A Purposeful Peek

Two thousand sixteen was without a doubt a memorable year. It is a year that will be remembered for some devastating events around our country and around the world, for political controversy and division, and for the largest humanitarian crisis since WWII. But amidst the darkest shadows, may it be a year where even the smallest flickers of light are not forgotten. This year held many blessings for our family that I never want to forget, so here are some of my 2016 reflections... Reflecting on a memorable year.  In February, JJ and I flew away into the sunset...the Hawaiian sunset... for a week in paradise ! Sometimes it takes a work conference in a beautiful location to peel us away from our daily routine and to leave our toddler for an extended time. This was one of those times, and boy did we need it more than we knew! Despite missing our original flight from Dallas to Honolulu, we were able to relax once we reached the salty sea air and enjoyed a week of sun, sand, hikin...

Sweet Adeline, How are you already ONE month old...?!  From the day you were born, you've brought so much sweetness to our family, and we have been soaking up a month of nonstop snuggles. With the winter weather upon us, we love nothing more than to start up a cozy fire and sit by the light of the Christmas tree, cuddling our little love bug.   At your 1 week doctor's appointment, everyone expected you to have lost the typical 10% of your birthweight, as most babies do. However, you proved your love of eating when the scales showed you were within 3 oz. of your birthweight! By two weeks, you'd hit the 10 pounder mark, and we like to say God made you "sturdy" to keep up with your big sister ; ) Besides, what could be cuter than baby rolls...and those CHEEKS!? Your big sister is already claiming you as her new best friend, and she loves reading to you, teaching you songs, and holding you. We celebrated you...

Our hearts are once again overflowing with joy and gratefulness! As the sun came up on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, sweet Adeline Grace entered into this world naturally and quickly, only a few hours after her due date. All 9 lb 5 oz of this steel blue eyed, dark haired beauty took our breath away! Her birth story is one to be shared at another time, but the entire experience was an absolute answer to prayer. During this pregnancy, I loved dreaming about what this child would look like, and what her little personality would entail.  With a wonderfully sweet but  strong-willed two year old, I often asked God how I would possibly be able to keep up with two children of this same nature. And each time I asked, these gentle but firm words entered my mind.... " Trust me. I know exactly what you need. " I began to rest in this assurance, and I began to believe the subsequent thoughts that God gave me about this baby girl -- that she would be "peaceful and gentle in sp...