The Holiday Season

The holiday season has always been such a special time for Barrett and me. We grew up with rich family traditions centered around grandparents and church. Since we've been married, our traditions have merged but it wasn't until we had Chloe and Reef that we have truly understood the meaning of family traditions. 

Now that Chloe is old enough to know what holidays are about, she knows the meaning of Thanksgiving. She enjoys being with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. She is thankful for silly things like her Cinderella doll and for more serious things like Ms Gracie and Lauren. Christmas is more than a tree and decorations; it's about baby Jesus and angels and a promise.

As a mother the holiday season is easy to get lost in, especially as a working mom. But when I watch my kids singing together at church, their eyes twinkling in the glow of the Christmas tree, I am reminded to experience the holidays like a child. I want to live in awe of the blessings and I want to be crushed when I see injustice. I want to cry with excitement because of the love of others. Thank you God for giving us children to follow as examples for the holiday season.

What a Day

Anyone with children will agree that kids grow fast, and if you get too wrapped up in the day to day of obligations and jobs, you miss so much. But then there are some days that you live and wonder "Am I going to make it?" Today Team Freeman experienced the "Man Down" disease. During naptime, 3 year old Chloe injured her gum by slamming her mouth onto the foot of her bed. Covered in blood and screaming, we cleaned her up and cuddled her sobbing body for hours, waiting for the pain to subside.

Finally Chloe got it together and was ready to play. It didn't take long for her to forget the pain, especially when Reef came into the picture. Chloe was playing behind their playhouse when Reef came to the door, smiles abounding. Then the world slowed down, seconds turned

to minutes as Chloe yelled "NO!" and slammed the door literally in Reef's innocent face. Reef cried in pain, a large, black hill appearing on his forehead.

It took 10 minutes of ice and cuddling to stop the tears and another 10 for Reef not to be afraid of Chloe's apology..."Are we going to make it?"

Parenting is a daily adventure and while most days you sit and catalogue every movement and sound, there are others that you experience and learn from, that are emotional and unpredictable. The ones that you are proud to say "We made it!"

Random Summer Day

On this random Wednesday of summer we found ourselves on Franklin Street at the counter at Krispy Creme with a tough decision: original glaze or Carolina Blue chocolate covered. We got both, headed toward a couch and enjoyed Chloe's very first Krispy Creme donut. Reef was totally jealous. Fully loaded with sugar, we headed to Meadowmont Park to expel the induced rush of energy. By the time we got home Reef was passed out and Chloe was yawning and saying "I'm so tired Mommy." After nap time we hit up the pool to cool off. The joys of summer!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

I can happily say that our first family garden is growing very well. It has been a family effort. We planted on Mother's Day weekend, as it was my gift, and we have enjoyed watching each plant grow. Barrett has gotten into it, watering the plants whenever they needed. Chloe's job is to talk to them and look for flowers. My job is to weed and pick. We just got our first cucumbers and they are delicious.there is something very special about growing your own food. God's creation is full of beauty and nourishment; He provides all of what we need...and more.

The building of pixie hollow

This morning Chloe woke up and said "Today we are gonna make a Berry House!" Yes, the meant fairy and yes, it was more of an ecstatic scream. So we made our way to our magical tree where we heard that a fairy needed a place to live and set out to create a pixie hollow complete with garden, owls, paths, and a pool. Here's how it went!

The Park

I thought I had posted our park pics from last month but...yeah I have a toddler and baby. My brain doesn't work as it should. Chloe loves the park so much. By the end of the day she had created imaginary rooms and princess scenarios and of course had gone down each slide a million times.

Siblings are Awesome!

I love being a Mom! Chloe has always been a great kid, even through her diva tantrums, but having Reef too is the greatest gig ever. Whether they are taking a bath or playing in "the office," this dynamic duo can't stop laughing at each other. In the pool they chase each other in floats...bumper boats. Chloe is a great helper and hates to hear Reef upset, probably because it's a rare occurrence. Reef seeks Chloe out, even if he has to crawl rooms away. Enjoy the new summer pics of the sweet Freemans! (Yes, Reef is the spitting image of Barrett)

Mother's Day 2013

Having children is one of God's greatest blessings. And though there are times when you wonder whether you will ever sleep again or you forget whether or not you took a shower...in the last few days, the laughter, smiles, hugs, and kisses make it all worth while.

Chloe is a 2 1/2 year old walking personality. She's never met a stranger and I admire the ease in which she communicates and reveals her feelings. Her mind is so creative from the way she plays to the way she makes up songs. I could quote her quirky sayings all day long.

Reef is so chill. Rarely does he actually cry and he is usually simple to console. He is happy by himself or with others and he loves LOVES Chloe. He laughs at her and talks to her. When she walks in the room, his eyes are on her. Reef is just sweet, never complains, and likes to be.

Thank you God for my precious children. May they always be in Your care and find Your loving embrace.

Easter Egg Hunt

Today was Mt Carmel's Easter Egg Hunt and it was awesome! Chloe is an egg finder champ and Reef was his normal happy chill self. We are so blessed to have such a sweet family, together and church!