LOVE Month

February has started off with a BANG!  We've been busy but have been squeezing in lots of fun too. The weather here has been crazy!!  One day it's 70 degrees, the next it's 40.  I'm shocked my little crew has stayed as healthy as they have. We've had our fair share of colds and the sniffles, but for the most part, we're trucking along. Here's what we've been up to so far this month....

My sweet nuggets ready for church :)

Jocelyn, Laura, and Ted came in town and we all went to Mamaw's for dinner on Tuesday, and then we had BBQ at our house with everybody on Friday. It's always so good to see them!!

We had a district meeting in NWA at the beginning of the month, and I got to soak up some time with these two. We had drinks at the Hive and dinner at Tavola. 

Brynlee at her dance competition in Springdale. She was in 3 dances this year. 

Sweet Emma Grace also danced in the competition and had 3 dances. 

These two are naturals! I love watching them dance!

And...Sunday afternoon naps.  We love them! #myboys

One day after MDO, it was so pretty outside, so we went to the playground.  Well, I lost track of time and let the kids just enjoy the warm sunshine and the fresh air. We came back to the house and I was trying to hurry and fix dinner, when Reese volunteered to set the table and get everyone drinks. Her little heart is so sweet!  She was proud of her work in this picture. ;))

My new favorite...a jelly pedicure! Do yourself a favor and go get one!

We decided to take a road trip to Tulsa yesterday. The weather was perfect so we went to the zoo and then to see Nana and Papaw.  It was such a wonderful day!

Loving the carousel at the zoo...

B-man is still deciding what he thinks of the carousel ;)

Riding the train...by far his FAVORITE part.

Talking to the penguins

It was so hot outside, I imagine that they are both dreaming about jumping into that water.

We got to meet Carrie and Austin's little nugget today!! We are head over heels in love with baby Natalie, who is just beautiful.  

Our precious Nana

Papaw and Brooks...having quite the conversation. :)

Nana helping Reese with her lunch

And my precious Papaw, giving scooter rides to the kids around the apartment

I love that I have precious memories of my children with their great-grandparents.  Papaw and Nana are so special to me and the kids have talked so much about how fun this day was. They LOVED spending time with them. 

Reese and Brooks before church this morning in their pink and red. Yes!  I had the whole crew sporting Valentine's colors ;)

Just because he looks so ornery in this pic!

It's crazy this month is halfway over. We're getting excited about Valentine's Day this week!

Evie Rose Turns One

My precious and beautiful niece, Evie, turned ONE on January 21. Kyndall and Blake did a great job planning the most perfect 'Winter Wonderland' party for her. They were surrounded by family and friends who love them so much.  Our crew of 4 drove down Saturday morning to celebrate and had a great time. I took tons of pictures to capture her special day!

We loved getting to see Jules and Morgan, Liz and Henley, all of Blake's family, the birthday girl, and many more friends that we love in Little Rock. I still can't believe you're ONE sweet girl!!  You are such a blessing Evelyn Rose!! We love you!

Random Rambles

There have really been some things on my mind and heart that I want to do differently this year.  You saw (if you read my blog) that one of my NY resolutions is to read more.  I'm excited to say that I've already finished 2 books in January.  It's amazing how refreshing it is to disconnect from social media and just take time to indulge in a book.  I know I am one to post pictures on Instagram regularly, but one could spend hours scrolling through all the different posts.  It's been freeing to put it down.

I just finished reading "Killing Christians," a beautiful book about our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that risk their lives every day just to worship Him. It was eye opening to me, and it caused me to think twice about taking for granted the freedom of religion that we have in this country.  I have included in my daily prayers these Christians in the Middle East who could lose their life at any time because of their beliefs.  I would encourage you to read the book and do the same. It's a non-fiction read that will truly get you thinking. 

And another subject, which has been on my heart lately, is tithing.  Whether you tithe or not, it isn't my business...how much one tithe's isn't my business either.  But I have been looking around lately and counting my blessings, and in my own personal world, there is no reason why tithing shouldn't increase every year. God has so richly blessed all of us in different ways, therefore he expects us to bless others.  There are many ways to bless others, that don't include a monetary value, I realize. But Luke 12:48 is always at the forefront of my mind... "To whom much is given, much is required."  I'm making it a goal to double our contributions in helping others this year, over last.  I realize this is a hefty goal, but I'm hoping that by making it a priority (and putting it on the blog to hold myself accountable), I can make it happen.  After all, blessing others and taking care of the less fortunate is what we are called to do. 

A post full of random thoughts...I haven't had time to do that in a while. How nice!! ;)