We have thoroughly enjoyed a family day!! I must say we are blessed to have lots of them. David’s classes are narrowed to only Tuesdays and Wednesdays this semester, and with him working at chrch he doesn’t have to be away during the week. Of course, I love my job (working 10 days a month = full time. . . really!).

So, we had a lazy morning and all 3 of us just snuggled and played in bed (David got to feel our active little one as she joined in the fun). Then we read lots and had our family devotions, a yummy breakfast, and some more playtime. Colt and I made some “too-rich” cookie/brownie mix. . . we are definitely going to have to have some friends over to help eat that (and get it out of the house before we eat it!).

Then we realized it’s warmer today!! Yay! So, we loaded up and treated the dog to a walk at the park. . . I think it was a treat for Colt to be outside too of course. I couldn’t resist the picture taking. I’m a sucker for natural light, and don’t much like to take pictures inside. Hence. . . the recent lack of blogging and photos on my end.

Enjoy!




(getting ready for all the pink and girly things!!)

No real New Year’s Resolutions this year besides what the Lord keeps laying on my heart, giving me desires for, and continuing to convict me to work towards – knowing Him and making Him known.

So, I’m reading the Word in a new light. Not with the mindset to read daily so I can say I “read the whole Word through this year”. . . but I’m reading it to be CHANGED. I want to KNOW HIM MORE.

The other conviction is to “make Him known.” If David and I have such a burden for the lost overseas in tribal/unreached areas. . . why not the lost surrounding us daily ALL THE MORE, now?! David Platt speaks a lot of biblical truth on this subject in his book “Radical.”

Something David and I were reading this past week keeps coming back to me. In Mark 10 Jesus tells the rich young man to sell all he has and follow Christ. This is obviously a tough command to follow that seems a bit extreme. . . especially to Christians in America. The beauty of this conversation is in Mark 10:21, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” What a WONDERFUL phrase! Luke 12 echoes this theme of love where Jesus tells his disciples to sell what they have and give to the poor. BUT right before that He said, “do not be afraid, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” !!! Christ isn’t condemning riches. They aren’t inherently bad, but it is nearly impossible to be COMPLETELY dependent and trusting in the Father when you have an abundance of wealth and riches. . . right? I can’t argue there.

When Platt preached a message on this at his chrch, a wealthy man approached him and said point-blank, “I think you’re crazy for saying some of the things you are saying. . . but I think you’re right. And so now I think I’m crazy for thinking some of things I’m thinking!” He described how he was selling his large house and had decided to give away many of his other possessions. He talked about the needs he wanted to invest his resources in for the glory of Christ. Then he said (AND THIS IS WHERE I CAN ECHO THIS MAN) “I wonder at some points if I’m being irresponsible or unwise. But then I realize there is never going to come a day when I stand before the Father and HE LOOKS AT ME AND SAYS, I WISH YOU WOULD HAVE KEPT MORE FOR YOURSELF.”

If I were to question for just a minute if I were being irresponsible or unwise, I just picture standing before the Lord. Would He really say, “Haley, you should have kept more for yourself.” (Just in case He couldn’t provide right?)

“Lay up treasures in heaven where moth and rust won’t corrupt, and where thieves won’t break in and steal. . . for where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”

We are having Christmas in WV this week (maybe a “little” late?), and it has been lots of fun so far! We had a big birthday dinner last night with the Curry Family and I do believe (as my Dad told the table next to us), the restaurant WILL put us in our own room next time. 25 people and little ones that don’t know how to appreciate a 5 course fancy meal make for a lively dinner party! There was lots of love and laughter though! Wouldn’t have traded it for anything – so glad we could be there!

There is still some snow left on the ground here too, and since we were out of town for the big 7-8 inches that Wake Forest got during Christmas, this is really Colt’s first time playing in it! He loved the “purple sled” for some reason? And had a blast sledding and throwing snowballs with Daddy and Papaw. This was AFTER they fed the cows and I learned that they had been throwing cow patties at each other too. . . ?! Really guys? Come on. . .




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This was our Christmas present to Colt this year. . . BUNK BEDS!! He loves them, and I really think he sleeps better too! The mattress IS super comfy. Usually, if either David or I lay down with him “for a few minutes” we end up falling asleep! It’s been fun though, and thankfully he doesn’t like to get on the top without one of us. I’m sure that will change in the years to come though 🙂

He did help Daddy put them together of course. . .

We decided to get out of the house this morning and let the kiddos burn some energy. It was good to get some fresh air, but it was definitely a bit nippy! It’s been fun to have the family together. The kids are getting along well and I think the brothers are for the most part 🙂 By the way, 3 of the 4 “daughters” are expecting! How fun is that? Should be fun next year!

The whole gang (except Mama T and Daddy D of course) –

One sweet little Jack –

Like father like son –

Our precious little guy –

Caily helped walk the doggies 🙂



Colt helping push the babies –

The crazy Texans –

Sweet baby girl –

Watching Uncle Daniel fish –

Colt didn’t want Lexi to have to walk anymore –

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Gingerbread House Making

The Littles really enjoyed this. Caily was very into the decorating part, but the other 3 were more into the eating-the-candy part! 🙂 You can see the pics of each holding their own decorated cookie. Colt had about 3 pieces on his – the rest were in his stomach. Crazy kid. They had a blast though! Caily pointed out that we were “making a birthday for Jesus!” So, we all sang Happy Birthday Jesus and I guess His cake is a gingerbread house (made with LOTS of love)?

This is pretty much the extent of my Christmas decorations this year. Sad, I know. But, when all hope that pregnancy #2 will be better than the first (on the sickness scale that is) are dashed. . . things like this just get put on the back burner. That’s right, Baby Miles #2 will be here on his/her Daddy’s birthday – June 12th. I’m almost to week 15. I must say I am feeling better this week though! So, thank you Lord 🙂

It’s been another humbling and teaching experience as far as this “trial.” Hard to keep your focus on the many blessings and joys of life (and not strongly dislike those preggos that don’t experience any hardship during their “9 months of bliss”) when the nausea and vomiting just won’t stop. BUT, the Father uses little things like helping through my shifts at work – those were some of my ‘best’ days! And showing me people who don’t have sight, or warmth during the winter, or parents/husbands who love them!

David has been awesome by the way! He has really done so much – without as much as a murmur or complaint. 4 years ago today he asked me to marry him. . . I would say “YES!” again in a heartbeat (wonder if he would ask again?) haha.

Well, here are a few of the pictures that Mom and I tried to get. I must say we had high expectations, but 2 year old cousins that just want to play together don’t really do pictures that well. If only a messy room full of toys would be a good back drop. . .

DJ, Julie, and Connor came up for a few days about 2 weeks ago now, but I’m just posting this video. The boys had such a good time and played so well together! When Colt watches this he says, “I want to play with Connor!” Loved having all of them and look forward to seeing them at Christmas!