Super Brooks is FOUR!

Saturday, May  16th, I woke up around 6:30 a.m. with a stomach full of butterflies.  I couldn't wait to start decorating and setting up for Brooks' superhero birthday party.  I began the process around 7 a.m. We then went to Kylee's soccer game, where she scored 3 goals.  After that,  we returned home and finished decorating.  I am so thankful Savanna was here to help.  There is no way I would've been able to pull this off without her help.

This is one of my favorite things I made for his party.  We had Brooks dress up in all of his superhero costumes and I took pictures of him and made a banner to display them all. 

Kylee had another soccer game, so Charlie and a few other people went to that, while I stayed home with Brooks.  He and Layden took a nice little nap, so they would have plenty of energy conserved for the party.  It was a good thing they did, too, because the party was nonstop fun.

Brooks and Layden playing at Kylee's first soccer game.

Brooks and Layden snuggled up in bed for their pre-party nap.

The kids each had a can of "spider web" (silly string) that they got to spray each other with. This was a lot of fun.  Next time I would make sure there was enough for the adults to have some, too.

They played capture the villain.  The first team to use all the streamer to wrap the villain, won the game. 

Papa had fun wrapping Brooks.

I'd say the bounce house was a success.

 We are so thankful for all of Brooks' friends and family that came out and celebrated with us.  He sure has made some special bonds with little boys and girls from Lindale.

He loved all the gifts and couldn't decide what he wanted to wear or play with first. Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated.  It was a SUPER day!

Lindale Rodeo

We love some of the small town events that Lindale has to offer.  At school Friday, the students were allowed to dress up in their western gear, and they walked over to the rodeo arena and watch a few rodeo girls do tricks. That evening, after Kylee's soccer game, we met up with some friends and enjoyed an evening cheering on some brave cowboys.

Brooks was such a gentleman. 

 Brooks went out on the dirt for the $500 dollar cash scramble.  He didn't run for any money, but one of the cowboys gave him a dollar. He was pretty proud.

Kylee went out for the calf scramble.  She didn't capture the ribbon off the tail of the calf, but she came really close a time or two.  Both Kylee and Brooks had a great time.

The Birthday Boy is 4

May 12, 2015, at 11:29am this little fellow officially turned four!  He was so adorable when he woke up.  He immediately stood up and said, "Mom, look how tall I am!" He then stood at the end of the bed and stretched out for the ceiling fan.  He was trying to see if he could reach it now that he was 4.  Charlie and I surprised him with a new superhero shirt and shorts to wear to school on his birthday.  He was pretty excited.  We couldn't head out the door without snapping a few birthday photos.

He was happy to celebrate at his school, too.  He took cupcakes to share with all of his friends.

That evening, we went to Chuck-E-Cheese to have a little family celebration.  The kids had a blast playing games.  Brooks really enjoyed his birthday cake that, Chuck-E, himself, brought out to him. The evening wasn't over there.  Kylee had soccer practice, so we headed out there.  Brooks doesn't mind going because he has a few buddies he gets to play with. Happy Birthday, Brooks Allen.  We love you to the moon and back!

Birthday Eve

What a blessing it is to take a picture of Brooks on the eve of his 4th birthday.  Brooks is a typical boy.  He loves to be outside, play with cars and trucks, get dirty, and he especially loves dressing up in his superhero costumes.  Brooks still loves to play with hair.  His new hair fetish is playing with mine or Kylee's hair when it is wet.  I don't know what it is about him and hair, but it sure is HIS thing.  Overall, this year has been a much healthier experience than some in the past.  Brooks is really digging superheroes right now.  He requested a superhero birthday party, so that will happen tomorrow.  He is pretty excited.  I love any chance I get to decorate for a party.  So, although I am a little sad that my baby boy is turning 4, I am also very excited to celebrate with him.

I put a few drops of lavender oil on the bottoms of his feet and within 5 minutes he was out.  All four of us love how well we sleep with the oil's help.  Kylee has woken up in such a good mood all week.  I say it is the oil.  She must be getting a better night's sleep and then wakes up feeling refreshed.  

Shine Your Light

Almost every night when either Charlie or I tuck Kylee into bed, we read a chapter from her devotional book.  It wasn't very long ago Kylee and I read about missionaries and how we should be stirring up God's love and helping others.  I have been praying and researching 

different ways to help others in or near our community.  God certainly works in mysterious ways.  We live in Lindale, which is 15 to 20 minutes away from Van, where a very ferocious F3 tornado ripped through the small country town.  My heart aches for the families who lost everything.  I am saddened to hear of the 2 deaths, 8 missing, and 43 hospitalized.  We sat around our own table at dinner tonight and thanked God for our warm meal, clean clothes, and our safety.  I am brought to tears just thinking about the devastation these families are having to endure.  Please continue to pray for the innocent families, the first responders, and those volunteering.  

 We knew immediately that we wanted to help in some way.  It wasn't long ago that one of my dearest friends mom's house was flattened by a grueling tornado.  I witnessed the torment they went through, and I wanted to help these families like I helped her parents.  I took the kids to Walmart after school and picked up a few things that Kylee will take to school as a donation for those that are in need out in Van.  Kylee's giving heart is something some adults don't even have.  She offered to put $10 of her own money towards the items we purchased.     We  thankful for the opportunity to give to others in need. We are shining our light and stirring up God's love!