Happy Birthday Mia!

My baby's 2! I know everyone always says it, but I can't believe it! Well, I can and I can't. It seems like just yesterday that she was born, but at the same time, there's no doubt that she's a full-blown 2 year old. Strong will, independence and tantrums are in full swing. I have to pray for patience each and every day. Seriously.

So we had a little party for her this past Friday night. Her Grammy B. was in town for the festivities, which was fun. Without really meaning for it to be, it turned into a mostly Elmo themed party. Elmo hats, Elmo balloons, Elmo bouncy balls, Elmo cards and wrapping paper. What can I say-- the girl loves Elmo! No Elmo cake though-- Mia had discovered cupcakes a few weeks before at one of her little friend's parties and thought they were just to die for so, I made chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting and multi-colored sprinkles. She liked them, but I have to confess that I've eaten WAY more cupcakes than she has!

Mia got lots of great gifts. One of her faves was a little stroller for her dolls. She is starting to like dolls and get into pretend play now. However, she's more excited about wheeling her Elmo doll around in the stroller or squeezing her little behind into the doll stroller. ;)

Grandaddy, Bobo, Tony...

My Grandaddy passed away on March 20th. We were fortunate enough to be able to attend the funeral in Texas. It was a beautiful service-- I always knew my Grandaddy was a good man, but sitting in the service listening to his life in review, I was deeply impressed by the impact he had on his community. He was a community leader, and he will be greatly missed. He was also a family man. Everyone in the family loved and admired him. Grandaddy's inspiring obituary can be found here: http://www.amarillo.com/stories/032408/obi_obits8.shtml

Although I understand it was his time to go, and probably for the best considering the physical battles he was undergoing, I will deeply miss him. To me he was my Grandaddy. As a kid he teased me and pulled my pigtails. He always had such a fun sense of humor! I miss my Grandaddy, and I am grateful for everything he has been to me and my family. It is so comforting to know that he is with our Lord now...no better place to be!

They're gone

My Mom and Dad are in South Africa. Yeah, South Africa. They really couldn't be much further away. Although part of me is sad-- mostly for my kid's sake-- for the most part I am really happy and proud that my parents are doing what they're doing. I find it so inspiring and humbling to think about the personal sacrifice that they are making to pursue the call that God has on their lives. I can only hope that I would have the courage to do the same. So, if you think of them, please pray. You can support their mission and keep up with them on their blog: http://maniac4missions.blogspot.com/

February...

I thought I'd give a family update since it's been a while...

The kids are doing great. Although I definitely can't brag about Maggie's sleep habits, she's getting more and more interactive all the time. She is finally to the stage where she's "playing" (in a baby sort of way of course). She loves to watch Mia run around, and Mia is absolutely obsessed with her. I can't tell you how many times a day I say "don't lay on her Mia," "gentle Mia," etc, etc. But, I also can't say how many times a day Mia gives Maggie hugs and kisses. I've really been enjoying watching them interact. They already have such a sweet bond! One funny thing about Maggie is that she is a loud baby and she loves attention! Whether she's crying or cooing she is just plain loud! Gabe and I just can't get over it-- we're always saying to each other, "Geez, she is SO loud!" Kinda funny...I wonder where she gets it from. ;)

Gabe is doing well at work. However, things are really starting to pick up lately, so there has been quite a bit of pressure on him. If you think of him, you can say a little prayer that he withstands the mounting stress and pressure of this new position.

I suppose I'm doing pretty well too. I've had some nasty cabin fever due to this dreadfully cold weather we've been having-- although I've enjoyed having winter again, I'm definitely ready for spring to be here! And don't any of you Arizona folk dare say I told you so-- I'd still rather deal with our 3 month winter than the 6 month summer of AZ! Besides being stuck inside a great deal and playing with the girls, I've been getting involved in a mommy group. It's basically a group of moms that organize different activities and playgroups and such. It's been a good way for me to meet people. If you need something to pray for in regards to me, you can pray that I am able to be a good witness.

That'll do for now...

Sister love

My sister (and her son Mathew) came out to visit us last weekend. I can't even express how good it was to see her! I knew I missed her but seeing her in person made it really hit home. I'm really grateful for the fact that her and her husband make it a priority to stay in touch with family...whether it's visiting family in Arizona, Texas, Tennessee...and now Illinois. I guess I felt special. ;) I hope my girls love each other the way me and my sister do-- there's nothing like having an awesome sister who loves you dearly!!!