they came!

 Jack and Lay came home.  Jack for the weekend, Layla for twelve days.  it was wonderful.  their return made for a great opportunity to celebrate their recent engagement.  we crowded the café with friends and family.  it was special, it was busy, but it was sooo fun.  their joy is contagious.  the excitement is real.  the wedding planning was really wonderful to share in while she was here.  anddddd, a stunning white dress was chosen, which was such a privilege to share in.  a complete gift for my heart on so many levels.  

a few photos captured by Layla and Kia capture some sweet moments. 

and now they are back in California.  i am adjusting and riding out the new routine, again...i know this feeling all too well by now.  another dear one of ours is also on the west coast (Joelle is coming for a visit soon as well in a couple of weeks!).  when the big kids leave it's a bit of a sinking feeling, a hole, especially when we are aware of parts we miss and long to share in.  Cree feels it every time...still- both Jeff and i agree, it's all overwhelmingly worth her palpable joy.  

april joys

 soaked up a few small moments of joy that i actually paused to photograph this month.  it's the little things sometimes, isn't it?  grateful for flowers picked by small sweet hands, freshly made cheddar and herb biscuits, cozy breaks, rare drawings that are adorable and unexpected, and brown-eyed breakfast cuteness.

daily graces.  grateful.  

encouragement

Jack's dear mom sent me this on Sunday.  it unraveled me a little, but also greatly encouraged me. Layla shared with me that this pastor has his own story of personal tragedy and grief, and clearly he speaks from this place...his words are powerful and deeply heartfelt.  i hope today they might lift your spirit as they did mine.  God sees you.  He is with you. 

encouragement to moms and and those longing to be mothers 

❤

this side of heaven

 i stumbled across this song recently.  it's honest and sweet and echoes the promise of a brighter eternity for those who believe.  for now, there's enduring faith in the unchanging nature of God.  trusting in His plan even when things aren't lining up or making sense.  

have a listen.  

"This Side of Heaven"

by Seth Schlueter

engaged!

 Jack and Layla have the sweetest news!

sooo happy for these two. wedding bells are gonna ring! stay tuned... ❤

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