S-O-PHIA

5 years ago this time I screamed my loudest most shrill throat tearing screams bringing this brilliant vivacious child into this world.  Her birth shattered my body to uncontrollable shakes and fever. She told me never to birth another baby in the hospital again.  She tells me how to be her mom and wears her whole heart so proud.  A smile for every day with sweet Sophia.  Happy Birthday, Love!

Leona, lion, lovely

This face and personality are something only God could contrive to create.  She is so captivating and ferociously beautiful.  Leona my love, may God keep you as His and live through your wild beauty.  

Eli Raynor love

Another tribute to my 4th heart swell who is growing more handsome everyday...

He is such a daily reflection of pure life and beauty.  Oh, to be in his fervently growing mind absorbing the world on such a primitive level, I would sleep like a baby!   

Even though we're just chewing the books right now it's never too early to expose them to a love for stories.

He is fascinated with the 75lb beast that carefully (mostly) walks around him on the floor.  They are intrigued with each other actually.  Both slobber and get around on all fours right now :)

Fun loving. 'Nough said.  I love you boy.

Adventures in Motherhood

I don't claim to have any answers in this journey of motherhood.  I trial and error with my kids every moment of every day by the grace of God they are safe and finding good reasons to smile in this life. 

Today, while venturing something new with all four I questioned every moment of my leading them with me to this big uncertain place.  I was impressed with them.  They respected the foreign nature of their environment and trusted every boundary I gave them.  In hindsight I wish I had relied more on the Lord, during the many moments of insecurity and the unknown.  I wish I had prayed with the kids before we stepped foot out of the car.  I wish I were more predisposed to faith instead of fret.

It is so perpetually generous of God to always be watching, caring, protecting even when we don't give Him a single thought for hours at a time.  

"Thank you dear Lord for keeping me and my four precious children safe and surrounded by your overwhelming love today and always.  Thank You God!"

They are in God's sovereign hands. 

Lamentation

There's a famous dance by Martha Graham called "Lamentation" where she dances the entire piece wrapped in this tube of fabric.  Sounds totally weird but it really conveys a sense of trapped in pain expression.  Here's Martha Graham in my favorite pose:

I've have always been captivated by this image as it represents a form of locked struggle.

Here's my rendition with regard to my sense of struggle:

It's not entirely as grieved as I saw in my head but actually more prayerful which is where I believe the Lord wants me right now.

I have no expectations that this is anything but my artistic rant through my emotional storm right now.  Just purging through charcoal.  

Make up Artist

My little make up artist in training...

Check out her arm.  She is running out of  work space.  This is what fills her sweet creative tank, so be it.  Love you Sophia Marie!

Searching for self

Self portrait, I think I was too generous...