Happy Birthday, Mari Morgan!

I can't believe it! My baby girl turned 7 today. I had planned a big day for her. We first met up with our good friends', the Lemonds, at the park. The kids rode their bikes and walked the fun trails. Amanda and I got to play a little "catch up", since we don't get together very much anymore. Then, we all loaded up and ate lunch at taco bell. Mari Morgan has been wanting to get her ears pierced for a while, but has always been too scared. She finally decided that she wanted to do it. Her best friend, Karis, has also been wanting to get her pierced, so we decided to let them do it together today. They were so scared, but it was all smiles when it was over. Later on, Brian, Nathan, Mari Morgan and I went to the local cupcake shop here in Hernando for her to pick out her cupcakes for the party tomorrow. I cooked Mari Morgan's favorite--Mac n cheese, chicken nuggets, and french fries for dinner. Last week, she came across my fine china stemware and said, "Mom, why don't we ever use these forks"? So, I surprised her last night by using my fine china to eat out of at supper. She was beaming. We then took baths and watched Chronicles of Narnia as a family. Great movie!

It was such a great day! I love you, Mari Morgan. I am blessed to be your mom! Happy Birthday! Looking forward to your friend birthday party tomorrow!

Opening her presents from us

Her "big girl" messenger bag/backpack and her new doll

Look out!

Her new bike from Pop and JoJo

Riding partners

Lucy-- cutie pie-- loved the doll!

Karis brought balloons to her at the park--so sweet!

Mommy and Karis before getting ears pierced

You can do it Karis

MM before

After... joy!

Now, we are happy--love those smiles! So proud of both of you!

Pop and JoJo sent her flowers--pink daisies

Presents from the fam

Cupcakes for her friend party

Cheesecake chocolate chip, sweet and salty, and neopolitan

Chalking outside with her new chalk

You are my sunshine--for some reason Nate is out without a shirt...ha! Showing off those big muscles! :)

We even broke out the fine china for dinner

Thank God for little, I mean big, girls. Sniff sniff! :)

Its Moving Time!!

About three years ago God planted Riverbend church! Brian was called as their pastor, and it is an absolute joy! We have had some ups and downs, but for the most part, it has been smooth sailing. We are currently in Hernando, and have tripled in size since we have been in town. I am excited about that, but more importantly, I am excited about how the Lord has worked in people's lives. We have now outgrown our building and are getting ready to move into a larger facility. Over the past couple of months, Satan has been doing everything he can to stop this process!! But, Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world. I have also caught myself humming and singing this song a lot lately:

We are pressed, but not crushed, persecuted, not abandoned. Struck down, but not destroyed. We are blessed beyond the curse, for His promise will endure, and His Joy's gonna be my strength. Though the darkness may last for the night, His Joy comes in the morning! I'm laying it down, for the joy of the Lord!

You are from God little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

We will trust in God, and we will be stronger because of these trials!

Wow! This has been a wild two weeks. As most of you know, I am not able to drive, and this has been quite hard on the fam. Brian is very busy right now with new church building stuff. We have a new puppy that has totally rocked our world, and the list goes on and on. But, what I have to remember is how blessed we are... right? Here are a few events that have been "blog worthy" over the past few weeks! :)

Our students had a musical on Friday, and the teachers were told to dress like someone from the 50's, 60's, or 70's. I borrowed a poodle skirt from my neice. It was fun, and the students did an excellent job in the program, especially mine! :)

While visiting my parents last weekend, we went through my Grandma's house. She is now in the nursing home. I found this bread box in her kitchen. I have been wanting a bread box, so I got it and my mom helped paint it to use in my kitchen.

Here it is!

These shutters were in my bedroom growing up. My mom had taken them down, because they were tearing up. I got her to paint them red as well to put in this blank space for now!

Mari Morgan and Edie played dress up and had a great time playing. They miss seeing each other.

I had fun hanging out with Banks, who was feeling a little left out, since Nathan did not join us this trip.

Fun times on Grandma's swing!

Mari Morgan's stars in motion dance team performed at the River Kings game at half time. She was so excited, and did awesome. I tried downloading a video, but it would not work. I will keep trying. She was shaking it! :)

Pop and JoJo came to watch.

Saturday fun!

Mari Morgan started working on her robot project that is due Monday. She enjoys crafts so much-- she did not get that from me.

Cutting and taping her box

I'm a robot! :)

Sofie being lazy in the sunshine

Nate the basketball pro :) He is practicing here, but today he played his last game of the season, scoring 6 points. We are so proud!

Look at that form!

Little love...

Snow Days and Sofie

Laying around during snow days, and Sofie's first walk!