Splashin' Around

Checked off another summer bucket list item as we headed to Ava's Splash Pad in Mt. Juliet.  It was a HOT afternoon and the cool water felt great.  It was a weekday, so the crowd was minimal and the boys loved running  walking around the fun splash area.  Such a fun park that we hope to visit again soon!

After splashing, we took a minute to explore the newly renovated playground.  It's SO fun...hoping to go back when the weather is cooler.

Grace Place

Meet Grace Place.  

A local, non-profit for homeless single moms and their children in the Hendersonville area.  Through words and posts of mutual friends, I saw this beautiful ministry being born and knew I wanted to get our family involved.  There are homeless shelters downtown, but nothing local - a desperate need that this place will fulfill.  We heard of their housewarming party and headed that way with donations in tow to help this home become the beacon of light to women suffering with heartache, hopelessness, and shame.  Women and children will live in this beautiful space, learn work skills, and head back into the world with a sense of love and joy that can only come from Jesus Christ.  Excited to see what God will do with obedient hands and feet.

Family Date

With Michael's work schedule being crazy busy this summer (for which we are thankful!) our family date nights have been few and far between.  A few weekends ago, we set aside some time to spend together and had a ball.  

Fishing at Bass Pro

Go-Kart racing at Grand Ole Golf

I think they had the fastest kart on the track (good picking Dad!), BUT Cade covered his ears and kept telling Michael to slow down...ha!  So rare for our little mover and shaker.

Between races, Cole told Michael to stay put so he could ride in the fast car too.  LOVED every second of speeding around the track.  

Face says it all :)

Treasuring these simple moments with my boys. 

Blood Water Mission

At VBS this year, the collected offering went to the Blood Water Mission ministry.  This organization helps to provide clean water to impoverished villages and towns in Africa.  Each night of VBS, the boys and girls saw a story of a named child and what he/she had to do to get water - and oftentimes that water was filled with bacteria, mud, and other harmful additions.  With our neighborhood yard sale coming up, I thought it would be the perfect time to set up a lemonade stand (summer bucket list item) AND give the money collected to a good cause.  Blood Water Mission came to our mind and so it was...

Cole made signs while I stirred the lemonade.  We had the perfect spot at the end of our driveway with yard sales on either side and across the street.  With hot temps, those precious signs, and that handsome face, shoppers couldn't help but stop and purchase a refreshing drink.  Many people gave above the 25 cent price tag and it was the perfect lesson in generous giving lived out in front of my children.  

Sweet friends from our small group came out to support.  Thankful for this crew!

That Sunday, Cole took his earnings to church and gave them to our Children's Pastor, Mr. Andy.  $64.50!!  Praise the Lord!

Sweet Summertime

Summer is in full swing and we couldn't be more excited.  Lazy mornings, late nights, and fun in between.  Soaking up every day!

Kids Bowl Free is a great way to beat the heat 

Birthday partying and pool playing with our Puckett buddies

Gorgeous sunsets in our neighborhood

Backyard play at our redneck water park ;)

Starting swim lessons again with Megan.  She is such a patient teacher with the boys.  Cole is doing amazing and conquered his fear of the 'deep end' by swimming to her just this week.  So, so proud!

  

Dollar movie mornings at the local theatre are always a fun treat

We 'adopted' an island in the church parking lot that was in desperate need of some TLC.  We pulled weeds, trimmed, and added new mulch.  Such a great way to serve as a family.

Celebrating

This weekend begins with a story that started almost one year ago.  The boys and I were headed to the Gallatin Library to return our books and check out new ones for the week.  As we entered the parking lot, I looked down and realized I had left our bag of due books on the kitchen counter.  The boys were sad and I needed a plan B quick.  I called my grandmother (who lives close) to see if she and my grandfather would like some afternoon company.  Just so happens they weren't at home...crazy.  Plan C - head to the nearby city park and let the boys picnic and play.  As the boys were playing, I met a mom sitting on a bench and we began to chat about kids, jobs, etc.  She was a new transplant to the area and I invited her family to join us at church one Sunday.  We didn't exchange any information accept for our names and kindly parted ways.

Later that week, I received a Facebook friend request from this sweet lady.  I had NO idea how she had found me seeing that we only exchanged first names.  Turned out that she called the church and asked if they had any member with the name 'Adrian' (glad my name is uncommon!).  From there she found me on FB and we became 'friends' :)  I invited her to iMom which was beginning soon and she jumped at the chance to join.  Fast forward a few weeks - she comes to the first meeting and a few days after surprisingly gives premature birth to her son, Gage, 2 months early with complications.  The Lord knew they would need some support and our table was given the opportunity to love on her family with meals, encouragement, and prayers.  From that moment has grown a friendship that has continued to be a blessing in my life.  Her family began attending church with us on Sundays at LHG and recently, Michael had the JOY of leading her oldest son, Caleb to Christ at VBS.  I stand amazed.  Coincidence that those library books were left on the counter one summer day last July?  I think not.  God is always at work...we just have to stop and grab hold of the opportunities he places in front of us.  Kieryanne, so so glad the Lord brought us together that picnic park day.  Thankful for the gift of your life and the strength that you portray - you really are a Superstar! 

Celebrating Caleb and Collin's carnival birthday 

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Celebrating didn't end at the birthday party.  The Sunday after, Michael had the honor of baptizing Caleb during our morning church service.  What a gift!  We are so proud of this young man and the decision he has made to follow Christ!

Cole with his Poole buddies

Cole and Caleb

That's A Wrap

After a fun first season, Cade's spring t-ball has come to a close.  We loved our fellow Pirates and their families...it really was such a sweet team.  Thankful for great coaches and that Cade seems to have found a love for the game.  He's already asking when we can sign up for the fall :)  Cole also welcomed the break from ball and liked cheering on his little bro as well as hanging with his buddies during the games.  Fun weekdays and Saturdays at the ball field.  Now I feel that summer can truly begin!

Cole and his buddies - London and Bryson

 So proud of our #9!

At the last game on June 6, our team mom, Amanda, made the cutest awards for each player.  Coach Andrew presented each one with big smiles all around.  I think the kids were just happy to see some candy ;)

My STAR player

After the game, the team gathered at the park to enjoy some pizza, ice cream, and adorable pirate ship treats provided by the parents.  It's been a great year!

The following weekend, we attended the American Legion t-ball and baseball Awards Ceremony.  Each child is given a trophy, the coach a plaque, and All-Star players are announced.  

So proud of you Perkins Pirates!  What a great bunch of ball players!