Lay is home!

 so happy this girl is home.  what a whirlwind adventure she was on.  five and a half months of new experiences, friendships, discoveries, and life changing events that all combined to make for a monumental trip that will never be forgotten.  so many snapshots of time and memories that will be etched into her core~ into the heart of who she is, and is still becoming.  

thanks to all who prayed, supported, contributed in so many tangible ways, and encouraged her from near and far.  

back home, she's finding her way, navigating all the pieces of readjustment with an undercurrent of visible peace~ the hard and the wonderful.  God has been sooo good.  

Lay...keep walking forward in courage and truth as you discover next steps.  have an open heart and upward gaze.  God will direct the rest.❤

Proverbs 3:5-6

Florida 2025

 wait a minute, we went to Florida?!  yep we did, last month.  feels like a really long time out from that, honestly.  not gonna lie.  life is busy for us this time of year, and there is much going on, always.  still, we did escape the pace for a nice long week of rest, sunshine, and Florida beauty.  it was wonderful.  dropping a few photos here to highlight this gift of our late winter vacation. 

we for sure missed our family who weren't with us (we haven't been all together for a vacation since 2020, before Cree was born!) but still we soaked up the time spent and memories made.  and the sun and warmth was dreamy, as always!

fifty skates!

they did it! Jeff picked a number (did i mention he's the ultimate numbers guy?), set the goal, and lo and behold...Cree came out with loads of rink time this winter season.  fifty times, to be exact!  lots of laps, drills, stick handling, goal keeping, and shots on nets.  he was also really fond of shoveling after a snowfall.  

Cree got really speedy and learned a lot while having so much fun out there.  good way to pass the winter when the weather permits. 

also, Cree has a great dad. so thankful for that.

first tournament

Cree's first tournament...unofficially official at least...it was adorable...and special and huge to these three amateur wrestlers.  they were both friends and competitors on this day, and just taking in all the parts as though they had "arrived".  heart melting on many levels.  the referees were supportive and played the part perfectly.  memories were made.

actual medals?!  our friend had the bright idea to have someone present the smallest competitors with medals.  their surprise and outward expression of pride and joy was delightful.

a good day for a few solid wrestlers who are tapping into some real potential, but most of all having lots of fun!

throwback

 just a photo that came up in my memories.  melted my heart.  this one, taken a couple of weeks after Cree came to us, and we had zero awareness of what was to come.  little did we know that he'd be the kid to launch us into "parenting 2.0".  who knew?! 

we were already in love, however.  so smitten with all that he was.  pure squish and love in that tiny body of his. 

then and now... 

still, the ultimate gift! ❤

winter things

 a bit of a photo dump from bits of January and February. 

Jessie love, lots of baking with my assistant, birthdays, Valentine's Day, creative play, reunions, and the cafe taking shape!  grateful for life lived!

winter things.  much to be thankful for even in the dead of a cold and blustery season.  thankfully, we got through it.  warm and sunny days ahead, and i CANNOT WAIT!

Jeffrey

 he's not one to gush.  but he might not mind if i gush a bit about him.  today he has a birthday.  in his birthday note i told him that often his birthday feels like more of a notable occasion to me than my own birthday, because i'm literally so thankful for the gift he is to me. (and it's not like one can feel like they are a gift to themselves!  well, most people at least! ahem...;))  seriously, God knew.  He chose for me a solid man who is so faithful and kind.  i love that his character is super steadfast.  he is a light bringer.  i love his humour and his positivity.  i love his character, his work ethic, and his consistent willingness to show-up for his family.  he is unwavering of his supportive love to me (seriously, a puppy and a Peloton?!), and he regularly chooses to champion things of Christ.  

we've been at this a long time.  he's my best friend, and i'm really grateful for his 57 years.  i'm staying on this rollercoaster ride with him~ that much i know.

in the words of Gabby Barrett's cool country song, he's "solid and he's steady" and he's one of the good ones.

happy birthday Jeff!