Sophia Jean Marie (5 mo.)

Sadly, this is the first photo shoot I have had with my sweet granddaughter, Sophia, since she was born.

Happily, she was feeling it and her adorable personality shines in these shots.

She is just as she appears. . .
     *incredibly content
     *super smiley
     *THE BEST snuggler ever
     *a bit roly-poly!

At five months she has two teeth.  Has rolled although she is not a big fan.  Loves to sit up, but still needs a bit of support.  Happiest when held.  Loves us all BUT loves no one quite like she loves her momma.
   
You make my heart happy, Soph.

Prom #2 2017 - CHS

Although Prom two weeks in a row was a  bit exhausting to me, Sierra LOVED it.  In fact the following Saturday she was sad she was not getting ready to go to another formal dance!  She has always loved to be fancy.  It was very much fun to watch her enjoy BOTH of the Proms she attended this spring.

 Krissy was not scheduled to work at the salon, so she came to our house to help Sierra get ready.  

(Notice Sophia in the background?  She was very patient - but Prom hair is not her passion just yet!)

 I adored this dress.  It was exactly like one she used to dress her Barbies in, and to me, it was so fun to see her in the dress she dreamed about when she was little.   She liked it - but because it was not as easy to dance in as the blue, she will choose comfort and move-ability in dresses next year.

 As much as she loves drama and glamour, she also adores simple and classic.  This simple french twist was beautiful and SO her.  (Well done once again, Krissy!)

They love each other so well, once again.  It makes my heart so very happy.

 Sierra suffered a minor injury while pinning Hunter's flowers.

Chad and I agreed to make a restaurant style dinner for Sierra and Hunter's Prom group.  I set the table with some of my favorite dishes and we served everything plated and pretty.

On the menu was:

Non-alcoholic champagne

Salad with warm rolls and sweet, cinnamon butter.

Steak or chicken served with smashed potatoes seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and Parmesan, and cream cheese corn.

Mini angel food cakes with berries and whipped cream.

It was fun - but taking pictures is more fun!  However, Hunter's dad captured the shots below and graciously shared.

Sierra is so lucky.  She has such a great relationship with her "in-laws."  They are awesome!

This is my very favorite Prom picture.  We allowed a small herd of teenagers to watch movies and crash at our house after the festivities.  There was no alcohol or privacy, just teens not quite ready to go home.  The following morning, the little kids jumped on the sleepy big kids to wake them up.  Then everyone headed into the kitchen for a big breakfast.  I loved all these sleepy, bedheads sitting on my bench.  Hearing their stories, and seeing them look a bit more like kids again, made me happy.

(And notice Mataya in her Princess dress. . . she wanted to be a beautiful princess like the big girls!)

Learning to Trust Him with My Life

God has been teaching me a lot lately.  I adore Him for it.  (However, because He has used a series of trials to get my attention, I am also ready for Him to stop instructing me, stretching me - and grant me a reprieve in which to practice all He has shown.  Please, Lord?)

Anyway - one thing He has shown me is that while I trust Him fully with my salvation; I do not fully trust Him with my life.  You see, I never question my salvation.  I am COMPLETELY, TOTALLY, ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY SURE that my eternal home in in heaven.  And while I would claim to trust Him in and with all things this side of heaven - the condition of my heart if often far from trusting.

Rather, I tend to partially trust Him - while also having a back-up-plan, just in case He does not come through as I wish.  You know, something like this, "God, You know my every need.  You know the bills that are due, the child that is struggling, the friend that is sick, etc, etc, etc. . .  I give them all to You, Lord.  I trust You to meet every need."  But in the back of my mind, I am thinking, "If God does not make sure we have a check by Friday, I will use money from here to pay there.  If God does not supply an answer for my child, I will call so-and-so.  She will know what to do.  And my sick friend, well, I will bring her a meal and google medical treatments so I can pass on a bit of advice."

OK - that may be slightly exaggerated, but only slightly.  My brain may KNOW that I am called to trust fully in the Lord for ALL things.  It may know that His timing is BEST.  But my heart or will or something often argues.  Running ahead and taking control.


AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!  It is an exhausting wrestling match.

Why do I do it?  Why do I trust the God of the Universe with my death - but not my life?

Sigh.

I am so thankful He is gracious to refine me, and forgive me, and refine me some more.

So - my verse right now is this.

"That according to the riches of His glory,

He may grant you (me) to be strengthened with

MIGHT

through His Spirit in the inner (wo)man."

Ephesians 3:16

You see, I know all about trust.  At least I know all about it in theory.  In reality it is a struggle.  "Trust" does not seem to be my problem.  Acting on it is.  I need Him to strengthen me with might (power, authority, ability, virtue, miracle) so that I can do and be and choose to feel surrendered.  Trusting.  Securely held.

I need more of You, Lord.  Forgive me for not fully trusting.  Forgive my back-up-plans.  Forgive my divided heart.  Strengthen me by filling me Your might in my inner most places.  Unify my heart, mind, and will by the power of Your Holy Spirit.  Refine me, Lord, so that I more closely resemble You and can serve You better.  More of You, Lord.  More of You, I pray.

Prom #1 2017

Photo overload means lots of happy I want to hide in my heart!

Perhaps my favorite part of the day was watching Krissy do Sierra's hair.  Seeing Krissy work with such passion, grace and skill made my heart proud.  Watching my two oldest daughters love and respect other filled my eyes with tears.  Happy ones!

The day only got better from there.

 The way they look at each other. . .

Wishing my favorite Juniors an amazing night!