Praise!

"O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!

1Chronicles 29:13

I have so many thoughts and words rushing to my mind. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness, appreciation and amazement... yet, the only thing I can think to type right now is the word "Praise". I want to praise the Lord in every way and in every aspect of my life.With a holiday like Thanksgiving you would expect that we have taken some time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. Sometimes we unfortunately think those thoughts are isolated for that day alone, which is a shame. This year, more than I think any other, in the days following Thanksgiving I have been so blatantly faced with blessing after blessing and love, so much love, that it can't be ignored. I am not saying that everything is perfect, that there's no problems, or things couldn't be better... but, I am saying that Jesus is so real and so evident in our lives.

A year ago our family was serving in South Africa, I was pregnant with precious Reese, and life was very uncertain. We were in the midst of one of the greatest trials. In a year, the Lord has taken His mighty hands, picked us up, and not just carried us but wrapped His arms around us. We have learned what God's faithfulness feels like, seen how He uses our parents and our closest friends to meet needs, cared enough to bless us with our wants, protected us by

surrounding us with people who love and fear the Lord, guided us, opened doors, and shut doors.

We certainly don't have it all figured out, but I am sure glad He does! Just feeling so thankful, ya know!

Here are a few photos that make me see how blessed we are. From our beautiful daughters, to life long friends, Grandparents, an amazing daddy, an amazing husband (who uses his gifts and talents for the Lord and isn't ashamed to sing it loud for all to hear), and sweet, little friends for Emerson. Praise the Lord!

Falling for Fall

If any of you out there watch Noggin with your little ones you might be singing right along with me..."I feel like I'm falling for Fall" (in the voice of Moose A. Moose, of course). I can't get it out of my head but at least it is very fitting. We loved South Africa but this time of year is definitely something I really missed. This was the first time Emerson got to really experience a pumpkin patch, the last time we went she was only 3 months old. It was wonderful to see her eyes light up and run through the pumpkins with her friends. It is such a blessing to spend time with our girls!

Happy Birthday Ruby!

Our niece Ruby had her 4th birthday party today. It was such a great cowgirl party and all the kids had a blast. The adults weren't hurtin' either with delicious mexican food and fabulous dessert made by Desi of course... and cute to boot!

We love you so much Ruby and hope that being 4 is awesome!

Emerson, Ruby & Olivia, ready to party!

me and my baby!

a birthday hug for Ruby

hanging out with Reese

Reese's first root beer...

just kidding, what kind of mom do you think I am?!

Grandma and Reese going for a pony ride

a true cowgirl, playing dead

Yummmmmm....!!!

Ruby blowing out the candles on her horse shoe cake

heaven!

Emerson loves Acacia!

here's my cutie girl

Reese and Uncle Ronnie

Mocking Byrd Graphics

Last Friday night I was blessed to have the opportunity to set up a display of my greeting cards, invitation sets and thank you card sets at Paris In A Cup. Paris In A Cup, in Old Town Orange, had a charity event for breast cancer and I got to be a part of this wonderful evening.

It was the first time I put a collection together for my budding company Mocking Byrd Graphics. I usually do freelance projects for personal invitations and business needs like signs and business cards. It was fun to be able to do what ever I wanted creatively for these items. I am so thankful to my kids and husband who bared with me in the week prior to the event and for my mom who always stepped in when I couldn't rush to Emme or Reese.

Here's a few photos of the night...

keeping an eye on Reese while I work

the spread

Chef Val and her tasty treats!

Paris In A Cup during our set up

Reese came for a visit, well actually she came for some dinner.

Are you ready for some football?!!!

It is that wonderful, all American time of year... football season! So, my Eugene, Oregon born husband has managed to turn a bunch of Southern Californians into U of O Duck fans. The gear is on and the team spirit is flowin'. And, of course Emerson is leading us in all the cheers... Gooooo Ducks!

We also get to watch our niece, Jordan, cheer this year (for my alma mater Calvary Chapel High School). She is so awesome and fun to watch. Emerson wants to be just like her cousin, which is fine with us.

We are excited and enjoying all the football family fun!