Lil B how fast he grew !

I found this sweet picture and thought it showed just how our sweet preemie baby has grown over the past year.

God we are forever grateful for all you have blessed us with and your unending love.

From Braiden Wesley

October 2007

From Braiden Wesley

October 2008

Haloween Chicken

Lil B was a Chicken for Halloween this year. We really didn't trick or treat this year because not only did he not like his costume he had no clue as to what we were doing. We did dress him in it for the festival at church, which the kids had a great time at. They had a ton of fair type rides, a hay ride, fair food- yummy and even a scary house which was done in the theme of Jonah and the whale. How cute. I was able to get a few pictures of him.

From Braiden Wesley

From Braiden Wesley

He fell asleep on the way tho church and I guess he was very warm and cozy in his chicken outfit because he slept while Patrick held him for a good hour. He was the warmest of all of us there. Madi was Hannah Montana and decided before we left to go home that Hannah needs to wear warmer clothes......

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He even made it on the video the church did. I think he is a very cute chicken.

Boys are at a ballgame so we will go to the zoo!!!

Brennon and Patrick have a tradition of going to the Alabama homecoming game every year together. Last year lil B was just a few weeks old and we couldn't do much. This year however Madi and me took him to the zoo. It was a wonderful day. Again the weather was perfect. We first went to the lions and tigers and other cats since that is Lil B's favorite. He loved looking at all the animals. He had a ball on the train ride and we had to ride the carousel two times.
It was a very special day. We even found Aubey the Auburn tiger and some orange(of course) and blue pumpkins. I had to get this picture. And even though our tigers had a rough year and are looking for a new coach we still love you all and support you 110% War Eagle!!!!!!
After the zoo we went to Ross for less and even met Brennon and Dad back in Gardendale for some dinner at Chili's.

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Left over Boo at the Zoo decorations.

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Dirty 4 wheeler

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We finally got the 4 wheeler back from Brent. The kids decided to wash it. They were being so good and getting along so well. One of the few times they show brotherly love and were not out to get one another. It was a great afternoon. The weather wasn't too cold and the sun was warm. I loved listening to them laugh and have fun with each other.

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
John 15:2-4

My Big B is 10

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.2 Peter 3:17-18

Happy Birthday Brennon. We love you so much. We are so proud of the sweet person you are turning out to be. Always amend JOY! Jesus first, others second and you last! You are a blessing and gift that we will forever praise God for. You make our hearts happy, a million kisses to you.

Mom and Dad

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Pumpkin Carving time...

This year we had 3 pumpkins to carve. It was a special night because it was Brennon's birthday night and we had celebrated with his favorite lasagna, cake and presents. It was a full night. I got to thinking about the pumpkins and how they looked so pretty all lit up at night. Esp the little white one. The whole pumpkin glowed. What if we could be like that. What if we could let the love of Jesus shine through us so that everywhere we went or everything we did we would glow with his presence. How would the world be different, how would our life be different? The bible tells us: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:15-17.

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From Braiden Wesley

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From Braiden Wesley

Day at Grandmothers

This is a late post .I think it was Sept 25th. We spent a Saturday afternoon at Patrick's parents house. The kids love to go and ride 4 wheelers. This trip we took our neighbor Taylor with us. The girls played the whole day and got along so well. Which was amazing because it was the day after Madi's big sleep over at Mary Kate's house and didn't get much sleep. They swung in the swings, rode 4 wheelers, explored outside, played with Lily Grace and Braiden. It was a great day. On the way back home we stopped by Logan's and ate dinner yummy.

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Brennon, Madi and Taylor

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Brennon and Madi

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Braiden in his swing...

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Braiden loves to ride the 4 wheeler. He rides it as long as you will ride him on it. For hours!!!

Free

For the last couple of weeks I have had a heavy heart. I would like to ask that you pray for my family. My brother is facing serious health issues that threaten his life. It has been hard to think about and face. It has esp been hard for my Dad. Laying it down....
I have been very sleep deprived this past week. Braiden is cutting 3 teeth and tosses and turns most of the night. He doesn't want Patrick at night and has taken a new interest into nursing through the night. I know it is for comfort but I am done and really feel like I have nothing left to give him. Laying it down.....
The guilt of loosing our baby 2 years ago has also been very heavy for me. That baby's short life made a difference in me. I am forever changed because of that sweet baby. It does however haunt me, I play that day over and wonder what if so many times. Trying so hard to lay it down...
The economy and how it is causing uncertainty in jobs and the lives of our friends and people we love. laying it down.....
The Presidential election and what the outcome holds for our country. Laying down.....
Our Church and how it is time as a whole church body to standing up for what is right, good and what is told in the Bible. Laying it down but also standing up.......
Everyday famliy stuggles with our children and husband and family. Laying it down......
My heart feels so heavy and tired of all the hurt and fear.

When I am tired I have a tendency to dream strangely. The other night I was dreaming and bear with me- I was doing gymnastics. I was running hard and tumbling. I was however weightless and flipping high in the air. Floating around and free. That feeling of freedom overwhelmed me. I woke up and felt so comforted. I felt as if God was speaking to me and saying I held your fears and heaviness so you don't have to. I was led to
Psalm 107. In particular verse 14 -( He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.) Laying all of my chains at your feet Father God.

In this time of Thanksgiving we have so much be thankful for. God blesses us far more than we deserve.

Just a few of the things I am most Thankful:

For Jesus Christ who in spite of who I am loves me.

For being a mom to 4 children- 3 amazing wonderful children that I get to share my life with. True miracles. The laughter, giggles, and sound of little feet running down the hall.
And 1 angel in heaven- I can't wait to hold you one day but comforted knowing Jesus always will.

For being a wife to a loving husband. I am so greatful to have you- you are my rock and my best friend. Thank you for holding me up.

For being a daughter to parents who love me like Jesus in spite of who I am. For being blessed with a Step mom who taught me of the love of Jesus and instilling that forever in my heart.

For being apart of a family who is always there even though don't get to see each other often.

For our Jobs, you provide our every need.

For my Husbands family- Always there when we call. Always ready to support us. Even sit in waiting with us. For loving our children.

I am so thankful for Daystar and the sweet people we have met there. You have blessed my life and our children are forever changed. They were saved and excepted Jesus into their hearts at church camp this summer.

For friends who we can count on and be held accountable to. We love you all and are thankful for you.

So much more I couldn't possibly list them all. Point being far more than anything we deserve.

Thank you God for answered prayers and always meeting our needs.

Pumpkin Patch from California.....

Those who have heard the story of Brennon and California will get the title. Those who do not know, well that is a whole post on it's own. We or I should say I decided to take the kids to the Pumpkin Patch this year. I had this vision of my kids finding the perfect pumpkin and us all happy and leaving with good memories and a few pumpkins. For those who know Brennon you know he is a typical 1st born, very organised and neat. Never likes being dirty or things out of place. ( Since Lil B was born he hasn't been too happy with that aspect of our house. sorry Bren it will get better) He gets what we call the toys r us syndrome. Too many to decide. Well we stood in line to ride the wagon out to the fields and paid what was the equivalent to our car payment for pumpkins and boarded the wagon. The ride was fun and the kids had a great time. That is where the fun ended. We got out and looked up the mountain of pumpkins and we knew a melt down was going to occur sooner if not later. We walked and picked out Lil B's, helped Madi with hers and there was poor Brennon trying to pick out one. He looked at every one in that field before choosing with help and threats from Patrick. We were able to get some cute pictures and even a pumpkin or 3. We had fried pies, caramel apples and Bren had a hot dog- the boy is hungry all the time now. We then took our 3 pumpkins and walked the 3 miles back to our car carrying Braiden who grew tired of his stroller 2 hours ago and vowed the same thing we said last time we visited, that we were never coming back again.

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Lil B's Party

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Lil B's party was a great day. We had family and close friends over to help us celebrate. We had a bunch of food and was able to sit around and talk with one another. The older kids played outside. The younger ones fought over the car. It was so cute to see the little ones play. Braiden didn't mind Jaxson in his car, he was just going to be in there with him. We laughed so hard at those two. It was a wonderful day and we enjoyed everyone. We love each of you and we thank you for being in our lives blessing it with your prayers and presence.

HighSchool Musical 3

Madi got invited to a friends birthday party. It just happened that it was the opening night of HSM 3. Her mom asked if I could come and help with the party and take kids to the movie. Well little did she know every girl invited showed up. For those who don't know that was 23 girls. We had a great time. All the girls stayed and spent the night. I am so thankful for this group of girls they are all so sweet and there parents are also so great. Thank you Maria I had a wonderful time. This is important for our girls. You are a wonderful role model for Madi. Happy Birthday Mary Kate - We love you!!!

From Braiden Wesley

From Braiden Wesley

Zoo trip

At the end of the summer we went to the Zoo. We had a fabulous time. Braiden loved all the cats. He kept saying Kiiiiittttty. Little did he know that kitty will eat you!
He loved the train and had a great time lookinf at the Lorakeets Madi and Brennon were feeding. He did not however like them on him.

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Brennon's project.

Brennon had to take a box and decorate it. We had the best time. We even had a card that played the music from Star Wars inside. He won 1 st place and the principal gave him a gotcha card... he was very proud.

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My sweet baby is 1 !!!

Braiden Wesley James turns one!!! October 5th

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Happy Birthday baby, you make our hearts so happy. We feel so blessed to have you. You are a gift. I hope one day you understand how much you were prayed for and wanted. We love you so much.