Happy 8th Birthday Collin

It is hard to believe that you are 8 years old. It seems like just yesterday we were at the hospital getting ready to have you. We were so nervous, we weren't sure if we would know what to do with a little baby, but we figured it out! You and your brother are our joy. I am so proud of you Collin, and enjoy watching you grow. You are such a smart boy. I am amazed at how quickly you learn about new things and how well you remember them. It is exciting to watch your love of space and science grow each day. I love that you are an avid reader like me- we are dangerous in a book store together, aren't we? I love your sensitive heart. You are so tenderhearted, and that is a wonderful characteristic to have, don't lose it. I love your hugs and snuggles. Don't ever get too big to hug mommy!! I love you Collin! Happy Birthday!

Happy 15th Anniversary Jeff!

Happy Anniversary honey! I love you!

Mr. Snaggletooth

Eric lost his first tooth! I can't believe my baby lost his first tooth. A couple of days ago, he started crying after eating an apple. He said that the apple pulled his tooth. I looked, and sure enough he had a loose tooth, we just didn't know it. He was terrified it would hurt! We tried to convince him it was worth the pain for the money (he is all about the money). He wouldn't let us look at it much, but with a lot of coaching from his big brother, he kept at the wiggling all day for the past two days. This morning it was barely hanging there, but he wouldn't let me touch it. I tried to get him to let Ashley look at it (knowing that she would pull it if she got her hands on it- that's what friends do for friends, right?). We even tried to enlist Elijah's help! Finally, this afternoon, I told him I wanted to take a picture of it, and needed to clean it off with a washcloth. I barely touched it, and it was out. He was so excited and immediately wanted to call Daddy. He can't wait for the tooth fairy tonight. I am sure we will never get him to sleep. I hope he doesn't bump into her when he is sleepwalking!

We love you Susie and Bret!

At the end of VBS today, Allen introduced Susie and Bret to the students. Today is Susie's last day of work at FBC. Susie and Bret have surrended to full time missions and will be leaving for Brazil in July. We are so excited for them, but a little sad at the same time. They used to be our neighbors when we lived at our old house and are so dear to us. They have loved on our boys as they have loved on so many other children. Susie thinks that it is because she always gives them candy,but it is more than that. Children seem to be able to see your heart, and kids, no matter how small they are, just seem to know how precious Susie and Bret are. We will miss them so very much! I am so excited to see what the Lord is going to do in them and through them. The children in Brazil are getting some very special people to love on them!!!

VBS Week

Wow! What an absolutely amazing week! We are exhausted, but have had so much fun this week at VBS! This year's theme was Power Lab and has been so much fun. The boys have jumped out of bed each day, anxious to get to church early. They have learned so much this week- the lessons have been excellent. The way everything was presented really captured their attention. I helped with making sure the preschool wing ran smoothly, which allowed me to peek in on what they were doing and it amazed me how all the children were always so engaged in what was going on! Never did the kids seems bored. (When you teach, there is always a kid that claims to be "bored"-but not this week!) I am trying to think of what was my favorite part of the day, but I just can't! Worship was incredible- so much energy! Allen, Jennifer and their team of kids did a great job leading the worship. I was so proud of the kids. You would think that they would be intimated leading an auditorioum full of people in worship,but they weren't. They were great! On Thursday, we had 41 children ask Jesus into their hearts. I was blessed to pray with a 2nd grader who wanted to know more about becoming a Christian. He said his family had just started coming to the church. It is such a special time to be able to pray with a child and hear their heart. It was also amazing to see how much money the children brought for missions. $1,484.08. The kids raised that- I was so proud! Although my body is exhausted, my heart is so full from all of the activities of this week. I am so proud to be a part of a church that works so hard to put together this type of program. Thank you to Ruth and Allen for leading us! And thank you to all of the volunteers that worked this year. We couldn't have done it without you. I can't wait until next year!

Father's Day pictures

Father's Day

I have tried to upload pictures from Father's Day but I am not having any luck. We had a busy but fun day. We went to lunch with my Mom and Dad at Garcias- a great new Mexican place in Murfreesboro, and then Jeff took a nap at home while I went up to the church to help get things ready for VBS. After I got home, we decided to go to Steak and Shake for supper. We had a great day! Happy Father's day Jeff, we love you!