A Day of Play

A year ago Addison began her journey with orthodontics. 

She started with top braces and the Herbst Appliance which Daddy felt terribly guilty for her having to endure. Addi quickly became squeaky every time she opened her mouth and found many foods unable to eat because of the new jewelry. Somewhere in this process, Tim made a deal that in a year when it is removed, the two of them would take a day trip to Disneyland. No where in the paperwork did I sign up for that agreement, but with these two big kids, it was going to be impossible to stop them. 

Last week the day came when the Herbst came out and bottom braces were glued on. 

Done. Flights booked and bags packed.

Off they went for a day of Daddy-Daughter play. What Tim didn't think about was this was the first of four kids that will most likely all need the same orthodontic process...hmmm...do for one; do for all.

Have fun kids...

The Mill Inn

I was going to do a 2016 recap, but there is only one main event that deserves its own recap. There were many other amazing things that happened, people we met, places we went or little ones that joined our family, but this, this I am so proud of for many reasons. 

Let me explain and be the first to introduce...

(Well, I'm not really the first as this is months late past the formal introduction.)

The Mill Inn. 

Miss Bee Turns One

It is such a joy to celebrate birthdays and especially the very first birthday of a little person.
Miss Bee turned one this week (January tenth) and of course we had to celebrate with smash cakes, goodies and a visit from our friend Jodi for professional pictures. (Will try to share a few, but unfortunately we still need to leave no Internet footprint for the safety of Miss Bee.)

We invited our family and friends over to join in the celebration and watch as Miss Bee enjoyed her first tasting of something super sweet; frosting. 

One tradition that will now become a yearly part of this one's birthday celebrations is Baylee's Chocolate Mousse. Yep, her namesake will take shape into yummy adult only treats given to all those who suffer through boring birthday parties where the kids will never remember details besides through pictures. Thanks Pinterest for the recipe.

From Our Family to Yours...

Looks Guilty

Mommy: Myriam, what are you eating? Did you eat chocolate?

Myriam: (with chocolate smudges in the corner of her mouth) No.

Mommy: Are you sure you're telling me the truth?

Myriam: (shakes her head yes)

Mommy: I won't be mad if you tell me the truth but if you lie to me I'll be very upset.

Myriam: I didn't do anything.

She then turns around and starts to walk away from me 

WITH THE EVIDENCE STUCK TO HER BACK!

I only needed to say "Myriam" and she redirected her steps to the wall sit without me even asking. 

Looks guilty. Tastes guilty. Found guilty.

10 Things About Our Weekend

This is what happens when the weekend was supposed to look one way, then 

the sick kids changed the itinerary.

It began early Thursday morning with the littlest princess blessing mommy down the front of her followed with another crowned one Friday night and into Saturday morning with the oldest royalty. The prince has managed to keep from catching this bug, but at this rate things may 

change by the time I publish this post. 

Mommy and Daddy tag-teamed the clean-up and demands of those not feeling very well, but it left us no time to prep for a planned family party on Sunday. 

If you come to our front door the remnants of blasted diapers will greet you and the piles of sheets, towels and blankets will be found around the corner that need to be folded after washing. 

His Heart is Overseas

No matter how many times Tim travels to Cambodia, it's always these images that break me as a human, a mother and someone with a huge heart. This girl speaks so many things even though not a word was spoken. Her eyes tell stories; her location gives way to her reality. She doesn't know any different; may never get the chance to see past her village walls. 

And yet, what you do see is joy; contentment; family. 

It is in almost everyone you meet that shares this hospitality and love. 

The purpose of this trip was to support New Life Church in hosting another marriage conference with speakers, Hans & Star Molegraaf, from Marriage Revolution. Last fall Hans flew with Tim and I, fell in love with the people and was quick to say yes to another conference. Before this conference, there was a little bit of getting a lay of the land as both Star and Erik Vanderpol, employee and friend of Tim's, had never been to this side of God's creation.