The A Girls

Christmas around Atlanta...

2011-12-28T09:43:00.000-05:00

We surprised you girls this year on the day before Christmas Eve. Daddy was off from work and our usual PreChristmas plans had changed around this year so we decided to take off on a little adventure and make a surprise day for you. We gave you all clues and made you guess where we were going on each stop around the big city. We ended up first on the Pink Pig. It was fun! Although, Daddy wasn't super impressed and you girls voted that due to the line, that it be an every 3-4 year sort of tradition:-) Then, we took ya'll to eat at Dante's Down the Hatch which is a fondue place that Daddy and I used to visit on our early anniversaries. It is like an old ship inside and their is even a real alligator inside. You all loved the restaurant, except the spooky bathroom. Anna Grace, you very much enjoyed cooking your chicken. Then, we finished up by meeting our dear friends and ice skating around Centennial Park. It was lots of fun and adelynn even did it too! Daddy sat out due to being scared of hurting his neck but he enjoyed snapping pics and laughing at us, I think. Oh yeah, I cannot forget the final spot. Ice cream and Coffee before we headed home to tuck you into bed for sweet Christmas Dreams. This was a super switch of plans and something we should do more oftern!

The Pink Pig ride...
Looking for the alligator under the bridge inside Dante's.

Gearing up for a fun skate.

The crew (minus Daddy)

Mommy's Beautiful little skaters!

Pre-Holiday Happenings...

2011-12-22T08:56:00.000-05:00

This December has was really GREAT! I tried very hard to make it a little less stressful and busy. We cut out some of the little things that seem to add chaos and stress. It was wonderful! We had less activities, worried less about pleasing others and more about pleasing our little family. And, it paid off. We all snuggled a little longer, watch way too many Hallmark movies together just us girls in our PJ's (all day!), made some yummy treats, special gifts and much more. We kicked off December by heading up to Nashville to visit Daddy as he worked the first week of December. Mimi and Granddaddy went with us and it was super fun. You girls couldn't get enough of the sweet sweet Santa at the Gaylord and I think he had a thing for the three of you too as the sweet hugs in the pics show very well. We visited every inch of that hotel (at least 3 times HA). The month was so good that it is January and I am just now posting all of this. I think after 4 months of non stop selling MJC and being near a computer, Mommy needed a break! I traded the computer screen for the TV screen and warm snuggles under a blanket with my loves!

We watched the snow fall and played with the super adorable puppies as Daddy continued to work. I love the pic below of him in his work mode! I could tell how much he enjoyed showing you three angels off to all the people at the convention.

After the Rockettes, you all were fired up! I think that was your favorite part of the trip!

Another stop by to see Santa. I left off all the cuddling pics but I will put them in your albums. He was super sweet to each one of you girls! This is the very first place that Anna Grace ever visited Santa on her second Christmas. AG, you were barely 1 yr old and you scared poor Santa half to death with your blood curling scream. I think the whole hotel might have jumped a little once you hit his knee.

Then, we had to get back to reality and finish out the school performances, church shows, ballets, etc. First up, we have Adelynn's cubbie christmas performance. She decided to throw a little hip action into the jingle bell song.

Ailee, your little ballet performance was precious and brought tears to mommy's eyes when you all huddled around the manager at the end. You are following right behind AG and are on your way to be a beautiful ballerina!

Anna Grace, you have been so blessed each year in school to have such a precious group of good girls by your side. You and Katarina were instant best buddies in Kindergarten and having her in your class and challenge this year has made you bounce up each morning ready to head off to school. Love these sweet friends!

And, you had 2 very special performances this year. What a blast it was to see you get to show off your violin skills. I loved how poised and straight you stood while you played. You just have natural grace and it shows in all you do. (you even stood in your ballet first position during violin, it tickled Mommy and made me smile!) I must say, I know I am bias but you looked like a pro up there for your first recital!

Then, for my FAVORITE of all time Christmas events. The Nativity! I look so forward to this weekend every year and the minute the stations start to play Christmas songs, I can't wait for tunes from this show to play in our car. We all bust into our own sitting down versions of ballet routines from our car seats! I know we look super silly to everyone near us but we very much enjoy it and the proof is that it continues until New's Years Day when the last nearby station stops playing songs! This event blesses the depths of my soul and reminds our entire family that Christmas is about the very first gift! and nothing more!

Sugarplum Birthday~The Nutcraker Land of Sweets!

2011-12-21T09:26:00.007-05:00

Anna Grace you had an amazing 8th birthday! It was absolutely perfect for you and featured you as the Sugarplum Princess Ballerina. You love ballet and everything that it involves. So, you shined like the star you are for your special day with your friends. Here are a few highlights from your beautiful party. It was fun decorating with all of Mommy's and your Nutcrackers we have collected over the years.

For these I am thankful...

2011-11-30T20:48:00.006-05:00

My Family... (as Daddy said it best this year~the love from our Penland/Duncan family is amazing!)

Love and Laughter and Giggles between little girls...

My momma...

need I say more!

My girls...

My brother and His adorable Family...

All these precious little ones that blessed our Thanksgiving evening with NOISE and energy!

The FOOD... yummy!

Josie...Adelynn's best sidekick (how does such a little bitty girl make so much noise? I will never forget your first Thanksgiving with us, Josie. You came 2 years ago as a visitor to our family and now we cannot imagine a minute without you. Wow, how God can work such amazing miracles!)

And, despite Mimi's battles lately with not feeling well. She had the weekend planned with "Goodness" for all your little ones. She made it just as special as always with all the details. You all woke up to a Elf on the Shelf Breakfast. I heard little squeals from my warm bed and Daddy and I knew Mimi must be up to something good. You all rushed down from the "nest" to find Lydious and Kitious back again this year.

(and, some things never change! Uncle Matt Matt is always being goofy and picking on some poor little girl! Secretly, I am glad you 5 girls are now around so I can catch a small break every now and then! But what would we do with out him? I love you, Matthew Todd!)

Blessings...

2011-11-23T08:06:00.003-05:00

Adelynn, you spoke sweetness to my heart the other evening when you first realized that your school placemats were adorning our dining room table. You are accustom to seeing your sister's there every year, I guess, but you noticed your first one had joined the adorableness this year. I heard you in a distant area of the house just talking away. I couldn't understand you or didn't know who you were talking to so I peeked around the corner to see saying your "blessings" around the table. You started at your placemat and then went around. It was like you were narrating them in the form a prayer and thanking God for His blessings for you and on behalf of your sisters. It was priceless. You kept saying..."Dear God," Then, I heard you say "my sisters are my bestest friends and my God, you made me beautiful!" It was so precious!

This sweet little life was bursting to tell her Heavenly Father all the many things she had to be thankful for at the precious age of 3. I was reminded of all the things I must stop and give thanks for this year. It has also been very neat to rename prayers in this house as "blessings" instead. Adelynn has decided that when she talks to God it is called a blessing instead of praying. It forces me to remember to always enter into prayer with gratefulness and to give thanks first!

Thank you, Dear Lord, for the Blessings in this home and the many windows of Heaven I get to experience each and every day through my children and my loved ones! I cannot thank you enough for the friends you have surrounded us with this past year. They circle around us and provide us with comfort and support that only comes from you. Then, there are my parents which are the perfect expression of how you love me. You know the depths to which I love and adore them. And, I must thank you for the trails this past year, as well. They have grown my faith and my love towards You. Please continue to safeguard and pour grace down upon my family. We love you! Amen

Halloween Memories...

2011-11-19T21:31:00.008-05:00

Halloween came very quickly this year. The costumes were decided very early but did not reach completion until only a few days before. You both chose something very original this year without any help from Mommy. Adelynn, you were so set on being Minnie Mouse and there was nothing stopping you. I wish I could have videoed your face the day we came across your Minnie Mouse pettiskirt. Your costume was complete already and we were just going to wear your plain red pettiskirt and Mommy was going to put a red dot skirt over the top. But, we happened across this very affordable skirt and you were beside yourself. You waited all day to tell Sissy about it when we picked her up from school and the very first second she opened the door you said, "I have a red pok-ka-dot minnie skirt! It's perffff-fet!" You all looked adorable and Mommy had so much fun this year with all our friends and family around. It was very different not being at the beach like our normal Halloween weekend is spent while GA and Fla. battle it out in Jacksonville and we hang on the beach with Team Sills. We had a Trick or Treat pre-party at our house and then spent the evening on a hayride with everyone. It was super fun and you all loved running from house to house. We also made our annual trip to the CCC for the Halloween festival. And, Daddy, surprised us with a pumpkin after work one evening that he wanted to carve. Adelynn, you were not so sure about it. You all wanted to put a Super G on it to support the BullDawgs even though we wouldn't be in Fla for the Big Game. The festivities flew by but I will cherish each memory!

And, this year, we were so blessed to have two of our favorite people in the world join us for trick or treating fun! Mimi wore her witch's hat as usual but she is the farthest thing from a "dark" lady! Recently, there has been a lot of anxiety, stress and unanswered questions concerning Mimi's health. I tried to convince myself that by redecorating, party planning, sewing, organizing, and on and on and on, that it would just disappear. However, that was not the case. I did fall to my knees and turn it over to my Lord very early in the game. The above strategies were just to keep me distracted and from taking it back from Him each morning to carry alone. And, we made it to the big day last week. The day it would be revealed and the answers no matter what they were would be evident. Well, that was not exactly the case. So, here I am again...with my planner out and packing it full with chores. Things to keep these hands so busy that the mind doesn't take a break at all to lapse back into "worry." I know it doesn't seem to be the most logic way to go about it but it seems during those times of constant "doing" that my Savior and I seem to really chat. He becomes my ever present source of comfort. He soothes my soul as I work with my hands and He whispers deep in my spirit that He is with me. A full list of "to do's" allows me to hide behind the walls of this house and shut myself off a little. Then, I am free to only have "real" conversations with Him. It just seems best that way. I don't have to show the real emotions to anyone but the One who already knows it anyway. That way, there is less of a tendency to confuse what this "world" advises with what He commands of me. At this time it is, "be still and know that I am God." So, this amazing week of Thanksgiving, that is exactly what I plan to do! Wrap myself in the love of my dear family. I think I should definitely steal Mimi's lap away from the "little" monkeys for a few minutes and curl up there myself for a couple little bounces! (for the record, 33 is NOT too old for being bounced off to sleep my one's Mommy and that might be one of the top 3 on my Thankful list this year!)

Apple Picking Fun..

2011-11-13T21:34:00.008-05:00

We went to the Apple Farm on our Annual Trip to the mountains with Mimi. You girls voted to skip over the Pumpkin Farm thing this year and have come to really love picking apples. So, of course, Mimi and I were up for only one farm too! It was a beautiful day with laughter, snuggles and sweet fun. Thanks for tracking over with us, Mimi!

I think the petting zoo is always a hit! You all loved the kittens, the goats and the chicks. This year, the small calf was quite friendly with you girls too. Such fun times!

Princess Galore and Fall Campout...

2011-11-03T22:55:00.005-04:00

A couple of weeks ago during October, I got to spend an evening with my youngest princess and her own little special friends. It was a first for us. Sweet Baby A, you are growing way too quickly and it's hard to believe you are old enough to have sweet friendships that are blooming so adorably before my eyes. I am so used to you just tagging along behind your sisters but this day was completely about you! It was a blast!

We crammed this particular weekend full of events because nothing is better than Fall. We went on a little pre-camping adventure with the Walls. It was fun to watch you all exploring together and then nothing gets better than the campfire story time. Even Adelynn had to be big and piped in with a sweet story of her own about how much her Mimi loved her and hugged and kissed her too. Random but precious to see what is a major focus in her little mind! Nothing is better than a Mimi!

Chili, Hotdogs and Smores...a entire Family treat!

1 Corinthians 2:9 “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

This year, especially, I will continually be amazed by the blessings we have encountered that are NO doubt prepared and sent straight to us from Heaven. He has showered us with the love of friends and poured grace and mercy on our daily lives that is visible even to the most blind. My faith has been strengthed and my love for Him deepened by being able to see His face in all that surrounds me. It is not always as beautiful as this picture of His creation...some of our days are hard and ugly but it is worth it when I can see and feel His touch in my life.

End of Summer Memories...

2011-11-01T22:05:00.007-04:00

I am having to play "catch up" here because we have been so busy having the time of our lives lately that Mommy hasn't taken the time to post all of our happenings. So, these next few entries will be quick and easy but that doesn't mean that they were any less special to us! We are just so blessed lately with friends and family and ordinary days that are packed with fun that I have gotten behind. I hope you girls enjoy looking through the "days of your life" through the lense of Mommy's camera! I love you all three tremendously!

These people are God's testimony of His love for us. As a family, we can see the many ways Christ cares so deeply for us through these faces of friendship!

Catching creatures...big, small, quick, dangerous, fun and interesting was the theme of this trip by day and by night. Anna Grace, you are quite the crab catcher. I think you caught and held the largest crab on the trip. I was very impressed!

I love how you all ran like lightning when the Daddy's turn the string way toward you guys!

(one of your favorite dinner spots because you have a live little band all to yourselves!)

Daddy, didn't we catch crabs bigger than your fish? :-) next time, hold it out farther and that will make it appear larger!

What a precious profile!

The Actual Day...

2011-10-17T23:51:00.005-04:00

Precious Adelynn, your "real" birthday was spent celebrating in many ways...

At breakfast, as we always do a little something special for each of your big days!

At your school party...

(you could tell you were screaming inside "PLEASE, just let me get to the true place of celebration!)

the BEACH...

We went down to Seaside with our sweet "family" of friends on your actual birthday. We stopped on the way to eat at your requested place. Firehouse Subs and your sisters and mom and dad threw you a little celebration on our own. Then, we hit the sand for a special moment with those we love so dearly and that adore you just the same as the "littlest" princess of the group! (that is, until Emma reaches the age of being allowed on our beach trips, hopefully, next year!)

A Vintage Butterfly Party full of sweetness...

2011-10-12T20:25:00.011-04:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to my Beautiful Angel...

I adore each and every shot of this adorable day! Adelynn, your Butterfly party you just "had to have" turned out just perfect! This party was one of my very favorite to design and plan. I cannot take all the credit though for the follow through. Your wonderful Mimi took my ideas and made them a reality! Mommy has been so very busy with selling MJC lately, that the birthday just sort of snuck up on me. Mimi made it super special by bringing some of your Great Granny's crocheted pieces to use on the tables. You can see from the pics that you and your special friends enjoyed every second. I especially LOVE the butterfly drop done by the "older" sisters. You little "fairies" looked beyond precious chasing after those soft pink butterflies with your nets. I also liked how the nets posed as little snack sacs for each little girls party meals. Enjoy the photos of your perfect party with your precious little friends...

(these pictures come no where close to doing these adorable windmills justice. They are each and every one so unique and vintage with all their details. Thanks, Mimi, you are amazing!)

All your guests got their very own "Vintage Butterfly Garden" to take home with very real like pastel butterflies tucked inside.

Cute little sack lunches bound up in the butterfly nets tied with vintage lace and sweet ribbons.

And, now, for my most favorite memory and your's too, I think...

I absolutely love to look at all the expressions on the faces in these pics. From the anticipation in the shot where you are leading your friends to the actual "butterfly garden" to the shots of ya'll chases the butterflies as they float down. You all look so excited and happy and I hope I never forget all the sweet giggles and squeals. Priceless!

Then, we left your sisters and their friends who helped during the party paint a few butterfly faces...or heads, I guess!
You had a blast today with your sisters and your friends and I enjoyed every second of soaking in the memories with you! The only part I can say I really have a hard time coming to grips with is that you all are growing way to fast. At least you promise me daily, Adelynn, that you will always be my Sweet Baby A!

I just love this shot because after the party, Adelynn, you ran over to me and grabbed hold of my thigh and squeezed real tight and whispered, "Mommy, that was so fun!" You were beside yourself excited and very pleased with your party day! I know it was all you have been anticipating it would be after weeks of asking me..."is my butterfly birthday coming up?"

Number 3 is a Charm...

2011-09-30T23:01:00.003-04:00

Yes, as our 3rd born daughter turned 3 recently, we all took time to reflect on how this little peanut has changed our live drastically for the better. Sweet Baby A, you are more than I could have ever imagined you to be. You are a ball of joy and always waiting to burst into laughter at a moments notice. You love so sweetly and so faithfully! After having 2 little angels already, to be honest, I thought "okay, we are just adding another one, a little more drama but other than that, this should be just like normal." However, you came out and proved me wrong the minute I saw you. It took a matter of one breath until you swept us all away with your beauty, totally lovable personality and huge desire to adore everyone around you instantly! I do have to add you are spoiled rotten by many friends and family but you are not the typical last born in a family. You do not depend and wait around on others to do for you. Nope, you are independent and determined to work things out on your own. You love to plan things and take charge. You have a way about you that even though you are the smallest, you take control. For example, you tried to sign yourself up for ballet recently. Everytime you have asked over the past month or so, I kept telling you that we would start soon. It's just so busy with us being there 4 days a week now that Anna Grace made company that I thought we could just push your enrollment off until January. One day while waiting on Ailee, you came around the corner holding Ms. Mary's hand. You led her straight to me and both of you looked at me like I had something very important I should be saying. Finally, I broke the silence and Ms. Mary informed me that you had gone to get her and told her that your mommy needed to talk to her about your ballet class. Nothing like a girl in charge! You also planned your bday party too. You spoke up one day on the way to school and told Ailee to bring the presents, Anna Grace to bring balloons and me to bring the cake. You are truly a blessing to be around most all of the time. You love to cuddle and snuggle. You enjoy crafts just like your sisters and you have been learning so much lately. I think you definitely are growing up in that way much faster than your sisters. You tell everyone you are in first grade. You are so confident in your prayer time. I can't help but crack up a little when you bow your head and started speaking so boldly and loudly as you begin..."Dear GOD," You thanked Him the other night for saving you and when you finished I simply asked you, "hey, adelynn, when you said God saved you in your prayer, what did He save you from?" You never missed a beat and proudly responded "a bear!" It was so cute! I smile and laugh many times a day thinking about the silly and special things you do and say each day that make my life so much more enjoyable. Your second year was such a blast! I am very sad about leaving it behind and venturing into year 3. I am trusting it will be as charming as you always are but I cannot bring myself to no longer view you as the "baby." I hope you are okay with being "sweet baby A" for eternity! I love you, darling, more than life! The energy you put off keeps me going!

I am working on the pictures from your very special Vintage Butterfly Garden Party! I cannot wait to share the precious moments between you and your very sweet little friends. Stay tuned...

Full motion...

2011-09-01T06:29:00.004-04:00

Things have been nothing less of full gear ahead lately. However, we sure did enjoy some relaxing family time during the recent labor day weekend. I so much enjoyed our lazy days inside with the rain and just snuggling together close as a family. I am constantly amazed at how quickly you all change even in a month's time!

And, Sweet Baby A, we are getting real close to celebrating a birthday for you! I can't wait until your bday post. You are such a fun little addition to this family and not one of us could go a minute without your sweet little loving self around here! And you have become such a great little MJC model for Mommy lately!

Back to School...Lots of "new" this year!

2011-08-19T06:45:00.003-04:00

Well, it has officially begun! The crazy days of back to school are in full swing and we are in constant motion around this house. Between school, 4 days at the ballet studio and church, we are some busy little bees. The big girls are in school together again for Kindergarten and 2nd Grade. And Adelynn, you are at preschool and you LOVE it! You so much enjoy wearing your backpack. It totally makes the whole experience worth it to you. I am actually teaching at the preschool this year the same three days you go. It is a new experience for me since I have been home for 8 years. God has been very sweet to me though because I only have 5 little ones in my class of 4 year old. We are off to a great start and everyone is loving their schools, new friends and routines.

Adelynn and her sweet little group of girlfriends on the first day of preschool!

I know this post is short and sweet but no time for tears right now. If I ponder on our changes recently and how much my angels are growing so fast, I could sit here and type and cry for hours. So....off to school!

A Little Bit of "You and Me!'

2011-07-31T16:37:00.006-04:00

I am so happy to have officially survived the first marathan week in my new job with Matilda Jane Clothing! The new line of clothing is amazing and the vision behind Denise's company is so in line with my own desires. It was so fun to meet all the members of 435 and my sister trunk keepers in Indiana last weekend. Wish me luck! (I also was happy to have my assistant with me on my first day of trunk shows, Anna Grace! It was definitely a "you and me" kind of day!)

What makes this new adventure so amazing is my supportive husband and three little girls who adore MJC as much as I do!

Thank you so very much to all my wonderful customers. You guys are what makes this job so much fun. Wow, how awesome it has been meeting so many amazing new women and families and catching up with old friends too! It was a busy week as I raced to input orders for before things quickly started fading away! Let's hope for not too many more sell outs for the remainder of my shows this month!

Playhouse Pretties and Granddaddy's Official Retirement...

2011-07-29T22:44:00.004-04:00

As a little girl, I would have loved to have a beautiful playhouse. Instead, I had a tree house because I had a brother rather than sisters. So, this is pretty addition to our home is as much fun for me as you little princesses!

Both you big girls were downstairs when the playhouse was being delivered. Baby A was asleep but you two had a very sweet time rejoicing together over what surprise you saw being towed into our backyard.

We still have some fun projects for our new playhouse (painting, kitchen addition, etc.) but it has been tons of fun so far!

We also celebrated Granddaddy's retirement this month from his 40 years of service at the bank. Wow, what a great model of true dedication and hardwork Granddaddy is for all of us. He worked hard to provide for his family and taught us many valuable lessons along the way. Thank you, Granddaddy, for the wonderful man and servant you are, as well as, a super cool G-dawg too!!! (looking at all the old mustache pics was pretty fun for the girls and me too! wow how the hair and pants have changed over the years, thank goodness!)

Surprise, Granddad! We love you!

And, somebody stole G-dads heart during her little private stay this month! I think Sweet Baby A found a new buddy for sure!

The Best Day of Summer (Cave Springs Day)

2011-07-20T07:16:00.009-04:00

Okay, I must put a warning on this post. It is LONG and full of pics...

As summer is drawing to a close much more rapidly than I would like, the girls and I made a spontaneous getaway to a quaint little town nearby. It was an amazing day! As Anna Grace came running over to me and said as she wrapped her arms around my neck..."this is the best day of summer!" And I whole-heartedly agree. I was unplanned (as you can see we were in our church clothes) and we packed nothing but a blanket and mom's camera. It was like we stepped back in time. From the sweet little elderly couples in their church clothes sitting on the benches outside of the antique stores eating their blue bell ice creams to the little man on the bridge who stood in awe of Adelynn in her soaking wet clothes. (he just giggled over and over to himself at her like he just couldn't believe what a mess she was!) I sat on a blanket on the grass or in a swing while I soaked in all the shade I could and the love of three sweet sisters enjoying every second with one another.

This store will forever bring a chuckle to me. We entered into the store as carefully as we could with all the stuff crammed everywhere. What appeared to be a sweet little old man sat behind the counter and we could barely see the top of his head. He spoke and we spoke back asking him how his day was going. He said, "I'm just entertaining lookers." I just simply smiled kindly and pasted by to look around the shop. He snapped right back at me..."Well, that may be funny to you but it's not to us store owners!!" He was offended and hateful! I was nervous! We got out of there as fast as we could. I told the girls how glad I was to be out of there since that man was upset. Ailee was concerned why he got angry at me. I told her he was just hoping to have more people shopping instead of looking around and not buying anything. She was quiet as we walked a few steps ahead in a line with all our hands locked together. Then she looked up at me very seriously and said..."Mom, no one is buying his stuff because it's all JUNK!" I just cracked up and couldn't stop laughing. That was exactly what I would have said back to the sweet man if I had not had the Holy Spirit to cover my thoughts and my mouth! I hadn't laughed that hard in a while and it felt really good!

(here's the adorable man who was amazed by such a cute little girl covered in dirt, fish food, dripping with water and a mile a minute enjoying herself!)

A kind couple visiting the area on their anniversary gave the girls a bag of fish food to feed the fish. (See what I mean...back in time, an adorable little town where people are so friendly. Well, except for the junk store owner.) Anyway, Adelynn lasted about 1 minute before she felled head first into the spring on top of the fish. It was priceless! Of course, she took it as now that I am wet I might as well just keeping swimming and dripped with water all afternoon!

While Ailee didn't care much for Antique shopping (except for the ice cream), Anna Grace loved it! She made promise we would go again really soon! I know Granny would be proud. Just like our normal Sunday adventures when I was growing up.

Ailee lead the way with no hesitation or fear at all inside the cave while Anna Grace, the protector, wouldn't let Baby A out of her sight.

(this is the scary hole you guys went into and I worried you might not come back out!)

(anna grace, you spent your only 3 quarters to buy your sisters and yourself a blow pop from the cave store.)

I heard someone say as they came out of the cave..."that was the best dollar I have spent in a long time!" I was thinking the same thing. The four dollars it cost us four to see the cave and enjoy this day together was the best use of our money in a really long time. Oh yeah, it cost us $4.75 including the blowpops!

Perfect summer day with my girls. We MUST do that again soon!

God Bless America...

2011-07-05T16:23:00.008-04:00

Here is a very quick and unedited version of our Holiday Weekend as we celebrated our country's freedom together with family and dear friends! We had two very special guest this weekend! Campbell and Cybil...we so much enjoyed sharing this fun weekend with our "other" 2 girls!

(this pic that Granddaddy took just makes me laugh...Daddy looks evil, I'm halfway in it, Adelynn could care less, AG is so fake and Ailee has a look of panic!)

Water Fun and Father's Day...

2011-06-27T16:47:00.007-04:00

We have been having a lot of fun this summer enjoying the water nearby. We all like spending time on the river and enjoying our new kayaks. Daddy actually is loving the fishing lately and goes almost 4-5 times a week...exhausting! Father's Day weekend was spent either in the river or on the lake. We made lots of sweet memories with our family and our friends, as well!

I LOVE the picture below of both Daddy and Mr. Corey helping their little angels across the river. The perfect father day snapshot!

We decided that it did not seem real safe riding in the boat while Daddy drives through all the jet ski drivers who scare me and Anna Grace to death. However, we found a quiet cove and enjoyed the afternoon. We were grateful for the gorgeous boat that we borrowed from friends!

And for one of my favorite recent phone pics...

Guess who is looking more and more like their mommy?

(just had to compare the two pics of me when I was little and Adelynn's recent pigtail day at the pool.)

Every Litte Girls Dream...

2011-06-17T15:47:00.006-04:00

What young girl does not dream of gliding around on top of such a beautiful animal? Floating through the fields free of worry. This week Anna Grace got to escape her reality and feel like she was starring in her favorite movie (Moondance Alexander). She has been in love with that movie since last summer and this year I discovered a precious camp taught by a very wonderful lady and her daughters that would help Anna Grace experience a tad bit of it for herself.

Anna Grace, I had as much fun as you this week, I think. It made my week to hear you so overly excited and craving more of this sweet camp experience. Because it is so different than your daily life, you felt like you were experiencing a "true" summer camp adventure. You and some of your sweet friends, old and new, had a blast learning so much about riding, caring for and umderstanding the nature of horses. You asked me today, "Mom, how long until next summer when I can go back to horse camp again?" Now what? Do we make her wait until next year? She was so poised, calm and content riding and Mrs. Henry was very impressed with how well the horses responded to her and how she composed herself riding through the pasture alone. She even tried a small jump! I'm thinking we may need to ship her off to stay with Mr. Randy and Mrs. Sally if she takes up horse riding as a hobby. That's a little out of my league...Granddaddy used to rope and I did a few lead line competitions but that is a totally different style of horseback riding and one that she doesnt' exactly care for. She is hooked on the jumping and not so "Country" style of riding! I'm going to try not to take offense to that comment, sweet AG!

Sweet Baby A was a little upset that she was not big enough to ride! She said, "I pout!" And that she did! Can't you tell?

The Joys of Summer...

2011-06-15T07:40:00.003-04:00

I just love the freedom of Summer! We have been having a lot of fun so far. We have purchased kayaks for our family and rafted the river by our house more than a few times. You all love it and I am impressed with how well Adelynn sits in my boat and enjoys every second of it. VBS this year was wonderful as always and we finished it up with a weekend at Uncle Matt Matt's for Cybil's birthday celebrating. It's like going on vacation when we visit them because they live in such an exciting place. The water park is always high up on our summer to do list! They moved into a super cool new house beside some friends who keep a few horses right in their backyard. Giving them water this weekend was another fun memory. Especially because AG starts Horse Camp this week and is already having the time of her life. Quote..."How long until I go to bed and wake up again and get to go back to camp?" I think this is the most favorite thing you have done in a long time. You look so happy and free sitting up so pretty on top of your assigned horse named Fancy. Although this summer holds lots more exciting adventures, thanks sweet girls for starting it out with such cool memories!

Sweet Cousins

Okay, so I just had to share the highlight of my summer so far, as well. Anna Grace, you have always been the early riser in our family. This summer you get up sometimes and Mommy doesn't even hear you. One of the first few days of summer after our beach trip, Mommy must have been super tired because you got up, fed Riley, made up your bed, got dressed and fixed our breakfast each with a special little note of love. I never heard you at all until you came and woke me up with a little kiss and told me to come eat. It was so sweet to see you had prepared something for me and your sisters. The notes were adorable and I love how you gave each of us our favorite early morning treats. You are an angel and such a helper for Mommy!

Just enough Time!

2011-05-24T22:00:00.005-04:00

We cannot thank the Swards and the Stewarts enough for the kind invitation to join them on a long weekend getaway to paradise. We very much enjoyed the sweet company, awesome weather, beautiful accommodations, amazing scenery, sounds of young giggles, quaint little shopping, restuarants and the late night talks! It was just enough time to become refreshed after a long, busy month of May. The eight kiddos enjoyed the beach and the waves so very much. They jumped them, rode them and even went head first in them (mostly on accident). With 7 girls and only one boy, the friendships played out so sweetly the whole trip. Jake took on the "big brother" role perfectly since he was the oldest. He helped calm the fears of waves. I love how he is holding Ailee's hand in the pic above I stole from Miss Stacey's blog. He also was the gentleman and gave up a bed to sleep on the couches on the highest floor of the house so that all the little girls would have a bed. Then, on the last day, he caught fish for all the excited girls. He even was so gentle and loving to Adelynn. Thanks, Jake, to being such a caretaker!

I enjoyed the night we all spent crabbing. I was amazed at how brave you were Anna Grace. You would snatch the crabs up and carry them around for all to see. I'm sure all 16 of us on the beach in the complete darkness and small flashlights was a sight to be seen. Or heard, rather. From screams of excitement to shrieks of terror, it was a blast!
Sweet Baby "A"...you were wonderful the whole trip. You swayed back and forth from enjoying the attention that came from being the "baby" to hanging in there like a champ while acting like a "big kid." I must say, I loved the baby stuff more!
(thanks, Miss Stacey, for this adorable pic!)

You took a great nap on the most perfect part of the beach....the hidden bed swing!

School's Out....Scream and Shout! and other May Happenings

2011-05-19T21:12:00.006-04:00

Another year has come and gone and you sweet girls are growing faster than I could ever imagine. I LOVE summer so much (not because of the hot weather but because I get to spend each and every day with you all from the minute we get up to the minute I tuck you in. Shhh... and sometimes we just all pile up together and spend the whole 24 hours side by side!) We venture into all kinds of interesting things. I have already heard a few plans being tossed around for this year~butterfly gardens, camping trips, river adventures, day boat trips and lots more. And, yes, for Adelynn's favorite, Cousin's Camp. She has no clue what it is but knows it includes Mimi and staying over at her house without Mommy! She's in!! All YES answers to whatever she wants. Perfect for you, mommy's sweet Baby A who has been disguised lately as the cutest little stinker Daddy and I have ever seen. I just wanted to share a few random happenings through out this month that have kept us busy!

Ailee, you did great at your Pre-K Graduation and I loved your precious little speaking part. Mimi and Granddaddy made the trip, actually, I think Mimi drove down 5 days in a row last week! That's why you're the greastest, Mom, and all us girls (and Daddy too!) know you wouldn't miss a second of being there for us no matter what! What would we do without our Mimi?

Anna Grace, your Hee Haw Celebration was adorable too! You told some silly jokes and your "Gossip Song" with all your girlfriends was too funny! You and our neighbor, Bryce, have had a great year together in first grade. I am sure this summer will be a blast too with him being right across the street.

Mommy had some fun creating some fun teacher gifts for the end of school this year for your awsome teachers. We were truly blessed this year with teachers. I couldn't have hand picked a better 2 women to teach and mentor you both. God's cool that way, huh?

I had a blast making these super cute cake pops with my new cake pop maker for mother's day! We made bouquets and cute tags and it was fun~~ besides slapping little hands that wouldn't stop grabbing the fun balls and running out of the kitchen with them before I could get them packaged up!!!

Another exciting Spring activity this year was soccer. It was interesting to watch how different your personalities are in a competitive nature. Ailee, most people think you are more the sport type and that Anna Grace is less competitive. However, I was amazed with the aggressiveness my big girl showed on that field. I could see you chomping at the bit to get going while waiting on the ref to blow the whistle. It is impressive to me that you have such strong determination to master whatever you take on. I LOVE it!

This shot is so cool to me because this boy looks at least a complete head taller than you but you were not going to back down. Then, below you were surrounded by the boys (who all look a little taken back by the way you jumped in there after the ball!HA). Even though it was not your favorite and you said next year you would just stick with ballet and violin, you played out strong until the end and for that I am extremely proud!

Ailee, please understand my love when posting these (and one day you may be an awesome soccer player) but, during the entire season, these pics of your big sister taking you under her wing and helping you through a completely clueless moment are priceless to me!
You all broke up from huddle and headed out to your positions. Immediately, Anna Grace picked up on the fact that you had no idea where to go. She called you over and pointed out where to stand. Then, gently pushed you off in the right direction. Once you got where you thought she described, you looked back to check. She shook her head. You shifted over to the left about 8 ft and looked back again. This time you got a sweet smile and a thumbs up. (sorry for no pics of the last part. I was too teared up and soaking it all in to snap any actual pics. I have perfect mental captures though).

And, finally, my beautiful ballerinas!

(Ailee, I have some precious pics of you backstage from Mrs. Stacey as you were getting ready for your butterfly dance with the big girls. You seemed to be quite confident in yourself and were soaking in some peaks of yourself in the mirrior. I pray you will never let go of the confidence that God made a jewel when He created you! Hopefully, I can get them posted soon. My computer and I are having a little disagreement tonight and I'm going to let it win because Mommy is tired and needs to be packing for the BEACH instead!)

Born Again...

2011-05-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

Last night was one of those brief moments that I will remember until the last few seconds I have on this Earth. The girls and I were all sitting in our bed doing our normal nightly devotion and prayer time. However, it quickly took a turn from what the author of our devotion book for girls thought was important. Anna Grace started in with a questions about discernment. I have been amazed at her gift of prayer lately and there is obviously a lot more communication going on between her and her Heavenly Father than she opens up to us about. (Which is more than fine by me!) She wanted to know how she was sure it was God's voice when she was asking Him for help with things and waiting on answers. First off, I struggle with this daily so I was a little taken back by having to try to explain this to her. Secondly, I was immediately overcome with gratitude to Him for allowing me a peak at her heart and the realization that she is seeking His guidance for her life. It was completely surreal and it gave me peace with some issues I have been dealing with lately about school and her being included in so many "secular" activities. I felt Him soothing my anxiety over the fact that there are areas of her life that are not "sheltered" so to speak. I heard Him plain as day saying to me..."Do you think I would ask you to send your daughters out into a world that I would not send my own Son? If it was okay for My only Son to step out of a complete and Holy place to minister to my Earthly sons and daughters, then please trust Me with your little girls as I use them to share My love with those around them that may never see or hear Me anywhere else!" He was SOOO right! Imagine that? Why do I question that we are making the right choices when I know He loves them more than I ever can? Why do I think that He cannot handle their hearts and lives even though this world is not my "ideal" for them?

The conversation between Anna Grace and I went on for over 30 minutes or more. Ailee sat patiently and was soaking it all in. Finally, I guess she waited as long as she could and she raised her little hand (ha! Do I run this house like a classroom?) and said "Mommy, I wish I could ask God to come live in my heart and He could help me when I need Him." I felt like time stood still for a few minutes. She has made comments for the past month or so about wanting to be saved. Sadly, I must admit that I have assumed her too young and rushed past them to move on to other topics. Trying not to discourage her but "knowing" she was too little to understand. At that moment, I heard over and over in my head, "Let the little children come to Me." It was not my place to decide if she was ready or not. Again, I had to trust that He is big enough to handle my daughter's heart. Ailee's teacher had given me a sweet quote that morning (this isn't the first time He has used her to send me little hints). It said...God is looking for imperfect mothers raising imperfect daughters in an imperfect world-who are desperately dependent on a perfect God for the results. I know I am far from perfect and most days lately that has been heavy on my heart. Many nights, I go to sleep wondering "How I screwed up my girls today?" I had gotten freedom from that stronghold through this little nudge from Ailee's sweet teacher. (who has no clue about my thoughts, by the way, BUT HE DOES! And, that's awesome!) Anyway, sorry to ramble, but I felt it was time to just go with it and see how much she really understood. Or from what I could tell! Anna Grace and I said we would pray with her as she prayed the salvation prayer. She went straight into it all on her own. She asked and explained it better than I probably could have and much better than I have heard some adults do it lately. It was precious! She was so big and so aware! She asked specifically for the Holy Spirit to help her make better choices and for God to take away all her sins. She summed it up with a thank you for dying on the cross and said that she just couldn't stop loving Him. With more words than this and sweet emotions, another one of my precious daughters had been born again. I was holding them in my arms the first minute they entered this world and I sat holding them both again during the minutes they both became born again into the Kingdom of Heaven! God is so Good!

I am aware that one of the last things His Son asked of His people was to share the good news. I cannot expect my sweet girls to be able to be the salt and light of the Earth if I never let them actually find their place in it. So, I am going to stand firm in my faith and the glimpse that He shared with me last night that He holds my children in His loving hands and though they are not perfect and will not always make the best decisions, as long as they are seeking Him first that I can breathe lighter and enjoy what I see unfolding before me instead of living in fear of when this evil world with get it's way with my babies.

Jesus, I cannot thank you enough for using my imperfect ways to guide and draw my children closer to you. Thanks for reminding me yesterday that I am completely dependent on You for the results and at the end of the day if my girls are looking to You first, then I can sleep easy knowing that You hold them in the palm of Your hand. In Your precious Son's Name, Amen.

A Little Bit of May...

2011-05-10T21:35:00.003-04:00

Of course, this month of May didn't start without a race to the finish, as most days do in our lives. We crammed a lot in the few days of May that have passed by so quickly, so I thought I would highlight a few things. Mommy was in charge of co-planning a big Kentucky Derby party for my service league at the country club. Miss Julie and I have been planning for what seems like forever but the night came and it was a complete success. Daddy and I had so much fun and the stress of being "in charge" wasn't near as overwhelming as I had thought. We actually enjoyed the evening and wearing hats was a lot of fun too! I think you girls enjoy the Derby, as well, from the sweet pics on Mimi's blog. I stoled one from her site so you could see how festive you all got after you saw Mommy leave in her hat. Adelynn, you picked the winning horse! You were so proud!

We also are drawing near to my favorite time of year...Ballet Recitals!!! Each of you big girls have worked so hard this year and it really shows. This is going to be the very best show yet!! I adore each of your precious little songs and you both have learned so much technique this year. You are truly beautiful ballerinas! Daddy is looking forward to your Butterfly Kisses routine, Ailee, that you are helping in for a tribute to the senior dancers.

Not only does this special studio teach my girls wonderful ballet technique, they have a deep love for Jesus and focus on making the dancing completely "in His honor!" Ailee, your song sweetly discuss how Jesus endured your sins on the cross and I love how you so deeply show your gratitude in your expressions while dancing!

Anna Grace, you and Anna have become such sweet friends this year and it helps that she is our new neighbor! I believe you both are two of the most precious little ladies I know, such pure hearts and loving personalities! (and you were so serious during your rehearsal, Mom couldn't bring myself to distrub you with pics of your actual performance...it's just perfect, though. Your bar work has definitely paid off!)

And, then there was...

Mother's Day! Thank you to my beautiful angels for all the wonderful ways you each honored me on that special day. Nothing in this world is more fulfilling than being your Mommy!

Just a little Heaven on Earth!

Good Friday=Easter Sunday!

2011-04-26T09:22:00.008-04:00

Easter this year was special...I have never attended a Good Friday service. It was better than "good," it was amazing. The Lord was honored and my heart was prepared for a weekend of praise. The service focused on "Seven Cries from the Cross" and featured seven pastors speaking for seven minutes and wonderful music, as well. I pray there is not another Easter weekend that passes by that I do not begin by giving Good Friday the attention it deserves!

We spent Easter weekend at Mimi and Granddaddy's, as always. The company was perfect, the food was delicious, the traditions continued and the time passed by too quickly!

Mimi and Granddaddy and their girls!

The sweet friendships between these girls are priceless. Anna Grace misses Campbell terribly during the busy times of the year when it is difficult to get together with the miles in between. We are already counting down the days until the cousins come stay a few days with us this summer!
Three of My Favorite Things...

This beautiful blessing is adored by my sweet girls! Anna Grace and Ailee, especially, cannot get enough of sweet Josie.

You all are growing so much! I cherish these precious days and wish for them to slow down just a little bit.

The bunny stopped by to drop off a few treats.

I still love the after lunch egg hunts.
All you girls made it in time for the Egg Hunt at Mimi's church too again this year. This is always a treat hunting eggs at the city park. I love to think of you running through the grass while the tree planted in your Great Granny's honor stands along the entrance to the cute little park.

For a big girl who said she really didn't care if she hunted eggs this year, you sure look like you're in a hurry to snatch a few, my sweet angel. Mommy's glad you decided it's okay to act young a little longer!And for you, sweet Baby A... you never missed a beat. You grabbed as many as you could. Although, you couldn't understand why nothing was inside!
I LOVE how both you big sisters included your baby sister in your school egg hunts and parties. You might be the best big sisters in this world. Yep, I think you are!

This is a very special class of preschoolers. Most of these darling little ones have been with Ailee since she was 2. I will miss this next year once they all move on to big school. Too sad to even begin to ponder right now!

Mommy loves you all the muches A girls!

Spring Break Relief...

2011-04-18T08:51:00.005-04:00

Well, I know it seems we have been missing in action lately! We have actually just been enjoying ourselves, our family and our friends. We have been busy with the changing of Spring...yardwork, soccer ;~), vacations, switching out closets, cleaning and many days just hanging out enjoying the sunshine!! We were blessed to take a trip to the beach for Spring Break with some awesome friends! It began as a short trip but, for us girls, it turned into a 9 day lazy trip to one of God's most beautiful places!!! And, we soaked it all in! Laugther (mostly due to the silly 2 year old on our trip "Mommy's sweet baby A!"), sunshine, cold cold water, REST, Tarballs (ha, long story), shopping, great food and the love of friends!

(Sorry, Babe, for this shot of your rear while building creations with the girls!)

Baby A, there was not much on this trip that you did not enjoy. I know we SURE enjoyed you!

Something about just watching laughter burst from your child continuously it so good for your soul! Besides the setting of a gorgeous beach and warm sun, the sweet conversations both young and old taking place all around me was heartwarming. Seeing your daughters forming friendships with good, wholesome girls who love the Lord and talk about it as easily as they do eating ice cream, is more that awesome. Thank you, Lord, for these sweet girls and their families! May you continue to bless our lives with their presence and love. Daddy started his usual project of building something pretty cool out of the sand. This year was a dolphin and it was very good, I must say! And, Ailee, you have a way of connecting with creatures no matter how strange or quick they may be. You caught a crab and built "her" a palace to play in. You named her White Princess! If you look closely below, you can catch a glimpse of her.

AG, you created a turtle...walking in your Daddy's footsteps. I'm impressed!

I have decided if we just fill the backyard with sand, our days will pass so quickly and pleasantly! Ailee and Anna turned into Ariel and sang so beautiful as they laid buried in the sand with a mermaid tail below.

A Super Sweet Visit...

2011-03-25T12:26:00.004-04:00

The day we got off the boat was a sad day! The girls each expressed their desires to stay differently but, ultimately, we had to leave "DreamLand." You all looked so adorable pulling your polka dotted luggage Mimi and Granddaddy gave you for valentine's day (yes, monogrammed and all!!)

Luckily, though, we had a another sweet surprise for you girls! We headed straight to the home of some very dear friends who just happened to live near the coast! Randy and Sally were our neighbors in our old subdivision. They ended up moving before we did so it has been quite a while since we have seen them. Just as God placed us perfectly in this home with His "angels" surrounding us, He did the same then when He, literally, placed two amazing people right outside our front door. They were a wonderful set of "in town" grandparents for you girls and role models for Daddy and I. You girls would get so excited to top the hill toward our house to see if they were rocking on the front porch each evening. We spent hours and hours there eating popsicles and just chatting together. Each warm, spring type evening reminds me of those special times and I imagine it always will bring a sweet glimpse of their faces! Sally loves sewing and we could go on and on together. Randy loves being outdoors so he and Daddy have been fast friends (I always wished his love for yardwork would blow over Daddy's way but it just never did!) And, girls, you were spoiled three times over by them daily. Mommy will always remember how wonderful Sally was when I was pregnant with Ailee and Adelynn. My morning sickness that was much more than "morning" sickness put me in the hospital multiple times and left me closed off in the bathroom more hours a day than not. Feeding you all was completely hopeless, much less anything else you needed. However, Sally jumped right in and helped as often as she could. She would come over early, gather you up with whatever you might still be wearing from the night before and head off for hours. Then, bring you home well fed and ready for a rest. See what I mean...angels!

Anyway, you girls were beyond thrilled to see them. It was just like old times...popsicles outside, sweet conversations and lots of hugs! You have continued to talk of them almost daily since we returned home from staying with them that weekend. Anna Grace, especially, you had a hard time with the realization that they are still around but very very far away. They truly were like your grandparents for a while. We promise to visit more and told you can call whenever you want! That helped but I know it won't be long until popsicles are a frequent treat around here with the warmer weather and with that will bring some sad moments of needing some "Ms. Sally and Mr. Randy TIME!"

I love this pic of you and Mr. Randy, AG! You were so happy that day on the beach with them. It was like you were just floating around full of smiles and giggles. You were so carefree and enjoyed every minute of twirling and singing across the sand and through the little waves! It was so obvisious that you were in a safe place where you felt loved and life was as it was intended for you...peaceful!

Baby A, you were busy! You were digging, shoveling, getting way wet and messy but loving every second of it. You took off toward the water first thing while pulling on your dress. "Clothes off" you would say to me over and over. You didn't mind the breeze or the freezing water.

We are so grateful for the visit with our friends, Ms. Sally and Mr. Randy, and even more grateful for their place in our lives. Thanks for showering our girls with your amazing love and kindness (and Jon and I too!!) We miss you tons already!!!

Disney Dream Cruise Vacaction

2011-03-17T11:08:00.010-04:00

This is one vacation that will stay scripted in each of our minds for quite sometime and I am sure it is replayed in your "dreams" just as often. As Anna Grace mentioned in the book she made about our trip and dedicated to Mimi and Granddaddy..."This was the best trip of our lives and we will never forget the fun we had!" I am only posting a few pics since you did do a fantastic job telling about our trip in the book you made AG and the tons of pics we took will be in a scrapbook, as well. Enjoy a sneak pic into our amazing vacation!

Disney Dream Cruise

Family Vacation 2011

Mickey and Minnie did a fabulous job welcoming us onto their new, beautiful ship!

(Yes, mimi made this darling swimsuits from scratch!)

The aquaduck waterslide on the boat was a favorite of the adults and kiddos!

Mommy loved the views of the gorgeous waters and islands nearby.

As you can tell, it wasn't just the young ones who had a blast this trip!

Mimi and Granddaddy enjoyed every mintute too!

Dancing in the Character Lounge each night with surprise guests like Donald, Daisy, Mickey, Minnie and more was as fun to watch as actually participating.
Ailee, you showed Cybil how to shake a leg!
Then, you all met the "real" princesses after you got all dolled up in your gowns. Adelynn, all you talked about for weeks before was how you were going to be "Binkerbell." However, now you are completely obsessed with Snow White.

My favorite day was when we spent a lazy morning and afternoon on the beach of Disney's private island. Isn't it gorgeous?

Adelynn couldn't wait to hit the BEACH! She went straight to the water and didn't stop splashing, digging and building all day! What a fun summer awaits this year!

(Could these lips be any cuter? And, finally enough hair for little pigtails. YES, there are little curls tied up underneath those bows!!)

Daddy couldn't believe how quickly you took to the water this year. I think he was a little sad not to be needed to hold your feet up away from the water like the past. We were both a little lost without a constant attachment to our hips all day! But it sure was a pleasure to my soul to watch the tons of fun you girls had with your cousins.

Is this really my first born baby girl...without front teeth and riding a bike all alone with no training wheels across the island like a pro? Yikes...SLOW DOWN time machine!

Okay, I have to admit, this waterslide/playground in the ocean was NOT my friend! I had a rude awakening when hitting the water at the bottom of the slide. Ailee and I would rather not ever do that again. You other girls, LOVED it!

Pirate Night was a blast, too. Really, not much on this super boat wasn't (except that slide, you know Mommy doesn't do "danger" well!)

Well, the night of the Farewell Party, Adelynn, you gave your "poppie" (aka. pacifier) away to Pluto. Mommy was amazed you did it all on your own and you were such a big girl after it, too. Pluto was beyond thrilled and swung you around and around. Mommy was sad...no more babies! I miss that sweet pink thing I was so accustommed to poking out of your mouth. You so very proudly tell me almost everyday now..."I'm a big girl, Mommy, no baby!"

Goodbye our sweet Disney Friends...we will definitely see you again real soon!

Mimi and her girls! Nothing warms her heart more than her sweet little stairsteps.
The memories of this trip will last forever! Thanks, Mimi and Granddaddy, for such amazing times will the ones we all the most in this world!!!

My precious "middle" child...

2011-03-07T16:29:00.005-05:00

We had a rough morning with sweet Ailee! As we tried hard to get back in the swing of our morning routine after wonderful week of vacation (I'll post lots from that later), we had sort of an alarming incident with Ailee. I went straight on to Dr. Young and, until Wednesday, we are just praying it is a simple fix and trusting God to heal up everything just perfect! Now, on to the sweet parts of the not so typical "middle" child!

When I picked her up from her shortened day of school after our morning at the doctor, she went straight into such a perfect answer to my prayers. I had just gotten off the phone with the most wonderful friend who I can always count on to stop and prayer for me at that very moment. And that she did. She prayed a beautiful prayer over me and my baby girl. God quickly added a peace to my morning following with Ailee's response once she got buckled in the car. Ailee..."Mom, you know what my bible verse was this morning? I learned about a little boy who was sick and his daddy was real worried (here she acted out the picture from the card of how worried the daddy looked, so cute). God's men told the daddy and little boy to just go home and wait and pray. Then, the boy was better!! Mommy, can we do that? I think God is going to make me better!" HELLO!!! Could she be any more adorable and RIGHT? Although, she couldn't quote the verse and story exactly, the point God was speaking to my heart was well taken! Until wednesday, I now have peace!

And to add to her adorableness today...She just came in here while I was working on some service league items for tomorrow with a sad look on her face. Granted, we just spent the most amazing week of our lives together as a family so reality is hard for us all this week. (Adelynn has asked every time we get back home from school drop off, errands, etc. if Daddy was home yet. We are not ready to all be separated again by LIFE!) She went straight into..."I really didn't want to be 5, Mom. I made this sad number 4 because I really just want to put a huge piece of wood on top of my head so I can stay little and live here forever with you and daddy and my sisters." I responded..."Ailee Claire, no matter what, you will always be my precious baby girl and you are welcome here anytime with no questions asked and NO age limits!" She just frowned and said..."I know, Mommy, but if I keep growing, one day I will have to go to college. Do you think sissy's will go with me?" Ummm....after this Mommy had no response. Just tears and long pause of squeezing her probably harder than I should have! Anyone have a HUGE block of wood? or three pieces while I am at it?

Queen of Hearts Birthday Party!...Ailee is FIVE!!!

2011-02-24T14:53:00.007-05:00

Ailee, you had a beautiful "Queen of Hearts" birthday party which you basically created yourself. For the past two years, you have designed specific dresses for Santa and his elves to bring you. You pick out every detail! This year, it was to be red sparkles with white fur. You like to plan your party around your dress selection so that you can wear it on the special day. It worked out perfect this year to be a Valentine party since your original due date was almost Valentine's Day! You have soooo many little friends because you developed your Daddy's social personality and you could not leave out your adorable boy friends. So, we had a "King and Queen of Hearts" day at the Country Club. We played games, Daddy did magic tricks and you all made precious crowns to wear during the party, along with some other crafts. The dessert bar was full of some super yummy treats! And, as always, the cake was beautiful that Grammy made. The party was a blast and you were definitely a "Queen" for the day! We love you, Sunshine!!! Your invite featured a lace heart and your sweet picture!
The "red and pink" treats made the party all color perfect!
We decorated the craft table and the eating tables with fun holiday decorations and flowers.

Your handprint stuffed heart was used to mark the birthday girl's chair and your special birthday plate this year turned out just wonderful.

No Valentine party is complete without "convo" hearts, for sure!

Iced heart brownies made a great favor for your guests, too!

A few of your favorite sweet treats!

I loved seeing you enjoying time with your sweet friends.

Some magic tricks didn't work out just right but Daddy did great anyway!

What an adorable crowd!

Happy Birthday, Ailee Claire!! You are one precious little monkey!

May I Please interrupt for a very important message?...

2011-02-09T10:01:00.007-05:00

Ailee, I hope you do not mind! I had full intentions of adding sweet photos of your birthday celebrations throughout the rest of this week. However, God had a greater plan. He met me today on my morning run with a divine message. I cannot help but share with you and your sisters! My prayer is that one day it will strengthen your faith and give you a glimpse into your Father's Love for you and our family!

Man, where exactly do I start? I must warn you ahead of time...this post will be all over the place! It is just a rambling recap of a very special encounter with my Savior. I have prayed fiercely over my heart, heads and even keyboard as I try to share with you my awesome experience! Please be patient and try to follow along!

Okay, here it goes! I must be truly honest! I have strongly despised running and exercising lately. To be quiet honest, dropping my girls off at school and coming back home to do absolutely nothing has been exactly what "felt best." I tried to blame it on the fact that Jon was gone for multiple weeks at a time and I was just tired. I knew in my heart that my spiritual cup was running on empty. I had let the enemy fill my head with so many lies that my heart was drowning. I didn't WANT to read God's word, spend time with Him or even lead my little angels in prayer time. (So sad, I know!!!) However, even though it was not what I wanted, I did it all out of obedience and, this morning, He met me right where I needed Him. He released a stonghold that I have been praying about for quite some time!

(This fountain has always marked the start of my runs. This morning as I passed by at the beginning, I knew it was standing there frozen solid to prove my stupidity. Then, as I returned, it was a beautiful picture of God melting away my insecurities!)

First, let me set the stage. I cannot sell Him short by leaving out this important start to my morning. I woke up with an unbelievable urge to pray and run. What? That has not been a craving lately, more like a job! I was thrilled to feel a little bit of life inside again. I got up a little early, spent time praying scripture (my new goal!) and got on my running clothes. (yes, I tried to talk myself out of it when I realized it was 22 degrees but I am telling you, we had a divine meeting in store! The enemy was all over trying to stop this, I am sure!) I put Adelynn in "my gym" as she calls it. She loves the caretaker, friends and time away to fill like a big girl, I guess. Yet today, different caretaker and no friends...enemy? I tried to pull up the ipod on my phone to find NO music. So, then tried to pull up 104.7 The Fish station. Wouldnt' work, ughhhh! Then, remembered Pandora! Found Casting Crowns station and I was off to a running start. The first three songs that played where the new songs added to my playlist. Yahooo, God can even win battles on an ipod! They each spoke deeply to where I was today and the past 3 months! And, YES, I was so overcome by His presence, I was the goofball running through the neighborhood and main street with my hands held high. I couldn't help but praise Him for the immense peace I had received over my current battles.

I must add...Jon has been under spiritual attack lately too! We have been called to stand in the gap and make a few stands that, honestly, don't make a whole lot of sense to ourselves or those around us! Although, I KNOW, that most of the judgements made by our friends have been out of protection for us, it still rocked us a little. Jon felt strongly about what God had called us to do but, truthfully, I can say for the most part, I would rather have dug my heels in and stayed strong for the "plans" we had made for ourselves. We set out a year and a half ago to move closer to where our lives took place. Although it was only 15-20 closer into town, the urge was planted and we wanted to do it. Even in a terrible market to sell and through the giggles and judgement. We set up a plan, found a house to buy and waited. Waited. And waited. Nothing!! We were NOT moving until we sold! Not even considering it! No way! End result, God laughed at our plans and we now own two homes and are landlords, Ha! That set the stage for a ton of judgments. He lead us straight into the neighborhood where we swore we would never live, in the back section where my insecurities would be FULLY exposed and in a house that I can honestly say, I did NOT like. (Now, I adore this home! It is no longer a "house." It is our HOME and I feel peace over every inch of it! this is for my mom, I know she worried and could sense my uneasyness in the beginning. You have no need to worry! We are happy and as my sign says, I have full faith that His hand is upon us and we will live "Happily Ever After")

(side note...I will post more pics of our lovely home soon! Ailee's bday first, though. My goal in decorating my house is to make it a "home." Where everything in it says something about who we are as a family! The entry inside is exactly that...the bench is from a wonderful family friend of my Pop's. He gave it to my mom who graciously shared it with us! It is from an old church and it's presence here reminds us to stay close to His house and surround ourselves with family and friends who lift us up with their faith and love! The "Nest" pillow has a deep meaning to me and my girls. I grew up finding security in my Granny's "nest" as she would call it. Being snuggled there with her was where I was safe. I know her presence in this home is huge. She watches us, guides us and showers us with her beautifulness from Heaven above.)

Well, back to my message and words of truth this morning...I will testify, we moved and survived but not without a lesson (actually, quite a few lessons)! We took in the judgement and voices of those around us instead of the small, still voice of our Father. We got caught up in what those around us thought of our latest leaps of faith. This morning, I realized that the one and only voice that matters is the "voice of Truth" and by listening to that sweet sound, I can "walk by Faith" and stand strong with my face lifted high and my eyes on Heaven where I will "live happily ever after with my Savior!" Whew, can you sense the amount of pressure I released with this simple realization. It is hard to share with you but it was huge. It was no longer words I spoke or heard, it was what I honestly felt in my heart! What a peace!

Next, He reminded me of some of the blessing we have received through this move. The friends surrounding us and our girls since we moved are huge. I had a bad attitude at first. Thought the worst of everyone and almost wanted it to turn out bad. Nope, turned out PERFECT! Two, actually three, very special people are directly out our front door. (Now, I can say all the following because I am sure based on solely looking at the two families from the outside, you would not place us in the same circle. They are both brillant doctors, daughter goes to private school, both very outdoor people, concerned primarly with being strong followers of Christ, being awesome parents and never make decisions based on what others will think or say! HUGE! I was a "tad" bit intimidated!) So, what did God do...nudged me to ask her to lead a bible study in my home. WHAT? I responded with, "Umm, God, I have lived here all of 10 minutes and that would mean fully exposing myself in front of this Highly intellegent, strong woman! Nope, can't do it!" Ignoring Him did not work, so I emailed her to try to save myself the face to face embarassment and she was honored and wanted to do it! What? Yes, when will I learn that God works on both sides. He had been preparing her to lead a small group for quite a while! AWESOME! (Note: Manna, add to jar. Will explain shortly!) So, once again, He was is all over me this week. I actually tried to cancel our weekly meeting this week because only 3 of us could make it. Lisa said she really wanted to do it anyway. Now I see why. The message was soley for ME! I must add that she is extremely logical and factual which is total opposite of me. I am a heart woman! Not at all a coincidence that He picked her to mentor me, ugh? So, she started off the lesson with tons of facts. Trying to focus, I zoned in, determined to make it worth an evening away from my family. Totally worth it! She offered great info and lead straight into the part of the bible dicussing manna. It landed smack on my heart and revealed a lack of thanksgiving for the "spiritual manna" I have been given. She handed out these little jars and asked us to fill it with "manna," sticky notes actually, that shared blessings and works of God's hand in our lives and our family's lives. This calls for a huge time of reflection on my part and it all started this morning! Yeah, first sticky note filled up with current "manna!" She asked us to place the jar somewhere in our home so that we could share it with our children. Just like in the Bible when the people were asked to take 2 quarts of manna and fill up a jar to share with later generations about how God saved them. Well, first thing the next morning...Anna Grace walked by the jar, "what is this?" My response, "it is our Manna Jar and we are each going to fill it with different color sticky notes that recall times in our lives where God revealed Himself to us." She seemed excited! Me too! When they are teenagers, they will need actual reminders of when God showered His love on them!

More...we have been called as a family to reach out to someone in need. I can just say, we have NO reservations! This is already making an enormous impact on our girls and creating a heart of compassion within. It is my daily prayer that God will reveal a desire to serve within them that they are unable to ignore throughout all stages of their lives. How else can I support this prayer than to make it evident in my own daily life? So, we are helping where we can. Stepping out in ways that affect today for this precious little girl. Despite loved ones around us who have a few reservations, we are called to do this. We hear God's voice and know that we are not supossed to be discouraged by the enemy telling us that we cannot change "forever" for this child. Her "forever" on this Earth is not the end! If we can in some way impact her days here, we are committed even with the realizination that we may never see the outcome of our works. I know she will continually go "home" to bad situations. However, in our home, she catches glimpses of love, commitment and family. We are in no way a perfect family, but we are sharing with her what a "family of God" is like. She is precious...she fits right in! The girls know the enormity of the problems she faces (we have not hid from them the fact that each and everything they have is a direct result of God's Grace and that it is ALL a blessing!) and they treat her just the same. They lift up her and her needs in prayer but to her face show nothing but equality and love that surpasses my adult understanding! I see her step back and become "a fly on the wall" just observing us and taking it all in sometimes. If nothing else comes of our love for her, I pray if she is ever blessed with a child of her own that she can break the continual cycle in her family of just "giving up the blessing up motherhood." I pray that she stores the pictures of God she sees through my girls in her mind and that upon motherhood she "pays it forward" to her children.

I wish I could share with you the power of this day (past few days) has been for me! It is like I have come out from under a rock that has been guarded by my enemy from all sides. I just want to thank those of you who have stuck it out with me! Loved me through it and supported me no matter what I took offense to or held against you in some way! I ask for continual prayer as we begin to reflect on our "manna jar" for our family. I know Satan will want to hold us back from completely filling it will our blessing but God is so good and His power will be revealed, I know!

So, sorry for rambling! Girls, I hope you feel God's presence in this message and He uses it to speak to you one day when the world's judgement seems more important than His! May your days forever showcase His glory. I no longer want to "stand along the shore of His ocean!"

Oh, and I cannot end without painting a picture for you girls of how wonderful your Daddy is! We all woke up to little notes hidden by our breaksfast areas! (note: add my sweet husband to my color sticky for the "manna jar!" Man, did the enemy try to steal this blessing from me many times. Those who know us best know the truth behind this "miracle!")

He sat aside a special night this upcoming weekend for each of his "girls" seperatley!

Anna Grace was completely one board! She left this response by your bed..."I would love to! YES!"

Our Sunshine turns FIVE!!!

2011-01-31T08:40:00.005-05:00

Ailee, you are such a precious light in our lives. This is definitely where Mommy's nickname for you came from...Sunshine! You used to love when I rocked you to sleep and sang "You are my Sunshine!" over and over and OVER, you would ask! Although you are the middle girl, you do not really carry very many "middle-child" qualities, which is wonderful. You have such a free-spirit with fun and caring side, as well. You capture a room the minute you enter and your energy is catching. You have a strong side too! I try to remember that in your future it will pay off for good. However, right now, your inability to take "No" for an answer is hard on me sometimes. In the long run, I know it will lead you toward success in many areas of your life and hope that your solid opinions will stay steadfast to what you believe and keep you focused on God's glory in your life! You are not afraid to stand up for what you believe...in the car the other day, I found a song on the radio with a fun beat and all us girls were "rockin out." After a minute, you jumped in and said "Mom, I think you should change this song because it is not really nice and Jesus is really what we should be singing about anyway!" Well, although the song was perfectly fine to hear by young ears and old alike, I quickly but it back on The Fish and hoped that would be something you held onto through your teenage years! You are loving and sweet to your sisters and sharing comes as easy as your love for chocolate! You adore them both and constantly are thinking of ways to build them up! You worship Anna Grace and melt when she decides to cuddle up with you a few nights a week to sleep in your room. With Adelynn, you shelter her with kindness and adore teaching her new things. You protect her and almost seem sad at the quick stages she is going through to no longer be "our Baby A" anymore. And, your sweet tooth...what can I say? It might be bigger than Mommy's! I love your zest for life and love for your Father, family and all things "FUN!" Thanks for the beams of happiness you share daily with our family! We love you all the muches!!!

I forgot to mention your sense for "style!" It comes out in this shot above but you have a strong desire to design clothing and create! If it was up to you, you would not even own a pair of pants. Each and everytime you step foot in your closet, you come out with a dress or skirt! I will share more in your actual birthday party post! Both your parties for the past 2 years have stemmed from dresses you have designed to be delivered by Santa himself!

And, did I mention...You are gorgeous on the outside too!!!

I love when I look in your big brown eyes and see the face of my sweet Granny! (many of the above qualities I mentioned you got from her, not just her eyes!)

Winter Bliss...

2011-01-13T18:35:00.007-05:00

God is SO Good...

What can I say beside the above? In His perfect timing, He releases such blessings! After only a few days back in the saddle following the Christmas Holidays, we were given a beautiful blanket of snow. It has been quite a while since I was a freshman in high school and we missed a week of school due to a blizzard. Now, my girls have been home with me all week and I could not ask for a greater reward. Nothing warms my heart more than having my family together to enjoy strictly each other, God's miracles and sweet friends! This week has been full of cozy snuggles by a warm fire, tons of giggles shared between friends young and old, exhilarating rides down hills on something as random as a mixing pan, absolutely delicious comfort meals, houses filled to the brim with guests and, last but not least, prayers of thanksgiving for the perfect ways of our Heavenly Father. This week has been even sweeter for me because I feel I am back on a road of deeper communication with my Lord. In the stillness of life while being "stuck" in my home, as some would say, I have slowed down to hear His still, tender voice. It is so mind-blowing to me that I would allow life to sweep me into such busyness that I don't make time to REALLY talk to Him and receive the many blessings He has for me. I know I overlook so many windows of blessings He sends daily for me to enjoy. This week, I have caught so many glimpses of His promise by just slowing down. Dear Father, Please help me keep my feet and my mind at a slower pace. I know every week (day) cannot be a snowstorm but help me to remember the warmth you covered me with during this time. I truly felt you by my side during each step this week. I pray I do not take off running and leave behind my greatest treasure. I love you and adore the memories of this week with you and my family. Help keep these moments ever present in my mind so that my feet may stay in step with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Just a few blessings...

The neighborhood that we just joined is so much fun and is filled with such amazing Christian families. We spent the first two days gathered together in one another's yards and homes while making many trips down hills in homemade sleds and piling together all the home cooking we could gather up. I think we had 30+ people in our home for lunch on Tuesday!

I am sure you girls enjoyed some super fun times with your friends!

While the Daddies enjoyed making homemade sleds from anything they could find and seeing who would take the fastest trip down the hills. I think Mrs. Deena and I might have won when we went as fast as lightening down the hill backwards and I took out a bush that I am still finding traces of in the hood of my jacket!
And the Mommies enjoyed making lots of lots of treats for us all to enjoy! I don't think I have ever eaten so much in one week! Yikes...I will definitely pay for that next week at the gym! Daddy made you all a little treat too! We put out bowls on Sunday night to catch some snow for snow cream. When we woke up on Monday, the bowls were hidden deep in the 8-10 inches of snow! We dug them out and you all made the most delicious snow cream I have ever tasted!

Not sure how long it will be until another snow adventure-filled week like this one...

But, until then, let's hang on to these precious times with each other and our dear friends!

Christmas Blessings...

2010-12-30T10:27:00.009-05:00

As always, we are blessed beyond measure this Christmas Season. We enjoyed lots of fun times with family and friends this year and made memories that add sweetness to our hearts. Ailee and I got to go to her Christmas Singing around the tree at preschool and celebrate a birthday party for Jesus with her class before the sickness officially started in our home. After we overcame the majority of our illness, we headed off to the England's for a little Christmas cheer. You girls got lots of exciting gifts and even got to eat turkey this time too! You were so excited!

Then, we headed to Mimi and Granddaddy's house to have Christmas Eve dinner with the whole gang. Then, as always, the cousins all spent the night together in the nest while waiting on Santa to arrive. After most of the family rushed home, you girls hit the lawn to spread out your reindeer food.
This year, Mimi decorated the nest with snowflakes, And...it worked! While sleeping under the snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, the sky filled with lot s of snow that it would dump on us for Christmas morning! It was so amazing! Mimi may have to do this each year from now on!
I always love the photos waiting with Granddaddy until us mommy and daddies get the cameras ready for you to rush down to see what Santa left on his stop!
Ailee, once again, you got the Christmas dress you designed and begged Santa to bring. This year, it was to be red with fur. How beautiful!

Adelynn, all you wanted was "gum" (code word for candy) and another Baby Huggims! But you seemed to like purse and sunglasses too.

Anna Grace, you wanted a voilin this year and Mommy cannot wait for you to learn to play! I know you will make such beautiful music one day soon. Santa also left you each a pefectly sized old timey school desk to use while doing homework and playing school which is a favorite pasttime around here. Cybil and Adelynn couldn't stay out of the candy while sharing the school desk seat together most of the morning.

And for the BIG surprise...

Mimi and Granddaddy are taking us all on the cruise of a lifetime!!! Can you believe it? We are going aboard the DISNEY DREAM!

You all got a little suitcase with a ticket and pandora cruise ship inside! Mimi also surprised you with your own minnie beach towels she made!

WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!! I was so surprised it was actually sticking and to have 3-4 inches was just amazing! What a beautiful Christmas gift from our Father this year!
After breakfast with the whole Penland/Duncan crew, there was just enough snow to make some pretty great snowballs. Even the one Daddy put down Doodah's pjs was the perfect size! Sorry, HopPop!
Even a few days later when we got back to our new home, it was still covered in white!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

Tis the Season...

2010-12-22T16:45:00.006-05:00

The England Family always has a wonderful Christmas party each year a couple of weeks into December. This year we had a special guest...Santa himself. AG said this was definitely the "real" Santa~ You were all very impressed. Adelynn, your love for him amazed me. You are such a sweet-hearted little girl.

When he called your name, you ran with arms open wide to him!
Then, held your sweet hands so precious as he loved on you and mommy snapped some priceless shots.

Telling Secrets with the Big Man...

Grammy and Poppa and their crew of grands!

Tis also the season for...
SICKNESS! and in this house, we have it rough this year! Adelynn, is the only one free of flu-like symptons so far. The rest of us have been battling fever, sore throat, aches, dizziness, coughs, stomach issues, and you name it for 4-5 days now. Please join us in praying for healing around here. I honestly cannot imagine not going "home for Christmas!" We MUST get well quick! Only 2 days to go!!!!

Cousin's Christmas and a little taste of Winter...

2010-12-21T11:54:00.005-05:00

Another FUN family tradition...each Christmas season, we try to take a little trip to see the Penland cousins and enjoy the exciting area where they live. We got to see their beautiful, new home and see lots and lots of Christmas decorations and lights. It was such fun to see the Christmas show playing nearby, too! And this year~~~we even got to see some SNOW!

Mimi and Granddaddy and the Fabulous Five!

Mimi and the two "babies"
Of course, you all know Mimi...She had some super fun crafts to do while we stayed in Uncle Matt Matt's cabin. You love sleepovers together in the mountain cabin. You had fun making gingerbread houses this trip. It was quite a mess but the three older ones took it very seriously while the two younger ones loved eating some "gum" as Adelynn calls all candy. I LOVE these two shots where you can see your sweet Mimi's hands as she guides you through making the projects she dreams up. I just pray you all get an ounce of her creativity! Those precious hands have made many, many crafty items for you five, your parents and tons of other, too!

What a mess! Can't you just see the fun you had, Baby A?

And, here is what you left for Mommy to clean up...

For one of the best parts of the trip...we woke up to snow in the cabin!

And, someone hit Mommy in the rear area with a snowball...

wonder who?~~~

Little bit was quite unsure of putting her hands in the cold snow but you two older girls tried real hard without success!

A Little More Christmas...

2010-12-16T08:41:00.006-05:00

Each year on Thanksgiving night, we begin our Christmas traditions. Mimi always has a stash of goodies for her little girls that jump starts the season. Usually some really precious clothes, Christmas pjs and more. This year was no exception...the outfits adorable, even doll Holiday clothes too, and a special snowball made out of soap with a prize Mimi hid inside. You were all excited to use your soaps so you could find the treasure inside. Ailee, you were smart enough to leave it under the running water while you showered so it would get soft enough to break!! You were the first to find one of the hidden silver half-dollars that belonged to your Great-Pappaw Penland. Wow! Then, ya'll decorate the basement tree with all the ornaments from your mommy and uncle matt matt's past. You think this is a really special treat! Mimi and Granddaddy's Fabulous Five Granddaughters! I just LOVE those curls! (this picture is a little scary how much you look like me when I was a little girl, Ailee)

At a mall nearby, they always start the Christmas Season with a couple of reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh into the mall so that Santa can set up shop for the remainder of the year. He came rushing in on the sleigh and you girls thought it was super cool. You even were the first to get to sit on the sleigh with the reindeer, which Adelynn totally disliked, by the way! Loves Santa, Hates Reindeer! Go figure!

Lots more Santa to come! Three more Santa visits this year!

A Special Visit to Babyland General...

2010-12-14T13:41:00.003-05:00

The weekend before Thanksgiving, we made a very special trip to Babyland General. This is the hospital where Cabbage Patch Babies are born and adopted. This visit was to adopt a precious baby for Ailee Claire! Years ago, my Granny took Danielle and I to pick out our special dolls. You can see mine in the photo. She was very loved and had to visit the hospital for a trip to bath camp. Then, only 4 years ago, Mimi took Anna Grace to get her cabbage patch baby during the Christmas Spectacular. This year, we rushed over during the Holiday Magic to let Ailee Claire get her special baby. Not only where ya'll excited to get to go to every girl's dream place, this year we got to visit the NEW hospital. It was beautiful and exciting! It still had the same large tree in the middle with the cabbage patch under it where the babies were born but it was so big and new! Fun memories for you girls and your mommy!

Of course, the pink nursery full of preemies was the favorite!

Ailee, after much debate, you finally picked a precious preemie with a sweet pink smocked dress on. You sat so still and what seemed to be very nervously in the chair awaiting your adoption. You raised your right hand and took the oath to take the best care possible of your baby. You have done a spectacular job so far and i love seeing you both nestled in your warm bed every night!

Signing the papers...it's official! You are now a mommy of a cabbage patch baby!

AND, this was our first visit with Santa this year!!!!

Adelynn, you amazed Mimi and I with how sweet and loving your were with him. The first year, you screamed. Last year, you seemed very very nervous and unsure. This year, you adore him!

You all told Santa your wishes and requests for this season. Adelynn, you only asked for "gum." (which actually means candy of any sort!)

Where we've been lately!...

2010-12-13T10:01:00.005-05:00

Well, we have crammed a whole lot of stuff in the past couple of weeks since Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, it did not include journaling. The Wednesday before Turkey Day, we packed our very first box for a move that would occur only 3 short days later. Never mind, that those three days also included a trip to Mimi's for my favorite holiday and time with loved ones. Saturday quickly arrived and we had every inch of our belongings in boxes and ready to go. (well, not the basement but that's another story ;-)!!!) We moved into our new home and have been quickly trying to unpack boxes, Daddy has been on two trips in two weeks both being 4-5 days long, visit Santa, attend parties, buy presents, decorate the house for Christmas, enjoy ladies Christmas dinners, take our annual holiday trip with cousins, focus completely on the birth and love of our Savior, ballet rehearsals, and throw in a little sleep most days too! Thanks to Mimi stepping up while Daddy was out of town, we just might be box free before the end of the week! And Santa even got most of his shopping done too! Wow, did I mention that being Mommy is hard work? Did I also mention that I wouldn't trade the smile it adds to my face each night when I lay my head down even though sometimes it often brings complete and utter exhaustion too! I am finally going to share a few of my favorite Fall snapshots before I overload you when multiple entries including the many holiday traditions this time of year brings!

(the sun was NOT my friend on this particular day but I had to take what I could get!)

( I LOVE the gap the loss of those two front teeth makes, AG!)
I cannot forget that we also celebrated two very special bdays over Thanksgiving like always...Happy Birthday Aunt Beth and Anna Grace!

Anna Grace's Bake Shop Birthday!

2010-11-22T08:43:00.007-05:00

Today, my precious first born angel turns seven...SEVEN!

I cannot even believe you are already seven years old, Anna Grace! It sounds so old!!!! You have always acted beyond your years with your perfect manners, caring heart and large amounts of compassion for others. I truly enjoy being with you all the time! It is like having a friend instead of a child. You have the best conversations and such a great taste for life. You are really turning into such a smart young lady. You can now read almost everything no matter where we are or what we are doing. Hiding Christmas lists this year is extremely important!!! You absolutely LOVE doing anything crafty. It was so sweet to see so many of your gifts from your friends being art-related in some way. They all know you so well! You chose a Bakery theme party this year which was a great way to try out your creativity! I am not sure I have seen you that excited in a long time. You waited by the door of the club looking out the window for the girls to arrive. You wanted to be a part of every bit of the planning for this big night. Mommy enjoyed having it at a place where I had help serving and taking care of the guest. It was such a fun party and I was able to relax and take in all the joy beaming from your precious smile. The memories from this evening and from the past seven years of being your mommy make me the happiest person in the world. No matter the circumstance or the unsure situations we are facing, no one can take away the awesome feeling in my heart that comes from knowing God gave me the most wonderful daughter in the world when he sent me you!!!! I pray daily that you hang on to the innocent, sensitivity you have for others. You see such good in everyone and want to make your loved ones proud of you. You have a great filter for right and wrong which enables you to mostly make very good decisions. This is a huge prayer for your future. I want you to be able to sort out the good from the bad and only strive to please your Heavenly Father no matter what others may think of you. I love you, sweet angel! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

We made you a very fun apron for your Bake Shop Party! Of course, pink and ruffles were to the two main requirements!

One of your favorite things to do with your Daddy is make homemade pizzas. Since you do not like any sauce that is red, you make your pizza with alfredo sauce. Daddy did a great job coaching all the little ladies on how to roll out the dough and make the perfect pizza. We called him...Papa Jon Pizzas!

Mimi monogrammed all the little girls little matching aprons and they all loved the chef hats and rolling pins!See your all white pizza. This is the only type pizza you like!

Even Baby A tried super hard to roll out her very own dough!
Some of the pizzas really did look like Papa Johns! Yummy!

You all seemed to enjoy eating them as much as you did making them! So cute!

While the pizzas were cooking, we had prepared mini cakes for each girl to decorate on their own.
We used all sorts of icing, toppings and you all tried out some gumdrops while you were decorating too! Before the party, you helped Grammy finish up the final touches on your actual bday cake. Didn't it turn out so cute!

I loved watching how different everyone decorated the cakes. Some used tons of icing, some tons of sprinkles and some got super fancy! I thought your initials were a perfect way to finish off your masterpiece!

Each girl got to take their cake home in their own special cake box!
Happy Birthday to you, Anna Grace!

Besides your sweet, serious side...you can also be a whole lot of fun too! I am so glad the party turned out to be such a super time for you and your friends! I am not sure we can top this one off next year but I know you will come up with another fantastic idea!

Daddy Daughter Date times Three...

2010-11-18T09:59:00.002-05:00

As always, the Daddy Daughter Dance at the club is a very exciting evening full of fun with your Daddy and your girlfriends. I only wish I could be a fly on the wall to see all that really goes on! I know in the pics I spotted no shoes, no tights and even a few little ones with no hairbows!!! All the Mommies got together for a night out too and that was lots of fun, as well. I love to see your Daddy with such beautiful little angels inside and out hanging off his arm. (I heard he did the slow dances on his knees so you all would get to snuggle close, too sweet!)Even though our Bulldawgs have had more than their share of struggles this year, you girls love them just the same! Daddy caught a shot of you all dressed up for church one morning after the Dawgs had a win! (Thanks to Mimi for your matching smocked Georgia Dresses...what would we do without her?)

Halloween, GA/Fla Game and Beach Time all Rolled into one!

2010-11-02T21:13:00.007-04:00

This Halloween weekend has become a sweet little tradition for our family and another family of girls that we adore. Even before you little ones came along, the Sills and Mommy and Daddy have been like brothers and sisters. Now is no different, just 6 more little ones added to the team. We headed to Amelia Island for the weekend to celebrate Halloween, Ga/Fla game and just relax together. The boys headed off to the game on Saturday while we enjoyed some girl time just the 8 of us. It was a special time full of lots of memories. It was wonderful just to soak in some sun and just love on another for a real long weekend!

My precious Trick or Treaters!

The gang! The older sisters were both the princess type, the middle two were super heros and the bity ones, well, one was is just a mess (guess who) and the other is yet to be determined!We headed down early on Thursday and so our family entered a family scarecrow making contest by the pool on Friday. After a few minutes of stuffing, someone got tired and decided to make a scarecrow out of themselves!!!

Then, at the Plantation Carnival that evening we found out that our scarecrow lady won the contest! YaY!! (when you are older I will tell you all that we were the only ones to enter but, for now, you enjoyed the fame!)

It was a lot of fun dressing you all up in your unique costumes this year. I am so happy that you loved your costume, Adelynn. Once you discovered what we meant by "Trick or Treat" you couldn't get enough of it!

These two costumes both fit your personalities perfectly, Boo and Issy!

We went trick or treating in the historic district downtown and then visited the First Baptist Church Fall Festival for games and fun!
(Baby A...always the last to the door, you made a special entrance. At one house, I looked up and you were inside!! You loved getting "gum" as you called every piece of candy. You would stick your head into the bucket after each house to see what they dropped inside.)

And, to Mommy's favorite part of the trip...The BEACH!!!

This special weekend with our dear friends is something I look forward to every year. I just wish you sweet girls would not grow in between! Can you just still be this size next year?

More Fall and some really GREAT news...

2010-10-26T13:42:00.005-04:00

For our Family, like most, FALL brings even more busy but fun times! We cram just about every single activity we can into this month of October. Here are a few shots of Ailee's class field trip to the pumpkin farm. This is an annual trip with the preschool and I look forward to the years ahead taking Baby A and her sweet classes. For now though, she sure had a blast hanging with "Boo" and her friends.

Just a few snapshots taken within seconds of each other...shows the many faces of "Baby A!"

Sweet Sisters...rotten to the core! I LOVE it and wouldn't have it any other way. It is no secret to you sweet ones that you are your Mommy's world!!!

Feeding the cows is always the highlight of the trip but this year, Ailee, you and Maci had some fun playing hide and seek in the toddler corn maze. I hated to tell you that whereever you went to hide, your big orange bow was always sticking up to give it away. Your laugh is so fun and contagious!
I loved watching you as the big sister help baby adelynn down the giant slide!
This is such a special class. Poor Mrs Trish...This is a class full of personality. Most kids are the middle child or the babies in the family which leads itself to a lot of character!!!
Then, another October favorite...The Country Club Costume Party. Ailee, you just HAD to be wonder woman! What a super cute SUPER hero you turned out to be!

An to my Angel, you truly are beautiful inside and out!
Never missing a second of caring for your little sister, you both enjoyed cutting the rug together on the dance floor!

Ailee, my wild child...You didn't need any help busting loose and shaking a leg to the music! I will say, just the thought of the years ahead with you make mommy hit her knees!

New this year to the party was the pumpkin hunt. All the children headed out on the golf course with flashlights and necklaces to hunt little pumpkins filled with candy. So fun!!

Now, this shot is so sweet to me. It is just a little sneak peek I took from behind the car during an afternoon playtime. You girls had been to get your pics made as angels for the darrah halloween shots as always. You came home and hit the ground playing. I heard you explaing how AG was the Bulldawg Queen and this is "Queen of Georgia" parade. I love how adelynn is driving you two big girls around!

AND FOR THE BIG NEWS...

AG you made the biggest decision of your life on Sunday, October 24th. You asked Jesus into your heart and Mommy was there to support and help you through the process. It was so sweet how you snuggled up in my lap for a program at church. Everyone around us had left a little early and it was just me and you. During decision time, you whispered up to me that you wanted to ask Jesus into your heart. I asked you a few questions and we prayed together. I was a super precious moment that mommy will never forget. I know you are so proud and you have told everyone you see. Which is a HUGE thing, considering you are so shy that you rarely speak unless spoken to and sometimes not even then! I LOVE you more than life and you are growing into such a beautiful child of God!

UGA Homecoming 2010

2010-10-19T09:01:00.003-04:00

This past weekend we headed over to Athens for a BIG win and Mommy relived some really great memories of my years "between the hedges." I have never participated in the Alumni Performance at the pregame show before the Homecoming Game. This year, because you girls begged me and in honor of Taylor and Heather, I decided I would give it a try. I am really glad I did. I got to reunite with some old friends from the Georgette Line when I was there and a few other ladies from Zeta. You girls seemed to enjoy being on the field and sharing in my pom pom fun! You even all almost got run over by the new UGA VIII, Big Bad Bruce! Ailee you couldn't look at the camera for checking out exactly how to hold on to the pompom. Believe it or not, I could stick kick almost as high and remember "Glory, Glory to Ole Georgia" even if I did not quite look like the photo Mimi posted last week from ten years ago on that field. Thanks for reminding me, Mimi, of what birthing three little angels can do for the human body. Adelynn, you were not far from your Daddy all day. You made sure you kept a tight grip on his leg or neck most of the time. However, you sure enjoyed clapping right along with the music while mommy was dancing. You loved being on the field with all the bulldawgs!Mommy's Littlest Dawg!

Jumping Head First into FALL...

2010-10-10T19:20:00.009-04:00

Friday was the first day of Fall Break and we definitely made the best of it. I must say I was really worried and disappointed when my plans to sleep in (for you guys more than me!) were thrown off when Ailee got up before 6 with an upset tummy. Thankfully, God took over and by noon we were ready to head out to some of our favorite Fall destinations! It was a fantastic day filled with lots of fun times and sweet memories. We crammed a lot into the afternoon but you all kept up the pace very well and seemed to be having some much needed play time with Mommy and Daddy! First stop~~the apple barn. We walked through the orchards, visited the petting zoo, tasted some apples and, of course, purchased some fried apple pies!!

Issy, you helped Baby A pick out the perfect apple. And it wasn't long until she had chomped all the way around it with pure enjoyment! It must have been a great choice!

Boo (Ailee), you found the biggest one you could find and were extremely proud!

I am not sure of the discussion here but I bet it was interesting!
Next stop...the petting zoo. Both of you older girls, loved it! Adelynn, however, hung onto Daddy as tight as possible. When the little moo cow got too close, she was finished with the animal scene. The only ones she wanted to get near were the sweet little bunnies.

The miniature horse and the pig were mommy's favorite! Look how cute this little guy is!
Ailee, you never meet a stranger, child. Even you and this goat appear to go way back!

I love seeing how as big sisters you both care for Baby A so carefully. Ailee, you helped guide her through the patch until you both found the perfect pumpkin.

Sweet Adelynn, you have a slight obsession with miniature rocks right now. You were just as excited about hanging onto your rock treasures as your pumpkin. You kept saying..."heavy, heavy."

I could not get over looking at you all day, Anna Grace, because you seemed so grown up in your boots and jeans. You are so sweet to always wear the little girl style clothing rather than the latest fad. Today, I encouraged you to try a pair of jeans and you loved your new boots. I think you looked precious...just big! As long as you still wear your big hairbows, Mommy can hang on a little while longer to my first baby girl!

After the pumpkin searching was over, we headed of to the Falls. It was beautiful. You all were amazed. Mommy and Daddy were exhausted. There were a lot of steep hills and stairs included in this little adventure. This might have been my favorite part of the day.

The top!
Finally, Daddy and Anna Grace tackled a little adventure of their own. AG, you have reached an age where you enjoy being with your Daddy a lot. You like working on things together, watching football with him and anything that captures his attention on just you for a second. The corn maze was a perfect ending to your day. You held the punch card while he read the map. You both had a record time and the rest of us just sat in the car and cheered you on. Ailee, you on the other hand, require a lot of Mommy time. You loved nothing better than sitting in the front seat with mommy rocking you and singing songs as the sun began to set on the field. And, Baby A, you are just happy being along for the ride. You are so easy going and quite hysterical most of the time.
On Saturday, we headed to watch the Dawgs pull out a big win between the hedges. Adelynn, here is a glimpse into your personality these days. You are truly a mess. So funny and sweet all rolled into one adorable little monkey. This new "cheese" you have learned is such a lovely addition to our photos. You look like "one proud bulldawg!"
(I apologize for the quality of these phone pics. I purposely left the camera at home and enjoyed seeing it all through my own eyes instead of my camera for a change!)

Today, we went to the MALL!!! The apple farm and the MALL were the two places you both really wanted to visit during the break. You both are girls after your Mommy's own heart! We had fun! Once we got lunch and Adelynn passed out in the stroller, it was on. We hit every store remotely "girly" in the whole mall. We looked at everything down to Ballet Christmas ornaments. I gave you both $10 to spend and it was interesting to watch. Ailee, you spent your money in the first store in a matter of 5 minutes. You bought...a skirt (I know...big shock! You would wear a skirt 24 hours a day if I let you!) AG, it was serious to you. You spent 3 hours deliberating over the perfect way to spend your money. I was exhausted! Finally, we waited as you decided between 3 purses. You tried them on. Posed in the mirror and decided on the pink one with a big pink flower. I knew the minute you saw the purse in the first 15 minutes of arriving at the mall that you would choose it. However, I played along with the decision process. You are such a serious girl!

Tomorrow we are off to tie dye shirts with friends and see a movie. Then, unfortunately, Tuesday is work day. We (I) have big plans to clean out the basement toy circus! I hope to be completely organized and maybe even tackle straightening up my sewing area! Oh and by the way, sewing for my three true loves again is absolutely fabulous!! I have put a hold on all TMM orders and begun creating special masterpieces for the three of you again. Now, I remember why I fell in love with sewing to begin with! I do love seeing my creations on little ones all over the place but, for now, I have three little angels in need of some Halloween outfits!

Fall is on it's Way...

2010-09-23T09:32:00.001-04:00

Today is the first Full day of Fall. I know it is still going to reach the mid 90"s but our air conditioning is FINALLY fixed and so it feels like winter in our house again!!! (this is a whole different post for another time but, basically since May we have had low 80 degree temps in our house constantly and 4 different air companies and the same response. Air works perfect...Really?)

Anyway, now we are up and running perfectly and ready for our favorite season...FALL! We kicked the day off with our apple cinnamon muffins for breakfast. Each year, we pack a Happy Fall basket of goodies for your teachers filled with a fall-scented candle, tea towel, warm apple muffins and this year we added personalized apple notecards. You were both thrilled to surprise them and hopped out of the car this morning with all smiles.

Adelynn, you have this wonderful new "cheese" face for our photos. Love it! Anna Grace and Ailee, you both were so excited about Fall that you had a special plan when we went to sleep last night. AG, you begged and begged me to set the alarm for 11:09 so that you could get up when it was officially Fall outside. I am not sure what you thought would happen but you expected something big. I heard you two planning when you laid down. Ailee, you asked AG not to forget to wake you when it was time. Of course, we all slept right though it, thank goodness. I tried to assure you that it was just the start of the new season and nothing extraordinary would happen at that specific time but that God has orchestrated the whole world to work so that we could watch the seasons slowly change before our eyes. But this morning we I raised the garage door and you commented with such disappointment..."Mommy, why are all the leaves still green?" I knew you actually did not understand. But we had fun planning the first day of Fall anyway and we will work on understanding all this later.

I love you each one, my precious Monkeys!!!

1/2 Marathon...1/2 Crazy!

2010-09-20T15:12:00.005-04:00

We did it! Daddy, Mommy, Mrs. LeAnne and Mr. Corey all finished the 1/2 marathon we have been training for over the last few months. It did feel like I was 1/2 crazy about mile 11 that I thought at the ripe age of 32 I would start running 1/2 marathons for fun. It was definitely not what I would consider a day of fun but it was a day that I felt accomplished. I set my mind to something and spent months preparing for it. It was great to be able to know I could push my body and mind to do something that seemed impossible for most of my life. God and I have had many long talks on the runs leading up to this race and uphill of mile 8 He definitely held my hand. I am sure on mile 13 on the last lap around, He actually carried me! It was great to do it with my very best friends too. Daddy was a trooper and jumped in on the idea a few months ago to make this day a foursome event. He did awesome and he has really never enjoyed running but doing this together was really neat. Now, will there be another 1/2 in our future?...

The verdict is definitely still out but I can promise I will closely evaluate the route next time. The rolling hills throughout this 13.1 mile track left a lasting impression on my legs!

Still Friends...Even though at the top of the hill on mile 8 I thought Mrs. LeAnne may hold a grudge against me for quite some time! But, actually only 30 minutes after the race she spoke to me again! Thanks for the memories and fun chats we have had over the hundreds of miles we have chalked up together lately!

Sweet Birthday Surprises!

2010-09-15T22:29:00.012-04:00

Baby "A" Turns 2...

Our invitations for this party were extra sweet because it was a small party with special friends and family. Mommy delivered actual goodies...pink ice cream bowls and spoons with fluffy pink cotton candy pretending as ice cream with fun sprinkles and a sweet photo of you inviting your friends to the park to play with you and have ice cream at your parlor!

Well, princess...this ice cream party was a blast to create and from all the sweet expressions on your face throughout the party snapshots, you must have really enjoyed it too. We didn't pull it off without a few sprinkles of rain but you would never know it by the amount of fun you were having. You enjoyed every minute of the goodies, presents and playtime! I know one day you will love this photo as much as me...you make a mean ice cream face, girl! I guess this shows just how serious you are about it and how much you love every bite! After singing, you grabbed the first cupcake and ran over to your special table but not without stopping on the way to show it off the everyone you passed! You had been waiting a long time for this treat!

You and a few of your special little friends had fun eating at your own table with lots of fun decorations! We missed your three friends who couldn't make it this time!

This year I borrowed a banner idea from another sweet blogger friend and customer of mine and strung pictures of you above your party table. It turned out super sweet!

We made some fuzzy ice cream cones for the table centerpieces! So cute!

And you and all your friends made some really creative ice cream sundae bowls with all the goodies! (be sure to catch a glimpse of your special hand painted bday plate mommy makes each of you every year to match your bday theme!)

I am sure you all three (five, counting your cousins) know that there is nothing in this world your Mimi will not do to make your lives more special. Although cake decorating is not her love or favorite chore, she jumped leaps and bounds and made a super fun cake that I must add was super delicious. Daddy ate almost the whole top layer alone!! The topper was the rice krispie treat we gave all the guests as a thank you for coming. Daddy made them and you all loved them...even the mommies and daddies wanted one too!

This is my favorite picture because as we were singing "happy birthday" you grabbed me around the neck sooo tight and pulled our heads together. This is how we rock to sleep every night. It was as if you were saying to my heart "Mommy, I may be growing up each day but I will always be your baby girl!"

I say it over and over but you have the sweetest most heart warming expressions! Just look how precious your face is in all the playing and present shots.

Mimi couldn't let a celebration go by without an addition to our Madame Alexander collection. Now, you have your very own birthday doll!
Uncle Matt Matt might have been your favorite party guest! When we got home, you pulled your little chair right over beside where he was watching tv. It wasn't long until he had you cuddled up in his lap and you were loving every second. You even spent your final minutes before bed in the rocking chair with me crying for "matt matt!" (that belly sure does look full from all the cake and ice cream, little one!)

Happy Birthday to our Precious Peanut!

Sweet Baby "A"...Two is absolutely adorable on you! Now, can we just please take a rest stop here for a while? You are growing up way too fast!

I Scream... Ice Cream! Adelynn's Turning Two!!!

2010-09-13T12:18:00.003-04:00

Your sister's and I decided since you love this precious little park in town that has a playground perfect for your size, we would have you a little ice cream party there. You were more than thrilled from the minute we went there to snap a few shots for your invitation. You completely understood that you were getting ready to have a party that was all about you! It is very obvisious from these shots of that day. Since then, everytime we say anything about a birthday you scream "ME!" "cupcake!"

Daddy's Little Precious...

2010-09-08T12:57:00.009-04:00

My next few entries will be tributes to our tiniest angel...

Adelynn, as unbelievable as it seems, you will soon be 2 years old. You melted my heart from the moment I met you. The second your big sisters greeted you for the first time on mommies hospital bed, I knew you three would share a bond that would be incredible to watch as the years went by. And, I have not been let down. The minute your eyes open each morning you immediately begin searching and listening for your sisters. I love how you cry out for them each morning as they unbuckle from the car and hop out for school. I assume you think hanging with Mom is so boring after having constant playmates since you entered this world. I also love how you made up little names for them...Anna Grace is "issie" (sissy) and Ailee is "boo." I love how everything you do is an exact mimic of one of their gestures or mannerisms. I love that you so quickly learned to search Daddy's drawer each morning for change and then run as fast as you can to drop it in your piggy bank before either of them catch you. I love the perfect circle your mouth makes every time something exciting happens, even if it is as simple as the noise of a distant train or the sight of your favorite food. I love how you bust out with words lately that we never even knew you could say. I love how you are the first to raise your hand and shout "me" when we ask who is going to say our prayer at the table or on the way to school each morning. Then, I adore watching you hold your precious hands so perfectly and squint your eyes shut while you mumble all sorts of words that make no sense except "mommy, issie, boo, daddy and esus (Jesus)" and we know you are thanking Him for us. You wrap it up with a cheerful "amen" and we all just smile at one another because you might be the cutest thing any of the 4 of us have ever seen! I love how you say soooo much with your eyes before your ever utter a word. I love how within the first 30 seconds someone is around you they almost always say, "wow, she is full of personality!" and I think to myself "Boy, if you only knew!" I catch myself cracked up at you even more than your middle sister and I thought that was impossible! I love how you use your big pouty lips in the best possible way when needed. You will roll them both out as far as possible and throw yourself down so dramatically. It only lasts a second because, of course, we all crack up and you cannot help but laugh too. I especially love how you do it each time you go into the nursery at church. Even though you walk in the room alone with your blanket, bag and "goggie" (drink), you stop after 3-4 steps and pout your lips up so pitiful and let out a big cry. You never look back for me or say my name but it is as if you are saying "I know I may have to do this 2-3 times a week but no one can make me like it!" I love how you always clean up after yourself at your little snack table. You throw away your own plate and then run get a wipe to clean off the table, seat and floor. I love how you sneak into your big sister's room and get ballet or tap shoes. You come running out with your hands up while dancing your own little jig and yelling "Ta Da" to the top of your lungs. I love how you without fail say "ock" each time before nap or bedtime. You never let us by without at least a minute or two of some sweet snuggle time in the rocking chair. By all means, we wouldn't pass it up for anything. And, I love your obsession with shoes. Your favorite right now are the pink high top converse (below) which test mommy a little bit. I am sure that is why you love them so much. Actually, I think it is because you know your Daddy likes them too! I love how your hair curls just like your sisters at this age. I love how I prayed for you to be the perfect combination of both your sisters and you are exactly that, even your green eyes are a mix of their blue and brown. I love how you are the final piece of our puzzle that ties us all together! And, for my favorite thing lately that I love about you is how you worship your Daddy. His hearts swells up like a grapefruit with every bit of adoration you give him. I know in this photo it looks like you are holding his hand...but, actually, you lead him where ever you would like to go as he holds on tightly to your little pinkie!

Nothing like it...Teeing it up Between the Hedges!

2010-09-05T21:45:00.005-04:00

We started this beautiful Fall feeling weekend in one of my favorite places on Earth. Athens!! This first weekend of football season is such a huge time for us. It takes us back to so many great memories and you girls just love spending Saturdays with all your "UGA" friends! We ventured over to the Dawg walk this game so that we could see Taylor and Miss Heather as they made their debut as a new "Redcoat and Georgette!" Anna Grace, you were just in awe of Miss Heather and how awesome she danced today. You made her the sweetest picture and couldn't wait get pics with her and Tay-Tay. Heather is the second on from the end here in the pregame show. It is only a few yard lines down from where Mommy danced all those years ago (as Aunt Lynn pointed out today!!! It was really only 11 years, Thank you Nana!)
And Josie was so excited to see her big brother today as he marched in Stanford Stadium as a Redcoat! I still get chills when they say..."The Redcoats are coming!" To me that always meant "SHOWTIME!" It was great to relive a lot of memories today with you and Heather today, Taylor. We love you and are very proud of our new Bulldawgs!
Seriously, Josie, you are so adorable! I just love those lips and big black eyes. You are a mile a minute all the time. I guess that is what being #6 will get you, especially when the rest are all boys. And here is your "littlest" big brother, which was a blast to have join us today too!

Daddy with his Little Dawgs!!!

We cannot wait until next Game Day...until then, GOOOOO Dawgs!

Girls Beach Trip July 2010

2010-08-22T15:59:00.003-04:00

Our precious friends, Whitley and Ms. Deena, invited us on an all girls trip to the beach the last week before school started. What an incredible "Last Hooray" at the end of summer! It was a ton of fun and I know you girls will remember it for a very long time!

(We made a huge impression every where we went! It was like we were taking over the beach with sweet little girls.) Ailee, I religiously put sunscreen on you but your skin tone will always amaze me!)

(this under the water camera lacks great photo quality but I thought it capture a true sense of what fun girl time we all had!)

Adelynn, you finally liked the ocean/beach a little bit this time. You actually didn't cry when you heard the sound of the waves and even let the waves hit your legs a few times! I was so impressed. I cannot wait until the GA/Fla game in October for one more little taste of the beach!

Remembering Paradise...

2010-08-10T11:29:00.007-04:00

The below shot is only one step out those back doors! Oh how I miss that private pool!

I will start by saying how very difficult it is to revisit these photos of complete freedom now that life has hit us full swing this week! It is so surreal to think that less than a month ago we were smack in the middle of all these beautiful landscapes. I am soooo grateful for the opportunity we were given to take this trip together. Without my parents keeping you sweet girls, we would not have had the peace to go so far away without you. Although thoughts of you all were always in our minds, we know that we truly needed this time to spend together without distractions. God used this time to show us some areas we needed to give attention to in our marriage, as well as what a blast the past ten years have really been. Taking time out from the motions of life in general revealed some changes that have taken place since we said "I do" ten years ago. We are not the same young couple we were back then and we were so blessed to be given special time to map out this relationship and where we are headed. (Girls, promise me that you will take the time to nurture your marriages one day. I even vow to babysit if the need be!!!)

Now, onto the pics. The fabulous couple in the photos with us have quickly grown into part of our family. They are nothing short of a perfect gift from God and He placed them right in our backdoor (literally, they live behind us in our neighborhood!) and we became such great friends so fast. The guys have so much in common and Leanne and I could not be a better match in supporting one another through out this hectic stage of motherhood. And, we share the same anniversary so who better to celebrate 10 years with than these precious friends!

(To answer two of your questions...yes, we had way too much fun and, yes, the water was really that color!)

The resort made sure we had a wonderful anniversary full of special treat!

Goodbye, Maroma Beach! We will definitely be back soon~~~

Ready, Set....GO!!!! Back to School and Stepping Up

2010-08-05T10:51:00.009-04:00

As bad as I dislike this time of year, it is here already! I have dreaded it for a couple of weeks now but today I had to send you back to school, Anna Grace. As you can see in the photos, you were thrilled to move on to First Grade! You met your teacher and you loved her. She is sweet and you have a great class of little boys and girls. I prayed over you, the school, the teachers and staff, packed a few verses in your bookbag and let it all go into my Father's hands. The only true protection for you is found in Him and I can fret over what school you go to, who your teacher is, who your friends are, etc and at the end of the day, you are still His child FIRST! And because I know He loves you more than I do (even though in my human mind I have a hard time understanding how that is possible), I believe He is preparing your sweet heart for your purpose here and I am to follow His lead. So with that all said...It is all in full swing again! Ailee, you looked out your window as we drove away from AG's school this morning and said, "Mommy, it's not summer anymore!" That statement was harded for me to swallow than walking away from that big building without your sister. You are right my sweet girl...no more late morning sleep ins, all day playdates with your sisters and the freedom to go and do as we please. Bring on the carpool lines, room mom responsibilities, PTC board, Service League, Awana, Ballet, UGA football games, Sewing for TMM full force and on and on. As much as a planner and organizer as I am, you would think I love the schedules and routines that come with the school year. But nothing to me is worth taking my hands off of my precious angels! I did like your perspective though, Ailee. Immediately following your summer's over comment came..."How long is Christmas?" It's on to the next thing; what can we look forward to now? At this moment, I am asking~~~Is it 2:00 yet? I am ready for pick up time!!!

(I love these two shots because Adelynn was in fully aware that something big was happening for Anna Grace. She could not get enough of her. She wanted right beside her in every picture and could keep her hands off of her. She may possibly miss you more than I do, Anna Grace!)

Oh, and you can noticably see something missing since the last post of the girls...AG lost her front tooth!!! Of course, it was while you all were gone to cousin's camp and it broke my heart. But there is something so adorably cute about your new smile! I LOVE it!!! Hopefully, I will find a chance to post some fun photos from our last couple of vacations soon!

STEPPING UP! Okay, I had to come back and add these shots to this post. As I was writing, I let the girls go upstairs to play in AG's room while I typed. In this house, we have always had the yours, mine and ours policy so do not be alarmed that they were playing in her room while she was gone. They are super great at sharing almost everything! Anyway, I saw the below when I opened up the door! They were having so much fun together and I could see the roles changing and new shoes being filled, literally!

With Anna Grace being gone for a few hours, Ailee was all ready to jump right in and be the big sister. She was dressing Adelynn up and taking care of her just as sweetly as Anna Grace always does. Wow, Adelynn, you really have it made. For now anyway, but poor, poor you when you get older and have three mommies offering tons of advice!!!

Ten Years...

2010-07-25T16:32:00.007-04:00

It seems so strange to be writing this post after the fact...this anniversary has been something we have been looking forward to all year. We set up the perfect getaway to celebrate one another and the life we have been blessed with. It was nothing short of amazing! We shared the resort with some honeymoon couples which was so rewarding to watch. God has brought us so far, blessed us beyond measure and taken this marriage to places we could have never seen coming. Oh, how we are so thankful. I could never have dreamed my life any better, my husband any more perfect and my darling children any more angelic! The road hasn't always be smooth and easily traveled but the rest stop at the 10 yr point last week held an absolute breathtaking view! (Literally, as you can see from some of the pics below) We savor the time we had together to remember where we had traveled from and pray for the road we will be taking in the future. For now, I will hold on to the laughs, snuggles, late morning sleep ins, walks in the dark on the deserted beach, hammock swings while saying nothing which was more than enough, dips in our private pool which literally stepped down from our back door and visions of paradise surrounding my beach chair all while I had my very best friend all to myself!!!

(Girls, I will post more shots and details about our entire trip later but only 24 hours after our flight touched down I am now packing again to load you all up for a girls only "beach camp" as ailee called it tonight! )

Lemonade...The taste of Summer in the South!

2010-07-16T08:51:00.006-04:00

You all have been so blessed this summer to be able to spend a lot of good times with Mimi and Granddaddy. We went up to stay one weekend when they happened to be having a yard sale and guess what you both wanted to sale? LEMONADE! You worked hard setting up your stand and did surprisingly well selling it too. I think it helped that your littlest sister was walking around holding her hands out begging for her very own quarter each time you both got one. It was sweet to watch you work together and make special memories at your Grandparents.

Mimi's yard and Granddaddy's garden are both in full bloom. Of course, when you pull up to the culdesac of their house the view of the yard takes your breath away and you cannot even see the secret gate to the garden in the back yet. It is like going on a retreat to stay there a few days with the view of gorgeous flowers and decorations. However, this year something new was added! I may be more excited than anyone (except you, Ailee, because you think the entire section of corn was planted just for you!). Granddaddy and Mimi planted a garden this year! It was very sad to hear about the selling of Granny and Pop's house recently but I am so proud that Mimi has decided to bring those memories to Vanns Town for the newer generations. I will never forget the days spent running through the rows of veggies while Granny picked okra and then sitting in between Pop's legs as he showed me how to string beans. One of the first things Anna Grace said when she saw the garden was "Mimi, can I help you pick something when it is done growing?" Whew, that hit hard...I am OLD! That was always a joy of my summer and now I am seeing her begin to witness it. I am glad that summer days are turning into more than trips to the pool and lazy afternoon naps. These type memories made with Mimi and Granddaddy will be SOOO cherished one day. For years, Big Unc continued the garden at Granny and Pop's house and Mimi always helped him can and cook up the goodies. I really love having it closer. We were lucky enough to get to rush over after church on Sunday for a home cooked meal. As I took the first bite, I was flooded with how spoiled I really was growing up. We always ate two weekend meals around the round table at Gran and Pop's with the whole gang. There were times I would have just given anything for a happy meal instead, I am sure. And, especially when the dating years came, it was hard to have to attend the Saturday night meal at Gran's at 6 before any dating would occur. However, now I see how lucky I was! I miss the southern summer treats of my childhood. Thanks, Mimi and Granddaddy for bringing things back around full circle even though I know the distant makes it hard on everyone.

We love to give Granddaddy a hard time though that he planted the garden in the designated pool spot. When they moved from our childhood home, they left behind a very special treat...our swimming pool in the backyard. Now, first thing we found a place a replacement spot but Granddaddy just wasn't on board with all of us living in different places. I think he was probably correct in this decision and summer seems to be more than "paradise" just the way it is! We made a super splash anyway when we visited this past time.

And, I cannot leave out the other addition. At Pop's there was Bob, that Anna Grace chased around as an infant. Then at Mimi's old house was Jiggie that both AG and Ailee I am sure drove close to crazy. And now, there is sweet GiGi who Adelynn worships near and far! I actually just heard you discussing her with your sisters a few minutes ago in the living room as you played. She is named GiGi, as short for "Georgia Girl" because she actually belongs to Anna Grace. She pulled the strings on Granddaddy's heart when she called one morning as our neighbors had out kittens who needed a home. With Daddy being allergic to cats, we couldn't possibly keep her here. She wanted her soooo bad and the conclusion she came up with when we explained to her why she couldn't stay here was..."can I just call Granddaddy?" Well, there she is so you know how that phone called ended up. Two years later and a beautiful sight as she leaps through the flowers and rubs around our legs during each visit.

"...the Best Day I Ever Had!"

2010-07-08T23:21:00.005-04:00

said Anna Grace, about the day we spent at the amusement park this week. I must say that it was a real special treat for me, as well! It was like a day in my past! I remember going to this same park as a child for my Daddy's bank picnics. It felt like being in an old movie. It is the cutest, most quaint little amusement park I have ever seen. It was just as fun as an adult too!

Everything Anna Graces says is the absolute best to Adelynn, so when she told her to raise up her arms on the mini ladybug coaster (which literally went up and down maybe 6 inches) she held them up the whole entire time . SO cute!

"The Mimis," as the girls called them all day, were a wonderful blessing to us, for sure!!! Despite that when I asked mom if she was okay, since we did choose the hottest day of the year so far to take this adventure, they just laughed and said they had decided that when we approach them about coming back they had planned to just drop their wallets and run! Now, I could see it in their faces all day, that they had an amazing amount of fun too and would not trade the memories made with the granddaughters for anything. Although, it was HOT!

I know that is was extremely cool to be asked to ride the Ferris wheel with the boy of the "minute" in middle school. Yes, I said minute because that is about how long those little "likes" last. But, riding it with my oldest daughter was soooo much better. We had special times together today! I loved every minute of it!!!

You got to love a photo booth! I ADORE these shots of us girls just being goofy together.

A day in the life of the "A" girls!

Few More Fourth Highlights...

2010-07-07T11:15:00.003-04:00

The July 4th celebration is always a great time for our family. I missed Granny's Homemade ice cream but we have come to make some wonderful traditions of our own over the past few years. You girls love going to the club festivities for fireworks, etc. I love making such special memories with each one of you and your Daddy too! There's nothing like snuggling through some fireworks with my favorite people in the world!

We actually walked in the parade this year in support of "Uncle Shep" who is running for State Rep. You all have fun decorating the wagon and making your own "vote Shep" signs. Ailee, you did great greeting people, handing them cards and saying "Vote for Shep" in your sweet country voice.

We were so proud of you, Anna Grace, for not only jumping but for being so determined to turn a backwards flip. You saw the older girls in front of you trying hard to do them but they didn't have much success. I love how you don't give up when things don't just come easy for you! You turned three really super back flips. Well done, princess1

And may this country not ever forget that we are and will always be...

One Nation Under GOD!