Grammy Time

We spent about 2 weeks with Grammy - don't bother to scroll down just to see pics - there aren't any.  Yep, I broke our camera a week before our visit with my mom. Good thing the camera was under warrantee & apparently covers idiot accidents.  I don't think that is the technical term, but in my case it is pretty close.  So, we have wonderful memories, lots of laughs & a pretty good tan from our time together  - oh yeah, and I also have an extra 5 pounds!!!  Thanks mom!  Way to much ice cream & oreo cookies - I may need to get a fix in the middle of writing this . . . . . .

Everyone really adjusted wonderfully to a few new places, beds, & bed times - which is a praise!!!  The girls did so much swimming that they are really quite the fish now, and the twins about pooped a complete sandcastle from our time at the beach.  It was great!!  It is always a joy to see the girls with family - knowing that they are being loved on - myself included.  It was a wonderful time, but there is always a nice comfort feeling of coming back home.  Plus, Arturo was here waiting for us - it was nice.

Hopefully next time we are with Grammy there will be lots of pictures to go along with the memories.

Bringing out the Best

Most every Tuesday I have the pleasure & privilege of getting together with other moms for a Bible study.  It's not just that there is childcare provided, but it is very encouraging to keep God as a priority & have fun doing it.  Sometimes when a bunch of moms are left with open discussions we tend to focus mostly on our kids, how they frustrate us, and how difficult mothering little ones can be.  None of this is bad - I've fully participated in MANY of these conversations, but . . . besides venting & feeling emotionally validated (all necessary things as well) there is not always a focus for change or accountability to grow as women - not just mothers.

OK, I'm rambling a bit to get to my point.  My point - I've enjoyed the past few Tuesdays because not only do we vent & are validated, but we also get to encourage each other, remind each other that God is not only on our side, but is madly in love with us, and spend some quality time in prayer for our children.

The first part of our time is spent on a certain topic - today's topic:  Bringing out the best in our children.  As I think of this topic, I immediately think of how wonderful my girls are.  So today I would like to share a little bit about what I love about these wonderful girls God has entrusted to me for a time.

Claire is very inquisitive, loves to wrestle with her sisters, and at the same time is very dainty.

Chloe is so spunky - the perfect word for her.  She loves laughing, making faces, and will eat anything.

Stella almost literally grabs life with both hands & jumps in - laughing the whole time.  She has a joyful & passionate spirit.

Jillian is SUPER creative - she loves to put on puppet shows, play pretend, and she LOVES to play with and help her sisters.

Abigail is such an amazing helper that sometimes I forget that she is only 6.  She loves to read, loves to be fashionable, and loves to sing & dance.

These are my beautiful daughters & I pray that I will always be able to bring out, see & encourage the best in them - for the glory of God.

Happy Birthday Arturo

We are grateful & blessed to have you in our lives!!!  We love you!