July Family Reunion

We had a great time visiting with my parents and sisters this past month. We spent lots of time relaxing at the pool and eating dinner outside. Every meal was grilled, and it was all delicious! We were each in charge of a dinner and we each had set times for clean-up duty which my little sister K supervised. It worked out really well. The guys went golfing one day and a few of us went to Carowinds to ride the roller coasters. I got extremely sick and had to sit out a few rides, thank goodness I felt better after we got home. We also went to the driving range one day! That was hilarious! Thank goodness we don't get our golfing skills from our mom! The girls went out one day and did what we love to do most....go Shopping!!!! We all bought something and came home with Starbucks in hand! The best surprise of all was finding out that our little sister and her husband are having a boy in November!!! We were all thrilled and screamed with excitement as we cut into the gender cake and saw blue! We threw them a baby shower and I was thrilled to be giving them all of our baby stuff. No more babies for us....hopefully! I love spending time with my sisters and parents and I am so thankful for the relationships we have and cherish each one of them.

"My Dad"

My dad is an amazing dad. He always has been and I am sure he always will be. He is a very strong Christian with strong morals and great integrity. He has always been a very hard worker and has always sacrificed to make provisions for his family. He is kind, honest, forgiving, devoted, funny, loves to sing silly songs he remembers from his childhood, loves to collect guns and coins, he is a great story teller and I will never forget all of the "Big Red" night time stories from my childhood. He loves Mocha shakes from Arby's, his favorite sub is Ham and Swiss and he loves Tuna fish sandwiches, he is a saver, not a spender, he has always enjoyed yard work and is very good at it, he likes a clean house, he loved his Nanna very much and gets teary eyed thinking about her, he loves my mom more than anything and still gives her kisses in the kitchen and foot rubs every night, he loves giving great, big bear hugs and enjoys getting a back massage when I visit them, he calls my mom "Patty Sue" when she spends too much money, he talks to himself a lot, especially when working outside or working on a project at home, I like to think he is pretending he is on "This Old House". He is "Papa" to two grand daughters, one grandson and one more baby on the way. He holds a very special place in SB's heart. He is the father of three beautiful girls who love their dad and most importantly love the Lord. He has been through a lot the past couple of years, but he continues to believe in our God who is greater, stronger and higher than any other. I am proud to call him "Dad". Happy Father's day, dad! I love you!

Girl's Night out!

Our young Married's group at church had a "Girl's Night Out" last night. It was held at one of my friend's homes and we had such a great time. I was able to talk with some sweet ladies and get to know some of them a little better. We had some yummy desserts, chocolate covered strawberries and coffee. Of course, drinking coffee at 9:00 at night didn't allow me to fall asleep until almost 1:00 a.m. Oh well, it was worth it. I love being able to get out and come home refreshed. I am so thankful for my new sisters in Christ.

I am also just starting a new Beth Moore Bible Study. It is called Living Well by Loving Well. It has been great so far, as all her studies are. Although, I think this one is going to "hit home" just when I need it to! Have a blessed weekend!

I miss the Sunshine!

We have had so much rain this past week. I was glad for a chance to get outside yesterday for a little while and let the girls play. They need to be outside just as much as I do. We don't do well being stuck inside. They play so well together and love riding on their Power wheels jeep. I am looking forward to the weekend when it will be warm and sunny!

I am so excited for our trip to Florida. Just a few more weeks and we will be on the beach with the Sunshine! I have so many fond memories of our many trips to my grandparents condo in Florida. I hope my children enjoy our time down there as I did growing up. I think the smell of the flowers is one of my favorites and seeing all of the Palm trees. Another reason I am so excited for our vacation is that I get to see my sister and her son. I know this is a much needed vacation for all of us. I can't wait to start packing the bathing suits and sunscreen! Yipppeeeeee!!!!

Spring Time is Here!

We have really been enjoying our new church home. We have been there for almost three months and feel we are starting to connect to several families. I have enjoyed helping out with kid's choir and nursery. I think Wednesday nights are our favorites because we get to dive into God's Word and be challenged together as a couple along with our peers. I am looking forward to our ladies retreat in Hilton Head this June. I know it will give me great opportunities to get to know many other ladies as well.

SK is playing soccer for the Family Y and she is loving it. She scored her first goal the other week and was really excited about it. SB enjoys watching her, but I know she would rather be on the field with her sister.

The girls and I are so excited about this warmer weather and we try to get outside to play as much as possible. Hope you are enjoying your Spring!

"Rejoice in the Lord always,I will say it again Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

New Year, New You!

The past few months have been a huge accomplishment for my spiritual life. I have prayed diligently for the Lord to give me a greater desire for His Word and to spend time in it every day and for Him to teach me and give me understanding. Since then I have been very consistent in reading God's Word daily. Thank you Jesus for answering prayer. I am not being boastful in any way, but I think we should encourage each other more to be dedicated readers of His word and to spend quality time with the Lord. Having children makes it difficult to find that time, but if you really desire it, the the Lord will make that time available for you.

More great news: We have been serving at our church for 8 years and this past January we have been led to visit a new church. We loved it from the first time we tried it and have found the church family to be extremely welcoming. We have felt refreshed and really loved on. I am so excited! I am excited for new friendships, new areas of Spiritual growth, new areas to serve and accountability for both D and I.

Congrats D!

Well the new year has started off great for our family. D has been incredibly blessed with a promotion at work. He is now the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). The promotion was unexpected and has been a great challenge for D. He loves challenges by the way. He is hoping to hire someone to replace his old position and that should make things a little easier on him. He is also enjoying his hobby right now which is http://securityonion.blogspot.com/. If you go there and don't understand anything that is okay. He is a wee bit smarter than the rest of us folk! This past weekend the girls and I took a trip to Charlotte to help my parents move/settle in to their new apartment. We had a great time with Mimi and Papa and the girls enjoyed "breaking in" their new place. We are still praying for my dad to find a job and that the Lord would continue to provide for them during this time.