The Bright Eyed Brunette

 I'll be honest, hidden seasons are hard. We live in a world that celebrates being seen. Share the milestone. Post the accomplishment. Announce the next big thing. It's easy to feel like if no one notices us, then maybe we're not making a difference. But God doesn't work in public.                                                                                                                    Sometimes He calls us into seasons that feel quiet. The prayers seem to echo. The opportunities don't come. The dreams we thought would happen by now remain tucked away. It can feel like everyone else is moving forward while we're standing still. I've learned that standing still with God is never wasted. Th...

 If we were having coffee today, I'd probably apologize that mine has already gone cold. It seems like no matter how many times I warm it up, something--or someone--needs my attention before I get to finish it.  If we were sitting together, I'd ask how you're really doing. Not the quick "I'm fine" we give in passing, but the honest answer. Life has a way of keeping us busy enough to avoid showing down long enough to check it with ourselves.  I'd tell you this summer has been flying by. The days have been full, the temperatures have been hotter than I'd like, and somehow, we're already talking about back-to-school season. I don't know where the time goes anymore. I'd probably laugh and tell you that I always have a running list of things I should be working on, but somehow, I find myself reorganizing a drawer, reading "just one more chapter" or convincing myself that scrolling Pinterest counts as planning. Surely, I'm not the o...

 There's something about back-to-school season that always feels like a fresh start. New backpacks. Fresh notebooks. New teachers. New routines. New opportunities. As parents we spend so much time making sure our kids have everything they need for the school year. We double-check supply lists, buy new shoes, and make sure they're ready for their first day. We want them to succeed, and rightly so. But while we're preparing them academically, it's worth asking ourselves another question: Are we preparing them spiritually? Our students are growing up in a world that is louder than ever. Every day they're surrounded by voices telling them who they should be, what they should believe, and where they should find their worth. It's easy to feel like those voices are winning. That's why staying plugged-in to a youth group matters. It's more than games. More than snacks. More than a Wednesday night on the calendar.                      ...

 Hey there friends, it's Monday again! It's early in the morning and I am full of optimism and energy for a change! I guess that is a good way to start off another trip around the sun. My birthday was on Friday, and my kids (my girls. But Trey did show up, lol) threw me a party at Carlie's house. We had Mexican enchiladas, chips, salsa, queso... and of course, CAKE! Wrenley helped Carlie decorate the house and painted the sweetest little jewelry box for me. She was just as proud to give it to me as I was to receive it. Wrenley (via Nanny) also got me a porch goose that I named Eunice. Our geese have old lady names: my mom named hers Mertyl, and her neighbor, Polly named hers Gladys. Wrenley got a little more modern with her name...Abby :)  Here are the pictures from my party: Me with all my big kids 💗 My pretty cake Make a wish! Wrenley and Eunice wanted to be in the picture too! And because Wesley wasn't in the picture, you get a cute picture of my precious boy! Here...

 Now that I am all rested up, I will wrap our beach vacation blog up! We are absolutely the kind of people that go to the beach to SIT ON THE BEACH! We usually do beachy activities so we don't actually have to leave the beach. For example, Trey and Makena went parasailing. Carl and I sat on the beach and watched because I hurt myself at the river (don't ask!) and wasn't able to have anything tight around my ribs. I love having adult kids (most of the time)! They were going up, up, and away! I love it here! We also went to Alligator Alley per Carl's request. Yes, we actually left the beach for a few hours. It was fun, but also very hot. At one point we looked at each other and said, "Why are we standing here sweating when we have rented chairs on the beach"? So, we left :) These little hatchlings were so cute! We made Carl take a cheesy picture, since he made us leave the beach, lol And you better believe he was first in line to hold this 3 year old! Makena was...

 Last week we made our annual trek down to the gulf! The only thing standing in our way was an eight hour road trip. I'm not the best rider. I'm more of a passenger princess. We were packed to the max!  I guess Trey was cold, lol! We always stop at Whataburger in Richland, MS for lunch. Welcome to Gulf Shores!! Our home away from home. We finally made it, just in time to eat dinner. Bahama Bob's was right next to our condo, so we walked over. Delicious! The boys were ready to eat! One of my favorite sights...last name on our chairs for the week! Ready to enjoy our day! Trey and this hat! He will kill me for this one! Hammy Sammy, Cheetos, and Strawberry and Cream Bloom for lunch! That's what I'm talking about :) Another day beach day! Carl stepped on this little guy. If you look closely, you can see his feet. And yes, we did put him back. Trey thought it would be funny to wear Wrenley's glasses from my swim bag! The only reason I wanted to come home was to see m...

As I stated earlier, Makena wanted a Little House on the Prairie themed birthday party this year.  So we did our best to make it happen for her! I didn't get any pictures of my own. We did have decorations that weren't shown. And although we didn't wear bonnets and long dresses, we celebrated our own Little House style. She is a beach loving girl like her mama! Makena helped me decorate, because she knew exactly what she wanted! Carl smoked ribs, Nanny made the white beans, Carlie made the cornbread. It was a perfect meal! We were happy for our cousins to be able to be here this year. Sometimes they are with their dad. We still missed Noah though! Wrenley loves to help people open presents and blow out candles!! Nanny also made Makena a peanut butter cake (per her request). It was delicious! No birthday would be complete without a photo shoot! My barefoot beauty :) Happy 24th Birthday, sweet girl! You make me proud of you daily, and I love you to pieces! Much Love, Beth 

 The Fourth of July feels a little different this year, doesn't it? This year we're celebrating 250 years since America declared its independence-- a milestone that reminds us just how much history has been written by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. We were in the middle of trying to decide what the weather was going to do Once in started thundering we just went home! For 250 years, this country has experienced incredible triumphs, heartbreaking losses, moments of unity, and seasons of division. Through it all, generations have worked, sacrificed, dreamed, and hoped for something better for their children and grandchildren. Trey stopped by before going to cook fish at my parents house. Flags and dog in the back :) Carl's mom and stepdad finally got to meet Wesley. We had a good time visiting with them. Me with my sister and brother-in-law. We were decorating cookies. Little Miss was ready to get in the pool! She also wanted a picture with BeBe and Uncle Trey Bab...