The Garris Family: April 2010

Hello...It's me, Cyndia that is...not Corey...of course...I have tried to update the last couple of weeks with many shots of our girls, and a few new things that they have done. It has been quite the last couple of weeks, that's for sure! I was reflecting the other day on how much time Corey and I used to have to be able to do things; like just lay in bed for hours and talk about dreams we had, or things that we would like to do and still haven't done, or even what we would eat for the day...Now life has turned into one big planning session...When will the girls get fed? When will they go down for naps? What will we eat for the week?...When will Rylee be consistent in her sleeping patterns...Of course you get the picture...There are days that I can easily complain about my life situation...and poor Corey bears the brunt of my "woe is me..." BUT recently I have been trying to enjoy the days for any positives that they may give me...even if it's the fact that Ava listened to me once out of 20 times...or that Rylee shot me a smile even though she took a half hour nap...or Corey told me that I look beautiful even though I know I have dark circles under these tired eyes...I have much to be thankful for...I have two beautiful daughters...that are sweet when they want to be. Ava randomly tells us that she loves us throughout the day...she rubs my feet unsolicited, and gives the greatest hugs and kisses. Whenever I get frustrated with the day I often mutter under gritted teeth, "God help me!" Ava immediately comes to me, rubs me on the back and says, "Mom it's okay..." She has such a gift of compassion. I eagerly await the day when I see Rylee's personality come through like this...and see all the things that she will do, that we laugh and take great joy in with Ava.

Corey has been such an incredible husband...he recently preached at Sawmill Campus, and so many people were touched by his message. I love seeing him be used like this. He really is such a good pastor, and father. We have really been enjoying, and experiencing way more freedom in the roles that we have been given at Sawmill Campus. We are so blessed! Easter went well, and we also threw an Easter Egg Hunt that served the community. We way underestimated the amount of people that were going to show up and had far too little eggs, but the event was a success. I invited 3 people to church, and one in particular really stuck out to me. He had a son that was crying because he only got one egg. I overheard the little boy, and quickly stole some of Ava's eggs to place in his basket. He of course thanked me and said that I really didn't need to do that. He talked about how his son had autism, and how hard it was for him to have gotten just one egg...My heart ached for him. He talked about how they really didn't have a church home yet, and really wanted a place where they called "home." It reminded me of how much our desire is for this church to be a "home" to everyone...and how much more I want to see things happen...for people to find their home, their community, where they feel loved, appreciated, and cared for.

Rylee is sitting up really well now, trying to pull up, and can do 360's on the floor. She is eating a ton, laughing a ton, and still as tiny as ever. She is so strong willed, and extremely resilient. She can take much abuse from her big sis. She has two teeth now! Precious smile as ever. I love it.

We are headed off to Peoria to visit our wonderful family from Nebraska for a couple of days, and hopefully get some rest and good memories...we are all excited...especially a Miss Ava that can't get enough of her grandparents and Aunt Mae Mae.

Well that's it for now...stay tuned for more pics...

Love,
Cyndia for Corey, Ava, and our little peanut Rylee

The Garris Family

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Quick Update

Rylee Eating...

Easter & Egg Hunt 2010

Friends...

Zoo Fun

Friday, April 2, 2010

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