beth moore, rock star

My usually sweet husband has been a bit of a snot lately, making fun of me for gushing over my new BFF, Beth Moore. Name sound familiar? If not, today is your lucky day, girlfriends, because I get to introduce you to the craziest southern bell out there. I love this girl because she loves Jesus. She loves family. She loves life. I've been going through one of her studies ("The Patriarchs"), and I'm learning a ton. But, hear me people, she's not preaching old, tired religion. She's the real deal...honest, flawed, vulnerable--my kind of lady--and she gushes over God like a schoolgirl in love. It's beautiful. So, check out her blog (it's on my list)...she's one crazy cat!

Addendum: Stephen, who was reading over my shoulder as he often does when I'm on the computer, has just insisted that he doesn't make fun of me, that he, too, thinks Beth is great, and that he likes that I like her study. He then further insisted that I include this correction.

sweetness

Samuel is quickly approaching the 3-month mark, and I, of course, can't believe how quickly he's growing up. You'd think I'd get it by now...kids grow up faster than you think or hope they will.

He's such a sweetheart. It's been so much fun to watch his little personality emerge from the haze of newbornhood. He's still too little for me to pick up on too many of his likes and dislikes, but I've managed to pinpoint a few. Swing--loves it. Mommy, Daddy, and big sis--loves 'em. Carseat--not so much. Daytime naps--so so. That's about it. Life's not yet terribley complicated when you're all of 11 weeks old.

water water everywhere

So after seeing Meredith and Al from the Today Show (my favorite) visiting the Georgia Aquarium, we decided to take the plunge for ourselves. After an hour and a half drive (ever heard about Atlanta traffic?), we finally arrived only to wait for another 45 minutes to get inside. The world's largest aquarium tends to attract a crowd.
All in all, it was worth the effort. Kate seemed to enjoy herself, although she found a 3-inch, gray and otherwise nondescript fish to be WAY cooler than, oh, let's say, a ginormous whale fish. Go figure.

guess who's 30!!!

Stephen celebrated the big 3-0 last Friday! It blows my mind to think that we have now officially known each other for half our lives. I never imagined that I'd marry that lanky kid with the stone washed jeans and braided leather belt. (Let's not talk about what I was wearing!). But here we are, fifteen years after our first introduction, raising two awesome kids and loving life and each other. And although Stephen's 30th has caused a small flood of blissful emotions, it has also made me feel SO OLD. I'm married to a 30 year old! But, let's be clear, I am NOT thirty. Not yet. Not for another long five months.
By the way, that yummy looking cake...I made it...from scratch!

sunday best

Isn't he cute! I love this outfit (thanks, Heather!).

Kate insisted that she share this photo shoot with Barbie. Don't worry, girls. I've already explained to her that real women don't look like Barbie.

my kiddos

I know that the quality of this photo isn't the best, but I love it anyway. I can't believe how much Kate has grown in just a little over two years. I can hardly remember her being so small! And to think that in two short years Samuel will be running around, keeping me on my toes just like his big sis. The days are sometimes long with these two, but it hurts my heart to think that in a few years, it will all be one beautiful blur.

smiley samuel

Beauty and the Beast...and Daddy and Kate

If you know Kate, you know that she LOVES Beauty and the Beast. She knows all the characters, all the songs, and most of the dialogue. So, when Mt. Paran put on a student production, Kate was there. We were a little nervous that she and her attention span wouldn't last the whole show, but she proved us wrong. She took it all in with such intensity...it was so much fun to watch her watch! The only scene that presented some problems were the wolves. In case your recollection is a little foggy, both Papa and Belle are attacked by a pack of wolves in the forest. Well, when the wolves rushed the stage, Kate began insisting, rather loudly, that we watch Elmo instead. I think those sitting nearby enjoyed Kate as much as they enjoyed the show!