The Farm

My parents have been displaced for several months now while they're home is recovering from fire damage.  They have been spending the summer in a guest house on some sweet friends farm and the girls and I had a chance to visit.  I must admit it got me thinking that farm life might really be the life!
It's quiet, and peaceful and my kids didn't ask to watch TV once! They were much more entertained by the resident donkeys Percy and Pearl...

They also had a chance to do a little horseback riding...

And there was plenty of time to explore the great outdoors...

I think my new dream is a little spot for us to escape to where we can remember what it's like to just be still and know...

I'm so grateful for this little Summer escape and for memories made with their sweet Roxi...

A Follower

Summer means baptisms at Kingdom Life Fellowship.  When they announced them a month or so ago Carter told us she would like to be baptized.  We've always wanted this to be a meaningful decision and one that our kids would make when they felt ready and could fully understand the commitment they were making.  We've had a lot of good conversations over the past couple of months...Carter had researched and discussed and shared and there is not a doubt in our minds (and more importantly hers) that she is ready to become a follower of Jesus.  

She is so precious to me.  Her heart and desire to make a difference in this world by loving others and living with meaning and purpose is something I am so very proud of.  So we joined with our friends and family and shared a beautiful night...

It is hard to describe the feeling you experience as a parent as you begin to watch as your child (who was your baby not so long ago) becomes their own person.  To see them take responsibility for themselves and speak up for themselves and choose a path of love, faith and eternal life for themselves...






Carter we simply adore you.  You are a dream come true for your dad and I and this decision is one we will celebrate with you now and for eternity.  You are amazing and precious and I can't wait to see how you are going to make your mark on this great big world.  I have no doubt you will shine your light for all to see.  XOXO

Just Beachy

I think one of the fun things about being an adult is being able to look back and realize the memories in your life that stand out.  For me when I think back to Summer and vacation my favorite weeks were spent on the white sandy beaches of the Florida panhandle.  

So as all good parents do we decided to try and recreate the magic for our own kids and I can only hope this will become a reoccuring trend because there is just something pretty great about a week at the beach...

Sure we had hot sticky moments and our fair share of melt downs but we also had a lot of hanging out, quality time, delicious food and meaningful memories made.  We managed to squeeze in a reunion with some of our long lost buddies too!  I loved this sweet week at the beach with my favorite people...