Summer AL trip Aug. 2013

We knew this year that our vacation would be going to AL to see family. We were looking forward to this a lot and just having some time away.  Because of this, we planned ahead and wanted to do some fun things that we don't normally get to do when we come to AL.  We stayed at Mom's house this time so Grace had a lot of fun with the boys and Emily as well.

One day we went to Nocculula Falls. Grace has only been there when it was cold to see the Christmas lights.  This time we got to eat at the Jack's there and play on the new and improved play ground and see the beautiful Falls, ride the train, walk around the park, and do the petting zoo as well. The boys and Emily went with us and Nana and Paw Paw and they all had a blast!  Too bad the miniature golf wasn't open on that day.  This is also special to us because it also happens to be the place Adam proposed to me :)  We also got to meet up with a great friend of ours Shea, and spend time with her little boy and girl, Corbin and Naomi! Grace was being a Mommy to Naomi. :)  Shea's husband was at work.

We also took a day to go to the Imagination Place in Gadsden.  A place I remember going to as a child as well and having a lot of imaginary fun! It is new and improved as well.  After that we went to Jack's (again, my favorite!:) and some of us shared an ice cream cone as well and we sat by the water as we ate!

My great aunt did pass away just a couple of days before going 'home' so Mom and I went to the funeral on Monday while Adam and Gary watched all of the boys, Emily, and Grace.  They took them to another park that day too!  My brother, Greg came for the funeral so we were so glad to see him as well. We were able to work it out to meet up at Arby's and let Grace get a milkshake and see Uncle Greg for a while!  Grace thought he was funny and was happy to see him!

One day, Adam's mom ended up with a terrible migraine so we ended up postponing our day to see them but went to see Adam's sister Carey and Vann and Amanda for a bit.  Then on Thursday, we cooked out with the Brown's and got to see more family and hang out!  The kids always have fun together! Some of the pics I don't have too because they are on Adam's phone. 

It was a great trip with a mix of fun activities and great visits! 

Swimming Lessons

Grace also took swimming lessons for the first time about a month ago.  She surprised us on how brave she was! She loves the water but never has been one to really want to stick her face in the water but we never have really pushed it either. Anyways, she jumped right in there and did everything the teacher said and this was just from the first night! We will put her in another lesson next Spring but it was a great start and she loved going to these lessons every night for a couple weeks!

It's a First!!

Grace rode bumper boats for the first time this month.  We went to a one of her good friend's (Alex) birthday party and she got to ride these and a go kart and just fun in the arcade!  Grace first rode with her Daddy and Alex and then she was brave to want to drive one on her own. She did great until it was time to park and then she had to get her Daddy to come help her steer it in to place! :)

More Birthday fun too... We went to Grace's friend Abby's Birthday party and her friend Michelle over the past month or so..

More Important Pics..

I was going through Adam's phone and realized he had some great pics of memories that have been made over the last few months...

 This top picture is the presentation of Grace's certificate to her at the end of the year 4 yr Pre-K completion.

 

Above is at the end of the year Team Kid Award's Night... Grace received the GOLD MEDAL for all her hard work!! :)

 Theses two pics are of the visit in early June with Aunt Carey and Vann (above) and Granny (below). It was an Orange Leaf kind of night! :)

MAJOR Blessing!!

Well, we have had a unexpected HUGE blessing.  Adam has been offered and accepted the call and full time position as Children's Pastor of our beloved church here in Hot Springs.. Crossgate Church!!

This has been in the 'works' for months.  We did Experiencing God Together back about 4 or 5 months ago.  It was an awesome experience and during and soon after that, Adam and I talked about having a future back in ministry on a full-time basis.  We both felt led for Adam to be back in a position of leadership with in the church and knew that was what we were suppose to do.  As you know, Adam went into management with Lifeway back in September and since then have been serving voluntarily in the Children's Ministry at our local church, Crossgate.  We loved that and had no intention or thought of a position coming open at our church, but just wasn't sure what God had in mind for us.  Adam was thinking about approaching our Pastor and getting some council from him about ministry and before this could even happen... one Wednesday night back in the beginning of April, the Pastor approached us and informed us that our Children's Director was resigning to fill a position at the school our church had opened back up on our campus.  He stated he wanted to talk to us about 'ideas' with this ministry. After multiple talks with the Pastor and interviews and much prayer from every one involved, and months and weeks that went by... the church asked Adam to be the Children's Pastor!

Adam started his first week this week at the church office.  Adam is working his LAST shift at Lifeway today!  It is just absolutely AMAZING how the Lord has worked this all out.  We had NO IDEA when we came to Crossgate that this is what the Lord had in mind.  As a matter of fact, we had no idea moving here this would occur.  We look back and see every step, every opportunity, every friendship that has been made, etc. that has led us to this place. We are beyond thankful to our Father and give Him praise.  It is a big undertaking and we know it and when doubt sets in... Adam and I always remember one thing that was told to us over 'Experiencing God Together' weekend that is..... "If God calls you to it, HE will prepare you for it!"

THAT'S an awesome God!!  We appreciate your prayers!

Pregnant and starting to feel it!

So far every thing has went well with my pregnancy.  I am just about 16 weeks now. I have had 3 OB appointment.  My appointment last month we got to hear the heart beat by doppler for the first time. Grace was present and thought this was really neat as well. She especially liked that baby kicked the doppler and we could hear it! I went back again this past Thursday and heart rate by doppler was great at 147 and baby was kicking again.  I also asked my doctor if we could do my ultrasound a week earlier that first discussed so I could find out the gender of baby because I found out the big kid's consignment sale is coming to Hot Springs Aug. 5th-10th and the following week we leave for AL.  She stated she would do a "sneak peek" ultrasound in just 2 WEEKS from this last Thursday!! She is not even going to charge us for it! Stated she still wanted to do the full anatomy ultrasound at 20 weeks so this is why she is doing this! Isn't that awesome!? I thought I was going to have to wait 4.5 weeks from this past Thursday!

Had only a little nausea during the first trimester but overall good.  I am finally starting to show just a little bit especially if I am in maternity clothes or other certain clothes.

This is my 15 week picture..

Special Visitors...

At the end of May and beginning of June we first had Granny, Aunt Carey, and Cousin Vann and Amanda who came for a visit.  Unfortunately, it rained half of the time they were here but thankfully, they were staying in a hotel close by our house that had an indoor pool.  So we went and swam in that pool one day and had a great time! 

 Splashing!

 Dance party in the living room with Uncle Adam!! :)

After they left, Mom and Gary came for a visit. We even got to celebrate Nana's Birthday while they were here!!

 We took them to Magic Springs! :)

 Fun at the park while Momma worked...

 Showing Nana and Paw Paw she can ride her bike!!

 More fun at our favorite place!!

Catching Up!

Here are some pictures of just some of what our family has been up to since May.  Everything to fun outside and fun with friends...

 Mother's Day 2013

 Grace's End of Year Gymnastic Program St. Luke's

 Graduated 4 year Pre-K!

We've spent lots of days at Magic Springs!! This girl loves the water park and Momma does too!

 Daddy's girl!! 

 Grace and some of her best buddies Kendall and Arden

 Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf as a family!! :) Special times!

 Fun at the Park

 Such a fun and nice night watching Fireworks at Magic Springs for 4th of July!

Another sweet friend over for play.. Windsor!

We've also helped with and been a part of Vacation Bible School in one of the local parks this year with our church.  Grace has had fun on her new bike. I will share pictures on my next post.  Also, we had lots of fun with water guns and the sprinkler right here in our own yard! Sweet memories!