Quit holding your breath

Here is the last shot, the "before" of our humble abode. I love, love, love the color of our brick, but, sadly, the mortar and bricks were beginning to deteriorate. That led to water damage on the interior walls and ceiling, which meant I was never going to be able to paint or remodel. We had to get a handle on the leaking problem, so with much deliberation and multiple random opinions, we went with what we thought was the best solution. Seal our brick and mortar with paint. Plus, it does update the look of our house. Bonus!! Here is a shot of the house on the first day of it's transformation.

Now, we are 3 days into it. In the next few days, he is going to finish the top coat and begin to trim the doors, windows and roof line in bright white.

I think our landscaping is going to show better.


When it's all said and done, we will put back up our black shutters, hang a few black lights on the side of the door, and hopefully get some potted evergreens or topiaries next to the door. So far, I am giddy with the results and can't wait to see the finished project!

All of my kids can ride their bikes!!

Ok.....here is my baby. He just learned to ride a bike without his training wheels. He is 3. His 4 yr. old brother taught him. Who needs mom anyway?

Heading down the lane....he has mastered all types of surfaces!

Riding in circles on the driveway.

Here are the other 3 playing soccer....can you spot the "coach". She's the one with her hands on her hips. Maggie loves to be in charge!

My Prayer

Tonight, I couldn't help but think about the Hunter family and their enormous loss this week over their precious 5 year old daughter. I could not even comprehend the depth of emotion they must be feeling and the overwhelming grief over the loss of a child. I just can't. As I weep for them, I couldn't help but think of a father's love. Josh was able to capture it so well in his blog, but even more so, The Father's love. How much more he must weep when one of his children is lost. The Bible tells us He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for us, for us, so that we can spend eternity with Him. It's a beautiful redemptive message, but one that so many people reject for some reason or other. And I can only picture God, The Father, weeping over the loss of even one person. My prayer tonight is for peace for the Hunter family and that maybe through the life and death of Ava, many will come to know Jesus.

This could be good for something in about 10 years or so!

Looking good boys! I thought it was about time to get rid of some of our dress-up clothes, considering it doesn't fit the girls anymore. However, it seems to have an appeal still!

Those shoes really had some flash, Beau.So does the whitey-tightey's hanging out!

It's all about accessorizing! What would their dad think???

There's my girl....ready for her run

Katie on the run, she had to go 1.86 miles!!!

Katie and her cousin, Shelby after the finished. I am so proud of them both!