Addalie-4 years

In October Addalie & Jyla celebrated their birthdays!

I know that this is now December (about 2 months later)

but I was so busy taking pictures for other people this fall

& I haven't had the chance to work on  Addalie's 4yr. old photos.

So-

I did a little photo shoot of Jyla on the beach.

For Addalie, we went to the park that we've been going to for the past couple of years

to do her birthday pics.

(2nd birthday- 3rd birthday)

We got the traditional "growing tree" shot.

 

When I came home that day & did a quick look at these images...

something happened to my heart.

All of a sudden as I looked at her eyes & her smile I realized that she is growing up.

Not just that she is groooowing...

but that she has grown up.

She is not my toddler anymore.  She is becomming a little lady!

And it was also around that time that she started writing words on her own..no one ever really taught her.

SLOW DOWN please!

God used these things to speak to me.

To give me clear direction and to make specific decisions regarding my time.

So very soon-she will be in school.

every day-all day.

& then not far behind will be Jyla.

I want to treasure these days at home with them.

And not give competition to these days with "other" things.

I know every mom is in a unique season as they parent...I am not speaking to others...

...just sharing what God did in my heart.

 

 She really wanted to do the "this is how old i am" picture.

Addalie has been such a source of joy.

Especially this past year.

(I can't write this without tears.)

She has been a profound example to me of love & patience.

We still have some really hard days around here with her little sister.

I don't write about it much because I'm not sure how beneficial it is to publish...

both now & for the future when my girls can look back on this blog. 

But, I think it's accurate to say that we are all still transitioning with Jyla.

And time after time, Addalie has been steadfast & loyal in her kindness.

Even when she is hurt physically or emotionally-she turns the other cheek.

Why....does it seem so easy for her...when I (the adult in this situation) can struggle so much?

 

~Addalie Joy~

I love you.  Your name is telling as you exude with love & JOY to all you meet.

Happy Be-lated 4th Birthday.

Preschool Christmas Party

This morning was Addalie & Jyla's preschool Christmas Party.

THEY BOTH LOVE SCHOOL!

& I love their school!

The teachers are w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l!!  & there is so much biblical teaching!

Santa gave them each a specialy wrapped gift! 

(a book about baby Jesus)

Addalie & her "best-best" friend Jordan!! 

My mom usually spends part of the day on Friday's with us & so she came with us!

The girls did lots of crafts & had a story time & played games & got a gift from Santa & had a snack.

It was a fun morning! 

& they had a little program for us.

singing some super cute songs & ringing their bells ;)

For some reason, my girls didn't want to wear their "Christmas dresses".

I decided not to "choose" that battle ;)

Jyla & Addalie love that they can go to school together. 

They are in different classes, but they still get to interact alot.

I am so enjoying their ages right now as they discover the JOYS of Christ's birth!

cookies

*thank you tessa marie photography for capturing this sweet holiday moment*

advent

I searched high & I searched low for an advent calendar that I liked this year.

Everything was "sold out"-so we went with the trusty construction paper rings.

We've been reading a Christmas verse every morning.

The girls LOVE it.

LIVE nativity

I just have to blog about this, because there are still 2 nights left...

& we had such a great time last night!!!!  If you have a chance, you really should go & see it. 

(Probably the earlier the better...cause it got late for us.)  The girls loved it & were really captivated.  There are numerous scenes that you walk to as the story of Jesus unfolds! 

And my very dear friend is Mary in the closing scene!

Fabulous job Janelle!!!

For more information click here!

Care Group Christmas Party

On Wednesday night we had our Care Group Christmas Party.

This year, Jamie & Lyndon graciously invited us to join their care group for a wreath making party!

Jamie's parents have had a long standing tradition of doing this every December.

We were able to attend their extravagant event a few years ago!

For our party, we decided to keep things a bit more simple-but it was still so much fun!

Earlier in the (very rainy) day Scott & Lyndon set out to cut the greens. 

They had lots of fun & got completely soaked. 

Both of our groups arrived & we had fun making our wreaths while catching up & eating appetizers.

After the wreaths were assembled-we headed into the cozy house.

As the snow started falling, we enjoyed desserts & hot drinks.

It was such a fun night!  & now there is a fresh wreath hanging on my door!

My pictures of the night feel a bit random to me....as the lighting was dark etc. 

*our lovely hosts*

The table full of assorted greens & holly!

 ONE word for these two together=TROUBLE!

Katherine was probably giving great wisdom to these 2.  Look at how intently they are listening!  :)

Us with our wreath that you can hardly see cause it was dark!

Here are a few more that Jamie took:

The End.

Jyla & I took a visit to the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic again this week.

I am always amazed when I'm there.  We saw 6 different specialists & doctors all from different offices & practices.  They come together a few times a month to evaluate patients like Jyla. 

What a blessing.  Even though we were there for 3 hours,

it saves me from driving to each of them separately!

-Dentist

-Orthodontist

-Plastic Surgeon

-Audiologist

-Speech Therapist

-Pediatrician

Each of them evaluated her.  She STILL has a double ear infection.  It was recommended to us that we see an ENT & start the process of getting tubes put in.  She has been batteling fluid in her ears ever since we met her.  After that situation is improved, she should be able to hear more clearly & then we will need to start Speech therapy through IU-13.