In 24 hours.

When you are home for 10 days, you spend it on a mission. The mission? To cram in as much as you can with the people you love. And when you are a determined mom/sister/daughter/friend with limited time on your hands, it's amazing what can be done in 24 hours. 

In 24 hours, you can spend hours at the pool, doing what you do best.

In 24 hours there can be MUCH play accomplished.

And many giggles.

In 24 hours, new adventures can be tried.

By some growin' brave boys.

In 24 hours, you will EVENTUALLY get your kids to shut it up for the night, and spend some sweet time with your bestie.

In 24 hours, you can fit in a movie...

And your mom can join too.

In 24 hours, you can take many a self portrait...

Well, because you're vain like that.

And in 24 hours, when THIS PERSON RIGHT HERE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND, there is plenty of time for her to take many a random picture, of her cute self.

Thankful for a full, and fun 24 hours.....

Let's get this party started.

With school, right around the corner, I knew we had to head up for one last hoorah to the land of milk and honey.

What is the land of milk and honey, you say?

What is the Hoosier state, Alex?

Uh, you know it!

So, we arrived today, and have a 10 day trip planned. Packed full of family, friends, and Indiana goodness. 

And we waisted no time getting busy with the parties. First up, was a celebration of two special peeps....

This one, by the name of one Christopher John.

And this one I refer to as Dad, also known as John Kent or DaddyMac.                    

My sweet nephew, is now 27 years old, eek! I was 10 years old when he was born, and was soooo excited to have a baby to play with. 

And my dad, well, maybe he wouldn't appreciate me spilling his age? But I'll say this, he's 30 years ahead of me. (Oh, and that's my brother behind us. Um, he does appear like he's in a coma like state...)

So, maybe this picture is slightly better?

Kids are so happy to be here, especially to be with their beloved cousins.

And I'd say the feeling is mutual? Maybe.

So, that's all I have for today. But rest assured, with a dad that goes by the name DaddyMac, I will have  the ability to update daily. That is as long as I'm up to it and you guys want them??

Starbucks Sisters headed to AFRICA.

I'm still doing the Starbucks Sisters group, every Monday morning, bright and early at 6 A.M. 

We just finished the book, Crazy Love, (actually I've read it 3 times) and are taking a small break until the kids are back in school. 

One of the reasons for the break is we have 3 girls in our group leaving soon for Africa. They are following the command to go, and doing it in a BIG way. In my opinion, Africa is like the ultimate.

We met the other night, to eat of course, visit and pray before the are on their way.

(Seriously ghetto camera, why must we look glow'ish?) I've come to love these women, and am very grateful for them in my life.

And I'm thankful for this friend on the left who leads us every Monday morning, and who reached out to the lonely new girl. It's straight up crazy the places God takes us. And next He's taking some very special women to another continent.

Pray with me for my Starbucks Sisters!

A day filled with faces that I love.

Yesterday was a special day. 

One of my dear friends made the 4 hour journey, just to see meeeeee. 

I'm sure I've said it way too many times, but I will never stop saying it.

Anytime someone makes the effort to come to me, it means the world to me. IT REALLY, REALLY DOES.

As soon as Jami and her crew arrived, we loaded up to head to the pool.

My kids are always happy to have friends to play with. 

And by the way they played (especially Cooper) I would say they were happy too.

Cameron was mostly happy eating, all.day.long.

Not that I blame him. Jami and I put a mean hurtin' on a pan of brownies. Brownies that had homemade icing. HEAVEN!

And speaking of food, Brittany was sweet and brought McDonald's for all of us.  Brittany and the boys stayed for a while, which added to the fun, and overall noise level for the day.

But luckily we can handle the chaos.

This day went way too fast, but it was such a good day. And most importantly it was a full day.

Full of pool time, bike rides, and food.

Full of chaos, laughter, and dirt.

Full of sword fights, naps, and girl talk.

Full of pretend play, baths, and future plans.

But mostly it was a day filled with faces that I love.

A sweet sight to a momma's eyes

The other night after putting the kids to bed, I saw a strange glow coming from Pierce's room. I wondered if he was secretly playing with his toys, and I went in ready to set him straight. 

Instead I found what looked like a little person spelunking in a cave. 

 Upon further investigation

I realized it was neither spelunking, nor toy playing. No. He was READING.

My boy. The boy I have always caught playing with his guns or swords.

 The one who keeps his weapons on hand at all times. The same one I have to force to read, just so he can get to his video games.

Yes, him. Reading on his own, and for pleasure.

 And he's been doing it several nights in a row now. When he climbs into bed, he grins from ear to ear and picks up a book to read until he gets sleepy. Let me tell you, this is a sweet sight to a momma's eyes.