Happiness is........ being at the beach

I have been an awful blogger! I am so behind, these pics should have been posted last month and I should be posting back to school stuff and soccer... Oh well maybe I'll get better now that I have some free time during the day, no promises just good intentions.

These are a few of my favorites from vacation this year. We went to Perdido Key again. It is so beautiful there. I do not love lounging around in my swimsuit but I do love the sounds and smell of the beach. It is nice to watch Lauren in the surf and Donny with his fishing pole. Relaxing with my beautiful family... doesn't get any better than this!

Summertime Friends

These are a few pics I took yesterday when the girls were taking a break from the pool. This little dragonfly and butterfly were lighting all over them. I've been wanting to get some pictures of dragonflies this summer but these were way better than I expected!

Meet Georgia....

Here is the newest addition to our clan, meet Georgia. This little girl was abandoned by her mother for several days and so we rescued her. Donny is getting to be Mr. Mom, getting up every few hours feeding her. The girls are all in love with her. She's a cutie!

Kircher Swim Day

Jackson

Baby Chandler

Britt

Lauren

Anderson

Jackson and Lauren


My brother Patrick & Sister in-law Kellie had us all out for a swim day and cookout at the house! We all had a great day! All of my girls had a super time and I think that Jack & Anderson enjoyed the attention just a little bit! And of course I have to comment on Baby Chandler.... Is she the sweetest thing you've ever seen? I don't think I've seen a baby that cute in at least ten years.... (ha!) Thanks Patrick & Kellie for a great day!

Fishin' Friends

The Stuart Men

Nicole's first fish

Some have asked what did Becke' catch....... the picture says it all!

Our tradition of kissin' your first fish!

What a beautiful day for fishing with friends! The Stuart fam came out and spent an afternoon at the ranch to fish. It was a day of firsts, the boys all caught their first fish. Nicole our newest caught her first as well. While I may not a be a fisherman myself it has been so neat to watch kids come out here and catch their first fish, and to capture their faces on film. It is also nice to get outdoors and enjoy God's beauty and enjoy time with family & friends doing the simple things. I thank God right now for the opportunity to have the time to actually do these kind of things and invest in my family and friendships with people I love. " I know God, that I sometimes get caught up in the emotion and everyday of this ministry and sometimes miss the marvelous opportunity that I have been given to share in the simple things and firsts that are life changing memories for my girls. Thank You for my life!"

Letting Go....

I am really missing my girls today! Shanna & Shyanne left Friday to go home. After loving them and being mom for 9 months these beautiful girls are gone. I have very mixed emotions about their departure. I do know that in the 9 months these precious girls were with me that they had many "firsts" but the most important one was that they both accepted Christ as their personal Savior. I got to be the one that knelt beside their bed and hear the most innocent sincere prayer that can be prayed, asking Jesus to come and live inside them. They brought me such joy and laughter. I hope as they grow older and face different situations in life they will remember the love and lessons that were given here, and trust that Christ is truly the "Father" that will never leave or forsake them.

Miss you girls..........................

These are a few of my recent favorites. I hate that I haven't had the time to really get out and spend an afternoon with my camera, But since I haven't blogged in a while I will share these. It is amazing what we can capture with the lens. There is so much beauty in everyday things that we miss as we hurriedly pass by. God has given us so much beauty in His nature, His creatures and what His creation has produced. I thank God today for His beauty and pray that I slow down and really appreciate it!

Happy Eggs?

Okay, I know you won't believe me but....

The other morning I was cracking a few eggs in a bowl for some scrambled eggs when I looked down and there he was. Just as plain as day this cute little fella who I really think looks like Jack in the Box ( if there are any Texans out there) staring right at me as to say "Good Morning!" Of course I called all of the girls in one by one having to swear I didn't set this up as we all had a good laugh! I ran to get my camera so I could share..... Hope it makes your day, it did mine!

Soccer Anyone?

This gorgeous little athlete is the reason I am getting up for an 8 o'clock game in Little Rock on a Saturday morning!!! What we will do for our kids!

Summer Feet!

I must confess that I'm always one to push barefeet and flip-flop wearing. I have been anxiously awaiting the weather when I can let my tootsies breathe! There were a few days when I rejoiced thinking spring was here only to wake up the next morning and sigh as I reached for my closed toe shoes. Come on warm weather, my feet are begging you come and stay for a while!

Today, I reflect and think of the Cross. The picture of what Christ did for me is many times more than I can handle. The guilt and reality that it was my sin that put him there is overwhelming. But then the realization that because of that bloody picture of my Jesus on the Cross I am free and covered with His blood and His love. I can live a life forgiven because of the Cross.
I used to sing a song...

In letters of crimson God wrote His love on hillside so long, long ago

For you and for me Jesus died. and Love's greatest story was told...

I Love You

I Love You

That's what Calvary said

I Love You

I Love You........ Written in Red.

Childhood Memories

My grandma recently passed away. My brother and I drove to Oklahoma for the funeral and were able to spend a little time at Grandma's place. We knew this would probably be the last time we saw the place. Standing there looking at what was once a lively house with with the aroma of fresh baked pies coming from the kitchen window a yard full of the most magnificent flowers and a huge garden that filled up the back half of the property I couldn't help but see the parallel in that old house and my grandmother. The only difference is that this old house will likely be dozed down and no resemblance of life will be left but my grandmothers old and worn out body just got traded in for a spectacular one of perfection. She is tending to a magnificent garden and beauty that we cannot even fathom. There with her Jesus who she lived her whole life to be with.

I am thankful for the memories of this old house and the pies baked from pecans off these trees, but the beauty of her life was her faith and example of living a life where her Jesus was always her top priority. May I strive to live my life with such faith, conviction and longing for my Savior.

Spring is in the air.... maybe not today but it was.

Still playing with the new camera.... we are starting to figure it out. I'll have to give credit to Donny for taking a couple of these shots. All of these were taken in my front yard.... pretty huh?

My Girls