Focus on the Friends - Michelle

This is my incredible friend Michelle.  And yes.  That's a pantyliner on her face.

Michelle and I have known each other for many years, in many different capacities.  Her husband's been my husband's boss.  She was my sister-in-law's neighbor.  I've been to Asia with her husband and son.  She's let me borrow some REALLY expensive dresses.  She's let me drive her fancy cars.

But where we became - well - buds, was at our current primary care office.  Michelle came into an office where few were willing to stay (it's unique, to say the least).  She set up processes and systems that I had no idea how to do, and established a practice. 

These things are impressive.  However, this is not all that makes my friend Michelle incredible.  She has a story.  Her life is a story.  I mean a story.   Her story is not mine to tell, it's hers.  But learning of her story has made her my friend and one of my heroes. 

Michelle is honestly one of the highlights of my life.  I cherish the days I've "seen her in action" in the workplace.  She is amazing.  She teaches me things everyday... she keeps me in my place.  

Generous.  Smart.  The hardest-working person you'll meet.  Practical.  Compassionate.  Forgiving.  Evangelistic.  Real.  Genuine.  Honest.  She makes really good sandwiches and really cold ice-water.

I love you friend.   

Focus on the Friends - Itchy

Meet my friend, Leslie. Marshal has always called her 'Itchy', and the name has stuck.  

We were paired together fresh out of high school as roommates in college.  Oh do we have stories to tell.  From dead dogs, biscuits and gravy, shower pranks, traumatizing our RA, camping trips, pet sticks... the list is never-ending.   

We've grown up now, are married, moms, and professionals.  Leslie inspires me.  She is genuine.  When you talk to her you get the real deal - she is honest, fun, and funny.  She is a sister to me.  She is an amazing wife and mama. 

I love you Itchy.  Thank you for being my friend for life and my sister.  Thank you for still loving me, even when I have been dumb, and even when I make fun of your phobias.  Thank you for letting me be myself:  the good, the bad, the ugly, and the ugly hair over the years. 

You're My Best Les <3 p="">
       

Mason's 4th Birthday

 

Spidey party at Papa and Grammy K's house!

Followed by....  BIRTHDAY AT THE ZOO!!!

 

 

Mason is silly!  He loves to play with his brothers, and loves superheroes.  His Pete is still his absolute best friend.  He is a strong boy - knows what he wants.  He is also very sensitive to the Lord.  He knows how to pray, and knows how to hear the voice of the Lord.  He loves family days and especially likes wrestling with Daddy. 

 

Mason, you amaze me every day.  You are already the joy of my heart.  I can't wait for life with you - to see how you grow and learn.  I'm so proud of you.  Happy birthday, baby.   

Kinder Chapel

 

Pledge to the American Flag - ready, begin...

 

I pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America

and to the Republic, for which it stands

one nation, under God, indivisible

with liberty, and justice, for all.

Soccer 2013

 

I'd hate to brag, but it IS my blog, so I guess I have the right to do so.  Marsh is one cute little athlete.  Not gonna lie.  A bit talented.  He scored most of the goals this year in soccer, averaging 4-6 a game... which says a lot since no one was (supposed to be) taking score.  We're not competitive either.  Marsh was our offensive star, and his friend Finn was the defensive specialist.  Each game consisted of four quarters, each lasting five minutes.  Parents show up late, with puffy eyes, lawn chairs, and coffee.  The game (term used loosely) closely resembles the herding of cats. 

Marshal: "So coach, if I kick the ball into the net, we score?"
Coach:  "Well, yes.  But we don't really keep score."
Marshal: "How do we know who wins?"
Coach: "We don't have a winner and a loser."
Marshal: "Then why do we play?"

[...that's our boy!]








 

Pastor Appreciation 2013

Happy Birthday Mac! 2!

Look at our big boy!  Sweet heart!
Mac is HILARIOUS.  He makes funny faces, likes to wrestle, and has the softest/squishiest cheeks you've ever kissed.  He is currently FIXATED on the movie Cars.  He asks for it every morning when he gets out of bed.  "Cauuuws?"  (Sounds kinda like "cows" with a really thick "w"...) Everywhere we go he has cars in his hands.  Mr. Personality. 

 

We love you Mac!  Happy birthday little man!

Halloween 2013

With the addition of each child comes so many blessings... and such a decline in creativity.  Marsh and Maso wanted to use dressups from their dressup chest (and apparently a plain white t-shirt). 

Lil' Mac has a handed-down little skeleton - but hey, at least he's happier in it this year.  And has a haircut.  We love church, for lots of reasons, but one of my favorite things is that it is a place where the boys LOVE to be.  Halloween is no exception.  This is where the party happens :)

Picture This - Labor Day

School Time, Fall 2013

 

Another year! 

Marshal has Mrs. Terry, Mason has Mrs. Johnson. 

VVCS is amazing, thank you JESUS for such an influential school.

The Many Faces of Mac, Again

 

Sweet baby, so many faces.

Good book.

Good daddy. 

(My favorite carpet.)

Marsh Turns 5

 

You think we like parks?  Well, we also really like birthdays.  Look at the turnout to Marshal's 5th birthday!  Friends and family, we all trucked down to Anthem Park (playground on steroids) to play in the sun and eat pizza.  Other birthday memories include breakfast with Mammy, and a new skateboard from Papa & Grammy K.  Good news, mom knows how to suture.