At the Fair!

Family Fun at the Western Idaho Fair!

We decided to adventure into the wilds- of- the- crowds (with Ayla in tote- aaahhhaa!!!) for a brief time. We are still very nervous about exposing Ayla to groups of people and "Mommy Instincts" kicked into hyper-drive. It's a balance.......





We are cautious (perhaps overly so) but any type of cough or lung sickness would be detrimental to Ayla's lung development and we've done a nice job of keeping her sick-free for over a year. However, we know that we cannot stay "secluded" forever and decided that bits & pieces of brief exposure is the proper route. And we bring along LOTS of sanitizer and Clorox wipes!

It feels strange going places (besides doctors appointments) with Ayla as a family and even stranger, to be feeding her during these trips. Most people don't notice her feeding bag but those that do, usually look confused. Kids are the best though- they are not shy and will come up to us and ask, "What is that?" It's fun to educate and watch her facial expression as we explain how Ayla 'eats'.

It's been such fun to participate in 'normal' activity with Ayla- what a blessing!

Speaking of blessings, I am always humbled by how God works through us. We are truthfully, His serving hands upon this earth. A neat woman whom I associate with often for work purposes has been weighing heavily upon my mind- I felt impressed to gather a food 'care package' and delivered it to her workplace the other day. She immediately became 'misty eyed' and hugged me tight; she had recently fallen upon financial hard times and the food was sorely needed for her and her small grand baby.

I found it difficult to speak past the lump in my throat........I felt it was not such a great thing to have done- it wasn't much but to her, it meant something special. I was humbled and offered a silent prayer for this beautiful woman and her family. Recently, she had renewed her faith in Christ and been praying for His guidance.

I was reminded; we are His hands on earth.......

Counted

Our First Family 'Church' picture!

Ayla refused to look at the camera due to the bright light outside....those beautiful eyes are so sensitive!

A huge blessing: counted!

God speaks to my heart through music- probably because music moves and speaks loudly to my soul. It always has and for that, I am grateful. Recently, the song "Count Your Many Blessings" has been parading through my mind...over and over...suppose it may mean something??? Obviously I need to listen...

As result, the counting-of-the-many-blessings has been at the forefront and quite truthfully, humbling. I know we are blessed but in reality, we are blessed waaaaay beyond comprehension. No matter what we do, it's never going to be enough...so I say to myself (when things get a bit rocky), "Self, be grateful and stop whining." Somedays it works, somedays it doesn't...but always, aware that our lives are blessed.

Music Blessing: Counted!

We believe that change opens doors for new opportunities. Ayla's in-home-care is expiring next month and she is not a candidate for daycare due to multiple issues and lung disease. As result, work schedules needs be adjusted and we're working through options. It's a situation that can be potentially stressful but we know to put our trust in God, do the work, and God will provide. He always has and we believe options will arise that will provide.

Changes Blessing: Counted!

Stephenson Reunion

This is grandma Coral Stephenson- she is a great lady and the reason for the reunion hosted in Twin Falls this weekend.

Grandma is 83 years young and such a sweet woman! She is a wonderful example of faith and raised a beautiful, loving family. This weekend was all about her.....and getting together with family to have fun, catch-up and relax!

~It's a honour to be part of this family~

Mmmm...... Chocolate cake covered in chocolate frosting...what could be better?!

One of the cousins brought a kettle-corn cooker which was absolutely delicious! The popcorn was devoured almost as instantly as it was finished.

Ryan is such an awesome dad (Ayla- you are one lucky little girl!)

I adore Ayla's wild hair in this picture- she is such fun!