A Thorn Among Roses

i've heard it said that there's nothing more wonderful or reassuring in life than knowing that your children have chosen Christ. and i agree...we live in this world that is fallen and full of things that satisfy for the moment, but a life lived in Christ is one lived for His glory and is one that finds real fulfillment and joy. i saw that today...in the baptism of my jk and sofia.  and in the company of family and friends and our amazing church family, westfield horizon christian fellowship.  and since we're still worshipping  in the school, we did a little baptizing in the old hot tub on the deck. we started with praising God for His Son, Jesus...and praying for our kiddos.  what a great gift. and then you can see for yourself what was next... dead to sin and alive in Christ... and then there was simply celebration with the kiddos who had chosen to be baptized.  what a great joy and amazing time to see God working in the kids heart...

i had the absolute best time shooting Brittany Brooks' bridal shower...we've known the family for many years and being able to be part of this was just amazing. miss christi did not leave a page unturned when it came to details...hello pinterest!  in love!      and then...there was a prop station for the photos!!!! then came the food...and oh my, was it delicious! make your own mimosa's and coffee mocha punch. delish!          then the food part...yummo!          there's a lot of fun that happened at this party for sure and gifts... and for the guests...chocolate covered coffee beans.  so amazing... happily ever after started with this shower for sure.  congrats brittany!

since i'm getting over being a mom to an adult child now, i'm ready to remind myself i'm not that old...and remember i still have my 3 little ones {which may or may not make me feel older}.  b is almost 10 now...so here's a glimpse into her life today...b is hilarious.  plain and simple: hilarious.  quick witted and funny... she adores animals more than almost anything else, other than family...so much so that she has been a vegetarian since she could speak. the 2 major loves of her life: Oliver Joseph Poops-a-lot and Zeus...our bunny and dog, who both deserve a medal of honor for what they do with and for b and her ASD. oh yea, she's on the spectrum.  b is autistic...and in special schooling and lots of counseling for life skills, but most of all, b is loving and kind and caring and a free spirit. who doesn't love a kid that can start a "pile on dad" at 7am with her sisters and giggle through it all! most of all, she's...

graduation is a great way to get you to review your time with your kids in the past 18 years...it's a fun way to remember all the great things you have actually done with them along the way. i loved prepping for the open house...getting all the pics together and the house ready.  i just really wanted to completely honor paiger, admiring all the amazing accomplishments of a great young lady. so here's a few shots of just that...honoring a great woman of character, a woman of God, a daughter that is worthy of praise.  thanks, pig, for being a perfect role model for your younger sibs.