Happy Birthday, Bran!

This has been a week of celebration!  On Sunday, we celebrated Father's Day and yesterday, Brandon turned the big 32!  We have had so many desserts that I am almost ashamed to list them all, and I know that the list will only get longer as we are preparing to go see my parents!  Oh, well!  Anyway, Brandon, I am so thankful that God has allowed us to be together for over half our life.  I love the way that you love us and how you show that on a daily basis.  I love the way that you love others, and most of all, how you love God.  I hope that you had an amazing birthday (even though, you didn't get a card:))!  We love you!

Who needs cake when you can have pie?  Yum Yum!

C's face doesn't show it, but he was so excited to buy this $.98 loaf of bread and feed the ducks.

C watching his friend throw it long!

I just love C's priceless face in this picture.  He always tells me, "Mama, close your eyes!"

My brave little man "letting go"!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Well, that is all of the pictures that I have for now!  There will be many more over the next few weeks as we have many new adventures headed our way!

Choo...Choo...Let's Get on the Potty Train!!

 

Memorial Weekend was set aside for nothing other than POTTY TRAINING!  I have to admit that I was not looking forward to it, but our little man handled it like a pro.  I know that I am spoiled, but after one night in a Pull-Up, he decided that he must wear his underwear.  He has slept in them ever since and hasn't had one wet night:)  These next pictures were just too cute not to share.  I know that someday, little man is not going to be too happy with me but for today, he is proud of those yellow Crocs and those Lightning McQueen Undies!

 Carson helping Daddy level the fort!

 

Celebrating KK!

On Tuesday, we were all so excited to get to witness Kelli walk across the stage with her college degree!  It is amazing how old that I must be since she is graduating college:)  Anyway, she handled it with style and grace as she accepted the diploma that she has worked so hard for.  Kelli, we are all so proud of you!  We can't wait to see the path that God will lead you down.  Our biggest words of wisdom are... 1. Trust God.  He has a plan and purpose for you that is far beyond our understanding.
                       2. Be who God made you to be instead of trying to be like everyone else.  God made you unique for a purpose.
                       3. Love God and Love People.  This sums up the whole Gospel.
                       4. Choose friends that will lead you in the right direction.
                       5. Be picky when choosing who you will marry.  Don't settle!  God has someone amazing waiting for the right time to meet you. 

We love you more than you can imagine, and I am so honored to be able to call you my sister! 

Oh...how time flies!

On Easter weekend, we had the privilege to get to have some of our best friends visit from Chicago.  Kelly was my college roommate 10 years ago.  Wow, did I just say that?  I love where in Proverbs 17:17, it says that a friend loves at all times and that is exactly how I feel about Kelly and Craig.  I have to say that Kelly knows everything about me, the good and the ugly; yet, she is always there for me!  Carson, I hope and I pray that as you grow that you will invest time and energy to choosing good friends.  It is going to be hard to not just want to fit in with the crowd, but I challenge you to look below the surface and find friends that truly care about you and truly love you.  You see if a friend truly loves you, they will do what is in your best spiritual interest.  They will go above and beyond to keep you on a path that leads you to Christ. 

Enjoying a beautiful day at Clyde Warren Park.

Carson getting ready to enjoy some yummy food from the food trucks.

 

Easter Weekend 2013

The egg hunt has begun!

Sorry, bud!  No candy this year!  Just gummies!

Yes, Craig can juggle Easter eggs!

The Dallas Zoo

Wow, that is a tall giraffe!

Man, I hope it is a long time before this day gets here!

Love you guys!!!!!!

It took a few days for C to get over Kelly and Craig leaving:( Boo hoo!

Lexi and Carson at the park.

This is one of my favorite times of the week...swimming with Carson!

 

 I am so proud of you!  You are up to swimming 6 seconds under water.  Yes, I am making the monkey face so that you will continue to hold your breath.  Guess, I am holding mine too!  Six seconds is a long time for a mommy!

Carson floating on his back!

 

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:)