HARVEST

We've been slowly eating fruit from the trees we planted in our "children's orchard" last year.

I've been surprised how much we've gotten to enjoy for such young trees!

And it's been so sweet to see the kids each take ownership over their tree.

I water them ritually and pray for each child, thankful for the harvest both now and yet to come.

And I'm reminded of one of my parenting mottos:

"Let us not become weary of doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Galatians 6:9

VIRTUAL VBS!

In spite of COVID-19, the kids have still gotten to enjoy VBS with our church ... virtual style!

They have always enjoyed Answers in Genesis online, so this has been right up their alley!

(big kids flashing back to their VBS days)

So fun!

From the worship, to the Bible lessons, crafts, songs, and fun fellowship,

it's super sweet and special for the kids to feel connected to our church family, even now.

So thankful for their efforts to do this for the children...so thankful for virtual VBS!

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."

John 17:17

21 YEARS

And I love you even more.

This marriage is a beautiful gift from the Lord...21 years...and counting.

(Montage, Laguna)

{Happy Anniversary My Love}

"I found him whom my soul loves."

Song of Solomon 3:4

MY HEART IS FULL

After so many heartbreaks...so many losses...to hold this child in my arms...

There is fullness of JOY.

"For this child I prayed."

1 Samuel 1:27

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Job 1:21

I marvel at what the Lord has done, amazed by the gift He's given.

He has been my Comforter, my Refuge through the storms, my Hiding Place through grief.

And He has blessed with a miraculous gift...a treasure to cherish and adore.

And so I praise the Lord, through it all, and smile at the future.

My mama heart is full.

"As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you."

Isaiah 66:13

FIRST DAYS HOME WITH JUDE

(blanket knit by Elka with love)

(Jude knit together by God in my womb, fearfully, wonderfully)

(surrounded by doting fans)

(recipient of sibling love)

(first doctor visit day)

(big sibling entertainment)

(morning devotion buddy)

(miracle gift from God inspiring awe and wonder)

(Daddy's buddy)

(4th of July outfit)

(and a cake)

(lots of snuggles)

(lots of chocolate chip cookies)

(lots of gazing at the preciousness)

(lots of diaper changes)

(big sibling naps)

(hikes with Dad)

And a fence project too...

(burrito wraps)

(meal time swinging)

(and sleepy smiles that melt our hearts)

Ah, thank you, Lord, for such an incredible gift...sweet memories to last a lifetime!

Such precious first days home with Jude.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Psalm 139:13-14