Claytor Lake Adventure

Claytor Lake is about an hour from Mount Airy and about 45 minutes from Roanoke - a wonderful place to meet in the middle with friends! Saturday we packed up, despite the threat of rain, and enjoyed a perfectly over casted day at the beach.

It was pretty empty so the guys had lots of space to throw the Frisbee and play bocce ball. The kids had room to roam without us having to chase them... too much. ;)

The kiddos loved splashing in the water and Peyton is all about playing in the sand! I'd say these overcast days are the perfect beach days!

Snuggles on the Fourth

Our little family decided to stay in Mount Airy for the Fourth of July instead of heading to Roanoke for our normal gathering at River's Edge. We enjoyed a lazy morning, some tasty food and games with friends, and then headed to Mount Airy High School to watch the fireworks.

Peyton stayed up for the fireworks, but once they started he did a tiny bit of this...

and a WHOLE lot of this...

 He didn't cry, but he spent most of the show looking the other way. When there was a break before the finale he looked around and then was definitely startled when they started again. I was still proud of my little man. Maybe next year he will find them a tad more entertaining. :) Over all we had a great first Fourth of July in our new town.

My Calling

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. " (Ephesians 4:1-3)

I believe that I have 3 main callings in life right now.

Number one is to be a godly wife to my husband. Drew is a man who works hard in his 'job' to not only provide for us, but to reach the teens in Mount Airy. My calling is to support him, love him, and help him however I can.

Number two is to a mama that my Peyton (and soon to be Sadie) will see Jesus through. They are small children and I must protect and guide them to see Jesus' love as all they need in life. They will be around all sorts of people in life. I want them to know that not only are they (Peyton and Sadie) loved, but those around them are just as loved by our Jesus.

Number three is a youth leader. I have the privilege of spending time with amazing middle and high-schoolers and hopefully helping them to understand Jesus and how amazing He is, a little better.

My question to myself today is am I walking worthy of these callings? Am I striving to be humble, gentle, loving and patient with Drew, Peyton, Sadie, and the teens, so that they don't see me, but instead see our Savior. Honestly many days I am not. I'm impatient and short, and selfish, but am thankfully today is a new day and Jesus has wiped my slate clean!

Waiting on Miss Norah

 We were all very excited for my niece Norah Grace to be born. We passed the time playing at the park, snuggling, and hanging out upside down.

She came on June 20th and I was so excited to squeeze her tight! (but not too tight) She is just precious with her chubby cheeks!

After I met Norah I hung out with her brother and sister. We quite enjoyed splashing around, playing with Hiro and the littlest petshop, and  of course getting more snuggles. :)

While Daddy's Away...

Peyton and Mama will play.

 Drew took a group from our church to the Domincan Republic a couple weeks ago. We were sad to see him go, but had big plans for the week! We kept busy with a trip to Roanoke.

We headed out Sunday Morning to my grandparents house to eat with the Farmer clan. Of course in the time we woke up to the time we got in the car we had a meltdown, Hiro got lose, and had a huge scare of another nature, but we made it in time for a delicious lunch! Peyton swam with the cousins in the hot tub, and then we played outside with Hiro and the corn hole sets. 

We stayed with my Dad and Dreama (Papaw and Grammy Dee) so we had a good time hanging around the house with them. Monday we saw Robin and Shayne, then had lunch with Ben at Red Robin. It was great catching up with all of them! Them we came back to the house and took a nap, and then had dinner with Grandma, Johnny, Suzanne, Luke, Papaw and Grammy. I left Peyton with the grandparents and spend some quality time with my Samshe. :) Chick Fil A and Kohl's with no babies was a wonderful was to spend the evening! 

Tuesday we had breakfast with Jess and her adorable boys Jude and Luke. They are about the same age apart as Peyton and Sadie will be! We took a nap and then went to Splash Valley with Momar, Luke, Macy and Chris. I was really proud of Peyton. He went down two different slides 'by himself'. I caught him at the bottom, and held his hand on one of them, but other than that he was on his own. Such a big boy!!

We met Papaw and Grammy for dinner at Mac & Bob's and then headed to Luke's soccer game. Luke is a beast on the field! Of course we had to spend some time on the playground! :)

 Wednesday morning we met Heather, Tristan, Morgan, and Charlotte at Mill Mountain Zoo. It was perfect weather and Peyton loved the animals - especially the birds! :) Sure do miss these Mama friends!

The zoo sure is exciting and wore. these. boys. out! Once Peyton woke up we played a little golf, road a horsey, and got Ben hugs!

We had dinner plans at Mason and Kylee's house where we partied with Salads, Pizza, and cupcakes! We spent a little time outside and Mason read Peyton a story before we had to head back home - to Mount Airy.

I was in a lot of pain that week, so Thursday morning I went to the doctor and found out I had a pinched nerve in my back. My mom came over Thursday afternoon and stayed through Saturday morning. We were way  more relaxed, Peyton caught up on sleep, his books, and enjoyed being home, and I spend it on a heating pad while my  mom cooked and did dishes. ;) YAY! 

We had a good week but boy was I ready at 1145 PM Saturday when Drew walked through that door!