Boys will be boys.

There are some days where I think my boys are such a handful and then there are others where I love that they are such boys. Today is one if those days, they are playing great together.  School is out for teacher in service and I think the boys are just totally loving each other!

Let's play catch up!

Summer was great for our little family and we had loads of fun.
 We made several home improvements and just spent time together. Life is great for our family.

This summer, Jake beautified the exterior of our house by doing the flower beds and we purchased new windows and doors.
School started back the first week of August. For me, it was mixed emotions because I love having my little family here together. This year I am the membership chair for the PTA and it has proven to be more work than I realized. Jacob William entered kindergarten, Aubree is now a 4th grader (and as an added bonus has Seth in her class), and Ginny entered middle school (6th grade). It is hard to believe that I have one in middle school.
 
 Ginny tried out for cheer leading and made the team, however after a couple of weeks, she decided not to do it. I am very proud of her because before she ever tried out, she confirmed that there were no Sunday practices and asked about modesty. She was thrilled when she discovered she made the team but after seeing all the practices involved 5-6 days a week, she decided it was too much time away after praying about it.  Although I was super excited for her, maybe because I was not afforded those opportunities, I am very supported of her decision. She assures me that the money was not a factor.

We absolutely love being around so much family right now and we know it is a blessing. James and Kara sponsered a fun little snail race after school started this year. Who would've ever thought it would have been fun, but it was totally a fun memory. Aubree's snail came in first. The school fundraiser this year was a Tiger 2K and it was a success. It was exciting for the kids to pull up to the balloons and eye of the tiger playing.  Family happens to bring me incredible joy!

Happy 9th beautiful Aubree!!

I have a lot to catch upon with school starting and end of the summer fun but that will come later. Today, I want to recognize one of our greatest blessings and that's out daughter, Aubree. She turns 9 today and could not be more perfect for our family. Aubree included everyone and always forgives so easily.  She is an example of humility.  Some of her favorite things right now are: Monster High dolls, CiCi's pizza, Gus's Fried Chicken, shrimp, Lindt truffles, and helping in the kitchen. She is a blessing in our lives and a true friend. Happy birthday baby girl. 

love, Anonymous

The other morning as I went to get in the shower, I asked Jake to get the clothes out of the dryer and place them on the bed so that I could fold them. Upon getting out of the shower and getting dressed, I noticed the clothes were not on the bed and got a little frustrated in my head as I headed toward the dryer. To my dismay, there were no clothes in the dryer but a note that read: "when you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God" love, Anonymous.  My eyes began to water a little as I was overcome by the sweet service that my eleven year old daughter had rendered me expectantly. (she also saved her father from being given a hard time) It amazes me the small lessons that my sweet children teach me. Ginny is growing up all too quickly, actually all my four sweets are. I hope that I can take that sweet service and feeling of gratitude and pass it on.

Happy Independence Day

I love AMERICA!!!  This year as we prepared to celebrate the fourth of July, we had my family over swimming and a cook out the night before. We bought several patriotic decorations and decorated the exterior of the house too. Later on the 3rd, Jake, mom, and Becky took the kids to a firework show but I had to work so I was unable to go. To suffice, I went to visit Charity and new baby Izzy for a little bit before work. I also took the Praxis 2 (5041, elementary content knowledge) and it was harder than I expected but luckily, Heavenly Father answered my prayers and helped to calm my nerves and pass the exam.  We spent the holiday day at the park with families from church and a cook out with friends that evening. The weather was perfect and mild for a Tennessee summer. At the park, we had out own mini parade, pancakes and sausage, games, and several carnival like games. It was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. A part of me had wanted to sleep in because I get tired from work. Our family finished the evening by going to a movie and watching fireworks in our neighborhood. Have I mentioned how much we like the area that we live in.
We bought new doors for the house and installed them and plan to order new windows soon. There are things that I would like to do cosmetically to the house but figure we should do the things that are more energy efficient and will help other costs.

Disney Vacation

We were very fortunate to be able to sail away on the Disney Fantasy for 7 nights. We were accompanied by Jake's entire family but it was great. It was like our little family vacation and they were there too. All I can say AMAZING!!! The service was incredible from our host to servers at dinner to the Oceaneers club (ages 3-11 for kids). It was beyond what I expected. We visited four ports as well (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Castaway Cay), where we enjoyed excursions such as: a sea turtle encouter, dolphin encounter, an underground river in Xcaret, and cabanas at Castaway Cay. Such a fun time.