Life at the Beach

Someone that I am really close to has asked me several times this past month, "Why don't we live at the beach?", and my honest reply is "I don't know."  We were blessed to get to go to the beach this past spring break with Brandon's parents and my sister.  I just love being there.  It is so much more that just a vacation from the daily routine, but it is where I feel closest to God.  Just stand in the sand and watch the ocean.  You will see the mighty power in the waves, yet feel the calmness that surrounds you.  This is just how I see God.  I know a God with mighty power who is able to do everything, yet an extreme amount of calmness and gentleness as He molds his people to look more like Him.  Then, walk along the shore and look at all the sea shells.  Each one has such different characteristics yet are so beautiful.  This is how I see God's people.  Each one of us looks differently. We all have unique characteristics, but all are so beautiful and have a purpose.  So, why don't we live there and get to see God's beauty every day?  I don't know.  Maybe someday.

The view from our window.  Only steps away from the white, sandy beaches of Perdido Key, FL.

Day 1: Carson digging in the sand.

Sweet KK soaking up the sun!

Pop and Carson getting more water to build the sand castle.

Carson showing off his skills at LuLu's.  Not too bad for a two-year-old.

I am not sure exactly what he would do without his KK!

 Sweet Little Boy

 Carson visiting the Naval Museum for the first time!  Thanks Mimi!

Anything scary about this picture?

 Carson riding the train at Lambert's.  Oh, if only I could have one more roll with apple butter!  Yum!

Thanks Mimi and Pop for blessing us with such a great time!  We love you!

Oh, did I mention that we visited the Duck Commander headquarters in Monroe, LA!  So funny!  This is Jep and his wife in the truck:)

It's a Process

I always love what Carson has planned to say to me when he wakes up from a nap.  For a few weeks, he would consistently wake up and ask, "Whatcha been doing?".  For a few days in a row, I told him that I had been painting so he got to where he would wake up and say, "Been painting?"  Well, it has been several weeks now since I have been painting during nap time because we have had so much going on, but honestly I love the days when I get to paint.  I have this love to find hidden treasures and so does my husband.  So whether it is at a garage sale, a flea market, or something from our grandparent's house, it is always exciting to find the least wanted piece of furniture and get to work.  Generally, when we bring something home, I don't know exactly what it will look like when I finish.  In fact, it usually isn't until the very end of the project when I truly see what the piece will look like.  Unfortunately, I always forget to take pictures of the before so really only Brandon can truly appreciate the piece when it has been transformed and redeemed from the ugliness of its old life.  For me, this transformation process is a way that I can tangibly grasp what God is doing to me.  There are many times in my life when I have felt like the least valuable object in the room, yet God takes me anyway and sands away my imperfections so that His original creation can be restored. Carson, there are going to be many days throughout your life that you will wonder what God has planned for you next, but my greatest prayer is that he will work in your life and continue to refine you, sand you, until you become closer and closer to His reflection.  God will never leave you alone in an empty room.  He chose you to be His and that is what makes you special.  Thank you for teaching me more and more about God's love each day.  It brings joy to mine and your dad's heart to hear you sing of God's love, to hear you say His word, and to watch how you at two-years-old share God's love with others.  We love you!

You will always be my inquisitive little boy.  You are constantly asking questions and seeking to find answers.

Carson and Grandy feeding the ducks.  Grandy is trying to get Carson to throw it just a little further.

Sweet Nannie and Carson watching the ducks.

You have grown up so much these last few months.  You want to go down the biggest slides all by yourself.  "I can do it...I can do it."

Last weekend, Brandon's family got together in support of Aunt Donna to walk and raise awareness for MS.  Here Aunt Donna and Cousin JD tried to lead the crowd but it appears that they were headed in the wrong direction!  After many turns, our family got together as one. 

 Here Carson is all snuggled up with Grandmother.  It was quite a pleasant ride until the tires started slowly going down...down...down.

The bright blue shirts with orange writing are those from our family.  It is hard to tell who is who due to the amount of layers that each of us was wearing.  It was cold to say the least and a long 3-mile walk but at the finish line everyone was full of smiles.  Donna, we love you and are praying for you!