Tree of Glory

This year between Pinterest and Pottery Barn catalogs, I decided to do a Thankful tree for the boys. Grady is really getting into drawing so he was really excited. We gathered our supplies and sat down to get to work. I attempted to draw the tree while Grady cut out 120 leaves and Davis colored the trunk. It turned out pretty cute and Grady decided to name it the Tree of Glory. That boy knows how to put a dramatic flare on anything, even a cruddy drawing of a tree from non-artsy, right brained Mama! Anyway, the whole point is for us to stop each day and think of something or someone that we are thankful for and add them to the branches. We are trying to do no repeats but somehow Davis is not catching onto that. Grady has been good about helping him come up with new ideas tho. In this world of me, me, me and what do I get and when do I get it, I think it is so important to just stop and say a simple Thank You to God for all the blessings he has given us. Even in the darkest of times, there are still blessings. We just have to make the choice to SEE them. I hope everyone has had wonderful month of Thanksgiving and enjoys time with family and friends tomorrow!!

Turning Into Men

Weekend before last we celebrated two of my precious first cousins 21st birthdays! It was rather nostalgic for me because I remember when each of them was born. One of them told me he felt as if turning 21 was kind of like a mini "mid-mid life" crisis. I laughed but also understand exactly what he meant. Seems like yesterday when I turned 21 and thought whether I liked it or not, I had become a grownup. There are a lot of perks that come with age but also, as we all know, there are stresses, dilemmas, and lots of hard work that come with it too!! It's funny how once you hit the 30's, college life seems almost a blur. I can't really believe that so much freedom and responsibility is just thrown at 18 year old kids and we actually survive! That in my eyes is nothing short of a miracle. I am so very thankful for a big family to love and have fun-filled reunions with that are always full of excitement and laughs! 

 Fishing with Papa and Daddy

 Gwyn got lots of Great Auntie lovin' from Aunt Jahn and Aunt Sally while the boys enjoyed fishing and riding 4 wheelers with Uncle John and Uncle Gregg!

 Happy Birthday Chance and John Carson!!

Farm Fun

My cousin Molly was here visiting from Colorado with her two kids, so we decided to head out to Mooma's farm to visit them. We had so much fun catching up. Grady couldn't keep his hands out of the worm farm, while Rue and Davis had a blast climbing on the hay. Golf cart rides were a hit for everyone and then it was back to the ole city we went!

Halloween Fun

Still attempting to catch up a little here! Halloween was a great success this year. From the minute I found out I was pregnant with Gwyn, the boys wanted to be Jake and the Neverland Pirates for Halloween. As it got a little closer though, Davis decided he did not want to be Cubby, he wanted to be Jake too so we had Jake 1 Jake 2 and Izzy.

Scurvy Pirates

 

 Jake 1

 Jake 2

 Izzy

We met up with our friends and walked the bluff on Isle of Hope. It was so much fun and afterwards we headed home to sit on our front porch and pass out candy. Since we live on a culdesac not many people were coming by so Grady took it upon himself to run down to the corner and actually recruit trick-or-treaters. Priceless!

Bena and her mateys

Gwynnie was snug as a bug with Mommy

Cousins!

Pretty girls!

 So cute and silly!!

Cal was Peter Pan's shadow and cute as a button

Besties!!

Love this picture of my 3 men!!

Lovin' the golf cart trailer when their little legs got tired!

Read this in my devotional this morning and had to share!

"Every moment is precious if you keep your focus on God. Any day can be a good day, because God's presence permeates all time!" 

Hope everyone has a great week!!!!

Gwyn's Dedication

October 28th was Gwyn's dedication at church. The boys were so cute standing up in front of the congregation and Gwyn looked beautiful in her dress that Mimi made. All our friends came to our church that morning to see our precious little girl get dedicated to the Lord. It meant so much to look out and see so many faces of people who love us. Afterwards we went and had a family lunch at Mimi and Poppy's house. Bena and Papa, Uncle William, Mooma, Aunt Stacy, Uncle Stephen, Tate and Cal were all there.

 

 

The Big Move

I know there are plenty of people that move all the time, but let me just say for this girl who grew up in the same house for 19 years, lived in the same apartment 3 years of college and lived in one house for 8 years with her hubby, I hope and pray that I NEVER have to move again!! It turned out we did a house swap with the people whose house we bought so they moved into the cottage. That being said, we had to be out of the cottage so that they could move their stuff in so we ended up "homeless" for about 5 days. We stayed at mom and dad's house and I wonder if you have ever heard of the show called Hoarders. Well let's just say we were living in it. Here's a peek...

Nothing like living out of suitcases!

Actual moving day went really smooth and it was so fun to see what all was in the pods. We almost forgot after four months without it!  Even our movers told us it was one of the most laid back moves they had ever done.
Slowly but surely boxes got unpacked, furniture got delivered, and then we knew it was time to have a party. Why? Because we're insane! :) We hosted a 50th birthday party this past weekend for a family friend and it was the best thing we could have ever done. It forced us to get everything put together and pictures hung. The party was a great success and we had fun celebrating such a special man in our lives. As with anything, houses are always a work in progress but for now it is perfect for us because we are worn out. Here are the pics that I promised a month ago!

Foyer

Awesome canvas' Victoria did for us!

Dining room (This is my great great grandmother's table that we were able to get refinished. So special to me!)

 Family Room

 Kitchen! I don't even like to cook but this is definitely my favorite room in the house.

Grady's room

Playroom

Davis' room (Chris and John P built this bed for Davis and Papa stained it. Great team effort and Davis is quite proud of it!)

 Gwyn's room

It is truly a blessing and we are so thankful to have a HOME!!!!