Sleeping Children

Whenever I look at my sleeping children two thoughts cross my mind:

I love them SO much and I fail them SO much.

If there is one thing being a mother has taught me it's this - I need Jesus! In so many ways and for so many reasons, I need Him!

He is getting so old. Sniff, sniff.

My Aubrey girl.

I love kissing those cheeks.

Evie is seven months old. Unbelievable.

Kanga & Roo

I was on the phone with Ben's Aunt Judy today when I noticed the kids hopping around the house with stuffed animals in their pants.

A while ago we read a story about kangaroos. In an attempt to explain how neat these animals are I showed them video clips I found online of baby kangaroos climbing in and out of their mama's pouch. It IS fascinating. Our God is a very creative creator!

On a Fine Fall Day

Somewhere in this pile of leaves is my lens cap.

2-4-6

Owen at age 4

Aubrey at age 2

Evelyn at 6 weeks

Sleeping Cuties

My Little Man
My Thumb Sucker

And My Hoarder . . . this is getting ridiculous.

My three cuties fresh out of bed!

Interesting

Here it is - a boat for the kids to play on. It's Noah's Ark. It even has a cross. And what is that on top of the cross? A flag with a skull. Ha!

The kids still had fun playing on it!

Summer Softball

Every week the kids and I head to the softball field to watch Daddy play. We look forward to it every week. It's so sweet to hear Owen and Aubrey cheer for their Daddy and their Uncle M.
During the game Owen likes to play with his own bat and ball. After the game he likes to run around the bases.


This wasn't posed. Owen took the initiative to lean up against Daddy and I thought it was so cute!

"Go Daddy, Go!"

Carefree Living

Without a care in the world, they just enjoy life. I can learn a lot from these two.

In a Year's Time

Easter 2010:

Easter 2011:

They grow so fast! I'm thankful I get to spend my days with these two!

The Little People

Getting a picture of just the kids with Ben and I in the background trying to entertain them was not any easier then getting a family picture.

I sure do love these two!

Easter Activities

It's not even Easter yet but we have already done a lot of celebrating around our home. I started talking with Owen about the meaning of the holiday about a month ago. I am pleased to say that he has a solid understanding (for a 3 year old) of what events transpired on Good Friday and Resurrection Day. He recognizes names and terms like: Gethsemane, Judas, the crown of the thorns, Joseph, the tomb, etc. I am so thankful the Lord has opened his eyes and his heart to spiritual truth and understanding!
Along with teaching the true meaning of the holiday we have had fun participating in traditional Easter activities.

We had an egg hunt inside today. The kids liked it so much we did it twice! Aubrey caught on right away and had a blast running around the house trying to fill her basket with eggs. Tomorrow we have an outdoor egg hunt with all the cousins planned.

We started this morning out by eating cinnamon rolls and coloring eggs.

Tomorrow morning we plan to decorate the eggs with special stickers. Each sticker represents a spiritual truth. It will be a fun way to start out our Resurrection Sunday.

Several weeks ago I began using Resurrection Eggs to teach Owen the Easter story. I have told the story countless times and he still gets excited every time I pull out the plastic carton of eggs!

Aubrey enjoys opening each egg to see what is inside. As I tell the story the kids take turns opening up the corresponding egg. Inside is an object that goes along with the story. It helps them not only hear the story but see it, touch it and learn it. For example, in one egg there are three silver coins to represent the money Judas accepted to betray Jesus. In another egg there is a leather whip representing the beating Jesus received. In yet another there is a crown of thorns, a cross, a spear, a stone, etc. When you open the last egg you find that it is empty because Jesus is not in the tomb. The tomb is empty because He has risen! He's alive! I love the Resurrection Eggs. They are a fabulous tool to teach little ones the true meaning of the holiday.

Here is Daddy telling the story with the eggs.

It might be because I have told Owen the Easter story too many times to count. It might be because I have grown in my walk with the Lord in the last few months. It might be because I've watched several good videos online and listened to some powerful songs about the crucifixion. But it is without a doubt because of the grace and kindness of God that I have been overwhelmed this year with the reminder of what Jesus did for me on the cross. The power of the cross is truly amazing. Sin and death have no power over me. My sins are forgiven! It's not even Resurrection Sunday yet and we've already been celebrating that Jesus is alive. I can't wait for worship tomorrow!

Downtown Disney

Owen liked the giant game of Candy Land under this Christmas tree
Downtown Disney is a fun place to walk around. Kids can get their faces painted, there are live shows, lots of stores (all Disney of course) and some great restaurants. For kids who watch Disney movies it is especially fun because of all of the life-size characters. Owen was really excited when he saw the few characters he knows.

He really liked Mr. Potato Head!

Here is a huge Woody - all made out of Legos. We really like the Lego store. It is AMAZING what they can make out of those little tiny blocks - life size dinosaurs, buildings, people, animals, the Statue of Liberty, etc.

The Carousel

Aubrey really liked the carousel. Every time she went around and saw me she waved.

Paddle Boats

While we were in Florida Owen and Aubrey went on their first paddle boat ride. Aubrey rode with Mommy and Grandma. She was fine until she saw Daddy across the lake in another paddle boat. She is SUCH a Daddy's girl!

Owen rode with Daddy and Uncle Michael.

I think she looks so cute in her life jacket!