tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54184672157364326482024-03-13T07:13:18.489-07:00Vinson Boyslauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-76272194578812184772012-12-30T19:08:00.000-08:002012-12-30T19:16:16.648-08:00Happy 2013!Oh how I have missed the mental escape that comes with tapping my fingers on a keyboard to share the mundaneness of our simple life, but I hope to be back. We had some computer glitches to which I could post for the last 6 months but I am hopeful.
Hopeful for a new start.
Hopeful to share the silliness of home and the richness of what my Father continues to teach me. So instead of rehashing the last 6 months, I will share our 2012 highlights:
1- Chad has completed his D Min class work
2- Owen played his first soccer season this past fall and loved it
3- Griffin and Tate shared the soccer field with each other on the same team
4- I have continued to homeschool a now 4th, 2nd, and Kinder
5- Tate's eye sight has strengthened enough to go without a patch, hence putting "pirate Tate to rest"
6- Griffin has celebrated Christmas toothless again! Last year it was his bottom teeth, this year he only wanted his "2 front teeth" -after swallowing one while playing football
7- we visited family in NC, at Hilton Head, and also in Gatlinburg, TN
8- Chad has also finished chapters 1 & 2 of his dissertation!! Woot-woot (3 more to go)
9- most afternoons our yard is the neighborhood hangout where trampoline dodgeball or football take center stage.
10- We spent a wonderful day with Great Grandma Emmie celebrating her birthday- just weeks before her death..lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-70079743836870474052012-06-02T20:52:00.001-07:002012-06-02T20:52:17.552-07:00Wrestling for the GoodnessToday was a hard day in our home. I wish I knew what made today harder than normal, but I'd like to think it had something to do with the fact that we all were missing Daddy! Daddy left this morning at 4am to travel with his youth group to minister to children in Haiti for the week. For whatever the reason, the boys were way more aware this year that daddy's presence in our home is gone. Their threshhold of patience with each other was nonexistent and we were just snippy with each other. Ever had those days?
I truly prayed this morning for my attitude to be abounding in love, but sad to say, that went to Haiti with Chad;-) Thankfully my sweet Father wrestled me back in line as I read these words:
<blockquote>I am with you, watching over you constantly. I am Emmanuel; My Presence enfolds you in radiant Love. Nothing, including the brightest blessings and the darkest trials can separate you from Me. Some of my children find Me more readily during dark times, when difficulties force them to depend on Me. Others feel closer to Me when their lives are filled with good things. They respond with thanksgiving and praise, thus opening wide the door to My Presence. I know what you need to draw you nearer to Me. GO through each day looking for what I have prepared for you. Accept every event as My hand-trailored provision for your needs. WHen you view life this way, the most reasonable response is to be thankful. Do not reject any of My gifts; find Me in every situation. </blockquote>
So, even after a hard day of transitioning, I'm choosing to be thankful for:
-a cool summer day
-clean dishes
-boys that vaccuum
-a safe trip for the Haiti bound
-time to quietly study for school next year
-teachable moments
-picnics by the pool
-time of the Living Bread
-snuggles with T when the pool is too cold
-friends for O and G to play with
-learning the frustrations of each child and meeting them where they are
-watching a high school soccer game
-seeing a girl do a flip throw in (boys thought that was SUPER cool)
-grateful hearts
-ceiling fans
-creamy jalapeno dip
-a friend to call and check on me
-my willingness to share what I've been wrestling with today
I'm learning it's good to wrestle with God. He wants to hear my needs, my admitting short-comings, and my devotion to press on towards His goal-but the process is never fun and easy. At the end of today though, I can say that goodness prevailed!
With a grateful heart-lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-58358747237926676682012-05-26T15:53:00.001-07:002012-05-26T15:53:13.593-07:00On to Webelos...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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THis little man has grown up so much through scouts, and I'm so proud of his accomplishments! He is advancing on to Webelos, which means We Be Loyal Scouts. He is loyal, hard working, and becoming a hambone:-)
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At rank advancement they received a new neckerchief(is that a word) and will be getting a tan shirt to go with it.lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-19799062908646457572012-05-26T15:45:00.002-07:002012-05-26T15:45:37.755-07:00Griffin's 3rd soccer season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is the whole team with Coach Dash, Coach Mike and Coach Austin! Go Wolves!! They had a great season, had fun playing and learned lots about passing as a team and using the whole field.
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Griffin loved learning more of the game from Coach Dash. His has a British accent that was super captivating, but more than that he loves soccer and is a great teacher.
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These 2 guys had so much fun together on the field. They both worked at passing, assisting, and playing together. Austin's is one of Griffin's best little buddies!lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-51953487820568886732012-05-26T15:37:00.000-07:002012-05-26T15:37:37.155-07:00Tate's 1st Soccer Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was Tate's 4-5yr old team, minus 3, that he loved playing with this season. Coach Chad and Coach Angela were a great helping guide this team up and down the field.
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Getting his 1st trophy was sheer delight for this little athlete!lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-60416318209321200282012-04-23T18:40:00.001-07:002012-04-23T18:40:25.925-07:00Cravin' Caving!The "before" picture all clean
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400 feet below ground...loving the mud, darkness, and a group of 10 boys in their element: My favorite one!!
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A beautiful underground world:
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Tucking it in after a full day...sleeping with the bats...
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Owen and I went caving in Chattanooga at Raccoon Mtn this past weekend with his troop. About 20 parents and kids were in our group, and we had a blast. As Owen said at about 200 ft below, "I was born for this!" :-) After 3 hours of army crawling, jumping, climbing, splashing, and looking for bats and salamanders, we climbed out, kind of got cleaned up and set up camp. We got to sleep in the cave and that was really thrilling, but I ain't gonna lie, I was sore the next morning. But memories were made and fun was created...good times!!lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-8660389850103575682012-04-10T19:54:00.001-07:002012-04-10T19:54:09.636-07:00B and PhiaB waiting to cheer on Owen
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This was B's "little snack" - made Jen and I both laugh:-)
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Silly Phia
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The best egg hunt...Tate brings me the eggs!
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O-Man
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Tate and Isabella = "B"
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Jenna, Laurie, Chad and the kiddos
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Griffin and Owen
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After the races, we had some chill time together and decided to land at the park, which for my boys, leads to the river:-). Thankfully I was somewhat prepared and brought towels, but just not enough.ha Our cousins, "Phia" and "B" loved playing in the river, finding shells, looking for fish, giggling, and swimming. What a great memory with our "girls."lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-49811739919178420732012-04-10T19:32:00.002-07:002012-04-10T19:32:47.320-07:00We have a RUNNER!Watch the red shorts!
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And he's off....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There he goes....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2nd PLACE!!!!
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Owen ran a 7:43 for his first run ever!!! We are super proud of him and the best part is...he was just doing it for fun! FOr each of the boys we want them to enjoy themselves with their passions - and to work as unto the LORD. So to see this budding runner was super exciting! Not to mention, his Poppy, who is a runner, and Chad got to witness it and encourage him along the run. Generational FUN RUN :-)lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-11707793954625201652012-04-10T19:23:00.003-07:002012-04-10T19:23:52.128-07:001st 5K - Team Tate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On March 31, I ran my first 5K in honor of Tate! Over the last few months, Tate has been receiving services at a local not-for-profit, Special Kids. They held their first annual 1 mile fun run, 5K and 15K to raise funds for all the children they serve. Our family has been personally touched by the care and compassion Special Kids has for their children. Our family LOVED the racing environment (minus leaving the house at 6) and I definitely see more of these in our future. We had so much fun cheering everyone one, and running for such an amazing cause. At one point on the course they had pictures of the children and I just started crying. It was breathtaking to see their pictures and know that many of these kids would never run or walk, and we were running for THEM!lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-59657691905678969192012-02-25T13:11:00.004-08:002012-02-25T13:38:39.067-08:00Luke 2:52<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxoES-e9uUNpnkUuy6CS6mVLldhx-9a5WzYfMTwEKdVERdGyNJq6xLo-sluEvWUehz0xXiYcDZEI2gVZxP7Sg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I will be eternally grateful for the men and women that have taken the time to impart God's Word and His love in my children. This is just ONE example of how Tate is learning about God's love for him through the stories shared at CBS and church. He sometimes will share bits and pieces, but for him to take the initiative, draw the picture, and ASK to be video, and actually talk about it is just priceless to me. He is growing both in wisdom and stature and favor in the LORD. For those who need help understanding Tate's version :-) it is a story of how Jesus was asleep in the boat when his disciples "aka helpers" got scared of the storm....they awoke Jesus and he calmed the waves. <br /><br />He also did a Jonah story but that one had Jonah diving off the diving board into the water....He said that was the Veggie Tale version. hahalauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-9435079611345668282012-02-19T11:35:00.005-08:002012-02-19T11:51:03.997-08:00Nine years already??<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8ihM99WVHg/T0FRmIhhYtI/AAAAAAAABTg/v27T3N5eCzw/s1600/IMG_4516.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X8ihM99WVHg/T0FRmIhhYtI/AAAAAAAABTg/v27T3N5eCzw/s400/IMG_4516.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710935518047462098" /></a>Happy Birthday Owen!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PWB4KQlaF8/T0FQSRFB_8I/AAAAAAAABTU/GKTVSA4ANxQ/s1600/IMG_4459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PWB4KQlaF8/T0FQSRFB_8I/AAAAAAAABTU/GKTVSA4ANxQ/s400/IMG_4459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710934077234872258" /></a> Owen receiving his "bear" ranking...onto Webelos!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khQS1i2BMWk/T0FP-3xsdAI/AAAAAAAABTI/RqD7VGj2DVk/s1600/IMG_4444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khQS1i2BMWk/T0FP-3xsdAI/AAAAAAAABTI/RqD7VGj2DVk/s400/IMG_4444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710933744025367554" /></a> Our thoughtful reader...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XD3GzSTmZNs/T0FPvsQ6IVI/AAAAAAAABS8/XDVSe14mSfU/s1600/IMG_4433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XD3GzSTmZNs/T0FPvsQ6IVI/AAAAAAAABS8/XDVSe14mSfU/s400/IMG_4433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710933483237024082" /></a> Being Goofy! - planking in Nashville!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Yj0vlYMUtQ/T0FPSGljtFI/AAAAAAAABSw/TuMEx9Ajlpo/s1600/IMG_4431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Yj0vlYMUtQ/T0FPSGljtFI/AAAAAAAABSw/TuMEx9Ajlpo/s400/IMG_4431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710932974906881106" /></a> Dinner at Puckett's with the fam after going to the circus for Owen's birthday outing. I love that he still wants to do things with his family on his birthday! <br /><span style="font-style:italic;"></span>Lord, thank you for the blessing of Owen. He is such a tender, creative, people lover who cares for many. I know you have planned his days and I wait to watch how you direct his path. Thank you for letting us nurture and care for him these last 9 years...he has taught us so much!"lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-69745312635366670332012-02-19T11:28:00.004-08:002012-02-19T11:35:03.254-08:00Some love for my loves!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeRjGqoerz8/T0FOLW08NPI/AAAAAAAABSk/olaXcuzegg0/s1600/IMG_4468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeRjGqoerz8/T0FOLW08NPI/AAAAAAAABSk/olaXcuzegg0/s400/IMG_4468.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710931759495656690" /></a> Happy Valentine's Day!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPmwMM9KH7M/T0FN0b3mFEI/AAAAAAAABSY/TEoAN9_h38c/s1600/IMG_4466.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPmwMM9KH7M/T0FN0b3mFEI/AAAAAAAABSY/TEoAN9_h38c/s400/IMG_4466.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710931365711975490" /></a><br />Got this idea from Pinterest....the boys loved the heart-shape goodie....lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-14579903863724496282012-02-05T13:54:00.000-08:002012-02-05T14:37:15.221-08:00Magic Kingdom<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwWVMj1gVhsBprT6t_ZE-Fr3CyojKyCH2kzLfcoYJlE2uNWWVtD1UK4FAQnoJLCptLHK0g_zVyx51NV7G2V4g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />On our Christmas trip to Disney we spent 2 days at Magic Kingdom, and here is a snip-it of our fun there. The first day we stayed in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, then the second day we were in Adventureland and Frontier land. At Fantasyland, we visited Dumbo, Snow White's Scary Adventure, and Prince's Carousel, Mickey's Philarmagic show, and my childhood favorite 'It's A Small World." Tomorrowland was a big hit for the fellas....I think we all rode Space Mtn. about 4 times!!! Buzz Lightyear 3D ride was so cool and Tate loved driving his own car. YIKES! I'm a little scared to see what will come in 10 years:-) Although the park was PACKED (closing each day at 10:30) we had a blast. The guys are at such a fun age to really enjoy trips like these together. We were able to ride things and experience things together, versus the "divide and conquer" approach the last few years. So we are seizing every moment with these guys. Thankfully Mom was able to come down a few days and enjoy the magic with us. It was really fun to share these memories with her too!! <br /><br />PS... Hollywood Studios video to come....hopefully not a month later:-) hahalauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-55872778556067266262012-01-08T13:44:00.000-08:002012-01-08T15:38:32.181-08:00Sea World 2011<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVcudrIB9h10VcxxioISK9yyGFIHt5yU_tOEU83wfREqd7MDmrroxfFtqePZ7kUL0bzSEXc-EozEV-pq_Egg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />On Christmas Day, our family spent a full day at Sea World. It was absolutely amazing for all of us! This past semester we have been studying the "Water Creatures of the 5th Day", so to actually see them up close was a bonus. The first thing the boys wanted to do was ride the Journey to Atlantis water ride before all the crowds got there. Needless-to-say, we rode it 3 more times before we left. After that we headed over to the sea lions and seals exhibit....it was fun finding each now that we know the differences. :-) Then off to the penguins, string rays, and dolphins. We also went to 4 shows that day; 2 Clyde and Seymour Shows and 2 Orca/Killer Whale shows. Clyde and Seymour are sea lions that are highly trained to mimic adults, clap, obey, jump on queue. THe boys loved them, but mom's favorite was Walter the walrus. He was so ugly he was cute!!!! I couldn't believe the size of these creatures. Lastly, Tate's favorite was the orca shows. We watched these massive animals jump, flip, splash, spin, and pose. Both orcas shows the boys wanted to sit in the splash zone...not too bad!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhqjInCTTL63q5Ap8AcUdyzfiG_r97nBYPSRy8Lg1_-p7j9xG-Vu0XqH7yZ744a328E_N4GOvNRHU-V5sBSw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Throughout the day the had "street entertainment" and in this scene you will recognize 2 of our guys:-) shakin' it! Imagine that! hahalauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-69692741920624127312012-01-01T19:07:00.000-08:002012-01-01T19:19:57.786-08:00Salem Scott<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5vAA8-M7G4/TwEiSVvNBGI/AAAAAAAABRo/oC_PiA0JfgM/s1600/IMG_8479.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5vAA8-M7G4/TwEiSVvNBGI/AAAAAAAABRo/oC_PiA0JfgM/s400/IMG_8479.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692869102441137250" /></a><br /><br />I have been so excited to share this precious little picture!! My roomie from college, Amy Scott, and her family have been in an endearing pursuit of this precious soul. I have had the privilege to walk alongside adopting families and this one has been the longest journey. Their paper work has been done and sitting in China for over 5 years, so to watch their patience and grace to raise their own funds, adopt another little one in the waiting, and commit this little one to the Lord has taught me so much!!! Amy and Drew serve at a church in Chattanooga, TN, but both grew up around Winston-Salem, NC. Please pray for Salem as they all adjust to a new normal and big brother Jonathan adjusts to sharing momma and daddy.lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-903336588367470312012-01-01T18:59:00.000-08:002012-01-01T19:05:48.537-08:00Making a Joyful NoiseHello Friends!!!<br />It's been awhile, but for some reason our settings were changed and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what to do, until today. Ta-da....so this is the first of a few posts needing to share. Owen is in his 2nd year of violin and it has brought more perseverance, diligence, and patience on everyone as he has worked hard. Here is one of two songs he played at his recital before Christmas. We have been super proud of him and his commitment to it. <br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw5d970E-MJo5oN_N-lVEJ1mlh-4_XIm8Ie5C7gWK6-MGHwwnhbnuqu1yMYyz-qMawq__W2tWnyPk8xaYhm5Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-30186445451325906932011-10-05T19:37:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:13:34.698-07:007 SWEET years<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqwsWJYYUMM/To0Xkh1i9rI/AAAAAAAABQM/vdlc56SNwh8/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqwsWJYYUMM/To0Xkh1i9rI/AAAAAAAABQM/vdlc56SNwh8/s400/IMG_3823.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660206223000270514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RsmiHTiKsQ/To0XW-ymTII/AAAAAAAABQE/xh8h4b_ZBag/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RsmiHTiKsQ/To0XW-ymTII/AAAAAAAABQE/xh8h4b_ZBag/s400/IMG_3710.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660205990254365826" /></a>Edible soccerballs<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLGsVSUO__k/To0XMJBcX3I/AAAAAAAABP8/U5b_hg8eu6M/s1600/IMG_3777.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLGsVSUO__k/To0XMJBcX3I/AAAAAAAABP8/U5b_hg8eu6M/s400/IMG_3777.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660205804022423410" /></a>Celebration Snack<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5CYjZHcKVU/To0W_xDSMDI/AAAAAAAABP0/RX_JpLZM2ZM/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5CYjZHcKVU/To0W_xDSMDI/AAAAAAAABP0/RX_JpLZM2ZM/s400/IMG_3727.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660205591429263410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRhIukscUl0/To0Wp4eN0JI/AAAAAAAABPs/aojXKKmOI-g/s1600/IMG_3760.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRhIukscUl0/To0Wp4eN0JI/AAAAAAAABPs/aojXKKmOI-g/s400/IMG_3760.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660205215464149138" /></a>Playing the "Nothin' or Noggin'" heading game<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyDQflIIQz8/To0WL408nGI/AAAAAAAABPk/-UXguy-Vo9s/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyDQflIIQz8/To0WL408nGI/AAAAAAAABPk/-UXguy-Vo9s/s400/IMG_3787.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660204700163415138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_LpAzq3NJY/To0VpuBV2tI/AAAAAAAABPc/9FNLF9gwzdk/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_LpAzq3NJY/To0VpuBV2tI/AAAAAAAABPc/9FNLF9gwzdk/s400/IMG_3816.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660204113147058898" /></a><br />All of Griffin's "Soccer Team"<br /><br />We have had such a fun time celebrating Griffin the last few days. On Sunday we had a soccer party with some of his friends. He loved it! We played a game of soccer, a heading game, and crab game which made everyone laugh. <br /><br />Here are 7 of the many things I love about Grif! <br /><br />1- hugs and snuggles on the couch<br />2- the ways he adores his brothers<br />3- his hearty laughter<br />4- his compassion for animals<br />5- his perseverance and diligence<br />6- the way he has a comfortable confidence<br />7- gentleness <br /><br />Sweet Jesus, thank you for placing Griffin right in the middle of our family. He has a very special role of being a big brother and younger brother, and you knew his place in our family before time. We pray that you will continue to grow him in his tenderness towards you. You have uniquely gifted him for your work, and we pray that he continues to see himself in that light. Thank you for letting us walk this journey with him, because it is an honor to be his momma!lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-47281418796061236532011-09-18T12:23:00.000-07:002011-09-18T12:30:22.800-07:00Soccer time!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkpX-4PMpno/TnZFf6z84RI/AAAAAAAABPU/pfmZsNs4IT0/s1600/IMG_3675.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkpX-4PMpno/TnZFf6z84RI/AAAAAAAABPU/pfmZsNs4IT0/s400/IMG_3675.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653782796875653394" /></a><br /><br />Griffin once again wanted to play soccer after LOVING it last Spring. Last Sat. was his 1st game and the GREEN EAGLES did great. They played really well as a team and had a fun time. A few of the same players returned from last season, and Griffin's little best buddy, Jackson, joined him this yr. Here is a picture of a after game "funny faces." Grif scored 2 goals in his 1st game and he and Jackson both scored yesterday!! Way to go EAGLES!!lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-73386847317810863382011-09-18T12:02:00.001-07:002011-09-18T12:22:19.733-07:00turning 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcnEdt26y9o/TnZAzgm_XpI/AAAAAAAABPM/rGsd33uSjAg/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcnEdt26y9o/TnZAzgm_XpI/AAAAAAAABPM/rGsd33uSjAg/s400/IMG_3638.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653777635881213586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LoBCuTF3Zsg/TnZApbCNPGI/AAAAAAAABPE/pno-3FXpRU4/s1600/IMG_3641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LoBCuTF3Zsg/TnZApbCNPGI/AAAAAAAABPE/pno-3FXpRU4/s400/IMG_3641.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653777462586063970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiySXbIXqII/TnZAfejmnXI/AAAAAAAABO8/YGka9tgg5e0/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NiySXbIXqII/TnZAfejmnXI/AAAAAAAABO8/YGka9tgg5e0/s400/IMG_3644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653777291732753778" /></a><br /><br />A little over a week ago, Tate turned 5!<br />We love his.....<br />adventure<br />intesity<br />fun<br />loving nature<br />rocking himself to self<br />indepedence<br />loudness<br />gentle touch at times<br />belly laughter<br />smiles<br />hugs<br />desire to hang with the big guys<br />tenderness towards mommy<br />carefreeness<br /><br /><br />For his birthday he didn't want a party....the only thing was to take his little friend, Caroline, out to eat and anything and everything BIBLEMAN. (Owen was a little concerned he was having a date before he was.lol) So, we invited their family to join ours at MOE's for his birthday. You will notice he is wearing a cape, it's BIBLEMAN. Yes, he WAS Bibleman on his birthday, and most days since then. ;-) Tate has sweet affections for his family and friends, and we love that about him. Many times within a day I will hear him say, "I love you sweet dawling!" Ok, melt my heart, sweet! Another gentle moment is now when he wants to brush my hair or when he is playing with younger friends. God is really growing him and molding him into a nurturer and lover of people and for that I am grateful! I am willing to wait and savor this time with him, but it excites me to think of the plans God has for his life.lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-20616136530437965622011-09-02T19:24:00.000-07:002011-09-02T19:43:35.395-07:00Beach 2011<div><embed src="http://widget-ba.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=1801439850976633274&site=widget-ba.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1801439850976633274&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-ba.slide.com/p1/1801439850976633274/bb_t056_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1801439850976633274&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-ba.slide.com/p2/1801439850976633274/bb_t056_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=1801439850976633274&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-ba.slide.com/p4/1801439850976633274/bb_t056_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div>
<br />In July, our family spent some much needed time at the beach after Chad finished his last semester of classwork!! The first few days at the beach, Poppy, Yaya, Aunt Jen & Uncle Derek, the girls, and Aunt Chel were at the same beach so we had the treat of being together! The boys loved being around them since we don't see them much. THe rest of the week, we just soaked up the sun and lots of family time. We boarded, built, and (actually read a book).
<br />That was definitely a new/uncomfortable change. Chad and I got to experience the fellas growing independence from us. I mean, it was great to watch them lean on each other more, but it was hard. I sat there some moments thinking, "Don't they need me?" It was a WEIRD moment for me since this was a first in 8 yrs. As a mom, I have found comfort in being needed by someone, but the freedom on the sand introduced me to glimpses of a new season. Chad and I really enjoyed talking together in our chairs, reading, and relaxing more than ever before. But with that change, I can see how parents must work at keeping the communication going with their kiddos. (enough about my sentiments :-))
<br />The 2 weeks after the beach, the fellas had "Grandparent Camp." A special treat for ALL! THey spent time with Grandma Jo and Cam, Poppy and Yaya, and then a week with Grandmother. By the end, everyone was worn out and the boys have a bookful of memories in their heads to carry them till next time.
<br />lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-58584908658063599602011-07-31T19:34:00.000-07:002011-07-31T19:38:44.832-07:00Domesticated CowsI hope to share more pictures and thoughts from our recent trip to NC, but I had to get these out...no details required except: the boys are staying with my mom this week and this is part of their nightly routine: <br /><br />Feeding Cows OREOS!!!! :-)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5DtBLw3Jmk/TjYRgdAFvcI/AAAAAAAABO0/c21hazs8fsM/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5DtBLw3Jmk/TjYRgdAFvcI/AAAAAAAABO0/c21hazs8fsM/s400/DSC_0051.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635711232939244994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHY5lSCzA8k/TjYRawoBEdI/AAAAAAAABOs/mAP6QcT1-us/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHY5lSCzA8k/TjYRawoBEdI/AAAAAAAABOs/mAP6QcT1-us/s400/DSC_0049.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635711135127769554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh9VESQ04kI/TjYRRtyxt4I/AAAAAAAABOk/h59RoRQZxnA/s1600/DSC_0048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh9VESQ04kI/TjYRRtyxt4I/AAAAAAAABOk/h59RoRQZxnA/s400/DSC_0048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635710979748771714" /></a>lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-65185088389833451772011-07-19T19:45:00.000-07:002011-07-19T20:04:13.640-07:00Willa Elizabeth Morgan IveyHappy 96th birthday Ivey!<br /><br />It was such a joy to visit with her a couple of times last week. She got to watch the boys toss their frisbee toe each other, listen to their belly-laughing "knock-knock" jokes, and bring her her favorite meal for a birthday surprise: a loaded hotdog and Pepsi. I guess if you have lived that long, you can eat whatever you want...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_A6ARvpduw/TiZD-kTvxdI/AAAAAAAABOc/zUzTwcZ8PFY/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_A6ARvpduw/TiZD-kTvxdI/AAAAAAAABOc/zUzTwcZ8PFY/s400/IMG_3440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631263126250833362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FswPm1o6gb8/TiZDADOI5kI/AAAAAAAABOU/XisQCjflm7s/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FswPm1o6gb8/TiZDADOI5kI/AAAAAAAABOU/XisQCjflm7s/s400/IMG_3434.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631262052217054786" /></a> Mom and Ivey<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cggS-Xk6yN0/TiZCJ1L2wzI/AAAAAAAABOM/iuv41U4MBaE/s1600/IMG_3431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cggS-Xk6yN0/TiZCJ1L2wzI/AAAAAAAABOM/iuv41U4MBaE/s400/IMG_3431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631261120736445234" /></a><br /><br />Last week while cleaning out Ivey's home with my mom, I came across her personal Bible. Inside the front cover read:<br />"If you are ready to live life for Jesus Christ, then you must also be ready to die for Him as well." <br /><br />She has been such a model of the Proverbs 31 woman for me and I am eternally grateful!lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-29743175521572501632011-06-20T19:27:00.000-07:002011-06-20T19:31:59.583-07:00Recycle time!!Most of our summer days have been consumed with the pool or hanging out with friends, but this particular day, the boys chose to recycle! They took old cereal boxes or other food boxes and make "some kind" of outfit....I'm thinking a transformer, but their imagination is limitless!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-be6nCj7qG8M/TgACgswXfLI/AAAAAAAABOA/6AhDPSBGpig/s1600/IMG_3316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-be6nCj7qG8M/TgACgswXfLI/AAAAAAAABOA/6AhDPSBGpig/s400/IMG_3316.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620495095751474354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMaU2PgkamI/TgACVP0WmAI/AAAAAAAABN4/91vsl_5A69w/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMaU2PgkamI/TgACVP0WmAI/AAAAAAAABN4/91vsl_5A69w/s400/IMG_3314.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620494899005003778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7VpfbNxh_0/TgACIme-ulI/AAAAAAAABNw/AUJfDbdi4C0/s1600/IMG_3313.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7VpfbNxh_0/TgACIme-ulI/AAAAAAAABNw/AUJfDbdi4C0/s400/IMG_3313.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620494681751075410" /></a>lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5418467215736432648.post-50289640104528144972011-06-20T18:58:00.000-07:002011-06-20T19:11:37.520-07:00Seek Me Early<span style="font-style:italic;">Walk in My Way and trust Me. No evil can touch you. I am yours as truly as you are Mine. Rest in that truth.<br /><br />Rest, that is, cease all struggle. Gain a calm, strong confidence in that certainty. Do not only rest in Me when the world's struggles prove too much and too many for you to bear or face alone. Rest in Me when you need perfect understanding, when you need the consciousness of tender loving friendship and intercourse.<br /><br />THe world, my poor world, flies to Me when its difficulties are too great to be surmounted any other way, forgetting, or never realizing, that if, with the same eagerness, those hearts sought Me merely for companionship and loving intercourse, many of the difficulties would not rise.<br /><br />The circumstances, the life, the character would be so altered-so purified, that those same difficulties would not exist.<br /><br />Seek Me early that is the way to find Me. Early, before I get crowded out by life's troubles, and difficulties and pleasures.</span><br /><br />~taken from GOD CALLING, June 16th<br /><br />This devotion really impacted me last week as I was reading, and I hope you too will be encouraged! Have a blessed day!lauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12364924695063440613noreply@blogger.com0