Years gone by....

It's hard to believe so much time has passed, so many opportunities to record life's precious moments...missed. So here I am, hoping to begin to capture once again the months, days and minutes that God has given me to carefully nurture the treasures in my life and point them to the greatest treasure, Jesus Christ.  These past few years have been filled with so much life....life that is heartbreaking, delightful and filled with adventure...life that is raw, life that is real. My faith in the Lord has grown and been challenged and I'm sure will be tested even more as time passes. So my great prayer is that whatever and whenever I find time to share, that God would be glorified in our home and in our hearts for eternity. I look forward to coming back and recording our days, our joys and our sorrows because in the end my hope is far beyond this temporary home. My hope is in Jesus who calls me His own. 

Birthday wishes from afar....

It was twenty-one years ago, today, 

when you entered the world,

though God had been knitting you 

together since the beginning.

We traveled through valleys 

and over mountains in your

childhood days, and God knew

 who you would be from the beginning.

You have been through 

some difficult days, months, years....

but you are beautiful because of it...

because of Jesus.

You are a new creation.

You are a light in the world.

You are a gift, Brianna, not just to me...

but to so many others.

You are filled with compassion and love 

that you openly share with others.

You are beautiful, in your spirit, through and through.

You are a loyal friend.

You are full of spunk.

You are joyful.

You are an awesome sister.

You are a hard worker.

You are courageous.

You are a servant.

You are patient.

You are kind.

You are missed.

But mostly....

you are loved!!!

Happy 21st Birthday beautiful daughter!

Can't wait to celebrate when you are home.

We are so proud of you.

Sending you our biggest hugs and kisses

until we see you again.

xoxoxoxoxo

The sophmore I adore

Two weeks with my beautiful Bri
was not enough,
We filled our time with an overnight girl's trip,
family, beach, shopping, long talks, hair goop,
a back to school dinner and
an I had the incredible opportunity
to see the true heart of my
precious daughter
once again.
A time to grow in relationship,
trust, laughter, hugs and joy.
 

Our back-to-school dinner
 

Mama playing hair stylist
 

My superhero
 

 

A quick trip to enjoy family.

And back to school she went.

Man....I miss this girl!

Where love grows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's hard to describe the feeling of finding family in friends.
Those that drop everything to help, to love, to encourage,
and to show the love of Christ in how they live each day.
This is that family.
And as it grows
so does my love
for each and every one of them.

Let love be genuine.
Abhor what is evil;
hold fast to what is good.
Love one another with brotherly affection.
Outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not be slothful in zeal,
be fervent in spirit,
serve the Lord.

 

Romans 12:9-11

Campin Fools

We have been on many fun outings this year...
camping, visiting family, day trips.
Went to Yosemite last month with my dad
and stepmom and it was breathtaking (as always).
The kids had a blast and met some
friends in the campsite next to ours.
We hiked, biked and ate the finest
camping food I've ever tasted (thanks Momda).
There are many reasons I LOVE
 homeschooling, but the ability to
do trips like this while other
children are sitting at their desks
in a classroom makes me love
teaching our children at home even more.
Homeschooling rocks!!!



The little collectors
 

Taking in an amazing view
 

Again
 

Exploring the waters
 

 

The girls found their very own playhouse

out in the middle of the forest.

 

Taking a break from biking around the valley
 

 

Papa and the littlest lass

 

A beautiful way to end our trip

There's something about being outdoors
in the natural world that puts
my heart and mind at total peace.
No technology, no rushing here and there,
no worrying about the silly things that my
mind can get overwhelmed with,
no place to be except out exploring
God's beautiful creation.

What could be better?

 

Why dad rules...

He makes time for the little things and little people
 

He loves holding hands
 

He makes us smile
 

and he likes to have fun

Celebrating with tears

 In February we joined the Merricks along
with thousands of others to remember
their precious Daisy Love.

 

The stage was covered with thousands of daisies

spilling out of every corner with their bright

and cheery faces ~ reminding us of the

overwhelming beauty of this dear life.

 

The bathroom mirror reads:
"Do not fear,
for I am with you,
I have called you by name;
you are mine."
Isaiah 43:1

 

Daisies everywhere!

 

 

 The memorial for Daisy Love Merrick was like nothing
I have ever witnessed before.
It was joyful.
It was painful.
It was hopeful.
It was life changing.

If you have an opportunity to share in the
memory and celebration of Daisy's life and story
you can see for yourself the impact one little life
can make when our trust is given to God:

http://prayfordaisy.com/#/daisy-video-daisys-memorial/

Please continue to pray for Daisy's parents as
they make the transition into a family of three.
 

Beautiful Daisy Love

 

Last Saturday in the early morning hours,
the precious life we have been praying for
went home to be with Jesus.

Words cannot really express my joy
in what a gift the Lord has given so many
through this one vessel of His love nor can
they express the grief I feel in her departure.
In the end I still choose to say
Glory to God in the Highest.
He is good.
And now Daisy can bask fully in His light.

Thank you God for the gift of Daisy.
I will forever be grateful.

Daisy's memorial will be streamed live
Saturday Feb. 23rd at 3pm at
prayfordaisy.com

Love in all things

Valentine's Day
It's another day that reminds me
of what I am called to do
in all of life's circumstances.
I am here to love.
Love my husband.
Love my children.
Love my family.
Love my neighbors...as myself.
Love those that may seem unloveable
because really... they are me.
I have done the unthinkable.
I have behaved in selfish,
 bitter, impatient, angry, foolish
 and completely unloveable ways.
Yet, I rejoice in Jesus Christ
who gave his life for me,
who knows me,
and loves me still.

That's real love.

Like no other.



 

 

 

 

Thought I would share a few photos
of our V~day and the loves that
I can't get enough of.

xoxo

Dear January,

I am so glad you were here for a whole 31 days!
I enjoyed your stay and all the blessings you
brought my way.  I just wanted to be sure
not to let your treasured gifts go unmentioned.

 

Thank you for good times with cousins,

for winter swing surfing,

for a loving family...and birthday celebrations,


for dads and daughters, 

for dads and grandaughters,

and for grandmas who love to be called grandma

for time and patience to knit a first scarf,

and a first blanket,

for childhood,

babes in the garden,

new and beautiful friendships,

a precious chunk of time with this beauty,

 

and the glimmer of rain fallen,
mist in the trees,
and time to enjoy it all.

January, once again...you rock!!!
Looking forward to seeing you
again next year.