Bunnies, Eggs, and Easter!!

Easter Sunday is a BIG family tradition at my house. Family & dinner are a must! We went to Easter service at Crosspoint then came home to relax then get started on dinner!! I could not think of a better way to spend such a special time. I have always considered my mother as the "holy roller" of the family. And I am so proud to have her as my mother! Lets just say that she will leave a legacy that will last forever (thank you for a wonderful Easter dinner Mom). I like to call our family gatherings "beautiful chaos" because that's exactly what it entails! Between Cole being terrified of Lucy and Addy taking care of Lucy... to fighting over Easter baskets, reading books, eating cupcakes, cleaning faces/hands after eating cupcakes, hunting Easter eggs, playing ball in the front yard, fighting over who gets what ball.... it all equals beautiful chaos! AND I wouldn't have it any other way! I am blessed beyond words for a family that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ together! WE believe that HE rose again & the grave is empty! Just a few photos of a special Easter in the Simmons' family...

Meg's 31st Birthday!

It feels like yesterday we were "going out on the town" for Meg's birthday party! I can remember the Todd Simpson Band night- the dancing & Meg's favorite, Tom Collins! As we were getting things ready for the BIG 31 this past Saturday we were setting up "riding toys" in the yard for the kids. I believe Blayne said it best, "I feel like we are setting up for a 3 year old's party." It's funny how our priorities change as we get older. You learn that having friends over to have Mexican food & watching the kids play in the yard is much better than a fancy restaurant or wasting your $$ away at the bar. There is nothing like a rocking chair on the front porch watching the kids play! It was such a great time with wonderful friends & family.

And I finally got to meet precious baby Luke! Congrats to Jessica & Brad on this beautiful boy!

Another Shelton Wedding...

The "Shelton State" crew... these girls have been with me through hard times and wonderful times! WE have always stuck together even though we've gone our separate ways throughout the years. After spending two years of college softball together I guess you can say we all became more like sisters than anything. I am so thankful to have known these girls, and I am so blessed to have them in my life! I can truly say that they will be apart of my life forever. I cannot say that about a lot of people.

In November Ashley was married to Pat, and it was a beautiful wedding! Now our sweet L.B. has followed in her footsteps! The wedding was at Rosewood Hall in Pinson, AL. I cannot begin to describe how beautiful Laura was and how proud we all are of her! Congrats to the Mrs. Stephen Glenn! As Ashley said it best, "2 down! 4 to go"! And Leah is next!!! Let the planning begin!!!

"The strength of the group is the strength of the leaders." -Vince Lombardi

So the tradition continues in the Simmons' family... Sports! I can remember growing up at the ballpark watching Brooke, Meg, and Casey play then it was my turn. I can remember it like it was yesterday :) Now I am blessed to watch Addy and Cole (even if it's just cap ball)! This past weekend was the opening ceremony and opening day for the little ones! I know that Addy and Cole will only continue to love sports (it's in their blood)! And although Lucy is too small to play she sure did a great job cheering the crew on in her cheerleading outfit! She was even handing out snacks after the game :) I cannot begin to describe my love for these little ones. They hold my heart in their hands, and I am such a "sucker" for them. I picked Addy and Cole up from daycare yesterday, and the first words out of their mouth were, "WE want pizza!" So, of course, I had to stop and get them some pizza (and candy). They definitely have me wrapped! I do not think it is possible for me to be in a bad mood when I'm around them all. I could have one of the worst days at work and come home to meet Cole in the driveway (so he can finish the drive) and all of that fades away. Being Aunt "TaTa" has and will always be the highlight of my life. I am so proud of them, and I will continue to cheer them on!

"We must be willing to let go of a life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us." - Joseph Campbell

I finally feel as if I have started a "new" journey in my life! I have learned so much in the past six months that I thought I would never have to learn on my own. I have experienced heartbreak, pain, and sorrow. But above all I have overcome obstacles! I have felt joy and happiness in a way that I never knew existed. I went from feeling as if my life were a whirlwind to experiencing a life fulfilled! This quote by Joseph Campbell was and is a constant reminder that a life is not planned by you and I. A life lies only in the hands of one God, one healer, and one redeemer! God has broken me and brought me back to the top. Words cannot describe His unfailing love. I am blessed beyond words.

Each day is a NEW day, and JOY comes in the morning!