Watching Daddy Mow

Friday night Matt needed to mow so for some entertainment we decided to watch him.  The kids brought out blankets and books and Luke tried to help him with his mini-mower.  Pardon his bare cheeks (they are so cute though!), we were letting his diaper rash air out.



The flower was her microphone

Getting ahead in his class reading - while rocking some awesome yellow shades

Even sweaty and dirty, she's still the prettiest little thing!

Family movie night

One mattress. One movie. 4 people. Perfection.

Love

Sometimes when I watch my kids love each other it makes me teary. This was a moment of wrestling in the grass that ended up being a hug full of giggles. Blessed am I.

Happy Mothers Day, Mom

Us Scoggins are notoriously late to get cards/presents in the mail.  I could give you a list of excuses on why my moms card is going to be ridiculously late...

Let me tell you a little about my mom. She did a fantastic job raising us 5 children.  Yeah, I said 5.  Having 3 I realize what a HUGE task that is.  I am so thankful for all of the sacrifices she made, and her love is a direct reason for why I am who I am today.

But what I really want to tell you about is who she is now.  Her kids are grown, they have left the nest (except for JohnMark who just moved back!).  Mom answers the phone when I call, no matter if shes in the grocery store or wherever.  And I call her at least once if not twice a day.  She knows my children because of our talks - distance keeps us from being face to face nearly enough.  I know her too.  Any given week I can tell you what she's cooking for Bible Study because she asked for my input.  She prays for me on a daily basis.  She prays for Matt, Noah, Ella, and Luke too.  She is an encourager.  She always has scripture or a good word to point me in the right direction.  She is a step in grandma for so many children of the church's staff wives.  She leads many, many, many people between her One to One Sunday school minstry and Bible study.  She meets with people weekly to pray and encourage them, or to simply listen.  She speaks at womens events.  She allows God to use her for His glory.  She sneaks french fries off of other people plates because "they don't count since she didn't order them."  She is fit.  And beautiful.  She look so much younger than her age.  She loves my dad and her support to him is a huge part of his ministry.  She can't eat peanuts.  She still wears capri pants.  She is a wonderful daughter to her parents....  This list could go on and on!

Follower of Christ.  Supporter/love of Steve. Ever present Mom to the Fab 5.  Nana to a growing brood.  Mentor to single women.  Fill in Nana for many.  Sunday School teacher and Bible study leader.  Friend to all.  Lover or tootsie rolls and hot tamales. 

That's a little of who my mom is.  This mothers day I honor you, Mom.  I love you to the moon and back.  I'll always be your girl.

My blessings

I'm a mom.  It's my biggest accomplishment.  The name that I am called most.  The thing that makes me crazy and ridiculously happy in the same moment.  I have caught throw up in my hands.  I have laughed with my children til I've almost peed.  I have watched their eyes change as they discover something new.  I have lost so much sleep that my body is used to being sleep deprived.  They think I am SO much smarter than I really am.   I have fixed boo-boos (so many I can't count).  I know them. They are beautiful, each in their own way.  They humble me.  They make me want to be a better person. They make me be self-less.  I know their likes and needs. I know how to make them laugh and when to just rest my hand on them to let them know I'm there.  Every day I fall more in love. 

This mothers day I don't want presents (even though Daddy took them to the Family Dollar to pick out somethings for me - I think I'm getting a new strainer).  I want to recognize the gift I have in each day being their mother.  I am blessed beyond measure to be Mom.  Mama.  Ma-Ma.    I'll love you forever my Noah, my Ella, and my Luke.

Pre-Airport - The Afternoon in Atlanta!

Before we headed to the Atlanta airport to welcome Will, Bek, and Israel, we met up with Nana and played around in downtown Atlanta.  We had a quick walk through Centinnial Park, Lunch at the CNN center food court (where we met two Ethiopia ladies, and one was named Biruk!), and the afternoon at the Atlanta Equarium.  It was a great day!!!

HOME Forever!!!

Saturday we got to be there when Will, Bekah, and Israel came off the plane.  I am so undeniably, crazily, wonderfully, happy for them to finally be HOME.  Forever!!!!  The end to one journey and the beginning of another!  These are some of the pictures from the big day:

Patiently waiting!

I cannot tell you how much I have longed for this moment for my sister and Will.  I feel so honored to have been there!

Israel smiled and laughed at Noah and Ella

The McGee FAMILY!!!

The welcoming comittee + McGees

Our family!

I am so glad that these knuckleheads are my brothers.  I love them to pieces.

Getting ready for the airport!

I can't believe the day is almost here! This weekend we will head to the airport to meet our nephew/cousin Israel. Rebekah and Will are in Ethiopia right now getting ready to bring him home. I admire them so much. For their heart. For the way they have been transparent through this adoption process. For the way they have glorified God through the ups and downs. For the love for this precious beautiful boy that I've seen these past few months. I am so proud to be Israel's aunt. And so glad he is in our family-forever!! These are pictures of Noah and Ella getting their welcome home posters ready. If you want to see pictures of Israel and hear more of their story go to www.yestoadoption.blogspot.com.