What the What?!?!

So someone asked me this week how old my kids were and I hesitated... like, for a long time.  Then I said, "11, no 10... no 11...I promise they are my kids!"  Seriously, I was totally taken aback to the fact that my first born is now 11!!  What. The. Heck!!!!  How did this happen and where did the time go?!?!  It didn't even hit me on his birthday, but here a few weeks later it is like a lead brick around my neck.  Time slow down!!!  The whole quote, "The days are long but the years are short" is so accurate at this point in our lives. Going, doing, and trying to make each moment count is hard; some days we totally miss it.  But I'm thankful for grace.  For each day anew.  For moments to be intentional and days to reflect and promise to do better the next.  All in all I have amazing kids!!  They make us look good in our parenting when in actuality we need to be on our knees most days asking them for forgiveness.  Trial, error, grace, and whole lot of Jesus-
that's how this crazy family is rolling! 

Family Photos 2016

Love these guys!

Better with Age

This handsome guy just celebrated his b-day!  We are truly a blessed family to have him leading us.  I seriously could not think of ANYONE else I would like to do this crazy, busy, happy, stressful, joyful life with.  He is the most hardworking, selfless, patient, determined, loving husband and daddy I have ever known.  Thanks Babe for putting up with me and continuing to lead our crazy bunch!

I know all of the adjectives I would use to describe him, but I thought it would be fun to see what the kids had to say...because let's face it, kids don't lie ;)  This is what they said:

Cameron: "He never gives up" (determined); "He does a good job leading us" (leader); active

Bryant: "smart, handsome, problem-solver"

Hayden: "loving, kind, thoughtful, smart, helpful"

I'm not the only one you are making an impact on Babe :)

B Turns 9

Another year is in the books and this kid just keeps making it sweeter!  So who is he at 9???  I see it something like this...
B, you have a heart of gold (except when it comes to your sister).  You are confident and love to help others and do it without being asked.  You are constantly thinking, but of all 3 kiddos you say the least.  You love to be funny and make others laugh and once you get them going you'll get crazier and crazier to keep it up.  Everyone that knows you likes you.  You don't have an enemy anywhere. You are very selective as to who your friends are.  You enjoy the company of older people and you aren't uncomfortable hanging with the older boys or adults.  You like to get dressed up and look "handsome" but your other favorite is just being NAKED!  You are even-natured but you have high standards for yourself.  Most things come easy to you but when they don't, you get frustrated.  You are sweet hearted and expect others to be nice to you.  Your are sensitive with a tough shell.  You are completely different than me but so much like me all at the same time.  You make me want to protect you because I can see so many amazing qualities that I know God will use in his time to make you the man he wants you to be.  "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." Colossians 3:23 & 24.  I love you so much!  You are truly gifted in so many ways and I cannot wait to see where God takes you in this life.  Just remember to let God lead and always do your best along the way.  Love you sweet boy!  Nine looks good on you
XOXOXO

Cruise 2016- Oh Wow. Very Nice

This year the family vacation was on a Caribbean Cruise!!  So nice and relaxing.  You know how you usually drive up to your ship and see the one that looks AWESOME and then realize yours is the one next to it?  Well, this year ours was the cool boat!!! Freshly redone interior and water slides, mini golf, rock wall, surfing... it was crazy good!  Our stops were Cozumel, Roatan, and Costa Maya, with Roatan being our favorite.  We went back to the Little French Key and enjoyed a day on the beach, paddle boarding, petting monkeys, and sipping drinks.  We even did a family jump off of the high platform!!  Everyone that is except the old folks and, well, Dawn (scaredy cat ;)  Our waiter on the ship, "Just-One" was hilarious and "Oh Wow" was he great!  Lots of drinks were drunk (ahem...Colin and Caitlyn), laughs to be had, card games played, bedtimes stretched, and memories made.  My kids are oh so ready to go on the boat again.  Cal and I are too!  Vacation really is more fun with family.  Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!  We love spending time with you!!

This, That and the Other

Lots of stuff going on over here!  Time keeps flying by and won't stop and let me catch up!  Here is a hodge-podge of stuff to get you up to date on the last several months:

Par-tay!

This year, 6 year old birthday festivities were at the ol' stand by, Maverick gym.  Lots of girlies to spend the day with and enjoy the fun!  The theme was tossed about for weeks, but finally Princess Palace Pets won out.  She had a blast and everyone was worn out by the time it was over. 

After many months of asking, daddy and I finally let her get her ears pierced!  She was super excited and nervous all at the same time.  When it was finished she was a little teary eyed and definitely did NOT want them to touch her again to put a tattoo on her cheek or sparkles in her hair, but she did awesome!  She told me later she really wanted to scream but didn't want everyone to look at her.  She walked away with sparkly ears and a new stuffed animal and daddy and I agreed a little more grown up.  We love you baby girl, I hope you enjoyed your day!