July 2014

I can't believe how quickly this month has passed by, but we've had some fun.  We have enjoyed the pool in our backyard and I finally got some pictures.

Zeke got to build a tent in the living room with Daddy, which he thought was such an adventure!

Gregg had to travel for work last week, so the kids and I headed up to Alpharetta.  We stayed for a week and filled it with activities, appointments, and fun.  I know Wynna and Papa were partly glad to have some quiet time when we left!

All the kids have enjoyed climbing the stairs at Wynna and Papa's over the years.  Here is Adalynn taking her turn...

We also got to spend time with Jared, Jami, Kariss, Sophia, and Harper and our friends, the Moshers.

Zeke got to go on his "special date with Wynna" that he earned.  They rode the train at North Point Mall, in addition to riding the carousel and playing in the play area at the mall.  He had a blast!

Church at Perimeter and lunch at the Atlanta Athletic Club...

Here are a few from the day Jami and the girls came over.  I didn't get any of the other kids because I had to leave to go pick up my car at the shop, but I got a few of Adalynn before everyone arrived!  She's also modeling her new (size 5) shoes.  Her feet have grown 2 sizes since spring!

Now we are home and it's already time to start planning Zeke's first day of Pre-K.  How can that be?  I'll be sure to write a post about our homeschooling experiences!

I hope you all are doing well and enjoying your summer!

4th of July

Well, this was Adalynn's attitude about Mommy taking pictures of them in their 4th of July outfits!  We actually were driving to Arcadia, FL on July 4th for Dadder Poo's service, so I staged these photos today!

I got a couple of sweet ones of her right after she ate lunch...

Then we headed out to the farmer's market and I decided to try to take some outside when we got home. Both kids decided this was not a good idea!

So, I decided to try to take some in the playroom.  You will see the progression of the heart shaped puzzle piece as a chew toy.  Then, you will see Adalynn looking at me like I must be crazy.  Oh well, at least I captured some of their personalities!

And here are a couple of collages I made to sum up this silly impromptu photo session...

Happy 4th of July!

Galatians 5:13 ~ "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Celebrating life!

James Forrester Hall

We were honored to have the opportunity to travel to Arcadia, Florida to celebrate the life of Gregg's dad. He went to be with Jesus Saturday, June 28, 2014.  He lived 83 years and ran his race well.

Gregg had the opportunity to speak at the service. God placed Galatians 5:22-23 on his heart.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,self-control; against such things there is no law."

As Gregg reflected on the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in our lives, he saw these qualities in his dad.  He decided to talk specifically about joy and faithfulness at the service.  He described his dad's contagious smile. Those who knew him and met him felt joy just by being around him.  He also showed faith "like a child" as they say!  Gregg told the story about how his dad heard from the Lord about how to pray during bad weather.  Dadder Poo (as we all call him), would always say, "The Holy Spirit told me I was doing a good job praying against hurricanes, but needed to do a better job praying against tornadoes."  Well, we cannot tell you how many storm cells God has moved because of Dadder Poo's prayers, and now Gregg, mine, and Zeke's.  Gregg and I have literally watched tornadoes fizzle out on the radar as we have prayed.  How amazing to see his legacy of faith continue here on earth!

He prayed for all of his family, and probably many of you.  He prayed for a tree in their yard...yes, a tree that had died during hurricane Charlie.  Dadder Poo laid hands on it, and that tree is standing strong today!  He showed his children what it means to love and serve the Lord.  Now, he has 7 grandchildren, all of whom we pray will continue his ministry. 

Here are some more pictures from the service.  The singers from Dadder Poo's church, New Day Baptist, sang a few songs and Pastor Ken, Dadder Poo's prayer partner and brother in Christ, spoke.

A few of the family over the course of our visit there:

 

Gregg with his sister, Stacey and cousin, Rob

Now, I want to share some photos from his life.  Let's begin with his high school and years serving in the United States Marines:

 College and marriage to Ada Bea:

Their growing family:

James Forrester Hall II

Gregory Kenton Hall

Stacey Fayrene Hall

Over the years:

His mother, Lillian Poole (Nanny)

Children, sons/daughters-in-law, and grandchildren:

With his brother, Raymond Hall and sister-in-law, Debbie Hollingsworth

One last thing.  Of course, you have noticed how much Gregg looks like his dad.  I noticed the similarities between our wedding photos, so I had to do a collage!

We know there is victory over death for those who are in Christ, so we celebrate Gregg's dad's move to his eternal home.  We will see him again, and we are thankful he isn't suffering any longer.  We continue to pray for his mom as she makes this huge transition, and would appreciate your prayers as well.  Of course, we will miss him on earth, but we know he is completely healed, whole, and free to worship at the feet of Jesus.  Hallelujah!