One-year-old crashes Senior photos.

Heidi asked that the little one come along on her Senior photos. For Christmas, Heidi gave the little one a leather jacket, and later her Yaya’s {that’s what she calls Eugene’s sisters} gave her a pink pair of chucks. The goal was some cute niece/aunt photos…

I was really pleased with how well the little one behaved. It helped that her other Yaya {Rita} was there to entertain her. Even though her pants are pulled up in the photo below, I had to post it because it reminds me of something straight out of the Grease movie…

She thought all the rocks on the ground were pretty cool…

She was waving to an airplane…

So much fun…

She loves her Yayas. :)

More senior pictures.

My sister-in-law wanted to do another round of Senior photos. Remember the first round of pics?

We got some beautiful sunny Summer photos, but she wanted some more urban photos in her leather jacket. I’m more comfortable during golden hour with bright rays sneaking in rather than shadows in back alleys, but I think we managed to get a few keepers…

I love that we were able to find some pops of color behind a spring factory downtown. :)

Blessed are.

Week #5 of memorizing scriptures leads us to Matthew 5:3-7 – the well-know beatitudes from Jesus’ sermon on the mount.

Which line is your favorite? I agree with my mom, that it really depends on where I am in my life, but right now, my favorite is “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” I long to see Him. Being pure in heart is a big deal – no small feat. I feel challenged to purify my heart so that one day I can see God. Oh happy day.

Date night.

We don’t do date night nearly enough. We’re homebodies, and we’re way too comfortable just staying at home watching Shark Tank on Friday nights. However, we actually went on a real date night last weekend!

Our church hosted a Sweetheart banquet for Valentines at a local golf course banquet room. And this, this, was the only purse I brought that night! No huge diaper bag with extra outfits just in cast, no lunch box, no work bag packed with a laptop and 10 event folders. Whew – it was liberating!

Along with 199 other people, we had a fantastic lemon garlic chicken, beef tips, mashed potatoes, green beans, brownie a la mode dinner. Oh my, it was delicious.

We laughed all night with the other couples at our table. Meanwhile the little one was having an absolute blast playing in a “band” and creating new songs with her cousin.

I didn’t think that I could love Eugene more than I did on our wedding day, walking down the aisle and watching his eyes well up with tears and his lips form the happiest smile. I’ve been amazed that I love him even more today. Watching him become a father – an amazing one at that - to the little one, seeing him make big sacrifices for the good of our family, experiencing the way he aims to lead our family with a heart for God…I love this man. {So much.}

For the Joy set before him.

Week #4 of memorizing scripture.

This was my pick, and I can’t recite this one without out having to stop after “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” It makes me cry every time. I can’t help but to pause and say, “THANK YOU, GOD!” I mean really, consider that. Enduring the cross. Scorning its shame. That was joy to Christ. Joy. Do we really get it? How can I not have joy if Jesus, who was beaten beyond recognition – you couldn’t even tell who he was – found joy dying for me. Dying for you. Really, what can I face that’s worse than that. And even if I’m facing the lowest of lows, the very bottom of the pit, I can still find joy because He found joy in the cross. His death, His resurrection – that’s how I get to have joy in everything, no matter how low or how bad it may be.

“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” God cares how you feel, and His son reminds you that there is always a reason for joy. Always a reason to not grow weary and lose heart. Ah, so amazing.

Everything is uncovered.

Week #3 of memorizing is Hebrews 4:12-13. This was my mom’s pick, and it was a familiar one – well, at least the first half of it. I appreciate the repetitiveness of some of the scriptures: nothing is hidden; everything is uncovered. It’s nice of God to really hit us over the head with important things. I’m sounding slightly sarcastic, but I’m being completely honest. I really do appreciate when God is overtly clear…helps my stubborn, sometimes-blind self.

I love that the Word of God is so sharp it can divide bones and marrow. This scripture – as well as the Bible on the whole - challenges me to check my thoughts and attitudes.

On the whole, this scripture wasn’t the hardest one for me to memorize, but it is the most challenging spiritually though. To see the previous verses we’re memorizing, check here & here.

Be mine.

We’re not ones to get too hyped up on Valentine’s Day, but I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of my little Valentine.

I mean seriously, these French braids and the itty bitty hearts. So much cuteness in one photo.

She makes my heart happy. Happy Valentine’s Day, all!

Some news worth sharing.

She has something to tell you…

She may not exactly understand what she’s celebrating, but in late August, I have no doubt the little one will be SO excited to meet her baby brother or sister. With 2 years and 2 months between them, I have a sneaking suspicion that have some very fun {and crazy} times are in our future!

How amazing is God that a tiny little babe, just the size of a lime can have individual finger bones, kicking legs, and even a humming heart that sounds like heaven. We’re feeling overwhelmed with blessings.

And just to leave you with a laugh, the little one grabbed my lens cap. I asked her if she could put it in her pocket, and this is what she did…

Like I said, I’m thinking we have lots more laughs to come with two!