Kind Words

When we started the adoption process, we decided to call an acquaintance of ours to take some professional photographs of us. We wanted to have some photos to really capture who we are as a couple and the love that we have for each other. Her name is Sarah Teeples and she did an amazing job! She posted this on her website and I wanted to share it. It deeply touched me:

"I don’t typically say much about the people I get to photograph. First, I don’t really know how much they want me to share, and I’d like to respect their privacy. Second, it’s kind of weird writing about people I only have a brief glimpse into their lives. And third, well, I just don’t like to divulge too many secrets of all the fun we have during their session! But, this post is going to be a little different from the norm:
I got a phone call from a gal that I know named Jessica. She’s wonderful. I don’t know her well, but what I do know of her, I think she is so great! Jessica is very much not like me, she has so many qualities I wish I had! I sort-of, kind-of, knew she and her husband, Austin, were going through the process of adoption. Jessica called to ask me to take some pictures of she and Austin for their adoption profile and blog. I was extremely excited to take their photos and something unexpected happened.
You see, I was excited to study them as a couple, sort of like how I take engagement pictures. But, further, to show the side of them that they are in love (but not in an engagement sort of way). In a way that these are individuals who have grown together and have an everlasting bond. Individuals who have become one. So, what was so unexpected? I didn’t know just how wonderful this beautiful couple was. I didn’t understand the depth of their love for one another (and still don’t). I didn’t understand how much this trial has brought them together (and still don’t). I didn’t understand just how much they would impact me. Austin and Jessica are two of the most incredible people I’ve met! As I got to spend the few hours with them that I did, I could see their love for one another. Their hopes and dreams. I could see glimpses of their pain and how hard it is to be denied such a precious gift (for the time being). But I could also see their overwhelming joy and hope and anticipation of a precious child that will certainly come into their home!
Over the past year I’ve been privileged to get to know Jessica more and more. The more and more I get to know her the further convinced I am that any child who comes into their home will be one who is forever loved and cherished. One who is given opportunity. One who joins a solid extended family. One who will certainly be the center of these parent’s lives. I hope that beautiful baby comes to you soon, Austin and Jessica!
If you, or someone you know, is facing the most difficult decision of placing your child for adoption, won’t you please take a look at Austin and Jessica’s page: https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/27837893/ourMessage.jsf

A day with Austin

Austin babysat for his sister a couple of days ago, while she went to an appointment.
Our nephews just love him! Here's a couple of pictures from the babysitting adventure day!

Our nephews Ramsey and Levi love their uncle Austin!!

Three birthday parties!!

Austin, his sister Chelsea, and her son Levi all have birthdays within a few days of each other. So we had a combined birthday party for them at Austin's sister's house. It was a lot of fun... his sister decorated with purple for Chelsea and camo for Austin. It turned out really nice. It was nice to get together with family and celebrate!

All three birthday kids!

Happy early 27th birthday!

So excited about his new jetboil

 

Our nephew Lane, helping him open his presents

Levi getting ready to open the presents from us

 

He loved his Rody bouncing horse that we got him!!

A Day with Korra

Today I got to spend the day with my niece Korra. We played on the swingset at grandma's house and she just loved it. She's such a cutie and getting so big!

Tina's birthday

Austin's mom's birthday was this month and so we had a family get together to celebrate! Here's a couple of pictures :)

Me and our nephew Levi

Our nephew Lane with his candy cake he made for Grammy

Tina (Austin's mom) with "the boys"

I made miniature pies with cool whip chickens on top. Tina loves her chickens so I thought this would be a cute idea!

Grammy with all the grandbabies

Annual Family Camping Trip

Every year Austin's family goes up to Swan Lake and goes camping and huckleberry picking for a week. This year was the first year that we have been able to go since we have been married. It was a great time... we spent lots of time with everyone playing on the lake, picking huckleberries and hanging out. We're already looking forward to next year!

Austin with our nephew Ross

Getting ready to go on the wave runner

Me and Austin on the wave runner

Us with our dog Max on the wave runner. He loved it!

Austin with our nephews Clayten and Lane. They love their uncle!

Pictures in our huckleberry tie dye shirts!

Austin's sister Moriah and her family

His sister Chelsea and her family

His parents with all the grandbabies

Group shot

His sister Clarisse and her family

Our nephew Lane showing off his purple fingernails

Pretty purple fingernails!! It made picking huckleberries kinda hard though because I kept confusing my nails with the berries!

Another nephew!!

My sister had her second child yesterday... and now we have another nephew!! It's so exciting! I watched my niece while her and my brother in law were at the hospital. He's such a precious little thing. It's so amazing to see how precious a newborn  baby is... I just love him so much. I can't wait until they bring him home and I get to spend some more time with him.

Me and Mattix

Such a cutie!

Proud mama :)