Cruise photo of the Week

For Jordyn's graduation, we went on a family cruise to the Bahamas. We had THE best time, lots of fun, sun, and laughs. I love each person in this pic so much and am so thankful to have them. Can't wait till the next one, Oasis here we come!

Mother's Day

My awesome family, Mother's Day night.

My beautiful girls singing and playing at the Mothers Day Tea.

"The decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever
to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

This has been my favorite quote for quite some time. It really puts into words how I feel about my children. I know I may be a little biased, but I think I have the most awesome, talented, beautiful, smart, funny, kind, faith-filled, loving children on the earth. Don't get me wrong, they all have their moments of frustration, but those moments are few and far between. I had an unbelievable "mom" moment this weekend. We had a Mother's Day Tea this past Saturday at church and I had the privilege of watching both my daughters on the stage singing and playing for me (not for me alone, but it might as well have been). To say that I was a proud mama would be the understatement of the year. Not because they are so talented, or beautiful (which of course they are), but because they were using their talents and gifts to serve God. They are adult woment and they chose to do it on their own. There is no bigger blessing in life than that! What a gift they gave me that day. And for the record, they all gave me wonderful gifts on Mother's Day as well. I will think of them as I relax and get that massage, and carry around my "Life is Good" tote, thanks to Colton, Dave and my wonderful husband Patrick as well.
I love you all very much, and thank God for you everyday.

Sooo happy

Just thought I'd share this awesome pic and a little about the couple in it. This is my precious Jordyn and her prince, otherwise know as Dave Longobardo. She has waited a long time to find him, and we are so thankful that she did. Actually, we believe that God brought him at just the perfect time. She has never been so happy, and we are praising God for it. We pray that their love will continue to grow as they seek God's will for their future. I love you both very much.

Grown Up

Yesterday marked a milestone in our family. We moved our oldest daugter Kaley out of our house and into a house with friends in Jacksonville. She only decided to do it about a week ago so I didn't have much time to actually think about it. Then as she was packing on Thursday she would occasionally ask me if I was going to cry or be upset. I said no, because at that time I wasn't. She was actually planning to move out 6 months ago or so, but decided not to do it at that time. That's when I had started thinking about the possiblity and preparing myself for her to leave. When it came right down to it, I was so excited for her to be taking this next step in her life that I never took the time to get upset about the possibility of her actually leaving. I have said before that I am just so proud of the young woman that she has become and that this is just the next natural step for her.

So fast forward to yesterday. After we moved her in we went out to get some lunch with her, then of course we had to pull away. I was even ok then, until Pat said "how did this happen so fast?" That was it, that's all it took, then it was real, my first baby was gone, and the tears came like a flood. And Pat was right, how did this happen so fast, I can't believe 21 years has passed. Where has it gone? I am so thankful for every day we had to teach, and nurture, and love, and grow together. She is an awesome person and is going to do great on her own. Thankfully, she's only 25 minutes away and we do go to the same church so I'm sure the time between our visits won't be long, especially as she runs short on food and I'm cooking at home.

"Thank you God for children who love you and love me, and who by your grace are unbelievably awesome, faithful, Godly, responsible young adults. You gave them to me on loan and I have given them back to you for you to use for your Kingdom." Amen