http://www.bshirleyphotography.com/

So today we Eli and I went over to Brandy's so she could edit the pics she took of our fam! She has an unbelievable gift in taking pics and bringing the color out in them! I was amazed at the process as she let me watch her editing routine! Let me just say I'm still in awe. Anyhow, I wanted to share some photos, and yes I got her permission! So, here are some pics she took and her blog/website...so you can check out her incredible work too!

Click here to link to her blog: Brandy

Picture day!

Yesterday our dear friend Brandy came to take pictures of Eli and our family. Let me just tell you that she has a gift! Her pictures are incredible and I can't wait to see the ones she took yesterday! Hopefully I will be able to share a couple soon.

I am convinced, however, that Eli knows when things are going to occur that are outside his routine...therefore, he "lost his mind" while eating breakfast and throughout the day periodically. I am still unsure what his deal is other than he is figuring out the independence thing and attempting to practice it. I can't help but think if this how it looks to God when we just simply want things one way and forget to completely trust in Him. I have done things my way a lot lately, and simply need to give it all up to Him at the beginning of the day....how much smoother things run!

Anyhow, we were able to grill out with our community group last night, which was so nice. The weather has been gorgeous here, and we are so grateful! We talked about the idea that why do we so often live with the mentality that one day we will all just "start over" (when we get to heaven). We talked about the idea that heaven will be that much sweeter if we view it as a continuation of the celebration, and that our lives would count so much more if we lived in the now instead of in the hope of heaven....I want so much to be part of the celebration then, but why can't we be part of it now....He has redeemed me.....and though I look forward to what is ahead, I also am so excited for what He is doing now...and I long to be a part of that now.

As for today April 24th....we have a Birthday to celebrate!! Happy Birthday Dad Keith!! We love you so much!! Hope you enjoy this day greatly!!

I will hopefully update sooner than I did...I had to update now b/c my dear sister asked for an update. So, there you have it for today! Have a good one!

Grateful

Things we are grateful for:

1. Nick and Jenny welcomed Bryce Andrew Johnson into the world Wednesday night! What a beautiful glimpse of the Lord's goodness.

2. Health to go outside and play.

3. The beautiful Atlanta weather.

4. Slides. Sand Boxes. Catipillars.

5. Times to Rest.

This week has been good. We have spent a lot of time outside which has been nice. The highlight of the week had to be Eli climbing into the sand and water table...water side first and being caked in sand. The reason we were encouraged to get one of these (Jenny...ha!) opposed to the sitting down kind was to cut down on the mess a sit down sand box brings....Eli managed to trump the whole concept of that....but it didn't phase him one bit that he wasn't really "suppose" to do it. Anyhow, it's been fun watching him discover how it is intended to work.

We look forward to spending some time with some friends this weekend. It will be great fun!

Today we went to a playground...which is always tons of fun...that's what some of the pics on top are from!

Just another fun day with Eli!

We were able to meet up with Megan and "baby" Riley...but, she is almost three! Fun times at Chickfila!

The weather was beautiful so we spent the afternoon outside and I managed to get a few shots in! Eli is growing so fast!

What a week!

I must say it's been awhile since I have updated this. My sister called today and said that I needed to update the blog....so, I am finally sitting down to do it. Overall it's been a very slow week, b/c last Sunday night Eli woke up coughing his little head off...poor guy! He had a really rough night and had to make a trip to see the doctor the next morning. It turns out it is probably allergies/asthma. On top of that he has officially cut all his teeth except for one...so, that explains the multiple shirt/bib changes throughout the day. Poor guy...hopefully, we are nearing the end of this phase!

I need to back up to a few highlights of the previous week before I forget.....Mom and Dad Keith called last week with such a sweet surprise.....they had purchased tickets for us to go see Sugarland on Thursday night at The Fox in Atlanta. It was a great concert, and we are still overwhelmed that they did this for us! I had never been....and was amazed at the inside of this theatre. We haven't been to a concert in awhile...so, it was such a good time for us. Thank you so much! We were able to spend some time together as a family on Friday, which was nice and the message on Sunday was from a series by Louie Giglio called "Hope" which we have both heard before...but, it is probably one of if not the best series I have ever heard preached. I would recommend it to anyone! It was such an incredible reminder that the "hard times" in our lives are a megaphone for our lives....and this was true with the picture of the cross...if you think of Jesus most of our minds go first to the Cross...Jesus used this as the greatest message of history. If Christ could point to His Father through the most painful of times, then why should that not be the greatest time for us to showcase Jesus (because He is the only One that can truly get us through those times to begin with). Anyhow, it was an incredible message...I can't say this enough.

As for this week.....it is hard to see your child sick. When he woke up Sunday night we would have given anything to have taken his discomfort away....but, I was reminded that this is part of life for everyone...and these times make the times he is well that much sweeter. He has been a real trooper this week, b/c we have stayed inside, which is so hard for him b/c he would rather be outside than anywhere else! We were praising the Lord for the rain for many reasons...but, mostly for the chance to wash some of the pollen away so Eli could go outside for a little while today! How he loved that time!

We look forward to seeing what is ahead this week! Hopefully, we will update a little more often.

Glory

Well, Eli and I got back from a morning out and on the way home we went by the FBCW playground for an hour....which he loves. It amazes me how much energy someone his size can have...but, he does sleep over twelve hours a day so that could explain something....if only...ha! Overall, it's been a pretty productive day. Not much has been going on...but, I have been reading through John and it has been pretty great. The Lord revealed a verse to me in John7:18 "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him." What an incredible heart check for the reasons and motivations of our words and actions. Thank you Jesus!

Here are some pics of Eli from the past few weeks....I am going to do better with pictures....let's hope!