The New Face of the Gerber Baby

I Heart Faces Reflection

It is Reflection week over at the I Heart Faces blog! I had a couple older photos I was going to use, but decided to do something different- I used my photo software program to solarize my adult entry although it certainly didn't look quite solarized! It is my own reflection in the same picture frame used in my children's entry. And....if you step back a bit while looking at the kid's entry, you will see the photo in the frame, that is of Will David several months back. What you see mainly, however, is Will David at 5 and a half months old! So, I used some creative license with my entries this week. Don't forget to check out I Heart Faces for many other photos!

My mind has been immersed

in homeschooling reviews, curriculum, unit studies, advice, pros, and cons! Because....we have decided we will go this route beginning with Ella this coming fall as she starts first grade. Now, this had been a decision we were making even before she started Kindy. Obviously, we said "no" to homeschooling back then. The decision has been made clear..thank you, God! That's a HUGE thank you to You, too! :)

I am trying to find out the "best" homeschool study for her, for me, for us. It is TOUGH. I never knew this decision would be so tough! There are so many things to consider...length of day, what is your "core" study, how much prep do you as a teacher want to have, what types of learning styles, etc etc etc. Mind boggling, really!

Just when I think I reached a verdict, I change my mind due to a new discovery or thought. I think I have it narrowed down to a few, and in particular one curriculum that reflects my own love of learning- Tapestry of Grace. With this, you still have to have your phonics, handwriting, and math, but it has a huge amount of wealth, more than you can accomplish, honestly, with a single child in a single year. It does take some effort for the teacher, more than others, but honestly, with my uber fast reading skills (my underestimated talent! LOL!) and my LOVE for things like this, it would be an absolute BLESSING to me. I WELCOME the thought of directing some time of my day or week to my OWN learning FOR my children. For others, that thought is too demanding. For me, oh no....I have felt mentally limited since I have had children, and I was talking to my dearest hubby about this the other day, and yes, I ended up being very tearful about it. I think this is, if I can be completely open and vulnerable, a way that God will bring me back to feeling confident in my mental abilities and education that I have had. I thought briefly that it would be a selfish desire, but then I concluded this: God is able to work BEYOND what we can imagine. And I think, and trust, and will have faith, that this will be an example of His complete awesomeness!

The other possibility lies in the 6-8 year old program from Hearts of Dakota. They have an emphasis on early American history and literature that looks absolute divine for a first grader! I love the selected books with this curriculum. I also have found some positive things with one called Five In A Row. I have thought, though, that perhaps a summer go with FIAR would be best for us. Just to keep us reading. You just need one of the volume manuals, and then you can get your books from the library. AND, you can pick and choose what you want to do!

I have to decide on some kind of science supplement...there are several I am trying to decide on that I like.

Also, I do have the math one figured out. It is between Handwriting With Tears, Italic, and A Reason for Writing for the penmanship studies.

An extra art book I wish to get, someday, is Artistic Pursuits. I plan on using library books for some music appreciation and for some more Health studies.

One thing I have been contemplating as supplementation of things, or even a study "break" of regular studies, are Unit Studies. I have found some free ideas on the Internet, including an apple unit study that would be fabulous to incorporate new words, stories, and even a fieldtrip to a local fruit farm!

Whew! The amount of information I have taken in the past couple weeks is A LOT, to say the least! I took a "day" break, but honestly, this stuff 'fires me up" so much I can't seem to get rid of my eagerness to read about homeschooling! This will be our first year of homeschooling, so I have to remind myself that we have...time. We really do, to experiment, to experience, to elaborate. Hmm...I like that....

Experiment.

Experience.

Elaborate.

I forgot to mention several reasons WHY we are deciding to homeschool- I HATED how I felt in the beginning of the school year. Like I just pushed her aside when I took her to school. No, that may not be a good reason for others for deciding to homeschool, but it is something that I am taking in consideration. Also, I want to be more involved with her education, and don't think making her be consume with school her entire day minus and hour or two is the way to do it. That means- I teach her at home on our time, and we have the rest of the day and night to either catch up with school, some homework or study, but mainly the choice of freedom. And that freedom enters into how we juggle field trips, etc., and Rich's day off. It is more of a desire for a family growing closer in this certain way. For US. Also, we are going to have Philip attend the same preschool that Ella did..I LOVED her teacher. I think it will be good for him to have that structure for a year. Plus, it will give Ella and I (and Will David) to adjust to a certain schedule as needed.

With regards to Philip, I am going to try to find something that can incorporate his learning into Ella's studies...maybe through science or read-alouds. Or an art project. I am excited about that- it will be more fun for the both of them that way!

Also, oh please no one suggest there is no socializing with homeschooling. That is simply NOT TRUE. And I will NEVER feel I have to defend my position on that. I will briefly, though, for the sake of anyone reading this: church, T Ball, Girl Scouts, soccer, field trips, and finally, homeschool groups. Those are things that Ella is (or will be) involved in that involves people!

Anyways...I hope you enjoyed the pics up top! I am so glad we've had a lot more light around Northeast Ohio! It helps this natural light photographer!

Blog Tour Book Reviews!

I had the pleasure of reading a couple of books that were both intriguing and enlightening. I enjoyed the history of Aurora. I LOVED the photographs of history within this gem! Quilts, people, etc. A Flickering Light captured the trials of a young woman within her heart....I am sure these will be well liked books by those who read them!

The perfect pairing of a heart retrenching tale and a real life view of a Utopian community, both set in the1800s, any fan of Jane will be sure to love! Even if you are new to Kirkpatrick’s work, you can certainly expect to be captivated and longing for more while discovering new fascinations you never knew you had. Her extraordinary experiences mixed with her rich history have given her the ability to draw you in and make you feel like you are experiencing her unique stories as they happen. This rare gift has helped her to become one of today’s best selling authors. Be prepared to be blown away by her words as you get a glimpse into an entirely new world.

A FLICKERING LIGHT

Returning to her Midwest roots, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick draws a page from her grandmother’s photo album to capture the interplay between shadow and light, temptation and faith that marks a woman’s pursuit of her dreams.

She took exquisite photographs,

but her heart was the true image exposed.

Fifteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele loves nothing more than capturing a gorgeous Minnesota landscape when the sunlight casts its most mesmerizing shadows. So when F.J. Bauer hires her in 1907 to assist in his studio and darkroom, her dreams for a career in photography appear to find root in reality.

With the infamous hazards of the explosive powder used for lighting and the toxic darkroom chemicals, photography is considered a man’s profession. Yet Jessie shows remarkable talent in both the artistry and business of running a studio. She proves less skillful, however, at managing her growing attraction to the very married Mr. Bauer.

This luminous coming-of-age tale deftly exposes the intricate shadows that play across every dream worth pursuing—and the irresistible light that beckons the dreamer on.

If you would like to purchase this book, please visit here!



AURORA

Wrap yourself in a fantastic journey,
a remarkable commitment, and a spare and splendid story

Master storyteller Jane Kirkpatrick extols the beautiful treasures, unknown to a wider public, rediscovered in the Old Aurora Colony of Oregon ’s lush Willamette Valley . The people and legacy of Aurora, a utopian community founded in the mid-1800s, will stir your imagination, hopes, and dreams; and remind you that every life matters—that our lives are the stories other people read first.

~Featuring~

Unique and treasured quilt pattern variations

More than 100 photographs, many never-before published, from 1850 to today

Cherished stories from Aurora descendants

Rich images of fine crafts from the Aurora Colony and private collections

An introduction by renowned American artist John Houser



Aurora is about the difference every ordinary life can make—and a beautiful celebration of a time and place in which people expressed their most cherished beliefs through the work of their imagination and hands.

If you would like to purchase this book, please visit here!


Author Bio:

Jane Kirkpatrick is a best-selling, award-winning author whose previous historical novels include All Together in One Place and Christy Award finalist A Tendering in the Storm. An international keynote speaker, she has earned regional and national recognition for her stories based on the lives of actual people, including the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Hall of Fame. Jane is a Wisconsin native who since 1974 has lived in Eastern Oregon , where she and her husband, Jerry, ranch 160 rugged acres.

I Heart Faces Self Portrait Entries

This first photograph is my self portrait-kids entry at I Heart Faces. This is actually a cropped photograph from a mini session of Will David and I. It is a favorite of mine. I have to say that I hold him like this many, many, many times throughout the day. I am so glad to have a photograph representing those moments. It is bittersweet though....every day I see how big he is getting, and it makes me sad, but yet I am so happy that he is a healthy, growing boy!



Last fall, I was awaiting the arrival of Will David, our third child. I overcame my weariness for an hour and was able to capture several maternity self portraits. I was blessed with wonderful lighting that day! It is what aided in developing the emotion in my photographs, I believe. Here is my self portrait entry:



There are an abundance of inspiring photographs at the I Heart Faces blog to check out!

Happy 6th Birthday, Ella!

Today is our sweet girlie's birthday! She is turning 6- I can't believe it! She is....
my beloved photography subject
fun, joyful daughter
smart and witty child
Easter born, and Christmas loving girl
artistic and energetic
kind and compassionate
a little girl who loves pizza, gum, and frozen gogurt, her stuffed animals, little books, little brothers, and flying rockets with her daddy
scooter queen with a soccer kick and t ball throw
piano playing and reading
loves her shows like barbie and scooby doo, franklin and little bear, too her grandparents and cat oh...and I am pretty sure she loves her mom and dad, too!
We celebrated yesterday at my parents' house- vanilla cupcakes dotted with mini chocolate chips and several black spotted white packages....for a "dalmation" theme. Yes, we still celebrated Will David's dedication and Buddy's birthday- see post below for the special song for the baby. I gave her her own pink deluxe Scrabble game (oh, okay...I admit, it was for me too! LOL!), because she is always wanting to play it, and we only have a very mini game of it! Also, the new Barbie Rapunzel doll and Hello Kitty umbrella. My mom and dad gave her a sweet (plush) dalmation doggie..she loves it and took it to school today, along with a 4 dozen little powdered donuts to share with her class! She was so happy go lucky this morning! I hope she has a blessed day! Here are a random few older pics of her...from baby, to tot, to preschool age! And, finally, but not least, another special song...this is a piano solo I wrote and played when I was pregnant with her. It is called Ella's song. Enjoy!

Special times...

Recently, Rich and I had the opportunity to record his mandolin and my vocals....a friend of his wrote (and sang/played guitar) this love song, and we felt inspired to request to use it for our baby's dedication tomorrow. This is not the "movie" that our church did, it's my own tinkering around, not very expert like I might add! It's been a long day, and I am at the end of what I can do. I've run errands, baked cupcakes and a cake and decorated them, wrapped gifts, played piano for an hour at a wedding, and misc other stuff. All good things, but I am sooooooooo glad the day is over and sleepy time is near! After church tomorrow we are celebrating Will David's dedication at my parents' house, and we are also celebrating Ella and Philip's birthdays! Fun times...special times...fleeting times....Another day I will write what my heart is full of these days. God bless...and please enjoy this movie! Oh, forgot my disclaimer...I do not like how I sound...it is not anyone's fault but mine...as Randy Jackson might say- "Dawg, it's a nice song and all, but it's a little pitchy!" LOL! But, I share it in love and adoration of my little baby boy, Will David.

I Heart Faces Spring

To me, this above photo is the essence of spring...the colors of her outfit, the chick, and the expression of absolute delight with this new discovery!

Check out other entries at the official blog for I Heart Faces!

Thank you!

Thank you for your prayers for the various requests I had on Friday.

I have one announcement for the winners of the most recent book giveaway. Melissa- you won a book, so I need your address! You can email me at amycthphoto@gmail.com! My dad won the other book, but I don't need your address, dad! HAHA!

We had a full day for Easter, like most I suppose. The kids had so much fun seeing their cousins, playing outside, flying rockets, playing on the swingset, and most importantly- finding the eggs and eating candy! I enjoyed having a few tastes of coffee punch that my MIL made. Yummy! I probably shouldn't have had some of that, nursing and all, with the caffeine, but it sure was tasty.

We were able to focus on the reason behind our Christian celebration of Easter besides having a bit of fun, and for that I am thankful. The church service was a blessing, especially the words spoken by our pastor and the music shared. It is amazing how music ministers to people. It's a sure way for myself to feel closer to God! With that in mind, it makes me think I should have gone into music therapy with a Christian emphasis...more and more, I feel my heart encouraged, uplifted, and soothed through music...a wonderful, wonderful thing that God has given us!

Here are a few photographs of the weekend....Happy Monday!

Short and Sweet

That describes my kids to a T!

And this post!

Yes, it is in the wee hours of the morning, however....call me crazy but I like this time to myself, the only time to myself I get these days, which is right after I feed Will David! I usually am hungry again when I wake up for these middle of the night feedings, so after I am done working with the baby and put him down back to sleep, I stay up and have a late night/ early morning snack. And browse the Internet. Or, whatever. Just for a few minutes, though!

I have a couple of prayer requests, and those will be my post today.

First, for a dear friend of mine, Katie. No more elaboration with this request.

Secondly, for a family from our church. No more elaboration for this one either.

The next one- for the music recording Rich and I will try to accomplish tonight, that it will go quickly and smoothly...we are at a time crunch here for the Baby's Dedication next Sunday!

And, lastly..another vague request. Rich and I are yet again trying to make a decision about our childrens' education. There has been a new development in it that has helped with this decision making that I believe was directed by our Master Planner, and we are still praying, and praying...there are several things to consider that could help or hinder the resulting decision, and you know...with all things related to your children, you want to do what is best for them and for your family as a whole.

Looking forward to posting some new photographs soon....

Blog Tour Giveaways!

The following are a couple of books that tie into this time of Easter. I have a copy of each to giveaway, so please post a comment and I will choose two winners on Saturday. If you comment on your blog about this giveaway, you may add another comment for another chance to win!

Experiencing the Spirit
by Drs. Henry and Mel Blackaby

Serve God as never before


The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result: People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10).What can give Christians today the same impact?

God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit. You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments. You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin.

Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit’s work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life.


The Treasure Principle
by Randy Alcorn

Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving!

Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!
Story Behind the Book
After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle—that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.







Author Bios:

Dr. Henry Blackaby has devoted his life to the ministry. A multi-faceted talent, he has served as a music director, senior pastor, college president, missionary, and later as an executive in Southern Baptist Convention. Blackaby is the author of more than a dozen books with more than one million copies sold, including the best-selling Experiencing God. As the President of Blackaby Ministries, he is a vibrant speaker and the father of Dr. Melvin Blackaby. Melvin serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro in Georgia , where he lives with his wife, Gina, and their three children.



Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM). Prior to 1990, when he started EPM, he served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has spoken around the world and has taught on the adjunct faculties of Multnomah Bible College and Western Seminary in Portland , Oregon . Randy is the best-selling author of twenty-seven books (over three million in print), including the novels Deadline, Dominion, and Deception as well as Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home, and Wait Until Then.

You may purchase Experiencing the Spirit here!
You may purchase The Treasure Principle here!

I Heart Faces Kids "Friends" Entry

Well, this week at I Heart Faces, it is "friend" week! Here is a photograph of Ella when she was about 3 with her friend, Alex, of the same age. Can you tell they liked each other a bit? LOL! I feel quite lucky to get this moment captured. It was on Easter Sunday....




Head on over to the I Heart Faces blog to see many, many more entries!

I can't help myself. I am a self proclaimed photo addict. I took countless photos of the baby on the couch the other day. You can see them at the end of this post...they are some of my favorite photos ever!

I am very tired, but it's been a strange kind of day. A lot going on. Whew. It felt kinda like a holiday- day....you know, where you are extremely busy and come home and can't wind down. Well, that is me...tonight.

Anywhoo, we have a big weekend ahead of us. Our church's cantata is Sunday night so we had dress rehearsal this evening. Rich went to record a song with a friend tonight as well. This song, well, it's special. His friend is so gracious to let us "borrow" it for Will David's dedication song in a couple of weeks. He wrote it for his girlfriend, but it is such a lovely love song, and it made me think of our new baby. It's a perfect song to accompany the photo slide show at the dedication. Rich and I are going Wednesday to record my harmony vocals and his mandolin. I AM SO EXCITED. Rich's friend, Cliff, wrote this, and he is an excellent vocalist and guitarist. I am going to try to see if I can get some copy made so it would be available to listen to on my blog somehow.

Well, I really should go. It is LATE. After 11. We have Ella's T Ball practice in the morning and then a celebration for my Grandma Snyder's birthday right after. Oh, and besides this being Palm Sunday, we have a newcomer's luncheon at the church to attend also. Whew. I'm tired just thinking tonight.

I have two birthday parties to plan...I need help! LOL! I guess I'll have to get over this weekend and then be able to focus on figuring out those...less than a month away! Ahh!!!

The Light at the end of the tunnel

Oh, I am sure most of you have heard that saying, have had someone say that to you at some point in your life. I remember hearing it, most definitely. My dream, especially in college, was that God would pair me up with an awesome guy. Marriage and kids to follow that. I cannot believe that my dream came true...honestly, a lot earlier than for some. I should not be in awe that God did that, but I am. Who am I that he would take interest in my life like that? Sometimes I raise that question to myself....the answer lies within His Word, you know? He knew me before, He knew where He placed me to grow, He knew the trials and promises I would be given...isn't that just amazing? I understand that it is hard to fathom how that is possible when so much hardship exists on earth...I don't have "big" answers to that, only that the world is fallen, like the Bible says, and Jesus came as a gift to redeem us. I love that word...Redeem. Are you redeemed? I am...I am so very happy I am. I thank God for my salvation. I am thankful, no relieved and BLESSED, that my two older chidren have both made that decision already ON THEIR OWN. It encourages my heart, and makes me want to be a better mother and wife.

I wanted to share something that I battle with. I know I have mentioned on my blog, in the past, that I have struggled with depression, and more specifically post partum depression. After I had Ella, the trouble began. I still feel "jipped" in a way, for much of her first year or so I hardly recall. And, if I do, it isn't pleasant. Depression is NO FUN. It is hard on your loved ones. It is hard for people to understand, really. It was hard for ME to understand.

I feel like I missed out on certain things of Ella's life- many things I wasn't able to enjoy. I do have photographs of that first year though, and for that I am relieved. It provides me with a glimpse of the days that are foggy in my mind.

More of what baffles me....I think I am a pretty compassionate and sensitive person. I don't like to do wrong in anybody's eyes. In fact, it hurts me if someone thinks wrongly of my character. I am disappointed in myself if I misjudge someone or do something that I shouldn't, whether in thoughts or in deeds. I LOVE very deeply, very much. I say, "I Love You," many many times to my family members. This brings me to my point...I feel like I haven't given my precious sweet girl the love she deserves. It pains me to even think that. I have thought this for many years, already. I don't know if it is ALL due to having post partum after having her but I honestly think it must be. I don't feel I cuddle her enough. I don't feel I give her loving touches enough. I don't feel like I pay attention to her enough in small, dynamic ways..for example- like really making small talk with her, really noticing her little features, and also noticing all the big changes she is making with herself every single day. It is all going so fast, and I can hardly believe she is going to be finishing up her Kindergarten year in couple of months. I feel like I've neglected our relationship a bit. I know I've tried my best, but I don't think my best has been very good. I cuddle my babies. That is one thing I do know I do very well. I do know I cuddled her when she was little. My problem with depression was with ME not her. My bad thoughts were about ME not her, so it wasn't consciously directed to her. I feel like I need to apologize to her, but she wouldn't know what I was talking about. She always says she loves me no matter what kind of bad moments we've had during the day. Isn't that amazing? Lately, we've had lots of riffs between us. Lots of attitudes directed at me for some reason for the most part...I think it is due to her realizing she is a sole person, her own being, with things she has to take control of. And she is learning, and I am learning, to deal with that. Almost a pre- teenage glimpse! LOL!

I love my children..I am so delighted to say that with this babe I do not feel depressed at all. I am still being medicated, and honestly think I will for a very long time, and that is okay. It works for me, for my family.

I appreciate if you've read this. It was hard to write. Especially about my relationship with my Ella-girl. She is so sweet and smart...she is a loving, energetic, joyful child, and I do learn a lot from her. I just wish I could be the mom that I had always seen myself to be, instead of this one that struggles daily. I am sure of the "light at the end of the tunnel," when I feel like I have allowed God to teach me and mold me and lift me up...it will take patience and prayer.

I need to leave with a postive note, so here is a pic. Oh, and don't forget to scroll down a couple posts and enter my book giveaway. I have these book giveaways for fun, no pressure for you.

I Heart Faces Pet Entry

Over at I Heart Faces this week is the "pet" challenge. This was taken awhile back...it is Clifford, my niece's dog. Here, my niece and my daughter are giving the playful doggie a big hug. A special moment, don't you think?

I Heart Faces Pouty Entry

For this week at I Heart Faces, you may enter a pouting kids photograph...I have a few of those, so it was honestly a hard choice for me! It snowed today and last night yet so I suppose I can sneak this wintry photograph in even though it is officially spring! HAHA! I had some delightful shots when I took Ella outside about a year ago for this photoshoot.

If you get a chance, please take a look at the other entries on the I Heart Faces Blog....fun fun fun!

Blog Tour and Giveaway!

I get to start off this week with another blog book tour and giveaway! You can read the review to Clutter-Free Christianity by Dr. Robert Jeffress here, post a comment by Saturday, April 4 for the 1 book I have to giveaway, and/or if you would like to purchase this, go here!

When did the Christian life become so complicated?

Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.

It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you–and what He wants to do for you.

Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.

Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.

Includes a Bible study guide for personal growth and group discussion.

Author Bio:

Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.

Starting the weekend off...

We started off this weekend with a T Ball practice on this fine, slightly chilly day! Poor girl- Ella is one of two girlies on her team!!! I don't think she quite minded because she was trying really hard to get her throwing technique down, which we do have to work on. I played softball, both slowpitch and fastpitch, and honestly had not bothered to show her the "correct" way to throw yet...I don't know why I didn't. I suppose I didn't want to put to much pressure on her yet! LOL! Let the coaches do that! Anyways, so we have to work on that! She did catch a ball, so that was a POSITIVE element of the practice!

Other good news, I did not get in the top 10 over at I Heart Faces this week but my adult entry did get a "mention!" See HERE! It is delightful to see all those that entered, too!

Here are a few photos (er, I should say LOTS!)...

My darling baby boy is not going to like these when he grows up!
HEHE!





Some more from our visit at Rich's parents' house last weekend!









I just love the one of Daddy putting a flower in her hair! We ALL had so much fun outside that day, too. I most certainly have more photographs to share, since I've been trying to take more lately. But, for another day! Have a wonderful weekend!