Independence Day

One of my favorite things in the world is watching fireworks and reflecting on how thankful I am for the men and women who gave their lives so I could live in this beautiful land of the free and home of the brave.

We are spending this 4th at the beach with some precious friends watching fireworks up and down the beach as far as we can see. I'm in hog heaven. 

Happy Indepence Day! 

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

I need to "Let it Go" --Friday Favorites

Y'all, I'm having a real hard time with this end of the school year. Last week was Carleigh's 6th grade choir pop show. She sang a solo, which I wanted her to sing for me beforehand, but she wouldn't. I just wanted to make sure she was comfortable with the track we downloaded and that she knew where the entrances were, etc. She would hear nothing of it. I was a little bit nervous. Oh.MY.GOODNESS.GRACIOUS!! Sister did not disappoint! She was amazing. She walked out on that stage and owned it! Sixth grade!!

Bad shot, but here Carleigh is with her choir teachers

Here's a couple of minute snippet from her song

Cora and Luke were playing outside the other day, and Cora broke out the hippety hop ball. I remember playing with those...so fun! Seeing the kids playing on them brought a smile to my face. 

Carleigh had her last dance class of the season this week. While she was there and Luke was at an end-of-the-year choir party, Cora and I ran a couple of errands, then stopped by the spray park for a little fun before Carleigh's class ended. She had a BALL!! She has such a sweet little spirit. She came over to where I was sitting and told me thank you for taking her there...warmed my heart!

Carleigh's dance recital was last weekend. I can't even tell you how beautiful she was. I'll have to post more on that later to give it justice, but here's a snippet...

oh my {heart}

Here are a couple of my favorite links from the week...

A great article from the Power of Moms about teaching our kids the importance of Memorial Day. I think Memorial Day is so important, and I am disappointed, to say the least, that our school district decided the holiday should be a bad weather make-up day. I'm looking forward to sharing with our kiddos the importance of Memorial Day.

The Power of Moms also recommended a summer learning program called Brain Chase that sounds totally up my kids' alley. I can't wait to check it out and order it.

A friend of mine sent me a link to the She Reads blog. I'm excited about reading this summer. My boy wants me to read Summer of the Monkeys to him, which completely thrills my soul. I LOVE that book. My fourth and fifth grade teachers read that book to our class, and it is one of my favorites. {heart} I'm finishing up the third book in the Mark of the Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers. Her books are so good. I love historical fiction, and these books send you right smack dab in the middle of the action. 

Y'all have a wonderful weekend!

Lovin the weekend!

We've had a great weekend so far. Last weekend we weren't able to celebrate Valentine's day, so last night some friends kept the kids for a while, and Kelvin and I went to dinner at one of our very favorite restaurants. We haven't been there in years, so it was a nice treat. I forgot how wonderful it is. It was soooo yummy! I even splurged and had dessert...all chocolate! Every bite was delicious. I almost picked up the plate and licked it! After dinner we decided to skip the movie, and went to view the Body Works exhibit instead. Fascinating! It's amazing how many tiny bones and muscles, tendons and nerves comprise the human body. Makes you not want to smoke too. There were lungs of a non-smoker and those of a smoker, and boy was it gross. Crazy thing is, the lungs of the coal miner were just as bad as the smoker! There were also healthy brains and stroke brains for viewing. It's just the most amazing thing! God is so smart! Guess that's why He's God, and I'm not! Anyway, we had a fantastic evening. This morning one of my good friends came over for breakfast. Kelvin made some crazy good omelets...good food, good friends, good conversation! What more could you ask for on a Saturday morning? Tomorrow we're looking forward to a sailing trip. There is a charitable organization that takes families out sailing who have a child with special needs. We're really looking forward to it. I love the water and have really been missing our beach house lately, so it will be nice to get out on it! Some of our special friends are going with us too. I'll be sure to post pictures tomorrow of the excursion!

Isn't this what a Saturday is all about?!



Tell me these baby Cora gifts are not just most adorable things you've ever seen! I still can't believe we're having another baby...in just six more weeks!




Have a great weekend!