Celebrating Jackson

Yesterday we celebrated the baptism of Jackson Edward. Matt is a Godparent to all three of my girls, and now I am a Godparent to all three of his kids. Such an HONOR!

Of course, it was held at my home church in Charleston. There is something that I love about going to my home church...about being there with my family...parents, brother and my own children. The familiar faces just make it seem like home!

And look at those adorable kids who sat like perfect angels during the service. I couldn't believe how good they were! Love them all so much. After the service mom had a luncheon at her house. Fried Chicken, that Bug was talking about all week long...mashed potatoes, cole slaw, corn, deviled eggs. A meal certainly befitting Sunday dinner. It was wonderful, and I'm so glad Cynthia snapped this picture of Papa eating out on the porch with all the kids. God bless our beautiful growing family. And may God continue to bless Jackson, always.

Meeting Natalie

Last week I finally had the opportunity to go to Arizona and meet sweet Natalie. I was so excited! I even managed to get up and leave my house at 4 AM to head to the airport. After a quick layover in Dallas I was in Tucson by 11 AM.

And I couldn't wait to snuggle that sweet girl. She reminded me so much of Leah, just a very easy going happy baby...but don't make her wait to eat! My goodness, then she would pitch a fit. She was, and is practically perfect in everyway.

On Thursday afternoon Mitch flew in from a conference in Las Vegas. Thursday night we just relaxed at the house. On Friday morning we hit the gym, and then we went to the pool It was so nice to be out of the freezing cold Illinois temps. We enjoyed every minute of it. Friday afternoon I went with Laura to do newborn pictures. And Friday night we were able to go out with Laura and Jeff to Legends at the Omni Resort.

Saturday was more of the same. We enjoyed another few hours pool side, and Saturday night we all went out for Sushi. It was hard to say good bye to Natalie and the sunshine, but I'm hoping she will come and visit Aunt Amy in Illinois soon. She's got three little girl cousins that can't wait to meet her!

Bandits On The Loose

Tisha got super creative for the birthday party and she made this "WANTED" frame to use as a photo prop. Not every kid wanted to participate...some really got into it, and I love how they turned out. I'm having actual photos printed to send in the thank you cards. And if you see any of these bandits out on the street be sure to contact the sheriff ;)

Generosity of Spirit

So we took the girls to Dairy Queen for dinner. It's a tradition...we always go on their birthday. So Mitch went up after we ate to get ice cream, and an older man walked past us. He stopped and said "3 girls?"...so I made small talk with him for a minute and he said he had four daughters and that we should "seize every opportunity to have fun with them because they are grown and gone before you know it." I said that we were surely blessed and he replied "Blessed by God indeed." and wished Bug a Happy Birthday. I thanked him and he went on his way and got some ice cream of his own.

This guy was easily in his late 70's...long white hair in the back and a long white beard in front. I was secretly worried that Hattie would say "ho ho ho" since he somewhat resembled Santa. He had on a hat, khaki pants and a blue jacket that said RP Lumber.

Before he left DQ, he came back to our table and said that he could tell that we were a good family raising our kids up right, and that it wasn't often he saw such young children so well behaved in a restaurant, and said the world would be a better place if there were more parents like us around...he proceeded to put $30 down on the table...I tried to decline...and before I could get it all out he said "the next time you take your beautiful family out for dinner I want it to be on me." He said "May God bless you all, and you have a good night." I said "thank you so much sir. God bless you too." And he walked away.

What kindness and generosity!!! I think he was lonely and the fact that I talked to him, made eye contact and gave him just a little bit of my time made his day. And in return...he made mine. I wish I could give him a proper "Thank You"...what a great day!

Bug's Birthday Roundup

Yesterday my sweet baby Bug turned 4...and it's hitting me hard. It's so cliche...the phrase "they grow up so fast" but it's so true. It seems like just yesterday I was rocking her to sleep, lying her in her crib and waiting for the cry in the middle of the night. And now she is as independent, sassy and smart as they come. I don't want this stage to end. I love the crazy things she says. I love the way when she is tired she still climbs into my lap to snuggle and she fits so perfectly that it's like there is no other place in the world that she belongs, except to me. She is in fact a "momma's girl" and I adore that about her. When I told her that I didn't want her to turn 4, that I wanted her to stay 3, she said to me "I will still love you when I am 4, because I will always be your baby." Yes Bug, you will ALWAYS be my baby.

Tisha and I decided a while back to hold a joint party for our girls. Bug's birthday was March 8th and Tatum's the 10th and we knew we would be inviting a lot of the same people. Tatum wanted a cowgirl party, and Bug didn't really care as long as she got to have a party...so Birthday Roundup was what we did. Tisha and I worked on the skirts together. I got the invites, thank you's and favor tags. The rest we divided up pretty easily and it all came together pretty smoothly.

Tisha hosted because she has an awesome finished basement. We started off the party with some art projects. We had the kids fashion some western style vest out of paper bags, and we had some Sheriff Callie printables for them all to color. They had some snacks while they worked on the projects. Then we headed down stairs. We had pony races and Mitch helped them play pin the bow on Apple Jack (She's a pony in case you aren't familiar with the My Little Pony brand). After the games we just let them play for a while. Then we went upstairs for cake. Tisha had the Wal-Mart bakery do cupcakes in the shape of a pony. It turned out pretty cute. And then of course there were gifts. The party went by pretty fast. And everyone had a great time...Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go cry in the corner of my baby turning 4. What's wrong with me???