Sunday, January 27, 2013

It was a hard week.
A really, super trying week for all of us.
I have not been feeling well and when I am not on my A game with house work, homework, and dinner, it is obviously a lot more work for James and leaves me feeling even worse on top of not feeling well physically.   
Also...
Judson got in a major tooth and was such a mess.  
Like crying non stop for two days.
Ava got a random fever due to dehydration I think 
Even the dog got sick.
Geesh...It was a tough one.

Today after church we went out to lunch at Olive Garden which was exciting because we had gift card there from Christmas.
We were finally seated.
In the back.
Where they stack the chairs.
Right next to the bathrooms.
They must have noticed our two noisy children and gave us the special section of the restaurant.
And then James and I looked at each other and
laughed.
Easily could have cried but it was just too perfect after the week we had.

The week was rough but so worth it.
The kids could not stop hugging and giggling tonight.
Ava couldn't get enough smooches in and Judson was following her around like a puppy.
I know it's cliche but we really do have it so good. 
Things could be tougher and worse and more stressful and we are trying so hard to push through and see God's kindness and favor even the midst of trials.

Such a crazy week that I didn't even take a single picture. 
I KNOW.
That's wild.
But last week had a few keepers...











Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Prayers for Russia

If you only knew how many times I have stopped and started this post...
Many many times I have sat down to write.
Many times I have changed what I've written.

The truth is that I don't have any wise insight into the sadness that is occurring because of Russia's ban on adoptions to the US.
It's sad.
It's tragic.
There are no words to say how devastating it is when human lives are messed with.
When children are used and families are kept from being together.

We were there once.
We were in that desperate place.
That unknown place.
The pain and helplessness cannot be explained.

I cannot forget the smells and sounds and sights of the baby home.
I can't imagine Ava there without hyperventilating.
And yet, I know that it's the reality of many.
So I am broken and I turn to prayer.
Prayer for justice for the orphans of Russia.

Ava at 3 1/2  years old learning to walk


Ava Darina...loving being loved.




Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Lately

I can't believe that we are already half way through January!
WOW. 
The past few weeks we have been...

Exploring new places:
 A trip to the Orange groves that ended in a terrible rash on Ava's hand and face and a trip to urgent care.  It ended up going away with soap and water.

 Learning:
Science experiments for home school.  

Creating:
Even the littlest is getting in on the art projects these days.

Relaxing:
They (and I)  need down time every day.  I  make sure we get it in even it means skipping something on the schedule.  


I am all geared up after Christmas break to make History and Science super hands on and fun for Ava. 
She learns that way. 
It's fun to see her face light up when we talk about what her life would have been like if she were a pilgrim girl.  
It's fun to watch her explain back to me and her Daddy what matter is.
IT'S FUN!  
She's learning through art and through doing.
 
I'm trying to get outside more.
Especially for Judson.
 
And mostly I'm just trying to enjoy it all more.
To teach them through experiences and to build memories while they still love hanging out with me :-) 

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Sweet Family Photo Shoot

 Eventually I will get separate photography blog but this is it for now.
Yesterday I had a BLAST photographing an amazing family.
We have been blessed to know this group of 10!
They love eachother.
They love the Lord.
They are beautiful people inside and out. 
Here are some of my favorite pictures from our photo shoot.
Enjoy!

Husband and Wife



Family Fun

 
 
The Little Ones








Their Newest Family Members



They are totally as much fun and full of love as their pictures show!  
 Thank you sweet friends. 

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Girl Time

I LOVE weekends for so many reasons.  
It's a time to be together and also a time to get things done.
I love when James can take one of the two little ones with him on errands so I can get stuff done with only one at home.
But, this weekend I really wanted to take that one on one time to play.
So, Ava and I had some girl time to play dolls, do nails.
It was wonderfully sweet.





I am so thankful to the Lord for my daughter.  
She is my joy.
I pray that I take those free moments to enjoy her and to be a friend to her. 
 I love my little girl.