May Days (See what I did there?)

The last weekend in April I got to go to Branson, MO.  My boss, Jill, was the Friday night speaker for the Women of Joy conferences this spring.  I was so thankful for the opportunity to hear her.  Her story is so powerful and God is using her in the lives of many...  If you haven't read any of her books, DO IT.  Start with Without a Word.  You will be blessed.

Jill speaking...  SO good!

May is a busy month for the Granthams.

Joseph's birthday is on the 5th.  We invited a few friends and his cousins to help us celebrate at the bowling alley.  Very fun.

Why is Joseph NINE??!!!  Seriously.  WHY?????  I'm so thankful for this little man...  He is kind, funny, thoughtful and SUPER snugly.  Such a blessing to be his mommy.

Mother's Day was fun this year.  My kids always know how to make me feel special.  We spent the entire day just hanging out and having fun.

Here is the frame that Breanna made for me.  She saw it in Highlight's Magazine and did the whole thing herself.  I LOVE it.

Joseph made a sweet book for me.

We went to lunch after church and spent the afternoon watching movies on the couch.  I decided I wanted some pictures with the kids...  Picture time is almost always frustrating.  On this day, the kids and Sammy were being so ridiculous it ended up being hilarious.

A few days after Mother's Day was my birthday.  The big 3-2.  We had a soccer game that night (and the next night and the day after that, too) so we didn't really do anything for my birthday but Sammy had these beautiful flowers delivered to the house which DEFINITELY brightened my work day.

Sweet even though the person who filled out the card wrote, "Psalm" of Solomon.

Breanna ran for Student Body President.  She didn't win, but I am so proud of her for trying.  How great is her poster?! My best friend made it and we had it printed "poster" size.

The kids and Sammy finished the soccer season.

AND the kids finished 3rd and 4th grade.  WHHAAA????

This might be the most boring blog post I've ever written.  BUT, I'm trying to blog more since it's the closest I'll ever get to scrapbooking.  My apologies to anyone who actually read this post.  :)

Catching Up

I love the idea of regularly blogging about the events of life and my heart's deepest ponderings...

But, it just doesn't happen for me.  Not at this point of my life.  So, setting aside ALL perfectionistic tendencies, I am going to sum up the highlights (in chronological order, of course) of the first four months of 2013 right here.  Right now.  And I'm sure that all 13 of my blog readers will love every WORD of it!

Highlight number 1 - I got an iPhone.  I'd had an android up until a few months ago.  Not the same.  I love you iPhone.... You are wonderful.

Highlight numbers 2 and 3 - Breanna and Joseph were both chosen as character kids.  Joseph in January for the character trait of fairness. 

 

And Breanna in February for the character trait of trustworthiness.

I'm not one to brag about my children's various achievements and awards (though they are many) but we all know that good character comes from God - so He gets all the glory for this one!

Highlight number 4 - A date night and an 11th anniversary.  Super fun night and grateful to celebrate yet another anniversary with this guy...  Who LOVES picture time.

The next day was the first soccer game of the season...  Aren't they cute?!

Highlight number 5 -  Easter pics!  I'm the worst at remembering to take pictures, even though I try to make sure we all somewhat coordinate on Easter for the sole purpose of pictures.  This year, I remembered.  Please notice Joseph's first coat and tie - at his own request.  What mother could say no to her son wanting to wear "a tuxedo" for Easter Sunday?!  I could (and did) however deny Breanna's multiple requests for a dress with sequence, glitter or some form of brightly colored chiffon.  No, Breanna...  We go to church on Easter, not a Jersey Shore night club.

Highlight number 6 - Breanna turned 10! That's right people. TEN.  There are so many things that are out-of-control ridiculous about this.  First, I'm too young to have a 10 year old.  Second, she is growing up way too fast and it really freaks me out.  SLOW DOWN.  Breanna is such a blessing to our lives - funny, smart, caring and so talented.  Thank You, God for the gift of this sweet little girl.

That's about it, folks.  God is still teaching me more than I ever wanted to learn...  And by His grace, we are growing more into the image of His Son in our own messy, loud, rebellious, far-from-perfect way.  The only reason I know this is because it's a biblical promise...  And God does not lie.  You know the one - He who began a good work in you will be faithful to carry it on to completion until the Day of Christ Jesus.

Thankful for a moment to reflect in the midst of a crazy few months.  Grateful for His great faithfulness...

2013 Verse

Since high school, I have chosen a year verse at the beginning of each year (Thank you, Bev Kinley).  A verse to memorize and focus on in the coming year.

This year I happened upon this verse and literally sobbed as I read it.  I still cannot read this verse without crying. It so perfectly articulates the journey I am on and believe God will continue in the coming year.  I especially love the promise at the end.

2012 has been difficult...  God is restoring me.  To be honest, He has healed more than I even realized was broken.  And, I'm very thankful for it.


Psalm 126

When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion,
    we were like men who dreamed. 
 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
    like streams in the Negev. 

 Those who sow in tears
    will reap with songs of joy. 

 He who goes out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with him.

Say Cheese!

My husband HATES having his picture taken.  We always laugh at how awkward he feels when someone is trying to take his picture - he makes the weirdest faces.  Seriously, it is hilarious.

Because of this, he usually will "photo bomb" on purpose, which is why we have very few pictures together.  I've been trying to take more pictures lately, regardless of who cooperates. 

Last night I wanted to take a quick picture with him on my laptop....  As always, I had to take about 5 or 6 pictures to get a good one, but these were too hilarious not to share.  :)

Take 1

Take 2

Seriously, Sammy?

Awww!

Fun with the Cousins!

A few weeks ago my sister and I decided we should go to Bass Pro Shop with the kids.  We met for dinner at Logan's and then headed to "Santa's Workshop."  We had so much fun that I thought the night deserved it's own blog post.  :-)

As soon as we walked in they had a HUGE Christmas tree, so I had to try for a quick family pic.  Sammy looks a little miserable, but it'll work!  :) 

Then, Joseph took a picture of Sammy and me in front of the fire.

Next it was on to Santa's Workshop.  They give you a free print.  It was so cute a bought the digital copy.  :)

Then, my sister and I decided we should take our very first picture with Santa.
We're giving it to my mom for Christmas.  Hehehe!

The kids (and the dads) played for about an hour.  We stopped on the way out for a couple more pictures.  Joseph was trying his best to make a tough guy face on the 4-wheeler, but kept laughing.  :)

One with all the cousins.  They're so cute.

This is them "crying" because it was time to say good-bye.

Notice how dramatic Joseph is being.  So funny.

Yay for fun, free nights with our family!  :-)