Two is Better than One!

 I've been thinking lately about how thankful I am for these 2! Our world is crazy, busy and very messy most days, but sure is a lot of fun! I love watching these 2 together...whether it be screaming contests (not my favorite thing), sitting side by side in the cart at Target, snuggling up together, wrestling together, or laughing together...there is one thing that is undeniable...their deep love for each other! Watching them together makes me think, "and this is why we didn't just stop with one kid". I love watching them together! I love watching their relationship grow and watching them begin to play together now that Hudson can understand more and keep up with Hope! Some days our life is pretty crazy and I can't find time to get anything done but I wouldn't trade them for the world!

 I've caught myself smiling several times the past few weeks as I walk into Hope's room to one of her creative endeavors/schemes! This girl has the best imagination and is so creative! The pic above is from a tea party she was having with her friends...love how each one is dressed up for the occasion! Yesterday and today she's been working on cutting out tiny pieces of paper, coloring them, and then gluing

And then there's this munchkin...T R O U B L E! Not really, just too smart for his own good and so very curious! He loves anything that is cause and effect. He wants to figure out how they work and then manipulate it over and over to see it in motion. I'm pretty sure he says his own form of "eat, light, off, uh oh, and Mama". He knows that a monkey says "aaa aaa" and will sometimes growl/rumble like a lion. He is non-stop and always in motion. He crawls super fast and gets from point A to point B faster than you can blink it seems! He makes me laugh!

Five Minute Friday: Hero

The 1st person who comes to mind when I think of the word "hero" is my Dad. "Why is he your hero?", you might ask...there's many reasons, but here are a few:

1. He has poured into the lives of countless teens, adults, families, couples, kids, etc...as he has followed God's calling in ministry.
2. He has had unswerving faith in God's plan and has followed God's leading even when the road ahead made no sense and led to struggles and wandering in a very dry desert for a very long time.
3. I don't know anyone else who has a shepherd's heart like his. He is a natural shepherd and genuinely desires to guide and help others.
4. He loves my kids so well. From swimming in the pool every day of summer, countless piggy back rides and carrying to the car, to games of pretend and hide and go seek, to coloring, to sharing M&Ms and candy, to long walks, to tricycle rides...and these are all with my sweet Hope who adores her Grampy with all her heart! What a blessing it is so watch your kids grow and flourish as someone you hold so highly loves them so well!
5. My Dad is the one who took me to school and picked me up most days growing up. I loved our car rides together and our conversations about everything and anything.
6. He loves selflessly. For as long as I can remember my Dad has served our family. He has worked hard to provide, he's gotten the glasses of milk, made the snacks, and done whatever is needed to care for my Mom, my brother and I.
7. He epitomizes the word "perseverance".
8. Each night when I lived at home, my Dad would tuck me in bed & pray with me. Most nights he'd leave my room saying "Goodnight princess, I love you". I am my Daddy's girl and always will be.

My Dad has created an amazing legacy of faith for me and my family to follow. He has impacted the lives of more than I can count and has made an eternal difference in the world. He loves wholeheartedly, serves with everything he's got, and is just all around incredible! My Dad = My Hero!