Spring '11

Some sweet spring photos of the girls!!!

More Pretzel Fun!

So, after the pretzel field trip and when Grammy picked Claire up from preschool, the girls made pretzels at Grammy's!

Wow... she looks like a pro!

So funny... she's really good at this pretzel thing!

Do I see future pretzel makers?!?

Field Trip

Grammy took Anna on a field trip to Smales Pretzels. I was working and Claire was in school, so Grammy and Anna had some fun time alone. Anna really enjoys cooking and baking so this was a neat experience for her!

Very interested!

Anna got the chance to make her own pretzel!

Mmmm!!!

Very proud of her work!

Possum Creek

Grammy & Papa took the girls to one of our favorite Metro Parks, Possum Creek. The girls always have fun seeing the animals. They told me all about how Rosie the horse has a boo-boo on her leg. They are very concerned about her! Thanks to Grammy & Papa for taking them on fun adventures!!!

Claire asks almost daily for a cat. Since her Daddy is deathly allergic, barn cats will have to do for now!

What Can We Say...

...we love dogs! I've always loved dogs, ever since I can remember I've had a ridiculously large spot in my heart for animals. I have vivid memories of standing out in the hallway when I was in pre-school because there was a movie about animals playing that I construed as being sad. I also remember playing outside by myself at a birthday party when I was 6 or 7 because all my friends were in the house watching Old Yeller. I have NEVER seen that movie and refuse to watch anything that MAY have animals mistreated or injured. Anyway, I am pretty sure that I am raising two little girls that have similar feeling about animals, especially dogs! They are totally obsessed with our neighbor dogs, Belle & Chloe (formerly our stray Willow). Since the weather has been somewhat nice (meaning it's not pouring down rain), we have our neighbor dogs over to play as much as possible. It's been good for Sophie to have playmates, too!! It's a win, win situation!

It's so fun to see the playful side of Sophie come out! Here she is playing tug-o-war with Chloe!

Life with dogs is so much sweeter!

We've nicknamed them 'The Three Musketeers'. They're pretty cute!

Eeeekk! We have BEETLES!

So, if you read my post a while back, you may remember that we got Darkling Beetle larvae several weeks back (you know, they looked a lot like white worms). Well, some of those "worms" are now beetles. EEEKKK!!! The girls are so excited! Who knew?!?!

Anna is looking at one of the beetles in the observation sillo of the beetle farm! It has a little magnifying glass so you can get a better look! So funny!!!

Don't you want one?!?!

Mother's Day 2011

I am so thankful that the Lord chose to entrust me with two amazing little girls to love and raise. There is no greater joy and privilege than to be their mommy!

We had a nice day celebrating all the mothers in our life. My mom, Ben's mom and my grandmothers. I am so blessed to have these loving women in my life! I hope that all you mommies out there had a fabulous day!

Today we were also able to see my nephew, Spencer, dedicated at church! What a very special day!

Madilynn's Princess Party

Yesterday we went to our friend, Madilynn's princess birthday party! The girls loved dressing up in their princess clothes and celebrating one of our sweetest friends. Happy 4th Birthday, Princess Madilynn!

The Queen and the birthday Princess!

Claire took time out from the party to hold her cousin Spencer!

All the adorable princesses!

A Day in an Alzheimer's Home

Last week my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and moved into an assisted living facility that specializes in the care of people with Alzheimer's. It has been a tough week for our family. My brother, Shawn, had to tell her about the disease and that she won't be able to return home. So, if you think of it, could you pray for her that she accepts this new chapter of her life and for my mom who will have to make many tough decisions in regards to selling her house, finances and so on. It's definitely a hard time, but we feel peace that our Lord is in control. We are leaning on the truth that He will never leave us or forsake us!

I went to a doctor's appointment last week with my grandmother and so I got to see her new place then, but today I took the girls to visit her. Claire especially asks about her often and really wanted to see her new home! While we were there, Claire sat down next to an elderly gentleman that was in a lobby area outside my grandmother's room. She had no clue I was watching/listening to her conversation with the sweet man. I have to share it because I don't want to forget it and it is inspiring! I adore this little girl. She is so special!

Claire: Why are you here, are you sick? Man: No, I'm not sick. Claire: Just old? Man: No, I'm average. Claire: Oh, average. Hmmm, well are you injured? Man: No. Claire: Can you show me your room? You know, the place where you keep your clothes and things. Man: No, not now. Claire: Do you know what Jesus did? Man: What do you mean? Claire: Did you know Jesus died on the cross for your sins? The man did not really respond, just kind of shook his head yes. I love that she was so bold, but also so sweet and concerned with this elderly man. She has asked about him several times this evening. He really left an impression on her little 4 year old mind. I pray that she left an impression on him as well!

Maybe we can all learn a little from my four year old. That's it's okay to sit and talk to someone and truly care about them enough to tell them that Jesus died a horrendous death on a cross because He loves YOU more than anything!

Daddy's Big Day

On Saturday, April 30th, we celebrated Ben's 34th birthday! It was a BEAUTIFUL day outside so we spent a lot of time outdoors. It was a wonderful day celebrating our favorite boy!

Singing 'Happy Birthday' to Daddy!

On Sunday after church, we had another celebration at Grammy & Papa's!

The girls love a good birthday party and cake is one of the best parts!!