Community Group Kickoff!!

We are so blessed to have a wonderful Community Group! We love Sunday afternoons when they all come to our house to fellowship, encourage one another, and challenge eachother.

We have taken a break over the summer so needless to say, we were so excited to have everyone over to kick off the group with an Italian dinner...yummy! Can't wait to dig in next week!

Community Group friends are about to be here, and we don't know what to do with ourselves....obviously!!!!

Isn't he just so cute?!! Mac really enjoyed our Corona's balloon!

Eating cookies!

The Guys

The Gals

Maggie and Kerri Grace taking good care of Charley (one of our newest Community Group members)!

Boy, that was fun!!

We are so pumped to have our Community Group reunited!!

Unforgettable?

I keep telling myself that I won't forget how good the Lord has been to us during this difficult time in our lives. I hope that I don't. But, just in case, I have decided to continue documenting these tender moments so that I can look back and remember.....

A few nights ago, we went through our usual family bedtime rituals with the girls. Daddy read our bible story, and we listed all of the things that make us happy. Kerri Grace contributed her standard and very honest answer of "chocwet (chocolate)" which I think is so funny! Maggie's answer was so cute. She said that she loved it when we all cuddled together on the couch and watched a movie. I was so thankful for that answer. We really have had such wonderful family time over the last couple of months. I am so glad that she is noticing, too!

Then, we all took our turn of saying a prayer. Maggie thanked God for her blessings like she usually does. Then, she said the sweetest thing. She said, "Jesus, can you pick us out another baby to have?" It was very random but heartfelt. I teared up at how sincere and honest she was. And, even more than that, the complete faith that was evident in her tone. With that one request, she challenged me to have that same faith that comes so easily to children. I am so blessed by my sweet little girl!!

Surely that is an unforgettable moment!!

Ashley, I Mean Maggie, the Dancer Extraordinaire

Disclaimer: I know that you are not supposed to live through your children, and I hope that I am not doing that.

Growing up, I was pretty gifted in the vocal and dance department. I guess you could say that I had pretty good rhythm. But, as most things, I decided to put most of my time and energy into whatever Bradley, my older brother, was interested in. Bradley was (and is) a great soccer player. In fact, if the whole doctor thing doesn't pan out for him, he always has soccer to fall back on (must be nice, huh?).

I, on the other hand, was ok at soccer. I really enjoyed it. But, if I was honest, I was better at music and dance. In fact, the boys on the guys soccer team teased me that I looked like a ballerina while playing.....not the best compliment when it comes to soccer.

My Magpie is pretty good in the music and dance department! She can carry a tune, make up a song (that is pretty good), and she can figure out the rhythm of a song and follow it. She had her first dance class yesterday...well, the first class since she was 2. She loved it!! Now, I am not going to force her to sing, dance, and cheer (because that is what I should have done), but if she chooses to, then I will be 100% supportive!! Plus, doesn't she just look adorable in her little leotard?

Am I the only one? Is there something that you secretly hope your kids are good at and choose to participate in?

Confession

I am not used to being sad. Before our sweet baby was born into Heaven, I was pretty much happy all of the time. I would have my couple of hours of being in a "funk," but I knew nothing about having a few sad days. I do now.

I don't say this because I feel like I am depressed....I am grateful that I am not! I am content. But, I have had a few days in a row of being really sad which is not something I am accustomed to. This has led me to a few things....

First of all, I have a renewed longing and thirst for Heaven. I want to be in the presence of God and sing praises to Him! I don't want the sadness of living in a fallen World. And, I want to see both of my Papas and my sweet baby, too. What a wonderful day that will be! (Revelation 21:4)

Secondly, I treasure my prayer time with the Lord!! I can literally feel Him in a tangible way as I pray for strength and faith! I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit living in me! I have clung to the Lord's promises and who He is (no matter how I feel)! (Hebrews 11:1)

Lastly, I have learned more about my Husband in these hard times than ever before, and I am completely head-over-heels, madly, newlywed type, nauseatingly in love with him!!! Matt has been such a rock and has reminded me of biblical truths right when I needed it most! One being that there is fruit from this pain...just not the fruit that we thought. Another being that God knows the beginning and the end of His story. We can and should trust Him with EVERYTHING (Revelation 22:13)! Amen, right!

I confess...I am not used to being sad. But, I have decided it is ok to be sad sometimes. I pray that my sad days keep leading me to a deeper understanding, trust, and love of my Sweet Savior!!

I Know I'm Their Mommy.....

But I think that these girls are just too pretty!!

Thank you, Kim Deloach
! I am just giddy over these beautiful photographs! Plus, we had so much fun playing in the Rose Garden with you. You are fabulous!

Also, a special thanks to Mimi for making the beautiful smocked dresses the girls are wearing. That's right, she made them! Aren't they gorgeous?!

The Osborns

Our friends, the Osborns, are going to be missionaries to Papua New Guinea. They are leaving in a matter of weeks or maybe even days. As the time gets closer, my heart is completely broken at the thought of how much I am going to miss them (particularly Elizabeth). I have been praying for them, but I will be honest, I have had to pray for myself, too.

I am so selfish. I want Elizabeth and her fun family to stay put...maybe even more than I want them to make an impact in Papa New Guinea. I tease her about it all the time, but that is really the ugly truth.

We went to swim with Elizabeth and her girls this morning. It was so bitter sweet for me. I could hardly even get past all of the emotions that were surfacing as we talked and the kids played. We will miss them so much!

If you would like to know more about their mission, click here! I know that they would appreciate your support and prayers. I can't wait for them to be on their way for one reason alone, and that is to hear of all the wonderful things God is doing through them. Papa New Guinea, you don't even know how blessed you are!!

More on the List...

These (along with the previously mentioned Tory Burch flats) are being added on my list that I am sending to the Shoe Fairy...

Yes, if I was loaded, my closet would be full of delicious shoes and handbags!!! What about you? What would you indulge in?