Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday to Jesus! Before presents, we sang Happy Birthday to Him. Without Him where would we be?

We are so thankful for our white Christmas. It rarely snows much these days but especially not on Christmas. So exciting to have snow on the ground when we woke. The girls loved their presents. Chloe's big present was a sewing machine. She loves to do crafts, design, etc so we thought she would enjoy a sewing machine. She is really excited to use it. Mike actually just got it all set up. I didn't have the patience for it tonight. Lauren started running fever so she camped out in my lap on the couch while they worked on the sewing machine. Lauren's favorite present is her Baby Alive. She couldn't get enough of the bottle, feeding, changing today. Anything her baby said, she did. She is a little mommy now! We might should have just got Chloe one of those too. She has had as much with it as Lauren. :) Mike's big gift was a fire pit for the back yard. He mentioned wanting one when he came back from CA in Nov. We are looking forward to roasting marsh mellows and some nights sitting in the backyard while the girls are sleeping and have some good talks. We seem to talk most once the girls are all settled in bed. Mike and the girls bought me some much needed clothes and shoes.

For lunch we headed to Mom & Dad's. (We are getting together with Mike's family next week as his sister Gwen and her hubby are in MO with his family.) While at Mom's, Chloe & I decided to try some sledding on their big hill in the field (Mike & Lauren stayed in as she had fever). Me being smart (it is freezing today) drove down in the field just above the hill so we would be as warm as possible. Chloe & I had a good time sledding but froze out after about 10-20 mins. As we started back to house we had a little trouble - snowpacked tires. Mike & Dad came and pushed us up to the house.

How quickly Christmas is over..........sweet memories though for days to come.

Chloe's 9th Birthday!

Today is our little Chloe's birthday. She turned 9! Time goes by so fast.......I can still remember how it felt to see her for the first time in the hospital, how it felt to snuggle her, her little laugh, then sweet voice. Her first steps when we were in Colorado, her saying the alphabet, her first day of kindergarten, learning to read and write her name........so many sweet memories. We are so blessed to have her in our lives. We are thankful that God blessed us with her. Happy Birthday sweet Chloe!! We love you!

"Kindle the Flame" Ladies Conference

Returned from Kindle the Flame Ladies Conference today. Some ladies from church and myself were able to get away for a little retreat and just soak in great fellowship and The Word of God. We had lots of laughs and some crying too (the joyful kind). I know I feel a deeper desire to know Jesus more. My favorite speaker was Patsy Camanetti. She was so much fun but also had great spiritual depth. She challenged us all to seek His face more and more. What a great time with some wonderful Christian friends - I feel refreshed!

Sweet day

Today was a sweet day as we celebrated Kaya's adoption. Kaya is a sweet girl who has been in foster care with some of our friends for 2 years. Kaya and her twin brother were officially adopted by a local family with 3 children. I know Kaya and Kenyon must be overjoyed to be together again, but I can only the mixed emotions they may feel leaving their family of 2 years for a permanent home. Their adoptive family seems so loving and must have huge hearts to open their family to 2 children - what a great gift! Please pray for them tonight...."Lord, as they rest may they feel your sweet peace and comforting love." I pray they have a great life ahead and hope we can keep in touch with them.

How cute is this?

A sweet friend of mine, Ashley Keylor, is quite an artist. Last year I had her make a door plaque for Chloe's teacher. I asked her to make one for Chloe's current teacher. Her classroom is Razorback and Polkadot themed. I love it! Great job Ashley!

This is the one she did last year...

Lunch & Recess with Chloe

Lauren and I headed to Chloe's school today to eat lunch. Chloe loves us to come and eat with her, I think it helps divide up the day a little. We decided to go to recess as well after lunch. I knew Lauren could use the time to play and Chloe . I thought ahead today and brought my camera so I was able to snap a few photos. I can't believe our big girl is in the 3rd grade! Time really flies.

<----Chloe with her sweet teacher, Mrs. Wolf.

Doesn't she look big?? :)

Chloe with her buddy Brie-Ann

Lauren having a good time - she thinks she is as big as the rest of the kiddos.

Birthday thanks......

Many, many thanks to everyone for making my birthday a special day. My friend Amy took me to lunch and gave me some great gifts - too much. Mom surprised me with a SF Cake from Rick's after school. Mike and girls took me to Shogun last night. We decided we would "skip" church to celebrate the day. Chloe loved the "show". We had a fun time aside from the fact that Lauren was scared of the fire. We would have never thought that it would bother her. She doesn't usually get scared much. She felt bad at bedtime saying "I'm sorry I ruined your birthday because I got scared of the fire and cried". Poor girl, there was no ruining. I am so blessed to have such a sweet husband and loving girls! I love my life!

Summer Birthdays.......

We had several birthday celebrations with friends and family this summer. Thought I would share some with you.....

Abby

My great-neice celebrated swimming style at her Aunt Amanda's house. The whole gang turned out, even new baby Ella Kaye. Chloe couldn't get enough of her. :)

Sammy, Isaac, Tre & Stevie

These are Mike's nephews. Some of the best little boys in the world.

Dad

My dad turned 69 this year. The funny thing is I had in my mind he was turning 70 and bought a number 70 for his cake. We just turned it around and wrote 69. Wow, he gets to enjoy 69 a little longer. :)

Grand Country Inn - Splash Time!!

The girls and I spent the night in Branson with a few of the ladies from church while Mike camped with the men. We had a great time of just fellowship and just enjoying relaxing together.

Way too long since I have posted.......FL Vacation

VACATION.....Went to FL in late June. We had such a blast. Here are a few pictures.

Our Hotel


SeaWorld
We had a great time at SeaWorld although is was really, really hot. Chloe loved feeding the dolphins and Lauren loved SHAMU. Mike and I loved the air conditioner that night. :)

Who runs into their cousin from CO in FL at SeaWorld???? Me
We were so surprised and happy to see my cousin Nicole and her family at SeaWorld. What are the chances?

Cocoa Beach
We decided to head to the beach one afternoon. It was so nice. The girls loved the water. Chloe really enjoyed playing in the water with Daddy. Lauren loved the sea shells.


Rain Forest Cafe (Downtown Disney)
We went to the Rain Forest Cafe with some friends from Tyson. It was so neat. The girls couldn't get over the fact that is was raining in the restaurant.



Orlando Science Center
We decided to check out Orlando Science Center one day. The girls loved it. We were superiorly disappointed when we arrived and were told the A/C was out that day. We got in for 1/2 off but boy do we love our air!

Before heading to AR