Girlie Gifts

Annabelle got some very special gifts for her first birthday from her Nana that I just got around to taking pictures of. Annabelle is in love with shoes and the second her Nana heard that, she jumped on that quicker than I could say "Mom, just because she likes shoes doesn't mean she needs 34 pairs!" But, look what Nana did, she made her some! How stinkin' cute are these!?

And then she drew her these adorable pictures to go in her bedroom. Everything in the pictures are taken from the fabric that was the inspiration for her room. I've still got her quilt to make, a wall hanging to figure out and a valence and then I think it will be done. Slowly yet surely it's coming together.

Aren't they all just so cute?! I just love that my mom and I share a love for crafting. Such a fun girlie thing to bond over. Thanks Mom for loving my little girl almost as much as I do :)

Three and One Half

Joseph is now 3 1/2. Apprently to him that's close to 6.

Whatever his age, it's all going way too fast for me.

Lake Gaston Trip

We just went on vacation nearby to Lake Gaston with Andy's family. It was perfectly timed after several hard weeks of life and right before we dive into our first year of officially homeschooling. It's amazing what a good vacation will do for your soul!

Samuel was such a fish. He was fearless of the water and spent every chance he could swimming off the dock.

Lots of time was spent on the boat.




Goat Island


Lots of disc golf was played

GranRan celebrated his birthday on Monday. The boys were more than willing to help blow out his candles.

The kids adore Mr. Patrick (Julie's boyfriend). He is pretty awesome!

These two pictures say a million words about Andy and Annabelle and the special relationship that they share. Nothing more adorable than a man and his daughter.


Sweet Joe Joe

Samuel blew us all away and went tubing with Andy. So proud of our brave boy!

Snuggles with Gigi

Summer is officially coming to a close... now it's time to turn our attention to finalizing our school plans! It's going to be a great year!

Snorkler Joe

Samuel got a snorkel set for his birthday. Joe decided he wanted one too. So he decided to take matters into his own hands and make a set for himself:

Quite creative, huh?

Spring Forth Farm

We have some friends at our church who left a very comfortable lifestyle in Colorado to live on a farm with their 4 boys. One day last week we went over and spent the day with them. We toured their farm and then as the boys played in the mud I tried to squeeze as much wisdom out of the mom as I could. I inquired about discipline, homeschooling, fertility, gardening, raising godly boys and everything in between. She is a wealth of wisdom and is doing a fantastic job with her husband raising their children.

It was such an encouragement to see a family a few steps ahead of us, who shares our not-so-popular values who has children who are thriving like they are. Such confirmation to know that all this hard work will pay off if we are diligent in seeking the Lord's guidance. Parenting is hard work, but He is faithful!

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5



...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 1:6

This family is so inspiring and such an answer to prayer. God, you are so good!