9 months

Since I have been pretty absent in the blog-world, I haven't had a chance to talk about little Lexi-girl much.   She was 9 months old on the 12th of this month, and she just continues to bring more and more joy to our family with each passing day.   Her aunt (Tim's sister) ordered her an amazing tutu and matching headband a little while back, and I knew as soon as I saw it that I wanted to do a little photo shoot in the get-up.   Today was the day.  

 

I know, I know.  There are no words.  She is too cute!

 

This second outfit came from her cousins in Minnisota.

 

Again, as soon as I received this outfit (before she was even born) I knew it was photo shoot worthy.

 

I don't even know how to describe this precious little one.

 

It is almost like words can't do her exquisite personality justice.

 

She has been such a joy over the last 9 months.

 

We have had a pretty rough year (I know it can always be worse).

 

She was such a bright spot amongst all the chaos and uncertainty.

 

God knew what he was doing when he placed exactly her in this family.

 

Her brothers adore her.

(sidenote:  Most of the smiles came from watching George outside while her daddy snapped away at the camera)

 

Her father and I never stop commenting on how blessed we are.

 

She is tini-tiny in height and weight, which is so fitting.

 

Good things come in small packages.

 

A Smaller Graduate

We had another graduation this year in May.   This one wasn't as elaborate and didn't have as many students, but it was momentous all the same.  

 

Yes, our George graduated kindergarten.

 

He completed his first year in "real" school.

 

He soared through his academics, and we couldn't be prouder of the young man God is shaping him to be.

 

As the students walked across the stage, the teacher asked what they wanted to be when they grew up.

 

George answered, "President" with full confidence.

 

I love that he truly believes he can be anything he wants in life.

 

I hope he holds on to that confidence.

 

And I hope Tim and I, as his parents, foster his confidence and drive.

 

I honestly don't care what he does "when he grows up," but I don't ever want him to lessen his dreams because of fear or insecurity.

 

He is a one of a kind, and I love him with all my heart.

 

Such a proud moment.

 

 

We absolutely loved his sweet, sweet teacher this year.

She was such an encouragement and inspiration to him.

 

 

Mother's Day 2013

We were so blessed to be able to spend Mother's Day this year with both our mothers.   Tim's mom was staying with us for the weekend, and we planned to meet my mom halfway between Clearwater and Fort Myers in Sarasota to spend the day together.   We went to lunch at the Columbia.  

 

After lunch we weren't quite ready to part ways, so we decided to do something spur of the moment and head to the circus museum.

 

 

We are so blessed with such wonderful mothers.

 

I know not everyone has that blessing, so it is not something I take lightly.

 

My mother is the picture of loyalty.

She loves with her whole self and has given me such a great example to follow when loving my own children.

She is also an exceptional grandmother to my children.

I love the joy she brings them and the joy they bring her.

 

My mother-in-law raised my husband to be the godly man that he is.

That is something I am forever indebted to her for.

She has taken me on as one of her own and shown me that mother-in-laws can get along with their daughter-in-laws:)

Again, my kids love to be with her, and the feelings are mutual.

 

God has once again shown His grace through these two women.

 

We are so undeserving of their love but so, so thankful at the same time.

 

And it wouldn't be a proper Mother's Day without mentioning my own motherhood.

I can't think of a harder or more rewarding life-task.

I love my kids with a kind of fierceness I never knew possible.

They are so very special to me, and I hope they always know they have me in their corner.

I am their biggest fan and their biggest supporter.

I am so grateful for the three kids God chose to place in my arms.

Each one is perfect for me in their own way, and I still can't believe I get the privilege of being by their side to guide and direct while they grow.

What a blessing!

 

The Graduate

Let's take a look back, shall we?   On May 5th of this year my little brother graduated from Florida State's Law School.   The whole family made the trek up there to celebrate this momentous occasion with him.   We were so proud of his accomplishment.  

 

He was pretty excited to be sitting there awaiting his walk across the stage. 

 

Proud parents.

 

The Bettelli's love our brother/brother-in-law/uncle.

 

All the FSU graduates in the family.

 

Surprise of all surprises Ethan wasn't cooperating.

 

Lawyers.

 

Cuties.

 

It was a great day.

 

Peter takes the bar in about a week, so if you think of it and you are the praying kind . . . please lift him up.