When I Grow Up

I am LOVING watching the Olympics! Aren't you? Gymnastics, diving, swimming...I even got into women's volleyball last night. ; )

 This morning we took the boys to a local splash park. I have been wanting to go for a while, and it was so much fun! The boys loved it. 

 As I walked around with the boys I kept thinking water would splash right up underneath me and scare me to death, but thank goodness it never happened.

Zach said the funniest thing to me, and I just have to share...

Zach: "Mommy, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

Me: "Well, I'm a mommy and take care of you and Colson. That's what I've always wanted to be."

Zach: "But Mom, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

Me: "Zach, I'm already grown up."

Zach: "But you don't do anything."

Thankfully this made me laugh instead of cry. ; )

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves...

Colossians 1:13

Girls' Weekend

I spent this weekend with three of my best friends. 

Laura, Sarah, & Jenny

We... 

Talked nonstop 

Ate way too much 

Slept way too little 

Prayed 

Cried 

Laughed until our stomachs cramped 

Watched the Olympics 

Shopped some 

And wished we had "just one more day" to spend together. 

It's never long enough!

 These girls are beautiful, amazing, and have such hearts for the Lord. We can recite memories from our high school days and laugh like they just happened. 

 We talked a lot this weekend how life is really hard, but God is so good and faithful in the midst of it all. It sounds simple, yet it's not. I love seeing His handprints so evident in their lives. 

I've been in a really good place the past few months, but lately my heart is so tender with Reese's three year birthday coming up. It's easy to get caught up in life with the boys, but having a daughter in Heaven is something I face constantly. 

I feel such loss. Loss I unsuccessfully try to fill. Loss only the Lord can heal if I let Him. Loss only Heaven will completely ease.  It's a daily battle that doesn't always rage but is always there.

Spending time with these girls this weekend reminded me that I'm not alone and have such love and support around me. We missed you, Suzanne and Hillary!

We also saw Colton and DeAndre from American Idol. We were so tickled because we kind of had to stalk walk behind them a bit to catch up. We only talked to Colton, but he was so sweet!

...even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me.

Psalm 139:10

Visit

A friend of mine from Baylor came to see me this week. We had so much fun!

Colson loved showing them our neighbors' farm. ; )

Micah

Maggie & Mollie Grace

Meredith & me

So thankful for sweet friends!


Have a wonderful weekend!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...

Proverbs 3:5

Snow Cone

Colson had his first shaved ice the other night! He was used to sharing with us, but it was time for him to have his very own (which mostly landed in his lap or on my feet!). ; )

He was so proud.

He likes any flavor, but we thought rainbow would be fun. That was my favorite when I was a little girl.

A little sour maybe? Ha! What a cutie pie. It's hard to say "no" to him!

...the LORD our GOD is righteous in all He has done.

Daniel 9:14

Colson's Birthday Party

Wow, what a fun and busy weekend! Yesterday we crashed. ; )

Colson had a red wagon party.

 We gave these push-up pop cupcakes for favors. So cute!

 They were easy to make, it just took me awhile. I kept getting distracted doing other things for the party.

I was so happy Mandy came for the race, and it was just a bonus she was at Colson's party, too. She's amazing.

My parents and Jason's parents are always such a HUGE help when they come see us. I'm so thankful for them!

Best family pic of the night...ya'll know how this is. ; )

The kids loved playing in the sprinkler and little pool.

Birthday boy

This may be one of my favorite pictures of Zach. What a handsome face!

Colson was so excited when we sang to him and about his cupcake. He couldn't quite blow out the candles so Zach helped a little bit.

Hope ya'll had a good weekend, too! 

Can you believe school is right around the corner? I'm on the hunt for a backpack for Zach. Let me know if you have any cute but not too babyish ideas. It's hard! ; )

*Colson's shirt is from Cantaloupe Corner.

...for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth - discerning what is pleasing to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:9-10

Race Day

It was a perfect morning for the race. I was so worried we would get too hot, but we ran mostly in the shade, so it was nice. There were over 150 runners, and that's great for a first race!

 Sweet brothers early this morning

 This banner has all the names of babies or children who were being honored in the race. See Reese's name?

 Me, Jason & Mandy

 Team Reese

Jason and I are just so touched! We love each one of these faces, and know there are many others who wanted to be with us today.

I love how a race gives our friends and family something to do to show they love and remember Reese. I have no doubt they do, but everyone is so different and it may not always be easy to talk about her. They can do something like this, and it speaks volumes!

 Fam pic ; )

 Me & Jennifer

 Me & Shannon

 Amberley & me

 the Smiths

 Mandy pushed the boys so Jason and I could run. Thanks, Mandy! She said Zach kept asking her to go faster. Ha!

 Westin

Me & Lisa

When I first heard about the race and shared it with ya'll, I was really emotional about it. I was thrilled there was something we could do to honor Reese, but I hate that we even have a reason to do it. It's refreshing to have something so positive to focus on and put my energy into.

I am already looking forward to next year! Bring it.

You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength will lie in quiet confidence.

Isaiah 30:15

Party Party

This cutie pie had fun at his birthday party tonight. ; ) We are so blessed with amazing families and friends to celebrate with!

The Race to Remember is tomorrow! My sister Mandy flew in so she could be a part of it. She surprised me, and I LOVE having her here even if it's just for a few days. 

We have more than 30 people on Team Reese!

Give praise to the LORD...for He has done glorious things.

Isaiah 12:4-5

Team Reese Tees

Reese's team shirts are in!

 It's hard to tell in this picture, but the womens' shirt (left) is a light gray/baby blue. I love how they turned out.

I can't believe the race is two days away. I hope it's so special for everyone involved!

I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Matthew 11:25

Silly

Sometimes you feel like eating pretzels, drinking an icee, and putting a lamp shade on your head in the car. ; )

It just works!

Your constant love and truth will always guard me.

Psalm 40:11

Weekend & Winner

This weekend was pretty low-key. Loved it! Life is about to get a little crazy around here again, so it was nice just to be at home and watch the boys play in the sprinklers. ; )

 Friday morning the girls in our small group had a little play date, so I took iced sugar cookies from Harps. Delicious! 

 That night Jason and I played in a mixed doubles match. There are six couples that play. We love our team!

 Saturday morning we took the boys to the pool. Colson pulled their lifejackets out, so they decided to wear them around the house before we left. ; )

Sweet brothers

Thanks for entering the Picky Sticky giveaway! The winner is #49.

Congrats, Donna!

I'll email you with the details. ; )

Hope you all had a good weekend!

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? 

Matthew 6:30

Birthday Boy & Giveaway

Happy Birthday, Colson! You are TWO!

 You are the happiest little guy, and it's fun watching your personality grow.

You always say, "Yea!" when we say it's time to do something or go somewhere. Whether it's brushing your teeth or eating or playing outside you are just happy to be doing it.

 Whenever I ask, "What do you say?" (like thank you) you answer, "Say!"

 We still call you "Toaster" or "Toasty" so this nickname has kind of stuck for now. Z has also started calling you "Bubba."

Ya'll play so rough together I'm amazed how tough you are!

Whenever I sing in the car or at home you say, "STOP!" I'm really not sure what to think about this. ; )

Colson, we love you we love you. You are perfect for us, and GOD has wonderful things in store for you!

It's giveaway time! 

I hope ya'll have enjoyed these Picky Sticky giveaways, and I only wish I could give out more! They have the cutest stickers and create new ones all the time.

I love documenting Colson's growth especially since he's growing up so quickly (as all kids seem to do!).

I told Jason today as I look back at each month he is losing more and more of his sweet cheeks. Makes me sad!

Please 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 pick the winner Sunday afternoon!

Times of refreshing come from the presence of the LORD.

Acts 3:19