. I love when Drew will say..."I remember when I was in school and we had our first field trip..."

I have been reading the Jan Karon Mitford series. They are wonderful. I literally "gobble" them up! They are thought provoking, comforting, reveal Truth, and highlight a man who walks with God in a real, honest, yet abiding in God way. This last book I am pages away from finishing, is called, "Home to Holly Springs." A book devoted to the story of the main character going back to the town in Mississippi where he was raised and sorting through and dealing with his past. The book contained many painful memories and yet so much redemption. I wish I had a Holly Springs to go back to, a"one-stop" place to face the past and be cleansed in a way. It would also help in that all the memories would be stored in one place.

So "Holly Springs" for me can be reading old journals (something I have started), hearing stories from those who "knew me when" and asking questions, looking at pictures...and I can help to create a "Holly Springs" for my kiddos who definitely have not been raised in one place, by keeping a record of words and pictures that I will so treasure and so enjoy remembering (it is funny how you forget those things you think you will never forget).

So bring on the pictures!!

some thoughts....

"She had long accepted the fact that happiness is like swallows in spring. It may come and nest under your eaves or it may not. You cannot command it. When you expect to be happy, you are not and when you don't expect to be happy, there is suddenly Easter in your soul, though it be midwinter." (Elizabeth Goudge..taken from "Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon)

Many thoughts running around in this playground in my mind this evening.
The other day it struck me that recently I have been living my life as if waiting...my prayer was to live that day and really be present. I often look ahead and life seems to be about "the next thing." Maybe it is because our lives seem somewhat transient, but I want to live where we are today!

I also realized how little freedom I live in (with the exception of it being almost 11:30 pm here...) I see it when I speak to Deveraux with words that seem like I am trying to maintain a sense of control or when I am too focused on "the mess it will cause" or the order of things.....

I also seem to live in the place that I should be doing more as a mama, always! I want to leave a different legacy to my children. Not feeling so much pressure that it should be a certain way or am I doing enough. It comes every so often, that "sweet spot" and it cannot be captured, only enjoyed.

The Word says that if I lose my life, I will will find it. What an exact opposite of what the world screams at us from every street corner. I am so easily distracted by finding me. I am so distracted by wondering if we are in the right place right now, doing the right things, Our pastor talked about how we are not on a search for happiness but a search for God and while seeking God, I will find fulfillment.

Growth is so slow isn't it. But God makes sense to me, His ways bring me back. So much of Him I don't understand and the more I read and learn, the less I realize I know. I have been struck by realizing how little I know of God's love and how little is my love for Him.

I have a way to go, but it's okay. It is a journey after all and I look forward to just enjoying those Easter's in my Soul" when they come!

some captured moments...

Yesterday we went 2x to My Museum...$2.oo Tuesday and we didn't want Deveraux to miss out because of school. Anderson really enjoyed the construction outfit and carried a big tool box all over the museum, he was in his zone, and took a surprising break from "fireman work!"

It is the little things...Anderson wrote on some paper, got an envelope and stuffed his letter inside for dada.

My shutter became a ladder for the day for this fire guy

Love it!

Little ray of sunshine (he he)

Andrew's director of sales at work, Giselle, thoughtfully brought the kiddos t-shirts and a Mickey and Minnie from Disney World!

I love how this girl looks for fashion even when out to see the seals and go to the coffee shop. It matters to her and that is pretty cool. On this day in Pacific Grove, there were only a couple out on the sand, so we skipped back to the car to get out of the rain and we were all excited to head to the coffee shop!

First game for Bobo...Candy Land!! It didn't last too long and he started to "steel" our little people from the board, but hey it is a start!

Love when dada comes home!

Tippy toes.

our girl

I was sent a message from the school that we could come to the school as Deveraux was nominated for an award. I went not sure what to expect. Well Deveraux won the Citizenship award out of her kindergarten class. I was so proud of her, a new experience with new feelings as so many are this first year of school. (Deveraux is on the end in blue)

I have been so reluctant for her to go to school. And yet, in the beginning what was helpful was knowing that she could be a light to others around her and instead of the worry over who would affect her, I could think, who would be touched by her. We pray for her to be a light. Then she received this award after coming to school a couple of months late, missing days of school because we have had family in town and she is chosen from 23 to represent this character trait that encompasses caring being responsible, respectful...

I saw my girl up on that stage with tears in my eyes that maybe for one of the first times school made some sense. I think there was also something about being at the assembly and seeing her experience what was going on around her that was fun and exciting with others her age that felt good. Deveraux said when she was on stage shaking because she was happy.

This is after, the sun is a little blinding, but I like her look. When we were at Deveraux's parent/teacher conference recently, her teacher shared that Deveraux was just what the class was needing (we were late coming to school because of our move). Mrs. Juaragui also shared that Deveraux brings a balance to the class, has confidence, and dignity.

She is doing alright. My expectations of Deveraux have always been high. I have looked and tried to encourage compassion in her for others, a high value of mine...yet, I have looked for it in a certain way. I realize I need to let her flourish in her Deveraux way. Guidance, yes, but also letting her soar on the wings God has fashioned just for her to care for others and noticing it and celebrating with her! I hope and pray to do a better job of this as we make our way!

I am so very proud of you Deveraux Grace...the light of Jesus shines bright!

Spring has Sprung!

I was looking for a lost hat in our backyard and this flower jumped out at me....I hadn't even noticed it yet. One of the joys of renting and finding an unexpected Spring surprise!

Spring has sprung...who needs clothes?????

We were invited by some friends to go see some baby chicks at Hacienda Hay and Feed down the road in Carmel Valley. It was a fun little farm in the back of this hay and feed store. Deveraux loved the baby chicks. She really would love an animal to take care of...we are just not sure when we want to take that on.

Bobo did not want to hold a chick, but he was interested in the donkey and the turtles.

Little Bobo can drive sissy around on the back of the tricycle. I love when they play together, it makes such a sweet sound. There are times and ways that Deveraux speaks to her brother as such a kind and patient teacher and is very attentive to him. I think that is part of why it is so hard when they bump up against each other or Deveraux doesn't have the patience for him. We are working with Deveraux on how sometimes she can give a mixed message to her brother, "I want to play"...then "leave me alone"...maybe that is normal in siblings, but I am hoping for smoother transitions. I want her to be able to pull away when needed and have alone time. Yet, I want him to not feel hurt by her words she sometimes chooses to express that need. He so looks up to her, I want her to see the strong influence she has on him and maybe making her switches not so abrupt and be kinder in them...it is a day to day working through....

Our first dinner outside together as a family on the first day of Spring! We were so used to eating outside in Maui, I hope we do this a lot more!

I haven't been able to really figure out the seasons here in our part of California. Our Spring has seen some beautiful blue sky warm days where playing outside until late (as now we have the 8:00pm darkness which we love). Summer seems cool with a bit of fog and then our summer seems to come more in October like an Indian summer. It kinda seems like a perpetual Fall at times. It is fun having cool days but we love when that sun comes and we can just "drink" it in!

I have missed seeing the sunset, another regular Maui occurrence. Anderson yelled out, "Sunset" on our first evening of Spring and there is was out our fence! Kinda good to know...Thanks Bobo!

Little Monkey's.....at the end of our driveway. I am reminded that God certainly took care of our desires when providing this home. And I thought He might not do it again...the kids can roam free front yard and back year and side yard without me being even outside!! A playground of sorts....

They like the flowers and I love seeing our sweet flowers every time we drive up to our house, it just makes me happy!

Happy Spring!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We liked thinking these were four leaf clovers!

I wasn't thinking we were going to celebrate...honestly, I don't know much about the origins of the day and it is usually not one of our celebrations. You would think with a name like Shannon Gallagher, I would be inspired. But Drew got home from work and Deveraux put on an entire green outfit and we all got inspired and headed to Costco and TARGET.... we dined on green frosted sugar cookies and took pictures, it was fun!

Deveraux wanted to take a picture of throwing up leaves! Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Bergstroms hit Carmel!

So the trip begins! The Bergstrom's hit the road from Colorado and arrived on Saturday evening. It was a joyous reunion for all, the kids were barely there and the play began.

Bobo had to show off his fireman boots (first they were Noelle's boots and now Deveraux's except when Bobo has them on).

The first night the twins, Noelle (we also call her Missy) and Carter decided to stay with us instead of in the hotel room with their parents. There was such excitement!

The first morning was again all about play. I believe Carter is Anderson's first playmate besides Deveraux.

The cousins have always found themselves playing in a bath!

Story time with Uncle Roy!

Loving the hot tub at Hyatt Highlands Inn (Drew's work) where the Bergstrom's stayed for two nights!

Next stop...San Francisco. We stayed at a Hyatt (thanks Drew's discount) in downtown San Francisco...very cool!!

We hit the streets and fist headed to China town.

We felt a little uncertain of our plan. Some kiddos just wanted to hang out at the hotel and it was raining. We decided after a stop in a coffee shop for snacks and then Stef and I had some time together downtown which was very fun. Next, the guys took a turn out and about.

It was great because we were able to get adjoining rooms, so we kept the door open in between. Let's hear it for family!!

ROOM Service!!!!

Once again...thanks Drew's discount!

The next morning we headed to the Cable Car Museum. Not a highlight on Drew's list, I thought it was kinda of adventure navigating through the rain!

These winding wheels keep the cable cars working

We then headed to a marine mammal center that rescues marine animals (largest in the world) and then sets them free back into the ocean. It was definately a highlight for everyone and the scenery was green and pastoral.

Buddy's sharing ice cream!

We ate dinner in Sausilito, a sweet town. As you can see, the rain was still with us.

Getting ready for the drive back to Carmel

love the Golden Gate Bridge

loved hanging with Stef and Roy

I just loved our house being lived in and played in! I believe this was a set up for a marine animal hospital...

Point Lobos....our kids are in whaling pots!

Our beach bonfire, hot dogs, s'mores night

Roni (sister Stef) was very dedicated to collecting more firewood on the beach, with helper Bobo right behind....

I just love her! I am so thankful for all the times we had together on the trip!

Bobo made me a cake...what can I say, I loved it

I am so glad the Bergstrom's decided to stay with us for their last 2 nights and I loved all their suitcases lining our dining room!

Carmel Mission

Stef's birthday was 2 days after they left. so we had a little celebration at the Earthbound Organic Farm.

We all wrote a little love note to Stef

Loved this captured moment...hope they are friends for life!

So the big boy cousins taught Anderson how to start on our driveway and cruise down onto the cult-de-sac....once forbidden territory but oh so fun and now a new game!

Ready to go...playing up to the last minute (literally). Benton is ready to go tucked into his green sleeping bag!

What a wonderful trip with the Bergstroms! Anderson was delightfully surprised to learn that Carter had left his fireman pillowcase for him. We all felt sad as they pulled out of our driveway, wishing once again that we lived closer. Deveraux shed some tears for missing family and expressed how she loved that at any given moment people were around the house doing different things.

Deveraux's highlight: "My highlight was that we got to have fun and play and most of all see the Berstroms!"

Bobo's higlight: "the farmers market, his fireman pillow"

Drew: "Seeing the Bergstroms"

Shannon: Seeing the kids PLAY, just play! and have so much fun together, hanging out with Roy, and being with Steffy and our times together on jogs, walks, trip to town, and the big San Fran downtown. She loves me well! And having the Bergstrom kiddos ride in our car.