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!! ;)

Brooks' Half Birthday

My sweet baby boy turned 2.5 on Monday, January 23.  I look at him all the time and think to myself, "How in the world can he be turning 3 this year?"  It makes me so happy to see him growing and thriving, but breaks my heart at the same time because my baby is THIS BIG!!  He has grown up so much to me in the last 6 months.  Brooks, these are my favorite things about you right now....

You count from 1 to 12...correctly. It's pretty impressive. :)

You are speaking in full sentences, and it blows my mind.  You are so smart!!  The things that you say that crack me up are, "Oh no, not again!!" or "Guys, guys...listen" (as both your hands are waving in the air).

You say the sweetest prayers.  You put both your hands over your eyes and spread your fingers so you can look around the room and tell God what you're thankful for.  It's always Mommy, Daddy, Reese, Brooks, Jovie, an occasional Amie, Poppy, Mimi, or Pawpaw, your juice, your paci, your trains, sometimes your plate or spoon.  You get the idea.... And then a long drawn out AAAAMEN to end it.

You are loving everything that has to do with trains.  Your favorite movie to watch over Christmas this year was the Polar Express...all because it was about a big train.  You love your train table and have at least 5 different train sets that you play with EVERY DAY. 

You still love to be held and ask me at least 3x a day to "hold me".  I love to hear that for I know it will end sooner than I want it to.

You have slowed down your eating tremendously but still eat very well. Tonight you had steak, green beans, two helpings of oranges, and a yogurt.  You don't really have much of a sweet tooth. You do like an Oreo occasionally and plain M&M's. (I will say I recently bought the white donuts from the store (MISTAKE) and you could eat a bag of those if I let you.) :)

Your favorite shows to watch in the car or at night (we limit the TV during the weekdays) are Bubble Guppies, Paw Patrol, Little Bear, Finding Nemo, and sometimes Mickey Mouse Club. Nemo has recently become one of your favorites.

You are so tender-hearted, my sweet boy.  I can get on to you for doing something (like hitting your sister) or telling us NO, and you just melt.  I can pull you aside and look into those deep blue eyes and talk to you.  You look right back at me and listen.  While I should be scolding, I often get lost in your eyes that reflect just how gentle your soul is.

You still have a pacifier and a lovey that you ask for consistently.  You don't bring either to MDO and if you have them with you in the car, you always leave them in your car seat.  Honestly, I don't care one bit.  I know you won't take it with you to Kindergarten :)  You MUST have them both when you go to sleep.

And speaking of sleep.... You've been in a toddler bed now for about 5 months.  We put you down in it every night, but every night you wake up and come down to our bed.  Sometimes you walk your little self right down the stairs and to my side of the bed, and then there are times when you wake and start crying.  It annoyed me for a while, but now I honestly wouldn't know what to do if you slept a whole night in your bed!!! We're about to put you in a full bed because this little toddler bed doesn't give you enough room.  You are ALL OVER THE PLACE when you sleep.

You give the best kisses Brooks Vaughn, and often want to hold our hands.  I could never have imagined loving a little boy this much! I thank God for you EVERY SINGLE DAY!  He knew we needed you to complete our little family. I pray for you (and your precious sister) multiple times a day.  I pray for your safety, your health, your future spouse, for you to always be kind to others, that you would never consider yourself better than anyone, and that you would always have faith in God.  It is so important to me and your Daddy that you and your sister never lose sight of the thing that matters most in this world, and that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  May you never fall away from Him, but trust in Him and have faith that He has wonderful plans for your life.  We love you so much and will always be here for you, no matter what. 

Happy Half Birthday, My Love!!

A little spaghetti and M&M's for dessert

Those sweet little gaps in your teeth :))

SO HANDSOME

He always wants to hold your hand when he falls asleep, whether it's for nap time or for bed time. I pray he doesn't outgrow this anytime soon!

No wonder we don't get much sleep in our KING SIZE bed!!!