The Big Three's Baptism

Our church does baptisms once a year at someones house because we dont have a baptistry.  And of course anyone can get baptized anytime they want at any time, but they just like to host an official time for it every year in case someone wants to.

This year we were asked to host it.  

Without knowing it was at our house, avery told us that she wanted to be baptized.  We were so excited for her and when we started talking about it with her, the twins decided they wanted to be baptized too.

(not shea.  But she wanted to be in the pic)

We talked with them about what it means and met with our pastor with them also.  My mom got them Bibles and I thought it would be neat to have everyone highlight their favorite verses and sign their Bibles, so we put them out and people wrote in them throughout the party.

Sass and I also made some salvation bracelets for people to take home.

And when I was telling my cousin Christopher that I my kids were doing this he told me he had just ordered resurrection plants online and how cool they are.  They look completely dead, but given just a little bit of water you can see them grow and come alive as you watch them.  It is just incredible and such an awesome metaphor to how alive we become with Christ.  How dead we are before and how He comes into our hearts and lives and just literally brings life and joy and peace and newness.

I am so incredibly excited for them and for what lies ahead for them in their lives.  We are always praying so much for them and pray that they never forget that Jesus is their savior and is with them in all things, always and always.

Viva La Mexico!

 allllllll jeff.

 

There are so many more photos of this...I will have to come back. brb

Fourth of July 2017

We are trying to say, with our shirts, that we want America to be big enough again.  Big enough to house everyone who needs her.  No wall, no ban, no discrimination. 

 (Also giving Kathy full responsibility of this tee idea).

And it was a great 4th.  

 As always.

 Linds brought lipscense and rainbow looms, al brought beads and we did make up and made accessories and were all flared up by the end of the weekend.

 More is more.

Blurry, but love singing God Bless the USA with mom and watching the fireworks.

 
We had a little truth or dare after the fireworks that the parents bailed on but was fantastic.

Ben and Ty never stopped fishing.

And sometimes they were joined by the girls.

Then we set off for the square.

And were heartbroken when there was no one there but like 5 booths because of a huge storm the night before.  We were devastated. 

But pressed on.

And played Dutch Blitz at every table in the house.

 Reapplied our lips,

And tubed.

Until next year, best holiday ever.

Avery Graduates 5th Grade

A few things to remember about this day,

Avery wouldn't do the boomerang.

And she introduced this song to everyone and if we had gotten there on time we would have seen it.

So we both missed out a little today.  

(But us way more)

(Sorry.  Clearly I dont know how to do this the right way *eye roll)

It goes without saying how much I cried.

I couldn't sit still because I just couldn't stop crying.  Thinking about the tiny baby that made me a mom and the way she has grown into such an amazing person.  And crying watching these kids sing and do just such an incredible job.  Then the teachers came up and talked about each kid and gave them all awards and I cried watching the joy and pride that they had for each kid.  And I cried just thinking about the millions of hours that they spent on these kids that will never be truly known.  The teachers at our school are rock stars.  I say it all the time, but its true. Angels from heaven that came to this school to love on our kids and look past all the lack of resources and the extra set of needs that our community has.  They don't even see that.  They spend so many extra hours and money and energy that its impossible to thank them enough for helping shape my kids.  

Avery got the shining star of the year from her teacher and it was just the coolest thing.  I pray so much that she is a light.  There have been tough times where she has not wanted to go back to school for various reasons, but she has always pushed through and ended up being so glad she did.  And honestly I don't know what its like in a title one school as a student.  I don't know what they dynamic is with half of the classes being Spanish speaking and the other half English speaking.  And we dont speak Spanish.  I wish we did and we are all trying to learn, but haven't yet.  Or where most of the kids get their Christmas from being on angel trees all over the rest of McKinney and hoping they get picked.  Or watching your friends go without lunch.  I can imagine it is hard for everyone sometimes.  

I love you, Munch and I am so thankful for you.  I am so excited for you and all you will do next year in middle school and all you have done in elementary.  You have led the whole news crew team and put on the news with just yourself when everyone was out.  You love others like Jesus does and you know who He is.  You have been chosen by your teacher for such an honor and you have lasting, kind friendships.  You know who you are and your confidence is something that is just so joyful to watch.  You are a light.  The very definition of it and I cant wait to see where all you shine with it next year.