Saturday, June 6, 2009







"Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever."~Isak Dinesen

About says it all for me.Words that ring truer and clearer than ever before.So has been the greatest lesson learned in the journey of Zoey's life over the last 2 years and most especially, the road of the last 7 months.I hope I will call upon this quote when I falter and lose sight in the bigger picture.Because I will lose sight in some moments.Bound to happen.I wish it were as easy to always be looking with eyes in focus and crisp with clarity.Unrealistic expectation.But then again, I am the queen of unreasonable expectations. As for today,in this very moment,I think I am seeing the richness and beauty with unobstructed vision.Having Zoey home and somewhat regaining control of our lives,reclaiming routine and reconnecting on even the simplest levels, has been simply beautiful.Seeing Zoey fully engaged in the happenings around her is absolutely breathtaking.Her wide eyed wonder at watching her siblings and the antics of our everyday life, is joy in it's purest form.I see her thriving already,in a mere 5 days.One can only imagine what the months ahead will hold.We feel whole.Of course minus Caitlin and Danny and soon to be baby girl.Yes,I refrain from saying Ava, as,surprise,surprise, my second born who had a physically painful time picking out candy at the grocery check out line as a young child,has MAYBE changed her mind on baby girls name.But that is a whole other post!We are as complete as we are going to get at the moment.We are rich,life is indeed beautiful and we are so blessed.

* Pictures from the last few days, as well as Zoey's first official outing:Picture taking before Taylor and Brandon's Senior Prom.Aren't they a darling little couple?

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

In case I didn't make it clear earlier.... 1) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your dress Taylor and 2) I AM SO GLAD ZOEY IS HOME!!!! :)

It makes me smile, A LOT!

Best,
Amanda

Stephanie said...

AWWW, really cute couple, and that dress,is spectacular, of course when you look like Taylor any thing will look great, but that dress is as we say in my house, a keeper. Hope it was a great night.
And, nothing is better than the beautiful pictures of the Princess and family all together. I am so happy for all of you. Kisses and hugs to Zoey, my love to you all.

Anonymous said...

So wonderful to see the pictures of Zoey in her home and out and about with family. We will continue to pray that the Needham family travel along a much simpler road than the one you are leaving behind. And remember Heather, I want to see a BOOK - your posts are beautiful and informative, so after you take some well deserved quiet (or hectic) family time, start looking for a publisher...... but for now just enjoy everyday with family and friends - we think about you always (especially when there isn't a post!!!!) Laugh, live, love and enjoy life to it's fullest Needhams - you deserve it.

Robyn from Otisco

Robyn

Cheri said...

ALL of your children....just beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!

My name is Sarah said...

This is Joyce. I am so very happy to see Zoey home!!! and able to celebrate with the adorable prom couple. Your message is beautiful and so very true. We must celebrate each and every day.

Denise said...

Taylor looks absolutely beautiful!!!! From what you have said, Heather, she has worked so hard these last 7 months helping with keeping the house running that it is a well deserved break for her to get to act like a regular old teenager!! Although I am in no hurry for my kids to grow up, I so look forward to them going to proms!! I hope you all enjoy every last minute of the end of high school with Taylor. Once again, I LOVE seeing Zoey interacting with her siblings. She is so focused on everything!! I MISS YOU GUYS and can't wait to see you again.

Lacey said...

Oh Heather, seriously, you have the most beautiful children. Your girls are breathtaking, (I bet your hubby had serious boy scaring to do) and your boys are so cute. My boys would would love to play with them, and they had a great time when we were there.

Googsmom said...

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

You family is beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Yes, they are a very cute couple.

Zoey does look as if she knows she is home now. The past is the past. She looks great!

Shelly Turpin said...

Wonderful to see - what a beautiful and happy family!

loved Zoey in her robber mask. She looks adorable. :) I can't believe she kept it on!

The VW's said...

Great pictures and great quote! So glad to hear that Zoey is doing so well! What a wonderful blessing! HUGS!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pics, beautiful family, glad Zoey is finally home !!! Angi

Meg said...

I just came upon your blog from...well, I don't even know how many jumps I took to get here!

Your Zoey is GORGEOUS!!! We have our own Zoey at home, and she is a wild child. I think when you name a child "life" you end up getting one who is full of it!

:)

Pam said...

Your family is so beautiful. I love seeing your pictures and watching Zoey's life unfold in your stories.

Such an inspiration your whole family is to us.

We love you guys.

((HUGS))

Milk Mama said...

Yes, Taylor's dress is beautiful! :)
Zoey is home! Yay! :D

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed Taylor's prom photos - yikes!!!! where have all the years gone? Beautiful dress choice...

So awesome to see Zoey home and able to be part of the Needham family as they are "out and about". Cute photo with Joe.

Take care

Bluebelle

Anonymous said...

Forgot to mention - love the photo with Jake too. Zoey certainly loves her brothers (as well as her big sisters).

Both Joe and Jake have grown up, can see a big change in them since early postings.

Bluebelle

Kelly said...

Welcome Home!! You have such a beautiful family!

sheree said...

ABSOLUTELY beautiful!

Unknown said...

My heart is full after reading this post! So good to see miss Zoey out...made my day! Please tell Taylor that I think she is beautiful and it was sooo good to meet her! I am growing to love each and every one of your kids! Would love to catch up when you get settled. I don't want to bug you, so call when you can. Love you my friend!

Scrappy quilter said...

What a sweet couple. So glad to hear Zoey is doing so well.