For Yvonne

My sweet neighbor has mentioned to me that she would like to see a picture of me every once in a while. My dear Yvonne, these are for you. Well, actually, these pictures were taken because I am in hardly any pictures, and I know my daughters are going to want to see pictures of their mother from "back in the day," so on Mother's Day, I insisted I have pictures taken of me with the girls. But, I am posting them here for Yvonne. ;)

Healing

My daughters are amazing. They don't know how much pain my husband and I are in right now, but they seem to know that I need more kisses and hugs. I've been very careful to not cry in front of them, but somehow...they know. I think our guardian angels must be speaking to one another and whispering hints into their ears. I'm so grateful for my girls. They snuggle with me, kiss me, hug me, and point out all the beauty that is around us. Just the other day, one of my girls show the tiniest little butterfly sitting on a small clover blossom. I don't know that I've ever seen such a small butterfly up close, so I had to get a picture.

Dear Lord, thank you for my family. You know what we need, and you always provide.

Trying to find comfort

Oh my Jesus, despite the deep night that is all around me and the dark clouds which hide the horizon, I know that the sun never goes out. O Lord, though I cannot comprehend You or understand Your ways, I nevertheless trust in Your mercy. If it is Your will, Lord, that I live always in such darkness, may You be blessed. I ask you only one thing, Jesus: do not allow me to offend You in any way. O my Jesus, You alone know the longings and sufferings of my heart. I am glad I can suffer for You, however little. When I feel that the suffering is more than I can bear, I take refuge in the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and I speak to Him in profound silence. -From the diary of St. Faustina

Someone had her first birthday!

My youngest had her first birthday! There are days I can't believe it has been a year since she was born, and there are other days I can't believe it's been only a year. Little Thumper continues to brings us joy and confound us with her stubbornness and dislike of sleep. She loves her sisters, loves to play, but is often quite serious. She's a funny little honey, and our family wouldn't be complete without her. I love her so much! Oh, and she gives THE BEST hugs. Really. She does. They are amazing.

 Here she is on her birthday:
In other exciting news, my SIL had her second baby! I have a new little niece, and I can't wait to meet her in June! Oh, the months can't pass quickly enough.

We had some excitement on Saturday when Peanut saw a snake in our yard.  Thankfully it was a harmless ribbon snake, and thankfully Peanut saw it before she stepped on it.  Am I the only one who thinks it looks silly resting on a dandelion?  That seems so...unsnake-like. 

Also, Peanut, who is four, got her first haircut. She was incredibly excited to go to the "beauty salon," and claims they "cut only three hairs." Oh, my silly munchkins.

Counting Blessings

The world is filled with so much tragedy and ugliness. My heart weeps for those affected by the bombs in Boston, and I'm offering up prayers for everyone. I think now is a good time to focus on the beautiful gifts we are given. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the beautiful spring days that bring bare feet, dresses, and time spent in cherry trees.

A few more from the engagement session

I can't wait to go to their wedding! I hope they let me take some pre-wedding photos of the bridesmaids and the bride getting ready.

Engage!

I get to go to a wedding this summer! I'm so excited for my friends, and I was thrilled that they asked me to take some engagement pictures for them. Here are a few.