Family Time

Our first Memorial Day celebration with family in 5 years.  

So good to be together again.

Time with Minda

 I have a photo session Sunday in Springhill and wanted to check out the locale before the day.  What a GORGEOUS day it was!  I almost wished we could have done the shoot right then.  
Minda has become mm nearly-constant companion these days.  Running errands, photoshoots, even just quick grocery runs (because I'm out of floss and it's bugging me!) she throws on a jacket to ride along. 

 This day was no different.  We shot this for Josh.  That is Ross Peak behind Malinda and it was Josh's fave when he was here. Miss that fella.  The snow out here was knee deep, but untouched.  It was pristine!  I can't wait to shoot some lovers out here!  WooHoo!

Then came the drive home.  Neither of our other kids had to go someplace special to learn to drive.  We lived in the boonies (sorta) and just practiced going and coming on the backroads until they felt ready to conquer traffic.  Minda, however, has had her permit since August or Sept. and this was the first time she got to drive (Other than once from our driveway to a stop sign.  That experience made me say, "I think we need to go out of populated areas before you try that again."). 
Still a tad nerve wracking for Mama even on the 25 MPH roadway with no cars to be seen (she likes to hug the shoulder... or piggyback ride it... or she is intensely polarized by the center yellow line...) but, we made it.  She's ready for round 2.

Making of a Dream

Having your son move thousands of miles away from you is bad enough; having him move to North Hollywood really makes you uncomfortable.  Then you pray and hear God saying to let him go and trust Him.  

Then He begins to move.  Money needed comes quickly.  A friend, who is a believer, calls to say he has just moved around the block from the dance school your son is trying to go to and wants to give him a place to stay.  Plane tickets are arranged & so is a ride to get there.  

Then he arrives.  He's chosen his first day at school to dance back up with a rising star.  He goes to  a good church.  He and his roommate begin writing music together and making tracks of ones already composed.  They pitch one to an agent, who pitches it to a producer. 

Then 3 weeks into a new home, new church, new classes, the producer says, "Let me hear more of your stuff, Tofer".  And just like that, just like only God can, your son is finding himself in the middle of a dream becoming reality.  Not just for himself but for the man of God who gave him a home, and even more, a friend to lean on. 

 Learning the board and the equipment of a major recording studio.

 Arranging harmonies.

 Laying down tracks.

 Finding favor with major players.

And loving the journey - keeping it real - letting God lead.
I'm still praying.  Still asking Abba to hold his heart, keep him safe, keep his focus centered, and bring him safely home.  ... I am still the Mama, after all.

Pre-shoot Model

M. has become my "Let-me-test-the-light" model before my shoots.

 Isn't she lovely?

We love it when we are blessed by sights like this at the end of our time.

Meeting Marion

Shaun and Anna flew up to Spokane with the kiddlets for Joel and Courtney's big day! Hard to believe it was only a few short years ago we were celebrating their special day!

Wasn't long before our nephew and niece were in our arms. Conner played with the 3 other 2 year old boys, but he ran up to me twice just to pat his sister and rub noses with me! He gave Uncle Jim knuckles several times just to hear him 'explode'. Marion fell asleep soon after I took over from Joel and James, and I didn't give her up for very long the rest of the evening.

I'm blessed that we were able to see her at this age and that they are close enough that it will only be a few months before we see all of them again. They change so quickly! We last saw Conner in April, he was talking, but now he is speaking in sentences and has quite the sense of humor.
He knew us all by name! I can't describe the joy of being called by name by that raspy voiced little man.

Cassia was really the only one I passed Marion off to besides her mama. Can't wait to see my daughter as a mama, she is such a natural, just like her Auntie Anna. We didn't get many photos since our hands were occupied with all the preciousness. I can't wait for Christmas!

Pumpkin Patch

Sara K., Jess, Liz, Joanie, Amber, Sarah S. and I headed out into the clear, cold morning yesterday to take the kiddos to Rocky Creek Farm's Fall Pumpkin fest.  Hay rides, tractors, forts made of haybales, carmeled apples, face painting and, of course, pumpkins!

 

My favorite moment of the day was when Jess handed Noah a carmel apple.  Top heavy in a little fist, it tipped directly over onto his shoulder.  He just left it there and turned his head to get all that sticky goodness into his mouth!! Classic!

Bates and Rachel.  Batesy didn't want to sit on the pumpkin until he got a good look at Rachel! 

Beautiful, sweet Hannah.  I absolutly fell in love with this little girl. 

Sara and her festive little-bit-o-jack-o-lantern, Amelia!  Doesn't Sara have the best smile?  You should hear her laugh!  It's even better!

The truck - decked out in Fall Finery!

Hay ride to the "patch"

All the pumpkins they grew froze, so they trucked some in and set them inn the orchard for the kiddos!  Joanie brought Kale-bug since mama had just gotten home from the hospital with JP.

Lily was the big girl of our bunch. She is just precious.  Kind and happy, caring and silly - all the things the others can look up to and love!

Days with Amelia

Dred Journey Update

2 months. We have to seperated them every couple weeks so they don't become one big dred. The Dr. Bronner's has worked great. I think she may try to get the liquid insead of the bar next month. They are beginning to get their own "personalities". Flat, forked, kinked, crooked, and perfect - she is still loving them.

Con-Man

Baby love, originally uploaded by efiw.

Happy Birthday Conner!!!

2 years ago today I became an auntie!

Shaun and Anna gave us this wonderful blonde haired, blue eyed bundle of sheer delight. We just adore our little man. They are awesome parents, and I am so blessed & proud of how they care for, discipline, and direct him as he grows.

We are far away and don't see them often so we make the most of it when we are together.

In September we will be welcoming another niece or nephew! Conner will be a BIG brother. It's hard to believe I could love the next one as much as I love our Con-con, but I know my heart will melt on sight.

In October we will see Joel finally marry Courtney, and will get to have lots of hugs and kisses from Conner and meet our newest member of the family too. I'm so excited!!

Hope today is filled with tons of love and fun and treats and friends, Conner! We love you!

16 Going on...

Our baby, Malinda, turns 16. The birthday girl requested Quiche for breakfast. The scent of bacon, Marco Polo cheese, basil and scallions filled the kitchen.

Happy, celebration Quiche!

Candles awaiting the big blow.

Wishing

And an anchor of love, loyalty and friendship.

All of which she already posseses and bestows with abundance.

Happy brithday beautiful girl. We love you.