The Greatest Show on Earth!

Last weekend we were able to take Everett to his very first circus. We went with Dustin's family and it was so much fun with all the kids. Dustin and I have always enjoyed the circus and go every year but it was more fun with Everett though slightly more chaotic. Ahem.

First up was seeing the animals before the show. It was included in our ticket and it was pretty neat seeing them up close. Who knew elephants could be so entertaining? We also saw the lions, tigers, goats and other animals who weren't as entertaining but hey, it was still cool. At least we thought so, Everett wasn't that into it. The sun was in his eyes and the breeze was in his face, both of which he is not a fan of. Hence the grumpy look.

Highlight Reel: Papa the Great

A highlight around here has been that Papa the Great has been in town visiting for the last few weeks. We have enjoyed being able to spend more time with him and are thankful that he has been able to travel so much and see us. Every moment we have and memory we create is precious. But even though we'd like him to live here, unfortunately he doesn't and he had to head back home. So on his last night we spent a quiet and relaxing evening at my in-laws just being together.

Opa! Going to the Greek Fest

Every year we go to the annual Greek Fest which is basically a local Greek church who makes and sells Greek food. The food is amazing! We always get a gyro and loukoumades which are heaven in a container. I also was able to purchase chocolate covered strawberries this year. They make some of the best I've ever had and they sell out very quickly so I was very excited that there were some left. 

Our Dream Kitchen - Phase II

The home we chose to live in was a foreclosed home that was flipped. Because of this we reaped the benefits of an updated kitchen and bathrooms, new carpet and work done in the basement. This worked for us in a major way since we wanted a home that was not only one we could grow and raise a family in but was also move-in ready. We wanted to be able to make the changes we wanted to. When this house came on the market we jumped on it and put in an offer only four days or so after it was listed. We were blessed to be able to get it.

There were two things that we knew we wanted to do when we first moved in. One was to put in central air as there was only an attic fan for cooling. The other was to open up the kitchen which was currently closed off from the living room and dining room. Since the former owner, the one who flipped the house, bought the counter tops and cabinets from a kitchen outlet and we had moved in during the winter we decided to do the kitchen first.

Kitchen Before

Mother's Day 2014

This is a lengthy post but it's about Mother's Day. And Mother's Day is all about honoring the woman who loves you, stood behind you and supported you. This may be the woman who gave birth to you, the woman who raised you or a woman who has influenced you in a big way. It's different for everyone.

I think everyone should be able to say this about their mother but I feel I have the best one. The older I get and the more I experience in life the more I realize how wonderful she truly is. I have watched my mom stand behind my dad through many moves and traveling which meant she was sometimes a single mom. She has always had his back and supported him through all of it though I know that at times it was probably difficult. Despite how she felt she did what she had to do to follow him through these life changes. She has raised and is still raising her six children with love and grace and a whole lot of prayer. She has listened to our problems and fears with an open heart and always seems to know when to speak and say what we need to hear and when to step back and let us learn for ourselves. Now that I am older I realize that at times this a struggle for her but it has never stopped her from doing it. She has modeled faithfulness in her walk with God through her prayer life, devotional times with us and her church attendance. My mom is amazing, she is one of the strongest women that I know. I have seen her expereience and go through so much yet her faith in God has never faltered, her support for her husband has not wavered and her love for her children, despite how we can be sometimes, has never ever ceased. I am extremely thankful for this woman, not just because she has been a wonderful mother but because she has also been one of my best and closest friends. They are some big shoes to fill but I can only hope and strive to be the type of woman she is.

Highlight Reel: Family Time

This past week has been pretty crazy and I actually haven't taken any pictures. So my highlight reel this week is just a few pictures of Everett and his extended family. Last weekend we celebrated my brother Malachi's birthday at my parents' house.

Highlight Reel: Seeing Reid

The major highlight of this week was seeing little man 2 again. At our last ultrasound the doctor was unable to see Reid's spine very clearly and wanted to make sure everything was okay. He had no hidden concerns, he just wanted to confirm after a better look. This time my mom and sister came with me since Dustin had to work. My sister was so excited and had been counting down the days even more so than I had been. We waited for over an hour and poor Everett was bored out of his mind. I was so glad my mom was there, she is obviously great with Everett and she is great at keeping me calm when I start stressing. Of course having six kids sort of teaches you to go with the flow, a lesson I am still learning but will hopefully figure out real soon.