Luke 2:52

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.

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. haha

Nine years already??

Happy Birthday Owen!!!!

Owen receiving his "bear" ranking...onto Webelos!

Our thoughtful reader...

Being Goofy! - planking in Nashville!

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!
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!"

Some love for my loves!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Got this idea from Pinterest....the boys loved the heart-shape goodie....

Magic Kingdom

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!!

PS... Hollywood Studios video to come....hopefully not a month later:-) haha

Sea World 2011

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!



Throughout the day the had "street entertainment" and in this scene you will recognize 2 of our guys:-) shakin' it! Imagine that! haha

Salem Scott

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.

Making a Joyful Noise

Hello Friends!!!
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.