Full of Fun!

I now have two little soccer players! Ellis was joined by Hartsel for the annual soccer clinic this year. They had a great time and it is such fun to see them play together and rely on each other in a group setting. Ellis is a great big brother and Harstel...well she doesn't like the heat so much, but she did a great job!
School has started and we are getting into the swing of things. I now know why Ellen just giggled when I said I was going to start blogging. Until next time....

A Year of Grace

Hard to believe that our sweet Andrew is one! This time last year we were praying for his lungs and now I can hardly keep up with the fella'. We see God's hand and grace in our daily lives, especially this year. If we don't know that God is in control of the little things, what will happen when the big things hit. As we are teaching in Sunday School...everything is God's hand. It's called His sovereignty. Andrew's early birth, Ellis' being homeschooled, Elizabeth's trips to the ER this past year, Anna Hartsel's accident, John's house selling, even Alaina's death...all in God's hand. Those are the big things. What about a parking space up front when I have all the kids by myself or John's safety to and from work on a daily basis.....all in God's hand. Praise the Lord for another year of life with our loved ones. But I can't help but long for something more when I read, "Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you"

It's all about Expectations

We just got back from 8 days at the beach and had a BLAST! Last year...not so much. Last year I was very pregnant with Andrew (he was born the next week) and we had very high expectations for a 5,3 and 1 year old. This year....very low expectations indeed! We also took a babysitter for half of the week. I think the combination of the two made life so much more enjoyable.

Highlights

• Ellis' new buddy Dillan. Dillan is from the New Orleans area and he and his family were victims of Katrina. He was very sweet and appreciative of things.


• Anna Hartsel learned to love the beach and learned how to swim at the pool!


• Elizabeth threw a water bottle off of the balcony and security visited. (Did I mention that she also pooped in the pool! Oh yes, clear the pool Elizabeth Hope is here.)


• Andrew learned that eating sand is worth it....he would not stop eating the sand!


• Our 10th anniversary....spent with the Gulf Shores Fire Department. We locked ourselves out of the room with Elizabeth and Andrew inside by themselves! Praise the Lord the Foley Police Chief was with us.....Connections!

Would we go again...Absolutely! Thank you, Lord for no jellyfish stings, no bad weather and safety all the way around!