What's on my nightstand.

I was just thinking today that I have been lost in several really good books lately, and I thought I would share.  I'm not sure the title is quite accurate as most of these books are actually on my iCloud reader, but in keeping with the other posts I've comprised on my love for the written word, I will keep the title the same.  My OCD would not allow me to do otherwise, even if I wanted to, ha! Surprisingly, I have found some spare time to read this summer, and I have loved it. Most of my reading is done on a machine at the gym or during nap time.  Occasionally, I stay up reading for a bit at night once David goes to bed.  

I briefly talked about this book in my post about this year's Southern Baptist Convention in Houston.  I was given a copy of this book at the Pastors' Wives luncheon and read it on the way home to MS from the convention.  It was a great and easy read.  I highly recommend for any and all church members.  Rainer, President of LifeWay, discusses responsibilities and attitudes of church members.  I found the book eye-opening and convicting.  I've given away several copies myself already, and David has given a copy to each of our deacons to read as well.  

It's no secret to those who know us well the great love we have for the Duck Dynasty family.  David and I jumped on that bandwagon early in their first season and haven't missed an episode.  The children have even enjoyed watching with us!  I read Willie and Korie's book last year, so when Phil came out with his own book, my love bought it for me!  I easily read the first few chapters while we were at the beach and read some more during  our trip to Houston.  It reads much like Willie's book in a conversational manner and not very wordy, just wholesome and good, much like the TV show.  This weekend some of the family members are coming to our town, and David and Carter are going to go see them!  How exciting!  I'm sure I'll have more to post on that!

I really enjoy movies, but it's just not something we do very often, probably has something to do with the whole 4 kids in 48 months thing, ha!  If David and I get a night out, we like to eat out and just walk and talk, not sit in a theater.  I downloaded this book to my iCloud just after it hit the theaters.  I am confident this was a requirement for my AP English class in high school, but I honestly cannot remember it, which is surprising because I LOVE to read.  I read it again, but I have not seen it at the movies yet.  I imagine I will just wait until it comes out on DVD.  I have to be honest.  I thought it was really sad, and I didn't love the ending.  I think it's because I am just a hopeless romantic.  I do want to see the movie though.  I had to reread the book first though! 

After Gatsby, I read this book.  Steve Berry is one of my favorites.  My sister introduce him to me years ago saying that I would like him, and she was so right!  I've also read The Amber Room, The Jefferson Key, and The Romanov Prophesy by him, great reads!  He's written a lot, so I need to check out some of his others.  Berry has a character that recurs in a lot of books, Cotton Malone, who appears in The Tudor Plot. Malone is a good ole Georgia boy, so what's not to love! 

I told you that I've been reading a lot!  I downloaded this one at the recommendation of another blogger.  I have never read Amy Harmon before, but I am loving this book so far.  I just started yesterday, so I am only about 1/4 of the way through it.  Basically, it's the story of a girl, who was abandoned by her mother, loses the man she believes to be her father and grows up believing she is a nobody until a teacher at her school takes her under his wing.  I'm not sure yet if there are romantic intentions, but I'm guessing there are!  I actually finished this book over the weekend, staying up late to read it on Saturday and Sunday nights because I could not put it down!  Such a great story of redemption and love!  

Lastly, I've been reading this book.  I host a college girls' Bible study in our home on Thursday nights, and we decided for the summer months to study the book of Esther.  While at convention, I picked up this book to help me as I study and prepare for our lessons each week.  The other girls are not using this book, and we are not watching the DVDs, but I have learned so much in going through the daily Bible studies during the week.  Aside from great study, I am loving my time with these girls.  Too much fun!  So that's it.  I'd love to hear what you've been reading, as I am always looking for something new to read, even if it takes me months to get to it.  School will be starting soon, so I'm not sure if that will afford more or less time for one of my favorite things! 

Summer's 6th birthday fun!

Back at the end of June, we had one big birthday party for all four little loves, and I am still needing to put that post on the blog.  For Summer's actual birthday, we just spent the day together as a family.  

Our morning birthday tradition of doughnuts for breakfast continued as we sang to the special girl.  She got a special doughnut with chocolate icing.  

Make a wish!

Daddy with the birthday girl.  

We let Summer open one present that morning with her doughnut with the promise that the rest would come later that night after supper.  She got a bag of little treats:  socks, Tiana panties, lip gloss, bracelets, and headbands.  She loved it! 

Carter is at baseball camp this week, so I promised the girls they could play dress up while big brother was at camp.  So lovely! 

I let Summer stay up during nap time today, and she decided to catch some rays with me outside.  We enjoyed listening to the Sofia soundtrack and eating Italian Ice together.  She told me: It's like we're sisters!  So sweet!

Another birthday tradition includes allowing the children to choose where we eat for supper.  Summer chose Five Guys because of the peanuts, ha!  It could've been worse for sure.  Remember Carter chose Taco Bell! 

The birthday girl with her requested peanuts and a drink that she didn't have to share.  That's a treat, too! 

Me with the big 3.  

Daddy with the littlest.  

Mommy and the birthday girl.  

After supper we took the children to Baskin Robbins for a little ice cream treat.  

How cute is she with her legs crossed like a big girl?  Too big! 

When we got home, we got on FaceTime with Papa and Gigi.  She had already talked to T earlier in the day.  Aunt Cari and Uncle Cory got on FaceTime with her after presents, and Aunt Noelle and her girls called and sang the birthday song.  So many helped to make Summer feel special on her big day!  Summer opened her presents and then before we knew it, bedtime was upon us.  Happy birthday, Summer!  We hope your day was absolutely wonderful!  We love you to the moon and back! 

Summer & Tilly well checks.

Today, I took Summer and Tilly for their well check-ups with Dr. B.  Thanks to a little help from modern technology (Kindle and iPhone) they both did great! 

Summer as you know turned the big 6 yesterday, so this was just her yearly well check.  She is up to date on her immunizations, so no shots for her, yay!  Here are Summer's stats:

Height: 4'2.5" (off the chart, way off the chart, ha! This also means that big brother is still taller, but only by a 1/4 of an inch!)

Weight: 62 lb 9 oz (96%)

BP: 112/68

Pulse: 103

Dr. B showed me the growth chart on the computer with both girls, and Summer's marks were not even close to the chart for height.  She was just off the curve for weight too, measuring perfectly proportionate.  I told Dr. B that it has been this way since day 1 with Summer.  She did not get any short genes for sure, ha!

Please, take a moment to pause in the busyness of your day to check out Tilly's hair.  Yes, she did it herself!  Tilly is starting Kindergarten in the fall, so we had to jump through a few hoops for her today. She had to tee tee in a cup.  Side note, I have made her hold it since lunchtime.  Don't judge.  It worked like a charm because she went right away! She had to have her finger pricked for blood work, a hearing test, a vision test, and she got two shots.  And took it all like a boss!  So proud, Tilly!   Here are Tilly's stats for her 5 year check up: Height: 3'9" (95%) Weight: 45 lbs 9 oz (85%) BP: 88/67 Pulse: 73 Dr. B showed me Tilly's growth chart on the computer as well, and her height is off the grid, too!  I was a little surprised by this.  Tilly seems much smaller than her big brother and sister, but apparently she is going to be a tall one, too! 

We love Dr. B.  He is so great with the children and is such an encouragement to me as a mommy.  While we were at the beach this summer, we actually met a couple who knows him!  Small world! All those things aside, Dr. B kept telling me how great they both look and how perfectly healthy they are.  I won't take that for granted.  I am so very thankful for healthy little ones.  We are almost done with all of our check ups for the summer.  Summer and Tilly both have another check up for their eyes, and we will be done!  Til next summer season anyway!  

Happy 6th birthday to our Summer girl!

Happy 6th birthday, Summer!  We can hardly believe that you are 6 already!  As I update the blog on what you've been up to this year, I am also including your answers to our yearly questionnaire.  You're too cute in your answers, Summer Journey!

The last year has been so much fun to watch you grow and change and love so big!  You played Upward basketball for the first time this year, and you had so much fun!  

1. What is your favorite color? pink and purple, wait, can you have two?

2. What is your favorite toy? Barbies and princesses.  

3. What is your favorite fruit? Any!

You lost your first of two teeth this year and couldn't wait to call everyone you knew to tell them the big news!

4. What is your favorite tv show? Tinkerbell and Doc McStuffins. 

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?  Kid's meals. 

6. What is your favorite outfit? My white lace dress from T.  I wore it last Sunday. 

You love love to ride horses.  This is the second year in a row our church has hosted a spring festival with horses available for riding.  You could hardly wait to take a turn!  

We celebrated your Kindergarten graduation together this year.  

It was so much fun to watch you sing your little heart out with your classmates during the program.  

7. What is your favorite game?  Chutes and Ladders.  

8. What is your favorite snack?  Italian Ice.  

9. What is your favorite animal? Horses.  

You are such a sweet, sweet big sister to Tilly and to Story.  You help take care of them and love them and nurture them.  You're like a little mommy!

But, it's no secret that he is your favorite.  The two of you have been inseparable since you were born, and it is just precious to watch the two of you together.  Your daddy and I joke often that we pity the girl and boy who comes between you and Carter, whew!  

10. What is your favorite song?  "Mean" by Taylor Swift.  She started singing it when I asked her!

11. What is your favorite book?  Dr. Seuss. 

12. Who is your best friend?  I have lots of them.  Mary Carter and Sydney.  

13. What is your favorite cereal? Fruit Loops. 

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?  Jump on the trampoline. 

15. What is your favorite drink?  Root beer. 

16. What is your favorite holiday?  Valentine's Day.  

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Books to read.  (She's so my girl!)

You are by far the best sleeper in our house.  

See what I mean?  This past year, you only went to Kindergarten for a 1/2 day, mostly because you still take a good 2 hour nap on most days.  In the next couple of weeks, we are going to have to wean you from those since you will be going to school for a full day in August.  I know you can handle it!  You love going to school!

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Toaster streudals and poptarts. 

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  Five Guys, so we can eat peanuts!

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?  I'm still thinking about that one!

Summer you are kind, loving, tender-hearted, inquisitive, nurturing, hilarious, thoughtful, unique, independent, energetic, beautiful, lovely, affectionate, and perfectly wonderful just the way God made you.  Daddy, Carter, Tilly, Story and I love you oh so much!  We hope your 6th birthday has been so very special! 

It's Summer's birthday!

Happy birthday, Summer!

Six years ago on this day, you were born at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.  

You were 9 lbs, 4 oz, 21 inches and came out looking just like your daddy!

When we welcomed you into our family, we were living in Marietta, Georgia, on Randall Drive.  Daddy was the pastor of young families at Sandy Plains Baptist Church.  Mommy was teaching third grade at The Heiskell School.  Carter was 14 months old.  

You have brought so much joy, so much laughter, so many questions, and so much love into our home over the last six years.  You are a wonderful big sister to your two little sisters, and you could not love your big brother more if you tried.  You are like a little mother to all of them!  

Summer, thank you for being you.  Your little big personality never ceases to amaze us! Mommy and Daddy love you so very much, and we are so excited to spend this day celebrating you and showing you how very special you are to our family!   Happy birthday, sweet girl!  We love you to the moon and back!

Fourth of July week!

Our fourth week was the most fun!  We got to see so many sweet friends, and my heart is still full from so much love!

Monday, we met the Freeman family at CFA for lunch.  What a treat!  They were traveling through on their way to LA and asked if we could meet.  Ummm, yes!  The Freemans were members of our church in Marietta, where David served as Pastor to Young Families.  We love them up!

Evan and Carter.  

My friend.  I just love this girl.  She is hilarious and just tells it like it is, and I love her for it!

Tuesday at 8AM (what was I thinking scheduling appointments for 8AM in the summertime!) all four little loves had appointments to get their teeth cleaned.  It was Story's first time.  She did really well.  We may or may not have held hands the entire time, ha!  There was a little moment where she fretted a little during the polishing time, but we pressed on and got it done!  Whew!  Two more well check ups, and we will be done for this summer!

Wednesday after lunch, we hit the ground running north to Marmaduke, Arkansas, the place where David and I first lived after getting married.  David was serving as the youth pastor of Marmaduke FBC when we met in July 2000.  After a whirlwind courtship, we married and began our life in this small town in Northeast Arkansas.  We left there in March of 2003 and have been back to visit several times. This time was extra special because it has been 10 years since we were there.  Wow, the time is really flying!  On the way there, we stopped at Waffle House in Grenada, MS to eat supper.  This was another first!  The kids loved sitting up at the counter and watching the cookers do their thing.  

It wasn't long before we crossed over into Tennessee, but just for a moment.  

And then we were here.  

On our way to the Long's house for the night, we drove by this place.  Where it all began. . . David will be the first to tell you that he is where he is today in ministry because of this place and the people who are there.  I'm pretty thankful for them, too.  You see, before David was ever hired, it was scheduled for MFBC to attend MFUGE in Charleston, SC in July 2000, where I would happen to be on staff for the summer!  That's a love story, y'all!

We spent two whole days doing this right here.  It was amazing!  

On the evening of July 4, we introduced our children to their first every wienie roast!  Oh, how I love the ones gathered in this picture.  

There's just something about eating hot dogs on the 4th of July that just goes together, don't you think? 

It didn't hurt that there were s'mores for dessert, too! 

After supper, Brother Kim treated the kids, big and little, on a Ranger ride!  Too fun!

There's always room for just one more marshmallow, right?

We also spent lots of time making ourselves pretty.  Miss Lorie let us use this cool toy that buffs your feet smooth, so fun!  Even Story got to try!  

Friday night, we had another fun get together that included a yummy supper courtesy of Miss Janet and lots of fun time with sweet friends.  These children had the most fun playing together all week!  

Saturday morning while the boys were away, the girls wanted to play.  With their new friend, Heidi.  I love that there are still places where your children can play outside and walk to their friend's house without fear.  

This might possibly be one of my favorite pictures of the week.  Mr. Chuck took David, Carter, and Carson out on the water for a little ride.  My excited little fella even got to drive the boat!  

Carter and Carson with Mr. Chuck  

I'm not sure what it is with boys and sticks, but they sure do like 'em!

Saturday night, we were treated to a baseball game in Memphis to watch the Redbirds play.  

Carter and Summer with Rocky the Redbird just before the game.  Tilly and Story were having none of this, ha!

I heart this picture.  This was Story and Tilly's first professional baseball game.  They have been to watch some college games, but never the big league.  Carter and Summer got to go see the Braves play while we were still living in Atlanta.  

The park is super kid friendly complete with a playground and lots of fun games for the children to play.  

I'm sad this is blurry, but what you can't see is that we made it on the big screen at the game!  So fun!

Lucky for us, the Redbirds won!  It was a great game!

This was Story's favorite seat during the game, Miss Lorie's lap!  

After the game, there was a beautiful fireworks show.  We headed home to Marmaduke for the night.  Sunday morning, David had the privilege of preaching at MFBC.  It was so great to see so many of our dear friends.  

This sweet lady joined us for worship.  Miss Kathy was my boss at the Bank of Paragould, where I worked for the two years that we lived in Marmaduke.  Oh, how I love her!  It was such a treat to see her! 

He may or may not be quite smitten with this beautiful girl.  He's asked me more than once if I have printed this picture of him yet!  So cute! Can you blame him?!?

David and Brother Kim.  He is the pastor of MFBC and married David and me in January, 2002.  We love this man!  

Another shot of some sweet friends.  

Here we are with the Long girls, our hostesses for the week.  These girls are just so precious to David and me.  When we lived in Marmaduke, they were wee little things and would come over and stay with us from time to time.  Their favorite thing to do was to paint David's fingers and toes.  That may or may not have happened during our visit.  I'll never tell, ha!

Miss Bonnie!  I love this woman like she is mine.  And she is.  While David and I were dating long distance, I would stay at her house when I would come to visit.  And once we were engaged and I moved to Marmaduke, I lived with her for 6 months before we were married.  I adore her and am so thankful I was able to see her for a minute.  

My sweet friend, Nikki!  We had a wonderful time this week catching up while catching some rays at her parent's pool.  She is so dear to me!

And Miss Lorie, the hostess with the mostest.  She always take such good care of us when we come to visit.  They literally open their home to the six of us, and we could not be more thankful for this family if we tried.  She loves my children as if they were her own.  Thank you, Long family, for allowing us to come visit for the week.  We loved our time with you!  We love you!