Friday Faves

 Happy Friday, friends!!
First up, the girls started their knitting sessions with Monique this week and they had a blast together! They've always loved knitting (they do this to keep their hands busy while listening to audio books) but truly, they were self-taught. It was time to learn some basics and improve on their skills.
And that's exactly what Monique (and her mom, Patricia) has done for them.
They can't wait for more sessions!

 I bought tickets for the girls and I to go to "Summer in the Psalms" at our church Monday night and I have to say, this was definitely a favorite part of my week. Unfortunately, Grace started feeling a little under the weather so she didn't end up making it but Faith and I really enjoyed our one and one time together.
It was such a special night of worship with a powerful and encouraging message.
I'm so happy I got to share it with one of my sweet girls!

That brings me to another one of my favorite things from that night. This beautiful One Year Bible, complete with art journaling. They were selling them that night and Faith (who never asks me to buy anything for her) asked if I could buy it for her. Art journaling is so her thing so how could I say no?

I ended up buying THREE, one for each of us girls. 😄

 Faith started coloring the inside of her bible.

Here's an example of one of the days.

  

 Speaking of example, Morgan's been a great example to all of us by reading his One Year Bible every morning.

 Here's Grace, reading her new bible on the couch.

 And Faith, reading hers and taking notes in the other room. I just LOVE how everyone sits with their bible first thing and has their own quiet time in God's word. And then we keep each other accountable.
Definitely a FAVORITE new thing!

 Even Zach has his own bible time! I've been thrilled with these One Sentence Storybooks. They are 10 mini-books in a boxed set and this particular one is Bible Heroes. It's been a wonderful introduction to the bible for my toddler. It keeps him engaged, actively participating, and he already knows all the stories!  

 I typically go over a few stories a day with him and he loves it.
He even enjoys and "reads" them all by himself.

The girls and I are half way through this joint bible study and I must say, so far, the time we spend together discussing the questions and answers have been some of my favorite sweet moments of the summer. Faith and Grace are just growing into such mature, wise, special little ladies.
What a joy it is to be their mom. Glory to God!   

And because it's totally normal to go from talking bibles to lipstick... Right?!

Have any of you tried LipSense yet? My girlfriend, Janette recently became a distributor so I tried it for the first time this week. I must say, I'm a BIG fan! Gotta love lipstick that stays on ALL DAY and doesn't budge! No joke! I'm hosting a little demo party for Janette and some girlfriends tomorrow.

Should be so much fun! Can't wait!

And last but not least, the countdown is on as this little cutie spends his last week as a two year old. Ready or not! THREE, here he comes! Needless to say, I'm enjoying every snuggle and kiss I can get. 😊😄 

And that's it!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Ellie's 9th Birthday!

We celebrated Ellie with a fun pool party.  

Pow Wow in the pool.

The party train!

Sportin' his new shades.

Loved catching up with these two.

Is there anything cuter than wet little boys?

A refreshing pool party was the perfect way to celebrate turning 9!

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

VBS 2017

Vacation Bible School's theme: Maker Fun Factory.

Created by God, Built for a Purpose.

It's been quite some years since we've participated in VBS at church. This year, with the girls being in 6th grade, they were able to serve as Jr. Crew Leaders... without ME! Look at how cute they are, sitting with their group.

 Friends who also happen to be our neighbors.

 They were so excited to see their old bestie from JCA, Sarai!

 These two had to keep all the boys under control. Thankfully they have some experience with that! 😉

A bird's nest and a mermaid.

It must be WACKY HAIR DAY!! 😜😜

 A view from the top of Faith's head.

 So simple and beautiful!

 Grace's mermaid turned out super cute, too!

I love that she insisted on a modest picture of Ariel. She wanted to set a good example for the kids!  

The girls did their own hair, I just helped them assemble and spray paint.

I'll be honest, mornings like this usually stress me out but we picked EASY hair do's that could be put together in no time. Plus, the whole thing only cost me $3 (for the birds). We had everything else at home. 

Praise the LORD!  

 They added a new little one to their crew. 😃 

Zach wanted his sissy but Josiah wanted a hug, too so they compromised. Zach was not thrilled.

Then on the last day, Elizabeth was able to join them and help serve in their group, too. #threebeauties 

Well, there's no getting around it. The girls are growing up right before our eyes. This was the first year EVER they served at VBS without me. They were only able to serve 3/5 days since they had summer school with Miss Lyndi on the other two days, but next year, they hope to be there ALL WEEK!

Morgan dropped them off early at 7:30 and I would pick them up with Zach at noon.

VBS is usually an exhausting week for everyone but the girls absolutely LOVED every minute of it. In fact, Faith said, "I can't think of a better reason to get up early than to serve and help bring other kids to Christ."

See what I mean?? They are growing up!! I just love their big hearts and their enthusiasm to serve!

Over 300 kids participated in VBS at our church and 90 of them made a decision to come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Hallelujah!

My predication is this week will go down as one of the girls' Top 3 summer memories. FUN!!! 

We are so proud of you, Faith and Grace!

Happy Father's Day

 The morning started out with homemade cards and gifts for Morgan.

 Even Zach got him something. 😉

 Here he is, helping him open it.

A book about daddy and son trucks. 😊

At church, they gave out maple and bacon donuts to all the dads. Surprisingly, Morgan was NOT a fan of bacon on his maple donut. Say what?? He loves the two separately but for some reason, this wasn't his deal. So, the girls and I happily ate it for him. 😋

After church, it was lunch at Tommy Bahama's. My handsome big and little. 😍😍 

 This man is the rock of our family, adored by us all.

A moment in #reallife.

 If there's an escalator in sight, you can be sure Zach will need to ride it multiple times.

Look at their hands. 😂 #likefatherlikeson

Speaking of #likefatherlikeson ...

The rest of the day held naps and the U.S. Open.

We couldn't be more thankful to God for the gift of Morgan. Because of him, our kids see a reflection of God the Father. A God who is loving, kind, just, slow to anger, strong, wise, humble, selfless, disciplines, and pursues his children. Yet in our world today, we rarely see those characteristics anymore in earthly fathers. That's why we don't take Morgan for granted.

He's the BEST of the best and we're so grateful he is ours!

Thank you for loving us and leading us so well, babe.