Joe

 Happy 22nd Birthday, Joe!!

And here are 22 random facts for ya;

insanely competitive 

holds the record in our family for the kid with the most sets of stitches (8 sets)

is in the middle of his senior year at Grace University 

owns a motorcycle

doesn't like chocolate

plays basketball for GU

the 4th boy in the lineup of Beasley guys

hard worker

pretty much good at anything he sets his mind to do

took the most trips to the emergency room

has a love/hate relationship with barb-wire fences

went to Bolivia on a missions trip

scored 32 points in a single basketball game

owned a cherished gerbil..that is until it met it's untimely, tragic, death (ask him the story sometime..lol)

owns an iPhone

can sleep through anything

spends time making his girl, Rachel, feel very special

loves God

flew out to VA, with Esther to visit while I was out there--resulting in one of the best times. ever

my "partner-in-crime" when we were little

quite creative when he wants to be;)

another awesome brother

Love ya, bro!

"...be strong, show yourself a man, 

and observe what the LORD your God requires: 

Walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands, 

His laws and requirements..." 1 Kings 2:2-3

Better late than never, right?

Stephen's actual birthday was August 10th. We finally celebrated it in September, and I'm finally blogging about it in October. Whew, does time ever fly these days!

I can't really remember the name of this place. But I do know that Mom got the tickets for really cheap and we finally had a date that worked with the whole family's schedule.

This place included; Go-carts, mini golf, lazer-tag, pizza and basketball trampoline things. 

Go-carts were the biggest hit I'd say.

Next came the mini golf...

Phillip and I were on the same team for the first game. We were neck and neck the whole game, and I wanted to beat him. so. stinkin'. bad. But no. He won the first game by one measly point. So the second round we had to be on the same team again so I could beat him. Again, very close.

I lost. By ONE point. My little brother beat me. Again. Ugh.

My foot never came off the gas pedal and the carts still didn't go very fast...but it was still quite fun as we made the best of it!

Spending time together is priceless. Live it and love it!

Who wouldn't smile?

...if you drove past this on your way home from work?

It has been a month or so since the little boys put on their lemonade stand. But it was too cute not to share with you!

 All 3 of my younger brothers are playing basketball this year and so raising money for their player fees has been at the forefront of their minds. What better idea than a lemonade stand to earn some cash? Well, I could think of several, but they were excited and that goes a long way with little boys:) They were all gung-ho while they loaded up the stuff, hopes high...and they were elated when they returned! Their hopes were not disappointed, apparently our neighbors tip well... *smile*

Daddy

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

My father is amazing. I know everyone always says that, but it's REALLY true this time. And if you know him, you'd agree!

As an early riser, he's the first one out of bed in the morning, and he pulls us out too for early family devotions before he leaves for work. He has shown by his example that a relationship with God is a daily walk.

You should hear him teach on the Old Testament. It comes alive and suddenly very applicable and practical to our lives.

Dad, I'm so thankful and grateful to and for you. Your steady leadership in our family, your sweet tender love for Mom, your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, your daily interaction in us kids' lives. You. are. the. best.

And I hope this year is better then the last!!! I love you!

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness', 

made is light shine in our hearts to give us the light 

of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay 

to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 

1 Corinthians 4:6-7

(and as a side note; he stayed up late last night finishing the remodeling of our bathroom...stay tuned for pictures)

Caleb and Abby

Happy Anniversary!

 Wow, has it really been four years since that beautiful day? The way you honored God in your relationship, and the way you continue to let Him guide you in your marriage, is such a testimony to me and countless others!

Your home is a haven and a wonderful place to be.

God is the center of your relationship.

Thank you for loving Him first.

Some of you have been asking for an update of my family...and what better place to start then with my oldest brother, Caleb.

Caleb is 26 now and married to that gorgeous lady in the picture above. He just finished getting his masters degree and works locally providing for his growing family!

Abby, his wife, has a small flower arranging business. She does beautiful work! I love it. I also love how she has decorated her cozy home, keeps my brother well fed all while raising the most well-behaved children. Amazing mom.

Elise Ana is the oldest in the young Beasley family. She is an adorable, talkative 3 year-old that never fails to make me laugh and smile!

Yelena Joy is the next little blessing to come along. She will turn 2 here in a month and what a wonder and blessing she is. Her little smile will melt even the stoniest heart!

Edmund Nathaneal is the first nephew/grandson to come flying into this world (quite literally). And you should just see the pride that flashes across my brother face when he show this little handsome dude off. Turning 1 in a couple of months is sure to bring lots more "firsts" for this little man.

And last but not least...in February I'll be an Aunt again, and a new little bundle will enter this world.

Family. One of life's wonderful blessings!

"The LORD is God, 

and He has made His light shine upon us...

You are my God, 

and I will give you thanks..."

Psalm 118:27-28