Just another random thought from the late night mind of Darci.

I know that am sometimes perceived as being a little eccentric. Not necessarily crazy but a little bit out of the norm. I may tend to say the silly thing (which in my head makes perfect sense, but in reality is way off). I dream big, always get these extravagant ideas about something. I play the entire thing out in my head down to every last detail, then when it comes time to put it all into action I get easily stressed and discouraged and then ultimately disappointed and convince myself that the whole thing as the stupidest idea in the first place. I look at things sometimes in a completely different point of view then most. I feel like I have these passions inside of me, these hopes and desires for myself, my family, my marriage and no one understands them but me. I feel people look at me with such disdain and it causes me to doubt everything I feel inside of me.

The other day I was thinking about that. Why would God give me all of these thoughts and feelings and then have them brushed off by others as just another crazy Darci moment. I try to justify myself to others in attempts that they may at least pretend to understand but when they don't I take it personally against myself.

 I was watching my sweet little Avery and all of a sudden I just got it. Avery is me, she it totally a little me. She is such an adorable and loving little space case. She is often running into walls and falling down. She will carry on a conversation with herself that only she can understand and then laugh. She looks at me and says the simplest little sentence about absolutely nothing but she does it with these eyes that are big and innocent filled with made up adventure. She is often off in her one little world, but I look at her and all I can see is this unique little girl full of wonder. I know that God has a special purpose for her, something that just not anyone could do. I was reminded that this indescribable love that I have for her is the same love that God has for me. I look at all of my girls and see these distinct things about them that make them special. These traits that I am so proud of and the thought of someone causing them to doubt them or themselves breaks my heart. It makes me want to constantly affirm and encourage growth in those areas. Thinking of my children in that way is what caused me to realize that that is exactly how my precious heavenly father views me. He watches me in heaven and he sees this stumbly and imaginative little girl and says oh Darci how I love your creativity and your zeal for life and parenthood. Please don't let my other children steal that away from you because it was my gift to you.

I encourage you to not feel pressured to conform into who you think you are supposed to be, but instead find joy in who you were created to be.

Happy 30th Birthday to my handsome man!! He may be 30 but he sure doesn't act it. haha I love his so much!!

Avery will always be at the party if there's cake! She is a little cake monster, all you have to do is mention the word birthday and the first thing she says is CAKE!!!

Some of our wonderful friends that came over to make Travs day special.

SURPRISE!!! Travis thought we were just going to go out for dinner but little did he know if was time for another birthday celebration. My parents were so wonderful to come and watch the girls so we could have a weekend to ourselves. We ended up staying at the reef and hanging out at the indoor waterslides the next day. =)

He really is an old man... but I love him sooo much!!

This last year was a hard year for Travis and I. Lots of tough stuff going on. Even though it was challenging at times it also allowed us to grow together so much and really rely on God and completely trust that he has our back no matter what. Through it all we realized what amazing friends we have and truly blessed we are by them. For my birthday this last year a bunch of my girlfriends went together to make sure it was extra special for me. They planned an amazing day for me that I so didn't deserve. They had a bunch of clues for me all day to follow, so when I woke up in the morning I got to meet a couple friends for coffee. After that I met my amazing husband for lunch, and then went to get a wonderful massage. Then I went home and showered quick and met my friend Sherry and she took some amazing maternity pictures for me. Then I got to meet about 10 or 12 of my girlfriends at the Olive Garden for dinner and we all went to a movie after. I must say that it was definitely a day that I felt completely loved and honored. These are a few of those great pictures Sherry took.

If a picture is worth a thousand words then I will put up lots of pictures to avoid babbling. Little Miss Avery just turned 2 I can hardly believe it. So for her birthday we went to chucky cheese, every kids dream and every parents nightmare. We had a great time.


YAY it's my birthday!

Those silly Marshalls.

Lacey Lou and Maggie.

Brooklyn and Aunt Kim.

Sawyer helping Daddy play games. =)

Tiffany and Heather

Cute little Addison.

My little cheese ball flying her plane.

This is how you play this game...right??

Lace and Soy bean.

Brooklyn and Uncle Miles.

Mmmm....

Want some?

Kids and balls....quite the fascination.

This party stuff is hard work.

Avery's cousin drew avery a portrait of her, so we were comparing. Don't know about you but I think it's pretty close. ;-)

This has been a hard year for us in terms of death (four in six months). I know that it is a part of life and when we are in Christ it is only the beginning, but unfortunately even though I logically understand it, it doesn't stop mt heart from hurting. But will choose to rejoice knowing that even in death Satan is defeated when we are walking with God. As sad as it was going to Oklahoma it was so good to see family again. Let me take a minute to introduce you to some of my family.

I was lucky enough to have my sister fly with me and help with Brooklyn.

This is my Uncle Paul. The moment you step into there home you just feel surrounded by love. He and Aunt Mary definitely shine the love of Christ.






This is my cousin Lindsey, she has got to be one of the most compassionate people out there. She is a front runner in the battlefield and I love her so much.




This is my cousin Andi and her husband. She has such a fun spirit about her, I just love hearing her laugh, it fills the room with joy.


This is my Mom with my cousin Marty. He is so much fun. He tells the worlds corniest jokes and I love every one of them!


This is his beautiful wife Christina. She is a fun and spunky kick in the pants. I just love getting to know her more.
And this is there little girl Julia. If Christina doesn't keep Marty on his toes she sure will! Haha She has such a fun a vibrant personality, I just love it!She did not want to take that apple out of her mouth. heheMy siblings and cousins.This is my Grandpa and his brother Fred. They are so much fun. They were calling themselves the Canaanites. =)

My Great Aunt Ardella, not this one sure has a fun personality. Hang around her and you will be guaranteed to laugh your pants off. Yesterday she actually had a heart attack. She had to get a stint put in and his on her way to recovery but your prayers for her are sure appreciated.

This is her husband Roger who is also a big cheese ball. Who looks better in the wig him or her? hahaha

As you can see I have the worlds most amazing and loving family and that is just naming a few. I am so glad God put me in this family specifically. They are what family is about I adore them all and my heart is filled with joy when I get to spend time with them!