Happy 4th, a bit late but this is worth the wait!

My daughter, the little Madison, blows me away constantly. I think this might blow you away too!

Interesting road...

It has been a long, long time since I have posted on here. I have felt pretty convicted to limit the time I spend doing things that hold little value (in any eternal sense). Although, I do think keeping a photo journal is so valuable to a family and the generations who will follow. In that respect, I will continue posting here for as long as blogger will hold my pictures and memories. After which, I think I would like to publish everything I have collected to keep forever for our children, and the grandchildren I may have one day.

As you know if you are reading this, we have been relocated to a special town in VA. We are loving it and feeling very specifically led to be here. Our goal while here is to become as emersed as we can be in our family and branch out as far as God intends with our friendships. We have been amazingly and beautifully blessed to be connected to some amazing friends here already. We can so clearly see God's hand in everything we do. Matt and I are commited to seeking and following the plan He has laid out for us. So far, we have found a wonderful church to serve with and our membership will be *official* June 14th, which we are so excited about. Just to be able to publicly declare our new relationship and commitment to the church is very thrilling on the inside! We look forward to raising and teaching our children here. Please keep us in your prayers if you would as we begin yet another new chapter.

If you are reading this, you are likely close family and friends. Please know we hold you in our prayers and are thankful for you.

I promise more pictures of the children as soon as I have time to clear out some space on blogger!

Taisie

Spring is here!

Spring!

Easter Pics

You can see the pictures HERE. Hope you had a lovely Easter.

Welcome to the world Lillie!

Anyone who knows us well, probably knows Mark and Amy too! We want to congratulate them as they welcome their beautiful daughter into this world, Lillie. She was born yesterday 3/12 weighing in at 8 lbs and 13 oz. I wish you three the very best as you settle in with your new family. I am so thrilled for you, you are truly blessed. I cannot WAIT to get down there to get my hands on that little girl! I have been waiting a long time...

Even though I have two relatively young ones, I was still really struck with awe at the miracle of life.

Drew's Birthday!

How 'Bout some pictures?

These are of this past week. These kids are totally adorable, and yes, I am a bit partial. I can't help it.

Drew is talking more and more. Now, instead of saying, "dayee" he says a very pronounced, "daDDy" and "mommy" instead of "mama". He loves peanut butter and I am convinced he'd eat the whole jar if I gave it to him (as could I). His favorite thing is a ball, big suprise, I know. He plays "hoopz" every day. I mean every-single-day. So much in fact, the goal is in the middle of my living room, which is fine. It saves him having to drag it out every day when he wants to play. He's pretty darn good too. Recruiters, are you LISTENING? I think we could secure his scholarships if the recruiters would recruit during recess in pre-school, THAT'S how good. Again, I am partial, but hey-the boy can throw and shoot and "go deep". He's got it. Still loves music and dancing-not so much learning the alphabet or colors. He has no patience for me when I try. He is a sweet, sweet boy and always lets me kiss him as much as I want. He puckers and returns them all day long, which will never stop melting my heart.

Madison is growing too fast. There is little sign of baby left in her at all, save for those cheekies. She is getting more and more articulate and can tell you exactly how it is-or at least how it should be-in her little eyes. She loves Barbie movies now. (which is fine, cause they're always on sale at target). From the moment she wakes up, she changes outfits about 39 times beFORE lunch time. She wears heals around the house and click-clacks everywhere. She is always grabbing Drew's hands and trying to waltz with him, telling him he's the PRINCE, he has to DANCE with her. He squeals in protest and resists constantly. I try to make him, but he is just as ornery as she is sometimes. She always kisses the top of his head and calls him the prince. It's cute. She asks me, "How I look, Mommy?" I say, "just GORgeous.." she always adds, "and beautiful too." For sure, she always looks beautiful. She is as princessy as she could be and I love it. She dances around the house pointing her wand at things and singing some little song. I almost wish she had a little sister to play with too. I said, ALmost. Anyway, here they are-in a moment of sibling tolerance.

Pictures for YOU

Here is the link to the pictures of the house to satisfy all the ladies' requests..:)

:

http://picasaweb.google.com/mandyg6931/House1108?authkey=qk5YKcCIjFA#


The draperies were already here, but we really like them. One think I find hilarious and perfectly lazy is the fact that the blinds are controlled by remote control! Har.
I love the old door knobs and the keyholes in every door. One skeleton key fits all, but they aren't very functional since all the layers of paint makes things stick.

I thought because there were so many businesses near me, finding a job would be a snap. I was wrong! I am prayerfully seeking something that fits our needs, but haven't heard a peep yet.

Madison is so excited about decorating and every time she sees something Christmassy, she says it's for Jesus' Birthday Party! I think that's about as precious as an almost 3 year old can get!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Kids in Costumes

Go HERE to see the kids in their costumes! All the cousins danced together to the DJ, so cute!