introducing a little girl in a land far, far away {a photo story}

Once upon a time, Little Girl was born in California on a hippy commune called God’s Army. {Sounds a little crazy… but it wasn’t. It was just the 70’s.}

When Little Girl was three she spent the next year and a half living with her parents and grandparents on a sailboat in the South Pacific.

{I should mention here that she always wanted to be a mommy.}

At five years old, she moved to Oregon – the beautiful place she’d grow to call home. {Fast forward a few years.} And then as soon as she was able she went off to explore the world… After traipsing all around Europe and Asia and a few places in between, Little Girl found herself settling down in Australia. {Crikey, the crocs!}

And then, after 29 years on her own, Little Girl finally met Hunk-of-Spunk. {So worth waiting for.}

Then Little Girl and Hunk-of-Spunk fell madly in love.

Soon after, on a very hot night in tropical Australia, Little Girl got engaged to Hunk-of-Spunk. {They were pretty flippin' happy about it.}

And before they knew it, the two were married on a little beach cove in Australia…

{They also took photos in the city... cause the beach and the city are two of Little Girl and Hunk-of-Spunk's favorite things.}

And then {lucky} Little Girl got to wear her dress again in America... for another {sort-of} wedding celebration with all her American friends and family. {Cause they didn't want to leave anyone out of the fun.}

And after the wedding, and the second wedding(ish) gathering, Little Girl and Hunk-of-Spunk found a place to live Down Under where they could have nice weekend picnics. {They really do get to live here.}

They have a fun relationship and try not to take themselves too seriously too much of the time.

After a year of holy matrimony, Little Girl and Hunk-of-Spunk went for a visit to Spain, a very beautiful place...

...and apparently a very fertile place too. {Deliriously happy.}

After their time in Espania, Little Girl’s belly began to grow...

And grow...

And grow.

And then, Heart-Stealer was born. {Pretty much the best day ever.}

Little Girl thought her heart would explode as love seeped out from all directions... She had to change her name to Heart-Stealer’s Momma.

 Hunk-of-Spunk became even more hunky as he became Daddy to Heart-Stealer.

Heart-Stealer was incredibly cute from the very beginning...

... and keeps getting cuter all the time. {Kinda like his Daddy.}

Heart-Stealer’s Momma couldn’t be more glad to have begun her little family. She realizes that she’s all grown up now… even though she sometimes still feels more Little Girl girl than like Heart-Stealer’s Momma. 

But, she is learning... She is growing... She is glowing... She is glad to finally be a momma, even though it's a pretty tough new gig.

Oh yeah, and she’s thinks every good conversation, or read of a blog, goes best with a nice cup of coffee {or hot chocolate… whatever}, which in Australia is called a "cuppa".

.THE END.
{for now}

So mommy friends, this is my story up until now. I hope you've enjoyed getting to know my family and I a little bit more personally.

Adriel + Ryan = Levi (Didn't we do a good job?)

And, just because, here are some other things about me:

• When I was a kid I wanted to be the first woman president of America... or a rock star. I now find myself as a teacher and a mom. (Not all that different if you ask me.)
• I love photography, but I still have very little idea about digital photo editing (though I really want to learn… in my “spare” time).
• I am a Christian and my faith is a very important and central part of my life.
• I love following politics and keeping up on current world events.
• I love the beach, but have never had less of a tan since becoming a mom.
• I’m obsessed with all things Asian – the décor, the art, the food, and ohmygoodness the people. I’ve been doing volunteer work as well as teaching in Bible schools throughout Asia on several occasions throughout the last 10 years, and I’ll jump on a plane headed there at any opportunity I get.
• I enjoy writing and reading… and am seriously trying to make time for both in order to stay sane and to keep being deliberate about growing as a woman.
• I love slippers and I probably own seven or eight pairs... even though it's often too hot to wear them here. (For years I've not taken a single flight without a pair in my carry-on bag... and I fly a lot.)
• I don’t think I will ever get sick of movies or live music, bean burritos or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• I've lived in California, Oregon, Fiji, NZ, Europe, Malaysia, Egypt, and Australia... and have worked as a preschool teacher, nanny, waitress, PR exec in a government office, and full-time volunteer with a non-profit before becoming the Director of Childhood Development in our home. (Best, hardest job yet!)
• I love my family – the one I was raised in and the one I’m creating with my husband.
• I've lived overseas for ten years and I still get homesick.
• I think that perhaps grace is the most important force we could ever pursue, embrace, receive, and give.
• I am frightfully tired, deliciously happy, hopelessly in love, and incredibly grateful for my life.

And lastly mommy friends, have you written an "about me" page? If so, please link up here. I'd love to get to know you more personally too!

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