Splish spalsh

We visited Aunt Donna and went swimming in her pool. Elyse was so active in the water, we thought she was going to swim away. She would not stop splashing herself and everyone around her. She got a lot of water in her face but the fact that she was semi-choking didn't really deter her from continuing.

I did have a wonderful visit though. Her daughter Anna loves babies and so she takes care of Elyse while I get some down time.

These shoes were made for walking.....

Elyse needed some new shoes so she could walk around. She is into everything. My favorite is when she walks to me with her arms open and attempts to give me a BIG hug. But most of the time I am not so lucky, because she is very independent and wants to do it all one her own. Interesting that I am the very same way, when sometimes we just need a little bit of help:)

Thank you mommy

Naw naw just loves Leasey to death. When I left for Destin Elyse didn't even turn her head. She just embraced Naw naw. They had such a good time together and Naw naw even kept her on her schedule, not too much spoiling went on. Thank you mom for all you do for us. You are precious and I love you mucho!

Mommy's first long trip

Mom took a little bit of break and went to Destin with the girls (Angie, Emily, and Karen). If you ever get a chance to visit Destin, I highly recommend it by the way. The water is clear and the beaches are amazing! It is a little busy but it is worth it. Nawnaw came and stayed with Leasey. When I came home Elyse was walking all around the house and she said mama! Omigosh, I almost cried:0 She is getting so big. She looks like a little mini person walking around here.

Anyways, I am so thankful that mom could come watch Leasey while mom got to do some adult things. Like go out to eat and actually get to eat my food first.

Hot mommas (really just one of us is a mom but we are all hot!)

A relaxing dinner over looking the beaches of Destin,
we recommend this place it is called The Back Porch.

Yes I LOVE food! And crab legs are one of my favorite treats.
I was able to indulge in a steak, shrimp, and crab dinner. Yummmmm

Creation! God you are indescribable.

A favorite summer treat....the Pina Colada!

Reflections from a mom

I was an education major and we always had to reflect, so I thought I would continue the good practice.

So lately what God has been teaching me through my particular situation, is that He is always drawing me to himself through all my trials and temptations. He is so faithful to make me rely on Him. This is a privilege to learn daily to TRUST Him to provide for all our needs. Being a single mom has some very difficult days. The days become slightly monotonous with chores, diapers, feedings, and at the end you are tired and lonely. But God is using this to bring me to my knees over and over. I am so thankful and God I give you all the glory for how you are refining me. You are developing my character like never before. You are showing me that my life is process of restoration and sanctification. It will never stop until the day of Christ Jesus. Thank you Lord for what you are doing even though daily it is hard, you are showing me your indescribable love and character more and more. I am falling more and more in love with you because of who you are. Thank you for choosing me, I am so humbled.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
FOR I AM THE LORD, YOUR GOD,
THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, YOUR SAVIOR."
Isaiah 43: 1-3

Lola gave Leasey a bath...

To my Daddy...

Dad, over the years I sure have gave you some grief. But I thank you for loving me through it. Thank you for grace and mercy many times. I appreciate you now more than ever that I see the huge need for a daddy and the importance of the role you have played. I am sorry for avoiding your discipline that was for my protection. You are a good man that desires to provide good for his family and to seek the Lord. I love you and I am thankful of what God has done with our relationship because it sure has been through the fire but all for the better. I love you! All glory to God alone:)

"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Hebrews 12:11