learning lessons the hard way

These days it seems my children are all learning lessons the hard way. For instance playing in the trunk of a car is not smart (this was discovered AFTER she fell out), complaining about sharing will not get you more it actually gets you less, and ofcourse crummy attitudes will not result in getting your way...in fact just the opposite. Parenting would be so much easier if our children actually listened and took in everything we told them the FIRST time around. Wow...that sounds so familiar. What if I, as a child of God actually listened to what He was saying the first time around?? How many times does He have to repeat himself or get my attention via discipline?? yikes....

endings and beginnings

July and August brought new milestones and new beginnings throughout the grizzard gang. Avery began his 3rd month and with that came coos, smiles, giggles and wiggles. JT took the leap from kindergarten to FIRST grade! (w0w) Alexis started fourth grade and with that came several opportunities and privileges. and Alyssa has entered the wonderful world of middle school! oh my! There was also, a job change for Dad.


The days were also filled with more visits from family. In July Papa Grizzard, Aunt Sherri, Scott and Caylee came to visit from South Carolina. And AmMaw Battles, Uncle Larry and Aunt Bobbie drove down from Alabama to see in August. It was awesome for them to be able to meet A and also be able to share some time with us in our FL home. This was the first time any of them had been to visit since we moved almost 2 years ago. Some of my favorite moments were watching my grandmother spend time with her youngest great grandson. Those moments are priceless!! And of course I had her make her yummy green beans while she was here--one of these days I will get the hang of it!!

The older kids all adjusted back into the school routine quickly. Lexi and JT have to get up at the crack of dawn to get off to school and Alyssa gets to sleep in a little later. Funny thing is, she is often up and out the door over 30 minutes before she has to be. There is something excitingly cool about hanging out in our garage at 7 am these days :)

As I write this looking back, I know I am leaving out a lot of moments that were experienced. Here are some of the highlights.....avery is quite the smiley little guy and has gotten the nickname grinny benny (was able to capture an awesome pic of his big grins at 8 weeks!), those grins are turning to giggles now and he lights up when he sees mom, dad, big sisters and big bro. The girls are becoming quite the little helpers...Lexi has given herself the title "little mommy" and she boasts that she can do everything I do, except feed him :) I have threatened to wake her up for one of A's all night parties to put her to the test. Speaking of all-nighters...avery has a habit of choosing to be awake and bubbly at all hours of the night! It is hard to be upset over lost sleep when I am spending the time, with a happy, healthy little joy. In August Avery and fam went on his very first road trip, and the older kids enjoyed spending some with friends we don't get to see much. Much fun was had!! Here a few pictures of some of the highlights and check out the video of Avery's chat with ammaw :)