Jeff's Ordination

I've needed and wanted to add this for some time but wanted the time to not rush. This was a special day. A day full of fulfilled promises. A few years ago on a silent retreat Jeff took seeking clarity and fellowship with our Lord, he believed some promises were made. Flash forward a few years and many of them have been fulfilled. To be standing in this church on this day...the word praise almost seems to fall short. Life isn't perfect, but promises have been fulfilled and hearts have been renewed. We are so grateful to be walking with these men and women at this time in our lives. 

On the pride side - I am so incredibly proud of Jeff. For all he has done and accomplished - so much more than I can say. For studies completed and those still going on. You are amazing! I love you!

Reading

Evan has become quite the reader and Abbie loves to have him read to her. Note her arm around him, it's usually there or playing with his hair. They read and laugh and learn. Such fun to watch.

New Fun

Thanks to the Vinings for the snow pants and boots for Abbie, she is so excited to jump right in with Evan.

This is our street and what I am learning to drive on. It's easier than the Texas ice for sure but I am having to get my "snow legs" under me driving. I'm gaining confidence, and 240lbs of sandbags in the back help as my car is rear wheel drive. =)

My sweet, spirited child. Love her.

Trick or Treating

She opted for the Tinkerbell footie pjs and wings for trick or treating. She has since asked, just about every day, if she can go trick or treating again - loved it. 

Fall Festival

The Green Lantern and Fairy Dora...aka Tinkerbell but there were none in her size and they were way to expensive. So we went dress up with wing. 

Neighbor Pumpkin Carving "Contest"

A few days before Halloween we  got together with a few of our neighbors to carve pumpkins. It turned out to be a beautiful day and lots of fun.

Ice Skating

It started just before Christmas last year. Every time we saw an ice rink in person or on tv he'd ask if we could go. I always had a little one on my hip and could not fathom how I could make that happen. Also, in Texas the lessons were more expensive. Fast forward to moving to Colorado. Ice Rinks and hockey teams galore. Our Worship Pastor's wife is a former skater and coaches at a nearby rink. She hooked us up and Evan started skating lessons this past Monday. Once a week for 8wks.

So excited while he was waiting for his lesson.

My camera kept changing the setting - hope to get better pictures next time, 

but his smile here was priceless, total joy!

Of course the first thing he did on the ice was fall down. =)

Holding on and high five-ing his biggest fan

Gliding

Learning how to get up after you fall

His Coach had them throw small stuffed animals and go get them

He has asked no less than 10 times when he gets to go back, he loved it!

And just like that....

She's done...she stopped all by herself. If you know our Abbie you know she has a mind and a will of her own. She is a force to be reckoned with most days. She is loving and fun and silly but she is a Force.

So a few days ago she was having trouble going to sleep. She was recovering from a bad case of the Croup, including a visit to the ER to help her breathe. She hasn't slept well since....we haven't slept well since. If you know our Abbie you know she has her lovey "B" as well as putting her two middle fingers in her mouth in the I love you sign. This is her soothing. So as she was struggling to settle down I finally just encouraged her to put her fingers in her mouth to help. I've never encouraged or discouraged this habit as I've always envisioned trying to "break" a 5yr old of this habit. But I was tired. She was tired. Her response completely caught me off guard. She said no that she didn't want to. I told her it was okay and she just repeated that she didn't want to do that anymore and hasn't done it since. In some ways I miss it. It was sweet. Cuddly. A sign she was still my baby. Yet at 2 yrs and almost 5 months old she just stopped. It's like she threw her paci away all by herself. Don't worry, we still have "B."

My baby girl is growing up. The Force inside her is growing stronger by the day. She teaches me so much and I have so much to learn. I pray that this strength inside her is used for good, for love.

Reunited

Evan loves the snow. Last year in Texas he was unprepared with just jeans and tennis shoes. He played outside until he cried from being so cold and cried that he had to come in. He'd change clothes, warm up and go back out and do it again. This year he is prepared - snow boots and snow pants. He may stay out all day.

What we woke up to and it has snowed all day.

Abbie is awaiting her snow pants and snow boots but because it's not all that cold she did great with rain boots and sweat pants.

Jeff shoveling the driveway and flashing back to his childhood. 

Soft landings....

Skyping with Grandpa and Grandma