a moment

 just a precious moment in time.  it came up recently when browsing through the actual photo albums.  feels like forever ago.  only four kiddos then.  looks like it might have been around Easter time with the Sunday dresses on the girls.  front step at Howston Ave.

how i love those sweet faces.

our artist

 the girl is talented.  and i am sooo thrilled to see her using her gifts.  Layla spent the second half of her summer prepping for a pretty big adventure.  she leaves later today for an almost six month mission through YWAM (youth with a mission).  

people so generously supported her journey and many bought tickets for her raffle, and these two paintings were a couple of the prizes.  

more to come on her adventures.  praying her time away is amazing, life-changing and difference-making, for her and the many she will meet and serve.  of course we will miss her loads, but couldn't be more grateful for the gift of this opportunity in her life, and who knows where it will take her next.  

fly Layla, fly! ❤

summer 2024 wrap-up

 already getting into a fall groove here with new routines and patterns taking shape, replacing the more "wide open" feel of summer break....

while the weather has still felt very summer-ish (until just yesterday), the schedule sure is different...

before getting ahead of myself, i'm going to drop a few of the leftover summer pictures here, and now, so they have their rightful place in my memory, always...

below, Cree is ready to "sub in" if there was an injury during his dad's soccer game~ literally took it so seriously.

Joelle, on another insane adventure, wearing her beautiful smile

lambies...oh, the struggle with Cree and his worn down lambies...

many summer birthday desserts. the first~ and maybe the best~ peach pavlovas.

summer 2024~ the time i started pulling espressos and dove into the vast world of all things coffee

Jessie looking like she has one eye, but still adorable

Joelle capturing pool shenanigans

"if we get a pup we'll definitely keep her off the furniture" ;)

 trial run on the school bus.  

it was a hit!

garden grown sunflower by my dad

summer 2024...much to be thankful for!

summer sports

Cree took part in his first summer of organized sports this year.  soccer and baseball.  he did awesome! he grew and learned and loved going each week! that was a win for sure.  we will see what the future holds, where his passions and abilities align, and what he gravitates to in the future.  for now, it's just fun to expose him to different activities and to see the "take-aways" he gets from participating.  

way to go, little man! 

a visit!

Joelle recently came home for a visit.  super special to see her after a longer stretch away, and it filled me up to have her around again.  when she comes she always brings energy and fun and laughter and just her special "Joelle-ness".  

Cree reconnected quickly and Jessie and Joelle became fast friends.

Jessie also liked Joelle's ball of yarn haha...thankfully, i saved it in time.

love you kiddo, and it was good to connect and chat and have you physically near.  can't wait until the next time! ❤

he likes to fish

Adam likes to fish, and sometimes catches some really unique ones.  ones i'd rather not know are swimming in the same waters as us, but nevertheless, still a fun sport for him...

below is a longnose gar...kind of creepy bizarre looking!

and a pike!

cool Adam!  love that you love this!

my grocery sidekick

 this week will be the last of our weekly Friday grocery store runs.  we kind of got set on going once a week during covid, and Cree became a fixture in my cart and loved "helping" me out each week as i tackled my long list and full cart.  as he starts into full time school, i'm going to miss him tagging along with me.  Superstore has some kind employees, specifically Mr. Mike, AJ, Mr. Dave, Miss Irene, Mrs. Lynn and Mrs. Sharon, and i'm sure they will also miss his cheery conversations.  

one of his favourite parts was pushing the cart until we got to the deli meat counter, and then he'd move into the cart to eat a couple pieces of ham, often bagged by Miss Irene, when she'd say "There you go, handsome!"  he also loves to help me move the bags to the trunk of the van, and return the cart back to its place...he loves when i tell him how strong he's getting after he carries a twelve pack of sparking water all by himself.  he seems to love the predictable routine and time to connect with familiar faces.  gonna miss him, for sure.  thankful for these normal everyday memories we made...