i LOVE color

I do love color. It's just so gorgeous and it makes me think of how our God created so many different shades of beauty. Here is a few of the newest blessings and some of the color they've brought into our worlds.

Exploration.

Adventure.

That is pretty much each of their lives right now. She's exploring the world and learning soo many new things. He is looking for all the adventures and any excitement he can! It's been wonderful having these little blessings in our home and loving on them the best we can. We've also had our share of challenges in the last week and a half. Sickness has been the main trend! EVERYONE has been sick. Runny noses, coughing, ear infections and most recently is the stomach bug. We are praying that we will have some healthy (sick free) weeks so we can just enjoy life together!

Have you noticed any gorgeous colors lately?

love is in the air....

engagement session with the soon to be newlyweds.

They were so cute!

so in love.

so adorable together.

so excited about their wedding.

so fun.

This was a really fun session and I am so thankful these two found each other!

Placements and Transitions

Two words. placements and transitions

Changing my life and rocking my world.

Tonight, we tucked two precious blessings in under our roof and plan on doing that until someone says they will get to go home to their mommy. I cannot tell you how EXCITED I was when we got the call last week. It was a lateral move from another foster family. Not only did this other Foster Family take care of all the hard stuff that came with the plaacement, but they will most likely be an answer to prayer for guidance, wisdom and support. They are going to help mentor us through all this process. They've been foster parents for a LONG time and have adopted two GORGEOUS girls. God always surprises me with his many gifts.

When we did an overnight visit Thursday before I left on a long ago planned girls trip this weekend, I couldn't have felt better. We bonded quickly, loved easily and the kiddos seemed to adjust amazingly to new people/places!!!! We even got the bonus of GREAT help from our new mentors. Little did I know how quick the ups and downs of fostering and just plain parenting would come. The main trial is our Little Man's adjustment to this new transition. He was very emotional, confused and I'm pretty sure a little afraid. I felt pretty helpless and so did Scott. We just tried to be loving, patient and creative in how to get everyone happily in bed!

It just amazes me how after the initial visit that I thought it would be just as easy to transition into this new placement. Of course these sweet children have gone through a lot in the past few weeks and they are going to have a rough time. I am just glad I have such wonderful family, friends and mentors to help us through this journey. And even more we have a GOD who has promised to walk through this life and give us enough grace for each season.

I do have to point out a few beautiful and precious moments in the midst of the more emotional ones.....

* Sweet little cheeks grinning up at us as she toddles across the floor.

* Scrubbing babes and smelling clean beautiful hands as i tuck them in.

* Reading books, goodnight prayers and snuggling is the best end to a LONG day

* Seeing Little Man finally close his eyes only to look up to make sure I was still there

* Watching them sleep and knowing that I get to love and help these children as long as God sees fit.

Thanking God for both blessings to be thankful for and challenges to help us to lean on Him.

We would love your prayers.

Now off to bed.

I know I'm now a parent because I'm tired and happy! : )

Summer Loves....

Green Apple Tree that wasn't shorted this year by a frost!

Flowers planted by seeds. They are kind of lonely looking, but that is what happens when you don't water them : (

Actually, that is a Summer DISLIKE: watering everything.

We NEED some more RAIN!!!

What are some of your summer loves right now?

Just a few...

adorable pictures of some adorable kids.

I had so much fun hanging with this family and enjoyed laughing a lot!

I think these two could be great pictures for Reids to use for ads.

I have several great group ones, but love the placement of everyone in this one.

I love this tree, but love that little girl much much more!

and this sweet boy.....

too.....

cute!!!

precious smiles in oh soo sweet sunlight!

sisters are the BEST blessings!

As of lately...

1. We just got back from vacation in North Carolina.

Beautiful. Relaxing. Fabulous. Gorgeous. Memorable. Perfect.

{More pictures coming soon}

2. We've started Kidz Klub again this summer. A Bible school for kids in our neighborhood held at the local park. I love these kids.

3. Mission Tortilla strips and Mango Peach Salsa (thanks to our friend Janna for the recommendation) is ooohhh soooo yummy!!!

4. Using fresh cilantro from my herbs that we GREW this year!

5. We are OUT of our favorite linen spray. We use it all the time and are going to have to get it soon. Sleep spray from Bath and Body Works. You should try...it relaxes me just after one sniff.

What have you guys been up to lately? any favorite products?

Road Side Beauty

I grew up in a town with one stop sign.

Yep, it's true. One stop light.

We drove nearly thirty minutes for just about everything in the "city" [where i live now]. We went to church, grocery shopped and did anything entertaining there!

Growing up we learned the different road markers telling us how close we were to town. There was one in particular that kept two little girls attention every thirty minute drive....

This little beauty!

This barn always made my sister and I giggle. It still makes me smile as I pass by it today.

It is definitely a lovely, colorful and fun barn. But the wording on the front side of the barn was what made it the best....

Sun Your Buns

***P.S. I took all of these pictures while Scott was driving...through the front wind shield.