Double Digits!

Ten years have passed since I first held you in my arms and welcomed you into this world. Ten years ago you came and rocked my world in so many ways. Ten years ago my life changed for the better, and today, we celebrate you Macy.

You are full of life and personality. You have a "go with the flow" attitude and are pretty much happy all the time. Being with your family is your favorite thing, but you sure to love spending time with your friends too. You are shy around those you don't know, yet fiercely loyal to those you love.

Daddy had this to say about you on Facebook and I couldn't have said it better myself. "This awesome kid turned 10 today. She cares about everyone, routinely makes monkey noises, loves being in the rain, can play with mud and a plastic cup for hours, has more hair than everyone else in her family combined, could live on queso alone, really enjoys being with friends, still sits on my lap, talks and talks with her older sister Kayla, plays make believe with her younger sister Brooke, collects everything, and really shows a lotta love to her parents."

Some of your favorites are:
movie -Star Wars
TV show -Amazing Race
foods -queso
candy -lollipops
things to do -collecting stuff, digging in the dirt, cuddling

 

 

Macy, 

What a joy it is to be your mother! You were not the easiest baby, but you have turned into a lovely, bright, kind-hearted young lady. Over this past year you have become so independent in your school work even if you'd rather not have home assignments. You amaze me with your ability to think through and solve math problems. I love when you come and snuggle up with me because it reminds me that you are still my little girl. Your smile can light up a room and make your eyes sparkle.  You are loved more than you can imagine sweet girl.  I am grateful God chose me to be your mother. 

Love,

Mama

Blackberry Farm

One of our dear friends had his 40th birthday earlier this year.  To celebrate he invited a group of us to a weekend getaway at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee.  I can not say enough wonderful things about this weekend.  We had an amazing time at an amazing place. 

 When we got there we took a carriage ride through the beautiful property.

 The view from our room.

This swing was such fun!

The food all weekend was incredible, but Friday night's dinner was my favorite. Barbecue, chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, some delicious chili lime corn, and cobbler to top it off. 

 Blackberry Farm is a working farm.  It was fun to ride around and see the animals. We had golf carts to use for the weekend, and it was nice to get out and enjoy the property.

Saturday night we had dinner at The Barn. The wine cellar was set up for our group and we enjoyed another wonderful dinner.

 

We stayed up later than we have in a long time talking and laughing.  Lots of laughing. We have been blessed with such an amazing group of friends, and I can't imagine doing life without them.

He is Risen!

Gibbs Gardens

We took our last trip to Gibbs for a while.  Our passes are expiring soon so we may not make it back.  We have enjoyed these beautiful gardens this past year.

Happy Birthday, Kayla!

Kayla is TWELVE!

Twelve years ago today we welcomed this sweet little girl into our family. You filled a hole in our hearts that we didn't even know we had. What a journey it has been to be your mother and to watch you grow!

You are a very independent and responsible young lady. You pick out your clothes for the next day every night before bed. You set your alarm EARLY and get up quickly. I can often find you with a book in your hand, and you are very focused during the school day to get your work done and to do it well. Your initiative during the school day is such a blessing to me as I work with your sisters.

Finding things is not your strong suit. If something is right in front of you then you often won't see it.  You also like to make up pronunciations to words.  You say them so confidently and have no desire to correct yourself.  I'm sure when one of your friends calls you out on it, things may change with that. :)

Some of your favorites are:

movie - Star Wars

TV show - Bringing Up Bates

foods - mashed potatoes, vegetables, noodles

candy - York and Reeses

things to do - clogging, reading, playing outside, talking

Kayla, 

You are such an amazing little lady with a kind, compassionate heart.  You love Jesus, reading your Bible, and singing worship songs and hymns. You love fiercely and are a loyal friend.  You are a deep thinker and like to analyze. Nothing is simple; you always have a complicated plan, but it gets the results you are after. Your sisters just adore you and they want to do whatever you are doing. No matter how early you wake up you always have a smile on your face. 

I'm excited to see what this year has in store for you as you prepare to move into your teenage years. I know it will be a year of growing (in many ways little munchkin), learning, emotions, fun, and learning to love God more. 

I love you my sweet Kayla. 

~ Mama