Becoming More

At the end of August, my church held it's annual Women's Conference. We always have some pretty amazing speakers, but this year was quite spectacular, as Lysa Terkeurst was our special guest. Becoming More was the name of the two-day conference, and she certainly gave some insight and wisdom how to do just that. I was so convicted and encouraged by the challenges Lysa brought. And because I was one of the emcees of the conference, I also had the privilege of getting to eat lunch with her and getting to visit with her one on one. Icing on the cake! She's a godly woman with and amazing story who just has the mentatlity of "saying yes to God," even if that means stepping outside her comfort zone. I pray that's the kind of woman I can be.

Preschool Choir Graduation

In August, Maia ended her 3 years in Preschool Choir with a cute little graduation ceremony. She loved being in there and learned so much. We so appreciate Mrs. Smith's dedication to these little guys and girls, and know she loves each one so much.






Maia sure loves Mrs. Smith!

Maia, the Little Cowpoke

Maia just finished her third and final year in Mrs. Smith's Preschool choir. She has loved being in this little choir and has learned a ton. Whole note, half note, quarter note, Treble clef, bass clef - she knows it all. Thanks to Mrs. Smith and all the workers for doing such a great job with our kiddos. And all I can say is, good luck with Josie next year!



Maia had the final line of the play, which went something like, "Jesus is the real champion. Will you walk with the champion?"
One word - riveting!

AWANA Olympics

Maia just completed her third year in AWANA and she has loved it. We're so grateful our church has this program and our continual prayer is that she will remember the scriptures she has memorized and always try to apply them to her life.
This group isthe Sparks (K-2nd) and they really just play games and have fun in their olympics. Maia's group didn't fare too well, but it was so funny watching them, it was great. The bigger kids got 1st place.

Not sure what kind of game face this is...

Reed Christmas

We ended our festivites at Grammie and Granddaddy's house. These girls are spoiled by their grandparents. I can tell you that.

Cool Grammie


Big pink bows just don't look as cute on 31 year old men as they do little girls


Aunt Mar lovin' on baby Jillian


Grammie and Granddaddy opening the gift from all the grand girls

Christmas Morning

We work very hard to teach our children about our great God, all year long, not just at Christmas. And that He is reason for every season, not just the Christmas season. But since gift giving (and receiving) is at the forefront of every little person's mind, Christmas is a great time to saturate their little minds with the best gift of all, that God sent His only Son to earth as a baby, so that He could one day pay for our sins on the cross.

We keep things simple in the gift area; giving three wrapped gifts each, as sort of symbols of the three gifts Christ received from the wise men.

Every time I think about the fact that Christ laid His glory aside, to come to this wretched earth to save me, I'm humbled and grow more and more in love with Him. I consider it an honor that I have the privilege of teaching my daughters about this Savior and His great love for us.


At five years old, Maia finally gets a bike! And a Rapunzel one at that.



The girls loved their Thirty-One lunch totes!

Christmas Eve night

The girls opened one gift on Christmas Eve, which were jammies for both. And, that's our friend Malita in the background!

Christmas at Shanny's

For some reason they're not in any of the pictures, but it was nice to get to see Mima and Boppy, and Uncle Jake this Christmas.



Activity books from Shanny and Lorenzo


Fun bow from Aunt Amy


Robert gets cozy with a furry feline

Cookie Decorating!

Grammie had everyone over for some cookie decorating. The girls had so much fun and created some really interesting looks.






So do we think Lauren got as many decorations on the cookies as she did her mouth?!


Obviously at this age, the term "less is more," is not in their vocabulary

One of the best parts about the holiday is when the girls get to see their sweet cousins, Lauren and Jillian.





Lauren decided to dress up for the occasion. :)

Class Christmas Party

Maia's class had a Christmas Party on the last day before the break and all the kiddos got to wear their jammies. Aunt Amy was out of school already, so she came along to meet Maia's teacher and see her classroom.






Always creating something... Maia makes artwork out of her food.


Maia with her teacher, Mrs. Meador. Maia absoulutely loves her and I've been so thankful the Lord blessed Maia with her as her teacher.