Good times with Reese and Abby.. a bit delayed

I have been meaning to do this post for a while now, so I am happy to finally take the time for it :) While living in Sacramento, I was blessed with an opportunity to watch a little girl named Reese who is only 1 month older than Bailee and occasionally her older sister Abby. I grew to love these girls and their wonderful parents like family and I loved how great of little friends Bailee and Reese became. Once we moved to Tennessee, we were driving to the store and Bailee was excitedly shouting "Reese house! Reese house!" thinking we were going there. It was so sweet and made me miss the two of them together. We sure miss them but are grateful for the time we were able to be together. We now have friends for a long time and hope that when we go back to visit we will be able to get the girls together again :)

The last day we were together

 

 

It amazes me how much they grew in less than a year

brief update

I think a lot about things I would like to blog about and how I would love to share more than just a picture and quick note here and there. I have realized though that if and when I actually sit down to write something, Bailee is instantly at my side and wa+nt+i+6n+6g+6 to "help"... as you can see in the word wanting.... I have often wondered how many mothers of multiple children keep a regular blog that is extensive and has crafts and activities that I can only dream of doing..one day... Most only get as far as being on a board on pinterest for me. Now that Dave is gone from 8 am to 10 or 11 pm and comes home for about an hour for dinner, I have realized how much I depend on him for support and strength. As our family dynamics have changed with him in school, we knew things would be tough and we wouldn't have as much time together, but I can see how our relationship as a family has grown stronger and we really make the most of what time we do have. We are grateful for the many blessings that have come as well as the challenges in being here right now. Overall we love it and just continue to rely upon our faith in the Lord each day.
Bailee is at an age that is busy, entertaining, and explosive in her understanding of the world around her and we love it. One of my favorite things lately is to walk by her room after putting her to bed and hearing her "read" her books by the light of her night light. Once she is asleep and I come into her room to make sure she is in her bed, I find books sprawled out on her bed and floor from her late night "reading" :)
Dave is doing well in his nursing program and amazes me with how little sleep he can function off of. He goes to bed after me and wakes up before and has not gotten sick! Coming here on COMPLETE faith for the program he is in, was never a concern for us and now that we have seen how great it is, we know that the Lord has guided us here for more than just his education. We are grateful for this time to be far from those we are comfortable with (although we do miss family and friends) because it has allowed us to break from our shells a bit more and grow in our relationships with one another as well as our Heavenly Father.

Relaxing on the porch

 

Zoo

 

One of two favorite activities this summer. This was one of few times Dave was able to go with us.

Bailee's other favorite activity right now. She LOVES to draw and always wants
help and daddy is great at drawing animals for her :)