Soccer 2016...

My tenacious boy. Always willing and ready to take on new challenges. Begging to play soccer for a highschool he doesn't attend because his small school lacks the resources to have their own. Lighting up when he knows he can go to practice and being down if it's canceled. Being labeled a "utility player" by his coach and teammates. This is Connor.

Eyes to see...

Why is it that children appreciate beauty more than big people? My girls couldn't wait to collect a lovely variety of fall colored leaves this afternoon. They were thrilled when I went to the store for glue and poster board. Little things make little people happy.

Carving time...

We turned up the Halloween music and carved out little hearts away tonight. We grew our own pumpkins this year and somehow that made it even more fun.  I love this clan. This is our first year carving without Halee but she and her boyfriend Jared carved their own from far away. She wasn't complaining. ;)

Hot...

I was laying in my bed the other night reading when a text comes in from my husband (who's laying right beside me by the way) and its this picture. And I say "what is this?" And he says he snuck a picture of me while we were at the pumpkin patch because he thinks I'm hot. 

I've come to a conclusion. Chris will never think I'm not hot. I can get wrinkles (which I already have) I can get saggy (which is already coming, our bodies atrophy as we age...it's inevitable.) I could even start snorting when I laugh or fart just for fun...I already know, he would still think I'm hot. It's not anything special I do...it's that he loves me. I love that.

College life...

My 16 year old college boy. He's been working so hard to keep ahead of it all. It's been a big undertaking and lots of ups and downs with learning how to manage it all but he's done so well. He is one determined child. My heart swells just thinking about this growing boy. Soon he will leave me too and I'm just bracing my myself because he's one of my greatest friends. I wish I could shrink him for a day or so, I miss my "little" boy.

A thief is on the loose...

These are the things that make me miss Halee. Reminders of her quirky, funny sense of humor. Halee keeps to herself unless you are one of "her people" and becoming one of those is no easy task. You have to worm your way in. And if you get to her you are in a very fun and happy place because this girl is fun and infectious and absolutely hilarious. I miss her.

A happy life...

I came upon this sweet picture of my little Grace with my dad from way back. Her wonderful papaw. Pictures like these should be imbedded in our minds eternally. Like a song that gets stuck in your head...except in this case you want it to stay in your head forever. 

How blessed I am to have photos. So many wonderful photos of times that make life meaningful. Where would we be without pictures? I know people always say "what was life like before technology?" but what about photos? They are far more meaningful than any technology. Except I guess the camera on your phone...it does help facilitate this treasured gift of memory making. 

I just feel blessed. Blessed to have people around me that I love. Blessed to have memories. Blessed to have proof of a happy life.

Girls...

I'm not sure what I'd do if I didn't get some girl time once in a while. It's so good to have intelligent ladies to sound board off of. I come home a lot nicer too. Everybody wins.

Twins...

When you and your daughter dress alike without even realizing it...

Serving dad...

This is what I walked in on today. It made me smile...

Big brothers...

This little girl is going to be crushed when Austin grows up. He gives her piggy back rides and tells her how smart she is. He plays on the trampoline and shows her through his actions that she has value. Who knew that parents aren't the only ones who mold their children? Our children also mold each other.