Saturday, February 28, 2015

A Week In Review


Yep sloppy Bella kisses! 

Sunday Pic 

Our 3 girls! 

Sunday Pic 
 
These two are becoming quite close!   They still need their space (who doesn't) but they consistently want to be with each other.  
This week we had a lot to share, document and pause for a breath.   Sunday Maggie participated in her Gymnastics Olympics. She had been talking about it for months and it finally was time to watch her demonstrate all she had been learning.  She continues to enjoy the activity and tackles it with a high level of confidence.  
Ready to compete! 

Just love this..such form! 

Maggie loves the bars and flipping over them.  

A wonderful demonstration of her hard work! 

Gracie was a patient spectator and enjoyed a few pics with Mommy.   She is my look a like! 

Sunday night was our church volunteer dinner.  It was the best one yet!  It was Oscar themed and gave us a good excuse to dress up.   Our sitter canceled due to illness at the last minute so we had Abigail watch the girls for the first time.  We have known her since she was just one and felt like proud parents that she was responsible enough to care for our girls.  They all had a great time!  

My handsome date! 

They asked to sleep together until we got home.   




The weather got dicey quickly in Tennessee again altering the week’s travel plans.   Tuesday it was snowy with about an inch of snow!    The girls were delayed and quickly canceled.   I worked from home the first half of the day before heading to Nashville, but not before we all played in the snow for a bit.  Jimmy was not feeling well so a day home was just what he needed to rest.   Back to normal schedule Wednesday until school closed early at 2pm due to the pending snow projected.  Thursday school was canceled due to 6+ inches of snow the night before.   I know the girls and Jimmy do well while I am gone, but I hated to miss the play in the snow and snuggles.   I prayed the entire time that my travel back would not be delayed…it was a perfect flight back to Chattanooga. 

Snow..Tuesday (day 1) 

Snow Angels for KK

Bella LOVES the snow

Gracie after this week said "now that I got my snow spring and summer can come!" 

Snow Wednesday night (day 2) 

Just for Mommy to see the fun they were having!

Friday night we visited with my Brother and SIL and let them run some errands while we kept Ellie to play! She sure has our heart!  We always talk about how great it is to have family so close and have the privilege to connect frequently.   

Gracie and Ellie 

This weekend we have been enjoying time snuggling knowing that we will be away from the girls for a week while we re in the Bahamas.   Which also meant we were going to board Bella to make it easy on those that are loving on our girls while we are gone.    The girls were very sad by this, especially Gracie who takes saying goodbye (although just for a week) very hard.  

Ready to go play with puppy friends for a week! 

Snuggles before we left!   This was before the tears!  

A few things to capture:
—Maggie’s Kindergarten assessment went great. Her teachers (and her scores show) she is ready for kindergarten in the fall.   Registration is done and it was hard to process we will have one in K and one in 4th!  

—Gracie after lunch today said I was on her “bad list” since we were going on vacation and she was going to miss us.   I smiled and asked her if she knew why we go on vacations sometimes that are just Mommy and Daddy.  She gave me a look that clearly said she did not.  I told her it was hard to understand now I know, but that time away gave Daddy and I a chance to laugh, plan, prioritize time as a husband and wife, and relish in the quiet to come back refreshed to be better parents.   I told her that when she is married and has kids I hope she does the same and leaves the kids with us!  Maggie’s response was “Daddy can take Gracie’s Kids and Mommy can take mine”.    Our prayer is that while its hard to get away and there is some guilt of being away especially when I do travel for work too, that the girls begin to understand our priorities and therefore our deep love beyond words for each other and them.  



post signature

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Winter Break plus some!


Home from Atlanta Sunday and resting after a great celebrating for Papa's birthday.   We needed some snuggles! 

Ellie came to play while Gabe took Katelyn out for her birthday.  We loved the chance to play! 
This week was one of sleeping in, playing games, lots of hot chocolate and coffee, and changing travel schedules!   The girls were on winter break Monday and Tuesday, but as the weather began to change quickly on Monday we knew it was going to be a fun weather week.    As Nashville and Memphis were getting ice and snow I rescheduled my trip for this coming week.   As the girls were on delay Wednesday and getting ready for school the snow began to fall and school was canceled.   

Lots of games!  

Back to school Thursday and Friday, but no aftercare on Friday as the snow was starting to come down.  We were prepared for a snow/ icy night.  Ellie came over to play and watch the snow fall with us.   The girls were eager to wake up and quickly got ready to go outside as we knew it would melt quickly.    What a fun day we had being together.   We have learned that the girls do great having quiet time on the weekends and want to be together and DO NOT fight!  Its the best hour of the weekend sometimes!  

Wrapping up Friday in the office with Mommy (cookies and hot chocolate) 

Ellie came again to play on Friday!  We love all the time we get with this little bit!  

It did not take Bella long to love the snow! 

2 thumbs up! 

All she wanted this year was snow snow snow! 




We as a family are prayerful about changes potentially coming to my role and while there is an unknown and several other opportunities I am at complete peace that I will end up exactly where I need to be.  God has been so good to place me where he has and the gain, lessons and development I have had is well beyond the compensation. 

post signature

Sunday, February 15, 2015

One of Our Family’s Favorite Days!


Grammy and Papa wrapped up the weekend with us by going to church and lunch.  It is always nice to have family with us.   The rest of Sunday was relaxing at home with the nice weather.  We spent a lot of time outside on the porch.  I can tell as the weather heats up we will live out there more than we do inside.   I am sure it won’t take the girls long to want to sleep out there (and Mommy too).  It is just so peaceful.  

Sunday Pic 

Sunday Pic 

Grammy and Papa with the girls

Bella...she is the sweetest puppy! 

Outside together enjoying the nice weather!   We know the cold is coming soon. 

Bella snuggles! 

Sleepy girl with Mommy one night while Daddy was gone! 

Sweet friends since Kindergarten.  Gracie and Kenzie 

This one....  her looks are something! 


We survived the week!  Jimmy finished his ELP (work leadership program) this week and spent most of it in Memphis.   The girls did great, although its a new challenge juggling them with Bella.  I did okay, but I know Jimmy handles this much better than I do (which he gets his chance next week while I am in Memphis / Nashville).     

We enjoyed being home all together Friday night before a big weekend!  

Saturday we headed to Atlanta for a big surprise!   But before we did we enjoyed our family Valentine breakfast.   We started this years ago and the girls both asked if we were doing it this year too.  Of course!    

Family breakfast (heart plates we use each year, they are the same ones we used our first Valentine as married!)


We were having a surprise birthday party for my Father in Law.   It was not just any birthday.  It is the most special incredible birthday that changed his life and the family!  It was his 30th sobriety birthday!   WOW.  I pray the girls always fully grasp how incredible this is and how hard it was!   Major, Valentine’s Day has always carried a greater meaning since I have been part of the family!   We love you and love celebrating each year with you! 


Waiting for Papa to get home! 

Papa snuggles!  

Papa with his crew (plus a friend's grandchild)

A special coin to remember!   That smile tells it all! 

Bella snuggles before we head home!

Home, unpacked, girls are sleeping and Jimmy and Bella crashed too! 


post signature