A Memorable Memorial Day

It was a sunny Memorial Day morning. We were visiting with my parents for the weekend. The girls and I joined them for the annual Memorial Day Mass at their church. It was an amazing mass. I enjoy and appreciate going to mass with them, the traditions are strong and it brings back many memories from my childhood. They honored the military so well. Dad enjoys this tradition very much and we were glad to be part of it this year. There was a guest speaker who spoke very well about the importance of all of us in our communities to reach out and support veterans and offer love and prayer for all they go through. It was a very special morning for all of us!

So proud!

I know two girls who REALLY look up to their cousin Katie. She is their only girl cousin. They watch every move she makes and take it all in. She is such a fabulous girl, I remember the day she was born, now 18 years later she is graduating! We are so blessed that the girls have three cousins to look up to! We enjoyed watching her tennis match, and visiting with her afterward. Now, the girls are set on being tennis players just like Katie. As soon as we got back Tessa changed into her tennis skirt and she fixed her hair like Katie! There are many influences on little ones these days in the world and it is such a wonderful thing for them to have special people around them that can be such a positive impact!!

Creative Dressers.....

The girls LOVE to dress themselves. They pick out all aspects of the outfit. Tessa is big on themes lately. Recently while we visited Gramma and Popsey, Tessa wanted to create a "School Girl" look for her and Ella. With some backpacks, Popsey's glasses, and some fun outfits, they were all set. The made sure to model for us. Ella even suggested that I "take a picture Mommy to show Daddy!'.....they keep up moving, smiling, laughing, entertained...... Girls, Girls, Girls! Now, the question is ..."will Ella be taking the binky in her lunchbox?"

Power outage!

Look at these two little ones "roughing it" when the power went out during one of the many storms that we have been having lately! They enjoyed the treat of using the iPhone and iPod when the power went out. Ella kept saying, "can you turn on the lights, I can't see"....Tessa, "the power is out and we just have to wait." Our evening consisted of dinner by flashlight and candles, some snuggle time, then reading books by flashlight. It was a bit inconvenient, but even more... enjoyable! Some times things out of the ordinary can make for some ordinary fun!

How simply said....

I enjoy car rides with the girls. Often times they lead to some great conversations: Some funny, some thought provoking, some educational.....and some, well, just amazingly basic.... "Mom, when are we going to see Katie's 'gradeation', are we going to see her on stage", (not missing a beat)...."what is a gradeation". In the meantime Ella is say "gradeation, go see Katie, right now!?" Well Tessa, we are going to go to Katie's 'GradUation' Party. A graduation is when someone is finished with high school, and now Katie will go to college" "Isn't she supposed to go to college, why are we celebrating? She is supposed to finish school then go to another school to learn"....."are we going to buy her a present?" Great rational from a 5 year old....now if we could just convince many others that school is expected!....Hmmm, maybe I should have her come and be a motivational speaker to my sixth graders....."Education....what you should do!", she might be on to something :)

Look at what's growing....

The Plants and weeds are growing and they are not the only thing! Our babies are getting taller, more adventurous, and continuing to bring sweet joys to our World. Our evening are getting later as we try to enjoy the extended daylight and answer the calls of the girls to play in the yeard and the weeding in the landscaping. I enjoy evening like this, they are signs of longer days, sunshine, and summertime....being home with girls!

She is figuring it out.....

When both the girls turned two they started to figure out the joys of Daddy! Ella is starting to figure it all out. Daddy loves his girls and he says "just sit and snuggle with me!" so he had to wait over two years for it, but it is always worth it! All these pictures were taken this week, Ella is sure to make up for the times she did not cling to Daddy! We are so thankful to have two cuddly girls! Daddy has his little girls! All three of his girls love him and we love spending time with him! We hear that door open and he doesn't have a moment before "Daddy is Home!", sweet sounds, sweet voice and special days of savoring the simplicity of family and home!

Fresh Air.....

Spring Air.....

There is such beauty and joy in time in the fresh air! We have been playing outside a lot lately with the fresh air and sunny evenings we have been having....it is fabulous! I love to see the girls play hard, get dirty and have barefeet on the grass....the simple joys of spring!

What have we been up to? Planting flowers, playing with all Tessa's new "outside toys" from her birthday, watering flowers, picking flowers, enjoying the playset, giving Zion a bath with the hose, seeing the farmers planting.....Yeah! Best of all getting the most of spring in the country. To top it all off....this is what happens very quickly at nap time and bedtime..... They fell asleep while I was reading to them....alll tuckered out! They love to snuggle in Tessa's room.....Have to love these moments!

Rockin' it to "5"

Tessa requested a "Guitar/Music" Birthday Party.....

The invite read....

Tessa is turning a whole hand,

Join us and be part of her band! She also requested "Rocker Roni and Cheese" and Hambugers!

We are so thankful for our family and friends. Tessa was surrounded by many who love her as she celebrated her special birthday! It was a great time and she was smiling through it all!

Five years old, and we are so blessed everyday! To top it all off, on her actual birthday, the sun was shining and we played outside. A fabulous Birthday and Mother's Day for this Mommy!

We Love you Tessa!

The Big "5" is approaching....

Our Tessa is Turning "5" !

Just about 5 years ago, we were on our way to the hospital for the arrival of our first little girl. So much emotion, excitement and anticipation filled our hearts and minds. The joy...."It's a Girl" and our lives forever where changed, and our hearts were full in a way we never had know. Now, Five years Later....a each day we are continually filled with joy and thankfulness for our Tessa and all that she brings to our lives.

A whole hand full, 5 years old, it sound so much different to me than 4 years old. Time marches so quickly. She is such a fabulous little individual. Lovable, Hugable, Strong-willed, Funny, Creative, Imaginative, loving sister....talented....and we are so proud of all that she is and all that she is growing into every day. I once read in one of my favorite books "The Power of a Praying Parent" that each milestone and moment is important and it is important to cling to prayer through it all.....so true. Being a mother to Girls is amazing....5 years later....learning everyday and loving every moment of it.

Tessa might be turning 5 but she is our little peanut all the while....

her conversations are imaginative and insightful, the thinker!

she is so close to God, her prayers are beyond a five year old, she turns to prayer without hesitation and talks about God so comfortably

creative in every since of the word, her ideas for things to play and create amaze us regularly! loves to be loved, wants hugs and snuggle time....anytime....always has protector, loves being a big sister

loves clothes and shoes.....and tractor time and mud....what a combination of fun!

full of spirit, smiles and joy!....

You're turning 5 Tessa and we love you beyond words!

Recent Conversations

It is a daily joy to spend time being with girls. Play time is fun, we love reading books, and I also love the times we can just chat. Here are some recent conversation with the girls that I don't ever what to forget. I know that as time marches on the conversations will always be changing, I want to appreciate the here and now, pray for guidance for future conversations, and as always, enjoy every moment of the journey!

As Tessa gets older, we are doing this more and more on a different level. She has a wonderful sense of humor, and such a fun personality. While we were reading a Highlights magazine, and discussing the brain play section and here were some of her Innocent and "down to earth conversations"....

Tessa said....

Of all the things you own what is most important to you? "God, and Jesus", with no hesitation and complete confidence in her voice.

Name three things that would fit in your shoe? "my foot (giggles), my sock and ....a mouse?"

Why do people enjoy planting a garden? "Because of all the healthy food you can have from a garden"

What does it mean to say that a food is spicy? "Well, it means that it is hot and that Daddy would like it a lot!"

Did I mention that her tone, maturity and thoughts are changing ....part of it all, is our baby, our peanut, my "kickapooh" really going to be 5 next week, a whole hand.... ! How can it be?

Then, there is Ella.....

She is all about the effect and getting a reaction out of you, she loves her sister and also loves to torment her!

She will call you a "silly crocodile", tell you "You are a chocolate milk" (where did this come from?) and yet there are times you feel like you are talking to a 4 year old in a 2 year olds body.

"Daddy get home before bed?"

"I want to match Tetta, eben hers socks"

"Me set the table, me can do it all adone"

"Mommy, Tessa not sharing, it makes me sad"

"get my piggy toes, again!"

"Tank You", "well come"

Prayers "God is Good, tank you for ....my friends, Tetta, my Gamma, my Jesus, the trees...."

~Enjoying and trying to memorize the moments!~

Playset Progress!

The play set is up....Daddy Rocks! Now, we are just down to the landscaping! The home stretch is near! I am not sure if the girls will know what to do when the mud is gone, and mulch is down. We had 2 meals on the picnic table attached to the play set this weekend, it was fun family times. Although it was a test of patience to put it together, Kevin conquered the tedious task, as always. It will make for many fun times ahead in the backyard. Both the girls are in their element and loving the outdoors as always!

"The Big Show"

"Mommy, I am nervous, I think I will be okay when I see my friends" at the start of the day....

Later that day...."It was Fun being on stage, did Daddy and Grandma see me, I was smiling"

It was an exciting day, Tessa had her first "Princess Ballet and Tap" recital. Here are some highlights,... Being so proud of our little princess ballerina, she was so excited!

Seeing her smile!

Having her "thank you, on stage to be...."I am thankful for my Daddy and Mommy!"

The Christian based music, prayers and tributes during the recital

Tiaras and ballet shoes.....Seeing Tessa have fun!

Seeing Ella be excited to see Tess, and too tired to watch it all!

Watching Tessa with her dancing friends, she can be shy around her peers....too cute!

Flowers for our Ballerina!

Seeing Tessa change in 2.5 minutes from her dancing outfit to rubber boots to go play outside! Ballet shoes to rubber boots....Our Country Girl!

It was the first of many moments of watching the girls. So proud of the moment and the moments yet to come!