Heyward's 4th birthday party

If I could have one wish for my children it would be that I may have more wishes, three to be exact.  The first wish is that they be protected from physical pain.  Second I would wish that they would develop a close relationship with God BEFORE they experience any tough situations in life.  And the third wish for them would be that they would find a mate, a husband/wife that would stand by them, help them, encourage their dreams, and pick them up when they make mistakes.  I think that if you have God, a strong family, and a partner in life that is good...you can survive whatever life throws your way. 

We celebrated Heyward's fourth birthday in August.  His birthday is the 15th, but we had a skate party on the 13th.  He had lots of family and friends come out and it was fun!   A skate party by the way is super easy and the kids love it!!!  Plus, its cool inside on a hot summer day.  Here are some pictures of our big boy's special day!!!

 Daddy and Heyward both with big boy skates on!!!

 Laurie Beth got in on some skating too! 

 Heyward and Laura Kate taking a fall!!!

 Super hero cake!

 Bop and Laurie Beth watching Hey blow out his candles.

 Look at all the kids blowing!!!

 Hey's favorite time, PRESENTS!!!!

 Cousins Lauren and Anna!

 We couldn't get these folks to skate! 

 Cousin Anna and Laurie Beth enjoying Hey's new Jeep.

 All three cousins packing in for a cruise!

 As soon as we got home, they had to ride!

Heyward does such a great job riding his sister.  She loves it!

Thanks to everyone who came and made our Hey's fourth birthday special.  I wish I could keep him small forever.  He is such a compassionate, loving, smart, tough, sensitive, playful little boy who has the world's longest memory and just wants to play rough with Daddy and eat toaster strudels!  

Fun times at the pool

The kids and I spent lots of time at the pool this summer.  Even though we couldn't stay all day in order not to interfere with nap time, we did get to enjoy a few hours each day.  I loved being able to pack a picnic lunch, swim and get some sun, then usually both Hey and LB would fall fast asleep on the way home, give out from lots of swimming and playing.  Here are some pictures from our good times at the pool.

Tea parties with friends

swimming

Swim lessons

yummy snacks with best buddies

pretty girls

cannon balls with friends

floating

relaxing

I am so grateful that I am able to be home with my children and spend the summer watching them grow and have new experiences.

I love my Family to pieces!

We celebrated Meme and Papa's 50th Anniversary on Friday, July 2nd.  They were a beautiful, happy couple.  They are very special to all of us.  Meme has helped me keep Heyward and Laurie Beth both since they were born.  She loves it and though I know they wear her out, she always wants to see them!  Meme and Papa are such an ideal couple....the pick, fuss, joke and love.  They are the funniest couple I know.  One thing that is without doubt and that is the strong love and respect for marriage they both have.  It is so honorable that they have been committed and faithful to one another this long.  They have seen their fair share of hardships, and have survived.  They have always put God first and by their actions have taught their family to do the same.  I know that I have always been "their heart" and I can't imagine life without them.  Thank you God for their health, their unconditional love, their stamina for children, and their forgiveness.  They are truly the epitome of what a marriage should be. 

I love you Meme and Papa

A fun 4th of July!

The following comes from a blog entry I wrote about a year and a half ago.  To reflect back on life, I can say at that point in life I felt happy, fulfilled, satisfied (or as much as I thought possible.)  And today, by the grace of God I am even more happy, fulfilled and satisfied.  As soon as I think it can't get any better, God proves me wrong.  Every detail in my life I tackle and overcome, every hardship D shares with me, we grow.  Thanks for such unconditional love God, even to us old married people!
"D and I have been through some life changing, trying, difficult, overwhelming, joyous, love-filled, scary, disappointing, horrible, anxious, tiresome, beautiful, memorable, magical, hurtful and down right great situations in our time together and our marriage. Certain times come to mind when I think of each of those emotions and circumstances. None greater than the day we married, the birth of Heyward and the birth of Laurie Beth. I love D with all my heart and although I haven't "liked" everything he's done and he hasn't "liked" eveything I've done, we are so glad we chose one another to take this journey called life with. I have to admit though that although we have a slew of experiences together, nothing has quite prepared us for juggling our day jobs, two young children, finances, and our marriage. Notice that a social life doesn't even exist, that is something we are working on."

I have heard that the best thing you can do for your children is love their father/mother.  If that is the case then our kids have the BEST in life already! 

Thanks for all you have done to make our family strong and for being such a fighter.  I respect you and love you to pieces D!

Vacation 2010

We had the best vacation ever this year!  Becee, Bop, Gaga, Deda, and Aunt Ashley were there to play with us.  We went on the beach every day, went to Wild Water and Wheels, shopped, ate, rode bicycles, rode golf carts, and had TONS of ice cream!  It was so much fun!  We are all tanned and refreshed! 

Now back to our routines and busy schedules....I am so blessed!

Changes....

In just a few short days my parents will be moving to Crystal River Florida.  I still don't really believe it.  I am so proud of my Dad and all that he has accomplished in his career with Progress Energy.  He moved with leaps and bounds within this company.  I am honored to call him Daddy and he has made his family very proud. 

In just a few short weeks, Aunt Ashley will be leaving for Charlotte School of Law.  We are equally as proud of her and will always be supportive of her as she takes steps to begin her career.  she has always been so smart and confident and I know without a doubt she will be successful!

In just a few short months (with lots of work in the meantime), D and I will have a brand new house!  We have started the process of building and are both sooo excited about what we have selected for our new home!

I am so proud of my Mom for how she is handling everything, my sister, my Dad, and my husband for all his hard work and for his willingness to grow and learn.  I love my mother- and father-in-law for being so supportive and always willing to help.  I love my Meme and Papa for loving Hey and LB and keeping them so that D and I have "our" time.  Everyday is truly an adventure, and it seems there are many more ahead.