Friday Finds

A Fun Spring Outfit

  I get tired of spending money on clothes, but I still want to look cute.  On an average day I dress pretty casual.  Most of my clothes come from Target, etc. with a few nicer pieces thrown in. My goal today was to find an outfit for less than $75--shoes and accessories included.  So today I chose Old Navy for some inspiration.  It's hit or miss at Old Navy for me, but I think the outfit paired with colorful bracelets and hoop earrings I already own would look super cute.  And the nice thing is the trousers, bag, hat, and shoes are versatile enough to go with a lot of other pieces.

$19.94

$14.94

$7.99

&

$16.99

$14.97

Ready for a picnic at the park!

Books, books, books

We have been reading a lot around here.  The local library is one of our go-to locations.  One of our favorite authors right now is Kevin Henkes.  He has been on our list since visiting Ethan's first grade class.  Eric, our before bed story reader, has taken his books to a new level by reading them with a British accent.  The boys think it is hilarious, and the story actually sounds right with the accent.  Some of our latest faves are Chester's Way, A Weekend with Wendell, and Owen.  

Some others we love:

and almost all of Shel Silverstein's books.

Loren Long, another author who visited Ethan's class, shares great stories and illustrations.  Otis is one of our most read books around here.

This book is a collection of Caroline Kennedy's favorite childhood poems.  It is full of beautiful poems, and the illustrations are stunning.

The Good Night series by Adam Gamble is such a fun collection.  We add one with each city we visit or live in.  The boys love to read about the places we've been.

Good Night New York City was our first to collect in the series.

For reading Bible stories we love The Picture Bible.  We actually have Eric's edition from childhood.  It is a really great way to interest boys in Bible stories.  

Right now Ethan is our only reader, but Graham is not far behind.  Ethan is reading several good chapter series as well but these are fun for all three.  I love when we pile up in bed and read stories together.

Blessed

It has been a harder transition moving than I imagined it would be.  I blame my "half glass full" personality:)  Our entire daily routine has changed, and somehow I thought it would be seamless.  The thing that has been easy our these guys.

All three of them have been such troopers.  I feel so blessed to have these 3 sweet guys---all with their own unique personalities.  With the switch to apartment living, homeschooling, and not having friends here, there has been minimal to no fighting and lots of cooperation (which is actually the norm).  I just worried with the increase in time spent together we might have issues.  It seems to be the opposite.  We have grown even closer as our time is more intentional now.  Don't worry there is still irritability and pestering with some meltdowns.  At night we have occasional weepiness for GA--which is completely understandable as I have those same feelings.  Our former pastor in Atlanta, Andy Stanley, mentioned on more than one occasion that he never let his little ones go to sleep at night without asking if there was something on their heart--worry, sadness, etc.  We follow this practice, and I love it.  They are very open with their feelings, and I am thankful for that.  I feel like keeping communication open is so important--especially with boys.

This is our "old soul".  He has a tendency to worry but looks out for all of us, especially me.

This is our "motivator".  He cheers everyone on and is very giving.

This is our "comedian".  He keeps us all laughing and loves to cuddle.

I also have to mention this guy.

He is such a great husband and dad.  We can't wait for him to walk in the door at 5 each evening.

Looking forward to settling into a home and finding our place here.  These guys make the journey a nicer one.

Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.  ~Elizabeth Stone

Exploring

We are not a family who sits at home on the weekends--it's just not in us.  This past weekend we decided to explore some of the parks around the area.  We are also trying to soak up this awesome Spring weather before the MS heat begins.

We visited the MS Petrified Forest in Flora, MS.  It was actually really interesting and informative.  The kids did great--it is an easy, well-kept trail, and it is shady.  There were rumors of baby foxes playing under one of the caves.  We missed them but had a good time trying to spot them.

The day ended with frozen yogurt and splash fountains.  Good times.

Eggs, Planes, and Gardens

This year we celebrated Easter 2 1/2 hours south at Eric's parent's home.  Eric is blessed to still have all 4 grandparents living.  It's so nice to get so many generations together with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We headed down on Saturday morning after we all had 24 hours of antibiotics (strep throat struck again!).  Most of the visit was spent outside--the weather was beautiful and the temperature was mild.  For an inside break, we dyed and decorated Easter eggs for Sunday's hunt.  The kids (and adults) were really creative.  They turned out great.  It is interesting dyeing fresh brown, white, and green eggs.  The colors take differently with each type.  My personal fave were the brown eggs.

Another requested activity is to ride around the property on the lawnmower trailer.  The boys love doing this with Nana and Pops.  Millie, the dog, even got in on the action this time.

Eric's paternal grandparents live down the same road so we decided to make a quick visit.  The kids climbed trees, inspected Grandaddy's garden, played on the boat, and fed some fish in the pond.  Little boys and the country do go together.

To end the day, Pops and Eric took Ethan and Graham on an evening plane ride over the town.  Little pilots in the making.

Easter Sunday started bright and early at Eric's childhood church.  It was nice to see old friends and family.  We are so thankful to have been raised by families who love Jesus.  Ethan and Graham had some really big questions this year about the resurrection.  We treasure the moments when we are able to share about God's love with them. We really missed going to Buckhead Church but know there is a church in Jackson for our family.  On a side note, only in an old country church do people show up for Easter Sunday on their antique tractors and trucks.

The remainder of the day was full of food, egg hunts, garden planting, and more lawnmower rides.  We left feeling tired but thankful.

Cousins (impossible to get all 5 smiling)

Cousin Jackson

New cousin, Evie

With Grandpa

Cousin Audrey

Cousin Jobe

Uncle Drew and Noah

Happy Easter!