You love getting to help mama with cleaning, cooking, or baking. Sometimes, I have to slow down to let you help, but it is so worth it to see you so excited and into what you are doing.
I have a photographer friend, Summer who is crazy talented. She not only know light, she is a master at coming up with creative ideas. A week or so ago she posted some images of "panning." I knew I had to give this technique a try. It was super fun (and hard). Make sure you head on over to her blog and see her images. She's awesome.
When I began studying photography, Stacey was one of the first photographers I started to follow. Her work always had something special about it that I admired. Over the years we began talking online through email and social media. Today, we finally met in person. It is such a blessing to see how God really had a hand in our friendship. We are such kindred spirits.
You guys enjoyed her children as well. Dock jumping, kayaking, swimming, tree climbing, soccer, barbies, movies....you had a blast together. My heart is full and I will cherish the memories of today always. As you grow up, never take true friends for granted. God gives us friends to help us through the good and bad times of life. Love and nurture the relationships always.
(You can see more images from our fun play date here)
Lunch at the pool is one of your favorite summer activities. We are in the hottest days of summer right now, so these midday swims are perfect. On a side-note, last night you had your very first sleepover with your cousin Emma. I was most certain you would call and want to come home before bedtime, but you stayed the entire night. You can't wait to do it again.
I learn so much from watching you and the way you live your life. You create art with so much passion. You live life with this same passion. You dance and sing and perform. You remind me to let go of my fears and "what ifs" and embrace life in a beautiful way. Thank you.
(Head over here to read about creating art with your life)
Yesterday was one of those days that my heart overflowed with gratitude. I remember the anxiety I experienced moving home just over three years ago. We left our comfort zone; friends that were family and a life that was very special. I worried nonstop in the months leading to our move. Where would we live? Where would we go to church? Who would we have as friends? Who would y'all play with? Would homeschooling really be a good fit for us? (And so many other questions.)
I prayed a lot and I slowly learned to "let go and let Him".
I am so glad we do not see God’s plans for our life all at once. Sometimes it involves growing pains, sometimes it means letting go of something, and often His plan is so different from ours. I was reminded in so many ways of God's Provision as I watched you in the lake yesterday.
Look at the birds! They don’t worry about what to eat—they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food—for your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. -Mathew 6:26
You chased, you captured, and you squealed. And then you did it again. Over and over. The two of you had so much fun with this frog by the lake. I love and cherish the memories you share. Childhood is such a special season.
Today, we went to see Daddy at work. We drove out to the bay so you could have a little fun before we went to dinner. You all loved the birds and chased them up and down the beach. Simple joys are always so beautiful.
You always want to be with your big Sissy and Bubby. Often times you follow them without hesitation. Sometimes it is mama asking you to stay back and to be more cautious. I know, you are almost 5 now and you are becoming so brave and ready to try so many fun things. In my heart, you will always be my little baby girl. Our sweet one who came into this world almost 8 weeks early. You were so tiny, but already so full of life. I believe you still carry this same spirit. I love you always and forever.
Most often, our natural instinct in life is to succeed. As mothers, as artists, in all we do. But it is when we sink, when we fail, that we become most alive.
I have been reading a book over the last year that I keep going back to. I keep re-reading the pages whenever I get the time. It is called A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman and it has given me so much to think about as we are all created with gifts to give back to this world."Drop the hands and let the knees be weak. Loosen the grip and let the arms open wide. Bow the head and let the eyes close tight. We cannot do this life. We not parent these children. We cannot lead this company. We cannot change this world. We cannot make this art.
Not alone. Not on our own. Not without sinking first. In the act of sinking into God, of looking up at him from the depths of our own inadequacy, we begin to know who he is. In turn, we know who we are as well."
As your mother, I pray that you will never forget that you need God in every aspect of your life. Seek Him, sink into Him--He is waiting with open arms to love you. Do not be afraid to fail. I love the three of you so much and am so grateful to see your hearts already following Jesus.
A love without expectations or limits. Loving each other just as we are.
You in the beautiful light, waiting for Daddy to bring dinner last night.
This morning you were singing Crowder's My Beloved in the car as loud as you could. I love when I hear your sweet voice praising Jesus. This light, is yet another reminder that He is always with us.
My Beloved bring me awake Take me up to your resurrection place My Beloved bring me awake 'cause I want to feel Your Light on my Face Oh, there's a sun coming up In my soul, Lord, in my soul There's a sun coming up In my soul, Lord, in my soul My Beloved bring me awake Take me up to your resurrection place My Beloved bring me awake 'cause I want to feel Your Light on my Face
You always want to help me in the kitchen and I love watching your enthusiasm in all you do. Truth be told, I don't LOVE cooking. I would rather be outside, down by the lake, with my feet in the water. I'd rather be playing from sunrise to sunset, but time must be spent in the kitchen and I am glad you are a part of it.
Over the last year, I have become more deliberate about seeking God’s light in all circumstances. I have seen over and over again that He is waiting to show Himself to us. He is waiting for us to seek Him. The past year was filled with many wonderful memories, but there were also many challenges. There were times I needed to trust, to grow, to become stronger in Him. Last week,while we were in the mountains, I noticed the light was not the same as I see it at home. There were beautiful pockets of light everywhere that you had to search for. I believe this is very similar as we live our days. Some days,the light is so evident we can’t help but bask in it, but other days we have to really look. By seeking His light, we are allowing ourselves to find joy on any given day, no matter what is going on around us. It is in those pockets of light that I relish the most; the beauty that is revealed when we aren't expecting it.
Our cabin has a river right behind it. You are loving to explore the river and tube for hours each day. It has been so fun to play with you in the water. Bubby told us he was Adventure Boy. Love your sweet spirit.
The three of you, just hanging out, getting ready to go down to the river and play. As I walked by the room, I stopped in my tracks. This is the beauty of life.
The first day we spent in the mountains we hiked down to a nearby covered bridge. When we got to the bridge, you all played in the river with Buster. At that moment, I was so grateful that Daddy had insisted we bring Buster on vacation with us. Admittedly, I thought it would be easier to leave him at home. I was reminded, once again, easier is not always better. It was such a gift to see you experiencing things for the first time with Buster right by your side. Sadly, he will not always be a part of our everyday lives, but I am thankful for the memories that include him. As I watched you all explore together, I couldn't help but wish I could freeze that moment forever. And so I did, the only way I could, with my camera.
As we were driving to the mountains today we stopped at the American Girl store. This was the first time we have visited this special place. You were both so excited. We shopped a little and were able to get your dolls' hair styled. It was a fun and memorable time.
We are on our way to the mountains and were on the road ALL DAY today. We got to the hotel tonight and you couldn't wait to swim in the pool. This seems to be the highlight of most road trips.