A New View

Last week, we decided to see if Luke was ready for his bumbo chair.

He still tends to tilt to one side when I put him in it, but he seemed to enjoy his new view.

Caroline came and joined Luke.  Over these past few weeks, she has become more interested in what Luke is doing.

This is my favorite picture.  Caroline is still so young and really had no preparation for Luke's arrival.  I love that she is so tender with him in this picture.

Our sweet boy, such a blessing for our family.

"Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness."
1 Chronicles 16:29



Happy 13th Birthday Nick- You're officially a TEEN!

I never imagined 13 years ago that the years would go by so fast!  I can't believe I am now officially the mom to two teenage boys, plus several more teens to come!

You are an 8th grader this year.

You have a great heart, a super smile, and a positive attitude.  You are playing football for the second year.  This year you accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior.

You're the life of any party and know how to experience the joy in every situation!

You love your siblings and I can usually count on you to help me out with the younger ones.

We celebrated your special day a little early this year because Dad was going to be out of town.  You asked for fajitas and Texas chocolate sheet cake.

What does a teenage boy want for his birthday?

You have been a true Nascar fan since Dad took you and Jake to a race at Daytona International Speedway.  You are loyal to your driver.....Jeff Gordan.  You have been to races in Florida and Texas and this year you can add Georgia.  You and Dad will be enjoying the Advocare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Labor Day weekend.

It was a great day and we all enjoyed celebrating you!  I pray that God continues to use you in big ways this year.  That you will be a light for Him and that everything you do will bring Him glory.

Happy 13th Birthday!

I am thankful everyday for the opportunity to be your mom. 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."

1 Chronicles 16:34



QUIET

It is 12:00 noon on Friday.  Today is the third day the older kids have been in school.  We are doing our best to get back into the routine of early mornings and crazy evenings.

Right now, I am sitting in my living room listening to the birds chirp on the sound machine playing in Caroline's room.  Both little ones are asleep!  I just had a short conversation with my sister and she said, "you haven't experienced this in about 7 years!"  In reality, I don't think I have experienced this since the first summer after Jake was born.....14 years ago!

I am enjoying my time today, but starting next week I want to be sure not to waste my time away.  I want to make a habit of spending time on a bible study each day.  I want to use my time in a way that brings honor to God and demonstrates how thankful I am to have this QUIET time to renew my spirit and fill my tank.  That way when my older children arrive home from school and Brett gets home from work, my heart is open to them.  I am able to be the wife and mother that God has asked me to be.

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

Proverbs 31:27



First Day of School 2012

Whatever you do,

work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord,

not for human masters

Colossians 3:23

Today was our first day of school.  The summer went by way too fast this year!  But the kids were all excited to get back to school and see their friends and meet their new teachers.  In fact, they may have been a bit too excited.  When I woke up to feed Luke at 3:50 am, I heard little voices coming from down the hall.  I went to investigate only to find this........

Emily was completely dressed ready for school and both the little boys were also awake and hanging out carrying on a conversation in Emily's room.

Our traditional first day of school photo.

As you can see, our kids go to school very early in the morning.

The bus arrives at 6:49 am for our youngest ones.

Jake- first year in high school.  He is playing football and his coach asked each member of the Warrior football team to wear their polo today, so they will become role models within the school.

Nick- 8th grade

Emily- 3rd grade

Her teacher this year is Mrs. Searcy

Matt- 1st grade

His teacher is Mrs. McDonald

Andrew- Kindergarten

His teacher is Mrs. Towe

Kate- Pre-k

Her teachers are Ms. Kim and Ms. Randi

Taken from (www.sixhappyhearts.com)

The two verses we are going to work on at the beginning of this school year are fairly popular and well known, but I feel that putting them into practice will really help make an impact on my kids. 

Our first verse is Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no control.

Our second verse is Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

After such an exciting day, the kids were totally worn out and cranky.  Andrew curled up on my bed while I was feeding Luke and went sound asleep covered up with a towel before we even ate dinner.  He slept soundly after being moved to his own bed until this morning.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Philippians 4:6



Caroline (18 Months) you are 20 months!

Today was Caroline's 18 month well visit.  She is 20 months old, but due to Luke's birth we missed her actual 18 month appointment.

She weighed 25 pounds 6 ounces which was in the 75%.

Her height was 33 inches which put her in the 90%.

Her head circumference was 47 cm which was in the 75%.

Caroline you are so full of joy every day.  You love to dance, you smile all the time, you are very good natured, you give kisses every time Daddy asks, and you love to be around your sisters and brothers.

Your favorite show is Dora the Explorer.

Your favorite food is pizza.

Your favorite game/song is Ring Around the Rosie.

You sleep with your pacie/blanket.

You take a great nap-usually 3 hours.

You just started saying, "Mama......and then jabbering on and on." 

You answer questions now by shaking your head yes/no.

You love to read books.

You absolutely love to wear shoes.  Sometimes they are your shoes, but most of the time they belong to someone else in our house.

You love to swing.

I am looking forward to spending the day with you now that your siblings are back in school.  You are at a great age.  You love to learn new things.

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10



Mr. Lincoln

We were laughing the other night when I took this picture because Brett is so big compared to Luke.  It looks like Brett is the Lincoln Memorial and Luke is sitting on Abe's lap!

This is our favorite!  Daddy is talking to Luke and he is just starring up at him intently listening to what Daddy is saying. 

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary."

Galatians 6:9

The Scoop on Luke

Today was Luke's 2 month well visit.

He officially weighed 9 pounds which puts him in the 2nd percentile for weight.

He was 22.5 inches long which was in the 49% for height.

Luke has thrush on his tongue which is making his tongue white.  They gave us yet another prescription to help him feel better.  I feel badly that he has been suffering with this for about a month and I didn't realize that it was thrush.  I now have to set my alarm on my phone to tell me when his medicine is due.  He is taking the medicine for thrush 4 times per day.  The medicine for reflux 3 times a day.  The medicine for his liver 2 times a day and finally his vitamin 1 time per day.

Poor little guy was not too happy when we left.  He had to get two shots in one leg and one shot in the other.  They held off on the rotovirus vaccine for right now due to the fact that it is a live virus and they are not too sure how it would affect him after being so sick right after birth.

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser."

John 15:1