The Roar of White Water Is Music to My Ears

We went to our favorite place yesterday afternoon--The Blue Hole.   It was more white than blue because of all the rain the day before.  The roar of water was deafening and exhilarating. 

The boys did their typical thing--throw rocks in the water and get Mommy wet.

Joel even tried his hand at rock climbing, and I think he fell in love.  And after seeing a crew of kayakers go by, I began to realize I need to start praying now for my boys asking God to keep these crazy, wild little daredevils safe for my heart's sake.

Sorry the picture is blurry.  My camera was smudged.

But I hope you can see the magnificent beauty of the place.

 

 

Introducing Big Brown (name still undecided)

Big Red was our beloved truck for almost four years, but we had outgrown him.

We technically fit, but Clark's knees were up in his chest, and Levi's feet were trapped.  I was sitting up on the steering wheel only a few inches from the airbag.  And baby girl wouldn't have much room either.  So with much prayer and lamenting, we decided it was time to upgrade to a larger truck. 

 

I'd much rather a minivan, but a truck suits our family better. 

We are very active and do a lot of hauling.

But, now I have a camper shell to make sure my stollers and groceries don't get wet.  Yipee!!

The boys are super excited.

They have roll down windows for the first time in their lives, and they love playing in the back with the camper shell.

 

Now I just need to master driving this big ole thing! 

Easter Morning

Praise God that Jesus is RISEN!

We have had a glorious day celebrating our risen Lord, and we used this day as an excuse to take some much needed pictures of the family.

 

 

I'm in Love with My Kitchen

Now that our house is on the market for sale, I'm falling in love with this old house. 
It doesn't help that we have made some long desired improvements lately like
NEW COUNTER TOPS AND TILE BACK SPLASH!!

I've "owned" three houses in my adult life.  All three have had white counter tops (see above). 
I've dreamed of something different forever. 

Well today, my kitchen dreams have come true.  Michael and I installed new counter tops and tiled the back splash. And we would have to say, it was one of the easier projects we've tackled.

It's so pretty!!!  I can't stop looking at it! 

It's Been a Long Time

 It's been such a long time since I've written.  Life has been busy.  But I had a second, so I downloaded some pictures and couldn't resist catching up on life  A lot has happened!

We found out we were going to have a baby in October!

Michael was in New Jersey for 5 weeks in the fall.

Joel turned four in December. He had a race car/monster truck birthday! 

 

 

Clark turned six in February. He had a video game birthday.

We also found out we were having a girl in February, and we started eating a plant based diet!

Levi turned two in March.  I made him an ice cream cake!  

 

 

 

 We got a little bit of snow that we took full advantage of this winter.

 

 

We put our house up for sale to see what God might do with it.

 

Here are Joel and Levi looking out the window and waiting for spring!

We can't wait for warm weather and sunshine!

 

 

Perhaps, I'll be able to keep up blogging now, but no promises.  :-)

 

I'll be sure to put up pictures when this baby comes this summer.

 

 

Halloween Fun and A FIRST!!!

Here are our Super Lofton Brothers getting ready for trunk or treat at church!

We joined a "few" friends to go trick-or-treating.

Yes, Levi is now a monkey.  His toad hat didn't last long, and it was cold!!! 

What in the world?  Why are those kids laying on the side of the road?

The answer: They are acting like dead possums!!  ;-)

Clark started a fun game of falling on the grass and acting like a dead possum when a car came by. 

It actually was relaxing not to have to worry about children getting hit by a car!!  Way to go son!

 

 

And for the FIRST.... Clark learned how to ride a bike!

It's my fault that it wasn't sooner.  I just didn't want to deal with it.

It only took a few trys, and he got it. 

I actually was talking to a neighbor, and I when I turned to check on him, he was long gone riding down the road.  He was determined to get it!!

Leaf Pictures of 2012

I know I post  this every year, but I can't help it.  I love leaves, fall, and capturing those specials moments.  Days like this are what childhood is built on.  The simplicity and innocence steal my heart and make me want to treasure each second with my family.

I love his eyes, his heart, his fire, his passion. 

 

 

Clark is my mysterious little boy who is full of love and imagination.  He is growing up way too fast.

Here comes the baby monster.  Levi on the attack.  He knocked me down, and he is now trying to get me with his tongue.  This boy is a ham.

Michael was changing the oil in truck during most of the fun, but he joined as soon as he could.

 

Random picture: Our 2012 pumpkin.

Way to go Michael.  You did good!

Fall Fun 2012

Fall is The Best Time of the Year (if you ask me).

Here's some of the ways we have been enjoying this glorious time of the year!!

One night in early September, we camped in the backyard and had hot dog and smores with friends!!

For fall break in October, we went to Hillcrest Orchard in Ellijay, GA.  We got to ride in a tractor pulled trailer!

This was Clark's favorite activity--driving the four wheeled things!!  He was really good at it.

Joel's favorite was the bouncy air pillow.  Clark focused on getting air.

Joel was all about throwing himself on the thing at full speed and rolling to the ground.

The boys got to actually milk a cow!  Good times!!

Joel drove a tractor in his dreams.

Clark visited the moonshine museum.

Super fun, huge slides were fun for us all!!!

Levi loved the little people's playground!

 

I highly recommend this orchard.  We picked our own apples, sampled all kind of varieties,  watched cute little piggies race, saw lots of shows and demonstrations, petted a chicken, and had tons and tons of fun!!!! 

 

Here we are about to go home after a great day of fun!!!

And yes all three boys fell asleep in the car on the way home!!

Perfect Peace: Isaiah 26:3-8

You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

 He humbles the proud
and brings down the arrogant city.
He brings it down to the dust.

The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot,
and the needy walk all over it.

 

But for those who are righteous,
the way is not steep and rough.
You are a God who does what is right,
and you smooth out the path ahead of them.

 Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws;
our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.

 

I love to watch my children sleeping.  It's the most peaceful sight to see.  I makes my heart slow, and my body relax.  I want to have that perfect peace I see on their faces in my heart as I deal with the challenges of life. 

 

As I face the struggles and battles of life, I have found the words of Isaiah so true.  As I set my eyes on the circumstances of my day, I feel stressed and overwhelmed.  When I stop and put my thoughts on God's promises and His faithfulness in my life, I am filled with peace.  It's not easy to trust, and I have to be reminded that He is the Rock Eternal!

 

I have seen as I trust HIM as my Rock, He does go before me and smooths my path.  In amazing and miraculous ways, He goes before me to smooth my way.  There might still be obstacles to overcome, but the path is straighter, easier, and enjoyable.  (Disclaimer: I am in no way saying I am a righteous perfect person.  I'm just a girl trying to please my King and seeking forgiveness daily.)

 

I pray you are filled with peace as you fix your thoughts on the Lord through your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good-bye and Best Wishes to Our Buddy

Here's the first day when I thought how in the world can I do this.

Today is the last day with my little buddy, Winston.  He is moving.  Our family has been blessed for almost three years with him.  For 50 plus hours a week, Winston has made a permanent place in our hearts.  Joel and Winston have been my "twins"who love each other with a fiery brotherly love.  

He has brought a giggle to every meal and a friend to every day.

 

He will be missed!!

 

Now they are my big ole boys.