Thankful Thursday, uhm Saturday

It has been quite the week. We have been busy. And we weren't supposed to be. Thats summer though, right?

So so much to be grateful for. My devotion today was on how often we question the evil of the world as if we are entitled to the good. But the good should demonstrate a creator. The verse was from Romans, a favorite of mine.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

Romans 1:20

We stop and question His authority when tragedy strikes or natural disasters happen. Yet we never stop to wonder why beautiful wild flowers sprout up all over the earth, the miracle of childbirth, or how each creature was created uniquely. 

We take for granted the good. We fail to thank our Creator. Instead we lose joy as we don't experience true gratitude for all things. Its the simple, the small, the unnoticed that make a difference in turning me toward Him. 

1. songs that speak straight to my heart

2. patience in waiting on Him

3. tuggings at my heart

4. Sage's continued independence

5. Sage's increased vocabulary - Curious George rolled off his tongue the other day

6. the miracle of childbirth

7. beautiful skies

8. fall weather

9. great friends for my kiddos

10. the bond of sisterhood in Christ

11. busy weekends

12. fresh sweet corn and tomatoes

13. pool access and how much progress Shaddy made this year. He went under!!! Post to come. 

14. my increased patience

15. accident free days - Ells had some this past week

16. kiddos that transfer to their beds from napping in the car

17. a hubby who will do almost anything, almost.

18. an amazing sermon series - challenging me to live it!

19. where we are (location wise)

Be thankful. Be intentional. 

Camp Shadd

We celebrated the birthday boy last Friday night.

Everyone was invited (family) to camp out at our house. Although Shadd was bummed we had no takers and even the bigs didn't sleep outside due to tiredness and a momma who really just didn't feel like it. Even bigger bummer. I have promised we will camp out this summer though. So maybe we will go and camp out at Papa and Frama's or something.

I was begged all week. "Mom. Where are my decorations." I guess I kinda went overboard last year with the angry birds theme. Setting the bar too high. So I got my act in gear and cranked out some decorations. Although I failed to get a picture of my directional left over barn board sign which was by far my favorite part.

Then we just enjoyed our family. Playing outside in the pool and sprinker. Water guns, balloons, swings, etc.

Everyone minus E, Cousin S and new cousin Q

Loving the new swing set

 We opened presents. By far Shadd's favorite part I think.

love this expression. enjoying each card???

Sporting his new hat from Uncle J

Asking his great grandmas to read their cards

We also did a little fishing. Off the deck of course. It took a lot of enticing as Shaddy really wanted another homemade pinata but it just didn't fit the theme. I think he finally got over it. 

Shadd's prize

We ate a ton. 

Burgers,  dogs, fruit and of course a perfect cake (thanks to Aunt K) and daddy's yummy homemade ice cream.

We even did s'mores. We were all stuffed but there is nothing like a camp out with out s'mores, right.

Celebrating 5 was fun. We love hosting birthday parties and we are ever thankful that our entire family - both sides lives close enough to attend. Love that! 

The big man is 5

I am officially in full slacker summer mode. I mean I had every intention of spending naptime today getting some updates ready but well family nap time just happened not once but twice this weekend. What?

Nothing better than resting. A quiet still house. Amazing.

Anywho. Big week last week. Last Thursday was Shadd's birthday. My biggest little guy turned 5. Where oh where has the time gone. The day just brings back floods of memories about his birth, pregnancy, crazy things I did, his moments, his attritbutes and phases. Just makes you kinda giddy inside. What a joy a child can bring? Moments and memories you want to bottle and bring back when you are upset or frustrated with the latest phase or moment you are tackling.

We had a fun filled day. Presents from the fam in the morning. Along with the poached eggs with candles. We had just had pancakes the morning before but Shaddy whipped out the candles so we sang and did the blew them out.

Then a whole day with his bestie.  They played in the morning and I did my best to distract Ells so they could play alone. Then I took the two boys to "Turbo". It started out a bit slow but finally picked up. Plus could they play anymore previews. I mean I was bored and my attention span should be longer than two 5 year olds, right. Oh so thankful for treats and popcorn.

Then we capped the day off with the slip and slide and squirt guns outside.

Somehow Shadd talked Dad into making pancakes for supper and then we went to play at the new pool in town. Then on to test out some new legos with Dad.

Perfection, really.


Oh Shaddy...

Kinda hard for this momma to believe you are actually 5. So so thankful I have you home all day with me one more year. You are such a gift from God. Ours to teach, mold and grow but ultimately His to use for His glory. I pray that you continue to know Him, to see Him and love Him. Praying your Dad and I can be His example here on earth.

Thank you for being an amazing brother and cousin. You are adored by all. Ells loves you to the core and you are her best friend. Sage looks up to you and loves when you play with him. Daddy and Mommy couldn't be more proud of you. You are turning into a big boy. We love you. Can't wait to see what this next year holds.

Love Mom & Dad

Its thursday

Its thursday...thankful thursday and i have been terrible the few couple of weeks.

Even though today is super busy, I thought I'd better jot a few thankfuls down.
Nothing better than recapturing moments of gratitude toward the One and Only.

1. fresh fruit
2. yummy pies
3. picking and filling vases full of weeds - yet they are beautiful wild flowers dressed to perfection by our Creator
4. God's creation - from the smallest animal to the details that make us each us
5. the small hill in my backyard
6. shade
7. photos that capture moments
8. ells & sage's high fives
9. dancing to vbs songs
10. closeness to my hubs - we can be a bit silly. like hand bumps on the road and improptu after wedding dance parties in the car. love you babe
11. big opportunities for our church
12. answered prayers big and small
13. small rain showers - give us a break from outside heat and fun
14. friends and adventures
15. ells and shaddy getting better and better on their bikes
16. shadd's gentle spirit - loyal and kind
17. ells' determination and free spirit - both came out in tball
18. sage - wild and crazy but so so go with the flow
19. laughter
20. Sager's blankets
21. powerful little legs on bike rides
22. a change of heart towards preschool
23. creative fun
24. relaxation
25. baby sitters
26. the birth of Q - proud auntie and such a miracle
27. ability to wait on answers from the Almighty
28. day with friends - the Smiths (loved every moment)
29. hearing such God orchestrated moments
30. open eyes
31. a home to open to those in need
32. silly moments with my kids
33. air conditioning
34. landscaping adventures - almost done. no more mulch on my front drive
35. heartfelt prayer by shadd in front of my entire extended family on the 4th of July (such a proud momma moment)
36. teaching and trying moments with Ells. 3 is tough
37. random cooler weather
38. the pool just a few minutes walk from our house
39. closeness of my siblings and our kiddos. the love love each other.
40. encouragement from my mom - don't know how I would get these tough days without her.

You can only have joy through thanksgiving.

Sage 15 months

Finally....Sager's 1 year pictures. Note the birthday cake and balloons. I do have a few pictures of the three kiddos too. Hopefully will post them in the next few days.

So what is the big guy up to these days.

Well if there is trouble he is in it.

He loves to go outside. He loves to get wet & dirty. If there is a pile of dirt, mulch or sand that is where he will head. He loves a good puddle even in the middle of Home Depot.

He lacks fear. He throws caution to the wind and if you know Shadd this is quite the opposite. So I have had to ramp up my precautions.

He loves to climb. And I think he believes he is almost 5 too.

He has had quite a few battle scars. Bruised cheeks, cuts, and bumps. Amazingly he rarely cries.

When he does cry and get upset it is usually because someone he loves told him, "no". He puckers and pouts first but then ignores them, cries and seeks comfort with someone else.

He is loyal to the core.

Yet he makes friends with just about everyone. Friendly and full of curiousity. Maybe thats why he loves Curious George.

He says quite a few words like five, one, goose, duck, cow, shoes, snack, cracker, water, milk, george to name a few.

He loves to dance and clap. He loves to give high fives, and finger points (thanks to grandma)

You can always find him somewhere near his brother and sis. He tags right along.

He loves to make messes like throwing crayons off the table, dumping out food from the pantry and throwing things off the deck.

You can always find him snuggling and carrying around his blankets if he is tired or just woke up.

Hard to believe he is already this old. He keeps us on our toes. But we wouldn't trade him for the world. Love you Sager.

Huge thanks to Carly AT CNicholl Photography for these amazing pictures. Love them and love her. She's great if you need a photographer.

4th of July

We knew we were going to be gone on the 4th...big bummer. And really there aren't many fireworks any other time.

The 4th is kinda of a special day for us. Its D's birthday. Not his real one but the one that really matters. It is the day he gave his life to the Lord. 13 years ago this year. Amazing stuff God has done for this guy in the last 13 years.

So each year I can't wait to celebrate and fireworks just seem to set it straight. Well d heard they were putting some off at JC mall and the sunday night before. Just the ticket after a no nap day really and landscaping most of it, right?

So what do you do when all your kiddos fall asleep on the way to the fireworks. We woke or at least attempted to Ells and then bribe them with laffy taffy. Crazy stuff. But making memories, right. 

this prior to the drive

Looking ready to go uh? We never could get Ells to wake. She laid on my lap the entire show. And we were not to far off from where they were shooting them off.

The next morning our conversation went like this.
Ell: "How come we didn't see fireworks last night."
Shadd: "We did. You missed them."
Me: "Sorry but you slept through them. We tried to wake you up"
Shadd: "Don't worry, mom took pictures."

Oh dear. A little convo I don't wanna forget. Shaddy the problem solver.

The actual 4th was spent at my aunt and uncles. The kids got to ride horses and we got to enjoy the day with my dad's entire side of the family minus R&E as baby q was slated to arrive the next day. It was a fun day honoring our nation as well as my grandpa who celebrated the big 80 this year and my grandparents as they celebrated 60 years of marriage. What a special couple and I am honored to call them mine.

With all the other stuff to pack I forgot my camera so my phone just had to do. Even Sage went for a ride on the horse. They loved it. In the one picture Sage was found following the horse. Always have to keep an eye on that little guy.

Cousin Q

We are bursting with joy. We have a new cousin.

Cousin Q was born this afternoon. Luckily we got to squeeze in a visit tonite and snuggle him up.

He is beautiful of course. And we are in love with his dark head of hair. Maybe gonna take after momma this time. As cousin B definitely follows our side a bit more.

We all got our snuggles in and my big two seemed much more interested than they ever did when Sager was born but I think it just shows how big they are getting.

Oh one day you can use this as blackmail against your daddy, Q. He really should cut that hair. You poor thing. You will be loved regardless of how crazy your daddy is.