the answer

picnic-1

Today marks two years since we got the call about Esther's death. And my heart still aches for her. So much has happened since in those two years. So much I could have never anticipated nor imagined. At the time I simply couldn't see past my grief. I didn't want to see past my grief. Not a year. Not a month. Not even a day. But God. He carried me during that time, constantly reminding me of His love. He didn't give me the answers I so desperately sought. But He gently revealed to me that He was the Answer. Two years later I can look back … [Read more...]

the boss

boss-1

During the average school day, it's me and my three littlest at home. And Asher who homeschools. In the late morning, I have a bit of barn work to do and that's when Dora takes over and Asher is "on call" at the computer desk in the next room. And a chorus of "Can I be in charge?" goes up. From everyone 5 and under. But there is only one response that works. Some how, some way, when I leave this child as the 'boss', I come back to calm. To order. To normalcy. When any other child is in charge (I've even tried this with the bigger kids on the weekends) I … [Read more...]

the stuff of childhood.

princess1

I mentioned the other day that my girls are kinda-sorta into being princesses. "Kinda-sorta" meaning they eat, sleep and breathe it. Thanks to some Tar-jay gift cards from a beloved Aunt and Uncle, they are now doing all of the above. While looking like Princesses. Meet Rapunzel and Cinderella. Who - for the last 3 days - have refused to take off their princess-y gowns. Even to sleep. If sticktoitiveness is a characteristic of being a princess, these girls are in. … [Read more...]

our littlest valentines

valentines1

Really have no idea what Valentine's Day is all about yet. Because they're not interested in boys. Or cards. Or chocolates. Okay, maybe definitely, they dig the chocolates. But - even without the trappings of Valentine's Day - they are still learning what love is all about. From a daddy that loves them dearly. So much, in fact, that he is willing to sit and watch the entirety of Tangled with them. Again. Happy Valentine's Day, y'all. Hoping you are being loved in just the right way today. And every day. … [Read more...]

no, david.

nodavid

No, David is a huge favorite with the littlest girls around here. Maybe it's because it makes them feel so splendidly obedient in comparison to David. Or maybe they just really dig a boy that can be so incredibly naughty. I sure hope the latter isn't the case. Anyway, the girls ask to read these books all the time. When Tori was here she read the entire series of David Shannon books to Tallula and Poppy almost daily. And, eventually, the girls began "reading" themselves. Yesterday afternoon I found both girls in Vivienne's bed, with hair freshly coiffed by … [Read more...]

fit for a princess

donuts-1

On Wednesday mornings, Chris goes to a men's Bible study. Where they eat donuts. Evidently, all the guys there think we need the donuts more than anyone. Because Chris always has a box full in hand when he comes home. Doggoneit. This morning, I surprised the girls when they woke up with donuts. On their new pink dishes - some pink Fiestaware I scored at the Goodwill. I found a set of 8 cups and saucers. For $15. But don't tell them. They're convinced these are princess dishes. Because they are pretty much all about princesses these … [Read more...]

her little hand

littlehand

This picture, at first glance, looks like a child's scribble. And it is. But it is so. much. more. Y'all probably know this, but for those of you who might not, Poppy's special need is missing fingers on her left hand, also known as symbrachydactyly. It's pretty much a non-issue in our day-to-day existence. In fact, I've found myself completely forgetting that my sweet girl doesn't have any fingers on her left hand. Because the girl can do anything. Since Poppy came home, we've referred to her little hand as just that - her little hand. But we've tried … [Read more...]

Sunday Snapshot: {ellie’s caramels}

caramels2

We make these every year. Okay. More like we make these every year I have the inclination to make them. I made them last year for my neighbors and it was such a success - seriously, my neighbors were stopping me after Christmas to ask me about them - I decided to expand my efforts to include teacher gifts this year. Which meant I'd be making lots and lots of caramels. I stocked up on enough ingredients for 10 batches, not certain just how much I'd need, but not wanting to be caught short. And, well... you know. Having extra caramel ingredients on hand … [Read more...]

Sunday Snapshot: {the littlest}

poppy-fall-1

My babies. This mini photo shoot was spur-of-the-moment. The weather was perfect and all the girls wanted to do was run around outside. And all I had to do was follow them. Oh, and promise them candy. First is Miss Poppy. Just turned 3. Thinks she's 23. She loves to get her nails painted. And has been known to call her oldest sister on the phone to inform her that she needs to get home and apply a new coat of polish. Pronto. She loves to be read to. Er, I mean, she loves to read. She's memorized every No, David book in the house. Word … [Read more...]

on my heart

Isabelle

November is National Adoption Month. And yesterday was Orphan Sunday. So the subject of adoption has been occupying a lot of my brain matter lately. As a momma to seven beloved children that were once considered orphans, adoption is often on my mind. But I've been reminded that I want my passion for adoption to be more than something that is on my heart and in my head... I want my life to be affected as well. I want to be changed. I want my life to look different because of all that God has revealed to me about His heart for the orphan. I had hoped to write … [Read more...]