Backseat

This makes me smile.

Who cares if it's a smashed grape?

Z loves sharing with Colson. In the car and at dinnertime. I often see him putting on Colson's tray whatever he doesn't want to eat. He doesn't get away with this, but of course Colson doesn't complain. ; )

I love seeing this in my backseat.


Whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye.


Zechariah 2:8

My Loud Star

Zach got a star the other day at school. I think his teachers choose one star student each day. It encouraged me so much since he's been a mess lately!

This face says it all. ; )

One night he asked me why his skin was dark, and I told him that's the way GOD made him. A few minutes later while we were eating dinner he was talking very loudly, and I said, "Zach, please talk softer. Lower your voice." He said, "But Mommy, I'm loud. GOD made me loud!"

Hilarious. How do you respond to that?

Several motorcycles were parked outside of church Sunday, so we had to stop and look. Z was a little too much in his element. ; ) I love this boy to pieces, and I've never prayed for more grace in my entire life!

...the LORD answered me and put me in a spacious place.

Psalm 118:5

Pumpkin Patch

I love hearing your thoughts about Reese. You give me glimpses of your hearts, and they're beautiful! Thank you!

Jason's parents came up this weekend to see our soccer star play in a game. It was intense, and I think G-Daddy yelled as much as I did. ; ) I can't help it.

It rained on and off yesterday, but when the sun came out we went to a pumpkin patch. I was so happy because we have never taken the boys to a real one! I think I was more excited than they were.

Westin, Shannon, & Cody came too.

There was a petting zoo, 

pony rides,

and of course pumpkins.

This little pig was the cutest thing! I could not believe how loud it squealed.

Another little cutie pie

the boys (they're so big!)

G-Daddy & Gran with their boys

I love the orange and green colors. It was fun picking our pumpkins from a real patch, and now I want to go back every year. ; )

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...

Matthew 6:19-20

Fall Flowers

When I drive the boys through the Memorial Gardens we always pass the pond first to see the ducks and sometimes turtles.

It's fun to see the turtles sunbathing on the rocks, and Z usually likes to scare them by yelling. A boy thing, I guess?

They didn't seem phased when we went this week. ; )

Z helped me with Reese's new flowers for the first time. He took it very seriously. It was so special doing this with him! I look forward to involving the boys with things we do to honor their sister.

Such a sweet big brother. 

It's crazy to think that Z will probably have no memory of when Reese was born. He won't remember seeing her or kissing her. Or smashing a bow on her head. ; ) 

When I think about our family I don't see just the boys, Jason, and me. I see the five of us. I want Zach and Colson to see her, too.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God..."

Psalm 46:10

WILW

Today I'm lovin'...


checking things off my list (but then more things to do just keep coming!)

that the boys are enjoying school


spending one on one time with them

this face


watching the boys play together

routine

my tennis lessons and classes

these cheeks


cheering for Z at his soccer games

watching his face when he scores

staying home with the boys (most days!) ; )

hearing Colson talk


praying the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) into their lives ~ one of my best friends gave me this idea ; )

I had to share this one, too. Z told me it was his "mad face." Silly kid.


Happy Wednesday!


I will go before you and level the uneven places...


Isaiah 45:2

Sweet Sign

The story behind Toaster ~ I've only mentioned this once (I think!), so I didn't think to explain... ; )

When I was pregnant with Colson, the people who work in childcare at the gym would ask Zach about his baby brother's name. He would say "Colson," but it didn't quite sound like it. ; ) It sounded like Toaster so this is what they started calling him. I had no idea about this until after Colson was several months old, and this is what they call him still. It's cute.

Shannon made me this sign for Reese's birthday. So special. I love it.

This date is Reese's birthday. I've been thinking about the perfect place for it, and my dad hung it this weekend.

I have received several emails recently about parents who have lost babies. It stirs my heart so much to know others are experiencing the depth of loss I know. Precious babies go to Heaven everyday, yet sometimes I still feel like this pain is all my own.

I'm also so humbled and honored that my sweet Reese has allowed me to meet so many people. Women who have given me hope and women who need hope. Thank you for being a part of my life!


Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.


Romans 12:12

Toaster

After we got home from the gym yesterday I laughed as I noticed Colson's name tag. He is still known as "Toaster" there! Too funny.

I had no idea this was on his name tag. It just may stick, but if it doesn't I always want to remember what people there called him.

 I even call him this sometimes, too. ; )

We found a little friend at Sam's today. Ha! He's kind of scary but was very nice. The boys liked him, too.

Colson and Zach look so small compared to Darth Vader! You just never know what you will find at Sam's. When we left Z kept saying, "I want to go see that man."

The boys loved playing with balloons the cashier gave them. I only bought apples and turkey today, so it was a very light trip. ; )

My parents came up again for the Razorback game. As always we've had lots of fun. Jason and my dad ran a half marathon this morning, and my mom and I did a little shopping.

Love this!

Hope ya'll are enjoying this fall weekend. ; )

May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in You.

Psalm 33:22

Winner

I love doing this giveaway, but it makes me sad sad sad I can't give stickers to each one of you who entered! ; (

Thank you for entering!

The winner is #117 Jennifer at Hope for Addy Grace.


Congratulations, Jennifer! I will email you with the details.


Just for fun...love my silly boys. ; )

“Because he loves Me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him..." 

Psalm 91:14

M&M Fix

Yesterday was not a good day for Zach and me. I think we are both so sensitive and when you mix that with disobedience it's just not pretty. I'm glad those days are becoming far and few between. ; o

Thankfully today was a new day, and praise the LORD His grace abounds! Where would I be without it?  

Jason was playing in a golf tournament out of town, so I decided Z and I would make cookies. He said he wanted to make M&M cookies, so this is just what we did. 

 Can you believe this cutie gives me any trouble? Ha.

 He wanted to do everything himself.

The best part

I loved doing this with Z. Everything was such a big deal to him, and it was fun to watch. I'm glad he has school tomorrow too so he can take some to his teachers. ; )


Don't forget about the Picky Sticky Giveaway! I'll announce the winner tomorrow night.


...His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.


Lamentations 3:22, 23 

14 Months & Giveaway

Colson is 14 months old! I can't believe it.

He is the most precious thing. Always happy (or at least most of the time). Such a charmer.

He adores his big brother. He loves school. I thought he was going to be my quiet one, but now I think he is going to be as loud as Z. ; )

Everyone tells us he looks just like his big brother.

I think Colson will start walking this month and Jason says in two more months. He crawls so fast everywhere walking would just slow him down right now. Plus I carry him all the time so he's in no rush. ; )

Sweet baby face

I used to clean out Zach's clothes and put them in bins, but now I've started taking the the clothes he outgrows straight to Colson's closet. I know it won't be long until he is wearing them.

I am having deja vu because he has already started wearing some of Zach's t-shirts he just wore (or least it seems like it!).

You are a doll, Cols Cols. A true heart healer. If I loved you more my heart would burst wide open!


I am keeping on with the Picky Sticky love another year. ; ) The Vroom Vroom 2nd year stickers are one of their new products, and I'm excited to use them to document another year of Colson's life.


Leave a comment to win a Gift Voucher for $15 on a set of Picky Stickys.


Don't forget to leave your email address if this is the best way for me to contact you.

I'll announce the winner Thursday night!

He will perfect that which concerns me.


Psalm 138:8