Deco

I let the girls take a bin of Easter decorations and decorate their room all by themselves. I made sure I had "work" to do in the room next to them so I could listen to them decide what they were going to do. They were so cute working together and making decisions, and I had decided no matter what it looked like, it would be "beautiful"! ;) And it was! They did a super job and have been enjoying their bunny display ever since!!

Reagan took a piece of card stock and stamped "Hoppy Easter" to go in their frame.

Little Girl.Long Way

Out of the Depths

-Sovereign Grace Music

Out of the depths, O Lord, I cry to You
When I am tempted to despair
Though I might fail to trust Your promises
You never fail to hear my prayer
And if You judged my sin
I’d never stand again
But I see mercy in Your hands

So more than watchmen for the morning
I will wait for You, my God
When my fears come with no warning
In Your Word I’ll put my trust
When the harvest time is over and I still see no fruit
I will wait, I will wait for You

The secret mysteries belong to You
We only know what You reveal
And all my questions that are unresolved
Don’t change the wisdom of Your will
In every trial and loss
My hope is in the cross
Where Your compassions never fail

This song rang through our home, our car, our shower, my head, my heart many, many, many times for the first 3 years of our Jordyn's life.

Today I was sitting here at breakfast, watching her put down some Rice Crispies, and I was just overwhelmed with JOY.

Joy in what the Lord has done and is doing in this little girl - the little girl who used to scream, out of anger, for eight or nine hours straight. The little girl who used to sit on the floor and bury her fists in the ground when we asked her to do something. The little girl who would refuse to eat because she simply didn't want to pick up the food. The little girl who would scream every Sunday during worship.

This morning she's eating and listening and talking - thanking me for her cereal and asking to play beads, and as she clears her dishes and puts them in the sink she begins dancing around the kitchen saying "it's time to party"! The LORD indeed is good. And not only has He been changing her, He's been changing me. Again...big, grateful sigh! =) HIS steadfast love endures forever. HIS faithfulness never ends. HIS mercies ARE new e.v.e.r.y. day.

I read these verses this morning and began praying it for the girls...

"The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous." Psalm 118:14-15

May He be their strength and song. May He save them! May glad songs pour forth from their lips as they are overwhelmed by God's unending, never-stopping, always and forever love!

Surprise!

The girls and I spent a wonderful week in Florida last week enjoying family and friends! On Wednesday it worked out for my mom and I to surprise the girls and take them to Disney World! I was so excited to see their faces when I told them how we were going to spend the day! They woke up to Minnie Mouse shirts and breakfast waiting for them. Our first stop was Animal Kingdom where we went on Safari, scaled Everest, dug for dino bones and barely escaped the bug show!! Next we were on to the Magic Kingdom where we saw princesses, ate Mickey Bars, went on Splash Mountain, a magic carpet ride, climbed Swiss Family Robinson's tree house, sailed through the Pirates of the Caribbean, took a train ride, and more! The girls had a blast and I enjoyed watching them and riding with them and was so glad Mama was able to come, too! Today they have recreated the rides and spent all afternoon reliving their trip to Disney!

Growing Girls

Time is zooming by. I mean seriously, is it already February? Is my seven year old really so tall? I can just hope her jeans are shrinking and she didn't really just grow another inch, although I'm sure that is not reality. And how is my five year old a snaggle-tooth already? One day I will miss the adorable toothless giggles that greet me across the table during breakfast. And my baby - well, she's twirling and whirling and coloring and keeping up with the big girls. And, oh, yep - her pants have decided to shrink, too! =) Sometimes I don't want to blink. I just sit and watch and listen and try to soak in the sister-love that's going on around me, the silly giggles, the corny knock-knock jokes, who's hanging from the swing set, and who's in control of the Rapunzel dress at the moment.

Other times I don't mind the change. I love watching the girls grow and change. I love seeing God's hand at work and wonder what He has in store for their little lives and am in awe that I actually get to live life with them day in and day out. Learning about history, reading Swiss Family Robinson, Little House on the Prairie lunch "dates", Bible around the table, working in the yard together, playing "maids" to get the house in order, hide and go seek in the dark, having actual conversations about life, playing freeze tag, seeing what bug Reagan decides to surprise me with (at least the last one was a dead lizard!), watching the girls grow and want to help each other and other people...these things and many more make me not mind "blinking".

So, yes, my last post was October. A lot has happened since then. There has been much laughter, many tears, lots of sugar eaten, disciplines given, chores taken care of, snuggles, boo-boos, school work, swinging, sliding, twirling, piano practicing, loosing of teeth, books read, bubble baths, doll playing and dress up. Whew, all that just happened today! I can't wait to see what's in store for tomorrow!

Here's toothless Wonder Girl - another one has fallen out since this shot last week!

First Day of School - 2011!

Today we embarked on our third year of home schooling. We began the day with donuts - a first day of school tradition! Vacationing the week before school started was a great idea, and I was really excited about coming home and jumping into a routine and spending time with the girls. I'm also very aware of my need for the Lord to help me teach and train up these little girls! I'm looking forward to seeing how this year unfolds and what all we learn.

Sydney started kindergarten today and did amazing! She did so much better than I thought she would and her favorite subject today was reading. We'll see what it is tomorrow!

My favorite "Sydney-ism" today was when we were talking about the creation story in the Bible and what God created on the different days. She stopped me and asked me what it was like when God created the clouds. I asked her what she meant and she very matter of fact asked me what I was thinking when God created the clouds - since I was there. I asked her how old she thought I was. She said "four-hundred-ish". Oh my, I know the thirties have brought a few wrinkles with them, but really - "four-hundred-ish"?!?!

Reagan began 2nd grade and we are adding some subjects like history and science this year. Oh, and piano!! She loved history - which is really good, because so do I. She told me her wrist was so sore from writing today - I didn't tell her today was an easy day!! =) I loved that when they went outside to play after school, they made a ship (the "Santa Maria") out of an old trailer back in the yard and were playing like they were Admiral Prissy Pants and Admiral Josephina answering to Christopher Columbus!!

And Jordyn, well, she's a little magna doodle obsessed these days. So she just spent hours drawing by herself! I'll take it while it lasts!

I'm aware of my inadequacies. I'm also aware that God's grace is way greater. For that I am so grateful. If I focus on myself, quickly I get anxious. If I focus on the Lord and His faithfulness, I am able to trust that He is more than enough and He gives wisdom when we seek Him. So, hopefully as we set out on a new year of schooling, we will find ourselves seeking Him more and knowing Him better!

It was Indeed a "Happy 4th of July"!

We had a great time celebrating our freedom as a nation all day yesterday! We started off the day by going to the parade in downtown Woodstock. Um, I love "small town USA"!! We loved being with our friends and watching the kids scoop up candy and wave at the people going by! After the parade, we took our stacks of Chick-fil-a coupons and enjoyed lunch - we had 13 little girls and 1 little guy in our bunch. That's a lot of kiddos!! And they all did super!! After naps, we headed over to the Gralniks. It was a great afternoon and evening talking with friends, listening to kids run in and out and playing together, laughing over Yahtzee, and of course, grilling out! We missed the fireworks because of the rain, so Reagan is hoping her Daddy will set some off tonight!

How grateful I am for our freedom as a nation, but I think hubby said it best on Sunday morning when he was able to encourage the church with this the day before the 4th...

"Tomorrow we will be celebrating our freedom as a nation. And it is a freedom worth celebrating. We are free to be here this morning with nothing to hide and worship God. But what we are celebrating here this morning is even more worthy of celebration. We are free from sin! Christ has paid the price for our sin once and for all. We are not only free today to meet together in this nation, but we are free to come before a Holy God. We are free to commune with him and praise him.

Romans 6:6-14, 22-23 "We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace...But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Let us worship God this morning with the worship and rejoicing that comes from the knowledge that we have been set free!"

March...April...May...June...Where is the Time Going?

This year is zooming by and I wish I could record day by day the funny sayings that the girls say, the ways they are growing and changing, the progress on our house, the many memories we are making, but I blink and another day goes by. I actually began the first sentence of this particular post three days ago, but quickly was interrupted by a little girl who wanted me to read "Charlie Cheese 1, 2, 3". It was only her and I here at the house, which is extremely rare, so I wasn't about to miss a few moments with just her and her little stack of books and Little People. Then, by the time I sat down again, I looked at the clock just to realize it was time to begin dinner. So, that's where the days go, and ever so quickly. It's quiet time and coffee, breakfast and dishes, getting dressed and reading, play-doh and grocery stores, swim lessons and VBS, time to work through conflicts with the littles, yard work, house projects, remembering to water my two living plants, tickle times, lunches, dinners, laundry and more dishes, exercising, snuggle time, game playing, prayers and lights out. Then going back in for a last peek at exhausted little girls who are snuggled up with their blankies - one in particular still talking in her sleep!

So, here's a few pictures from the last few months that show some of what we've been up too!

March

Steve took Reagan and Sydney camping in our woods!
Finally warm enough to go to the park!

Sweet sisters!
Mud - from head to toe!
This is what it looks like when you get to girls together to make two freezers full of meals and someone bursts the water line in your front yard!

We had some dear friends over for some good food and friendly competition!
The little stinker (the one in the pink) and our family morning out fishing.

Everything looks so peaceful, right!?! This was the trip when I tangled three poles, Sydney dropped her pole in the water, Steve slipped in the water going after the pole, he ran over his new tackle box, and we didn't get a single bite...all in under an hour!!

We began redoing the kitchen!!
Steve had his first meet!

Too cute!
Worship time in the kitchen to some Daryl Evans!
More kitchen remodeling!

April

May

June

And I'll Dance With Cinderella...

My husband is an amazing father. I mean tears well up in my eyes just thinking about him with my girls!! He truly is the dad I dreamed my children would have. He loves them dearly and he is daily learning how to communicate that love to them better and better. He guards his time with us. He makes us a priority. One day, I am excited to see how God blesses him through the girls because of his faithfulness to God and his faithfulness to us. May the fruit of all his labor be very, very sweet!

This past Saturday, yes after Junior's departure, Steve had a special date planned for all 3 girls. (I had a special date planned with a book, paper, pen, and sub!) Earlier that day I went and bought the girls new dresses for their date with Daddy. (It's not uncommon for him to take them on dates, this one was just a little different!) By 2 o'clock, Reagan was dressed, had picked out jewelry and knew how she wanted to wear her hair. She was so excited! Chick-fil-a (they are an amazing franchise, by the way!) hosted their Daddy/Daughter Date Night, so they had their reservations for 5:30! All the girls were given roses and candy, a little cow and questions to ask their Dad. Steve was given questions to ask the girls. And of course, there was ice cream with sprinkles!! They all had a blast!

Sydney and Reagan both like this song by Stephen Curtis Chapman. We know it's true, too. Hopefully we will make the most of our time with our little Cinderellas!

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oooooh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of her dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Ooh-oh ooh-oh I will dance with Cinderella

I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Ooh-oh ooh-oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

Junior.

We have a new member of our family. He is growing on me. See, I only had a fish when I was younger and I killed it by feeding it to much. It always looked hungry to me.

I can't believe it, but I'm actually the one who recommended we get the girls a pet for Christmas. We started out surprising them and telling them they were getting two hamsters. After an informative conversation with the man at the pet store, I came home and talked to Steve and we reconsidered thinking a tiny little hamster may not make it very long in our home with a 2, 4 and 6 year old! So, we went with the more lovable, less rat-like looking rodent - a guinea pig. Of course, in my naive thinking I believed he would be the girls' responsibility and that Steve would take care of the rest. But I just can't stand all the poo. So, I've already cleaned his cage out a couple of times and it's not so bad. (And I'm not slamming my husband, I'm sure if I asked him he would take care of business, but I know he's busy and it just doesn't bug the rest of them like it does me!) And, a week into it, I actually touched the little guy. Yesterday I found myself alone in the girls' room on the floor talking to him! Reagan has really enjoyed him and has been holding him and feeding him and Sydney enjoys him, but not to the extent her older sister does. Jordyn likes to just sit and watch him and yell out his name! So, we'll see how this whole pet thing goes! I'm thinking our next pet will be an outdoor one, though!

Oh, and why "Junior"? I told the girls to agree on a girl and boy name so when I came home from the pet store they would have a name for their new little gift! When I told them he's a boy, they told me his name and I about rolled on the floor. They said "Since he's a boy, we want to name him Steve Jr. and call him 'Junior'!! I guess Steve isn't quite as outnumbered now!!

A couple of things we've learned about guinea pigs...

They don't need hay 3 times a day. One small handful is sufficient. You have to clean out the cage a lot less often.

Same with treats. They only need a small amounts...not a carrot, a handful of parsley and an orange slice. Has the same affect as lots of hay.

They are playful and squeal like little piggies when they are happy!

They are sweet with little girls who give them some lovin' and attention!

Cuteness is...

I am one blessed Mommy. I do not deserve these girls. I do not deserve all the hugs and kisses and giggles and adorable drawings. The "I love yous". The dances in the kitchen. The jumps on the trampoline. Reading books and answering questions. Snuggling and watching Little House on the Prairie. Oh, the list could go on and on. I do not deserve all this goodness, but I wouldn't trade it for anything and I thank God everyday for these little blessings. Even on the hard days I thank Him. Those days I think I love them even more, because I'm driven even more towards my Savior. I'm overwhelmingly surrounded by cuteness...everyday! =)

Due to Inclement Weather...

once again, His plans were not ours!

I've been so excited about hosting our Care Group's Christmas party at in our home. I've struggled a little this year with missing the familiarity of the long standing friendships and family in Orlando. I've missed the parties and dinners and baking days and shopping trips that have been associated with the people we love dearly - especially that would happen this time of year. So, planning and preparing for the party last night was exciting for me! Reagan and I went out around 3 to pick up wood for the fire and cut holly for a centerpiece for the table. Then around 5 I went outside and I couldn't believe it...there was ice on the driveway! Then I looked out the front window to see traffic at almost a stand-still! Seriously?!?! By 6, I made myself come to the reality we were going to be eating a lot of cookies by ourselves tonight. And I was disappointed. And I tried to have a good attitude. But for a few minutes I didn't. I told Steve I just didn't want to plan and look forward to anything because it seems like God just doesn't want me to do the fun things we plan. I know, I know...boo-hoo.

Steve graciously corrected me and encouraged me. (I love this guy!) And then God quickened my heart to a piece of Scripture I've held near this year..."The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) Sure, I missed seeing all my friends last night and having fun and celebrating Christmas with them, but I was grateful they were all home safe, too.

And instead of pouting, God gave me the grace to change and enjoy the rest of the evening! Reagan, Sydney, Jordyn and I read about the 3 Wise Men and about Stinky Feet (their favorite story from the Jesus Storybook Bible) by the fire and then we watched cartoons before bed. Then Steve and I were getting ready to eat cookies, drink hot chocolate and play Scrabble (he really was trying to help me =)!) when he had the idea to bring some goodies out to the people who were desperately trying to get home. Now that was fun! It was fun to see the surprised look on the man's face when he got an unexpected treat. It was fun to help two ladies who had pulled over and had been sitting in their cars for hours because they were both scared to drive on the ice. It was wonderful to be able to bring them to our house so they could go to the bathroom and have a drink and something to eat. God knew those ladies would need a place to be refreshed last night. That has been my desire for our home. That people would come in and be refreshed. No matter how little or long they stay. And last night, once again, He answered that prayer - even if it was just for a few minutes! Then we played Scrabble and Steve beat me, but once again God showed me that even when His plans aren't my plans, He never changes and He is always good and worthy to be praised. So, I will keep praying and keep planning, but I'll hold those plans loosely, too. Knowing that even though I plan it is He who truly orders my days.

#43

Jordyn was already down for a nap!

#26

When His Plans Are Not My Plans...

What a full, fun weekend we had planned! Friday we were going to go to the zoo, have dinner with friends and go to a meeting for church and the girls were excited about going to their friends for the evening. Saturday there were birthday parties and Lowe's projects to attend and a parade to go too, but God in His perfect planning had a different agenda already worked out for us.

Friday morning as I was getting ready for a fun day, I put on one of my new sweaters! I was greeted by my sweet Sydney - as I am most mornings - saying she needed to go to the bathroom. I was carrying her back downstairs when she got sick - all over my new sweater =) - and thankfully, the wood floor. Thus began a day of constant cleaning and caring for 2 sick little girls. Thankfully it was a fast and furious little bug and was done within a full day.

Reagan was upset about missing out on our fun plans (as was I), but I am so grateful for the opportunities this weekend allowed. I was able to talk to the girls about God's sovereignty and His perfect plan. God gives us good things. Actually, He always gives us what's best for us. Always. It may not always be what we want, or what's fun, but His care for us is planned out and specific and He loves us more than we can imagine. So, even though we were looking forward to fellowshipping with friends, celebrating birthdays, listening to the Word being preached on Friday night, etc., God's plan for this weekend was what was best to tend to our hearts.

I was amazed by the grace I experienced on Friday. See, I've never done well with throw up. Ever. Usually if someone else is sick, I can not even stand to be near them. But I experienced so much grace in caring for my little girls and cleaning up after them. I wasn't tempted to complain, but because God had already laid it on my heart to look for JOY, I was looking and again, He showed Himself faithful! Rarely do I just sit with the girls for extended amounts of time. We enjoyed a 4 hour Little House on the Prairie Marathon, I held them and rocked them and loved on them ALL day and well into the night. What precious time (even if there was a lot of yuck thrown in there, too)!

I am also amazed by how God sustains friends of mine and family who are regularly sick or care for those who are. As I cared for my sick children for one day, my heart was quickened to pray for the ones I love who are caring for sick babies or children or parents or spouses. It amazes me how He provides so much strength for those who need it, when it is needed!

So, this weekend wasn't all fun and games, but I'm grateful. Grateful that God is allowing me to rest and trust that I'm not missing out on things when walking in His will and plans for my days.

# 19

# 18

The Rest of March...

in pictures!

Blog...What's That?

March 8? Seriously, that was the last time I blogged? I'm feeling like time is flying by and I'm trying to grab it by the coattails as it zooms past! Mama, you've probably fallen out of your seat by now as you see a new entry listed!

So, now I don't know what to do...updates galore again or start from this day and move forward? A few updates just so I don't forget! =)

Since April, we've had 7 birthdays to celebrate, our anniversary and Mother's Day. Steve and I both turned 30 this year, Reagan 6, Sydney 4 and Jordyn 2. And we celebrated 9 years together!

Quick updates:

Me - Yep, I really turned 30. My sweet hubby took me away for my birthday and shopping for a night and day. It was very sweet of him, but I'm not sure we'll do it again for a long, long time. The going away part I hope we get to do again soon =). The shopping together part, not so much! It was a good and revealing getaway and Friday night was a lot of fun, but come Saturday some ugliness began to exude from my heart and has continued to be revealed through multiple situations. Although I'm so thankful for revelation, the Cross of my precious Savior, being able to repent, a husband who has been patient and kind, it has been a bit of a difficult season for me personally. But God is faithful and He is answering my prayers and for that I'll gladly take the pain of seeing my sin if it means I get to see more of His holiness and goodness!

Steve - He is a man of many talents! He's been working hard at work (as always), working hard on the house, and growing - by God's grace - in many different areas. And he still finds time to make us laugh everyday! The girls and I went to Orlando for a week and he worked his regular job during the day and worked on putting in new doors, painting, putting in trim, etc. in the house at night. Amazing!

Reagan - our little LuLu finished school right before we headed to Orlando and has been enjoying her summer so far! She just turned 6 and I love her quote of the day on June 4..."This is the best 6 year old day of my WHOLE life!" She got her first bike and has surprised me by how well she is riding. She continues to be a super helper and a super talker! =) She makes breakfast in the morning for her and her sisters, dusts the stairs, living room and our room, loves reading and making mud pies! She also loves visiting our neighbors and is asking more and more questions about the Lord which has made for some precious conversations lately!

Sydney - all you have to do is say "diaper" and you'll have her rolling! She is a stinker, but a very funny stinker! She also got a bike for her 4 year old birthday and has been doing really well riding, too! The first time she rode it she flipped down our little hill, so it took her a little while to get up the courage to try again. The other day I put them in the tub after they had been outside for hours, and I went to pull out her braid and realized her hair and scalp were just full of dirt. She informed me she was just trying to bury her head in the dirt. I had to wash her hair about 10 times and I'm sure I didn't get it all out! I never know what she's going to say...or do!

Jordyn - is 2 now! She is growing and changing and I'm so grateful for the changes I've seen in her over the last few months. She is a tough cookie, but God is at work in her and in us! She hasn't been passing out for the last probably month and a half, but she has started stomping her feet and hitting. BUT she's also started responding so much quicker, and loving on her sisters more, and talking a bit, and she LOVES to dance - especially when we listen to music in the car! I love when we turn into our driveway and she yells "HOME" and gets excited. Today I took her to our neighbors to play and she and I bounced on the trampoline and I didn't want to stop because I've never seen her laugh so hard! She was snorting she was laughing so hard!!

The house - we've been enjoying our home! I've been a little antsy to finish up some of the not so fun projects (like painting trim) and move onto some more fun projects, but we are also really trying to live life too and not be consumed by the home projects. Thankfully, Steve is better at balancing that than I am and having 3 little kids has limited the time I can paint, etc.! I want to enjoy the immense blessings we've been given, be wise with our time, and one day finish the windows! =) We have really been enjoying hours in our yard. The girls will play out there as long as we'll let them, Steve loves to work in the yard and so do I (I even got to mow for hours the other day which I love!) and we love to sit on our front porch and talk and read and watch the little animals run around. I've been going out almost every morning now to drink my coffee and read and journal, and there is much to be said about being outside and being still before the Lord before the whirl of the day begins!

OK, I do believe my Starbucks is wearing off so it's time to wrap up the updates. Oh, so much more has happened, but I think I'm going to start fresh and maybe pop in some of what I've missed blogging about over the last couple of months with pictures!

A Few Pictures...

Well, I've been pretty busy and haven't kept my camera nearby, so I have very few pictures of the last couple of months, but here's a few. (They are pretty much the same ones on FB.)

Updates Galore!

A little behind in the blog world, so now time to catch up a bit while hubby and I sit with our laptops on our front porch (where it is NOT freezing cold) as deer walk nearby! Ahhh, good times!

So, lets see here. Since I last blogged LOTS has happened! My little girls have been growing and changing. Let me start with Reagan...

My 5 1/2 year old blondie is becoming quite adventurous at our new home. She's a scooter riding, swing set playing, turkey chasing, leaf raking, branch hauling cutie pie! She's loved playing outside and really likes when there are turkeys in the yard or she gets to go back in the woods. (She is her daddy's daughter!) She's been a big helper, too. Saturday she just raked and raked! She's lost her two front teeth. The 2nd one she pulled while we were in Publix. She was so excited that she just bounced all around the store. I'd be excited, too. The tooth fairy has not been affected by the current economy and gives quite a pay off for lost teeth! She loves her art class and has made some cool projects. Last week she made a clay necklace. I can't wait to see it when she brings it home tomorrow. She's making breakfast and lunches for her and her sisters which is a huge help and cleans the stairs and empties the dishwasher. She's all into drawing birds and writing chapter books! They are so cute. School is still going really well. This last week especially she has been eager to do her work and get it done so she can play with her sissies!

Sydney is growing, too. She's thinning out like crazy and I just moved her into 4Ts. She's a snuggle bug these days. She, too, has been a big helper. Today she hauled a bunch of limbs for me while we worked in the yard and she was super cute! She still keeps us laughing and says some funny things - mostly to do with diapers or bottoms. She loves going to Publix and talking to people there. She's not quite as adventurous at the house yet, but that's fine with me. She loves being pulled around in the wagon and riding in the cart behind the lawn mower, though! I have to get some pictures soon!

And Jordyn, well our little Jordyn finally decided to walk at 20 months old! She just took off! Yep, that's right, all in one day and hasn't stopped since! She's changed SO MUCH and we are so grateful! She's been happier and quicker to obey. She loves playing baby dolls with her sisters and looking at books. She loves when Steve walks in the room and telling everyone we pass by "hi". Thankfully God has been working in my heart, too, and I really enjoy being with her now. She has been a difficult child to say the least, but I can't imagine my world without her. I love when she walks up and gives me kisses or says "more" or dances when I turn on the music, or knocks down her sisters' blocks or gets excited to get a cookie, or sings Holy God (I can tell that's what's she singing!) or snuggles with her blankie! She still passes out pretty often, but the screaming is getting less!! Oh my, I could go on and on about these girls. I still can't believe sometimes that this is my life. God is surely good!