Oh Happy Day!

Our hearts are all singing "Oh Happy Day" because today....

God's Grace

 I have so many post to catch up on but I simply couldn't post anything until I posted this.

It was a beautiful sunny day and Hallie and I were headed on a shopping trip to Newnan. I could tell I was sleepy because I kept having to shake myself etc.. I even told Hallie to talk to me to keep me awake and that seemed to work and I thought I was fine.

The next thing I know Hallie is screaming and I wake to find we have ran off the road and I don't mean just a little I mean the van was set on cruise at 60 when we ran off and we're in red dirt sliding down a hill! It's a busy road and we're meeting traffic :-( I don't know how but I managed to get back on the road without flipping the van or slinging us back into oncoming traffic.

Do you realize how much of God's grace was with Hallie and I?  Believe me I sure did I praised him outwardly and inwardly the rest of the trip and it still sends shivers down me when I think of that split second that could have changed our lives or even ended them. I know first hand how blessed we were on that day  because I can name friends and family members who lost their lives just by running off the road.

Brother Jeff  often speaks of God's grace and how what most call "luck" is actually God's grace that he has blessed us with while watching over us.  I simply couldn't do another post until I acknowledged his grace and even though I've told him many times said again "Thank You Lord for your grace not only that day but every day."

Bye Bye 4th Grade

 End of year ceremony

Gosh it's hard to sum up 4th grade for Hallie. It contained quite a few B's    Boyfriends seemed to really make a presence this year with several of Hallie's friends having their first but the boyfriend bug didn't bite Hallie this year. The problem was one determined little boy couldn't quite take no for an answer and became a bully as the year progressed. It's just hard to believe that we are already facing these problems in the 4th grade!

Hallie also made her first B this year and I hit the roof, I can remember when I made my first B and my Dad having a fit. Back then I thought what's the big deal but now that I'm the parent I can see his side :-)

Hallie with longtime friends Mady & Lorianna 

Oh how Hallie loves Mrs. Jenna!  Jenna attends church with us and we were so excited that Hallie got her for a teacher. She was exactly what we had prayed for & such a blessing!

 Hallie,  B or no B , we are proud of you and you're very loved!

Before....

Before I post this year's dance recital pics I have a few more from dance competition and cancer relay that I didn't want to forget. This competition was at the World Congress Center in Atlanta. The building was a pretty backdrop for pics.

I was amazed at the costumes at these competitions I snapped a few pics and believe it or not these were not the most elaborate. I have cropped or blurred the girls faces because I didn't want to infringe on their privacy I just thought they were too cute and creative not to share.

Sweet precious friends Lindsey and Sydney

 I also snapped a few pics at the cancer relay this year that I wanted to share.

 Summer and cutie pie Riley

 Hallie loves Reagan she is a sweetheart!

Travel Basketball

During Hunter's last game of rec ball this year he was invited to play travel basketball by one of the travel coaches. Bless their hearts it was definitely a learning experience! There was only one returning player so they had never played together as a team and for example Hunter was one of the tallest on his team and the guy in red below was NOT the tallest on his :-)

I'm sure our neighbors are happy with a break from the bouncing ball all day because after Hunter practiced 3, 4 times a week and played every weekend-he was usually tired!

There are some bright notes though our last tournament was in Gulf Shores so we got to enjoy a mini vacation and it has definitely helped Hunter in his defensive skills.

Creatures

Hallie loves all creatures big and small. As many of you know we have a dog, 2 hermit crabs, a hamster and now our newest addition a millipede! Hallie started begging for one when they were studying them in school. Of all our "pets" this one creeps me out the most-uugghh! 

If I am honest I miss the days when Hallie thought all bugs were "icky" :-)

Happy 15th Birthday Hunter!!

It's hard to believe that our Hunter is 15. 

His requests for his birthday 

Cupcakes 

Big Chic chicken

and video games,  of course

 Happy Birthday Hunter and a little Mom advice treasure these years because they go so fast.