Just kinda normal

I think that we are kinda normal...Ordinary, if you will- in that we are nothing special, flashy, or

revolutionary. If you passed us on the street, you wouldn't turn your head..( Unless,

of course you noticed that I was carrying 2 babies, while talking on my cell phone, eating an

apple and frantically looking for my lost car! :-) And to be quite honest, you won't read

about us in a history book, or see pictures of us hanging in a Museum....However, we

have a deep desire to "leave a legacy"...to build a heritage. To live intentional lives

and so impact the future generations- starting with our own children. We believe

the One answer to (every) soul's quest for "happiness and purpose" is found in the One

who created us...namely, Jesus!

Here are some of our sweet (and ordinary) moments this week as a family.

Mommy holds baby....(constantly!)

Daddy holds baby....(when mommy isn't)

Baby is happy!

and even happier at Chic-fil-A

It's a birthday tradition...our babie get to

eat Chic-Fil-A on their 1st bday!

Bedtime stories with mommy

Crafts and Activities with Charis

Homemade gift for my friend...

Daddy holds big baby...

2 babies go flying...

                                                                    Laughing hysterically!

You thought I was kidding....

Mommy holds baby constantly! (and loves it)

Charis "primps" on mirror

Drinking a "green smoothie'

Look closely...ring around her face

Free snacks at Whole Foods

                                                           Yummy Gril Chk Salad...

NOT-SO- " Picture Perfect"

Sometimes it is the (Not-so) "picture perfect" moments that make me stop and realize

just how good I have it! Part of the "American Dream" is the ever growing desire

to appear as though we have it all together! When, in fact, not a single one of us

can (honestly) claim that we do...We are bombarded daily with pressure to "have the best, be the best, look the best, perform the best"

...and on and on and on.

I have found great joy in accepting the not-so-picture-perfect moments-and allowing

my Creator to teach me more about Himself, and my great need for Him! In my

desire to "have it all together"- I recognize a deeper longing. A longing to experience

perfect love, acceptance,joy, peace, worth, adoration,confidence, belonging,

     purpose... and those deep longings can not be found in anything or anyone- besides the One

who put them there...

Here are some of our "not so picture perfect"  picture perfect moments!

Hope you enjoy :-)

                                           This is my craft station...Def not like the ones in the magazine

 Charis literally DRAGGING Addy Kate to her (messy) room!

Found AK with a mo-hawk. Charis got into the lotion...

Trying to get Charis to smile...How to get people get "picture perfect" snaps

of a 2 year old!?!?

Takin pic of AK laughing- when I noticed she had CRUMBS on her face...awesome!

Ok, this is a near perfect picture of Charis!

Yes, my house often looks like this :-)

"It's all in the eyes of the beholder"...right!?

Hope you are encouraged to be thankful, look to Jesus, and take funny pictures!

Love yall!

She has my heart!

Addy Kate is turning ONE! I'm not usually a fan of "cliche" phrases...but, MAN- TIME FLIES!

It has been one year since that Saturday afternoon that we sped down 280 with our hazard lights on...

(for once, it really was like the movies!) ;-)

I remember it like it was yesterday...the excitement, the fear, the pain... and the hope of

knowing what was to come. It's amazing to experience such intense pain- yet in a split

second feel nothing but pure JOY and LOVE! At the sight of her tiny little face and the sound

of her great big cry...my heart instantly changed- as I became a mother all over again.

"BLISS"- The highest degree of happiness; to rejoice; blessedness.

This past year has been bliss (with the exception of a few really hard, not-so-happy days)...

Bliss getting to know her, and her little personality. Bliss watching her grow and explore.

Bliss watching the way she has changed our family- in countless ways. Bliss watching

Charis learn life lessons through her! Bliss experiencing such great reward in having her

and being able to mother her. Bliss in hearing her laugh, bliss in feeling her big cheeks next

to mine. Bliss in praying that God will be her refuge in this life and the life to come... Bliss in watching her

daddy absolutely smitten in love!

Addy Kate, you are such a treasure to our family. You are beautiful. You are deeply

loved. You are safe. You have purpose. You belong. You are hilarious. You

are strong. You are loved by your Maker. You are worth 10 million loads of laundry! You are so much fun! and...You have my heart!

                               

                                             HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! WE LOVE YOU!
                                                   Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sis
                                        Photos compliment of Holly Tutor. Thank you so much!