Roller Coaster of Life

Isn't is crazy how much of a roller coaster ride we go through in life? There are honestly so many ups and downs. One moment we are on the highest point of the ride and can't help but think "how great is this?", the next season of life we are going through a period of time where it seems like we will never get up, never see those great moments of happiness again. We tend to get so drowned by those 'down' moments that we just can't see life any other way. We forget the good, and forget the great.

How do we find that medium? That place  where we can always see that it will get better, and that place where we know that all the happiness and great moments could be swept up from underneath us, in just one moment? 

I'm searching for that place. I don't want to forget, the ups or downs. I want to be able to remember every opportunity and every heart crushing moment. 

I don't know if it will be possible, but I would like to think it is. 

-Dakota

Basketball for a Three Year Old

Since Parker seems to always be so full of energy that he is exploding all over the place, we decided to sign him up for basketball at our YMCA. First of all, it seemed kind of expensive to put a three year old in basketball. Second of all, this three year old doesn't know how to dribble. Lastly, we didn't even know if he would enjoy it. In spite of it all, here we are, Parker plays basketball (kinda).

He is the youngest one out of all the teams. It was supposed to be for 3-5 year old kids, but some 6 year olds were thrown into the mix since they didn't have enough to form teams. This means that our little three year old boy is playing with SIX year kids!

He seriously has absolutely no clue what he is doing, but he says its fun and we get out of the house during the winter for a little exercise. 

The coaches are really understanding of how young these kids are! We have four more weeks of this, and its only once a week so it isn't overwhelming our schedule, which is great! 

Wish us luck!

Blessings,

Dakota

Pioneer Woman's Lasagna (kinda)

Since I received Ree Drummond's (The Pioneer Woman) new cookbook for Christmas, I had to find something to make as soon as possible out of it! 

My husband seriously would drool over lasagna....every time. He requests it every so often, but I hadn't ever made it, so I would just buy the frozen junk to satisfy Hubby's craving. Let me just say a word about this dish.... or a few... it is HUGE... it is HEAVY.... it is GOOD! 

I never really make a recipe exactly as it reads, but I follow along, for the most part. 

Look at all this cheesy goodness!!!

Layered noodles and meat and cheese... YUM!

I would suggest Pioneer Woman's cookbooks to anybody, especially those that feel like they need help in the kitchen. Pioneer Woman has pictures for each step of every recipe!

Blessings,

Dakota 

One little word 2014

My one little word for 2014 is balance. I have a hard time balancing striving my family to better things and being happy with the now and what we already have. It is probably because of the way I grew up. My dad always taught me to do my best and if I wanted a "better" life   I was the only person who was going to get it. My husband does a great job keeping me balanced, but I need to learn how to do it better myself.

Now as I reflect on having our first child balancing this is going to be a challenge. I think other moms would agree that it is normal to want the world for your child. I also think with balancing pursuit and happiness is patience; waiting for things to fall into place and giving it time.

I know that having a better balance in my life I will feel more content and that the "better" life will come with it.
God Blessings,
Taylor Kaye

My One Little Word for 2014

I have seen and heard about OLW "One Little Word" for the last couple years now. I have always thought of a word for my year but never documented it or anything like that. This is a lot harder to remember or reflect on! This year, I am choosing a word, and I am documenting it, with the hopes of being able to hold my self accountable and reflect back at the end of the year.

Intentional. This is my word. I want to be more intentional in every aspect of my life. I have a hard time forming new habits, or being habitual at all. I can't wake up at the same time everyday, so this sets the tone for my days... never habitual or organized. I hope to give myself more of a routine so that I am able to be more intentional.

I am really hoping to be more intentional in my role as a mama, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. I want to have intent for every moment possible in my life. Not wasting time on television, or other meaningless things. I am hoping to remember birthdays and send out cards as much as possible! Not just birthday cards, but sympathy, and get well cards, and "just because" mail as well! I want to be intentional in every meal that I prepare for my family, not just throw something together and end up eating "junk".

I want to be able to dedicate as much of my time as possible to reach out to those people that inspire and make such a great impact on my life. Natural and homemade things are becoming more and more important to me and I want to bring more of that into our lives.

Thank you 2013, but I am hoping 2014 is even better and that I live my life more intentional.

Blessings, Dakota

Happy New Years!!!

2013 was a year full of joy and good memories for my family and friends. Although my family did had some medical issues with my dad falling off a ladder at work and my brother-in-law finding out he has cancer. Through that hardship this last year was still a great year! :) I can not wait for 2014. I will be graduating from college (crossing my fingers!), having my first child, and hopefully starting a new job. I am just happy I have all my friends, family, and especially my husband to be by myside through it all.

Tonight was an uneventful night for me. Being pregnant I am not partaking in the drinking festivities and I also had to work right at midnight. :( I did get to have some fun before I went to work. I went over to my friend Michelles' house and played rummy. We even had our little party hats that Michelle's nieces made for us:)

I hope your 2013 was blessed and that your 2014 will be as well!! Happy New Year Everyone and God Bless! :)