Day 4,270

The Homeschool Forest Club

Day 2,161

The Northwestern Bound

Spokaaaaaaaaaane!

And that means we finally get to meet Baby Monroe! Life is good. And so is this precious babe - my first niece!

Day 2,159

The Day’s Work

Bird feeders. 

Stroller rider. 



Food crusher. 

Crying laughter. 

Bullpen climbers. 

Flame thrower. 

Punchout screamers. 

Dad threw 1.1 innings last night and struck out 3, while continuing to throw hard. 

Day 2,158

The Reinforcements Have Arrived

They’re here! They’re here! Auntie Ellie came with two of her boys to spend some time with us (and to watch our kids while Mama and Dada went on a date, which we haven’t had since, uh, yeah. That). So grateful! Plus, we got to meet the new tiny babe, Asher!!! Three months of solid chunk who’s eyes’ll melt your heart. 

This will melt it too! Conley 5 in their jerseys for the first time this season! And Bearett sporting the lizard and gun, because: boy. 

This kid yells at the tv for Uncle Adam and LOVES watching the game at home. Fact: he can hit almost as good as Bearett. 

Although Bear has come quite a long way!! And Ella Mae walked a long way too! Come here, girlfriend! We need those squishy hugs!



Five under five. 

Two hours alone. 

She’s a real life pro. 

Thank you so much Ellie. 

Day 2,147

The Future Mrs. Higdon

Auntie Shelby is getting married! And you better believe we're excited for her! We spent the morning showering her with love and support, giggles and gifts. 

And this genius game summed it all up...

Properly put on the correct article of clothing...while blindfolded...wearing oven mitts...and then keep all the gifts!! Oh what fun! Ha!

It was an honor to celebrate you, Sissy. You're a radiant and gorgeous bride-to-be and we look forward with great expectation to the marriage you will soon enjoy with Spencer. Thank you for being such a sweet blessing to each of us and for letting us come alongside you to build you up before you begin your new life as a Higdon. 

Cheers, Sissy!!

We sure love you. 

____________

In other news, Amelia peed in 4 outfits yesterday. So there's that. My potty trained little girl was just a bit TOO preoccupied with the fun of her family that she ignored nature's call until it was running down her legs. Mind you, I had zero spare clothes for her, so she ended up in cousin Bearett's big boy clothes. Oh, the life with a two year old!

Outfit #2

Outfit #3

Outfit #4

Outfit #1. Tada!

Day 2,142

The Spokane Sissys

And here we go again! 

Where we going this time, Mama? 

Hey Dada, stop making fun!

________

But to answer your question, we're going to Spokane!

GRANDMA! BEARETT!

ELLIE! NANA! HUNTER! PARKER! CHARLIE! 

Weeeeeeeee! This is so much fun guys!

Day Two Thousand and Sixty-Five

The Sixth 2017 Start

 

If I were choosing to be flippant, this is what I would say yesterday amounted to; that it started off this way...and ended this way too. But instead, I will say that while it was crappy and hard and exhausting and everything I basically didn't want it to be, it wasn't for nothing. 

Before we could even understand how the day would unfold, the Lord knew. And in his mercy and kindness, he brought our pastor and his wife down to Miami for what we thought would just be a fun night enjoying the game together. Instead, they brought wisdom and truth and tenderness and rebuke - all of which I didn't know we needed.  

 

Adam was optioned to AAA last night. 

Back to the city I thought I'd never have to see again. He's not pitched good enough this season and he's obviously aware of it and pursuing the issues. And though most everything about this is challenging me and I'm fighting it hard, somewhere beyond my feelings is truth that I need to choose to focus on. 

  

I don't know what the Lord has planned for us. I don't know what tomorrow holds or the logistics that will make this "work." If I'm being honest, I'm really struggling. This season has already been difficult for us due to the schedule the Marlins have endured this first month. And just as I thought it was going to start slowing down - meaning that their schedule has them home a lot this next month - he gets sent down to New Orleans the very day he gets back. It's a crushing feeling and I'm asking for prayer. 

On top of it, it was Ellie and Parker's last night here and I hate having to say goodbye to them. 

Thankfully, we all were able to have some intentional, serious, God-honoring conversations last night alongside Pastor Phillip and Miss Tawnyia, which really helped to ease the burden and bring light to realities that seemed far away in the moment. 

_______

Adam has 3 days to report to New Orleans. He needs to figure whatever it is out and perform well before a promotion back to Miami will be an option.