Simple Moments Make Memories

Berkley sleeping after a fun day at Mima and Papa's. He was asleep 5 minutes after we'd left. He'd worked hard digging in the sand pile and working in the garden.

A moment with Meredith at a cousin's shower. I love my little Miss!

Meredith and Berkley have slept in their own beds since birth, and I count my blessings for that. But, recently Meredith has discovered the joy of cuddling in bed with mommy and daddy. She asks to get in bed with us at least once a day just to "rest" she says.

Berkley went to the dentist to have his first cavity filled. It was traumatic for both Berkley and for me. Berkley bit the inside and outside of his lip like crazy before the numbing shot wore off. His lip was so swollen. I'm so thankful that's behind us!

Tuesday was a beautiful day here in eastern NC, so beautiful that we even had to get our dog Larry outside to enjoy it with us.

We have 12 foot pool in the backyard, but a washer tub is what they ended up playing in.

Captured a little fun with Joe-Joe. They argue over who gets to sit on his lap.

Mima and Meredith

Look at this precious picture of my sweet Meredith with her wonderful Mima! I had to post it! This was at a recent shower for Steven's cousin, Rhonda, who will be getting married in August. This weekend i actually took Meredith to three different showers and I think Meredith really enjoyed the girl time! And I think that Mima and I both enjoyed showing her off a bit...she is pretty cute and all. The twins LOVE their Mima and she is truly a blessing to our family. You can just see the love:)

One Last Father's Day Tribute

Couldn't resist posting some of my favorite pictures of me with my daddy. I love this picture of daddy holding me on the day I was born. I love how big his hands are compared to how tiny I am. My birth was an exhausting 48 hour ordeal for my mother and she says my daddy was standing beside her the whole time. She said that I was so tiny (I was a premie and weighed a little less than 5 lbs) that my dad was scared to hold me. I think I remember her telling me the doctors had to pin him up to the wall to get him to hold me at first. Looks like settled right in though:) So glad someone captured this moment. I remember this picture so well. I was so proud to have my daddy beside me. He couldn't walk unassisted anymore and he was concerned about messing up my dress with his walker. We found this chair and I didn't hesitate for a second to get down on my knees beside him and hold his hand. And this picture, well, I just love it. It represents how I picture my daddy in my head. He's this larger than life, healthy, strong man with a wide "Griffin gap" smile. I miss that smile, but I'll see it again one day!

While We're Talking About Family

Here are some amazing portraits by Inner Banks Photography of our Manning clan on Mother's Day 2012. I think we're a beautiful bunch, but I'm a little biased:)

I Just Love These Kiddos

Tractor Time

So thankful for my father-in-law today. Meredith says it best, "Papa is a hard working man." And I'm thankful my children have a grandfather who is teaching them the value of hard work, the beauty of working the land and getting your hands a little dirty. He is a godly leader in our family, his church, and his community. Tonight, we are thankful for Papa! And Berkley is especially thankful for tractor time with Papa:)

Father's Day 2012

A lot of folks have asked me how I am doing today, my first Father's Day without my dad. Well, it truly has been a good day. I have missed my daddy and I have cried for him, but I know he is experiencing so much joy right now. I am consoled by the knowledge that I had such a wonderful daddy who was so special that I just can't help but miss him. I am also consoled by my thankfulness for the awesome father-in-law God has blessed me with (who just so happens to be the best grandfather my kids could ask for) as well as celebrating the godly father that Steven is. God has blessed me richly! Steven even said it was a great day; we enjoyed time with our church family this morning, then the kids cuddled in bed for awhile with us before lunch, then lunch and play time at Deadwood with Steven's family, followed by time in the pool with the twins, and topped off with a movie night! What a perfect day!