enjoying the process » loving the journey, not just the destination

One of my very favorite baby stages is when they start grabbing their little toes. And my kids actually take it a step beyond and put the toes in their mouths. I love it. I think it is the cutest thing – ever! And I know this isn't the best capture, but I love it all the same.

He's also sucking his thumb. My mom will be so happy- she thinks that is the cutest thing ever.

And this next one of Kennedy- well… she's just so stinkin' adorable, I can't get enough of her. And she has a sweet little heart. Her smile makes me smile. I am smitten (whatever that means-smitten is a weird word).

It's been a while, I know. Things have been rough. God is good to us. Trials make us more like Christ and I am so thankful for that. I am also thankful that God Loves us and makes Himself known. He gives us peace and wisdom when we ask. He never promised that life would be easy- in fact, He tells us that we will have trouble in this world. But we are to consider it "all JOY" when we face those trials and welcome them as an opportunity to produce Godly character in us… such as patience, endurance, more JOY and maybe even opportunities for others to see Christ in us. I never feel closer to God than when I am going through a trial. So I welcome this blessing and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us.

I hadn't downloaded photos from my camera since August 6th! That might be a record. I always try to download my photos right away. We've had a few other things going on, though. But…… it was fun to see the photos after such a long time. Here are a few for you!

Keagan has started grabbing his toes and putting them in his mouth! This is one of my very favorite baby stages. I don't have a photo of the toes in the mouth yet… maybe today I can capture that.

Canyon LOVES Keagan. In fact, all of my children are in LOVE with their baby brother. They fight over who gets to talk to him and make him smile:0

We took the kids to the LaBrea Tarpits last week. It was very interesting. This was a fun little activity to show the kids how hard it would be to get out of the sticky tar. Thanks Barnetts for the inspiration- we saw the photos on your blog & decided to try it out!

 
This picture makes me happy because it is "SO CADE"- look at his face (he's looking up at an enormous skeleton of a camel and a mammoth)- he's cautious and a little intimidated. He's also a protector. I'm pretty sure he held Kennedy back from getting too close to this exhibit.

You can't see because I resized the photo, but you can actually SEE James in Keagan's eyes- is the reflection- it's awesome.

Kennedy dug this enormous hole at the Beach on Sunday- then she sat in it 🙂

I just realized… this is a WHOLE LOT 'O KEagan photos. Well, I really liked this one.

and this one…

This one is from Heather's baby shower on Saturday- I just thought it was pretty:)

James took the kids fishing this morning and I have about 1 hour left to shower and get ready for the day before they all get back…so I should  get to work!

I had some time this evening to Proof photos. Spare time is quite a commodity around here so I try to have projects lined up just in case I get a few minutes here or there.  Fortunately for me, James took the kids to the pool so I have about an hour of free time- just enough to proof a session. So… Worsleys, I have some photos for you 🙂 And Smiths… yours will be ready VERYYYYYYYYYY soon, I promise! Until then, here are a few "sneak peeks" for you.

I can't get enough of these photos of Naomi and Selma. Naomi has such a BEAUTIFUL face- she definitely should be a model (maybe in your spare time in Spain, Naomi?)
I have more, but I'll save them. Until next time…

And you know who you are (*wink*)… Here are a few photos of the new kitchen.

I have a lot to say, but not much time right now so I’ll blog later. Hope you like it- if not, don’t tell me 🙂