pixie dust.

it was just yesterday she was prancing around in my favorite pink cowgirl boots. fairy wings sagging behind her as she magically danced around the front yard, sprinkling her cuteness around like pixie dust in the hollow.

now's she asking me to call her dude because it's cool and spends way too much time in front of the mirror than any five year old should. oh, sorry, i meant five and a half. she is almost six, you know.


look at that face. it used to get her anything she wanted...who am i kidding, it still totally does.

{jessa girl at 2 & a half}

then and now.

this soft pink blankie, littered in all its girly flowers, has seen many, many miles. swaddled around snugly baby miley. wrapped around shoulders. draped over head. laid across lap. a cushion for her infant carseat. a sleepover pal. a peek-a-boo buddy. drug through the supermarket. across the zoo. down the elevator. this blankie has been her favorite from day one.


*separation anxiety may or may not be provoked when said blankie needs washing.

summer sweetness.

i just love the colors of summer as they brightly wrap themselves around little babushkas - in all of their hot pink, florescent orange, ocean turquoise goodness. it makes me want an ice cream cone filled with scoops of raspberry sorbet.

*summer swims with visiting friends...nothing's sweeter*

birthday girl!

dear miley rae,

where to even begin with you...your cuteness is indescribable by words and your sweetness can only be experienced through your little kisses. i'm amazed that God knew you were exactly what our family needed and by adding you, He added a flavor of giggles and joy that seep into our everyday together. i love how you wake up - crazy bed hair with smiles and hugs ready for everyone. i love the way you say bye {how you pronounce it "dye"} - kisses all around before you leave. i love how you make silly faces, each one more funny than the last. i love your cheesy smile for the camera. i love how adventurous you are, exploring independently. i love how you climb. dig. and run. i even love how you drink your juice. how your tiny voice has such a powerful impact on my heart. how your nose crinkles. when it comes down to it, i love every little thing about you. you sprinkle cuteness all around just by being you.

on this special birthday, mommy and daddy are praying for Jesus to wrap you in His love and grace. you are His, and we pray you grow learning more about Jesus everyday. we love you entirely - happy birthday sweet girl!!

the real deal.

even though i look twelve in this picture, i love it for so many reasons. some are really obvious, while others are told only by the story of this mama's heart. it's a picture that i needed to end my day with today. a picture that takes away the struggle i had with self-patience today. a picture that bubbles joy to overflowing. leaps love from every corner. makes my soul do the happy dance.

new eyes.

i love seeing something truly for the first time. i knew it was there before, all along. i knew the simplicity of their innocence and the beauty of their smiles were present from the second they were born. i knew it. but did i truly see it?

i would like to think so.

but, wow. just look at them. so intricately designed. masterfully created. delicately placed. each piece having a reason. each giggle finding a place in our home. i want to see this every day. i want to see them every day.