Last week we had a family night while our sweet guest, Callie Grace stayed with us.  I went Luah becuase it is EASY and CHEAP to find decorations, the food is easy and yummy and it is Summer!

I went to the Dollar Tree and got some cute little accessories for the kids.  I got them Leis, a palm tree hangy thing, some plates, 2 lanterns and a decorative banner.  I spent around $10.  At home, I used some raffia, some plants and some candles. The girls also went and dressed in their sundresses!

Here are the results:

Bradley helped me set up while the girls were at camp.  Nothing says Luah like TONKA trucks….

The best palm tree $1 can buy!!

Some flowers growing on the deck.

For dinner, we had chicken, pineapple and steak skewers, which I had marinated in pineapple juice, soy sauce and a teryiaki marinade for the steak

.

This is an easy and fast way to grill! I also had rice, of course!

I also laid out a ton of fruit, marshmallow treats and marshmallows for the kids to make fruit skewers, which they LOVED!  While they were building

their skewer, Jason talked to them about the camp TAKE HOME that they had been taught all day about what happens when you feel left out or excluded. It was really good.
We focused in on how God always has a plan for us and that even in disappointments, He teaches us and we can still Glorify His Name!!!

For fun, we had pina colodas (non-alkie) or “pineapple smoothies.”  I had a recipe for a smoothie, but it was faster and less expensive to get

some bacardi mixer and blend it up!

This is the kids at dinner!

For activities, we had a full line up!

These are the flowers made of felt that the girls  made for their hair.  Can I just say that felt NEVER sticks with normal glue.

I also got some wooden signs for the kids to paint while at the Dollar Tree.  They were luah, tropical themed…

I never let that kid paint with a shirt on, EVER.

Then we all tried to do the HULA, which was fun. We put on Hawaiian music and strutted our stuff.

Even Knox participated in our family night. He looks so insulted!

And, lastly, we had a LIMBO contest!!!

We were all pretty bad….

The faces are priceless….

I HIGHLY recommend Luah Night for a family night.  It was fun, laid back, yummy and fairly easy to plan.  It did take some prep work for the food and decor, but

IT WAS WORTH IT!  I know that we are building memories with our kids and teaching them that time with family MATTERS….

How have you spent a summer night with your family?

Back in the fall/winter, when Jason told me that we were hosting a Winshape C3 camp, I was pumped.  I love camp.  Everything about it, so I love that my kids will get to experience an amazing week, where they not only do really cool things, but learn about chasing hard after Christ!  It is truly a win-win.

Jason and I first learned about Winshape when we lived in Cleveland.  We met two families who were Winshape foster families.  Winshape, for those who do not know, was founded my Truett Cathy, aka, Chick-fil-A founder.  He is a Christ follower and has set up families to provide homes for children all over the world. These families were amazing.  Jason and I even housesat for one family while they took a trip out west.   I was prego with Parker and we had recently moved to Cleveland to go on staff at FBC and were waiting for our house to sell, so we housesat for them for over a month.  It was a great experience.  We took care of their horses and dogs and lived large.

Anyways, back to this original post.  Obviously, Chick-fil-A is all about excellence and customer service, so we knew the camp would be a great opportunity to connect people in our community to our  church, through kids and camp.  Isn’t that a fantastic philosohpy? The kids choose from different “tracks” and also have small group time, worship, recreation and everything revolves around a daily theme that drives home one message about God.  Throw in some friendly competition and college aged kids who love Jesus and I was sold!

Soon after we learned about camp, I knew that I was suppossed to ask our sweet, dear friend Callie Grace to come and spend the week with us, going to camp.  Callie Grace’s parents are some of our most precious friends, Melvin and April.  They are planting a church in Kingston, TN and are doing an amazing job.  It has been so rewarding to listen and see how God has led them to this place, at this time and to see how He has provided all along the way.  I am so excited to see how God impacts Roane County through them and their church.

Callie Grace and Parker are 4 months apart and have gotten to grow up together while living apart!  Jason and I explained to them that they are each other’s “oldest friend.”  Callie Grace said to us, “No, my friend, Eleise is 8 and we are only 7.”  Precious.  She was letting us know she had a friend that was older, so we explained that they have known each other their whole life!  We were talking yesterday about what scared them (this was our homework from camp).  She told us this elaborate story about a tornado in her church and some kind of animal and then tells us- “it was a dream.” (She tells tall tales like her Daddy!).

We have loved having her here this week.  They have done so well and I have enjoyed getting to know CG better and spend some time with her, loving on her.  I hope the time we spend this week pays off huge dividends as she grows up.  The Swaffords are lifer friends for us and they are raising one sweet girl…….

Pictures to come……

This past week, while Jason was at Camp Whatever with over 500 others, the kids, Nana and I headed to see some family in south Mississippi.

We have not been to visit in a while and I thought this was a great chance to go since J wasn’t going to be home.  Let me just say…. fun times!

My parents grew up in Mississippi and we moved from their beloved state when I was three.  But, we spent many a vacation and holidays with my family, so I am well versed in all things related to southern Mississippi.  My accent gets stronger, my hair gets a little bigger and my heavens it is HOT.  But, I loved spending time with my aunts and cousins and watching my kids interact with family they do not see very often.

We arrived and the kids immediately began cruising the area in their very own Mustang…..

I had visions of our future the way they argued over who got to drive and who had driven more…. Bradley was in heaven.

After we ate, we went to my cousin’s place where he has 4 horses- 2 big, 2 mini’s. Bradley immediately found his own gator to drive with a trailer. He is currently obsessed

with the trailer…

My uncle and cousin got the horses to come over and the kids were eager to get close… they flew over the fence, but once they got really close…

Bradley had a change of heart…. he wanted “owt”!

Then he got his big boy pants back on and went back over!

This is Blue meeting Parker.  She is loving horses right now, but can I say, I was a NERVOUS WRECK. They have never been around large four legged animals and have no idea of

the rules, like don’t stand behind a horse.  I just knew one of them was going to get kicked.

And Parker actually got a little kick from the baby mini horse who is only a month old. She was not so sure of the kids….

Parker got a little fearful after this but mostly because it scared her and she was a little embarrassed.

Bradley was the first to sit on Blue.  He did good.

And, then Blue moved a little!

Next, Emery had her turn.  She surprises me sometimes. She was eager for more!

With a little coaxing, Parker climbed up!  She conquered her fear and I was thankful….

The next day, we went to my Aunt Jackie’s farm.  We had a blast playing on the equipment and seeing the animals.  We saw cows, bulls, llamas, sheep, a horse, a dog, and chickens.

We also got to explore the tractors, big rig, and  four wheeler.  They loved it.

Parker was itching to ride Jack, but he isn’t ridden much, so we passed!

Bradley is 100% boy and he talked non-stop this entire trip.  He does not meet a stranger and does not break stride in conversation with what he is talking about.  It is great but a little nerve wracking!  Stranger Danger will need to be top on our list of education these next few weeks!

Bradley on the “big, wed, twactor.”

Parker was ready to ride the four wheeler…

so was Bradley…..

so away we went on the four wheeler exploring the farm.

We had a lot of fun at the farm.  I told my aunt Jackie that she should have farm camp for the kids!  NOT sure if she went for it….

Next, we went to see my Aunt Bobby.  She will be 80 next month.  She is an amazing, godly woman and I so wish I could spend more time with her.  She is precious and I am so glad the kids got to love on her while we were there.  Bradley starts asking her where her twucks and twains are and proceeded to talk to her non-stop.  The girls were sweet and answered all her questions.  They had moments of wanting to come in and out, in and out, but all in all, it was a good visit.

We visited my other aunt after Aunt Bobbie’s, Aunt Gwen.  I forgot to get pictures, but her dog had 2 puppies so the kids were in puppy mode. They loved it!

The next day, we spent some time swimming at Tommie’s house (another relative.  love her)  I spent many a summer days in this very pool, so it was fun to see the kids enjoy it as well.

This is Anna Grace and Shine with us!

All in all, it was a great trip.  The kids are easier to travel with now, so I see more trips in our future.  I loved that I grew up in East Tennessee, but I am still a Mississippi girl as well!

Whatever that means…..

Yeah, yeah we have all heard that one before and for the most part it is true.  Most things that have big payoffs, usually involve some level of pain and sacrifice.

Which I can say with absolute sincerity since Jason and I started a little P90X workout about 5 weeks ago.

Help me Jesus, is a phrase that I have utterred many times throughout the last month.

P90X is a series of 12 workouts that combine old school strength training and different combinations of cardio, as well as stretching and yoga.

It is intense to say the least!

Jason and I decided to give it a go and have been working out 5-6 days a week for at least an hour. It is so much better working out together.  We are competitive and as a result, we push each other to not call it quits.

Thankfully, we are starting to see some results.

If I was braver, I would post before and afters, but that just isn’t going to happen in this lifetime, so trust me!

We have both lost inches and some pounds (about 7 each).  We have also been watching what we eat, not eating after dinner and of course, sweat and working out.  I really think this program is the real deal. I mean seriously, if you have watched the infomercial, pull ups and push ups are a major component, so all I am saying is my arms better be RIPPED from all I am doing!

We are using a pull up bar that fits over the door, resistance bands or light weights, and I am a sissy, so I use a yoga mat.   Can I say, there are times, we just laugh at each other trying to do yoga.  Warrior 1, downward dog… who came up with these names?  We are also usually doing the workouts at night, after we put the kids to bed.  What can I say, we are night owls.

We also got our dvds on ebay, and saved some cash.

So, all in all, we are liking it.  Part of the reason I posted this is because is has built in accountability for me!  So, if my arms remind you of Linda Hamilton in Terminator, now you know why! (i am so kidding)

Let me just say that I needed Bradley to do something cute and adorable because he has been TESTING some boundaries lately, and this Mommy was losing her patience.  For some crazy reason, he has regressed in the area of potty training after doing great the past 6 or so weeks.  Of course, it would be the messier of the two he is having issue with, so I am at a loss, again of what to do.  Pray we make it through!

Last night was the Children’s Musical at church and the preschoolers sang/entertained the crowd before the Musical.  Bradley had discovered his sunglasses earlier in the day and pretty much refused to take them off all day.  He even took a nap in them!  So, he decided to be super cool and wear them during his performance.    Those preacher’s kids, you just never know what to expect.

He also proceeded to show the audience his belly and looked ready to take his pants off.  That would have been interesting!

He might have sang about 3 lines the whole time he was up there!

He is SO COOL!  Jason and I had a bet if he would go #2 in his pants while on stage.  Luckily, he did not.

The girls also sang in the choir.  They rocked it.  At this point, Jason had the camera and he got three pictures.  Granted, they looked the same the whole time!

Emery kind of looked bald, but hey, she pulled it off!

Our girls on the big screen!!

I can not believe she is 6 today.

Emery was the blessing that shocked us to our core, but we are forever changed by being her parents. The blessing of Emery revealed anew God’s sovreignty, His mercy, and His delight in giving us an abundant life!

I thought I would share a little of who Emery Kate is and what she like to do!

She loves to dance and make up songs.
She loves to take care of her brother.
She wants to be like her sister.
Her smile changes her entire face and reveals her personality.
She can be shy.
She is a great reader.
She loves to listen to music in her room.
She loves to play teacher to her babies.
She still loves her babies.
She is not that impressed with dogs. Even our own dog.
She likes to think she is older than she is.
She does not take criticism well, no matter how gentle or constructive it is.
She does not like to sleep in her room by herself.
She is lap kid- she loves to be held!
She is fairly easy going.
She has a “chronic cough” aka , we are not calling it asthma.
Don’t laugh at anything she does, no matter how funny, because she thinks you are laughing “at her” not “with her.”
Her dimples are about the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Emery Kate- Your daddy and I are so proud of you. We love the mix of sassy and shy that is you. You bring us joy and make us smile. You are such a precious gift and I love seeing your love for Jesus grow each year. I pray that God continues to draw you to Himself. I pray that you will bold in your choices to put Him first. I pray you will grow in confidence that comes from being a child of the King and not from what others think of you. I pray that you will be a lion chaser, passionate about the things of God, even when it is hard. I pray that you will hold unswervingly to your faith and live out an obedient, adventurous life for the Lord. I pray you will share His loves with all around you. I pray you will be a woman who fears the Lord.

I am so excited to watch your journey……

It seems that if you twitter about your tech gurus, switching you to wordpress, switching your url, and then abandoning you, things start to happen!

Last week, I twittered that I was not very impressed with wordpress, and you would have thought I had publically called out hubs and Sully (his tech guru) to a duel!  They were fighthing words, evidently!  Not that we fought, but it did get the conversation going that I needed help!  I had found a free template I liked, so Jason and Sully helped me out a little bit!

It is still a work in progress but I think I will like it much more, especially once I figure out how to really navigate this new format!

I am hoping the new look will inspire me to blog more.  We have had a lot going on, but I have not felt the need to write it all down.  I am realizing that the Grandparents, really need for me blog, becuase they like knowing about the kids!  Not necessarily are the inspired by my writing, they just want the kids!

So, do you like my new look?? Keep checking back as it gets tweaked more and more……..

This past weekend, I took the first, of what I hope will be many, trip with my girls.  Emery is turning 6 in a few weeks and instead of a birthday party, she chose to go to the American Girl store and have a weekend with her cousins, aunt and Nana in Atlanta!  We had a blast, with a bit of girl drama thrown in, but still a great time.  Emery has always been our little mommy and she loves to play with dolls still, so this was right up her ally!

I am going to share a detailed post about our trip, but it will have to wait, because I left my camera in my mom’s van!

While we had a great weekend, I missed being at our church on Sunday.  I knew Pat was sharing some really exciting news and laying out direction for our global initiatives and I wanted to see it all!

I feel so blessed to be at our church and to see God moving in our midst week after week, is exciting.  I can’t wait to see how it continues.  There is so much gloom and doom in our world, our country these days, and it is refreshing to be reminded, each week, that His ways, His plans and His church are to be set apart, to bring Him Glory.   I have been asking what having my “YES” on the table looks like for me, our family.  I know that I am in a stage of life where I am looking and assessing what many of my preconceived notions of being a mom, having a family and the day to day of life and seeking if those line up with what God is revealing to us.  Or, is my YES just for the things that fit in nice and neatly to the life I have planned out?

I pray He continues to bust up all of our safe, content plans and shows us more of WHO HE IS and WHAT HE desires for us to be about!

What about you?

As many of you know, on Good Friday, we had a F4 tornado rip through Murfreesboro, which is just south of where we live. The tornado was absolutely devastating to many, life taking for a mom and her daughter, and damaging to thousands.
Yesterday, I had a chance to take a meal to a family in our small group, the Howards. They live amongst some of the worst of the damage. The area is closed to the public by the police, but I was able to get through to go see them. The neighborhood they live in is beautiful. This area of town was built in the 60′s and has been incredibly maintained and renovated over the years. It is right by our girls’ school and we drive through it daily. We even looked at several houses in this area before we decided to stay in Smyrna.

Needless to say, I was completely amazed by the devastation as I drove through.

I was nauseous by the time I drove up to the Howards house.

Their house backs up to a creek and WAS very shaded by hundred year old trees. Not any more. A huge amount of trees are gone. Bark ripped off of some.

But, what just about sent me to my knees, was seeing the path of the tornado. It literally came right up to their home, and turned to the right. The tops of trees to the left of their home are gone and their home was next, and then it turned.

Kara told me that she was in the hallway, her two daughters covered with a blanket and holding on to them. She said, “I thought we were about to go airborne. Then, it turned.”

Praise you Father.

This family is so dear to us. We have been in small group with them for several years now and they are such rocks. They are solid and Jason and I have said often that we feel like our family is their personal ministry. They have taken care of us in so many ways over these last 3 years. We are so thankful for them and how they serve all those around them. We are blessed to know them and I am forever grateful for how they were kept safe during the tornado.

I also listened to one of the teachers at Parker and Emery’s school, talk about all they lost. Their home has been condemned and they have already been moved to an apartment. She was saying that it was the little things, like her kids homemade Christmas ornaments, that make her the saddest. It truly is the little things.

Here is a glimpse of what I am talking about….