Yard Work...with Flair

So we have this "area" in our yard.
Originally, it was a concrete pad.
Then Wes jack-hammered it into broken up concrete.
Later Wes picked up the rock.
Then Wes and I shoveled the rock.
Then Wes, friends and I shoveled more of it up.
THEN he "bobcatted" them all up...

And ofcourse, Wyatt got to have a ride.

Now, off to repair the fence, lay some rock, plant a bed, lay some pine straw and plant some plants...oh and lay some sod. Sheesh.

Some Pics of Us This Week...

The Power of an Encouraging Word...

Today is my 30th birthday and I woke up to post it notes in the most common/places.

It is amazing to me how much it empowers people to hear that they are loved and needed. I have been smiling all day as I find yet another one. There are 30 in all - and I've found not even half!

My favorite one, so far, and probably forever is the one I found in the wipes container that said this:
"An absolutely thankless job. Thank you for the many diapers you change all day long. You do this with love and with joy. You truly love our boys unconditionally."

I found one inside the cd player, (yes we still listen to cds), the mirror, pictures, the doorways, etc. Where will the others be?!?!

I also received a card from my parents. My dad wrote this:
"It is truly amazing to witness the woman you have become. We often mention the many childhood moments that we hold dear, but none of them foretold of the beautiful person you have become. God is truly wonderful!."

I've read that card 6x.

...and I feel unstoppable today.

SURVIVOR 2008

This was Wes's 8th Survivor. I have to say that this is my favorite youth trip. It pushes everyone...in every capacity - mentally, physically, socially, academically and especially spiritually. In addition it takes place up in my favorite part of the state - Lake Hartwell. The past two years have held a pirate theme. Below is a video recap of the trip. You have to watch this. Trust me. It's that good.


Turn Up Your Volume!


After Wyatt saw this, he said:
"I better go get my sword now."

Campout

Wes has been talking to Wyatt for months about camping. Wyatt has been looking forward to going. A few months ago they slept in a tent indoors, but this was the first camping trip outside...in our back yard.


Daddy gathered all the camping gear, and Wyatt his own gear...


They had a snack right before bedtime...



Just before bedtime, after prayers and lullaby...



He slept hard...and his daddy read with a flashlight.



Had an early oatmeal breakfast...



It was good!

It was a successful night. And Wyatt enjoyed every moment with his daddy.

Summer Recap in Pictures

Wes caught a HUGE fish!


Wyatt and I had a special date.


Played with LOTS of animals.


Brighty got some time in with his closest companion. :)


And we had:

TIME WITH FAMILY

Cousin Jacob and Wyatt


Cousin Aidan (Wes's sister's little one)


Hayley (Wes's sister's bigger little one)



Played Hard. Slept Hard.



Wes's sister, Stacey held Walker



Loved on Anna Grace



Cutie Walker smiled a lot :)


...and learned to hold things


...and slept in a girlie bean bag and blanket


...and spent time on his tummy


...and smiled alot



We had time:
ON THE BEACH










We went to a boat parade

We had time:

WITH FRIENDS

Visited sweet Susan and Bella

Saw the Emerts at the pool lots.

We had time:

AT THE BOOKSTORE

THE PARK


THE POOL:

Wyatt learned to go under

Walker did this...

...and then this...

We had a wonderful summer. I feel very blessed to be where we are right now. I have not always had the opportunity to be at home full time. In fact, when Wyatt was born I went back to work until he was 11 months old. I pumped twice a day and my selfless sister, Kayne faithfully and lovingly kept my baby boy.

I'm so thankful that the Lord eventually, (in His perfect time)brought me here - it's been a sweet summer. Sure there have been challenges, but it's been really nice overall - sort of how our Flo-town weather has been (hot, humid - some days unbearable, some thunderstorms, though some refreshing rain and then some really perfect days, too)

"You are observing special days and months and seasons and years." - Galatians 4:10

Next week, we are heading out for our family's vacation to the beach. And tonight, Wyatt and Wes are in the backyard camping so I'll have some more posts coming in the next few days.