Carter's Graduation

Carter graduated from LLLC this week! He was one of 93 graduates (combined from 4 year old classes, transition classes and the Kindergarten class). They always do such a nice job with these events...yet another reason our family loves being a part of their preschool!

We're glad Mimi came to be here for it!

There's our happy little guy marching in.

Dead middle...and I love that he spotted me from his place on stage and gave me a smile and wave when he saw my camera. This boy knows his mama!!

There they are, all 93!

Getting his certificate, and hug, from Mrs. Allison. Carter was awarded 'Most Obedient' and said he wanted to be a policeman when he grows up.

Graduate!!

Carter was so pumped to get a new copy of the Jesus Storybook Bible. Ours is well-loved, literally falling apart and (somewhat) held together by duct tape! So it was the perfect gift from the school to the graduates, and he thought it was extra cool that his name is in it, in the midst of John 3:16. See why we love this place?!

We had a fantastic year with Mrs. Lori and Mrs. Allison!! They loved on my boy so well all year long.

We're so proud of him!

Josh's Birthday

I love that Josh and I have birthdays so close together (I'm 16 days older than him if we're getting technical). And now that we have Mollie, half of our family celebrate birthdays in May. Busy month!

When it's Josh's turn, we all know what that means...cookie cake!! Yeah!!!

This year was extra fun, because our table was extra full of friends and family!

What a treat to have Brandi in town from DC!

The kids were so excited to see 'Aunt Brandi'.

Love this guy...so grateful to celebrate him today,

and all that God has done and is doing in his life!!

Kate's Dance Recital

Dance recital time is upon us again...and we got to go watch our girl on the big stage!

She had two performances this year...one ballet...

And one jazz dance. She absolutely loves going to her dance class every week, and had a blast performing all that they have worked so hard on!

Kate's fan club : )

It was another great year dancing with Ms. Traci!

Church Planting Residency

North Wake invited Josh and me to participate in their Church Planting Residency that started back in January of this year.  We are one of seven families taking part in it.  We've been meeting monthly as couples to walk through Tim Keller's Church Planting Manual.  We have also gotten together about once a month separately as men and women to encourage each other as we walk this (unfamiliar, yet exciting) path.

This past weekend, we got to gather for a 3-day intensive seminar up at North Wake.  NW planted two churches our first year here in Wake Forest: Restoration Church in DC, and Covenant Life Church in Tampa.  The Knights and the Crafts (DC team), and the Perrys and the Tuckers (Tampa team) were all in town for this CP Gathering.  Plus we got to learn from other experienced church planters from Raleigh and Memphis.

Exciting times!  Can't wait to see what God is going to do through all of this!

Museum Field Trip

Stephanie has a membership at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham and suggested we take a (close to) end-of-the-year field trip with our big girls (and my little girl). It was a quick drive from dropping the boys off at preschool. There is lots to see and do there...no way we would see it all but just gives a great reason to go back soon!

We rode the train...

Checked out some of the nature trails and huge dinosaur replicas...

Learned some cool facts along the way...

They have a few live animal exhibits...bears, wolves, and lemurs.

The lemurs were the only ones out, and Kate thought is was hilarious that it was King Julian from the Madagascar movies!

Spent some time sailing boats...

We wrapped up our day there with a picnic lunch and a quick spin through the indoor exhibits...lots of cool space stuff to see. We barely scratched the surface as far as what is to see there, but had a great time with our friends and are excited to go back another time!

Mother's Day

With just a short time in GA, we tried our best to balance everything we were committed to doing with trying to soak up as much time with our family as we could.

It's difficult, because there is never enough time with any of them, and we always leave wishing for more.

I've been reminded a lot over the last few years of Jim Elliot's quote:

"Wherever you are, be all there."

I love that perspective...to enjoy every moment as it happens. I don't always do it as well as I'd like to, but God is gracious to continue to give opportunities.

We got to spend Saturday night at Mom's house (she had the kids with her as they did not go to Matt's wedding). We did a brunch for Mother's Day and a combined birthday party for me and Mollie. She was all too happy to open more presents : )

We showed her a picture of me when I was two, and the first thing she said when she saw it was "That's me!"

I love and admire my mother so much. She is loving, thoughtful, generous and truly has a servant's heart. She is such a blessing in so many ways. Thankful to get to celebrate her today.

I'm also very thankful for my mother-in-law, and glad we got to spend time together on Friday and Saturday, if not on the actual "Mother's Day". She, too, is an example of a servant heart. She loves and serves her family well, and I'm infinitely grateful for her, because without her, I would not have my amazing husband!!

My sweet Kate loves to play the photographer, and snuck in a shot of me before handing me back the camera.

On this Mother's Day, I am well aware that God has blessed me beyond measure. Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be a wife and mother. I look around every day at their sweet little faces, and fully acknowledge that God has granted me the desires of my heart.

And I am oh so grateful for His grace!!

Many times when we're out in the community we live in, people will stop me to tell me that I have my hands full with all these little ones. I'll be honest, I don't always know how to best respond. Because they do keep me busy, and it's true that our days are full. But in reflecting on it, they're right. My hands are full...of good things.

Matt and Erica's Wedding

Josh's cousin Matt asked him to officiate at his wedding to Erica this weekend.

This makes #3! And it meant a trip to GA! (Over Mother's Day weekend, which meant we each got to see our own moms at some point during the weekend. Bonus!!)

The long-awaited day...

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Matt Peevy!

The Millard & Marie Peevy Family

(minus (soon to be) 14 great-grandchildren)

Josh and I were so blessed to get to spend time with family at the wedding!

We love every opportunity we get : )