Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Whirlwind

It's been busy in my life recently. I haven't really minded it, but I'm glad that it's calmed down.

I've officially finished my first year of graduate school. I'm amazed at just how fast this year has gone. I've applied to start my internship in the summer and I'm so excited. When I started school, internship was the farthest thought from my mind. "It will be forever until I have to start thinking about internship." Well friends, in less than a month, I'll be going to our school's internship fair. I'm hoping to find work in corrections, but we shall see.

This Christmas, I decided not to ask for gifts. Instead, I decided to ask for money to help in covering my trip to Haiti in March. I'm so incredibly thankful for my wonderful family and friends who have been of such amazing help to me. As of now, I have just over half of my trip paid for. To know that is a relief. I'm majorly praising God because He has provided for me in so many ways. However, I'd would like to continue to covet your prayers as I begin to prepare my heart for this journey that is bound to change it.

I've been able to spend some incredible time with a wonderful man by the name of Daniel. In November, we celebrated one year together and I have truly been able to count my blessings when it comes to him. He has been so incredible. He knew just how stressed I was and as a Christmas/birthday gift, he gave me two meals together in addition to two massages. Yes friends, two massages. What a perfect gift. Time with him and some stress relief.

Tomorrow, I celebrate the big 2-4. I'll work in the morning, go to lunch and to massage with Daniel, celebrate with my family, then go ice skating. Sounds like a wonderful way to party to me!

I guess that's all I have for now. Hopefully I'll remember to blog more often!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Chivalry

Meet Emerson.


I loved her from the second I knew she would be joining our family.


I mean, really...how could you not?


She started growing up...and getting cuter was definitely one of her strengths.


She's very smart...here she is showing us where we can find our bellies.


Her hair and personality match quite nicely.


As she got older, her personality grew bigger and bolder. She can be a sassy little princess. But she is a princess nonetheless.


My little peanut and I spent lots of time together at Thanksgiving. She loves wearing her tiara and telling me things like "that's not what a princess would do." We played a game where a prince came riding in on his white horse and awoke the sleeping beauty with kiss. Of course I was the prince, but I didn't mind. It took me years and years to find my prince. He came in a white car, not on a white horse, but boy is he handsome.

Emerson Elizabeth, you are a princess. Never ever forget that. You deserve a prince who is as wonderful to you as your daddy is to you and your mommy. Don't settle for anything less. I love you, pretty princess. You and your contagious joy.

Monday, October 18, 2010

I will go, Lord, send me...

Over the last two years, my walk with the Lord has changed dramatically. There's been ups and downs and plenty of speed bumps. But thankful isn't a big enough word to express how I'm feeling about all of this.

In September of 2008, God called me into a prison to take a class alongside inmates. That class changed my life in a huge way. It led me from wanting to be a teacher to wanting to help rehabilitate prisoners. It's a dream that I am now in school for. I volunteered in a prison. I volunteered in a youth correctional facility. I fell more and more in love with the work that I did with each visitor pass I put on and with each safety door that slammed behind me.

This weekend, I was presented with the opportunity to become a part of a ministry at Rosemont, a treatment facility for troubled teen girls. I'm not sure what to expect, but I go on Sunday for a "trial run." I'm so thrilled that I may get to be a part of this and I truly hope that God will continue to work through my life to be a witness to these young girls.

Since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of going on a mission trip. My long time childhood friend Jordan and I used to hold garage and bake sales to raise money for a missions trip to Mexico. In the fall of 2009, I wanted to be able to go on a six-week mission trip to Uganda. That didn't work out either. At the time, I was heartbroken. But I now see that God had better plans for me. He gave me a chance to reconnect with an incredible man, who I have now been together with for almost a year now. I was also interviewed an accepted into a graduate school program. He was also preparing my heart for something else.

My new Church home in Portland, Beaverton Foursquare, is sending missions teams to Haiti for a year. When I first heard about it, I prayed a great deal, asking the Lord to guide me in the way He wants me to go...and He's told me that I need to go. So, I contacted the woman in charge. Unless something comes up, I'm going to be headed to Haiti in March. I'm not sure there are words to express my joy. My parents and boyfriend are extremely supportive and are going to do all they can to make sure I have the money to go. I'll be working in an orphanage...how amazing is that going to be?

I love the way God works. He prepared my heart for so many things I didn't think I could ever be prepared for.

"I will go, Lord, send me. To the world, to the lost, to the poor and hungry. Take everything I am, I'm clay within your hands. I will go..."

Prayers are greatly appreciated for this new spiritual work I'm about to journey down. I'm so looking forward to serving the Lord.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Pink

On September 19, I walked in celebration of my amazing mother, who will celebrate 10 years cancer free in February, 2011. I also walked in celebration of my gramma, my godmother, and in memory of my Aunt Bev. I felt honored to walk next to so many incredible women who have had to, or who may have to one day, fight like a girl. On that day, and for many more days to come, I wear pink.









To all those who have fought this fight and went home to be with the Lord, know that you are loved and deeply missed by all who knew you. It takes an incredible person to be willing to fight this.

To all those who have fought this fight and beat it, you are some of the most incredibly strong women I've ever met. You are being prayed for always. Your courage is amazing.

To all those who are currently in this fight, keep fighting. Live every day with meaning and conviction. The strength you possess is immeasurable. Remember, this diagnosis isn't a death sentence...it's a reason to live better than you ever have before.

To all those who may someday have to fight this fight, know that you never have been and never will be alone. We will continue to walk for you, and to walk with you. Always remember that you are loved.

To all those who know someone fighting, know someone who fought, or have lost a loved one to this fight, I am with you. And I know that life can be hard and scary. But your strength is beautiful and appreciated. Take care of yourself and know that we walk for you.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Oh dear...

It's been a while, hasn't it? Funny thing is that the this entire month, I had no school. So it wasn't like I was busy or anything...just lazy, I guess :)

But not too much has happened in the last month...

My family made our annual trip to the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference. This year, we were in Orlando, so we got to spend a couple days in Disney World. Following Florida, we spent some time in Savannah, Charleston, and Charlotte. We were able to spend time with family in Charlotte, which was wonderful.

Upon coming home, I finished my LAST class for the summer and have been working. I've been able to spend some wonderful time with Daniel. Out on his boat, making dinners together, spending time with friends, and going to the beach. We've been together nine months now and it's been wonderful. I like him a whole heap :)

I've also been blessed in the time that I've spent with my family. Samantha had her regional special olympics tournament, and both my mother and father were able to be unified partners this year. Dad and mom took gold with their partners, Sam took silver (her best year yet), and mom and Sam took the sportsmanship award. We went up to Multnomah Falls for my mom's birthday and enjoyed a perfect day for a lovely hike.

Tomorrow, I'm off to Texas with my family and Daniel. We're headed to the OSU/TCU football game on Saturday and I'm THRILLED that football season is finally starting! Daniel and I are meeting up with a dear friend of his and his wife for dinner when we arrive and will also be going to Six Flags Over Texas before the game. I'm thrilled to be spending one last weekend having a blast before starting school up again.

Well friends, here's to hoping that I'll blog again soon! Oh, also, visit my new blog: shannonleephoto.blogspot.com. I'm hoping to start up a new photography adventure and would love some feedback!

Blessings and love.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Time with the (belated) birthday boy

Little man is getting more and more handsome by the minute! He's a funny little munchkin with lots of smiles to share...as long as you don't greet him right after he wakes up from a nap. It was so wonderful seeing him, his mama, and his papa. They're all coming to Portland very soon, so a double dose of my little man? Yes please!



Monday, July 12, 2010

Final baby birthday of the summer

My little man, Beckett, turned two in July! He and his parents live in North Carolina, so it's rare that I get the opportunity to see him. However, I am very thankful that I get to see him in a week(ish). Until I get pictures of my own, these are from his mama of his choo-choo birthday! He wasn't too keen on being sung to, but once he got a hold of his cake, he was just fine. I love you, little man! Can't wait to see you soon!



Wednesday, July 7, 2010

When difficulties become blessings

So, for those of you who don't know, I've been going through a lot lately. I've learned a lot about myself recently. And a lot about those around me.

A friend of mine has been so incredibly helpful. She was there for me right after I went to urgent care. She referred me to a good specialist. When I needed a good physical therapist, she pulled some strings for me. She checked up on me constantly while leading an incredibly busy life. Thank you, S.

Multiple classmates did all they could for me. Taking notes. Talking to teachers. Contacting me throughout the week to see if I needed anything. Checking with me at each class to make sure I was okay. Thank you, J, P, A, B, M, and A.

My family has been supportive. Driving up to spend time with me. Helping with payments. Praying for me. I'm so thankful for you, D, M, and S.

My boyfriend has never left my side. He was up all night with me when I went to the ER...twice. Went with me to doctor's appointments. Made sure I knew that these difficulties aren't going to do anything to us but make us stronger. Prayed for me and with me. I wouldn't have made it this far without him. I don't know what I'd do without him. Thank you, D.

But, above all, God has shown me beyond a doubt that He knows exactly what's going on. He has a plan for me. And I may get frustrated and angry and feel like He's given up on me. But He hasn't. Isn't that beautiful? He sees me pout and cry and throw a tantrum like a two year old, but He wipes my tears, wraps me up in His arms, and tells me to stay strong in my walk with Him. He's got the map and I've learned to trust Him entirely.

I'm still a work in progress. We all are. But I know now that, even when I hit a brick wall, there will be people on the other side talking me through it.

So, I'm thankful for those difficulties. They've become some incredible blessings.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Blessed

Feeling particularly blessed today. Mostly because of this guy...



Thankful for him daily.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Time to get personal

Well...sort of. I haven't done a post "about me" in a while, so here you go friends!

...I am pleased to announce that my wonderful boyfriend was accepted into the marriage and family therapy program at George Fox! He will be starting in the fall. I'm excited for another journey that we'll get to go on together.

...Summer semester has kept me so incredibly busy that it's not even funny. I took less credits than I did in the fall, but because the semester is essentially half of a normal semester, classes are longer and the workload is heavier. Next week I finish up one of my classes with a final, and the week after I finish another with a presentation. Then, my intensive trauma courses will continue throughout the summer, but at least I can just take the time to focus on those.

...In 22 days, I will be attending the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference with my family. I'm so excited and very ready for a vacation.

...In 71 days, I'm off to the TCU/OSU football game! Daniel will be coming with us and we're both so excited. I think Daniel and I are thankful that we've found someone who adores football as much as the other person.

...I'm busy with work at 24 Hour Fitness. I love the people I work with. And playing with kids that I can give back after two hours is a pretty sweet deal in my eyes.

...In a few weeks, I'll begin a two day a week babysitting job with my three lovely ladies. Catherine, Audrey, and Caroline will be mine for a few hours and I'm very much looking forward to it.

...The sunshine is finally out! I'm trying to get as much time as I can in out there, but school and work like to keep me inside. Booo.

I think that's all from me for now. But I'm looking forward to a wonderful summer!

Hope you all are well!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Growtivation

A friend of mine who is on a worship team at Church shared this video with me. I think it's fantastic...

...and true.

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Happy Birthday, Emerson!

Okay...so...I'm a little bit behind with birthday celebrations, but baby (aka Emerson) turned three years old on May 7th. I still can't believe my favorite little red headed girlie is three years old. I wasn't able to attend her birthday party, but my mom was able to snap some cute pictures at it. Happy birthday, baby! I love you!



Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Birthday fit for a princess

This past Friday, I spent a fun few hours with my little Audrey bug to celebrate her fourth birthday. We filled our afternoon with shopping, watching "Snow White," completing Ariel's scavenger hunt, painting nails and eating snacks. Bug fell asleep on the drive home...it's a lot of work being a princess!





Monday, May 3, 2010

Pieces

I believe that people are made up of pieces. And those pieces make us into beautiful, wonderful wholes. People tell you that they love you to pieces. So how convenient that we're already made up of pieces that they can love us to.
I'm blessed to have people that love me to pieces, and blessed to have people that I can love to pieces. I don't have kids. I don't have nieces and/or nephews. But someday, God willing, I hope to have both. Until then, I have seven beautiful, wonderful little ones that I can love to pieces. And here is just a sample of the pieces I get to love.

Catherine

I love the piece that is grown up and wise beyond her years. The piece that still wants to be a little girl. The piece that isn't afraid to bear hug you and ask you not to leave. I love the piece that loves gymnastics as much as I do. The piece that has a contagious giggle. The piece that loves.

Audrey

I love the piece that loves her dress up clothes. The piece that dresses up like a princess because she is one. The piece that wants to be included in everything, but still be totally independent. I love the piece that cuddles up with you after bath time with wet hair and jammies. The piece that loves hugging you by jumping into your arms and tucking her knees into her chest, so that they're stuck between the two of you. The piece that loves to love.

Emerson

I love the piece that has red curly hair. The piece that is a straight shooter and isn't afraid to tell you exactly what she's thinking. The piece that loves giving kisses, even though sometimes you have to ask. I love the piece that asks the good questions, like where the birdie door is. The piece that says "cheese" until the camera flashes. The piece that loves unconditionally.

Beckett

I love the piece that dresses like an old man in a little boy's body. The piece that loves on and cares greatly for his panda bear. The piece that loves going to "nastics." I love the piece that loves his mama, as I love her very much as well. The piece that loves anything on wheels. The piece that shines through his incredible eyes and tells you just how much he loves you.

Caroline

I love that piece that loves and looks up to her big sisters. The piece that has the world's longest eyelashes. The piece that loves to snuggle. I love the piece that is brave and wants to explore the world. The piece that loves reaching for anything and everything within arms distance. The piece that loves you back with a sweet, sweet smile.

Elliot

I love the piece that has red hair, but isn't quite as red as his sister's. The piece that is just as content sitting in his car seat as he is in your arms. The piece that doesn't like being still while you're holding him. I love the piece that shows off his adorably sweet toothless grin. The piece that slobbers on you, but you don't mind because he's just so cute. The piece that makes your heart go a-flutter.

Tucker

I love the piece that holds that super cheesy baby grin. The piece that says "I'm a man, I don't smile." The piece that enjoys a good bottle. I love the piece that rolls over and shows a look of triumph on his face. The piece that looks just like dad. The piece that is so excited to be a little boy, but still wants to be loved on like a baby.

There are so many more pieces to each of these loves that I can't get enough of. I love watching them grow. I love being a part of their lives; a part of their pieces. But most of all, I love having the opportunity to love them to pieces.

Happy birthday, Audrey!

Soooooo...this is a few days late, but my sweet little Audrey bug turned four on the 28th of April. I wasn't able to be at her birthday celebration, but this week, bug and I will be celebrating with a princess day. But until I have pictures of that, enjoy these pictures of my little princess.



Saturday, March 27, 2010

Happy birthday, Caroline!

My darling little sweets celebrated her first birthday today. She'll officially turn one on Wednesday. She wasn't really into her cake, but she figured out how to dip the sugar flowers into the frosting and enjoyed that. Enjoy the pictures of my little love below! She kicks off lots of baby birthdays over the next few months.




Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Whoops...

So, I've determined that I'm really bad at this whole blog thing. But I'll try to get better at it...

In the last month (plus)...

*School has picked up (as expected in week ten). Lots of papers, group meetings, papers, reading, papers...but I'm staying on top of my work pretty well. Thank goodness. Spring break is next week and I'm so thankful for the few days of rest...in between paper writing, reading, and group meetings. My family will be coming up for a few days of it, which I'm looking forward to.

*I've changed the program that I'm in at school. I began in the Masters of Arts in Counseling program and just recently switched to Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. I changed for a few reasons: 1) Marriage and Family Therapy looks at counseling from a more systemic approach, which is going to be helpful in my future practice. 2) After completing the program and graduating, I'll be able to sit for both LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) exams, which is also going to be beneficial.

*I've found a Church here that I enjoy, so I'm sticking with it. Beaverton Foursquare is my new Church "home" and I'm looking forward to getting more involved (Children's Ministry?).

*I've been able to spend more time with the three girls and I enjoy so much being closer to them.

*Lots of birthday celebrations for the little ones in my life are popping up! Caroline turns one (I can't believe it) at the end of this month. Audrey will be turning four next month (didn't she just turn one?). Emerson will be three in May and I'll be up there a few days before her birthday, so I'm excited that I'll get to be somewhat close to her near her birthday. Beckett will turn two in July and I'll get to be there a few weeks after, so lots of baby celebrations coming up!

My life has been pretty much consumed by school, but I'm enjoying every moment of it. I'm looking forward to the little "breaks" I'll get here and there (beach, Seattle, etc) and I'm looking forward to the end of my first semester (just over a month)!

Love and blessings.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

February already?

Hello friends :) It's been a while, so here's a quick update...

I'm in my fifth week of graduate school and I'm loving the program. Lots of wonderful people in my classes, professors are wonderful...it's good. :) The work is starting to pick up, but that's to be expected a third of the way into the semester. One of my favorite things about going to class is picking up my "daily treat." There's a little glass jar at the information desk filled with little strips of paper. With a label that says "treats that won't go to your thighs," the jar is filled with Bible verses. I take one before each class, share it with my mom, and love starting my class with the joy of God's word.

I just came back from a wonderful weekend in Seattle. My best friend Jordan, who I've been friends with since about the age of 10, lives there now with her husband. Though it was a short weekend, it was so wonderful spending time with her. Went to Pikes and watched fish fly (and saw someone who ordered an octopus), took a ferry to Bainbridge Island for some delicious homemade ice cream, watched old dance videos, and just enjoyed the wonderful weather we had!

This weekend, I'll be taking my sweet baby Catherine to a gymnastics meet at OSU, watching Sam's Special Olympics basketball tournament, babysitting Tucker...busy busy! But I love it!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

God is so good!

Wow, it's been a whirlwind of a few weeks! Since the 28th, I've...

*turned a year older...

*moved up to Portland and am still waiting for the unpacking fairies to come and help me with the last few little things...

*started school. I've only had two of my four classes and I love both of them. I'm very excited for my final two classes, both of which are tomorrow...

*got a job (that's new as of today)! I'm now a skills trainer with Western Psychological and Counseling Services. I work in-home with children who are in intensive therapy. I start things on Monday and I'm looking forward to it!

This Friday, I have a fabulous date, which I'm so excited for. It's with a handsome young one month old named Tucker (picture below...how cute is he?)

That's my life up to now!

"I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." (Philippians 4:12-13)

(Thanks God for Your good word and Your goodness.)