can jack really be old enough to....

...be a kindergarten graduate?

...be recognized with his team at a professional baseball game?

...have his first "best friend" at school? (Thank you God for Jerrod!)

...say goodbye to his first teacher? (Thank you God for Mrs. Mathis!)

...have his first field day?


I realized this week that Jack is beginning to outgrow my lap.
I tried to hold him and it physically hurt my back.
This week I saw him reciting poetry and songs for his graduation, playing his last regular season t-ball game, loving field day at school, and sing the national anthem with the Air Hogs baseball team.
Not sure when he turned into a big kid, but it is happening before my eyes.
We are so proud of the big boy he is becoming.
But, I will never forget the baby, toddler, and little boy he was.
We thank God for a great first year of school and pray for many promising ones to come!

summer preview

We had a fun weekend with Pops and Mimi in town!
Ranger game, swimming, Chick-Fil-A, backyard fun, Mexican food, and a date night for Will and I. It was a super preview to what is going to be the best summer yet!

a special tribute

It has been ten years since my brother Clay's Homegoing. His days here on Earth ended on Sunday, April 8, 2000. We have cried a lot, talked about him daily, remembered the little things about him, and smiled when we thought of him. We have celebrated his life through different memorials and ceremonies.
Our family was touched when Texas A&M recently came to us and asked to put his Aggie ring on display at the Alumni Association. They have been gathering rings from each class to graduate and wanted his to represent the class of 1998. We thought this would be a special tribute to such an amazing son, husband, brother and friend.
On April 25th, around two hundred family and friends gathered at A&M to remember the person behind the ring....I will never forget it. Each speaker touched on Clay and his one of a kind personality....his devotion to those he loved....his passion to follow Christ and lead others in the right direction. There was laughter and tears once again for this person that changed so many lives by his example.
Clay's Aggie ring will forever be on display at the university he loved! It is a beautiful exhibit and humbling to read about so many men and women who represent true character, self-sacrifice and patriotism. Here are a few pictures of our family when the ring was dedicated. Jack (named after my brother Clayton Jack) was proud to put the ring into the exhibit.

welcome back

If you follow my blog, you know that we have longed for my brother Clif's family to move back to Texas. After 8 years of living, serving and travelling around the world, Clif and his family are moving to Houston. We thank God for this blessing. It will be awesome to see each other more and celebrate daily life together....birthdays, farm trips, cousin swapping, and meeting in the middle! While Clif and Kat were looking at homes recently, cousin Clay stayed with us for a few days. The four year olds bonded in a new way while Jack was at school, and it was sweet to watch. Welcome back, Kennedys! The LHIGP has missed you.

I'm a fan....

of my new red kitchen fan! Thanks to Will for a perfect Mother's Day present. It makes me smile when I walk into our kitchen.

simple things

sprinkler fun

learning to walk!

throwing balls on the roof and catching them as they fall!

license to drive

hopscotch on a remodeled patio!

There have been a lot of big moments lately....a first birthday, a dance recital, t-ball success, potty firsts, field days and field trips. But what I have been thinking about is the simple things in my life. It is these ordinary miracles that I am going to remember and hold onto forever. We have been having so much fun as a family in our backyard. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes! It's so sweet to see all four kids playing together, whether it's looking for bugs, playing ball games, or digging in the dirt. Here's a few snapshots of ordinary moments that will forever be captured in my heart and mind.

overheard

1. "Mommy, did you know the Pirates (his t-ball team) are 9-0? Hello, win column!" - Jack, age 6

2. "Mommy, the best thing about being 4 is being a big sister to Kate and Sam!" - Josie, age 4

3. Kate's new phrase is .....ALL DAY! She adds it to the end of everything. Today it was, "I go to the Rangers ALL DAY! I go to Chick-Fil-A ALL DAY!" -Kate, age 2

I thought each of these quotes was so perfectly unique to that child....like a window to their soul and thoughts!

precious

our serious tap dancer (dress rehearsal)

class one ballet - josie is the tall dancer in the middle!

after the show with Daddy

ballet "Wonderful Merciful Savior" (dress rehearsal)

tap "Happy Feet" (dress rehearsal)


dearest josephine,
we are always proud of you. you are beautiful and precious on the inside and out. it makes us happy to see you dance for the Lord! may your words and actions be pleasing to Him...our sweet, joyful dancer. it was a great show!
mommy and daddy