Oh, All I want for Christmas is....

to win the last minute gift certificate from The Vintage Pearl!! That would just be so awesome. Head over there and check it out!

This friend....

God has blessed me with. She has been there with me in the happiest of times and the not so great times. We both can get caught up in the whirlwind of motherhood and just... life, and not talk for the longest time. But when we finally do, it is seamless. We just pick up where we left off. I just love her. 

 I love to see our children together. 

 Fifteen years ago, she was there ,in the room with me, and witnessed the birth of my Sophie. And she helped me care for her in the beginning days when I had to return to work and hadn't found a day care. We've been friends for 20 years now, which is really hard to believe! 

I can't imagine life without her. 

I wish everyone the blessing of a friend like her. 

Love you Keri!! 

TEAM

Sophie left this morning for her JV Volleyball State Championship game. I'm missing it. And that makes me a little sad. She's the captain of the team this year and has been a wonderful leader. I am so proud of her and of the team. 

Go Lady Knights!! 

I'd rather it be free... but $6 is good!

Best yard sale find of the day.

Brand new, in the sealed bag, 'How to Train Your Dragon' costumes.

$6 for both.

They are ready for some good 'ole pretend play and Halloween!! 

5

My goodness! I can't believe this little chickie is 5 years old today! Time flies when you're having fun! :) GG, you are a joy to our lives. You add much sparkle to our days! It is such a blessing to spend my days with you. I love how you love to learn. I love how out of nowhere you'll say, "Mommy, I love the Lord.". I love how you love your family. You are a sweet, smart, beautiful girl. Beautiful inside and out. You are a wonderful daughter and a perfect little sister and a perfect big sister! 

We love you! 

Mommy, Daddy, Sophie and Shep

15

Where has the time gone. My sweet Sophie Sunshine is 15! Sophie, you are the light of our lives. I'm so proud of who you are becoming. God is growing you in Him and it is an awesome thing to witness. It has been a great year for you. You were baptized this year. You were made new!! You bring us so much joy ever day and you'll never know how proud we are of you. You are loved! Now, if you'd just get to studying you can get that permit!! :)
We love you Sophie!
Mom, Dad, GG and Shep

Our very own mermaid

GG is now almost 5 years old. I can't believe it! 

 This summer she has just taken to the water like, well... like a mermaid.

 She still LOVES mermaids. One day she was swimming with her swim vest and the next day she wasn't. That quick.

 She is my very independent, very strong willed, funny (actually quite hilarious) little girl.

 Somedays I just don't know what to do with this child.

But I really don't know what I'd do without her. 

50 stars on a field of blue....

with stripes of red and white

our flag is waiting for you and me

it's colors shine so bright! 

The littles have been singing that song quite a bit this past week.

We stayed home for the 4th and just had fun family time. 

Daddy took the kids to the park for most of the day so I could clean and then I took them to see the fireworks. He wasn't feeling well so we let him go to bed early. 

Our town had a great fireworks display this year.

Hope your fourth was just as fun! 

Lately...

So lately we've been doing a lot of...

 Hanging out at the pool (it's HOT here!)

 learning to swim

taking family evening walks

 well, just once so far (it's HOT here!)

dressing up the puppy dog

being silly (but that's the norm around here)

 getting cute haircuts

NAPPING ( I love naptime!)

and really enjoying our summer.

What have you been up to, lately?

Because I've been really bad at blogging....

 here are some awesome pictures Sophie took on our little vacation