Grace's 1st Bike

Grace took a spin on her new bike that Santa brought her so I had to post a picture. She is getting so big. It is so hard to believe that she will be 5 soon.

By the way... Is anyone else as tired of twisty ties and rubberbands as much as I am?
I feel sorry for the people who have to box up toys. Is there a machine that physically twists all of these ties and rubberbands or does someone have to do it by hand? I am so tired of taking toys out of the packaging that they are in. Every little finger and toe that these toys have are tied in the box so tightly that I have to untwist, cut, and force out just so the girls can play with the toy.

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful time this last week celebrating Christmas will all of our families. The time off to spend as a family is really a great refresher. We spent most of Christmas taking care of each other. Ava caught a yucky tummy virus and Grace seemed to get the fever portion of it. At times her fever was as high as 104. Ashley and I followed up the trail but Ashley got the worst of it. All in all is was still a great time. The best part of all of this were the conversations about how Christmas is all about celebrating Jesus and his birthday. We hope that you had a wonderful time with your family and were able to enjoy the season and the true reason for it.

Grace really seemed to understand the whole idea of asking Santa for something and then waiting to see if he actually brings you what you asked him for. She asked Santa for a Baby Alive and was so excited to see her when she woke up. Baby Alive is almost like having a 3rd child in my house. She talks all the time about being hungry and to please feed her. Sounds just like the other 2 in my house.

Ava didn't understand but Santa brought her a pink cozy coupe car. Her favorite thing is to climb in on the side through the window. She really seems to have this Dukes of Hazzard thing down well. Hopefully, this isn't something she will need to know in the future. She does this so fast that I can't even get a picture of it.



Merry Christmas to each of you!

Gingerbread Houses

Grace and I went over to our friends Luke and Mrs. LeAnn's house to decorate Gingerbread Houses. The kid's knew exactly what they did and didn't want their houses to look like.

Christmas Picture Attempt

This year I decided to forego my more formal Christmas picture of the girls in their dresses since I bought these adorable Christmas overalls that I thought would make a great casual picture. I took at least 50 shots and settled on one just so that I could finally send out cards. I realized why I love going to the same place every year. It takes longer for me to get the girls dressed than it takes Lisa at Charis to snap a great picture.

Blessed and Thankful

As I think back on the past few years the only word that comes to mind is "Blessed." God has truly blessed me with a wonderful husband and two beautiful, healthy daughters.

Ashley, Grace and Ava thank you for letting me be your wife and mommy.

I am so Thankful for the great family and friends that we have. Each of you are so special to us. During this time of the year I pray that you will see the true blessings that God has given you.

Fall has arrived

The weather has been so nice lately that the girls have gotten to play outside when we get home in the evenings. There is no place that they would rather be than in the backyard playing on their playground or in the playhouse. Ava loves going in and out of the playhouse and Grace has learned how to swing all by herself.

Great Weather

The weather has been so wonderful the past few weeks. It is just perfect for playing outside when we get home in the evenings. The girls have really enjoyed being able to play on their playground. Grace has learned how to pump the swing all by herself and Ava just loves playing in the playhouse.