funny face

Well, looks like I have a mini me.  She loves to ham it up and make people laugh.  "Show me your funny face, Brooklyn!"  

fl through my eyes

florida was such a blessing to me, as a mommy, a daughter, a granddaughter, and as a wife.  john wasn't able to travel down, but gave me and the kids his blessing to go south with my parents for a week to visit my grandparents.  i'm so grateful to him for talking me into going.  i'm so grateful to my parents for coming to va and going out of their way to take us with them.  i'm grateful my dad endured the long drive home with me and the kids to continue on the next day to michigan.  i'm grateful to my grandma for hosting us, still such an amazing hostess even at 82 years old.  

i'm most grateful for the opportunity to see my grandpa, whose health has long been failing and, as i type, is nearing the end of his journey on this side of eternity.  i'll take with me the memories made last week of touching him, singing and praying with him, and reminiscing, as he still loved to do.  i'll remember my goodbye and him telling me he loves me and always will, and that i'm his sweetheart.  my kids constantly remind me how fast time goes and that life continues, but i'll cherish my time with my grandpa and hold on to the hope that i'll see him in someday in glory.

  

{thank you for your prayers for my family, especially my mom & her siblings, as well as my grandma}

fl through their eyes...

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom." -Socrates

The kids had a blast at the beach, pool, playground, visits with friends, and family, and all the while learning about the new world around them.  

The magic of a balloon made into a motorcycle at the beach,

 Easter egg hunt with extended family,

 Pool fun with Gpa and Gma,

 Building sand castles

 Enjoying the sand and the pier,

To the playground and climbing trees,

Catching up with old friends from NC who moved back to Florida.  Loved seeing you all.

 My grandma made a coffee table cover that doubled as a village, complete with car track.  

Easter

We were in Florida for Easter this year.  John took one for the team and let us go with my parents while he worked, so we missed him, especially on Easter morning.  The kids found their Easter baskets, some eggs the Easter Bunny left behind, and had a nice dinner at my great Aunt Connie's with all her family.  

Easter Party

Josiah's preschool Easter party and egg hunt was a blast.  Even Brooklyn joined in on the fun!  The bunny ears helped us find more eggs.  

Brooklyn Turns 1!!

Our little princess is 1!  

City Slickers

Presidents' Day Weekend we made the 6 hour jog north to the city to spend with friends, in church, and auditioning.  My sweet hubby signed me up to audition for "The Voice."  Nothing came of that except some new friends I hope to cheer on the show.  We planned to see more of the city since it was John's first visit.  But as it were, we had even better plans.  We were able to see and visit with some dear friends of ours.  Some who live in the city, some who are close by, and a family of a classmate of John. It was so nice to get some city life, go to Times Square Church, and just be among friends.  We are so thankful for these opportunities, especially in the times in which we live.  You never know when you'll get another chance, so we cherish special memories made this weekend.  Thank you to Joy & all our friends at TSC; Andrew, Diane, Julian, Haven; Jeff, Lindsey, and your wonderful family (and special thanks for watching Chula)!  Also, thank you sweetie, for trekking back to the hotel with two kids in tow.  It means the world to me that you believe in my dreams.