welcome to my little online home.

I created this blog in September 2005 at a time when I needed to find my voice. At first, it was simply an outlet to stay connected and share the tidbits of my newly-married life with friends from all the places I've lived. Soon, it became so much more...a place for me to regularly practice gratefulness and to share my photography and art, and a forum for my writing.

I've traveled to India after the tsunami and played with orphans in the most remote village you could imagine. I've traveled to Africa and walked through slums and washed my hair in a well.

But the biggest challenge for me has been walking with joy and freedom in my everyday life, right here.

Through sharing my words and photos here, I'm encouraged to truly embrace the life I've been given instead of wishing I had another one. I hope it encourages and inspires you to do the same.

~ ~ ~

A few other tidbits?

Our family owns an urban farmstead and organic produce co-op in Dallas called Urban Acres. You can learn more about that here.

We have two precious daughters - Luci Isabelle, a spirited, four-year-old who is full of joy and the freedom of a butterfly, and our newest little one, Norah Jewell, a peaceful little soul with pillowy cheeks who looks like a baby girl version of my husband. With curly hair.

Speaking of him, our marriage is far from perfect, but I cannot imagine life without Steven by my side. We've walked through almost every trial imaginable, but after 10 years together and 9 years of marriage, I still get goose bumps when his hand touches my back. Thank you, Lord.