Sun kissed cheeks and a good book!

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
― C.S. Lewis

We went to the beach while we were down in Florida visiting my parents a couple weeks ago.  I was a good momma and made sure my kids were lathered up with sun screen...not once mind you...but after being in the water for  quite a long while I made them get a new layer on.  Yes...I deserve an award for remembering to get the first layer on.  Even with two layers of protection the kids all came home with sun kissed cheeks!

I thought the kids would want to play in the amazing sand lot next to my parents house the next day.  I even purchased a nice size pool that they could fill up and keep cool in while playing in the sand.  It was not to be though.  The kids had enough sun at the beach to last them a few days.  So instead the little guys played with their army men while Morgan and Becca curled up with books they found on my moms book shelves. 

Today I swung by the library to pick up more books for the kids to read.  Johnston started a new series, while Davidson grabbed some Dinosaur books, I didn't have much time so I grabbed about 30 books I thought would interest the masses.  It was fun seeing Jameson and Holland SO excited about the picks.  I find such joy in watching them enjoy a good book!

The 5 o'clock club!

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ~ Romans 12:12

The 5 o'clock club!

I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.  

~ Abraham Lincoln

A day in the mountains!

Two weeks ago we were able to spend the day in the North Georgia mountains with Uncle Randy and Aunt Billie Rae!  They are such a sweet couple with so many great stories and we LOVE getting to visit with them!

 The kids climbed trees, played in the water and hiked for hours!

Seriously...there was a lot of climbing, running around and exploration!

 Davidson found a gun!

 Jameson being awesome while fighting imaginary villains.

 There was also a lot of talk time! My cousin was able to join us for the day.  Love her so much!!!!

 Jameson turned 8 the day before our mountain fun.  So for the next ten days these two hulligans were "twins"!!!  They love those 10 days!

 Girl talk!

 Some of the best pizza we've ever had.  It was so YUM!!!!

 Sisters!  Josalynd, Morgan, Becca and Holland!

 A bunch of crazy kids!

And I love each of these crazies!!!!

Pen Pals!

Miss Holly was so excited to receive her first letter from her "bestest cousin friend" Hannah!

For school this year I thought it would be fun for all of us to take a moment every other week to write someone a letter.  The kids have really enjoyed this and have been so excited receiving letters in return.  Emailing, texting, IMing and so many other ways of communicating have taken over hand written letters, stamps, and the excitement of a surprise in the mailbox.  It's almost a lost art in a way.  My kids get to chose who they write and so far their choices have ranged from grandparents to friends from different states they have never met in real life. Not all of them have received letters in return, but most of them have.  It has been so much fun!!!!  The excitement when Holly and Jameson received return letters from their cousins was contagious!

Take a moment to bless someone with a handwritten card or letter....it will bless you too!!!!

Cousins, Easter Eggs, and Rain!

 Today we were so excited to spend Easter with Tim's sister and her family.  We met them at their church and enjoyed a great Easter Drama and worship time.  I am loving this chance to spend time with my one and only sister in love and her family.  I love that my kids get to spend holidays with their cousins making memories. 

 We went totally nontraditional for the first time that I can remember in my lifetime.  There was no cooked ham/Cornish hens or wonderful side dishes....no china, crystal or sterling silverware.  There was Little Ceasars and salad......paper plates, plastic cups and forks!  No cooking, dishes to wash or clean up other then 5 minutes.  We had a great time with each other celebrating what was important....Easter.  It's not about what your eating, or what dishes you used...it's about remembering the true meaning of why we gathered together today.  HE IS RISEN!!!!

The kids did the whole Easter egg scramble....in the pouring rain!  :)  No rain was going to stop this crew...did I mention it was pouring...yes...not drizzling...not sprinkles....pouring rain and they did not want to wait.  Much candy was gathered, traded, and eaten!!!!

He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. ~ Matthew 28:6

Thankful Thursday!

I am so thankful for a little girl named Holland Leanne! I am thankful for days with blue hair bows, clip on earrings and matching jeweled necklaces, dress up gowns and baby dolls.  I am beyond thankful for days filled with girlish giggles while she dances through her day.  I am thankful to watch in excitement as she rides her bike without training wheels "all the way from the top of the driveway mommy!"  I am thankful for each good morning snuggle and good night song.  I am thankful for the big moments and each little moment.  The wiggly first tooth about to fall out any day now to going to her first masquerade dance.  Each day we can find things to be thankful for.  Each day we can purpose to stop the busy routines that encroach upon our lives and be thankful for the moments in our children's lives that are such a blessing to be a part of.  Today....I am very thankful!!!!!