The Girls!

 I had a great visit with my dear friends.  I arrived early for dinner so I went and took some pictures around campus, It was so peaceful, few people in sight, most hopefully home for the holidays.  Ali, Angie, and I went to visit Susan and her family.  Their new addition is such a cutie.  This marks "12" one dozen children between the four of us! WOW!  How time marks on!  The four of us ventured out for dinner.  The time was special, new long enough, but certainly cherished!  I love these girls and we have been through many moments in our lives together.  I am always certain to know that the four of us have a special bond of friendship....a life long friendship! I think of them often, don't get to see them enough, and I treasure our friendship!!  Thanks for the smiles and laughs girls, always a guarantee when we are together!!

Back Home Visit!

 We had the joy of going to Mom and Dad's for a few days to celebrate the holidays!  We did a variety of things, and it was nice to relax!  I always enjoy going to their house during the holidays! I have so many fond memories there and seeing all the decorations and many memories from when I was young is always a treat!  We smiled, laughed, and had a nice visit! 

Special Moments!

 The looks in the girls eyes were magical. The noticed the cookie crumbs, a little bit of milk left in the mug, and some other signs of a visitor. They were so fun to watch and they were also so thankful for their gifts which makes it that much more exciting. Ella said breakfast prayers and their was a true innocence and joy to the special morning at our house! It was a fun day for family time at Grandma's House!  Merry CHRISTmas!

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

It certainly is a special time of the year, we have enjoyed the several Christmas tress around the house, the music, and the excitement!  Tessa has memorized many bible verses and she was so excited to hear them during the Christmas Eve Service at church.  Truly a special time of the year! There is a certain magic with the little ones around. I feel like I could just hit the pause button!  Special moments.  The girls know that it is Jesus Birthday and Tessa said "unto us a child is born..." Ella has been singing along with Tessa and she is now starting to make up songs of her own!  Tis' the season full of blessings! 

Letters to Santa....

Such a special time of the year!

Over Coffee!....

Enjoyed a special evening with my dear friend Cheri'!  We enjoyed a coffee date....we smiled, laughed, and savored our friendship!  I love her dearly and I am so thankful that she is in my life, and in the life of our family!  Such a blessing :) The treasure of a dear friend!

Happy Birthday Dear Ella!!

 Our Ella Bear was surrounded by her family this weekend as we celebrated her "3" Birthday! Our Baby is 3!  We started celebrating on her actual birthday then let the celebrate continue into the weekend with her birthday dinner.  She said she wanted a "T-Rex" birthday....so, it was!  Bronto Burgers, Stegosaurus Salad, Crustaous Macaroni, T-Rex Taters..... She was all smiles.  We are so blessed with our little Ella Bear, that she is healthy, growing, and full of love!  We say prayers of thanks each day for our girls and the opportunity that we have to Love and parent them!  Look at that smile!  So full of Life and Joys! 

Quotable...

I love listening to the girls talk and sing.  I can't get enough of their little innocent voices full of joy and giggles!  While we were reading in bed this was the conversation....
Me: So, Ella when should we invite the binky fairy to visit our house.
Ella: hmmm.....maybe next Tuesday when I am older, that is when I can get my big girl bed too!
(obviously, with the things she can say it is an indication that it is time....but she is our baby)
Me: Well, I think next Tuesday sounds good. You will still have your blankey and your bear.
Ella: and my dino, I love to snuggle, mmmmm! Sqeezing her lov-eys
Tessa: Mom, just let it go she can keep her binky, I loved my binky
Me: Lets think about next week
Ella: No, it is fine, I want my binky, and my blankey, and my bear, and.....my dino
Tessa: and we have Mommy's hair
Ahhh! The joys of these simple conversations, I want to hold on them forever!

Cookie Time

The girls love to bake! Even more they love to be messy in the kitchen!  We enjoyed some Mommy & Daughters baking time.  Then, we all enjoyed snacking on the product!  I love to see them in their aprons, flour on their noses and happiness in their hearts!  I love that we have girls and that it is God's plan for us to raise these little ladies!  So much fun!  So many blessings...and "sprinkles of Love!"

Family Traditions

 It was a Saturday full of traditions.  We started our day off early to head to the tree farm for our "real tree" as the girls call it.  Although we have 2 full sized trees and some little ones already up, the smell of one real one is enjoyable, and it is tradition.  Kevin claims that the amount of trees is a bit much, yes, I know but all of us enjoy the house being a winter wonderland :) and the girls and I enjoy the fun of decorating!  The weather cooperated enough for us to get the tree.  The tree farm serves hot chocolate and it is a special day. Then, we journeyed to Sherry's church for the "Greatest Journey" which is a journey to meet the true gift of Christmas, and we end up at a live nativity.  Special moments for the whole family!