Destin in August

        In August, the four of us headed to Destin for a family vacation. We’re calling it a “trip” because its lots of work to take two boys out of town. It made us grateful that our parents took us on trips even though it took a lot of effort on their part. We did have a wonderful time.   Our mornings involved getting up really early because Thompson was on east coast time.  A couple mornings we went to the donut hole (a family tradition). We would get swimsuits and sunscreen (20min), load up the beach bag (10min), then walk to the beach (3min).  Jonathan stayed under the umbrella and Thompson would play in the sand and water. He loved swimming in the ocean mostly without his floatie. Thankfully, the water was beautiful and very calm so it was like swimming in a pool. We would go back up to the Condo for lunch and naps. Most days, William caught up on work and I was able to enjoy some beach time reading, soaking up the sun and enjoying the quiet. Then we would go back out to the beach after naps; We love the ocean!
       The Cascios were there for our 1^st two days and we enjoyed spending quality time with them. Jay dug a huge hole in the sand and the girls were sweet and played with Thompson and Jonathan. The last morning they were in town we all headed to Another Broken Egg and the food was delicious.  We love their family so much and hope we can continue to over-lap on our trip to Florida.

Jonathan rolled over the first day on the beach. We have been working on that during Physical Therapy and it was great to know he is accomplishing the goals Jean (our PT) has set for him. I missed it because I had gone back to the condo for water. L However there was plenty more rolling over during our trip. Jonathan also had his first food, organic rice cereal. He is getting used to the texture and this week I’ve started making his baby food. He also turned 5 months on the trip; time is flying by. 

Daddy grilled out a lot but one night  we went to Dewey Destin; it was our first time. The food was fantastic and we loved the Harbor Walk. Thompson enjoyed looking at all the boats. It was wonderful to spend quality time as a family and it made us thankful that God has blessed us with a great place to stay, fun-loving boys, and each other.

 

The Sheriff came by during pictures and was a hit :)

 

 

Birthday Party Weekend

My cousin, William, turned 21 last month and so his parents gave him a party at Canoe. It was so much fun to celebrate him. My brother, Thomas, came into town on his move to Orlando. It was great to spend time with family. We are blessed.

 On Saturday, Lucy had her 3rd birthday party. We had a blast and it was fun to celebrate these wonderful lives.

Happy 90th Birthday!

William's Grandparents turned 90 last month. They are two of the most incredible people. We love them so much and we missed the celebration in Sylvester because William was in Japan. So, the grandparents came to spend the weekend with the Monk's in Rome.  It was a wonderful and memory filled weekend. Auntie flew in from NC and we got to go to the pool, watch movies, ride bikes, eat great food and have two birthday cakes. Granmom celebrates her birthday later in the month so we had an early celebration.
Auntie spent the night last night and I took her to the airport this afternoon. Thompson is already missing everyone. We have two very blessed boys to have so much great family around!
Happy Birthday Grandma & Granddad & Granmom! We love you!

Golfcart ride from Granddad and Granddady 

matching PJ's from the Monk's trip to Boston 

 

Daddy's Home

William got back from Japan in mid-July and we've loved having him home. Here are some pictures to show what we've been up to:
Aunt Lay-Lay got fresh lobster and we cooked it at her house. It was the night before daddy got home! We always love grilling/cooking/eating/playing at their house.

 

Seeing Daddy after his trip to Japan:

We went to Thompson's (and Jonathan's) first movie: Cars 2. He loved it!

Date night out to the Palm in Atlanta.

Thompson had swim lessons and he learned a lot:

Why I blog

          I am blogging for my boys because I want them to have a scrapbook of our life. I'm not crafty and it's easier for me to type and post pictures then design a scrapbook. However, recently some friends have said to me it seems like everyone's lives are perfect but theirs. I disagree; I think Facebook and blogging have added to that idea.  But, I wanted to go on record and say our life isn't "perfect" and I don't want to portray it that way.  However, at the same time I don't want to put all our stuff out there...you can still be real and have boundaries.
       I don't want to have false humility or pride.  What I'm trying to say is if you are reading my blog you are getting a snippet of our life.  It's a good life, don't get me wrong.  I have two great little boys and a husband who loves and provides for us.  However, we all have our own struggles and areas that we need Christ to come in and change.  Life is hard and being a Christian isn't easy.  During church our Pastor talked about sin and it was refreshing.  He said there are "no good people" meaning we all have sinful hearts.         

Lately, I have been really struggling with: Belief or really Unbelief.  For example these questions:

1) Why does my aunt (one of the most if not THE most Godly woman I know) have cancer?
2) Why did she have to get a fever on top of that cancer? 
3) Why does a little boy at church have to have open heart surgery?
4) Why is Jonathan doing physical therapy and occupational therapy at 3 months old?
     These are some big questions for me.  I do believe God is good and He is Lord! I'm still praying for God to heal my aunt, the little boy at church and Jonathan.
            What I'm trying to say is I'm blogging to record our good memories, but I'm not trying to hide our faults and portray a false sense of a perfect life.

To my sons, I hope one day you read this blog and think back on the fun times and give God the glory.  Don't dwell on your sin, but ask for forgiveness and ask God to change your heart.  Remember, laws don't change a person, God does.

         Growing up (even now if I'm honest) I loved rules!  They made me feel good and safe, but Thompson and Jonathan they didn't change your momma's heart.  Only God can do that and I pray every day He changes my heart and I pray that you run to the cross and beg Jesus to change your heart because that above everything else is what matters.  Your daddy and I want you to know the love of your heavenly Father and look to Him to change you!  Jesus died on the cross to save our sins, so we can spend eternity with him.  And that, precious ones, is something I do believe.

July 4th

Happy 4th of July!

I've fond memories of watching fireworks in Destin, FL and Camp Greystone. A special 4th of July came in 2004  when on Sullivan's Island while watching fireworks, William held my hand.  After fireworks, he asked me to be his girlfriend.  ;) Add on top of everything else that it is the birthday of our beloved country and you have a great Holiday.
This July 4th weekend one of my best childhood friends, Sarah, drove down to hang out with me. William was in Japan on Navy reserve duty and it was fun to just have a girl’s weekend (plus the two little guys in my life).  She has a love for God that is evident in all she does including her awesome job. We spent time at the pool, church, lunch and a trip to Trader Joe's! Come back soon, Laces!

Destin in June

Jonathan made his first trip to the beach. We had a fun weekend. We played in the water, sand, and even went to the Donut Hole (a family tradition).  T-Lo was there so William and I got to go out two nights in a row. We ate at the The Red Bar & it was fantastic. William had never been and we enjoyed a kid-free night. The seafood was amazing and I really don't like seafood. The second night we ate at Finz because it is close to Hoppop's condo. The cheese plate was good plus this was our view:

 

Beach Baby:

Thompson loved the beach or "that pool" as he called it. He dug in the sand, played with his cars in the sand and made T-lo run constantly. She was a trooper and a real help.

 

 

 

The Red Bar:

Beach Ready...love his expression