Can I get a whoop whoop for 2nd grade!?

It's that time of year again... August in these parts means it's time for kids to head back to school, and that includes our little P. As you know, our annual tradition is a back to school date with P--just her, myself, and her Daddy. Nick and ML watch the boy for us. And let me tell you, these days, that is no easy feat.
I love doing these dates with her. She can be such a pleasure to be with and since there is also a little brother in the picture, we don't always get to spend a lot of one-on-one time with her; not to mention she always chooses Olive Garden for dinner. My girl knows good food!
The list this year was a lot like the one last year. We were able to recycle some supplies from last year and also got to stock up on some new things for this year. We took a couple of pics before heading out for our night on the town...

Got Ranch?

Shout out to Nick and ML!

Our good friends Nick and Mary Leigh are embarking on an adventure to adopt a baby from South Korea. We are so excited for them and know that God is going to show up BIG in their lives through this journey.

Nick and ML--we are excited to walk this with you! We can't wait to get our hands on your little Korean bundle!! Take Him at His word and trust His promises! Jehovah Jireh--the LORD that provides.

Another soccer season in the books

Ryan and I both grew up playing every sport that was available to us. Athletics has always been a part of our life, including how our first date came to be, but we will save that for another post another day. We are competitors to the core and can turn anything into a competition, so there was never any doubt that our kids would be involved in sports of some kind. Yep, that's right...we'll probably be those parents that they do documentaries about.

Mason is still a bit young, although that doesn't keep Ryan from teaching him that one day he is going to "crack some heads" but for now we get to enjoy watching P. She has been in gymnastics for a few years and then started playing soccer about 2 years ago. With the exception of the very first season she played, her daddy has gotten to be her coach. And this past season she got to play on the same team as her two best pals. That probably won't happen again, but they loved it while it lasted!




We are firm believers that many life lessons can be learned through athletics... hard work, never quit, being a team player etc. Not to mention, winning is so stinkin' fun! and losing, not so fun.

Not Yo' Momma's VBS!

This week we had VBS at our church. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to be a part of a church that loves kids and provides for them opportunities like this.

I went to pick up P this morning and was able to be there for the last worship song before dismissal, and can I just say, I couldn't stop the tears. Seeing over 900 kids gettin' their worship on, singing "I live in the risen Son!" I was overwhelmed with emotion. What a privilege; what an opportunity! Many lives will be forever changed because of the staff and volunteers at LifePoint Church. I love my church!

First Grade Down...

Here is P on her first day of school this year and then on her last day of school a couple of weeks ago. Good grief, somebody stop the clock!

While I was gone to TX, P had her last day of first grade. There was, of course, a last day of school par-tay, so Ryan and Mason packed up and headed to the school for the 1st grade Luau.

An answer to prayer for us was the teacher that P got this year. Mrs. C is a woman that loves Jesus and was a great fit for P.


This was Peyt's first year at a her school. She transitioned very well and has had a great year. She got Academic Excellence on her report card and her reading skills have improved tremendously.
So, now we are on to bigger and better things. Like second grade.

Mimi (aka Smarty) came to town

Right after I got back from Midland, Ryan's mom flew in from CA for a visit. She had not seen the kiddos in over a year, so she was long overdue for some P and M time. Apparently Mason was confused as to what to call her, because by about day 2 he would be walking down the hallway yelling, "Smarty!" Who knows where that came from, but it was so funny!

Meems got to be here for soccer games, soccer party, church, the splash pad, the movies, a trip or two to Wal-Mart and Target, Chik-Fil-A, and then we topped the week off with a quick trip to the beach. It was a good visit with lots of play and fun.

Mimi, thanks for coming to see us. You are welcome any time!