a new look

i got a call from the school nurse informing me that mitchell didn't pass his eye exam. she strongly recommended that he be further evaluated. now... i definitely had my suspicions. when i was his age, maybe a little older, i really wanted glasses and failed that eye screening intentionally. turns out he really did need them.

i must admit, he looks pretty darn cute in his new glasses:)

photo credit: audrey lewis

then & now

-photo credit: laura farris

a daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present,

and the hope and promise of the future.
-author unknown

homecoming

first high school dance. this was the topic in our home the past month. we were so happy for her to have the opportunity to go with a fun date and good friends.

glitter nails the night before. pinterest for hair/make-up ideas.

she loves getting dressed up.

beautiful inside and out

ready for a night of fun!

gracie dear

another year older this girl of mine. fourteen!

she sparkles, shines, radiates

i love her happy heart, courage, vision, creativity, talent and compassion. 

happy birthday sweet gracie girl.

chicago

i jumped at the chance to tag along with doug on a business trip to chicago . . . you see, my sweet sister just gave birth to her fifth boy. i was dying to meet little michael and spend the day with katie and her house full of busy boys.

yes, life is precious! no one can cuddle a cherished newborn baby, look into those beautiful eyes, feel the little fingers, and caress that miraculous creation without deepening reverence for life and for our creator. life comes from life. it is a gift from our Heavenly Father. it is eternal, as he is eternal.

-russell m. nelson

isaac {13}

 

eli {11}

james {7}

sammy {5}

i love that when i snapped these pictures, real life was happening. the boys stopped their play for a couple seconds. there were no quick hair brushes, or matching clothes picked out . . . boys at their best!

this james loves his baby brother. little mikey will be well protected and looked out for with four older brothers!

so thankful for my sister! what a treat to spend the day with you and yours.

young man

i am so proud of this boy. he just celebrated his 12th birthday with a bulldog win . . . which is great, but not the reason why i am so proud of him. he is good through and through. he cares about doing what is right and standing strong for what he believes. he is handsome, kind, always hungry, has a great laugh and a contagious smile. i am blessed i get to be his mom. happy birthday to you!!

carter and i share the same special day which makes it all the more wonderful!