So this is what 5 looks like....

York-man celebrated his fifth birthday December 17!! 

Its hard for me to believe my precious preemie is the handsome young man -above.  York brings so much happiness to all he meets.  His heart is bigger and mind sharper than many adults. He has a sweet nature and caring disposition. He wants everyone to get along and love with all of their hearts. He is patient, funny, and loves Jesus.  York teaches me to always greet others with a smile and encouraging word.  He is slow to anger and would prefer to put others needs ahead of his own. I'm in awe of his tender heart. He loves his brothers and will tell you he 'loves them bigger than the sun'. He has a wonderful way of explaining his love and I never tire of hearing it.  He loves wearing boxers and sleeping without shirts. He would stay outside all day- if I let him. He is obsessed with all things that have a trailer hitch, brush guard or wench. He is very involved with his daily attire and will insist on a change if its too girly or not cool. He loves country music and can sing most on the radio. He likes his music loud and windows down. (He is my son after all). He loves to say the blessing and when we pass an ambulance he always whispers ..God take care of them. Sometimes I'll catch him shedding a tear at a sad movie or commercial and I want to wrap my arms around him and forever protect his heart!!. He loves books and will read the same one over and over until he can recite it word for word. He has great manners and I'm proud of him when he does them without prompting.  My heart swells with love as I watch him teach his brothers or take an extra moment to help them.  What a great role model he is. Lord thank you for this child. This daily reminder of how amazing and rewarding my job is. Thank you York for making it easy to come into work!!  I love you 'bigger than the sun' and can't wait for 2014 and what you'll teach me...

Perry D turned three!

Rise and shine its donut time!

We celebrated sweet P on his actual birthday last Wednesday -November 27!  We enjoyed a morning with donuts, family, and amazing friends. Perry loved his donut cake and Ramsay officially won the prize for most donuts eaten in one sitting!  Perry began the morning with this quote, "it is not my birthday and I do NOT like donuts!" Luckily, we pushed through and by birthday time he was in rare form. ((Donuts are in fact his favorite food group!)). The kids were able to color a donut page, decorate their own donut, and play toss the donut game. It was an absolute wonderful day to turn three!  We appreciate the Heavenly Donut Company for allowing us to party!

Perry Daniel you are one amazing kid. You are funny, loving, and kind. You are the most like me- in that- you are crazy hard headed and bossy!  I enjoy watching your eyes light up when you see new things. I love that you watch York's every move and you call Ramsay "your baby". I love that you look like a tiny angel when you fall asleep beside me. I love how you fight sleep because you feel like you will miss something - as do I!  I love how your tiny fingers fold together when you bow your head to pray and how you insist that God is the boss!  I love how you aren't scared of a thing.. You are so brave. I love your smile and that giggle laugh.  I love your silky hair and how it falls into place without a brush. I love your big doe eyes and how they slant down ever so slightly on the ends. I love your crazy long eyelashes and button nose. I love how you want to brush your teeth almost hourly. I love the excitement you get when your brother or father comes home and the incredible bear hugs you give. I love that your convicted.. Which is the reason for your stubbornness.   You will be very successful in this life because of your passion. I will vow to help guide that passion to glorify our savior. You are one amazing little boy and I'm blessed that your my little in the middle!

Playing CATCH up

Ramsay had his first DIP cone this summer.

We ate ALOT of Chuys cheese dip....

Gator rides were on the daily agenda

my little nemo's

We took York and Perry to their first concert... Alan Jackson!

We took every single toy outside!

made friends at the park

Enjoyed some cousin Hollee time

Illegally drove up the street

Watched fireworks with friends

did some slidin'

captured some brotherly love

and a little more...

Played with Edie Lane

Made it to the beach...

attempted family photo's

Made our first "beach" friends... Gunter and Sam

Had a couple of check ups!

Celebrated daddy with army party

got a pedicure

"Cheers"

Had some dates... love our Collins

one more movie date...

Goofy boys

Practiced our touchdown dance

rode some tractors with Pop pop

Ramsay got some gator action (while parked)

lovey

Perry learned to sign I LOVE YOU

Got new tires on the truck

pool fun

Caught red handed getting "cookies"... just like DADDY

and had some down time :0)

I have been a terrible blogger this summer -partly because my laptop wasn't working- and I felt that without pictures my blogs would become LAME.  So here we are ... days away from Thanksgiving and I'm playing catch up!  Although I feel guilty for letting the blog become neglected... I look through these photos and recall the memories, smells, and love I felt in those moments.  I'm so grateful for being able to stay home with my wild men and make these special memories.  So what if- a blog doesn't get written, a load of clothes had to be turned on again (for the 5th time), or my dining room table looks like a yard sale for little children's clothing.  So what if- the beds never get made, the toys are left all of the living room, or that my car looks like a homeless person is living in it.  So what if- I didn't get a shower, the boys Sunday clothes got stained, or we skipped nap time for a afternoon movie.  So what if- he wears Camo boots with everything, he insists on brushing his own hair, or he has to "cut" his food by himself.  These days are fleeting and the older I get the more important each moment becomes.  I am so thankful for this life... for the opportunity to raise my boys and share each experience together.  The fighting, whining, and crying that a day brings is definitely out shadowed by the laughter, smiles, hugs and kisses.  What a bonus each day holds for my little army... whether its a new word, a day without potty accidents, or the simple excitement for getting "brother" from school... we embark on a different journey daily.  I'm thankful for our sweet Sydney who helps me a couple days a week.. without her my mind would be mush and perspective distorted.  I'm thankful for those hours to run errands with a minute to myself...  those hours that allow me to genuinely miss them!  That small break enables me to appreciate LIFE... 

Enjoy the pictures of this summer/fall... and I promise to be a more dedicated blogger!  We should be moving in the next 2 weeks and I have a BIG blog coming with pictures from the beginning to end of the build.  Enjoy this life and try to let some of the small "battles" go... and embrace the love and opportunity that sits all around you.

WAR EAGLE ... my friends!

November News

War EAGLE with the best neighbors ever!  What a nice day to relax and cheer on our TIGERS

Happy Birthday to our sweet Sydney!

Dinner with Jackson

Perry can "persuade" Rams to do just about anything.. especially hiding from MOM in the cabinet!

Nice break with Skip at the Galleria!

Finally decided to chop the mullet

Good bye baby mullet!!

Awakening

Why is it so easy to take this life for granted?  Why does it take a tragedy, accident, or illness for us to appreciate the many blessings surrounding us.  Why is it so hard, as sinners, to get caught up in our selfish living that we can't dedicate our first thoughts, breath, or prayer to him?  Why do we "push" him aside when things are going well... giving ourselves all the credit for these blessings?  Are we too vain to think we "deserve" this life we are given?  When in reality WHAT do we really deserve?  Is entitlement the bigger issue?  I'm humbled with a change of perspective.  Ashamed -really. 

 Ashamed that I get overwhelmed with my children at times... that my patience have been depleted and I snap at a family member or spouse... that my fatigue effects the joy that night time rituals bring... that in the hustle and bustle of raising young children I don't take in the beauty that surrounds me.... that instead of raising my voice I should turn to prayer before handing out a punishment... that these days are fleeting and I'm barely hanging on without the adequate amount time given to our Lord... 

More so ashamed- that in the wake of a tragic loss of life that I'm reminded how incredibly blessed we are.  Why does it take something so monumental to "shake us up"?  The 30 little piggies that live in my house bring unexplainable joy to my days... am I taking them, this life, our life for granted?  Am I emphasizing the "right" things throughout our day, is our focus on our amazing God and His hand in our lives, and am I able to lay my head on the pillow at night without regret.  Building character in these little men is a dangerous and difficult job... am I doing my best?  Will they appreciate this life that we are given?  In learning to be more grateful for the "small" stuff, I hope it propels me on a journey that the boys will learn from.  That we will all be able to see God's work in goodness and in darkness.  

Scripture says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)  How liberating is that?  God will never allow anything to happen that isn't according to his will and directed to our good.  TRUST.  This may be the most difficult part of being a Christian for me. TRUST.  Accepting our role in his plan and understanding we are not the "main character" is challenging.  

Today I am thankful for the change of perspective this day brings and for the fullness it will give me all the days of my life.  Saddened for the loss of one of Perry's school mates.. as their life will never be the same.  Please pray for their strength, comfort, and days ahead as they will be unbearable.  We will lay this precious child in the ground tomorrow and I can not articulate the grief I feel.  As we celebrate this little "curly headed" angel -I'm reminded that we are all here for a purpose.  I encourage you to find and embrace your purpose today.  Share the works of our Lord in your life and don't be ashamed.  For I am ashamed not to.   

Lord, you have given us 1 chance at an amazing life.  A life that we are able to shape, mold, and create to Glorify YOU.  Help us remember that you are the reason we wake each day.  Lead us down a path that only perpetuates good.  Allow us to be examples to others who haven't received your eternal promise.  Use us, Lord, as vessels to share you word and love others as you love us.  Provide us with the gumption necessary to stand up for you and not be shaken.  We celebrate you Lord.  We celebrate you today and every day after that.  Only you know our true heart... thankfully so.  Sometime words just aren't enough.

Today words aren't enough. 

The summer has flown by at record speed.. 

We have been so busy my blog has unfortunately taken a back seat.  

Here's what's going on 

York began k-4

Loves his teacher and new schedule (8-11:45)

Perry is adjusting to mornings without brother

Baby is walking well and is his brothers shadow 

New House has been sheet rocked and ready for flooring

(Move in date has moved to early November)

We have an amazing new girl (Sydney) who helps me 2 days a week with the boys

We have thoroughly enjoyed the Oak Mt amphitheaters concert series!

Perry has become a momma's boy and I'm not complaining 

York is getting great at carpool (which has been a learning experience for me!)

Wes is worn out from working at pharmacy then at new house... 

I'm gearing up for the annual golf tournament for the YMCA, helping with a charity (jks) drawdown, and a live auction! 

Perry and I have had a few dates while York is at school and they are great. Nothing like one on one time with each of my babies. 

York comes home gushing about his day and my heart smiles. He already recited his first bible verse.

York rides with Wes each morning to school and I think it's a highlight for them both. 

Ramsay is saying lots of words and signs in the cutest voice to loud music. He is super smily and will eat anything! 

Ramsay and perry will begin Mother's Day out next week. (2days/ 9-1pm) pray for sweet Rams since he has only stayed in church nursery and it is epic fail each week! 

Hoping it gets better...

Life is crazy, exciting, exhausting, and fulfilling all at the same time. Help me, Lord, to drink it up!!

Pictures soon of boys and house. Promise!

Baby RAMS is ONE!

Happy birthday precious Ramsay!

On Tuesday (July 16) we celebrated doll babies first birthday.  Ramsay has brought so much love and happiness into our lives. He wakes each morning with a big pacifier grin. He rarely fusses and adores his brothers. He began walking two weeks ago and is loving his new found independence. He tries so hard to keep up with the big boys and is close behind their ever step. He is growing entirely too quickly and will soon catch up with P in weight! (21 pounds at check up)  We have transitioned to whole milk, sippy cups, and a forward facing car seat!  Will time please slow down?  How incredible it is to look back on this past year!  Completing our family of five has come with its challenges but far more rewards.  This perfect little man rolls with the punches and is an absolute blessing.  I am savoring our good night lullabies and morning time together without brothers. He has a couple of words. (ie momma, dadda, bubba, etc)  He currently enjoys uninterrupted naps, ice, one paci in mouth/ one in hand, toe nibbling, yelling, using most things as chew toys, blowing raspberries, belly laughs, dogs, baths, all table food, being held, occasional head butts, ice cream, being naked, loud music, and all of his brothers attention. 

We are having a party on the beach for sweet Rams this week with smash cake and all. Instead of gifts we've asked family to donate to www.justkeepsmiling.org a foundation who supports families in need during terminal prognosis or illness of a child. I encourage you all to check out their site and see how they are making a difference in Alabama.