Time to Celebrate! It's Daddy's Birthday!

Daddy turned 34 today! Ava was so excited about his birthday that she insisted on going to Target to get him a gift.

 She thought this would be the perfect gift for daddy....a monster truck! She was so excited to give it to him. She told me at Target "Daddy will love it! It is big like him"!

 Look at Daddy's face....so excited! He's such a fantastic dad!

 Birthday hugs and kisses!

 Again, proud of the card she created for him! Only the best for daddy!

Time for mommy's gifts to daddy....several new shirts. Daddy has been working hard to get in great shape, so much that his shirts didn't fit. He needed some help with his wardrobe!

On Saturday, we went out for some adult celebration! We ate at the Screen Door which is AWESOME! They guys even enjoyed some girlie drinks!

 We also went to Ad-Libs and laughed so much our cheeks hurt! It was a great time with great friends! Anthony got on stage as part of the gig....he was nervous which I found to be funny!

Happy birthday Love! I can't believe this is our 15th birthday celebration together! I look forward to celebrating a lifetime more with you!

Hello 2011! Let's start it out with a Bang!

Today was a great day!!!! It's days like this that I love working part time and am so grateful to have a couple more days off a week with my girls. We started out 2011 with a bang!

We did some swinging in our new Christmas hats!

 We played in the fort in our new Christmas hat!

Sister swing time!

 Ronix joined in on the outdoor fun!

 Time for a sister bath!

 But before we do, let's have a diaper party.....seriously, they LOVE to throw Aubrey's diapers in the air and let them fall!

 The diaper party is a hit!

 Then it's bath time with a little scrub from Sister!

 We can't forget the bobo......Both of them thought this was hilarious!

 Then it's a big sister moment.....time to teach sissy how to brush your teeth!

 She is getting it!

 Observant student.....

 And then the playtime ends with a bang......Aubrey poops in the bathtub! She is doing it in this very picture and she thinks it is hilarious!

 This is funny stuff, mom!

Ava, hopped out of the tub and couldn't stop yelling!

 After we had bath time (again), we had story time before it was nap time.

The simplest things make for the best memories!

Growing in the Lord

Recently in my Growth Group we were discussing different ways we have seen spiritual growth in our children. I shared the following story and wanted to make sure I blogged about it. Anthony's dad and my grandmother have both been in the hospital twice recently for several things including heart problems. We have been praying for both of them with Ava. My mom was driving with Ava in the back seat when Ava told my mom that Naunie was in the hospital for her heart. My mom heard Ava say the following "Will you play with me?" My mom responded "Will I play with you?" Ava replied, "No, will you pray with me?" Of course my mom joyfully said yes while Ava lead the pray for Jesus to help her heart and to get out of the hospital.
WOW! Typically she prays with me suggesting things like this to pray for. However, she did this on her own! She had the prayer request in her heart and lifted it up! WOW!!

Well tonight this was Ava's prayer:
"Dear Lord, Jesus, thank you for my momma. She is so nice. She lets me eat things and lets me play. Lord, please help me poo poo in the potty so I can get the poo poo bugs out of me. Help me learn to do this and not be scared. In your name Lord. A-Men."

This is the first time that she has asked for His help without me prompting. Again, I say WOW! I have seen her pray in gratitude and to help her obey (with my prompting).

There is not greater responsibility or privilege than to watch your child's relationship with Christ bloom. No matter how big or small, the process is so wonderful. So pure and innocent. There is no pretense.

"Unless you turn and become like little children, you will never inherit the kingdom of of heaven" Matthew 18:4.

Santa came to celebrate Jesus' birthday!

After a very long night of putting together a very beautiful dollhouse, Ava woke up! I got up from the couch to go the the ladies room and she was standing quietly in the hallway. She looked at me and said "Santa didn't come". I told her to walk into the room.....and the first thing she saw was her new play house from Papa & Gigi!

 This little gem took a lot of work....but her reaction was worth it! Check out the bed head!!

 Ava is very in to Scooby Doo. She got the mystery machine and the entire gang!

 Look who decided to join us! Merry Christmas Sissy!

 The girls having a blast in their play house! Sweet sister moment!

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday! The girls make it so special! I love the magic that comes with seeing Christmas through their eyes!

Christmas Eve 2010

We spent Christmas Eve at Papa & Gigi's house! It gets more fun each year as the girls get older! Here are some of the highlights!

 Sweet girl-not feeling 100% - I can see it in the eyes

 Someone is excited-bouncing all over the place!

 The joy of Christmas!

 Serious present checker!

 Happy, happy

Aubrey cleaning the floor.....she is really into cleaning these days!