So Long Creepy Family Photo Lining Our Hallway

I bought 4 large frames for the hallway several months ago, and Scott ever so kindly hung them immediately.  It was kind-of creepy walking down the hallway with the same black and white photo of an unknown family lining the wall.

Starting with my easiest subjects to photograph was a given.  

 Andrew is incredibly cooperative and obedient, but photos aren't his thing.  He feels uncomfortable with any individualized attention even if it is coming from his mother.  Needless to say, his photos are usually awkward.  I worked really hard to create a comfortable atmosphere with little pressure, and it worked like a charm.

Then I was faced with my greatest photography challenge at this moment in time.  I tried capturing a beautiful photo of my absolutely adorable subject on multiple occasions.  Hundreds of blurry photos of an uncooperative 3 year old were taken, and then...I gave up and called this "good enough".

Thankfully, I have lived through this stage before, and I now recognize the value of this photo.

Captain Andrew Michael

This boy has taught and continues to teach me to stay focused on the bigger picture...on the man he will one day become...on the lives that he will greatly impact...on eternity.

If you have been in our lives for many years, you will not be surprised by the following statement.

Parenting Andrew ain't always been easy.

In fact, he was the most strong-willed toddler that I have ever met.  During his early years, our relationship would have best been described as the generals of opposing sides of WWIII.

Fast forward 10 years to today...
Andrew has spent the week at a highly competitive Nike basketball camp.  Five out of the 60 athletes were recognized for their athletic ability, character, sportsmanship, and teach-ability.  Andrew brought home one of those awards.  The coach shared that the 5 campers displayed what he searches for while watching recruitment videos.

Momma if you are:

*the owner of a dog earned, wrinkled, juice stained, copy of "The Strong-Willled Child"
*seriously researching Asperger's and behavioral issues
*always the parent of "that" child
*routinely crying yourself to sleep
*feeling alone in your parenting journey

Be encouraged by our story.  Stay focussed on the bigger picture.  Know that God has the most amazing plans for you and your child.  Keep up the good fight (literally).  You are not alone.  I remember.  I can now say that I am so thankful for my strong-willed child.

Sweet Memories {35}

I was looking through photos this morning and realized that it has been far too long since I uploaded the "simple" moments that I have captured.  Everyday life void of fancy clothes, parties, trips, and exploring our community is where the true memories happen.  

The ordinary moments that pass far too quickly...the ordinary moments that do not receive enough attention..the ordinary moments that are shaping my loves into the people that they were created to be...the ordinary moments when my heart is absolutely full of gratitude for this beautiful life that I am living...thanking God for the ordinary.

Jazzy Jolly Rancher Suckers...

Olivia creating her turtle SWAPS for her AHG celebration.  

This Is the Life (April 2016)

*We have now been living in our home 4 days shy of 6 months, and we are really starting to make it our own.  I have officially ran my fingers through the dirt, built a new flower bed, and planted familiar plants.  We have found ourselves running less and staying home more.  Woodpeckers, deer, squirrels, cardinals, and mice...oh my!

* I deleted my facebook account which was a really emotional decision for me.  Much to my surprise, I have never been happier and more content.  A sweet friend questioned my decision last week, and I expressed myself by saying, "I am now living the life that I choose.  I am not trying to mimic others or seek approval for my choices.  I am living an authentic, true to me life, and I am once again embracing all of the things that make me unique."

*Joey Feek died.  Unfortunately, I did not become a fan of this exceptional woman until cancer began destroying her body, but she influenced me in a way that I can't even begin to put into words.  In one of Rory's blog posts, he wrote, "She lettered in love."  When I pass into Heaven, I can only hope that my loved ones will be able to say the same about me.  I found out about Joey's passing while at the Grand Ole Opry.  It just seemed fitting.

*We have been matched for another adoption.  God is once again stretching me.  My hope is that I will be able to make a beautiful post introducing a healthy baby boy who we will have named Caleb Jesse soon.  With that said, there are far too many hurdles to jump before he will be ours to parent.  I almost wrote "ours to love", but we all already love him.  We always will.

*Scott has started putting together a new business plan.  He is incredibly excited about his new venture, and (surprisingly) I am too.  If I were asked to name the one who is enjoying our new home the most, Scott would without a doubt be my choice.

*Andrew has officially managed to pass the 5'7" mark on the growth chart hanging in our hallway.  Empty cupboards, stuffed lunch boxes, smelly room, acne products, basketball, lack of common sense, deep conversations, and a lot laughter are all phrases that accurately describe this season in his life.  I really struggled with the idea of having a teenager because I have never been too fond of them (even when I was one), but I am truly loving this age.  On the way to school one morning last week, he stated matter of fact, "Mom, if the NBA thing doesn't work out, I am going to be a goat farmer.  There you have it.  That is my life plan!"

*Olivia is still charming her teacher and beating all of the boys at knock out on a daily basis.  Every time I meet a new mother of one of the boys in her class, she always raises her eyebrows, smiles, and says, "We hear a lot about Olivia at our house."  The two of us have been reading the book, "Wonder", and it is deeply impacting both of us.  Through our tears, we have found ourselves discussing mature topics and praying that our attitudes towards others change.

*Jaxson's love of action figures has grown stronger as has his love of all things Frozen.  His current favorite is Wonder Woman (insert an Andrew eye roll).  His vocabulary is phenomenal, and he continues to do his best to keep up with the oldies.  Tuesday evening, Jax noticed the half moon.  He asked, "Who put the moon there?"  Scott responded, "God did."  Without missing a beat, Jax followed with, "God broke it in pieces?"

*Moving a city dog to the country has posed its fair share of problems.  Last month, Skipper was treated for tick fever.  Today, he is walking around on 3 legs.  Surgery is more than likely in his very near future.

Official Easter Photos 2016

We managed to get a few photos taken before church this Resurrection Sunday.

Jax insisted upon operating the camera's timer, and I love the sweet photo that resulted from his curiosity.  

The kiddos have learned that I always take a few shots to adjust the camera settings and lighting.  These photos often end up being some of my favorites, and they almost always cause me to laugh out loud.  This one was no exception.   





As I sit here writing this post, the temperature is in the upper 70's.  It is hard to believe that the photos below were taken less than 7 short days ago. 

 

Photos of our first and hopefully last snowman of the winter

 



Proud Momma of Blue #2

Can I just start by pointing out that he finally got a haircut ?   (Hallelujah.)   He is completely horrified by the amount of attention that this simple act of obedience has brought him.  If you happen to see him soon, please tell him how handsome he is with his new do.  I assure you that he will really appreciate it.

I can't for the life of me put into words how much I love watching him play basketball.  In fact, more often than not I am holding back tears of absolute joy.  Watching him excitedly run onto the court with absolute confidence is an answer to many prayers.  For a period of time, I was afraid that anxiety would win.  Once again God showed me that I have no reason to fear.  He is in control, and this cutie patootie belongs to Him.  

My "Berfday"

About 15 years ago, the excitement over celebrating my birthday fizzled.  With that said, I am incredibly thankful that I continue to have reason to celebrate.

My only special request for my family this year was the gift of cooperation for a few photos.

I have been following along with Joey+Rory .  The fact that Rory captured so much of their life in photos is truly a gift for everyone.  My continued goal is to be the same kind of story teller for my family.  I only wish that I had his way with words.

Mouse and a Cookie or Momma and a Moving Box?

If you give this momma a moving box, she will see a playroom full of toys that need to be packed.

While packing all the toys into the gigantic box, she will be reminded of the movie, "Toy Story".

Replaying "Toy Story" in her mind will remind her of the main character, Andy.

While thinking about the main character, she will realize that she too has an Andy.

Thinking about her Andy growing up far too quickly will result in tears.  She will need a Kleenex.

While using the Kleenex, she will trip over a gigantic pile of legos.  The Kleenex will fall to the floor.

When the kleenex hits the playroom floor, she will see a pile of toys and be reminded of the fact that she needs to pack a least a few boxes everyday for the next 30+ days.

(I now wish that I would have seen the need for make-up on this particular day.)

Back to School 2015

Andrew and Olivia have been back to school for a little over two weeks, and our entire family is still deeply mourning the loss of summer.  

I am finally posting our first day of school photos.  

There were tears. There was sobbing.  There were upset stomachs. 

(I didn't even pay attention to how Andrew and Olivia were feeling.)

Summer, we enjoyed every single second of your visit.  You really showed off this year.

We will be eagerly waiting and planning for your next visit.

Just a Little Throwback

I have no words.  My heart is breaking, but I LOVE the man that he is becoming.

Grant's Farm 2015

Summer would not be complete without a trip to one of our favorite St Louis attractions.  We decided that we should make visiting Grant's Farm a priority and managed to work it into our busy weekend.  This was Jaxson's 3rd visit, but this was the first time that he actually experienced the animals up close and personal.  He definitely had mixed feelings about the aggressive goats and birds.  The animal encounter show is always a crowd favorite.  Of course, we are all convinced that the innocent human volunteers are the most entertaining part of the show.  Once again, the humans didn't disappoint.  Scott took several random photos of me with the kiddos, and he warned me not to delete them.  Can I just say that seeing photos of myself is humbling?  Ugh...  Anyhoo...he explained to me that the kiddos will appreciate them when I pass into Heaven.  Somber, but true.