Tidbits of our life.....

Maddox makes us laugh with her nonchalant observations....most recently she stated, "You know, if you have a motorcycle, you really shouldn't drive it through a carwash!"  True.

Maryn, after 11 months of being home, now goes to bed without tears.  In China, she made it especially clear to us on our first night together that her being in a crib was quite an insult and she had no intention of sleeping anywhere but in the bed with us.  So, being that she is our fifth child, and we were in China with two other children who needed their beauty rest, we obliged and Maryn slept with us.  And then we arrived at our temporary home (my parents' home) and she was once again clear on letting us know that she would be sleeping with us - no room for bargaining!  We put the crib mattress beside our bed and there she slept for the next two months....she would wake up and I would rub her hand to let her know all was well and we needed some rest stat!  Then we transitioned her to her bed in our new home in her own room....but, I have held her every night and she has fallen peacefully asleep on my shoulder.  And I would not have changed any part of that deal.  It has been the one time in the day that I have with just her and no interruptions.  I have gotten to just love on her and make her laugh and talk with her and then feel her drift off to sleep.  Pure heaven.  And now, she just chooses to stay awake mostly until Ryan takes her up for bed.....and she asks me every night, "Mommy, you be here in the morning?"  And I happily tell her I will absolutely be here in the morning!

We continue to do school.  We got a later start with this school year due to many factors and, honestly, we had a few days in there that we just pulled our feet slowly behind us.  I am so very thankful for this past year though it was by far the hardest year yet - adding a baby, moving, homeschooling five children in all grade levels (9th, 6th, 2nd, Pre K, and baby), well, it has been tough, but we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and we look forward to a few changes for the upcoming school year!

We got a new van, new car smell and all.  It wasn't in our immediate plans and we have had to make some adjustments but it was pretty much inevitable.  200,000 miles, 10 years old, and no AC in the southern heat....geez.  We have had it two weeks and it now has its first official ding....

Maddox is a fast little swimmer!  Cannot wait to see her in her first meet!  And MK is doing her first IM - she is so nervous yet we know she can do it well!  The boys are off this week with church serving in our community....such good growing experiences for them and I pray everyday that they touch others they meet.

Maryn Gentry

This baby girl warms my heart.....

 she is the epitome of sass....

 and yet the sweetest little bit there is!

 Her laugh does and will continue to carry her far....

 Pray big, dream big and reach for the stars, little one!