Last night we took the kids to the carnival at our church. They had a great time playing all the games and bouncing in the bounce houses.
Dorothy, LadyBug and the Zoo Keeper 
Uncle B and Brody came over to play with us.
Riding the Barrel Train
Today at church, we had Jerry Vogal from LifeWay Kids come speak to us during our Sunday School hour. He talked about Parenting and how it is like…
-going on a journey
-making an introduction (spiritually)
-laying a firm foundation
-drawing a map
-and planting a seed in a garden
It was very refreshing to listen to what he had to say. It made me that more thankful for the blessings in my life, especially these three little miracles. Often I get caught up in all the drama of the day and miss out on just enjoying my kids. Today, we hung out and just played together…then we went to the park by our house to spend some more time together. They amaze me everyday and I know how blessed I am to have three healthy kids who (most of the time) are happy and content with life. Jerry did not say anything I have not already heard, but it was a refreshing experience to put it all back in perspective. I was also able to go with some 7th-11th grade girls this weekend to the Revolve Tour in Ft. Worth. It made me realize these days of playing and going to the park together are numbered. I know kids will grow up, as they should, and we will just become that much more proud of them. These girls were all so sweet and nice to be around, but it made me realize they were once 4 and 1. So, I needed that reminder today to slow down and enjoy this age because it will be gone tomorrow. I hope you are enjoying your blessings and making the most of the time you have with them.
Tate is becoming quite the little man. He told me today he was the Daddy since Brad was out of town and he needed to drive us to church, pay for our lunch and come home to work and watch the ballgame. :) When we got to lunch he told me he did not need any money because he had found a penny in the parking lot and that should be plenty for all of us to eat. He is still into the cowboy/sports guy stage, and I think he is getting sweeter everyday. I just love to see how proud he is when he completes a task on his own. He loves his family and is into “family dinners” and just “hanging out”. His way of looking at the world continues to amaze me. He is such an analyzer about everything. He told me tonight that he could not possibly eat a Lunch-able for dinner…I could not figure out why until he said it is not a Dinner-able, Mom!!! I am so proud of this little guy we lovingly call “Good Time Charlie” because of his ability to organize a get together at a moments notice. He loves to be around people and has a true compassion for others. Thank you for being such a sweet boy, I love you!
Oh, Miss Em! She is something else! I LOVE how “girly” she is about EVERYTHING! She knows how to make people smile just by being herself. I hope she can continue to have the self-confidence she has now. She is not easily swayed by others and will let them know it! This trait will come in handy in those teenage years. She absolutely loves her brother and sister to pieces. Lyla will just look at her and I can see how they already have the sweet sisterly bond. She is such an independent child always wanting to try doing something before asking for help. Some may look at this as stubbornness and hard-headed, but I think it will make her a leader. She is a girl that knows what she wants. :) She loves her dance class and dressing up. I overheard her asking Brad the other day if she was going to have to run in soccer, when he said yes, her response was that she did not like to sweat! :) She is a born performer and loves to be the center of attention. I pray that you stay sweet and girly for always. You are a ray of sunshine to all and we love you for it!
The Bug! We joke that she is going to grow up the class clown and eventually a stand-up comic. This girl will do anything for a laugh, especially from her Sissy and Bubba! She is learning new words and sounds everyday. She is a watcher, but she is also ready to jump right in without much of a thought about it. She is fearless about most things. The only person I have seen her not like is the pediatrician and we have no idea why. :) She is a “cuddler” and loves to be held and close. She likes to be in the action and is into EVERYTHING! I do not remember the twins being this way at this age. I love her babbling and her new “surprise” face (I will try to get it on camera soon). She is standing on her own, but not taking steps yet, she has no need to because her crawling is fast enough for her. :) I am excited to see her grow and discover who she is. I love you little Bug!
Thank you for these blessings and I pray we are the parents we need to be for them.
Well, she did it! She played on Tuesday! :)
Game #2 for the Mermaids, Game #1 for Emmy.
