John David Pate-3years old

James Daniel Pate-3years old

Monday, October 13, 2014

MOTHER'S DAY 
2014











OH my goodness....what a joy it is raising these crazy kids. 
Mother's Day this year was beautiful. I was able to spend my day with my family, going to church, eating lunch together and swimming and playing for the remainder of the day. Just another simple day... but one I treasure. So I thank God for today's blessing in a happy, healthy family.  

There are so many days, however, that I think I want a "do over" or just want to erase from the memory bank. Because my self sufficiency says that I am not good enough and don't do enough for these babies. My ugliness and brokenness says that I have to perform perfectly for validation that I have worth, and I am valuable for them. I once thought I have to show them "super spiritual"  to show them a big Faith and boldness in Jesus...which is so far from the truth! 
I had it so completely backwards. If I am focused on being "super mom" (meeting the demands and unattainable perfection that I talk myself into) how in the world are they going to see my "super GOD"....
 I have confused my hats. I don't wear the hat of Savior, I wear the hat of Momma. So my role is clearly defined for me. But if I am listening to the wrong voice, I quickly become confused in my "calling"....
So I have realized a few things as I reflect over my days as "momma"... 
God has not called me to be a perfect momma, or a flawless woman without all my messy brokenness, (The world has)...God has not called me to play a role for the purpose of popularity among my peers....(The world has)....God has not called me to over-extend my schedule and live a rushed lifestyle.....(The world has)....Because the ultimate goal in motherhood should be for Momma to point her children to Jesus. And the only way to do that, is through living real, authentic life for them to experience through my surrendering of my self sufficiency to Him. 
So today, I thank God for making me who I am in HIM first and foremost, and I also thank Him for making me "Momma" because in my 5 children I see His grace poured out all over my life. 

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Boys are 4yr old Graduates!!

THANK YOU CASA...
For the love and learning you shared in these lil guys' lives..










Happy Times. 
SO grateful for the placement of this pre-school program....
These ladies mean more to us than just child care providers. They are true friends and we have a special relationship with many of them. 


Spring has Sprung!

Spring has Sprung!

Coach Oliver stopped by Daddy's office for an interview....to talk about what an AUsome dude our Daddy is!
The production crew from Philadelphia that is putting together the highlight video of the doctors receiving awards at the AOA National Conference, set up their equipment in the Optical department of his office. 




No words. Lol! Daddy and his lil "bunny clown"...


WE LOVE playing outside when the weather is so nice and warm.
YAY for sunshine. It has been a LOOOOONNNG winter!





When Ellie has piano, and Becky has special dates with the boys, Jenna and Mommy take Gus to the tennis courts to play. Some of my most favorite memories from this time of year, is spending an afternoon with just Jenna and this crazy dog. She loves him. And I love her. LOL!



Berry Track Meet.
Go Claire and Riles!

Her actual "birthday day" and she said, "Well, school all day and gymnastics all night, so what do we do to celebrate my real birthday day....???"
And of course she suggested Cracker Barrel...JUST MOMMY and ELLIE!

I love my three girls. They are all so uniquely different. One of them wouldn't be the same without the other two. They are truly a great lil team. I am thankful for girl treat days when we all get to just hang out and be together. Sweet Frog is a frequent outing for us. 

Just shopping...
For lunch boxes..
Since we LOST all three of them....

 These boys played baseball all the time together. They loved it. Such precious memories they made. Super thankful my Dad and Rosey spent the time investing in their little lives each weekend with the Miracle League baseball weekends. 

PRAISE THE LORD
What better way to sum up the Spring Season other than share the most amazing news we have...
My Dad and stepmom were Baptized! I with there was audio here on these pics so we could re-listen to the joyous profession these two made. Folks in the congregation were clapping, and crying and truly experienced the love of Christ through watching my dad and Rosey get baptized. 
A year ago this time we were praying so hard for Rosey to find a job and for them to find a house, and really just for God to line everything up for them....and our intent was all for our own selfish reasons. We just wanted them here close to us. We never prayed for God to bring them here to bring them to their own salvation, we just prayed for the details that allowed them to move back closer to us because we missed them. So that is the beauty of our Lord. He brings them back to Alabama, and we think it is all for us.....when really, it is ALL FOR HIM!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!