Yogi Needs Bootcamp

Olivia insisted upon taking our photo with Yogi.  Her claim to photography fame is taking hundreds of photos in hopes of getting "the one".  The outtakes made me giggle, and I couldn't bring myself to delete all of them.  

Family Getaway in Nashville

Months ago, we planned a weekend trip to Nashville to celebrate my mom's retirement.  We rented a cabin and RV space at the Jellystone Park.  Unfortunately, my dad was still too weak to make the trip.  Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time chilling as a family.  

We shopped at the monthly Nashville flea market, rode go karts, explored the park, shopped at the mall, and ate at a few unique restaurants.  The realization that we have entered a difficult traveling season with Jax became very clear.  He is too big for a pack and play, but he is still too little to sleep independently in a big boy bed.  So...he ended up sleeping with us.  I love my kiddos like crazy, but I am not interested in co-sleeping.  

Memorable moments to remember:

-One night, we heard the pitter-patter of little feet.  I woke up to discover Jaxson standing in our room holding his pillow and blankets while smiling ear to ear.

-Jaxson started calling me "Michelle".

-Scott used an app on his phone to locate a few of the local diners and dives.  Let's just say...we didn't eat at either place.

-Watching Andrew's love and talent for racing...he really has a gift.  Really.

-Andrew and Olivia were so courteous, thankful, understanding, and helpful.  Their actions and attitudes made me incredibly proud.

Fundraising Banquet for Pregnancy Care Center

We have been enjoying a handful of opportunities to get dressed up lately.  

Last week, we were invited by the sweetest lady to be her guests at a fundraising banquet for a local crisis pregnancy center.  I was surprised to realize that we knew every guest at our table.  It was an incredibly fun evening developing a heart for this amazing ministry. 

Did someone call Madea?

(He will one day kill me for posting this photo.)

Class Clowns

Last night, my loves participated in their 4th talent show.  They were perfect, and I was a super proud momma to say the very least.  

(Jax seems to be catching on to the idea of a silly photo.)

My Sweet Scotty....the Good Guy

*I posted this on my facebook page Friday night while in Los Cabos.



Seventeen years ago, My Sweet Scotty was delivering pizzas and sharing God's love with our community. Tonight, he was recognized as the #2 sales professional in his entire company which employees over 3,400 people. The CEO described Scott as a strong man of faith who serves his customers with the highest integrity. He even shared about how Scott leads a prayer call every Wednesday morning for his peers. He commented that Scott is proof that the good guy does in fact win. I watched as Scott put himself through school graduating with a MBA. I watched as he lost over and over again. I watched as he worked countless hours without compensation. I watched as he honored God even when it wasn't easy. Tonight I watched the good guy win and in the process point others to Christ. It was lovely! Today, he is a national account manager for Protection One and sharing God's love with our community. Little has changed.

President's Club 2015 in Los Cabos, Mexico

Scott and I had the amazing opportunity to spend an all expense paid 4 days and 3 nights in Los Cabos, Mexico.  The resort and weather were absolutely beautiful.  I envisioned days spent soaking up the sun, reading a book, and exploring with My Sweet Scotty.  Upon arrival at the all inclusive resort, I was handed the weekend's agenda which forced me to be incredibly social.  When all was said and done, I was charming and had the most lovely time.

Thursday evening, P1 hosted an all white party at a lovely seaford restaurant with a live band, glass blower, and fireworks over the ocean.  

Friday morning was spent deep sea fishing in hopes of catching a prize-winning Marlin.  Six hours after leaving the marina, we returned to shore having caught ONE non-Marlin fish.  However, I did manage to catch my fair share of ZZZ's.

Friday evening was the black tie banquet.  Authentic Mexican dancers performed and then led us into the extravagant banquet room.  We returned to our room that night to find a beautiful photo of us that was taken the night before and a lovely book about Los Cabos.

Saturday morning, we boarded a catamaran and toured the open seas for several hours.  The boat stopped for 40 minutes giving an opportunity to snorkel.  We were able to observe sea lions in their natural habitat.  Scott even saw a whale.  We were then given a chance to visit the stores and shops along the marina.  Unfortunately, we didn't bring a single dime, and Scott was forced to ask his boss for a loan. Dinner was spent networking with the national account managers who were present.  The night ended with a dessert party and video recapping the weekend.  Waiting in our room was a photo taken of Scott at the awards' ceremony and a plate of the most delicious chocolate covered strawberries.

I am always frustrated with myself when I return home and upload the small number of photos that I remembered to take.  With that said, I really enjoyed experiencing this environment without the burden of carrying my camera to each and every event.  Next year...I will be the crazy wife who takes photos of EVERYTHING!  *wink

An "insider" sent me a few photos of this year's Daddy/Daughter Dance.

The obligatory Easter egg dying photos...turned bad. 

Real Life

One of my children can not take a photo if his/her life depended on it.  I am not exaggerating.  It is bad.  That said child snapped this photo (I had to do a lot of cropping) as I was overwhelmed with trying to explain some basic photo taking skills.  Teaching him/her to use the camera is an impossibility.  I give up.  How did he/she not acquire even a tad bit of my artistic eye? 

It must be a joke or a way of testing my patience.

Thankful for him regardless if I ever get a decent photo of my grandchildren.  I am adding "ability to take a decent photo" to my list of traits that I am praying for in his future wife.

My Heartbreaker

Seriously.  My heart breaks just about every time I look at this sweet fella...partially because I want to cut his hair.  It is so hard for me to believe that he is only 1 1/2 inches shorter than his momma.  

Someone recently encouraged me to tell Andrew that I am proud of who he is becoming and that he is becoming the exact man I dreamed of when I held him close as infant.  This rings so true in my heart.  Even though the thought of him growing older is sometimes hard to bare, I am so proud of the man that he is quickly becoming.

He hates having his photo taken.  He is awkward in front of the camera.  However, I NEED to document how quickly he is changing.  It is worth making him frustrated, listening to his complaints, and laughing at his ridiculous poses.  

A Boy, A Blue Chair, and A Bow Tie

One evening last week, I decided at the very last minute to get Jaxson all dressed up in his Easter best and take some photos as a surprise for his birthmom.  Boy.  I sure am thankful for this brilliant idea because we managed to really capture this fella's personality.