A Little Bit of This & That

Nothing new going on here in Tennessee lately! We've been staying busy working around the house trying to get pictures & blinds hung, yard word done, & I've also tried to do some decorating. Thankfully, I have expereienced no sickness throughout the 1st trimester of my pregnancy...however, I have been SO tired that it's been hard for me to find the motivation or energy to do ANY decorating in our new house. Which for those of you who know me, you know that is completely not like me to live somewhere for over a month and not have these things already DONE. I LOVE to decorate and I usually won't stop until I'm happy with what I see or until I run out of money. ha :) My doctor tells me that I should have my energy back really soon and I am so thankful for that! Joshua leaves to go to Wynona, Minnesota July 12th for a month (SAD, I know!), to do some training for work, so I'm hoping to get a lot done while he's away. I'll have to stay busy so I don't think about him being gone so much!

We have LOVED being in our new house and we have really enjoyed having Joshua's cousin, Benjamin, and his wife, Heather right around the corner. Every week we switch back and forth and have dinner @ one another's house. Last night was our turn and I made a roast, homemade mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, salad, & Edwards key lime pie for dessert. For not being the best in the kitchen, I must say, our dinner was DE-LISH! Afterwards, we all went outside so the kids could play with some water balloons that Joshua had bought for them (WAY TO GO JOSHIE!!) and we ended up playing with sidewalk chalk & the sprinkler too. We had a blast and it's so fun having something to do on the weeknights to break up the normal routine.

The whole gang!


Joshua encouraging Owen to squish his balloon! :)

SPLAT!!

Also, my mom sent me these pictures yesterday of Bradley "in action" @ Hume Lake Camp...thought I would share them! He's having a blast and I have no doubt that the Lord is really using him & the band!!

Bradley with the band!

The B-day Boy!

Today (June 18) is my brother, Bradley's b-day and I wanted to be sure to give him a BIG b-day shout out since he is far, far away and we're not able to see him! I honestly couldn't love or be more proud of this boy...he's so fun, he's hilarious, he adores his family, he's a great friend, but most importantly, he's an incredible man of God. I love you, B, and I hope you have a wonderful day! We miss you here in TN and wish we could be there in Cali to celebrate with you!

Happy 23rd Birthday!! I love you!

VBS, B-days, & Father's Day!

What a great weekend! Joshua and I started out our weekend by attending our Vacation Bible School program on Friday night. Our church (FB Concord) doesn't joke around when it comes to VBS...they go ALL OUT. Mandy and I were on the make-up crew and my mother-in-law was one of the drama directors, so it was so fun seeing everything come together. The program was AWESOME and over 200 kids were saved!!

The stage/set of VBS!


Look at ALL those kids. :)

After the program me, Joshua, Memaw, Pepaw, Sally & Pappy headed off to a nice (but late) dinner @ The Chop House. Pappy's B-day was on Saturday, so we got a little pre-b-day celebrating in as well. We had a great time!!

Thanks to the b-day boy who graciously shared his dessert. :)


Joshua & Pappy



Me & Joshua's ADORABLE Memaw...I love her to death!

Saturday night our family met for a LATE dinner again, but this time to celebrate Father's Day. Phillip had to preach downtown Sunday after church, so since their side couldn't be with us, we wanted to make sure we were able to celebrate together. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful Father-in-law. He is truly one of the most love-able people I know. Thank you, Pappy for all you do for us and for loving us the way you do. You are a wonderful example of what a godly husband and father should be. Happy B-day & Father's Day!



Now....to the #2 man in my life...MY WONDERFUL DAD. I can't even express the love I have in my heart for my dad. I can honestly tear up just talking about him. He has always been such a rock in my life and no matter what, he has always believed in me and made me feel SO loved and special. I hated that we couldn't be together on Father's Day, but we did manage to get a good phone call in and I was so happy to hear he was having a great day with his dad! I wrote a blurb about my dad on my blog for his b-day and it fits so well, that I am posting it again.....

You & I share such a special relationship and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. You have always made me feel so important, so loved, and so precious. You have always listened to my intermost thoughts/feelings and everything that was important to me, was always important to you because no matter what, my happiness meant the world to you. You'll NEVER know what having a dad like that has meant in my life. I appreciate your wisdom, your advice, your encouragement, your trust, but most importantly, I appreciate the Godly example you've been to me over the years. How does a girl get so lucky to have a dad like that? :) I love you more than words can say and I'm so grateful for you. Happy Father's Day dad, I love you!

Summer Sundays!

Sundays have always been one of my FAVORITE days of the week...I love going to church #1, it's a great Family Day #2, and it's a wonderful day to relax #3. I love Sundays even more in the summer because of this.....

Joshua had some work to do in the yard yesterday afternoon (I know you're not supposed to work on the Lord's day, but he got a little behind on Saturday), so this TIRED pregnant woman left him behind, & took advantage of a beautiful day! Joshua's g-parents & aunt and uncle live in this gorgeous community in Lenoir City & they just happen to have an amazing pool. They were so sweet to let me bask in the sun in their place! I'm sure wishing I was there now... :)