It is in giving that we receive....

It is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.

And it is dying that we are born to eternal life.

Make me an instrument of your peace.

I want to know what it's like to follow you.

When men look at me, I want them to see

the Light of the world inside.

This morning, I did something I have been wanting to do for a long time. Jess and I have made a commitment to sponsor Richelle in the Phillipines. For only $32/month, Jess and I will be helping provide 16yr old Richelle with educational opportunities, health care and supplemental nutrition, opportunities for safe recreation, opportunities to learn about important life skills, AND most important of all, our donation each month will allow Richelle to hear about Jesus and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God. Through Compassion.com , we will have the opportunity to get to know Richelle by writing her letters and sending and receiving photos! How fun!

You all should definitely check out: http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm . Take a look at all the photos of kiddos in need. You can read all about each individual child and where they live, what their family is like, and all kinds of stuff. I did a search to find a child born on Jess's birthday. There are no children quite that young on the website, but there are about 6 that shared the same day, so I picked Richelle. We are so excited to get to know her.

I had been hearing about Compassion on 90.9 KCBI for months, but I kept putting off actually doing anything about it. Lately, God has really been putting it on my heart to MOVE and sponsor a child. I was reminded to do so this morning, thanks to my kind hearted uncle that gave a very nice set of golf clubs to one of our co-workers who just had his stolen. When our co-worker was telling me about my uncle giving him those clubs, he actually had tears in his eyes and his lips were quivering. After experiencing that extremely heart warming moment, I had to MOVE. That's when Richelle came into our lives. :)

Lastnight, I shot some senior photos in my studio. In between outfit changes, my mom snuck some photos of me and Jess. Here are a few of my favorites:

I feel like life is just going by way way to fast fast fast these days. One week after another after another.... Jess's 5th tooth came in this week. I just look at her everyday and try to soak it all in. Her little baby body is turning into a little toddler body right before my eyes. She is such a precious little angel. I love her more than words. To the moon and back.

Jessica is still on the potty train. :) Every morning, first thing we do is sit on the potty... and she goes....every morning. She goes almost everytime I put her on it and then Mommy sings the potty song... "Tinkle tinkle, little Jess..." and does the potty dance, of course. Can't go potty without the potty dance. Here are a couple of pics I took of her the other night next to her potty.

And here is a big kiss from Jess to YOU!