Can't believe it's almost June!

 

wow I can't believe we are going into the month of June already!! Seriously where has the time gone?? This year is quickly moving by. I feel so incredibly blessed by the Father.

Here are just a few highlights over the past 5 months.....

We have moved down to #10 on the waiting list at the babies home in Uganda. (trusting in His purposes for the wait), turned 26 ;) moved my two brothers into our tiny guest room for a temporary stay, cut back on my coffee intake (one a day with little cream and no sugar), became first time gardeners, got a desperately needed new fence, watched two friends travel across country to add a new precious life to their family, seen Jared go through more injuries and pain than i would like in 5 months, watched the Lord provide financially for us in incredible ways, rejoiced with several friends with the news of pregnancy, started a new book "A Holy Ambition", got some much needed dental work done, working on memorizing Ephesians Ch. 1, fixed our oven after going a year without one (yes a year, and yes to fix the problem was only $144) and so much more.....

Moving forward there is a lot happening as well....

Jared Lord willing becoming an elder of our church, celebrating with my childhood best friend her marriage to her love :), taking a trip to the jungles of Indonesia (5 weeks away..OH BOY!), 6 years of marriage to my beloved, saying goodbye to a dear friend and family as they move away & forward with the plans the Lord has for them, going to dive head first into homeschooling, watch my two babies turn five and three :), finish the remodel of our guest bathroom, take a family trip to Pickwick, hopefully find a car that will seat our upcoming family of five, and be able to travel to bring our Isaiah home :)

What a gracious God we serve! A lot of the times I can get so discouraged that things aren't happening fast enough, or selfishly not how I want it to happen. As I think on these things I am so clearly reminded that..

His purposes are best even when nothing seems to make sense.

God owns everything and his arm is not to short to meet our needs.

To embrace my sanctification and not run for it.

This life is one of faith and trust in the one who is immovable, constant, and unchanging.

And finally life is so short and unpredictable so don't waste it, and live it to the glory of God.

Steph <3

 

Hello Spontaneous Date Night

I enjoy these kind of dates :) Any time with the man I adore and always want to be with is good by me. It's usually the simple unplanned evenings together that end up being so much fun and relaxing. I have thoroughly loved today and I am reminded of my valuable and joyful calling as "mom!" it feels great to be able to top the evening off like this. I have to give a shout out to my brothers even though they will never read this but they are at the house watching our crazy kiddos tonight and I greatly appreciate them being so willing to tackle such a great task :)

FYI: my two brothers are currently living with our family. And it was such a blessing today when I got home from church and they had cleaned and organized the whole kitchen and living room for my mothers day surprise, that I promise you was left in utter chaos before church! Thanks Stephen and Sean :):):)

Anyways, we are having a grand time and I thought I would do a short and sweet post while Jared finishes up with some questions for a grant application we are mailing in for the adoption!

My love

A late evening meal. A tomato, spinach, mozzarella pinnani at Starbucks. I do recommend it was yummy

Catching up on a few of our favorite shows :)

I'm not so sure about this pic and the face I'm making looks like I'm giving an evil glare. But hey Jared always says he likes the "real life in the moment" pics so here we are ;)

Thanks for tuning in! Hope you have had a wonderful Sunday!

Now I must prepare for tomorrow because Monday is going to sneak up on me way to fast.

 

Family Time!!!

Jared has had Monday and today off after a loooong weekend of work. Even though the weekend can be tough when he is gone and I hardly get to talk to him, the next few days after are always refreshing and so worth it.

This afternoon we went to a Mexican ice cream shop off summer and graham. It all homemade and they have all kind of varieties of ice cream and popsicles :) yum yum yum...it was DELICIOUS!!!! Then we went to this fun little park nearby...here are some pics of our time together :) I love my family so much and there just so cute

Love these next three pics of micaiah...

Getting his swing ready....

Almost..

And what do you think?? I don't know if that was a success or failure to him :) he's just so precious standing out there!!!

Addy facing her fear

And she did it!! After that she was doing it all by herself

Mom trying to climb the pole...that was as far as I got..I basically jumped on and couldn't pull myself up any further ;) lol

The slide was easier

Look at that big boy go!!!

And bye bye to the park. Thanks for all the fun!!!!