When I started Sunday Snapshot, it’s whole purpose was to create a way for me to remember.
Remember my kids.
Remember our life.
All of it. Down to the littlest details.
And Sundays at our house are something I don’t want to forget.
It’s my favorite day of the week.
Sundays aren’t remarkable for how they start,
What we wear,
How we get where we’re going,
Or even necessarily where we’re going.
They’re special because of how they are spent.
Sunday is the one day a week that is especially devoted to our family.
And taking time to consider all the ways in which we’ve been blessed.
Blessings like our church.
And Clifford the Dog, who breaks the ice at the Kid Zone. No, Vivi doesn’t go to the Kid Zone yet.
That’s why she still loves Clifford.
On Sundays we’re grateful for food.
Especially food that Jude will eat.
That everyone will eat.
Even if it’s artery clogging.
Because I doesn’t have to prepare it. And Chris doesn’t have to clean it up.
We’re grateful for the resources to run over to Target for dog food.
And dish detergent.
And a new mouse (because someone very cute but very naughty cut the cord on my former mouse).
We’re grateful for fresh air and beautiful weather.
And time spent outside.
Some of us even relish an opportunity to try to run over a sitting duck sibling.
Or, a chance to protest the retaliation of said sitting duck sibling.
Whatever we do, we just try to be still on Sundays.
No agenda.
No schedule.
This Sunday we missed baseball practice because it interfered with going to church.
So we played a few innings in the back yard.
Vivi sang the National Anthem.
As the pitcher, I must admit to spending more time hugging the outfielder than catching any balls.
Because my jeans were too tight. But on Sundays I don’t worry about things like that. That’s saved for Mondays.
Even getting clean is more enjoyable on Sundays.
No rushing.
No where we have to be.
Lots of time for tickle bugs,
puzzles,
noodles,
popsicles,
and a favorite video, snuggled up on the couch.
And then, time for bed.
But first, the devotional. If we ever forget, the kids always remember.
Especially Sophie.
Three pairs of boots and bars.
Three kiddos with corrected clubfoot.
All laughing at daddy.
Then one by one, goodnight kisses and hugs for all our littlest blessings.
Isabelle, irritated at me because her birthday is still six weeks away. And at bedtime, she can think of nothing but the pink bike with the bell on her wish list.
Sophie, all smiles and snuggled with her favorite stuffed kitty.
Vivienne, getting into her sister’s stuff.
And pretending like she’s certainly awake enough to say up with Mom and Dad to watch Survivor.
Shepherd with his “guys”.
He doesn’t call them his “babies” anymore. They’re “guys” now. And don’t you forget it.
And Jude with his beloved pillow.
All tucked in.
Safe and sound.
So much to be grateful for. I’m so glad we take Sundays to slow down and savor it all.
Sundays rock. Even when my jeans are too tight.
If you’re participating this week, try to leave a few comments for the other participants. After all, this is a fun way to get to know each other, so be sure to share the love 🙂
It’s easy to join… just copy the code under the Sunday Snapshot button and paste it into the body of your Sunday Snapshot post where you’d like the button to be displayed. Once you hit ‘publish’ it should show up just fine 🙂
Then add your link below.
To do this, go to your blog. Click on the title of your new Sunday Snapshot post. The new url in your browser window will be a direct link to your Sunday Snapshot post. Copy that url and paste it into the inLinkz window below. If it’s just a general link to your blog, I’ll have to remove it. And I hate that.
Feel free to link up on Monday if you’re too busy on Sunday. I’ll leave the inlinkz open through Monday night… because I know some folks who like to link up a little late 🙂
New to Sunday Snapshot? Click here to learn more.
well worth waiting for…so darling, so inciteful, so TRUE!! thanks for sharing your life with us…
Oh man, now I need to capture on of our Sundays…great idea…I love it!!
First ,I have to say your family is just beautiful! I wondered if you can help us. I know you are aware of the Greig's daughter ,Mckenna, passing away while they were waiting on their TA. Through this amazing momma's grief she has formed a blog in memory of Mckenna. Is there a way that you can post the link to the new blog on No Hands. Nikki is determined to make a difference in the lives of the children who wait for forever families. The fact that Mckenna left us knowing the love of a foster family has brought comfort to the Greig's.
Thank you,
Nicole
LOVE.this.post.
🙂
Amie
Love the moments where there's no staging necessary…I think I miss a lot of those! Thanks for sharing the extraordinary beauty of ordinary moments!!
I love it! And I love the kids standing along the bed in their braces. So sweet all laughing at their daddy 🙂
My all.time.favorite. Sunday snapshot of yours!!
LOVE it!!!
What a great Sunday Snapshot! I'm all choked up and teary. Your kids are beautiful, and I feel like I know you, know your heart, experience so many of the same feelings as you with my own family (even the tight pants, unfortunately!). Thank you for sharing this glimpse into your life.
Blessings,
Monica
Sounds like the perfect Sunday!!
Blessings,
Robin
Thank you for sharing your Sunday. What a beautiful post for your children to read over and over again…wonderfully illustrated too!
Beautiful.
I love Sunday, the Lord's Day. And you and your family sure know how to enjoy it!
These are memories you never want to forget, great Sunday Snapshot!
Jill
What a beautiful way to spend a Sunday, creating fond memories for your children to cherish. You have such a gorgeous bunch Stephanie, with so many little one's I'm sure there is never any down time. God bless them.
Always love your posts–as a waiting parent you always give me something to smile about! Thank you for sharing your family with all of us!
We have similar Sundays…and I love the more relaxed pace that comes with family time. Loved all your photos and comments – it really gives us a glimpse into everyone's personality.
I just love your posts..they always bring a smile to my face!!! Hugs, stacy
I LOVE this post & I just may steal this idea for my Sunday Snapshot next time:) If you don't mind, of course.
You have a beautiful family!
Hi! I found your blog through a friend today and I just wanted to say that I was instantly smitten with your family! I have spent the better part of my day going back through your old posts and showing my husband the fun pictures of your beautiful children!
Anyway! I just wanted to stop in and introduce myself. My name is Amy Lynn and I am a stay at home mom who will be coming back very frequently to keep up with you and your family! 🙂
Thank you for this post! I love the picture of the three of them! That just made me tear up. WOW!!! It's more beautiful beyond words.
Aww, wonderful post!! I have to say I am super jealous! You see, I have to work 8 hours on Sundays so Sundays are so not that sweet for us. Granted, I get to work while they sit beside me, stopping every so often to engage them and then I get an hour off to cuddle them and put them to bed but no where near the fun you get to have! Tis the way life is for now so I will live through Sundays on your blog!
Really great work Stef – very much worth waiting for – considering the 17th was a monday….ya'll just keep up with your Sunday ritual – the paybacks on that will be oh so worth it….
hugs – aus and co.
This post just brought a big smile to my face!
I didn't get my Sunday Snapshot done this week. I have an idea for next week though. I do love your SS posts even when I forget to link up! You do rock!!!
What is the deal with jeans anyway? I just finally broke down and bought some b/c the others were almost ripped all the way around the knee. They are either falling off at the waist and too tight across the rumpus or the opposite. UGH!
OK, I have to say S has that same microphone in a different shade. Admit it though Stefanie, you have used it yourself right? It is fun!!!
OH and I love reading your blog for many reasons, but one is that you admit to going to McD's. Us too. *hugs*
I think this might be one of my favorite Sunday Snapshots of yours. ever! Your photos are always beautiful but this post seemed, I don't know, more like my ordinary life. I hope that makes sense! We feel the same way about Sundays here and I loved just feeling like you were sharing special everyday moments with your beautiful family. We are both so very blessed!
My favorite day too.
Thanks for inviting us in. These photos are priceless and reflect a house filled with joy and love!
Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
Kim
HI STEPHANIE,
I'VE NEVER POSTED BEFORE, BUT I DO READ YOUR BLOG OFTEN. YOUR CHILDREN ARE BEAUTIFUL. I, TOO, HAVE BIO CHILDREN AND HAVE ADOPTED FROM CHINA. WE ARE ADOPTING AGAIN AND ON FRIDAY, I LEAVE FOR CHINA TO BRING HOME MY DAUGHTER. SHE IS GOING TO BE 2 IN JUNE. SHE IS A SN ADOPTION. (DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS) I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT ISSUES SHE MAY HAVE AND I'M A BIT OVERWHELMED WITH EMOTION RIGHT NOW. MY HUSBAND IS STAYING HOME WITH THE KIDS AND I'M GOING WITH MY SISTER. PLEASE PRAY FOR US… FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO IS BEING PULLED AWAY FROM EVERYTHING SHE HAS EVER KNOWN, FOR MY 3 OTHER CHILDREN WHO WILL BE AWAY FROM ME FOR 2 WEEKS ,FOR MY HUSBAND WHO HAS TO KEEP THE FORT RUNNING WHILE I'M GONE , FOR ME TO KEEP IT ALL TOGETHER AND MOST OF ALL, FOR A SAFE AND HAPPY JOURNEY. THANK YOU.
STAR
STEFANIE …. I'M SOOO SORRY I SPELLED YOUR NAME WRONG I WASN'T THINKING. TAKE CARE,
STAR
Stefanie –
That's why I love blogging and reading everyone's! It is such a neat way not only to remember our kids but a great way for others to follow along and enjoy. 🙂
Stefanie I can't find your email address and I need to ask you (if you know) how to make the grab buttons?
If you could please email me at: minnie.goofy@comcast.net
Thank you so much!
Blessings –
Cathy
Your families joy and love are so obvious in this post. Thanks for sharing your lives!!! and your cuteness 🙂 (and the fact that your jeans are tight, 'cause that makes you real!)
ps why do they have kids sports on Sundays?? not good.
Love this snapshot!! And I love how green it is there (as I look out my window at all the brown surrounding me!).
LOVE LOVE this. I only have one pair of jeans left which haven't popped a button off. Such happy kiddos.
a lovely day indeed……..
thank you for sharing your special family day…
you all are beautiful…..
Thank you also for my Wild Olive Tee! I love it!
Thank YOU Jesus for I am redeemed!
I love this 'Snapshot'!!
And I love Sundays!!!
🙂
I loved this post. It is so good to see what a "normal" day is like in your home.
Sam