creative moment

 

play doesn't always go like this...but this was a precious moment of creative independence with a cardboard box where Cree wanted it cut out "like a TV"...i think what was happening here was a drive-in show that the various vehicles were lined up to watch.  a couple hours over two days of imaginative play.  it was adorable.   

he's official

 March 24th, 2026.  we went to court.  Cree's adoption is finally official.  and one of the silver linings to an adoption that took years longer than it should have is that Cree is old enough to really understand what it means.  it was extra special to watch and hear about this event from his perspective.  while showering just the other day he randomly said "i can't believe i get to be in this family forever!" he seemed to grasp the permanency of it.  the security.  and it feels great to all of us.  no more waiting.  no more limbo.  we're just a little bit closer to normal, umm typical...no not that either...a little bit closer to settled.  it is wonderful. 

 sometimes life's unexpected twists bring unexpected joys, this time in the form of an energetic and boisterous five year old.  

Cree~ we're so grateful God chose you for us, and us for you.  love you to the moon kiddo! ❤

photo credits to big sister Hannah

Easter 2026

I've been diving into the latest season of The Chosen...perfect timing for Easter...

 "I was one way and now I am completely different.  And the thing that happened in between....was Him"

words of Mary Magdalene, The Chosen

such beauty to behold, especially when the backdrop is undeserved grace weaved into every single day.  it shapes every second, if you let it.  many days i still forget, or simply don't remember enough.  this weekend i consciously tried to remember better. it was light and my heart was full.  

riding the stuffy at the mall.  twice in a long weekend. :)  also aware that a day is coming soon when he'll prefer to ride alone.  i'm soaking this up.  

Cree spotted his egg and handprint at the mall during the hunt for his "SK class egg"

Easter is always special.  Jesus and the Cross, family, food, beauty and fun.  joy, rest, and focused intention on what it's about.  all gifts. 

school window

 i love it sooo much when Cree's teacher posts pictures of his SK activities during the day.  it feels like a little peak through a window into all the things and people i hear him chatter about so often.  it's so heartwarming to see him loving school, excelling at the structure of the daily routines, figuring out the nuances of friendships, and on top of it all~ learning a new language!  he's picking up soooo many important things, and i'm really thankful for the many teachers and staff who invest in his life each day. 

we're told he's bright, kind, and speaking French as though his parents speak French at home.  we do not.  this is good news.  he's learning and growing and enjoying the process at the same time.  grateful.  

way to go buddy, keep becoming! :)

a cute throwback

 i'll blog about today...soon.  need to gather my thoughts first.  for now, this sweet boy is "official".  and this morning Hannah sent me the cutest throwback picture of Cree.  ahhh the sleeper days...

dropping it here with more details of "adoption day" soon!

❤

a good one

this has been a theme for me as of late.  a recurring message that has encouraged my heart, and maybe it will yours as well.  i truly hope so.  because you know, sometimes the grind is a lot and the weight of issues sit heavy.  God has been so patiently calling me to trust deeper and walk forward in more secure confidence.  not in random, shaky blind faith, but in deeply rooted experiential evidence of the way He's been visible all along.  grateful for this song. especially as Easter approaches.  enjoy!

  Evidence by Josh Baldwin.

a sophisticated Jessie girl

 i think i might be retiring as Jessie's groomer...took her for her first professional all-in-one cut and i dare say it was worth every cent (thanks Mom).  ears, nails, bath, haircut.  pretty cute!  she did so well. 

a bit of a blurry pic, but she wasn't having it.  had to take time to decide if she liked her now look maybe :)

side note~  her obsession with dear Jeffrey is at an all time high.  this (below) happens every day after he returns from work now.  and she howls adorably and loudly if it doesn't :)