Barbara

A few weeks ago our children's minister felt God's leading to step out of her position of leadership from our church. She has been an amazing minister, teacher, example and friend to our family. We love her dearly and will miss her energy and joy upon seeing children walk into the church building.

Josie and Caleb LOVE Barbara so much and have received so much love from her.

This is a picture of Barbara and the kids at the reception we held in her honor.

Mother Daughter Tea

The weekend before Mother's Day Wesley's mom invited both of her daughters in law, her granddaughters, their other grandmothers and aunts to sit all together at the Arboretum's annual Mother-Daughter Tea. We had a wonderful time, and although Josie and I didn't have hats, we still were able to be a part of the "southern, ladylike traditions".

Josie and her grandmothers, Yaya and Nana.

Auntie Jenna, Hannah, and Kathryn.

Sweet cousins.

A Gift from Pubs and Yaya

In April my dad built a sand and water table for the kids. I was inspired by our friends (the Massingills) and asked my dad to do something similar. Being the creative genius he is, he took the idea and ran with it. I think he had as much fun planning and building it as my kids have had playing in it.

As you can see it is not complete. I still have to paint it and put the canopy on. When that is done, I'll post a final picture.

Obviously, the kids love it. Despite the fact we now have to take multiple baths a day, it entertains them for a very long time and ensures the need for very long naps. A beautiful gift.

Thanks, Dad!

April in Review

Sleeping Beauty Tea Party with shortbread cookies

Happy Easter! We had a lovely weekend celebrating Jesus' victory over the grave and our salvation through His grace. We spent time with family and celebrating Passover, Good Friday, and Sunday with our church family.

Little monster-saurus devouring some helpless ice cream.

(For all you healthy people, don't worry. It's organic whole milk with a chocolate powder of vitamins, minerals, and LOTS of protein. We've been giving them to Josie to try and make her gain weight--Dr.'s orders.)

April showers....get us muddy.

Mr. Contentment

Whitney, Josie's BFF, has returned from her internship...with PINK ICE CREAM! Hurray!

More Sappy Mommy Thoughts

This morning (Thursday-I posted this a few days after I wrote it.) we were getting ready to go to an Easter party at our friend's Preston and Caprice's house. As we were getting ready, the Lord convicted my heart through my daughter just as He does quite often; however, this time was particularly strong.

I was brushing her hair when she turned around and complimented my shirt. She asked if I would buy her one when she became a "grown up". I laughed and told her I'm sure I'd buy her some clothes when she was a "grown up". She said, "I want a shirt like yours and pants and glasses." When I explained that it wasn't really fun to have glasses and that I hoped she would never need them (fat chance!) she leaned forward, grabbed my arms and said, "but Mommy, I want to be just like you when I grow up!"

Nothing like those words to slap you in the face. Yes, they were a compliment, and although I know right now it probably means she wants to wear my clothes, jewelry, and make up, I must always remember I'm modeling everything for her. Even at the moment I'm writing this, she too is on "her computer". I posted about something similar last year (Little Feet Behind You). Knowing they are watching us at every moment is sometimes really intimidating, but I guess it's kind of like accountability.

This might also be a good time to post about the book club I was in back in January (I still have the link in the sidebar.) We read Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter by Vicki Courtney. I was fantastic. I highly recommend it for both moms and dads of girls of any age. She keeps her blog up to use as a resource for parents to see how to make each of the 5 conversations age appropriate from age 2 all the way to 22. Although some of the facts she gave were shocking and it confirmed to me even more how much we must communicate with our kids, I did enjoy it and felt blessed by it.

I just pray I will be an example of Christ to my daughter so she will want to be like Him, not me.

Be Still, My Heart

I don't know why Caleb is wearing his sister's flower girl crown, but he's so cute I couldn't care less!

Is My Husband Crazy?

A couple of weeks ago, my hubby ran the annual Bearathon. It is a half marathon sponsored by Baylor. Apparently, it's supposed to be really tough because it is run though a park with a very hilly terrain. Added to that, the wind here has been brutal and it was ridiculously cold that day, but despite all that, my husband said, "It wasn't too bad."

Although I personally think it's silly to run that far, I am very proud of him and glad he enjoys it.