Livin' The Good Life! (A long one)

I realize that the idea of blogging is to post shorter blogs each day or at least pretty often. Sorry - but that's just not working for my life! Today is a whole lot of stuff compiled that I just had to share with you. I have all sorts of random things to say and show you. Above is our good friends the Ross family. They are Jonathan, Jennifer, Jed and Jocelyn. Jed is about to be 3 and Jocelyn 1. They came up for Memorial Day and stayed a couple of nights with us. We had fun cooking out, eating by the pool, swimming, going for snowcones, talking, laughing, and just hanging out. The daddies also played a round of golf. Fun!!!

Here is Joshua's beautiful skin. (just had to show you!)
Joshua and his friend Jocelyn. (yes, she is SO pretty!)



Ok, new subject. Have you read Same Kind of Different As Me? If not, go buy a copy today... now... hurry, go! This is one of the best books I've ever read. My friend Rissa loaned it to me. In 2 days I devoured the book and then turned around and read it aloud to my children. It's one of those life-changing books. Read it and then share it with friends. Here are photos of the authors, Denver Moore and Ron Hall. We recently heard them in Center Point. They are heroes of faith and I pray God's richest blessing over them and their ministry. They truly are reaching the world with the love of Jesus.
Hearing these guys speak and meeting them was one of the highlights of my life! I have met a few famous people, but no one that I respect more than them. It was amazing!!!

Taylor, Joshua, and Denver sharing a laugh. Denver was really tickled with Joshua and immediately asked me if this was "the Joshua of the battle of Jericho". Of course I said yes! :)



Ok, now just a few random photos of the fun things in life! Daddy and Joshua wearing hats together.
Uncle Jesse came for a weekend visit and shared some very special memories.
This is my uncle Gary (my mom's older brother). He really enjoys Joshua. I think it's so cool that even though Gary cannot really see Joshua, he still enjoys his soft skin, little noises, and lots of hugs and love.
Here's silly big sister Emily. She was helping me in the kitchen and decided that Joshua might like to taste lettuce. I think we're gonna stick to food that doesn't require teeth! He did like to suck the water off of it though.
Here's my parents on Mother's Day. The next day was Daddy's birthday. We had a nice supper and visit with them that afternoon.

The day before Mother's Day we went to see Nana and shared some special moments with her and Gran Ann. Joshua delighted us all, especially Nana, with his cooing and talking. He put on a show and I think it really blessed Nana. She just kept saying, "Are you Nana's boy?!"


Ok, another subject. This is Bailey Jo and Gary. Gary is our duck. Gary was an Easter gift that I thought would only be with us for a couple of weeks. Turns out, they have to grow a lot before they can go live in a pond or river. (We've learned a lot since then - the hard way) Anyway, a while back Gary was getting kinda messy, so we decided - no matter how painful it was, that it was time for Gary to go find a new home. Bailey and Troy were headed out with Gary in Bailey's arms. I told Tay and Em to be extra sweet to Bai because she was sending Gary away and was sad about it. About an hour later I hear the door open and then all the sudden the "patter, patter, patter" of Gary's feet on the hardwood floors. I looked at Taylor and said, "Why do I hear duck feet in my kitchen?" They tried to deliver Gary to a new home, but Gary was having none of it. When they walked him down to the river, Gary actually beat them back to the car! :) Well, a long story made shorter, Gary's gonna be with us for a while 'til he can grow a little and we can find him a nice home.
In the meantime, my dad has decided that he should start a campaign for Gary called "Save the Duck". He sometimes leaves messages on our phone saying that he's collecting for the Save the Duck Foundation and wonders if we'd like to make a donation. :) You know, it really is funny! :)

So, this brings me to my conclusion. I'm sorry this was so long, but just had to share. Troy and I have recently adopted the slogan - "Livin' The Good Life". No matter how little sleep we get, how stressful things can be, or how tight money can sometimes be....... WE ARE LIVING THE GOOD LIFE!!! We have a relationship with Jesus, he works in our lives daily, we have each other, and these beautiful, precious children, a wonderful extended family, amazing friends, all the material things we need and more, and on, and on, and on.......... I really think if Jesus were here in the flesh today, he would say that that's exactly what he meant when said, "I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly". All praise, glory, and thanksgiving goes to the One who gives every good and perfect gift from above.