Snapshots of this week

“I want to see beauty. In the ugly, in the sink, in the suffering, in the daily, in all the days before I die, the moments before I sleep.”
― Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

 

This week was full of fun! Here are a few snapshots that I don't want to forget...and since

I can no longer trust my memory- this is my attempt to remember, to be still, and to cherish.

 

AK so proud to correctly write the letter "H"...but notice

the letter she was suppose to write was "G". This is how

she rolls!

 

                                           My best friend/sister Traci at (her) Grandaddy's
                                            funeral. What a sweet, worshipful time celebrating
                                               this incredible man and the legacy he has left.
                                                SO thankful to be a part of this family!
                                                                  (Billy Gilmer)

                                                          There is beauty in the sadness!
                                                         Sweet moments with Carson...

                                                                    Beautiful Amelia

                                                        I do not like clutter! In fact, I sorta despise
                                                       it....but as I looked at this clutter, my
                                                       heart was truly FULL of deep
                                                       gratitude for my little ones. Wouldn't
                                                       trade it for a "clutter free table" anyday!

                                                        Watching my man as he carries the
                                                         little ones to bed in a "potatoe sack".
                                                        Will I ever get used to his warm heart.
                                                         #thankful

                                                      Our Homeschool group. I love these
                                                     precious children. My girls have learned
                                                     so much more than "reading and writing"
                                                     by spending time with these little gems!
                                                     

                                               Baking day with Amelia, Charis and Addy Kate

                                                                     Art at the Park

                                               Laundry is way more fun with your best friend!

                                           She seriously came out of the bathroom this way....
                                          Glad she's too young to notice! (or care)

                                                  Celebrating Heather's birthday and Kelly was
                                            able to join us from Denver! #sweetmoments

                                            One of my favorite people in the whole world came
                                          in town to spend time with us! Girls night with two of
                                          my favorite women.

                                         

Birthday Memories

(Thank you Lizzy Nicole Photography)

 

This summer Charis turned 4 years old. What a joy it has been to watch her grow...

 She has become a very curious, responsible, sensitive,

inquisitive, spunky, helpful, smart, sweet little girl.

 

"Charis"-  (Greek for Grace)

 

When we named her, our first born, this was our prayer, our plea, our vision

for this little babe. Now, as the days unfold and she grows up, our desire is ever

increasing that she be gripped by Grace. That this would be not only her

"name" but her legacy. That she would know deeply that she was made for SO MUCH MORE,

and that she would live to that end. Him. and His Glory.

 

So our growing gal has really developed a curiosity for horses. So,as we try

to encourage curiosity and learning we decided

to "go with it" and it has actually led us down a pretty fun and adventurous road, if you will. I am

 actually enjoying learning a lot about horses that I didn't know. We have spent countless days at the libraries searching the shelves for books, memorizing the pages, parts, types, etc. Whew.

 She no longer walks like a human around the house but

she walks on all 4's, because "she is a horse". Depending on the time of day

this little cutie can be caught galloping, trotting or cantering around the

house- and she would be delighted if you could guess which one she was

doing. Every piece of furniture is a "horse" and she practices putting her foot

in the left stirrup and getting on the horse correctly. My craft ribbon is now used

as reigns and her bed is no longer a bed, but a stable.

 

Anyway, to the birthday part. Many of you know we have been in a long and very

painful season of life- especialy this summer. So 2 days before C's birthday

Woody and I look at each other and think- what in the world are we going

to do to celebrate this sweet child's life!? We knew that our goal was to simply

create a very special memory for her. One that she wouldn't forget... so, we asked her

if she could do anything on her birthday what would it be. Yep! You guessed it-

she simply answered, "I just wish I could pet and feed a horse". With one phone

call to Traci, we knew we could make this happen. Within 48 hours we were

on our way to making Charis' dream come true...and we are so thankful to Mathews

Manor, and their neighbors for making this happen. My sweet friend Ashley Sanders of

Lizzy Nicole photography http://zuby.zenfolio.com/p4271995/h43678918#h43678918

took these amazing pictures! Click the link to view the pics.

Lizzy Nicole Photography

 

She also received an amazing gift from Gigi and Pop on her birthday...

horseback riding lessons!!!

Stay tuned...for more...WE have a lot to catch up on!