Beach Babies!

My children absolutely love the water. Whether that means bath time, sprinklers, swimming pools, water slides or the beach. They are all four water babies. They have loved their baths from the time they were newborns and have never been afraid of the water.  We are very fortunate to live right down the street from the beach and so this is where we spend our summers.  Fortunately or unfortunately the three babies were all blessed with my coloring. Fair skinned, light eyes and blond hair! This does not keep them from enjoying the summer or the sunshine, but we do our best to cover them with 50 sunscreen, hats and so on and allow them to enjoy this very short season here in the Northeast. Here are some pictures of our day spent enjoying every minute of our little ones.

A Deeper Place

Thank you Lord that when You say in Your word that You will work all things together for my good and Your glory- I can count on that. Even when it looks like there is no possible way- I can still count on Your word. Even when the "tide of life" is coming in like a flood and my feet feel like they are on sinking sand- I can count on You. Even when I fail in all of my human frailties and I feel as though there just isn't any way that things will change, improve or get better- I can count on Your word. How Father, can you work ALL things together for my good and Your glory? I can see now as I am reminded of the many, many nights of crying myself to sleep trying to understand why I was without a spouse year after year. I can see now Lord. He was worth the wait. I can see now as I am reminded of the many, many prayers that went forth for us to have children- only to have miscarriage after miscarriage and then several years later to have a house filled with tiny feet- I can see now Lord. They were worth the wait. I am reminded of the prayers that went up just from this heart alone, to have a family-a big family- a real family. Countless prayers Lord. And You faithful One have given me a family of my own. I can see now Lord. They were worth the wait. I praise you Father, for each time the tide comes in and there is another obstacle, another trial, another tribulation- I am reminded that it is an opportunity for me to trust You- from a deeper place. An opportunity for me to allow You to lift me up and to carry me through and an opportunity to be ever mindful of all that You have done. That this too shall pass and that You truly will work all things together for my good and Your glory. Thank you for using this photograph to minister to me Lord. Thank you for speaking to my heart that just as my husband is holding our youngest daughter - You are holding me. That just as he is protecting her from the rising water and the pull of the tide- You are protecting me. That just as he is walking with her- You are walking with me. Thank you Father that through all of this, I am coming to know you from a deeper place.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified;and whom He justified, these He also glorified."- Romans 8:28-30

Graduation Party for Macey!

We wanted to celebrate and honor our girl with a party for such a huge accomplishment! It was a pink and orange colored, southern dinner party with friends, flowers, cake and the best bar-be-que flown in from Memphis! She had such a wonderful time celebrating with all of her friends and their parents! It was a bright, beautiful and blessed night! I cannot believe that she

is 18 1/2 years old, graduated from high school and leaving for college in a few weeks. Trying to hold my heart in my chest. I have enjoyed every moment of her precious life and I am so looking forward to many, many more.

With Great Anticipation...

Bella Grace and Bennett during their "sibling class" at the hospital.

They asked so many questions I think the nurse was ready for us to leave!

And then afterwards after learning all about caring for their new brother and how to use everything in Mommy's room during my stay in the hospital. Between the two of them, I think they pushed every button on the bed, the wall and the remote control! I couldn't help but laugh to myself at the thought of what it will be like once they are coming for their "real" visit! These two are quite the comedy team! 

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All is going well with the pregnancy and we are anxiously awaiting his arrival. We recently had a 3-D ultrasound and were able to "see" his beautiful face. My heart be still, he is gorgeous! I am in the third trimester and have less than two months to go. I am so thankful for this child and for such a healthy pregnancy! Can hardly believe that he will be here in such a short time. The children are filled with excitement waiting for their baby brother and my husband cannot stop talking about how unbelievable it will be to have two sons and three daughters! They each one kiss him, talk to him and hug him! I hope that he can feel the enormous amount of love his family already has for him. We are trying to prepare, purchase, fluff and puff for his arrival and it has been so much fun "nesting" for him. Just a little bit longer and I will be able to hold my Sweet Prince!

A Season of Celebrations!

Over the course of several weeks in a row we have had a "few" major celebrations!

The following would be my reasons that I have been a little behind on posting!

Bennett's Birthday

Mommy's Birthday

Mother's Day

Our Anniversary

Bella Grace's Graduation

Bella Grace's First Dance Recital

Bella Grace's Dance Recital Party

Emma Pearl's First Birthday

Emma Pearl's First Birthday Party

Father's Day

Macey's High School Graduation

Macey's Graduation Party

In addition to all of these wonderful events, our oldest is leaving for college, our second is starting kindergarten, we have a new baby coming, we are trying to sell our home as well as getting a family of 7 (almost!) ready for a big move to a new state.

By His Grace....

I'm trying to breathe.