September

We don't have too many pictures from September.  We found rest and comfort in the simple moments.  We soaked up memories and slowed down to make new ones. The girls got to see lots of family and meet relatives they have never seen as well.

 

At the end of the month, I went on a photo weekend with friends from work.  We had it booked way back at the first of the year and I was excited to get away with friends and play!

 

 

 

We learned a new trick called light painting.  It was pretty neat and Melanie and Jessica had

fun with the monster flashlights!

 After I got home, I was ready to start shooting!  The girls and Stripe where my target practice!

 

Abi has really gotten interested in basketball.  Adison is trying, but she's still working on that dribbling thing. :)

 

 

It was quite comical watching them air up the ball.  I guess their daddy has given them lessons.  They did a good job though and the ball bounced much better!

 

I also just got a new full frame camera and can't wait to capture many more memories!!

Mumsey

The first week of September, we said goodbye to Mumsey.  But, only for a little while.  She fought a tough battle and we are so thankful that she is not having to fight anymore.  We have shed many tears over not having her here with us, with our girls, and with all those who loved her.  We may not have all the answers and know all the "whys", but God has given us His promises.  Promises that He proves to us each day are real and true. (even though He doesn't have to)  He has provided comfort when no one else could.  He has shown a purpose and a plan in the smallest details.  He has given strength when we were at our weakest.  He has displayed himself so clearly.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  He knows the entire picture and we can rest in Him.  Mumsey is now at His feet and we smile as we think of the day when we will join her there. 

This is the first time I have really gone back through pictures since the funeral.  This is a time when I don't regret the fact that I take so many photos.  And there are many more that will end up in our family books. There are so many things we will remember about Mumsey and we cherish these pictures as they will help our girls remember and see how much she loves them!

 

We cannot express how thankful we are for our friends and family.  You have been such an encouragement and support for us.  I am amazed at the kindness and genuine love shown to us by

all my co-workers, our dear friends, and extended family.  Thank you for your prayers, the many meals you prepared, the babysitting you rearranged your schedules for, and just being available to help.  You will never know what a simple card and phone call has meant to us.

 

We are truly thankful!

 

Seven years & August

Our big girl keeps on getting bigger and bigger! She is growing so fast and she definitely has her daddy's height. She loves ice cream, gymnastics, Legos, nightly snuggles, math, barbies, singing, board games, family dates, jewelry, and the color green. She's starting to really understand things and I love our conversations these days. It is amazing to watch her grow and we feel so blessed with the privilege of being her parents!

 



 

 

Gami came to keep the girls while Steven and I were at youth camp.  So, she stayed a couple of days longer and we celebrated our big girl a little early. Abi ended up celebrating several times all around her big day! (and loved every minute of it)

 

 

 Abi got her ears pierced, lost another tooth, had birthday pancakes, and even went to Great Wolf Lodge.  That was her choice this year instead of a party.  It worked out well for our family.  We had a couple of days all to ourselves. After recovering from sensory overload and seeing wolves everywhere, we made a lightening trip down to Houston to see Mumsey and Pops.  It was two weeks before school started and we wanted the girls to be able to see Mumsey while she was feeling a little better. Adison wore her wolf ears THE ENTIRE TIME. (and for about 2 weeks after as well)
 

  

 

Most of August was a blur for our family.  I'm very thankful for iPhone cameras!

August brought us an older daughter, music echoing through the house, new experiences for our girls,

girls' nights, daddy-daughter nights, lots of deer sightings, two trips to Buc-ee's, road trips, laughter, and tears. August was a busy month - a heavy month.   Here were some of my August verses:

 

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

(1 Corn. 15:58)

 

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has born?  Though she may forget, I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

(Isaiah 49:15-16)

The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.

(Ex. 14:14)

 

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.

(Isaiah 55:8)

 

His grace is sufficient and His power is perfect in our weakness

(2 Corn. 12:9- my paraphrased prayer)

 

 

September brought clarity.  God's grace and power is abundant!

(that will be another post)

 

 

Back to School

I have a lot of catching up to do, but for now it will wait.  We've had a sick, "big", girl around this last week and I have been taking in all the snuggles I could get. 
Abi ran fever for 4 days and ended up having a mild case of pneumonia. 
She is now loaded with antibiotics and on her way back to 100%!

 The official radiologist's (aka - Adison's) results were transcribed as:
"Yep, she's pretty sick!"
 

 

A new school year is getting under way and both of my girlies will be headed to the classroom on Monday.  I snapped a few quick pictures outside of their school one day and then we took some more a little later to document their big day! 

They actually had a lot of fun with the ones we took in the backyard.  Enjoy!

 

  

 

Official first day pictures!

 

July

We had a fun 4th this year.  Steven and I both had the day off, so we headed out of town a little ways to Possium Kingdom Lake.  We spent the day picnicing, hiking, and taking in God's creations.  It was a peaceful and fun day away with our girls.

July brought us memories of music, imagination, snuggles, rock-paper-scissors, little cleaners, VBS, cartwheels, new pets, and silly laughs.