Love, Joy, and Thanksgiving

I've heard this song many times now and each time I am convinced it was created for me.  It is my anthem so to speak. My favorite part of this song is the monologue towards the end.  Powerful.  Convicts me every time I hear it.  I just wanted to share.

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I also encourage anyone who hasn't read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp to read this book. She is one of the most gifted writers I've ever read.  This isn't a fun, quick read, it is an experience and it may change you in the most wonderful way. The last couple days my heart has been heavy for various reasons, and I've been amazed to find myself in a state of thanksgiving which in turn brings joy or like Ann likes to call it eucharisteo.  

Our Pastor always leaves us with a "what if" question at the end of the sermon, so here is the "what if" I propose....what if we as believers in Jesus Christ, what if we lived our lives as the proof of His love....

"I'm bankrupt without love."

Weekend in Fayetteville

Fortunately for us, one of the sweetest little boys we know had his first birthday party this past weekend in Fayetteville, so it gave us a good reason to venture to a town we love and celebrate with our dear friends. We don't get to see them near enough, but every time we do it's special.  Amber (and Jordan) did a fabulous job with all the SAFARI themed decorations, water play stations, and food.  I cannot put into words just how much fun Brody had - the child played HARD for 2 and a half hours and he would have stayed longer if we didn't make him leave. We all had a blast!  Some of us were taking turns taking pictures with Amber's camera, so she has all the fun pictures. I left ours in the car.

While we were there we got to eat at some of our favorite spots in Fayetteville (and try a new one), browse some of my favorite stores, and take bub to tour his future college campus. :)

 Oh, and we went to one of the parks that I use to run/walk at in college.

 pointing to daddy's name on the senior walk

playing at his buddy's 1st birthday party

As we were saying our goodbye's before we left the party, Brody and Cooper gave each other a hug and a kiss and said bye-bye.  It was precious! We love you, Coop man!  

Summer Days

Clearly, we have been staying busy and enjoying our summer days together.  The two days a week that bub is at 'school', I am able to enjoy lunch dates with some of my best friends and some new friends. I'm also able to run errands and get 'stuff' done around the house sans toddler.  

Here are some of the things we've been up to in no particular order...

  1.) First golf trip.  It was a nine hole game, and that is all this little boy could take. It was too HOT!

 2.) After a fun play date with his cousin Malyn, he is waiting (milk in hand) at his Gammy and Pop-O's house for them to get home.  Watching the birds outside.

 3.) visiting with mommy

 4.)  Doing the "Hot Dog" dance.  Those of you who are familiar with Micky Mouse Club you know what I'm talking about.  We do this a few times a day.  

 5.)  At the Swann farm riding his tricycle for the first time.

 6.) Swinging, swinging, swinging. 

 7.) Daddy golf

 8.) Guitar practice. :)

9.) I forget who he was talking to at this point on our golf outing.

I'm SO thankful for this time with my baby boy!

Independence Day (and before)

We had a fun-filled Fourth of July.  We began the celebration early and had a fun night out with friends Tuesday evening.  Justin's parents wanted to keep bub so it worked out nicely.  Not only do we celebrate our Independence on the fourth each year, we also celebrate my dad's birthday.  Justin, my brother, my dad and my father-n-law played an early round of golf Wednesday morning.  While they were golfing, Brody and I, along with a few others, were playing in the pool.  Around 1:30 we came home so bub could nap.  When he got up and got dressed we headed around town to 'party' hop.  Some of our friends were hanging by the pool, so we made two stops to say hi and visit before heading to dinner with my family.

 my mom gave him that flag and wanted a picture and he just took off 

  Happy Birthday Pop!

 Those who know my mom, you know how much she loves Brody wearing his red, white, and blue and holding the American flag.

We hope you had a wonderful day celebrating our independence with family and friends.