I wish...

I have a stirring in my heart. A burning desire for family, friends, strangers, EVERYONE to know this beautiful peace and joy in my heart. To know that those unsettled, empty, desperate for more feelings are there for a reason. That it is your soul longing to be held by the one who brought it into being.
I get caught up in the day to day; being a wife, a mama, a business owner, a daughter, a friend...the list goes on and on. And by the end of the hour, day, week, month, year, I am exhausted. Worn out. Feeling a lack of motivation. Wondering why I feel a little lost, off balance, or just not content. And eventually it hits me, I need my Jesus. I need time with my Savior. I need to soak in the truth of his word. And when I do I am filled with a peace like no other. A peace that says, no matter what happens in this life, everything is going to be ok. That I am held and adored by the one who made the moon and stars.
And when I realize just how loved I am, it makes me want to love others with all I have. No matter how hard it is or how little they may deserve it. I want to show others this love that changes absolutely everything. And I remember my purpose. And why I am here. And I love my family better, set my priorities straight, find time each day for God. And it makes all the difference.
You, the one reading this right now. God adores you. He sent His Son to die on the cross for you. And his love is like nothing you have ever known. I pray that you would seek him. Make an effort to get to know him. Genuinely seek to know how amazing this love and peace is. It will change your life in beautiful, messy ways that you couldn't possibly imagine.

image from craftbakeswecreate.blogspot.com

A Day At the Orchard

On Saturday we took Liam and Gabe to an apple orchard. 

They played in the straw, jumped on the bouncy castle, rode a train, played with some animals, and sampled A LOT of apples. 

I couldn't pass up some fresh cider and had to share a caramel apple with my hubby.

Liam picked out a "cupcake", aka an apple muffin. It was DELISH!! 

And we all went home with a bag of some tasty apples. 

It was a fabulous day. I sure do love autumn! 

An Evening at the Falls

At the end of July we spent a beautiful summer evening at the falls. One of the most beautiful places in South Dakota. We had a picnic and explored around the Falls. I think it will definitely become a family tradition! 

Liam's best day!

One of Liam's favorite days from this summer was from July, when his Uncle D came out to swim with him and shoot hoops. We still talk about it every single day. And it is usually requested as a bed time or nap time story too. 

So thankful for time with family!

July Camping Week

In July we went camping for a whole week in Yankton with the Masters. Liam worked on learning to cast his fishing pole, played a lot of catch, tried to climb trees, and was a water bug as always. 

Liam showed Gabe that lakes are fun and tried to convince him that getting really dirty was awesome too. Gabe still isn't too sure about getting so dirty. 

We loved spending time with the whole family and enjoyed some special visits from Kyle, Tara, and their little puppy Oscar. 

Summer camping, you were so good to us! 

Liam Moment

While in the car, coming into town the other day:

Me: Liam, where do you live?

(expecting him to answer Parker)

Liam: In the mountains!!! 

(In his super excited voice) 

Oh sweet boy, daddy wishes that were true. 

10 Years

While we were on our Leiferman family vacation in June, we celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. Time is such a mystery. 

Those 10 years went by in a flash. Yet, it seems like Max has always been a part of my life and it is hard to remember him not being a part of any of my memories. 

I am so grateful for my loving, hilarious, and hard working husband. 

God has taken us down roads we never would have thought possible, had us walk some down right hard paths, and made us grow stronger as a couple through it all. 

10 years ago the thought of infertility would have terrified me rather than filling me gratitude, the thought of giving up control of my "plans" for how our life should look would have terrified me rather than excited me. Just look at this incredible life we are living because we said yes to trusting His plans for us.

I can't wait to see where the next 10 years leads us! 

I love you more than words Max Masters. 

Chinese lunch with the Leiferman fam on our anniversary. 

10 beautiful years with the one who holds my heart. 

Praising God for the beautiful gift of parenthood. 

We celebrated our anniversary with a baseball game! 

June 26, 2004

Mr. & Mrs. Max Masters