a lot going on 'round here

It's been a while!

Lots of happenings around here.  Mainly we are just trying to keep our head above water. Life seems to go by at a rapid speed and we are busier than ever. Good busy, but busy. 

It's Friday and I haven't seen my kids since Thursday morning - and we sleep under the same roof.  Late night work events combined with early morning meetings leave zero time with my kids.  I also have to work tomorrow at an alumni event before the State game. Thankfully, my parents are going to come along and keep up with the kids, as Trey will be out of town on a retreat.

Jones and Anna Joy are troopers and stay at school/daycare for super long days as Trey is learning to juggle full-time ministry with full-time seminary and I work full-time in a different town.  It's a balancing act. I usually see my husband as we wake up around 5:30 and then at some point in the middle of the night when he comes to bed - sometimes 2 in the morning. God bless him. He is committed to his work and his school. Then I leave at 7, drive thirty miles for an 8 hour work day, then come home to start the routine all over.

BUT (I do love a but..) there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Through few God orchestrated opportunities and a lot of prayer, I have quit my job.

What the what???

I am still getting used to the thought. I never imagined that I would be given the opportunity to stay home again, and am forever, truly grateful for this chance. 

But, (there's that but again) I am leaving a job that I love, with people that I adore and will miss and I can't help but feel a tiny bit sad. However,I have been offered the chance to freelance some with my current job - something that I never could have foreseen when I turned in my resignation letter a month ago - so I am still going to be able to keep my head in the business world, just on my own terms.

Grateful. God is good.

So a week from today I start my life as a stay at home mom, round 2. And we, God willing, are not looking back or for another change until Trey is through with school. 

Whew. I can almost breathe a little easier.

So along with that budget-changing life-altering decision, we have been busy with all other good life events.

Jones started soccer a few weeks ago. They practice twice a week, and while he loves it, he mostly goes for the water break and snacks at the end.  Can't blame him. It's hot. And we're tired.  First game is next week! Star in the making, I am sure.

Jones caught his first fish last week. He is still talking about it. 

Today was the ribbon cutting of my dad's bank. Proud doesn't even cover it. My mom wrote this on facebook, and I don't think I could have said it any better:

"After a couple of years, a lot of work by a lot of people, and most of all, the blessing of God, my husband got to cut the ribbon this morning on a beautiful new bank in Starkville. I wish I could tell you how God orchestrated this entire process from beginning to end; suffice it to say that God's plan is ALWAYS perfect, and He gets the glory for all of it!"

It's a good, good day. For my dad, mom, the bank, and the community. Good things!

It's football season, y'all! We may not be playing so hot on the field, but my love for the bulldog stays strong.  Whenever Jones sees anything maroon, he says "HAIL STATE!". Oh my, the proud in my heart.

Other weekends have been busy with birthday parties - Trey turned 33 on the 5th, Noelle Adams turned 2 on the 9th, and we had a few friend's parties thrown into the mix.  Fun, fun times.  Jones is in heaven whenever cake is around, so it's been a good month in his mind.

Anna Joy remains practically perfect in every way. She got in the crawling position the other day and though I know she is almost 9 months and it is time, I wanted to push her down. Is that mean? Probably. I am just not OK with my sweet, sweet baby getting so big.  She has the two smallest teeth poking through her bottom gum.  Oh my sweetness.


She is loving food, loving Jones and loving life. She is truly a JOY. Name fitting, I suppose.

A few more pictures from our last family photo shoot. Fun times!