Jeff

 an oldie.  but so Jeff, all the same.  hugs that turned into back cracks.  that is what is very likely happening below.  afterward he'd sometimes say "you owe me seventy five bucks" to the specific child who was at the mercy of his unsolicited spine manipulation.  in this case it was AJ... 

Jeff has signed up for more than most dads would ever consider taking on, even under intense duress haha.  that doesn't make him better, not at all, but it sure does make him brave and his perseverance is noteworthy...he shows up day after day, year after year.  he's exceptional.  he's steady and sure footed and as loyal as they come. 

happy father's day, Jeff!  we are all sooo grateful to have you.  

❤

time

 time has not slowed for me.  not one bit.  i think that's maybe a fair indicator of a really full life. no drawn out days or snail's pace weeks around here.  quite the opposite actually.  we are "all in" with work and Cree's weekly activities, and still super aware that this too will be fleeting.  i try to slow myself enough, (almost) regularly, to soak up the moments that all too soon will be rearview mirror memories only.  we know this firsthand with our first round of kiddos.  it's a lot most days, but we are grateful as well, for the abundant life and opportunities we've been blessed to experience with both our big kids and the incredible little human we've been "charged with" in this current chapter.  i pray for wisdom and strength to keep all the core pieces balanced and the many plates spinning.  sometimes we get it right, sometimes we don't.  we know this.  we try to do better and get closer to the mark next time.  many days i wonder- and many days i know.  i am one person- entrusted with much- and knowing that much is also required of me.  i pray that in my weakness i'll have strength.  i see God's care and provision- daily.  i feel so sure that the goodness of God carries me and i rest confidently in knowing it always has and always will.  fears and doubts sometimes lurk (i'm human after all), but not for long honestly.  no time for that to linger.  i sleep so peacefully (low iron helps with that :)) with the pretty clear sense of my calling and purpose. grateful for the clear compass that directs and guides me.

below, six cutie pies in these throwbacks...back when we were in the thick of "parenting 1.0"

daytrip

 we had a great daytrip to a recent Blue Jays game in Detroit.  sometimes it's just so fun to escape routine and go on an adventure.  we enjoyed the full on summertime weather (like blazing hot), the ballpark treats, the great game seats, and of course THE JAYS WIN over the Tigers.  for Jeff and i, it was pretty great to share this with Cree, and to cap it off with a delicious Mexican meal and short trip home.  

the carousel in Comerica park was a bonus! 

go Jays go!