THESE MAKE ME SMILE....EASTER 2013

               A PERFECT EASTER DANCE WITH DADDY

its hard to begin this again after 18 months. so many thoughts to write and still i stare at a blank slate.

 my last blog post spurs me, reminds me to see God's faithfulness, to let Him work.

 the heat came, it was relentless, but the shadow of a divine wing was there too. protecting, powerful, insistent, and kept us safe. 

shortly after my last post, my sweet mom died after a short , unexpected illness.  we continue to be thankful for her life and her legacy.  i miss her. i miss her caring, her meddling, her intense love for all of us, the whole of her.

one of the things that meant most to her was to read this blog and see pictures of her loves. it kept us connected, and in her honor and to continue connection with my children and friends...i want to start back.

slowly and steadily...in a synopsis of our year in still, captured moments.  pictures truly do speak.

Quynh, age four, drew this picture
on the day that Mimi became ill
without knowing of her sickness

It has served as a reminder to us
of the deep roots of love and care
that Mimi has demonstrated
throughout her life.

The many leaves represent to us
the beautiful legacy she leaves
with her family and friends.

framed with this note
it stood with simplicity
in a room graced with beauty
fragrance of flowers and Jesus was there.

 

to bloom in the heat...

takes incredible endurance. and isn't that something we all feel we fall short of. 'cause life is full of derailments, speed bumps,....and monotonous activities, all of which can drain us emotionally.

we can literally see our plants wilt during a one hour stint in this hot drought. water evaporates while we watch, flowers perk a bit only to expire in the heat's insistence...

and so, it was with great surprise that I saw a rose bloom today, not in the shady protection of its comrade leaves, but taller and wilder than all the others. made me smile. made me reflect.

its been a summer full of challenges and growth, along with just enough monotony and dog days to kinda even it out.

and our hope strives to model after the lonely, lovely rose. to rise above dreariness and apathy, to watch our kids learn to rise above. to become mentally stronger and spiritually more nourished, deep in our souls...so the dry, hot days of intense fire will not wilt us.

we know the heat of hard days will come, but we know He will be our life water , giving strength and satisfaction for our thirst when we need it most.

thanks, rose, for the reminder.

summer synopsis in pictures!

http://vimeo.com/10866205

stream of conciouness...when you are way behind,, and try to sorta catch up......

May brought us...

the prom.




heavy rain that was not eager to let up.




and broken in ropers just back from a ride.





glorious hydrangeas




and humidity driven wispies of all kinds.





dancing







recovering from injuries...


the first s'mores of summer...





hail damage

2 broken dishwashers

1 broken air conditioner

landry's trip to the outback to see tyler



transitions ...


overnights





the honor for carter to lead the Bulldog high school band next year as drum major.





and back yard parties.