Rain at the Beach equals.....

Shopping.....great deals on summer clothes and guess what else......they are putting coats out at the mall!!  Yes, on June 30th and I'm even in Florida where it will not even be cold enough for a coat for a least a good 5 months!!

Seafood.....grilled grouper to be exact! YUM.

Quality Time.....with my sister, JC and our four children! Oh, we did re-decorate a room in the condo....it's really cute:)

The Sun will come out tomorrow.........

oh what a miracle!

Hope learned a new song and camp a couple of weeks ago and she continues to sing is daily.  It was so precious to see a room full of children with all different types of handicaps singing at the top of their lungs and dancing like they were the only ones in the room.  I could hardly contain myself.  They were some of the happiest children I had ever seen. 

Here's the song they sang:          

          I have hands, I have hands

       Watch me clap, watch me clap.

Oh, what a miracle am I.

I have feet, I have feet,
Watch me stamp, watch me stamp.
Oh, what a miracle am I.

Chorus: 
Oh, what a miracle, oh, what a miracle,
Every little part of me.
I'm something special, so very special,
There's nobody quite like me.

I have arms, I have arms,
Watch me swing, watch me swing.
Oh, what a miracle am I.

I have legs, I have legs,
They can bend and stretch, they can bend and stretch.
Oh, what a miracle am I.

I have a spine, I have a spine,
It can twist and bend, it can twist and bend.
Oh, what a miracle am I.

I have one foot, I have one foot,
Watch me balance, watch me balance.
Oh, what a miracle am I.

She is still walking around singing this song and I think it's so cute.  Hope has her struggles but just picks herself up and keeps going.  She is such a happy little girl and brings so much joy to our lives!

monday monday....

The girls and I are still at the beach having a nice, LAZY time.  We have done a whole lot of nothing! I take that back.. we did go see a movie last night that they enjoyed (I was bored) anyways, Pete is back in the Atl.  He went home for church and we decided to stay here a few more days.  

Will you join us in praying for Wade and Ferris Joye?  I have not met Wade's wife yet, but we have known him for about 11 years and they just had twin girls.  They were born 3 months early and having some issues.  Check out their blogs and say a prayer for those 2 sweet girls today!

I know how it can be so scary with your child in the NICU. 

A few pictures from the week....

  
 pete getting ready to speak
 
josh, jonah, & Pete

Rhonda (Pete's wonderful assistant) and Hopie

Tony Nolan and Hope (she is totally obsessed with him)

Addie and the birthday boy!

Luke and Jen....miss them!

Hope, Addie and Macauly!

Addie, Mckenna, and Macauly!

It's Friday!!!

Happy Weekend! Camp ended this morning and the week has gone great.  I don't know the exact numbers but so many teenagers accepted Christ this week!  GO GOD! In the words of Tony Nolan (he was here this week speaking) and it was nice to see and talk with Tammy too!

I will post more pictures later on from the week....until then, the beach is calling my name!

Thursday 13

I can't believe it's already Thursday again...it seems like I just did this yesterday!!

13 Random Things about my family you may or may not know.

1.  I was 19 when we got married

2.  Since then we have lived in 4 states

3.  We will celebrate our 11th anniversary this summer!!

4. Now you know how old I am:(

5.  We have been on staff at 5 churches

6.  My husband is a great pastor AND daddy.

7.  He loves the Lord and Me.

8.  I love our church and the precious people there.  

9.  Our kids are  hilarious

10.  Our youngest told us she is "moving out" if we adopt a baby! 

11.  Our oldest is begging for us to "get a baby"

12.  Yes, we have talked about adoption, but not anytime soon!

13.  I love my 2 girls.

Now it's your turn!! Post either on your blog and leave a comment or if you don't have a blog you can still play along.  HAPPY THURSDAY!

He's 9 today!

Happy 9th Birthday "little man"! This little guy has got it goin' on!! He's a racecar driver and one smart boy and knows everything.  Jake Jr. in the making.  Deanna has a fun birthday party planned for today! WE LOVE YOU C-Man!

What is your favorite....

Thing to to in the summer????  

I'll start....i love to make memories with these 3 especially in this setting...catching crabs!  What about you?

another week...another adventure!

We are here at the beach for summer xtreme! Pete is hanging with the students as the host for the camp and speaking one night! We are in a great venue this year and from the looks of it last night the students were having a great time.  My mother and I slipped out as my dad took the stage to preach and we went to WAL-MART!! We really are supportive....i promise.  

Our girls are loving it here since pretty much the entire building we are staying in is full of friends and family from ATL.  

Have a great day.....

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Pope!

This weekend, we attending Donald and Suzanne's wedding! We are so happy for them and they are just the cutest!  

We got to finally see and spend some time with my long time childhood friend, Lee.  Pretty much every memory I have growing up in Woodstock includes Lee Pope.  He is so loved by everyone and your face will hurt from laughing so much when you are with him! I'm so glad that my husband became friends with him shortly after we were married!  Congrats to the Pope's and Lee- you better come back!!

to be or not to be??

These shorts caused quite the conversations last night!! As we were getting dressed yesterday, Pete put on these shorts and said "I know they are all going to make fun of me tonight, but I'm still wearing my lobster shorts!"  

Well, guess what???  THEY DID...all the guys of course.  But the ladies, they like them.

Let me go into some explanation.  Most people thought...Oh, poor Pete.  Hollie went out and bought him those shorts and made him wear them.  Actually no, we were at J.Crew one day and he said, "I love those shorts" so about a week later I bought them for him!  I do like them!

So, now I'm asking all my blogger friends....

TO BE OR NOT TO BE....IN REGARDS TO THE LOBSTER SHORTS?

I had to post this picture for all of you guys that heard Pete's message a couple of weeks ago when he was busting on the fanny pack!!

surprise staff night...

We have had a tradition going on now since we started the church where we do surprise nights for our staff team at VL.  It's just more fun to keep it a secret! Usually about half of our crowd figures out what we are doing usually.  They are always a blast and last night was no exception.

Our ride for the night rolled up to VL and we were cruisin' the ATL in style in the Hummer stretch and we were off to the Braves game! Fun game- even though they LOST.  There is a new addition to the stadium as of last night....the giant chick-fil-a cow that does the "chop".   Even though we all ate every kind of junk food during the entire game, we went to Krisp Kreme after cruising around town with Hannah, Jen and myself riding in the back of the limo!! I was seriously sick from all the JUNK food!  We had a great night and are thankful for each one of the couples with us last night and their commitment to the ministry! 

so proud.

Yesterday, camp hollywood ended with a cute little program.  The girls were excited to get to beat on pots and pans as instruments and sing! They were so cute.....proud mommy and daddy moment.  

Thursday 13

13 Things on my mind at the moment!

1.  I am having withdrawals from the beach (think I can hold off until Sunday)

2.  Cant' wait to see one of my long-time friends this weekend- seriously one of the funniest people alive. 

3.  My girls had haircuts last night and look adorable...but don't they always?

4.  I'm excited about having a date night tonight with Pete!!

5.  My children are excited for Lindsey and Taylor to come over.

 6.  I'm currently reading 2 books that I just have not had the time to finish and they are both great.  "The Shack" and "Sundays at Tiffanys"!

7.  We have a surprise planned for our staff tomorrow night and they trying to get me to tell them what we are doing!  Can't, then it wouldn't be a surprise!!

8.  Our house has been for sale for 2 weeks....even though we have no idea if we are going to move....all depending on school stuff AND if the house sells in this great market we are in:)

9.  Today is Cody Deese's Birthay!! Happy Birthday Cody! Your party was a BLAST!!

10. The girls and I had sushi last night with Natalie.  Yes, they eat it all.  Hope will even eat the ginger straight...so proud

11.  Pete had "guy time" with a few guys from VL. 

12.  We are off to camp....what will i do today?

13.  Your turn.......make up your Thursday 13 list and add your comment with your link.  It's EASY.   Go ahead....be the first.  We need some interaction today on this blog.  I'm getting bored with it.  If you don't have a blog...maybe it's time to start one!! 

Happy Thursday!

Camp Hollywood!

The girls are having the BEST time this week at camp.  Last year, Hope attended this same camp and Addie was so sad everyday that we dropped her off because she wanted to go!  Well, this year, she is old enough!!  It's a camp for kids with special needs and they can bring their siblings along.  Everyday, the theme is around a different movie and anyone that knows Hope very well knows that she is obsessed with movies!  Everyday they have been cooking something different.  I'm hoping maybe they can come home and teach me a thing or two in the kitchen!!

I've missed my little partners during the day, but of course have found some things to do while they are there!!  Lindsey has kept me company!!  I could not dare spend time alone.  It's just way too quiet with both of them gone during the day! We had our fair share of fun today in downtown Atlanta!!  So, is it just me or do you like to have someone to spend the day with?

school update...

Hope had her student interview last week at the school we are trying to get her in for this upcoming school year.  Things are looking good as long as they have a spot for her.  We are just waiting.  We should have an answer by the first week of July.  Say a prayer for us.  I really have my heart set on her going there.  I know that ultimately she will be exactly where she is supposed to be for next year.  I will keep you all updated!

Happy Father's Day!

He is an amazing father to our 2 sweet girls and they love him to pieces!  I hope it's the best Father's day!  I love u.  

dad..papa

We celebrated Father's Day tonight with my dad and had a nice/entertaining dinner.  Happy Father's Day, Dad.  I love you and I'm so thankful for our relationship!!  You are simply the best! 

friday night fun!!!

Yummy dinner + fabulous dessert & coffee + great friends=a wonderful evening! 

VBS!

I'm just now getting around to blogging about VBS since we have been so busy!

This is our 2nd year of VBS at VL and it has been GREAT!!  

Melissa and her team have done such an awesome job and the children have had such a great time!  It's a hawaiian theme this year "Outrigger Island" so last night we had an event in the church parking lot for all the children and their parents. 

We had food, desserts, ice cream (compliments of chick-fil-a) a rockin' dj, hawaiian dancers and too much fun!  Was this really a church event?  Our pastor was even on the stage shakin his booty!  

On a more serious note, VBS is such a great outreach to the community and to the children of our church.  This morning, Pete shared the gospel in the large group time and many children prayed to receive Christ!!  That is our purpose and it's always nice to have a little fun along the way!  

You know how we roll.....always trying to make it FUN!!

 

more from Indy...

Here are a few pictures I had from the convention.  Things were so crazy that I didn't get to take many pictures.  This week so far has been a whirlwind !!!  

Dad at the party introducing the family and sharing a "few words"

Our "other family" Ronnie Floyd and his son, Nick

Me, Kara and Devin- yes, we are all pastor's wives!!

The family after the press conference.....only missing Hope and Addie!  

Thanks Hannah and Josh for watching the girls!  Yall are the best.  They had a blast.

Johnny Hunt Wins Presidency of the SBC!!

What a GREAT day!!  Dad won....on the 1st ballot (which apparently has never happened before at the convention.  

We were so proud tonight and are so excited for the next 2 years. We know he is going to do such a fabulous job as the president and know that he is God's man for that job! 

This afternoon we attended a press conference after the announcement.  That was pretty cool.  Fox News was there along with about 50 reporters in the room.  The best part was my mother....yes, she was being interviewed by a Fox reporter and she was talking in his microphone!! I don't know why I find that so humorous but I do!!  Dad did awesome answering those questions.  I would have been a nervous wreck and not been able to say anything.  

Tonight was the PAR-TAY!! It was very nice.  Some of dad's closest friends in the ministry had some great things to say and were so encouraging to he and mom.  It was nice to catch up with friends as well that we do not get to see that much.  

More pictures to come once we get back to the ATL tomorrow.  

It's been a happy, happy day!! We love you dad...Mr. President!

sunday highlights.....

Today has been just awesome!  At Vinings Lake, we had a "Kidmo Day" and exposed our entire church to the fun children's environment and it was great! Pete shared about how we really learn from children and that is so true.  I can be telling my girls something and think to myself - that was for ME!!   We actually did a little competition during church today too! You never know what you may walk into on Sundays at 75 Cooper Lake Rd.  

One of my dearest friends since 8th grade came today with her family and we hung out with all 5 of our children and husbands! It was so nice to catch up with them and have all of our families together.  

  Then tonight, Pete preached at Woodstock. He did a FANTASTIC job!! It was so great to be back there tonight and brought back so many precious memories and got to see some of our friends that we don't see very often.  Pete has been overwhelmed tonight with encouraging text messages, emails and phone calls.  He shared some of our journey over the past 2 years and it was just a sweet time of reflection on all that God has done at Vinings Lake and all that He is doing on a continual basis.  We are so thankful for where we are and for the relationships and the team we have to be serving with!!  If you want to watch the service from tonight- check it out at www.fbcw.org and go to media.  

VBS starts bright and early......better get some sleep.....then it's off to Indy!

Mine and Leah's kids minus her new baby!
Me and Leah!
Pete, Levi and baby Hudson!
I had too!! Yes, on the front row. I'm not too happy that it didn't turn out better!

saturday....

Today, we took the drive to Euharlee and spent the day with Vickie, Patti and Garland!  We had such a nice relaxing day hanging by their pool at their beautiful home and lots of great food.  It always involves food!  Right?  Thanks, Patti and Vickie for a fun day!  I don't have any pictures because my camera was in the car and we were just too lazy to go out and get it!! We WILL be back:)

I do believe today was the "calm before the storm"  We have a full day tomorrow at VL then tomorrow evening, Pete is preaching at Woodstock for dad since he is leaving for the SBC tomorrow.  

Our Vacation Bible School starts on Monday morning and there has already been so much going on this week getting ready for it.  It's going to be GREAT!!  We already have a ton of kids signed up and more will be coming on Monday!!! Pete and I will be heading out to the SBC Monday evening and remember tell all the pastors and messengers that you know that are going to be in Indy this week  VOTE FOR JOHNNY HUNT!!

So, that's all for now....until next time. 

she finally decided to come home!!

Hopie had plans to stay with my mom (mimommy) on Tuesday night.  Well, on Wednesday, she was going to come back for our party we were having and late that afternoon she called me....crying and sounding so sad and asked if she could stay another night, so I told her that was fine and I would pick her up on Thursday.  Well, on Thursday, I went to meet her and my mom for lunch and she was going to come home with me and begged AGAIN to stay (of course my mother was like, "oh just let her stay with me, she has been so good!" I gave in but this time Addie wanted to go with her as well!!  They both stayed last night. WHAT DID WE DO.....WE WENT OUT!   Pete and I enjoyed dinner at a fabulous steak place with some new friends then we tried to go see a movie (since we didn't have a curfew)  but were just way too tired.  

So, the story ends.....Hopie finally came home today.  She loves Mimommy to death and rarely gets to stay with her several days in a row unless we are out of town!  Thanks mom for letting Hope have a  vacation with you!!  

food. friends. fun.

Just another reason why i love the summer.....

Last night, we had a cook-out with several families from VL.  We had a fun time and the food was incredible.  These people can cook!! I didn't even make it to the burgers and hot dogs because the desserts were so good AND there are left- overs for me today!!  We are so thankful for the new friendships we have made (and our old ones too!)  It was a very nice evening once the sun started going down.  It was 90 degrees yesterday!!  I love it.  

Melissa and Christi
Me and Shannen
Jen & Hannah

the girls!
hangin' out
Karol, Chance, and baby Chance
Addie and her "crew"
the kids had a blast in the bounce house

Check it out!

My good lookin' husband launched his new blog yesterday!!  Check it out here.  Add it to your blogroll!!  

everybody makes mistakes....everybody has those days

In the words so perfectly done by Hannah Montana!

before
after....60 seconds later!

sweet book....

I get a little obsessed this time of the year with reading.  

My mother gave me this book a couple of months ago and I finally finished it! It was such a sweet book especially if you have a special needs child or know someone that does!  It was my first Karen Kingsbury and I really enjoyed it!  Anyone else out there read it?

just wondering.....

Anyone going to the SBC in Indianapolis next week?  We would love to catch up with some of our friends that we have not seen in a while.  Post a comment or send me an email and we can make plans!

i had to post a few more...

i think she's not too happy about going home!

Dee's reaction after being hit by a small tsunami! 

addie running down the deserted beach!

classic hopie!

posing on the beach!

We're Back!!!!

We got home from the beach last night:(  We had to stay for the day and soak up as much sun as possible.  We had a WONDERFUL time! The weather was perfect.  8 days of all sunshine! The girls had a blast spending time with Katie and Carson and meeting some "new friends" at the beach as well.  We came home refreshed and relaxed!  It was nice being back at VL today.  Pete shared a great message and it was just a great day here in the ATL.  I posted some pictures below.  I take way too many pictures, but love it!

We brought home some great memories from Vacation this year....right Dee?  

That's all for now.....

Gotta share some pictures....

shell island.....

On Friday, we rented a boat and went out to shell island.  It was beautiful to say the least.  Hope went nuts over the hundreds of hermit crabs all over the island and all of the "sea life."

We saw about 15 dolphins swimming right around our boat.  I could not get a good picture since my camera is not quick enough!  I was scared that they were going to come up under our boat and turn us over!  I know.....silly!  What a great day that was.  

This is for all my Arkansas Peeps!

Look who we ran into our last night in FL...

Ronnie and Jeana Floyd!!  The Himaya's called us our last night and they had just gotten to town from Oklahoma, so we decided to meet them for a spur of the moment dinner.  We had been eating for about 10 minutes and I spotted the Floyds walking down the side walk.  

Alex and Pete served together at Pastor Floyd's church several years ago! It was so great to see them!!