Family Photo Shoot

Earlier this month we had a photo shoot with our favorite photographer, Heather. She has such a great way of really capturing the personality of our kids and we are so sad that she is moving to Alabama this week. :( I just wanted to take a minute and share some of my favorites!!

Can you see the love between Savannah and her daddy?

Yep, that's our peanut all right!

So Much More than a Concert . . .

Last night Dave and I drove to Spartanburg to see Hillsong in concert. We got a sitter for the kids and enjoyed some time together, worshiping with thousands of other people! It was an awesome concert and spoke to me in such a special way. For weeks I had wondered why in the world the concert was on a Sunday night and it wasn't until we were there that I realized it was just all part of God's plan. Not only was it a great way to spend time with my husband and a good way to escape the house on the anniversary of mom's Homecoming, but I think I was meant to be there to hear this one song:

On that day when I see

All that You have for me

When I see You face to face

There surrounded by Your grace

All my fear is swept away

In the light of your embrace

When Your love is all I need

And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold

In Your presence healed and whole

Let the songs of heaven rise to you

NO WEEPING, NO HURT OR PAIN

NO SUFFERING YOU HOLD ME NOW

YOU HOLD ME NOW

NO DARKNESS NO SICK OR LAME

NO HIDING YOU HOLD ME NOW

YOU HOLD ME NOW

In this life I will stand

Through my joy and my pain

Knowing there's a greater day

There's a hope that never fails

It should be hard to feel sad when I think of mom in Heaven, without hurt, pain, or weeping. But I have to say it is hard . . . but, yes, Lord in this life I WILL stand through the joy and pain. For I know that there's a great day, there's a hope that never fails, a day when I'll see mom, hug mom, walk with mom hand in hand again.

Thanks to the friends who have prayed us through this year, to the ones who've called, e-mailed, sent cards and even delivered 30 roses (for the 30 precious years I had on earth with mom) that were waiting when we got back at 11:30 pm last night. See, God hand picked each of you and I am forever grateful . . . and I know my mom is too!

Heaven, A Year Later

A year ago today, right around lunch time, my mom met Jesus face to face. I'll never forget what we were doing when my aunt called to tell me or the emotional roller coaster this year has been for our family. Although I miss mom more than I ever thought possible and can never quite get close enough to her, I know she's loving life in Heaven . . . and somehow I just know Heaven is a livelier place with her there. :)

It's interesting how my perception of Heaven has totally changed. It's hard to explain, but Heaven is SO much more real to me now that my mom is LIVING there. I also think I now fear death less knowing that should the Lord call me or someone I love home, my mom would be there with them. Mom, we miss you so much, but could never been more thankful you are completely healed living in your mansion prepared just for you. We love you!!

Park Play Date

I decided earlier this week to coordinate a play date at the park with Savannah's WEE school class from last year. I knew it would be hot, but hoped it would give all of our kids a chance to play together and get out some energy! There were about 6 families that showed up and our kids had a blast!! By the time we got home, we were all hot, sweaty, and hungry. So after lunch I threw the kids in the tub and put them to bed! Ahhh, the joys of a quiet house. :)

Lunch with Laurie!

I was so excited when my sweet friend Laurie called this week and wanted to plan lunch for today!! She was passing through town on her way to Chapel Hill from Tennessee and made time to stop and visit with us!! We were roomies in college for a few years and oh do we have some memories from Kimberly Drive #13. Laurie is the kind of friend who is always there to listen and seeing her today reminded me of what a precious blessing her friendship is. I'm still praying that one day they will be able to move back to NC . . .

A Family Fourth

This weekend has been super low key. I have to say that although I'm extremely grateful for our freedom and all that the fourth of July holiday celebrates, this is by far my least favorite holiday. Just knowing that Dave always has to work while everyone else is at the beach or lake is really no fun at all! We did do a last minute birthday dinner roundup yesterday though . . . and once we were home Dave was back to work! ;(

Today, however, we have enjoyed lots of family time. We went to church and then enjoyed seeing my dad too. He drove all of the way here just to install electricity into our shed/playhouse! Honestly, it is amazing at what he knows how to do. From digging the ditch to running the wire and then installing lights and electrical outlets . . . I'm almost sure that there isn't anything my dad can't install or repair! So now Savannah can enjoy her playhouse since we can put a fan out there and she'll be able to see too. Plus once she's a bit older she can have a little easy bake oven of her own.

Preston's new sign for "feed me more, mama" He points the empty fork at me and waits for the food to be put on. Hey, at least we're not still feeding him baby food with a spoon at every meal. He loves the fork!!



This picture cracks me up! The kids were in awe of Pawpaw on his tractor!!

This afternoon we enjoyed some good ol BBQ and let the kids play outside too. Of course Preston enjoyed his swing and Savannah was able to play in the sprinkler, a first for her!

Frog and Toad

This morning we joined lots of friends from church and went to see The Frog and Toad. We had a sitter for Preston and enjoyed a girls morning out followed by a quick lunch at Chick fil A. I think Savannah was mesmerized because she didn't budge the entire play. It was fabulous, by the way! Thanks Elaine for organizing such a fun morning!! Here are a few pictures . .

Jack, Savannah, and Anna Kate waiting for the show to start

Savannah with the snail character . . . her favorite because she was all in pink!

Most of the kids