A Morning's Realization

This morning after the typically stressful routine of getting the family ready, fed, dressed, and out the door to church, I found myself fuming behind the wheel. And I stopped myself, wondering how much of my day do I waste resenting things rather than recognizing the blessings in my life. The thought came to me that marriage is a covenant just like God's covenant to us. Each day, I click and slide perceived disappointments like an abacus, but that's not what God wants me to do. He wants me to love those in my life like He loves me. Each moment with a clean slate. Despite those uncountable ways I fail God, His arms are always open to me. Through this, I realized that the verse "Do unto others as you would have done unto you" does not necessarily apply just in my relationships with people. I am so thankful for a gracious God.

11 month photos

So I know I'm super behind on posting anything here. It's amazing how quickly time can get away from you. Here are a few shots from Sara's 11-month photo shoot, and I hope to upload some birthday stuff soon. Right now, Sara is battling teething and getting over her first cold, which has not been fun for anyone. Tonight is a particularly rough night, as she's having an extremely tough time going to bed. Phil and I have now traded off about three times a piece, with no real end in sight. What better time to bring out some tutu happiness?

Day before Easter, 2010

Today, we went to the Dallas Arboretum. It was super-crowded, but a beautiful day nonetheless. I was at first disappointed that there were clouds obscuring the sun at times, but it ultimately was a good thing, bringing nice cool breezes to what would have otherwise been a hot, sticky day.

Sara enjoyed sitting in the grass, picking at and tasting the blades she could get to her mouth fast enough.

Sara really liked the flowers and all the people passing by trying to make her smile.

She even hammed it up for other people's cameras. We all had a great time and are looking forward to making it an annual event...but next time, we'll try to get there earlier in the day.

Snow Day, February 12, 2010

New Year’s Day, 2010

enjoying bath time

They say bath time is calming. We even use lavender soap.
Let's just say it doesn't work for this sweetpea.
Don't let the placid picture fool you--
Towel time is filled with laughing, grabbing,
and lots of squealing.

Sara's First Christmas

Playing with Daddy

discovering the tree

being traumatized by Santa

smiling after the holiday horror


excited about a white Christmas!
(Christmas Eve)


in Daddy's lap Christmas Day

lovin' some oatmeal!
(we also love apples, bananas, and sweet potatoes.
peas and beans make us squint and shudder--still working on those.)

Thanksgiving 2009