Seven Kids Under Five

March 17, 2015 by Aliesha

Last week some sweet friends, Joshua and Stephanie, came to stay with us! Between our two families there were seven kids five and under (5, 4.5, 4, 3, 2.5, 1, and 7 months)! It sounds like it would be crazy, but it was really a lot of fun. Our kids played together so well!

Their family is an encouragement and blessing to us, and we always love getting together with them (which, since we live in different states, is usually once or twice a year).

Maybe next time we’ll get a picture of all of the kids! Just the girls were interested this time.

I found these pictures of Stephanie and me from 2008 (I believe) – before either of us were engaged!

And now!

Isn’t it great to have friendships where we can just pick up where we left off? Such a blessing!

Memorial Day Weekend & “Beach” Trip

May 31, 2014 by Aliesha

Over Memorial Day weekend, my sweet friend Kristy (my roommate from my freshman year of college) came to visit our family! This is her third time visiting us (first time here and second time here). So far, I’ve added another baby every time she’s come! I hope our “busy” kiddos weren’t too much for her!

We had a great time over the weekend picnicking, shopping, talking, going to church, hanging out, and visiting new places.

On Memorial Day, we went to a state park not too far from us where we got to hang out on this beautiful beach!

It’s a river, but it has small waves and a sandy beach, plus the swimming area is shallow very far out.

Vera absolutely loved the water! We didn’t pack swimsuits, so we just waded out to our knees.

We promised Vera we’ll bring her swimsuit next time!

This kind of counts as Jude’s first beach trip!

He thought the water was pretty cool.

The girls loved spending time with Kristy.

We packed chocolate chip cookies in our lunch, so that’s what’s all over CC’s face, not dirt. She didn’t want to get in the water at all, but maybe next time she will!

It was so fun spending time with Kristy while she was here!

Did you spend any time outside last weekend? The weather was PERFECT here!

True Community

December 5, 2013 by Aliesha

This week, I hosted our annual ladies’ Bible study Christmas party. We had a great crowd, with sixteen ladies in attendance! We laughed a lot and enjoyed great food, but we also swapped prayer requests and shared struggles with one another.

I am so blessed by this group of women who enrich my life in so many ways.

We share joys together. I think about this past year – 4 new babies, new foster babies, new jobs, new ministry opportunities, and many answered prayers.

We also share sorrows… the family crises, job losses, parenting struggles, ministry challenges, and health concerns.

We’ve cried together, laughed a lot, brought meals to one another, and shared openly about our trials, weaknesses, and fears. Our hearts have been knit together as we’ve surrounded each other to pray and offer encouragement.

I love that we all come from different backgrounds, churches, and are varied in age and profession. The bond as sisters in Christ runs deep!

These women are my true community, and I am thankful God has brought us together!