she's got grit

another year of cross country for her school.  super challenging and somehow through the pain it's also pretty rewarding~ after the races at least.  

i love the way her running pushes away personal obstacles, stretches past her perceived limitations, and gives her a great outlet for school and life stressors.  not to mention her killer strong legs.

way to go Layla! 

this boy

 photo credits to "Mr. Barry"...

he recently caught a cute moment with Cree embracing both of us during a morning church service.  it sums up Cree so well.  he's a hands-on affectionate fella who feels and loves deep and large.  so often his emotions are right there on full display.  sometimes regulating the big feelings is hard.  but he also loves so tangibly.  it's so sweet and such a gift.

throwback....tuesday?

 in the interest of time, or lack of ;) , and because there's something so special to me about this picture below, i'm posting a "throwback Tuesday" photo this week...

AJ wasn't even home yet so he's not seen in the picture.  sorry AJ, next throwback k?  yep his adorableness can't go unmentioned either.

i was in the thick of it here, raising littles, and yet i really did enjoy most of this stage.  actually and for real.  there was so much fun and funny mixed in those years...they totally had my heart~ and somehow each one in their own unique way still entirely does...strange how that works.  

school

 another year underway...

preschool

grade 11

 

praying these two have fun this school year, and of course learn and grow lots at the same time!

Hudson

looking so good, Hudson!  

heart and mind transformation is never easy.  but a chance at a reset is a priceless gift.  keep leaning in and doing the work, my son...

 this new look totally "suits" you! :)

❤

summer wrap

a few "here and there", "odds and ends" kinds of pics that didn't get their own post but still accurately reflect some of our happenings, this summer of 2023.  seek and find books, one kilometre races and a first place ribbon, old friends reunited, a new hydrangea showing off all its pink beauty, digging and planting with daddy, fresh basil on pizza, building projects with real tools, first time swimming lessons, Cree's own soccer uniform~ to be more like Daddy on Thursdays, Joelle looking as beautiful as her surroundings, Layla heading west to see her big sister, garden-grown sunflowers from Dad gracing the house with sunshine, late afternoon snoozing, Cree really embracing the pool, and a tiny toad "catch and release" event...

blessed.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

my boy and pasta

 just two adorable photos Hannah captured at dinner one evening.  Cree appears to be deep in thought...and knowing him so well he was probably deciding if he was going to object to this meal.  the child is picky.  

but those eyes.... 

both the pasta and the boy~ i adore them.