five on friday

1. After saying, 'no' or 'don't do that' or 'sit down' or 'stop poking Nora' a gazillion times today, and after trying all safe and legal forms of discipline following those statements, I have decided two things:

2.5 is the hardest age ever, and it's time for me to read, 'The Strong-Willed Child.'

MmHmm. That little girl... I love her crazy spontaneity, the way her brain fires and fires and fires, her fierce determination, her tender and sweet heart, but man oh man oh man... I've never met another like my Cate Taylor. Except for my husband, perhaps. :)

2.  We experienced a birth and death within twenty four hours this week. Both stopped me in my tracks and reminded me how fragile life really is... how tomorrow isn't a promise.. and how good God still is. Our best friends who are home from St. Kitts for the birth of their son gave birth to a precious and perfect little boy, but the Lord's grace and protection are all over the story. Long story short- Wendi's placenta was beginning to abrupt-- lots and lots and lots of blood... got to the hospital, realized what was happening, was taken back for an emergency c-section and all are fine now. Praise God for his protection. and for Mr. Keaton Lee!:

(with his Daddy, Brandon)

Just a few weeks ago, it was discovered that Jordan's uncle Kevin had a tumor on his liver. Just over a week ago, they did surgery to remove it... which ended up being incredibly complicated, lasting over 12 hours, etc., and he didn't really recover. Just one week after his operation, he passed away. My heart is so broken for our Aunt Dee (and for the rest of the family). I really really really despise cancer. Still.

3. On a lighter note, the 3rd annual JD Taylor golf scramble is this weekend! A forecasted 72 and sunny, a COMPLETELY FULL roster (36 teams!!!), and time spent honoring my brother and blessing another family in need... should be a perfect day. I'm so thankful for all the hard work that goes into this and they way the community comes together to help another family and to remember JD. So thankful (and a shoutout to Jill!! You're amazing!!)

4. It's cold. I like it. I also really like pumpkin spice lattes. And hoodies. And all those other things about fall.

5. A hodge podge of pictures, because I'm out of time:

(grown in our garden! Best I've EVER tasted!)

Happy Weekend!