A Peculiar Notion

Glowing

My littlest daughter Rebecca loves to take pictures.  In fact, she is the one who took this amazing pic of her older sister.  This has to be my all-time favorite picture of Madison, because it speaks so many things to my mother's heart.

Madison is on the very cusp of womanhood...with all the emotion that entails, with all the pushing of the envelope that often precipitates, with brief moments of uncertainty mixed in for good measure.  She is confident in who she is becoming, because she is learning to see herself through the eyes of God - not the latest fad or social pandering that happens in the teen culture of our nation.  She has an easy way with adults and children alike, and a personality that draws out the best in others.

I adore her, and I'm so proud to be her mother.

She believes she can do just about anything she sets her heart (and her mind) to do.  She believes she is loved unconditionally, and has enjoyed her childhood.  She loves completely.  She laughs with abandon.  She is passionate about life, friends, family, cooking, and her faith.

She is becoming a woman of God.  She is infinitely farther along in her journey with her Lord than what I ever thought of being at her age, and it humbles me. 

God has been gracious indeed to bless our lives with her presence.  And as much as I've enjoyed calling her "Daughter" over the years, I'm looking forward to the day I can look her in the eye and call her "Friend" as well.

One Wild Weekend

We had a family get-together over the weekend to celebrate the three July birthdays (my brother Brian, my sis-in-law Diane, and Mom) and also to visit with Quinn's brother Walker and his family.  All together there was 17 of us laughing, joking, and eating!  The wonderful thing is that 7 of the 17 were kids.  They were running, crawling, jumping and giggling everywhere!  We really had a wonderful time together.

I've decided that since our families are so busy with work, home, and life in general that I'd coordinate a family day at least once a month.  I remember when I was growing up that we had family over every Sunday for dinner.  Those days seem long gone right now.  But I think once a month is good, and as we plan it into our calendars it's more likely to happen.  I want all the cousins to grow up together, and all of our relationships strengthened.  Family is important to us.  It's one more way I'm attempting to "live life on purpose".

Anyway, here's some more great pics!

Brady and Ethan

Celebrating Diane's, Brian's and Mom's Birthday

Austin and Rebecca ~ Walker, Diane, Brady and Walker J

I have a beautiful family!

Blessings,

Lori