Thursday, September 30, 2010

Being available

Have you ever just had one of those weeks that you feel like there are a lot of people in your life that are carrying heavy burdens? This has been one of those weeks for me. My family...as in extended, not my own house... has had a little drama with some issues, but thankfully those are being worked out. Forgiveness & understanding were needed & I think that has been accomplished.

I have a dear sweet friend Amanda that is 18 years old. Amanda had her pancreas taken out on Tuesday...14 hour surgery...only the 13th person to have this procedure done. All has went well, but today her mom callled me to let me know there is a blood clot in her vein that leads to her liver. Very serious situation, but can be disolved with blood thinners. After going thru the last few days on little sleep & high emotion...it's just difficult. I stopped & prayed with her over the phone.

Two of our young Pastors wives...Misty & Liz...both found out their moms have breast cancer.

My friend Zena lost her mom last week...very emotional for her. But many blessings have came also.

Matt & I have several friends going thru a divorces that are full of bitterness & anger. Many hearts broken from some decisions that have been made.

And...my cousin Lori whom I have asked prayers for many times. She was diagnosed with melonoma cancer a year ago in October...given 4 to 6 months to live.They didn't know Lori had already decided to beat those odds...and she has.  It was in her liver, lungs & many other places. She went thru many rounds of chemo & was told the cancer was pretty much gone in each area!!! Praise God!!

Over the last few weeks she has became very weak. A PET scan has revealed the cancer is now in her hips, pelvis & a spot on her skull. Lori is very weak & can not walk on her own at this point due to the severe pain she is in. Yesterday...I took her to her first radiation appointment & I wanted to share this story with you...
I walk in her house...she is sitting in her chair. She says.. "Can you get me some hair out of my bathroom?" as if this is a normal conversation & I shouldn't think twice about it...as I walk in her room to "get" her hair...I notice my hair in the mirror & think of how chemo takes so much from you.

I help her up out of her chair into her wheel chair...with every move she is in pain, but she is so strong inside & determined this Cancer will not take her down!  We make it to the Doctors office & begin the routine of her trying to pull herself out of my van & me trying to help her...without hurting her. But what you have to understand about Lori is...she makes you laugh & cracks jokes the whole time.

The Radiation technician comes out to get her for her treatment...I know him from my sons football team & it makes me feel so much better. Thank you Jesus for that moment.

I begin to work on my BSF bible study in the waiting room. My bible on my lap...in a big room filled with empty chairs I notice an elderly lady approaching me...pushing her walker along...hair all in place...very petite...dressed in her polyester pants & little jacket.  She sits right next to me...with all the empty chairs...she picks the one by me. We greet each other & I knew immediately the bible study I was working on needed to be put away. She needed a friend...someone to chat with & that someone was me. I learned she was 87 years old...a widow for 30 years...her son lives in Colorado so no family around, she drove herself there & she has throat cancer. Didn't complain one minute. Just a Joyful lady who loved the Lord.

They wheeled Lori out...I said Goodbye to my new sweet  87 year old friend. Wheeled Lori back to the van & drove home. She was completely wiped out by the time we got home.

I don't even really know why I'm sharing all of this with you. Just so much on my heart & mind this week. I'm not trying to get sympathy...or have a pity party because by all means I'm not in their shoes. I have been reminded...my trivial daily issues...well...they are really nothing. Walk in the shoes of a cancer patient for a day & you will just be glad you can walk...fix your own hair...eat & actually taste your food & many other things I take for granted each & every day.

My flesh wrestles sometimes with the position God has put me in & my ability to comfort & encourage those who are going thru such hard times. I want to say the right things...I want to make their pain go away...but it's not me who heals...who comforts, it's ALL God. I just have to be available to be used. I used to be scared to pray with people...pray in public...but bringing it to God is the only answer & there's no right or wrong way to do it. Just be available to pray.

Please continue to pray for Lori & her family...Amanda & her family also. Lori was taken to the hospital last night due to dehydration. Take time to stop & notice who God has put in your path. I leave you with a thought from the Justone conference I have been attending with my other Pastor's wives.

God doesn't expect me to be perfect....just available. 

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday!!


It's Wednesday...Count Your JOY!!! 
Join my friend Angel as she spreads JOY! 

I am filled with JOY because...
(it's a long list this week...AMEN)

Saturday my MIL brought us her yummy Strawberry cake
 & since she reads my blog
she knows I'm obsessed with Pumpkin...
she also brought 2 pumpkin rolls.
Yes...2...one with Pecans for Matt & One w/out pecans for me. 
Yes...I'm a spoiled no pecan Brat...:)
My sister also came down this weekend &
On Sunday we celebrated her bday...
Monday...what a blessing breakfast was with these two amazing blog friends,
we were handed the lunch menu we stayed so long!
Very much filled me with JOY to sit & chat with each of you ladies!!
And it finally happened...Our chickens laid their first EGG!!! 
HOW EGG-citing!!!! 
Lauren came running in holding it up!!
Josh...our children's minister, his wife Jessica & precious son Jonah.
They sat by us at the football game Friday night.
 Josh loves our kids & they adore him. Jonah loves the big boys &
just hugged them and sat on Jaden's lap. This picture just
brings me so much JOY.

Jaden's teacher's mom has cancer &
 she will be out for a couple of weeks...
Jaden picked her flowers & 
took them to her yesterday.
His wife will be a lucky lady someday. 

My friend Amanda had her pancreas removed yesterday...
all has gone well..
she is the 13th person ever to receive this surgery.
 I will blog about it soon.

Last night I met with my PWs...always fills my spirit with JOY. 

All FFA money has been turned in...$2222 worth of meat. Yea baby!

God can take bitterness & turn it into JOY...if you let Him & I am.

And finally...this time next week I will be at Catalyst. I am having
lunch with all my PWs I've meet thru Leading & Loving It.
I. Can't. Wait. 

Monday, September 27, 2010

This or That?

Our past often tell us we are "that" and we believe it. But God tells us we are "this" now in Him who created us. But I like to argue with Him & tell him...No, Lord, I am still "that"...maybe something hurtful I believe about myself or maybe something others make me feel about myself.

God wants me to believe I'm always..."this" even on the days I still feel like "that".  How do I keep from feeling like "that"? Constantly being in His word & growing in my relationship with Him keeps me from feeling like "that". When I believe I'm "this" I make good decisions & walk in Him daily.

When I come to a crossroad of decision I think "I still feel like "that", but God says I'm "this". How would "this" behave in this situation? Over time my habits & actions began to change & I started behaving more like "this". After all..."this" is who I am.

"This" is who you are also my friend. You belong to Him...tell "that" you are "this" now.

I have this little Devo Book by Beth Moore that takes about 2 minutes to read each morning & it feeds my heart like you wouldn't believe. Today she talked about "this & that" & it made me really think about how I let "that" former life affect me still, I pray that I begin to live daily "this" life God has called me to live & let go of "that" for good.

Now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death
 to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him. 
Colossians 1:22. 

Friday, September 24, 2010

No...I'm not at Starbucks but..







I'm at home.

Drinking a Pumpkin Spice Latte...that I made.

I know you are probably getting tired of my obsession 
with Pumpkin Spice Latte's & creamers.

But I feel like I have found Gold at the
End of a Rainbow & I must share.

My friend Amanda gave me this link for
Homemade Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes
I wasted no time preparing one for you.
Because we all know we can't go to Starbucks 
On a regular basis for $4 each & that's for a Tall!

  Prairie Cottage Rose is the blog that discovered this yumminess! 
I will probably add more pumpkin to mine next time. 
And I added 3 packages of Truvia to mine instead of sugar.






Just Like Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Makes 1-2 servings
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute – adjust to taste
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (or 1/4 cup of espresso if you have an espresso machine)
Directions:
In a saucepan stir together milk, pumpkin and sugar. 
Cook and stir over medium heat until steaming. 
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and pumpkin pie spice,
 transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds or until foamy.
 I don’t usually bother with the blender and 
just whip the mixture really well with a wire whisk.
Pour into a large mug or two mugs if you decide to share.
 Add the coffee or espresso on top.

And my Good friend Loren Just sent me this..
I love Charles...I think I'm pretty much his BFF.
Pause my playlist at the bottom...

Notice the Starbucks napkin pasted to his apron...I think I'll make myself one.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Finally...it's here...


Pumpkin Spice Creamer

This little bottle in my cart makes me giddy like a school girl.
I have been patiently watching for it every time I am at the store.

Many...Many...Many cups of coffee will be filled with this yumminess.

Wish you all could come to my house & join me.
Happy Fall My Blog Friends

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday!!


It's Wednesday around here people...Bring on the JOY!! 
If you would like to join my friend Angel in spreading JOY we would love to have ya!

I am filled with JOY because...

On Friday night I got to meet my Blog Friend ANGEL!!
 I walked up the stairs to the stadium filled with 1,000's of people
& my eyes went directly to her!!
I said "Angel"?  And we instantly acted like 6th grade girls all giddy with
 excitement seeing each other!! Of course we took a picture!!!

This weekend was my 20th reunion.
 I was able to visit with so many friends that
I haven't talked to in years. Though my favorite part of the night was 
spending quality time with Dave & Kristy DeRoin
Friends in Christ bring so much JOY!!

BSF!!  We began our study on Isaiah & let 
me tell ya...GOD is gonna blow me away as usual!! Love soaking up
all the biblical knowledge wrapped up in these lessons.

We have about delivered all the FFA meat...Amen.

Though some may cause me to doubt my passion...
God reassures me thru His Word & His 
people that mentoring other PW's is my gift. 

On that same note...there is a young, discouraged PW
 in my BSF group...um yep...that is a God ordained meeting right there. 
We exchanged emails yesterday.

My friend Kenna...for her spirit...servant heart & for fixing my hair 
for my reunion to make me feel all pretty. 

I am thankful for my simple life. I love Normal.

Now...I'm stealing this from my friend Loren from last week 
because I can't stop singing it!!

I've got the JOY JOY JOY JOY down in my heart.
WHERE?
Down in my heart to stay...
SING WITH ME!

Tell me WHY you are filled with JOY this week!!





Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Hood of a Jeep


You might not think this jeep is worth much.
But to me...it's where an epic event happened in my life.

My husband loves Jeeps.
This is the vehicle that he was driving his Freshman year in College.
It's a CJ 75. 
Almost as old as me.
It has some rust spots.
But to Matt...it totally fit his personality.
I thought he was so cute in it every time he drove by me. 

One cold night in February.
Our Jr. Year in college...on Dover Hill.
We sat on the hood of that jeep looking at the sky.

Next thing I know...
He is asking me to marry him right there on that hood.
Of course I made him get on his knee on the hood of that Jeep!

A couple of years into our marriage we had to sale that jeep.
Why?
Because we needed a computer for Matt's sermons.
(too bad that computer is in a dump somewhere worth nothing now)

I wish so bad I could track down that Jeep.
I'd buy it for Matt.
The above picture is on the day we sold it.
It just brings back so many memories to look at.

One day I hope Matt gets another jeep.
We'll go cruising it in it & reflect of how one moment 
changed our lives forever by simply sitting on a 
Hood of a Jeep.

Where did your hubby ask you to marry him?
Do you remember the car he was driving when you first meet him?

Monday, September 20, 2010

The outfit & the man...

Well...I honestly don't know where to start with my 20th Reunion
 except for to show you this picture
Yep....those are the jeans I was searching for last week.
Kohls...in the Jr. Dept. 
You know when you look good girls...don't deny it.
(if you know me...it's very rare that I put a pic of myself like this out there)
It doesn't happen very often that you get all dressed up 
with your man and go out on the town.
Speaking of my man...
Aren't we just spiffy? 
Just a little fun today to let you see the results of all your support 
& advice as I was preparing for this occasion. 
When is the last time you got dressed up to go out?
It has probably been to long...so do it girls!!

Friday, September 17, 2010

20th H.S. Reunion...WOW!!


See that girl up there in that picture? 
Yep....that's me. 
Class of 1990

That girl in that picture...she was a lost girl. Trying to find love.
Seeking it in so many places that were not good for her. 
Wanting popularity...and paying a high price for it. 
Making poor decisions about life. 

That girl has changed a lot since 1990.
Learned tons about Gods' love for her.
She is His masterpiece.
Chosen for His Kingdom work.

That girl is loved by a man who loves God first.
Given her freedom to be who God called her to be.
She is peeling away the insecurities that have had a hold on her.
Seeking to serve God with all her Heart. 

That girl has turned into a wife & a mom.
She never dreamed she would have such an amazing Life.
As she goes to her 20th reunion...she is a little nervous.
But ready to Give God all the Glory for the changed life
she lives every day in His name.

Now...onto a less serious thought...Yea..
You know you are thinking...
LOOK AT THAT HAIR!
Girl...the bigger the better back then!

And yes..I found some jeans I like...
At Kohls & JcPenney. Amen!
Thanks for all the advice!!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Wanted: A Good Pair Of Jeans



One that makes my tummy disappear...
My booty look small
& my legs look long & skinny.

Pretty much asking for a miracle there huh? 

Because you see...

My problem area is my tummy..
I like to call it my permanent life preserver.
It's like a big round ring around my waste. 

Now I have to say the "Stouts" (my maiden name)
are blessed with little legs. AMEN!!

We are built like 2 toothpicks with an olive on top.
GET MY PICTURE?

And...I'm short...so jeans are always longer on me.

It would be alot easier if I looked like that model in those jeans up there.
But 3 kids...life...& my love for food...yep...that's just not happening. 
And I'm really ok with that. 

But shopping for a pair of jeans just about wears me slick!! 
My 20th HS reunion is this weekend & I would like to buy a good pair 
of jeans that fit good. 

I don't think I have bought a new pair about 2 years. 

Today...I will begin my hunt. I will walk into those stores
and try on about 50 pairs of jeans.
And I will pray that the Lord guides me directly to the path of 
"A Good Pair Of Jeans"
AMEN.
P.S. When it's over...I will need a  Skinny Pumpkin Spice Frapp to ease the pain. 
Anyone have any advice? Any Jeans you love? Anyone feel my pain?

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Why I Count it ALL JOY Wednesday!!


It's Wednesday in these Neck of the Woods & so you know what that means??
It's time to get your Joy on!
Join my friend Angel & count your  JOYS!!

Why do I count it all JOY this week?

BSF started yesterday...we are going thru the book of Isaiah. 
Being at BSF fills my spirit like streams in the dessert.

Week #2 of JustOne virtual conference for PWs. 
I am hearing some words of wisdom from some Godly women. 
This week the topic was Marriage & Ministry. 

10 + 10 =20...yes...20!!! That is how long I have been out of HS & my
20 year reunion is this weekend. 
(I am kinda anxious too)

We have about got all that stinkin FFA meat delivered!!

My dad...he sold tons of meat for Lauren & he drops by each
morning @ 7:15am to pick up a huge cooler of meat to deliver.
Very Very thankful for Papa!!

God's patience with me...His love for me...He is so reliable...Never changes.

What Fills You With Joy this week? 





Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Hog Heaven?

Not sure that's how I feel about this being in my fridge...
Yep that's 113 Packages of Blue & Gold sausage.

And this in the freezer...
steaks...bacon & sausage biscuits...

Along with an ice chest...full of bacon...
Or all of this...in the freezer in the house.
Chicken Chunks...Tamales...& more bacon. 

My daughter is in FFA this year & sold over $2,000 worth of this meat. 
When you are selling it...you don't really think about how you are gonna keep all this cold.

But I almost went into a full panic yesterday at the thought of picking it all up..
.storing it & delivering it. 
But so far so good. 
And of course...Matt had a camp meeting so he missed out on all of this FUN. 
(he so owes me...:) 

Sometimes I wonder if these fund raisers are worth all the hassel. 
I've only allowed my kids to do the ones that go to directly to an activity
 or sport they are participating in. 
Because it seems like there are so many!! 

We will get this all delivered in the next few days. 
When Pigs Fly! 
Ok...I just wanted to use that line for some reason.

Anyone else out there delivering FFA meat or other fundraisers?
Or do you get tired of them...but know ya just gotta do it!
DO YA FEEL MY PAIN? 
(really I don't mind...just want to whine about it to you) 

Monday, September 13, 2010

Home Wreckers...Week #4

Looks that Kill, Part 1
Lust: A sexual desire that dishonors it's object & disregards God.

Sunday morning Charlie got real about sexual sin with us. Something that a lot of churches out there are choosing to ignore. But I'm here to tell you...we can't. 
Pornography is destroying lives & families like a wild fire. 
It's an addiction that just takes 1 time to look at & you are hooked.
Do you know the average age that a child sees porn for the first time is..
ELEVEN?
Does that just punch you in the stomach & take the wind out of you?
It does me. 
The following is an outline provided for us at church...trust me..
I'm not coming up with this on my own. :) 




Proverbs 7 (NLT)
While looking out his window, Solomon saw some naive young men 
& one in particular who lacked common sense. 

What did he do? 
He CROSSED (vs.7) the street....left the crowd. 
Near the house of an immoral woman.
Put himself in a bad situation...so quickly.
Just like it only takes a second to click on a mouse...& you are there. 

He was also ALONE (vs. 7,8)...broke away from the pack.
Lust breeds in the fertile ground of loneliness. 
You do it alone...you take an incredible risk.
God has set a need for accountability& boundaries. 
One way to know you are in trouble...
is when you don't want accountability.

Notice the time of day...@ TWILGHT (vs.9).
Secrecy will destroy your home.
To deal with darkness...you have to bring it into the light.
MOST porn is purchased between 9pm & 2am....In the dark.
One thing you can do as a couple...Go to bed at the same time. 

There is always a PRICE (vs. 22-27) to pay for sin.
It is addictive. vs. 15-20 
It over promises & under delivers
It is destructive. vs. 21-27
It will cost you everything.
"Her bedroom is the den of death"

Pornography is not just something men are addicted to...women are just as susceptible. 
Technology has opened up so many avenues for our families to be enticed into such sin. 
Matt & I have had many talks about this subject because
 we have counseled a few couples who have faced this addiction. 
We have set our kids down & talked about it openly.
Our computer has safe guards to keep them from going to such sites.
We don't allow computers in their rooms or upstairs. 
But is it full proof? 
No.

I just pray for their hearts & minds to be protected & for them to feel 
convicted by the Holy Spirit if such things are placed before them.
We must be proactive & talk about it with them.

Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, Guard your heart for it's the wellspring of life.

Share some ways you are "guarding your heart" from Porn & 
your husband & family.

Friday, September 10, 2010

I'm His Biggest Fan

Ok...well maybe his dad is too...

3 nights a week Matt helps coach Jaden's team 
18- 4th grade boys on that team...
one can barely stand the ride home 
from the sour smell of sweat protruding from his body. 

On Saturdays...I sit on those metal benches...sweat rolling down my face...my back & every where else on my body. Cheering him on...watching #66 tackle other boys. 
You know what I'm talking about don't you? 
Thank you Jesus that I love football. 
But it wouldn't matter if I didn't...
I would still sit there in weather so hot
 I think I might have peed my pants from all the sweat, 
weather so cold it feels like my toes are frozen
or worse...rain. 

We are moms...it's what we love..it's our kids. 
Wouldn't miss it for anything. 
Because when he looks up in the stands
I want him to see
His mom is there to cheer him on.
Because..I'm one of his Biggest Fans.

Anyone else sitting at games being someone's biggest fan this weekend? 

Thursday, September 9, 2010

We Gotta A WINNER!!!

First of all let me just say...
 HOW EXCITED I AM
That I had 43 entrees!!!
(one of them was my hubby... but he was ineligible LOL)


That. Is. Cool.

Now...I'm not all savvy like some of you.
I have NO IDEA how to use that Random winner thing on blog world.
I tried...really!

So I did it the old fashion way & recruited my son
Typed up all your names & 
We used my favorite coffee mug
It says...Coffee gets me started
God Keeps me Going
(Thanks Pam C)

Ok ok...I know I am draggin this out huh??
Drum Roll Please...
Can you read that small print? 
THE WINNER IS...
Here is the funny story about Angel. I met her (though I have never actually "met" her IRL)  thru my friend Loren & Angel is an amazing Cupcake maker...and there is a story there you should read on her blog because you might be seeing her on a very popular cupcake show sometime. She lives in a town near me & we are planning on having a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks together & she is gonna bring some of her famous Pumpkin cupcakes for us...CAN'T WAIT!! She can use this gift card when we meet! :) 
Congratulations ANGEL!! 

Thank you for all your entrees & especially your recipes!! 
I will try them all!! 
HAPPY FALL!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Why I Count It ALL JOY Wednesday!!


It's Wednesday...a day to count our JOYS! 
Join my friend Angel & grab her button & count your JOYS!

Why Am I Filled With JOY this WEEK?

Last night I was able to attend a Virtual Conference For Pastors Wives! It was free & I got to sit in my own house & absorb some wisdom from some incredible women! The topic last night was how to handle criticism & relationships in the church. The conference is every Tuesday until October!!

I am leading a Virtual Roundtable of Pastors wives &
 I am so excited to get to connect with these ladies from all over the U. S. 

We had such a relaxing weekend....Amen.

I am having my first Giveaway!! Sign up by tonight!!

I received an email from Jaden's teacher that just made my day...it said
"Just wanted you to know what an awesome kid you have....I sure have enjoyed Jaden" 
Do you know what that does for this momma's heart? 

It's raining today...so refreshing. 

I have almost finished "So Long Insecurity" 
I know right? It's about time!

What is filling Your Heart With JOY this week???
I leave you with a few words from a song that is on my heart as I talk about JOY.

I'm trading my sorrows...I'm trading my pain...I'm laying it down 
FOR THE JOY OF THE LORD!! 

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Pumpkin Dump Cake & My first EVER Giveaway!!!

Ok...drum roll please...

I'm havin my very first ever GIVEAWAY!!

I've been inspired by Mimi to have a Fall Giveaway.

I'm giving a $10 Starbucks card AWAY!!

Here are the Rules: haha I feel so in charge when I say that!!

* Leave me a comment that you follow my blog
* Tell me your favorite fall recipe 
* Share that recipe (this is worth 2 entrees)
* Leave any comment 
* Share what's your favorite thing about fall
 Up to 6 entrees per person....
You have until Wednesday night to comment!! 

I thought I would share my favorite Fall Recipe:
Pumpkin Dump Cake
1 can of Pumpkin Pie Mix (big one)
1 box of Yellow Cake Mix
1 stick of butter (cut into pats)
pecans...optional

Dump Pie mix into a 9 x 13 pan. Dump Dry cake mix on top of that. Spread  butter pats on top of the cake mix. (add pecans on top if you like)  Bake @ 350 for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with Whip Cream or Ice cream....SUPER YUMMY & EASY!!! 

Now...start leaving comments & good LUCK!!! 
Ends Wednesday night!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Football + Fishin + Family + Friends + Food = Fabulous!!

It's been a Fabulous weekend here.
Started with our first HS football game of the year. 
The weather was perfect & we got to visit with some friends.
I love football season. 
Saturday we just did a few things around here. 
Had lunch out on the deck.
Then we took the kids fishing.

We all caught a fish or two.


Lauren took Faith with her to train with her...she was tired after a short time. 
We were fishing with hot dogs. Can you see them in the lid of the tackle box?
Faith was patiently waiting for one of us to give her one. She sat there for the longest time watching the box. Faith is such a good dog!!
To top it off...Jaden loves planes & anything Army related...& this plane flew over us tons of times & it said "GO ARMY" on the bottom. It was so low. Jaden watched with amazement each time.
This picture of Matt makes me want to sing...
"I will make you fishers of men..."
Doesn't it make you?
Saturday night we made steaks & watched a movie with the kids. Perfect evening!!

Sunday afternoon after a fabulous church service...my mom made Matt his bday meal...& topped it off with Strawberry cake & Strawberry Ice cream. Matt's favorite!!
Sunday evening we had several couples over from church that we have been wanting to have over all summer. Each for different reasons, so we just made it one big party & had them all. 
3 of them are young couples with little ones. Of course I had to take pics of them!!
This is Ella...Isn't she precious??
Baby Jillian is Ella's sister...& this is Dawson (remember him?)
Their parents are arranging their marriage already.
Jillian is named after Jillian from Biggest Loser...her daddy Sean was on the BL. 
Dawson's parents just launched our new campus Stone Canyon! 
These babies come from some pretty awesome parents that I adore. 
Brooke swinging away on the tire swing in our backyard. 
Monday...the girls & their good friends Jessica & Emma... made a birthday cake for our dogs. Faith & Summer turned one this year & the girls have been dying to make them a cake. Lauren found a recipe that we could make that was safe for dogs. 
Can you tell they are so excited? LOL
But they ate it up! 

I have to say...this has been one  of the most enjoyable weekends we have had in a long time. I have been trying to soak up this time with the kids. The interesting part of this weekend is we always go to my sister's lakehouse on Labor Day...but she made other plans this year & my kids were so upset because they love to go to her house and hang out. Of course God had better plans for us as a family this weekend that if we had went to the lake we would have missed out on all this fun. 
Sometimes I have to be reminded that His plans are way better than my plans & I need to let Him direct my path not me. It's been a fabulous weekend relaxing with my family. 

I pray you have had a chance to sit & be content with the ones you love. 
Not wanting anything else but to watch them smile.