LOVE THEM. Live in the present. Remember grace abounds. Feed them real food. Let them see you struggle. PRAY LOTS. don't be afraid to let them fail. Ask for forgiveness. BE STILL. LOVE THEM.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

I Thee Wed….

Friday marked the day that my sister in law’s sister, my friend, Laura, got married!!!  I am so very happy for her in her happiness.  Everything about the day was beautiful and romantic.  Once you are married you appreciate weddings more and I loved to hear all the vows again.  In my mind I went back to my own wedding day and the magic of it all and you can’t help but walk away smiling and filled with love.  Here are some photos of the beautiful event at the Duke Mansion with most of my beautiful family.  We opted for the no children at wedding version so Brad stayed home with the boys so I could enjoy it and I got to spend quality time with my family.

024

Aubrey, the sweet flower girl.

025

 

028

Mommy with her flower girl

029-crop

The bride ready for the isle…

031

Grammy and her Aubrey

036

Jackson and Aubrey made a wonderful team!

038-crop

Jackson looking back to check on Aubrey, he was so sweet with her!

040-crop

The sun was in her eyes but she did so good. 

041

I love how everyone is smiling at her in the background.

047

Father of the Bride walking Laura down the isle. 

050-crop 054-crop

Exchanging their Vows.  The Pastor did two cups of wine and then they each poured their wine into one glass.  I had never seen this before but I loved the symbolism of two becoming one and that you can not tell what started in Laura’s glass or what started in Ralph’s.  

055-crop

You may kiss your Bride!

058

So happy in Love!  Married at Last!

063

After the ceremony their was a beautiful courtyard where all the guests were invited for cocktails until the reception.  I took some shots of Livi looking so cute.  After all what little sister doesn’t like to steal the spot light sometimes. 

069

 

070

Isn’t she so adorable!! The little girl I will never have is what I call her!

079

The courtyard.

095

Joanie adoring her man, my Bubba!

107 108

Jackson has some moves.  Ladies watch out!

135

The front of the historic Mansion.

154

Andrew and his family.

158

My grandma! A picture with some of her leading men.

163 

169

160-crop

 

165

Lastly, a picture with Laura.

Congratulations Laura and Ralph!

Giddy Up and BQOTD

Bradley found my cowgirl boots tucked away in my closet and he has been wearing them all around the house ever since.  Pretending to be Woody and a space Cowboy.  Giddy- Up in them boots partner! 

004

006-

Also, I have several quotes off the top of my head.  Not just from today so its not very accurately Bradley’s quotes of the day but more like over the last week.  He contradicts himself often!

“Mommy, I love you! You are the best mommy ever!”

“Mom, you are just like all other women!” (this one made me question what Brad may be teaching him when I am not around, haha!)

“Don’t worry about me Mom, its all about you!”  (I was dumbfounded at that one.)

“California is America”  after he was telling me about the Pledge of Allegiance and how you “hold your hand on your heart.”  We are going to start our geography soon to correct this statement. 

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Simple Joys

001

Daddy always treats Bradley to fun treats when they go in the car together.  Bug juice and Swedish fish are two of his favorites.

003

Gavin loves my baked ziti with sausage and Brad and I are so happy to have a carnivore on our hands! Bradley, however, has wonderfully made a change.  Before he was a self made vegan hippy eater we called him but he now eats Chicken and BACON.  Still no hot dogs grandPOP and sorry Auntie Brit that hes not in your club anymore. 

005 006 012

Swinging at the park this labor day weekend.  We really were going to go to my favorite NC beach but opted out last minute due to that dag on Hurricane Earl.  Gavin  never cried but the swing didn’t excite him like it has before? 

016 024 030

Bradley making pictures look so Painful yet again. 

010

Getting all clean and having bath time Together is the new thing.  Ever since I found one of these seats for Gavin, Bradley has really enjoyed his company and Gavin loves to sit up and splash away! Otherwise he would be bumping his head all over the place squirming.  I used to give him 30 second baths once he started to climb.  These are our simple joys for the week to name a few. 

Also, since its Sunday here is a Verse.

Matthew 28:18-20“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

How refreshing to know that Jesus is with us always! Now that is JOY!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Go-Go, Go-Kart?

013

This is our newest addition to the family.  As if we needed another one! The 4 wheeler is out of here and this has taken its place.  Bradley’s “blue motor” is what he has named it.  Brad has put petal extensions on it because even at the closest seat position Bradley couldn't reach the petals.  That would be my sign that he is not ready but that did not stop my husband!  Nope, Bradley can now reach and has driven it already with his seat belt, helmet and Daddy next to him.   Maybe this will be what puts me in labor with the third child since we don’t have the 4 wheeler which worked for Gavin.  I have found that each new child brings an extreme purchase for Brad.  It is his “baby crisis” purchase instead of a “mid life crisis” purchase.  I don’t even want to know what that would be!  One month before Bradley was born Brad got drums and taught himself how to play.  Three days before Gavin was born he bought the 4 wheeler and now 3 months before baby #3 we have this beauty.  I am so thrilled, can’t you tell!  No really, as long as my boys are safe that is all that matters and I am learning more everyday how as our 3 boys get older I will need to let them go and be boys.  I am just going to soak up the baby phases as much as I can before I lose them to dirt, sports, camping, fishing, etc.  So, anyone up for a Go-Kart ride?