Gratitude

November 22, 2015

Beau: 

I am thankful for trees, meatballs, pudding and the Christmas tree.

Palmer:

I am thankful for the Christmas tree.

Gratitude

November 19, 2015

Beau: 

I am thankful for chicken fajitas.

Palmer:

I am thankful for Paw Patrol.

Gratitude

"Count your blessings, name them one by one.

Count your blessings, see what God hath done."

"Count your blessings" -Johnson Oatman

November 16, 2015

Beau:

I am thankful for Ms. Abbi because she teaches me calendar.

I am thankful for Ms. Lisa because she does centers with me.

Palmer: 

I am thankful for Ms. Debbie because she tells me to use my walking feet to get my lunchbox.

I am thankful for Ms. Jennifer because she pushes my sleeves up to paint.  

Gratitude

"Gives thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

November 9, 2015

Beau:

I am thankful for painting.  

Palmer:

I am thankful for my Mickey Mouse cup.

I am thankful for noodles {mac and cheese}.

Welcome, little Graham!

We are so happy to welcome a precious little blessing to the family! 

My new nephew, Graham, made his grand entrance this week!  

His big sister Grey is pleased to introduce you to her little brother! 

Congratulations Brandon, Stacey, and Grey!  

We already love you so much Graham! 

We are Loved to Love!

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.  

Now remain in my love.  

This is my command: love each other."  

John 15: 9,17

In honor of Orphan Sunday, I wanted to share Beau's homecoming video.

 

I am so glad that God made Beau and I am beyond humbled and blessed that I get to be his mom.  Praying that his birthmom knows how totally awesome he is and how loved he is!  

He has such a loving heart and he loves big!  I cannot wait to continue watching how God uses Beau's gifts and passions to impact others for Christ.  

If you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to support an organization that loves orphans and families, here are a few organizations you might consider.

Heartline Ministries

147 Million Orphans  

Amazima 

TN Baptist Children's Home

60 Feet 

Ordinary Hero

Show Hope

Halloween 2015

This year, Palmer wanted to be a Postman for Halloween.  I thought it would be cute to play off that idea.  Beau seemed excited about being a UPS man and happily agreed when he saw the costume on Amazon.  

The boys really do love receiving packages via USPS and UPS.  However, Beau really doesn't enjoy dressing up.  It just is not his thing.  

I attempted a photoshoot to get a cute picture of their themed costumes.

 Most of the photos resemble the one above.

 Please don't make us! 

Why are you torturing us?

But I finally did get one cute one! 

While these costumes were cute in theory, only Palmer's actually made it out on Halloween night.  Palmer actually loves his Postman costume and wears it all the time around the house.  

The rain kept us inside this Halloween so we trick or treated at Publix.  Beau opted to stay home and Rhodes wore a puppy costume that Beau wore in 2012 and Palmer wore in 2014.

Rhodes' Party Day

We celebrated Rhodes' birthday at my mom's house on Halloween.

 The night before the party, the big boys slept in the same room for the first time ever! How fun to have a slumber party at Nana's house!  It was also Palmer's first time in a big boy bed.  We set up the video monitor and the boys talked for about an hour before falling asleep.  Beau eventually said, "Let's go to sleep."  

I tried Chick Fil a platters for the first time and it was a big hit! I would definitely do that again!  

My sister Angie brought some special cookies! 

 Publix made Rhodes' party cake! 

 Mustache! 

Angie and the birthday boy! 

 Daddy and son! 

 We didn't realize it at the time, but sweet Beau had step throat.  You can definitely see it in his eyes in the pics.

 Happy Birthday to you, Rhodes! 

 Our sweet friend Tripp was so sweet to "protect" Palmer from the flame.

Beau was reluctant to get in the group pic, but my Uncle Eddie convinced him to join in.  My friend Jessica and I have been friends 25 years (yikes!) and now have 6 boys between us! 

Saturday night we heading to Publix for some trick or treating.  Who knew you could trick or treat at Publix?!  It was raining and this turned out to be a great option.  Beau opted to stay home with my mom.  Dressing up in costumes is just not really his favorite thing and I am slowly getting better at accepting that and not forcing it.  He just doesn't like it.  Palmer chose to be a Postman this year.  Rhodes wore a puppy costume that Beau and Palmer have both previously worn!   

Palmer enjoyed all the games! 

We were honestly in and out in about 30 minutes, which was perfect.  

After trick or treating we had baths and settled in for the night in our skeleton jammies (thanks Mimi and Grandpa)! 

 The big boys had another slumber party! 

I'm not sure how we ended up without getting a single picture with Nana or a full family picture! Oh well! The memories are in our heart! Thanks Nana for hosting such an awesome celebration! 

Happy Birthday Rhodes! 

Gratitude

Say thank you again even if you've said it a hundred times before because the heart-felt expression of gratitude changes both the giver and the receiver as it reminds us that this is ALL a gift of grace.  

-Jay Wolf 

November 2, 2015

Beau:

I am thankful for trees.

I am thankful for going to the swimming pool.

I am thankful for leaves.

Palmer:

I am thankful for Elmo.

I am thankful for leaves.

Happy Birthday Rhodes!

 Precious, precious boy! The Lord knew our hearts needed some sunshine this afternoon because it has rained all week!  You didn't want to nap today so you and I got some special one-on-one time outside in the sunshine while your brothers napped!

I'll be honest little guy, I was somewhat dreading today because in my mind you weren't going to be a baby anymore once you turned one.  The good news is that you still like to cuddle and babble and laugh and dance just like you did last night, so you didn't grow up too much overnight! I cannot wait to experience ONE with you! What a gift you are!!!  

You smile with your eyes, just like my dad.  I sure wish you had gotten to meet him.  He would just love you so much and you would love him too!   I know he would take you to get Sweet CeCe's yogurt to celebrate your birthday!  

Rhodes, I pray you chase after the Lord all the days of your life!  I love you! 

Lord, that gorgeous maple tree in the background is such a reminder of your goodness! 

 No party is complete without sparkling cider! 

Beau was so disappointed that I didn't buy party hats! oops! Luckily he was creative and made his own! 

Where's the cake, mom?

Happy Birthday Rhodes from Raleigh Gresham on Vimeo.

School Days

 {meet the teacher day}

 {picture day}

{farmer day}

{donuts with dad day}