Grandpa in the Mountain

Went to Grandfather Mountain with Aunt Pat, Aunt Gail, Maggie, and all the kiddos. On our way there, Lauren asked if we were going to go see "Grandpa in the mountain". : )

Spring Has Sprung

We're always enthusiastic about all the critters spring brings about. This gray tree frog showed up in our backyard. The kids got a kick out of watching it climb up our window with its sticky feet. (Totally cool, if you ask me.) Slightly slimy, it was apparent immediately he wasn't a common toad, despite his bumpy gray appearance.
Anytime we look at these creatures up close, I am again amazed. Don't we serve a great God?!

Toothless

Cultivating a Green Thumb

This is what I've been up to lately, and I've had such a grand time doing it! These are only a few of the things I've planted. I've also planted knock-out roses, gardenias, a yuletide camelia bush, tomatoes, oregano, rosemary, parsley, blueberry bushes, jessamine, coreopsis, lantana, lady banks roses, peonies, phlox, pinks... the lists goes on. It has been glorious!
I love the spring!

Bracing Myself for the Future

Getting braces on Noah and Alyssa has been a regular reminder of their rapid progression towards adolescence...another step towards that phase of life that makes most parents cringe in apprehension. Books such as Paul Tripp's Age of Opportunity and Carolyn Mahaney's Girl Talk pair up on my reading list. A chapter here and there to answer the latest question or dilemma.
But it's an exciting season as well. The kids are beginning to think through their own decisions and beliefs. They are beginning to evaluate their hearts and personal choices they make. Hopefully the training we've done so far is beginning to bear fruit and our Christian faith will become their own.
I can be tempted to fear the upcoming years, but I am enthusiastic about it as well. I don't think I've ever felt more of a need to pursue discernment from others, and to seek God, from Whom all wisdom flows. And slowly, I am learning to loosen the protective restraints we've placed upon them in their earlier years. But I still want to hold on.
Training hearts while training teeth. Never thought braces would bring on so much reflection! Surely their symbolism will keep me on my knees, as I'm bracing myself for the future.

Lil' Dancers

Every time Julianna watches this, she says, "Ew. I had to dance with a boy." haha ; )

Bidgie's Third Birthday

This was one of my all-time favorite birthday parties. Maggie and I began planning a few months prior to the party via email... bouncing ideas back-and-forth off eachother. (I always say we make a great team.) ; )
We began the celebration with doggie ears, collars and face painting, and sang a few "doggie songs" to put us in the puppy mood. My niece, Kathryn, recently became the proud owner of a poodle-mix puppy, and brought him over as the guest-of-honor. The children were thrilled to play with a real, live, (very-active) puppy-dog. Next, Maggie led the children in Obedience School, where all the little "puppies" learned how to sit, beg, roll-over and speak. Then they enjoyed some "puppy chow" and milk shakes in their own little doggie bowls. Following the snack, we read a little story and all the children ran off to dig up some bones, which they later used in a game of Fetch. Lastly, we had the most adorable cake (Maggie's discovery online) and opened presents.
Some of my favorite moments were during the gift opening, as Lauren cheerfully thanked each person who gave her a gift, and even allowed another child to open one of her presents for her. She was simply delightful. It also was a joy and honor to have Jamie and Linda celebrate with us and the opportunity to introduce them to some of the people we love most.
Lauren's birthday, as each of our children's birthdays tend to do, was another reminder of the many kindnesses God has so graciously bestowed upon us. It was a reminder of the many people: family, friends, and church members, that He has placed in our lives. I am so grateful for them all.
Can you believe our sweet girl is three-years-old?