we will serve the Lord" Joshua 24:15
If you asked me to describe me and my family, it's Joshua 24:15. If we've never met, I hope when we leave each other you'll walk away knowing a little bit more about Jesus than you do about me. In our house, we serve the Lord in everything we do, from the care my husband puts into our yard, landscape, and gardens to the prayers I pour into every piece of folded laundry, cleaned toilet, bed made, the scrubbed dishes to the disagreements, conversations, and laughter we share as a growing family. Every decision, big or small, life-changing or life-forming we make isn't made in haste but rather drenched in prayer and patience. To the money we spend, the jobs, or work we take on, the sports the kids play, the clothes we wear, and the animals we rescue or welcome into our home and, the food we put into our fridge that will nourish and fuel our bodies. We live a life we hope brings glory to God in all that we do. Now, who dwells in the house that serves the Lord...
Let's begin with my husband (the oldest always goes first), Calvin. He's a former corporate VP who after years of climbing the corporate ladder and chasing money, had a radical moment with Jesus and found his calling in life to be a Pastor. You'll often find him outdoors with his hands in the dirt or leaving early in the mornings to go hunting during deer opener. He enjoys all the seasons that the Midwest has to offer and, it brings me so much joy to see him bring that same passion to our kids. Teaching them how to ride a snowmobile, build a snow fort, or the largest snowman when our little world seems to be frozen for 6 months or how to tend to a garden and as he puts it, scratch behind the ears, on new growth in the spring. When he is inside, he plays cars with our youngest, getting creative with the older two by making their rooms their own space that speaks to their personality, or he helps me with small tasks like moving the heavy things or reaching the high things. I always say that Calvin is 98% perfect and every day I crush on him. Being apart from each other for more than 2 hours is hard for us but, we manage and, when we see each other it's like seeing each other for the first time in a long time. At the end of the day, his arms are my soft landing.
Secondly, there's me, Cheree. Along with my passion for capturing moments for families I work full-time in sales for a tech company. When I'm not working or editing I'm often chauffeuring my older two to and from extracurriculars and friends' houses, chasing a toddler, a dog, a cat, and chickens, cleaning, cooking, and napping. My life is extremely full but I would not have it any other way. I enjoy being a mom and seeing them grow up. I prayed for this! I love watching my kids come into themselves, seeing them dive (or cannonball) into life, try new things, and take risks. When I'm not mama-ing or homemaking I have my nose in a good book or my ear pods on a juicy true crime podcast. I love a good cup of coffee and cinnamon tea is a must year round!
The kids: McKenzie, Cruz, GG, Sterling, and Andee. McKenzie, the oldest, is a busy young adult who is creating a life of her own, making everlasting friendships, traveling, and has her nose deep into college books while she makes a mark in this world. Cruz is our oldest boy who enjoys watching and playing football, video games, a quirky sitcom, and the outdoors. He has no fear of tearing any techy product apart to see how it works. GG is our middle girl who is our free-spirited athlete. She'll sit for hours learning a new art project and doing the art project all over the house. Her summers and fall are pretty busy with softball and friend time. When she's outdoors she comes up with obstacle courses that usually start in the side street with chalk-made activities and end on the opposite side of the house throwing a football at a barrel that once you knock it down you have to walk on it to get to the finish line. Sterling, our youngest boy, and an active toddler. He's crazy strong and loves books, water, food, fire trucks, matchbox cars, sand, grass, and running. He keeps us on our toes and he is the child that has convinced us that a fence is necessary. Lastly, our youngest daughter, Andee! While she's not earthbound yet, she will complete our family. We will welcome her in January 2025!
In our home, we also share space with two four-legged animals: A chubby orange tabby we rescued named Simba. If we're honest he is the king of the house he lets us live here. And Ted, a very spunky, chews on everything and digs in the mud (even when it doesn't exist) golden retriever. We do also share space with some backyard chickens, however, they don't dwell within our walls, they are happy and healthy egg-layers that have a VERY nice coop and chicken run that my husband is always looking for ways to improve for them.
Our lives are packed full of fun, field time, friends, food, and family time. We enjoy our time just sitting as a family and watching re-runs of Home Improvement or The Wonder Years and, we also have days where we are ships passing through the night. We are a lot like you, messy, misunderstood, and making life.
Prayerfully XO
