They're Home!!!

Today was a major day for us...

we were notified the day before the wedding

that Amelia's fingerprints did not take

and we would have to take her back.

So we headed back downtown this morning

and walked right in 4 days early to get them done again.

Hoping to have approval very soon!

Then we were off to Savannah and Josh's apartment

to unload a carload of wedding gifts,

run to the grocery store for them,

and just hang out waiting for them to get home.

It was actually a rough trip...

~ Savannah's phone went missing

~ Late leaving Hawaii and missed connection @ LAX

~ Made it to Atlanta but missing luggage...

SO we were REALLY happy when they walked through the door~

A daddy SO thankful to hold his daughter again~

Oldest and youngest...

Savannah said SJ had grown~

There was so much to talk about~

and gifts to receive~

My 6 precious children back together!!!~

AND a momma and daughter reunited!!!

We can talk all we want now that

They're Home!!! YAY!!!

Are You Wondering...

About the honeymoon couple?

To say I have lived to see a pic, talk on the phone, or read a text

over this past week is an understatement...

Savannah and Josh have been SO gracious to share their life

with us over the last week.

Nothing major, just a snip-it here and one there

adding up to a lot of happiness for this momma!

I have been happy they haven't shared too much

and enjoyed the week just being a newly married couple!

Here are a few photos Josh took with his phone

and sent to us~

The first day Savannah sent this photo of the pool~

Taken the second day while on a morning beach walk~

A Luau they enjoyed and had the best seats~

Josh said he was with the most beautiful girl there~

Breakfast at the Ritz overlooking the pool~

and finally the honeymoon couple!

SO happy~

They went snorkeling one morning

and took a sunset sail cruise one evening

along with a menagerie of other things.

She has sounded so happy and excited every time we have talked~

really can't believe she is there

and can't wait to go back someday. :)

Dreams come true!!!

Our First College Graduate!!!

May 1st has long been on our calendar this year~

the day our first would graduate college.

It has come and gone just like the past four years.

Scott and I both agreed we can NOT believe 4 years have flown by SO quickly~

seems like yesterday that we moved to Hartwell

and then dropped Savannah in Dahlonega.

Today was a mixture of emotions.

I really think I would have had a harder time with graduation

had Savannah not been getting married in 6 days.

It was great to have my mom and dad, Josh,

and all the girls there for the celebration!!!

This photo is blurry but her smile was shining through

as she walked in the beginning processional

and I had to use it~

We were ALL so proud and thankful

to see her walk across the stage and receive her diploma~

Right after all was said and done,

Savannah came out to hug her fiancée first thing~

And receive a kiss from her biggest fan~

It all started with two~

and went to three~

then on to four, five,six, seven...

(can't wait for baby eight!!!)

and our prayer for Savannah as well as all the girls

is to work hard for their education

and you will be able to do whatever you want to do!!!

Only thing missing was one precious little brother in China~

Our college graduate and high school graduate~

Precious girls both waiting for their wedding day

with one big accomplishment done~

The littles were amazing for sure~

EK still a little under the weather

and SJ just enjoying every moment~

We were all ready for a yummy meal

and enjoyed just that @...

And off to get a few last things for the wedding...

aren't they just the cutest couple???

Savannah~

Dad and I couldn't be more proud of you for SO many reasons!!!

You have always been a beautiful daughter inside and out,

setting an awesome example in front of your sisters.

Thank you for choosing college and persevering with grace.

We don't look at this experience as an end

but as the beginning of what God has chosen for your life.

This was merely a stepping stone to His Will for you.

I pray you will seek Him in everything

and allow Him to lead your way!!!

We are SO excited about this coming week~

the week before your wedding.

We know you are so excited about starting your life with your soul mate!

I can say from experience,

it is one of the most amazing blessings in my life

and am sure it will be in your's as well.

Dad and I love you with all our hearts

and know what a treasure Josh is receiving in you.

We are not losing you but gaining a son!!!

Oh JOY!!!

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace.

~Number 6:24

Joy to Love~ The Future

Seven Kids!!!

Our future~

Five Weddings and a Rehearsal Dinner.

Thanks Lisa and Jenny Beth for blog title. :)

Seven beautiful kids

that Scott and I LOVE beyond measure!!!

Joy to Love~ The Future and the End!!!

Savannah and Josh Weekend

Friday night we had all the chicks in the nest

if for only 18 hours or so.

Amelia and Rosemary left for a retreat

around 2 on Saturday

and we were left with 2 bigs and 2 littles...

The littles LOVED having S&J home to play!

Someone fell in love with someone this weekend. :)

My oldest and my youngest.

Savannah said the sweetest thing this weekend~

"I can't imagine how much I will love my own kids

when I love EK&SJ so much!"

That makes a mom's heart so full!!!

We pretty much spent the whole day outside.

Jing loved pulling this little cart around.

Our golf cart had been a little sick lately

so Scott took it for a check up

and it came home feeling much better!

Jing LOVED riding in it.

Lake has gone down SO much

Scott took the boat out of the lake

and had it winterized~

tucked away in our garage for the winter.

Josh was so sweet to play with EK in the playhouse.

There is a pasture with horses near our house

and the girls love to go down to see them.

They came right to the fence and waited to be petted.

This is their favorite.

Amelia came out for a little while to play.

The trampoline wasn't to be forgotten either.

Josh got some shots of the girls jumping.

Even Jing got a little bouncing in...

laughed so hard!

Beautiful EK!

See the Joy pouring out???

A sweet shot...

Then it was time for some college football~

can you guess who these two pull for???

Go Vols...

Savannah made the most delicious chili

for us all to enjoy while we watched the games.

Here are the girls playing together

while we wait.

We also had Amy, Jason, & Max over~

Max is giving Jing a hug.

Jing loving on Savannah's leg.

Hoping the Vols can pull it out...

It was the best of weekends!!!

So thankful for each of our girls and Big Josh!!!