First day of Spring!

Today marks the first day of Spring! The weather was perfect Southern California weather....72 degrees, sunny with a slight breeze. Absolutely perfect!

I feel thankful today because I had a renewed spirit and energy when I woke up. Sophia was also very giggly and happy mostly all day long and it was pretty much a picture perfect day for us. We went and got some Easter decor in the morning and also picked up some sidewalk chalk, a new jump rope, and some fun bubbles to play with in the backyard. We ate lunch, she napped, then we headed on base to run some errands and while we were there, we got to meet the Easter bunny (she LOVED the bunny...we will have to go back when she is in her Easter dress for a picture with him!). While we shopped, she couldn't stop laughing and giggling with me and everyone commented on what a cute and happy girl she was...and I was very thankful today for a great shopping excursion because we have had horrible ones this past week with little missy throwing temper tantrums in the store! Afterwards, we walked to Yogurtland and treated ourselves to some tasty FroYo and she sat on my lap and almost ate the whole thing!

It was a great day with my sweetheart. Lots of laughter, happy memories, running around outside and enjoying the sunshine, playing with new toys and the dogs, and sweet cuddles and kisses to end the night. I told Caleb how wonderful the whole day was and to make him feel like he's a part of it, I made a video of how we spent our first day of Spring.

We miss you dada. We wish you were here with us and can't wait to spend our days with you when you come back!

Here's my video...check it out! First Day of Spring...Mama and Me

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Xoxo

Beach days and daddy days

We were able to have great quality time with Caleb before he left again for training on Sunday. He'll be gone for 2 and a half weeks this time, be home for several days, and then will be heading out again for another 3 weeks. It's definitely been super emotional for the girls in the Gowan household, but we are taking it one day at a time, relying on God, and choosing joy. One positive thing is that he'll at least be home for Easter and my birthday, so I'm thankful that we will be able to celebrate together as a family.

While dada was home for a few days, we went to the pool, went out to our favorite restaurants, and also got a chance to go to the beach! We were on the way home from my sister's birthday party and spontaneously decided to take a quick trip to the beach and enjoy the warm weather and sunset. 

I just love this man! 

Sophie was very happy that her dada was home...just not in this picture! 

She can't take her eyes off him =)

It was 90 degrees for a couple days in Oceanside, so we took advantage of that and took a dip in the pool! 

My little girl, growing up way too fast! Thanks cousin Taylor for this bathing suit! 

Finding a shady place to take a rest

Father and daughter taking a walk after a great dinner! 

My other half...this was another day of 90 degree weather! 

And some pics of our spontaneous beach adventure. Sophie LOVES the ocean, and couldn't stop running in to get her feet wet or playing with the wet sand. We just wish we would have been more prepared because her beautiful white dress got so dirty and cleaning her off afterwards was no fun. I learned a trick from one of my mommy blogs I follow and it says to always have baby powder when you go to beach. Thankfully, I had some in the trunk and yes, thank God for baby powder...it gets the sand right off! 

The water is cold! 

Hmm...not sure if I like this after all...

Never mind, I love it! 

Daddy and his girl

Get ready for the waves Sophie! There were some BIG ones out that day!

My two favorites

Here's a link to her at the beach! To view, click on the link here: 

Sophia at the beach having a blast!

Finally, it's been a rough week for this mama, but today, I was encouraged at my MOPS meeting and a verse really spoke to me and I will be meditating on it and remembering it daily: 

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you;
    therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
    blessed are all those who wait for him.Yea, O people in Zion who dwell at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you."  - Isaiah 30:18-19

The speaker said that we either live in fear or in faith, and I choose faith. I am thankful for this season where God is pushing me to grow to love, trust, honor, and listen to Him more. 

XOXO