First Day of School

"First Day in the Fourth Grade. First Day in the Second Grade"

I. cannot believe my Favorites are growing up so fast. You guys were so thrilled and excited that is made the first day easy for us all.  Brooks was most excited about new shoes, Jonathan (who is also at same table group), Mrs. Gilbride and move up math. Landry was most excited about Mrs. Weethee and Kate. 

Mrs. Weethee did a lot of reading the first day which thrilled Landry. One book they started is The Treasure Tree which Brooks loved when in Mrs. gray's class for Second Grade. 

Landry's response when entering the car after school was that the day was "Amazing" and Brooks stated "Great."  I am very thankful for that. You both told me later that it was longer than you remembered. Sorry I cannot make it shorter. I would rather have you home with me. 

I thank the Lord daily for placing you in a great school and giving you loving teachers. "I know it is going to be a great day/ year."

2012 Jumping in the leaves

Notice Landry calling to Brooks. Not sure she ever addresses him as Brooks. Fun days. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=HFgHL8LGPpU

Writing

Not only are we writing God's Word on our hearts by memorizing Scripture but we are also blessing our new home by literally writing God's Word in our walls. 

Between Landry's windows: Proverbs 3:15-18 "She is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire can compare with her...those who hold her fast are called blessed."

Outside both kids' rooms: Deuteronomy 7:6 "Out of all the people on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be His cherished personal treasure."

Behind the Bonus room TV: 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for all believers."

Brooks' Closet: Psalm 119:9 "How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to Your Word."

Left of Living Room Built Ins and Hood in Kitchen: Acts 16:31"Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."

Hood in Kitchen: John 3:16

Guest Bedroom: 1 Timothy 3:16 "They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share"

Brooks' Mirror: 1 Samuel 16:7 "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

Brooks' Door and Robert's Mirror: 1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be alert, stand firm in your faith, be strong and courageous."

Brooks' and Landry's beds: 1 Corinthians 10:13 "God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it."

Foyer: Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Our Bed: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love is patient and kind, love does not boast, it is not arrogant or rude, it does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice in wrong doing but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails"

Landry's Mirror: Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Landry's Bed and Robert's side of bed: Song of Solomon 4:7 "You are altogether beautiful, my love, there is no flaw in you."

12th Anniversary

We has so much fun together at the Whitewater Center.  We whitewater rafted twice. Both times we opted for the "crazy boat" and we're not disappointed.  The second time down we all spent some time getting back in the boat. We loved that and cannot wait to take the kids when they are old enough. We also enjoyed kayaking, zip lines and rock climbing. Any time spent together is amazing. 

We stayed at the Hampton Inn at Philips Place beside Southpark Mall.  We ate at Cow Fish based on multiple suggestions. It was delicious and we cannot wait to go again. The Lobster Crab Spring Rolls, Salmon Salad and Arnold Hamanegger Burger were the best. We never got around to the Burgushi (burger sushi) or milkshakes. We will be back!  The hotel was exceptional and has a wonderful breakfast. We then shopped around and finished off the trip at Cheesecake Factory. Not bad. I love my husband. He is a true gift from The Lord and every year is more awesome. 

An Awesome Dozen

Splash Pad, Farming, Snacking and Panning at Dan Nicholas Park. 

ESPN with Uncle Chris, Elisha and Zeke. 

So finally, after 4 years of asking, we made it to the National Whitewater Training Center in  Charlotte in celebration of our 12th Anniversary. We were blessed to have Brooks and Landry spending time with the Sheltons in Salisbury and having a huge time of their own. We had a bit of a rocky start with a blown tire as a result of debris on 85 from an accident that has occurred shortly before we came through.  Just one hour later we were on our way. 

It is such a blessing to know the kids are having an awesome time making memories with their cousins while we are celebrating. Molly was kind enough to give us a play by play of their fun. I must admit that there were times when we wanted to be there with them. 

Did You Say 9 1/2?

Okay, so after a few tries this winter, Brooks had an unusually scheduled birthday party in June. This Winter we had inclement weather followed by a sprained knee which kept pushing back Brooks' 9th Birthday Party. Brooks finally announced that he wanted to wait until summer and have a pool party.  This may be his only chance, right?

It turned out pretty terrific.  The boys began by breaking a sweat with some serious games of Knock Out on the basketball court. We cooled off with Gatorade and a dive contest for biggest splash, littlest splash, most creative and best style. A few sisters helped with judging. We had a tee shirt relay where the wet shirt is given to the next leg of your relay before they begin their lap. And finally, basketball games in the pool. This is a great group of boys and a huge blessing to Brooks' life. 

Instead of cake, Brooks had swamp pudding (Dirt Cake made with Oreos and pudding), Cheetos Cheese Puffs, grapes and Gatorade.  Party favors were dry packs of Gatorade.

Brooks, we love you with our whole hearts and are more grateful every day that God placed you in our lives in His perfect timing.  You are our delight and Your walk with Christ is evident as you mature in to a young man that is setting himself apart.  Hubba hubba Baby Bubba.

3 Months to Go on New Home

It is hard to imagine that 3 months will find us in a new home.  It is very exciting seeing things come together.  I am enjoying the process of putting my own taste and ideas into a reality.  Brick is being finished this week.  The kids are at Camp Winshape and I am using God's blessing of time to the fullest.  Mima joined me for the counter tops selection which was very successful.  Hardwoods, Tile, Carpet and Bath Surrounds have been chosen.  Door knobs, railings, posts and interior doors are next and then we finalize plumbing fixtures.  Wow!  A week can accomplish a lot.  So exciting!

Splash Park

We had an awesome day with Tucker and Taelynn at Backyard Paradise and the Spalsh Pad at Barber Park.  What a fun, cheap day together!  We finished it all off with Cook Out milkshakes.