Manic Monday

George spent the afternoon with Gia and Poppy a few Sundays ago and was determined to be a real cowboy. He would stop riding if his hat slipped and wait for someone to readjust this most crucial riding apparel.

By the end of the night he threw caution to the wind and rode his last ride without his hat.

Video courtesy of Paul Thomas.

Friday Photo Favorites

Enchanted Play

For just moments most years our little giving tree in the backyard displays the most magical play environment. The blossoms swirl and dance around the childrens' giggles and squeals of delight. I watched my little nymphs play and wished that I could bottle this moment forever. The picture does not come close to how beautiful the entire scene was. You'll just have to come next spring and play with us to experience it yourself!

The Life You're Living: Week 25

We tried something different this week. I asked you to put on your favorite shirt before we headed out on our typical walk around the neighborhood.

This is yours PT. You made it! Picked out the airplane patiently watched as I cut it out and set up the stencil and you painted it. You take such pride in your work and do a great job with it.

Paul Thomas you have also been blessed with your Funcle Matty's crazy hair, better that than no hair though.

This is yours Avery, nothing too remarkable, maybe you like sharks a lot? Well, you do, but that is not why this shirt is your favorite. No it's because you got to pick this shirt out and we bought it brand new at the store. You, like so many younger siblings, have so many hand-me-downs; what a rare treat to get to pick out a brand new shirt. 

Oh how I love you Avery!

Mary Colette, you ran and got your "abc..I love Papa shirt." Such a little Momma, couldn't take your picture without Baby Doll.

Oh how I love this Little Momma.

Well my sweet George, you didn't know which shirt you liked best. This is one of my favorites, you look so good in red!

 Looking Good Georgie!

To My Husband

8 Years ago today I married my best friend...Blah! Seriously, "my best friend"? Is that the best we can do to describe the spouse that our Divine Father orchestrated and planned for us?

Philip, my love, all of my words are shallow and cannot convey what my heart has been through these past 8 years with you. I will, however, not belittle our marriage to a "friendship" or "partnership." You cannot be my friend; I have many, and you are not one of them, you are more. You are not my partner; partner indicates two and leaves no room for what we are truly meant to aim for in our marriage, sanctity. Together we promised before God and with God to look after each other, pray for one another and walk the path of sanctity together with God. We cannot be partners as this is not a fifty-fifty type of deal. We are husband and wife and it is time that those titles get put back on the proper shelf where they belong. It is time that those words hold the weight they once held.

Therefore, My Husband, it has been my honor to be married to you. To watch you become a father has been my greatest privilege. My heart swells when I hear the boys use, "Uh-huh, Daddy said!" as the definitive end to a dispute. And I could watch all day as your little girl showers you in goodbyes and kisses every morning or as our baby melts into your arms every evening. You are a remarkable father who cherishes your children. You never ask for time to yourself and selflessly help on the weekends, even when the wreck that is our home is not caused by you at all. As your project list grows so does your patiences as you always seem to know when to ask me what I would like done. You challenge me to be better without saying a word, watching you without hesitation or excuse take which ever child-- sometimes all--with you to confession amazes me. Thank you for being the example... I need to get myself back there too.

You have always quietly supported me, you have learned to listen when I just need to vent and to hold me when the day is long. When I have no self-confidence at all you look at me with desire still and tell me I am beautiful. Philip, without you our family has no direction. You have kept us on course, and though we have wandered from state to state and town to town you keep our family grounded in our faith. You have led and set an example for all of us to follow. It was your faith that I found most attractive 11 years ago when I was trying my best not to love you "in that way" and it is your faith still that makes my heart swoon. I am honored to be on this path with you and honored to pray for your soul in the way only a wife can and I am honored to rear our children with you. My Husband, I love you and I am beyond giddy to welcome another year and another child into our lives.

Friday Photo Favorites

Cousins are the best!

This is my favorite!

The Life You're Living: Week 24

Beautiful weather has us spending almost every waking moment outside! Fruncle Matty sent his old walkie-talkies to you boys so we are constantly hearing, "Avery, Avery! Can you hear me?!" "Yes, I can hear you!"

I think every boy needs a set of walkie-talkies, it just a part of growing up, like frogs and pocket knives.

One cool cat!

Watch what I can do!

 George, you discovered Ginger today! How serious you took riding and would only ride if you had your hat on. Someone had to be close by too adjust your hat if it slid to far down, so that you could continue riding off to into the sunset.

Friday Photo Favorites

How to make my heart melt?

Take a Daddy and add a cuddly baby.