you know you haven't been out of the house for awhile when your 4-year old says, "mommy! there are green leaves on the trees now!"when we were getting out of the van to go into barnes and noble last night matt said, "honey, it's not man to man defense anymore. we've got three kids now.... Continue Reading →

j. schaeffer owenmay 4, 20102:58 pm7 lb 9 oz19 1/4 in"from the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another."john 1.16

kisses or hugs? kissesindoors or out? outover or under? overyes or no? no"cup", "bup" or "buck"? now "buck"laugh or cry? yeslover or fighter? yesdolls or trucks? yesdogs or cats? yesrun or walk? runloud or quiet? loudserious or silly? sillygentle or rough? ask stella :)And that's Ruby..."A little name for such a person." I always get sad... Continue Reading →

We have no legitimate reason to fear, but only God knows the way He has for us. It crosses every parent's mind. "Will my baby be healthy?" And in light of those thoughts, this is just what I needed reminded of. "I have a hope...and I have a rock..." and it's not a perfectly healthy... Continue Reading →

We heard this song after the NEXT conference last year, but have been basking in the truth of it since Matt returned from T4G last week. Hallelujah! He's all we have and all we need!ALL I HAVE IS CHRISTI once was lost in darkest nightYet thought I knew the wayThe sin that promised joy and... Continue Reading →

Stella found a double-duty use for my Lovenox injections...a pogo stick for her bunny!! 

This is the second year as a family we read thru this during Passion Week. It was still a bit over Stella's head but the object lesson of the candles helped bring the message home to her. We all felt the "silence" on Saturday since no candles were lit and couldn't wait until Sunday to... Continue Reading →

Awhile back we were winding down one of those nightmare grocery trips filled with discontent, crying, loud children...and they were mine. I was at the check out about ready to lose my cool with the girls when Stella had the audacity to ask if she could ride the 1 cent pony on the way out.... Continue Reading →

nothing like them. although i like old old hymns too. 🙂

...and so thankful to be!photos by niki taylor

that you wait to catch my eye from across the room and wink at me. to be honest, it still makes my heart melt.photo: niki taylor