Birthday Blessings

I love a tradition! I wouldn't necessarily call myself a creature of habit, but there are a few things in life I know I can set my watch by. One being that birthday call from my grandmother, Elizabeth...the one I hold in such high regard that I named my first child after. I know, and all who know her know, that if it's 9:00 in the morning and she hasn't called to tell you Happy Birthday, how much she loves you, and how God has blessed her by bringing you into her life, well...Jesus has come and you missed it! This woman lives to lift up others through service, words, and prayer. For the past 34 June 28ths, she has poured out her love and her prayers on me and my life and today was no different. At 8:08 this morning, my grandmother called, offered to sing, and told me she had been praying for me for hours...and she had! I can't imagine a better way to start a birthday!

The next phone call was from my new principal...that's right; I have a new job! I will be teaching 2nd grade at the elementary school Ellie will attend for kindergarten. We have been praying for God's guidance in this situation for over a year and are so relieved, thankful, excited, and amazed how God worked this out. The school is K-2, but has over 30 classes, so Ellie and I won't see each other often, but it will be comforting to be in the same building. The principal was calling to tell me the board approved my transfer and everything was official...more importantly, I could tell this HUGE secret!

Mark and the girls treated me to dinner and dessert. We all shared a huge slice of white chocolate cheesecake from Desperado's-my favorite!

The rest of the day consisted of phone calls from friends, my brother, my mom, my dad, and even childhood friends; each one making me feel loved and adored!  I have really felt God's blessings today...blessings far greater than I deserve.

Our Little Songbird

Today Ellie's Sunday School class sang during both services at church. She was a bit apprehensive before church, but once she made it on stage, she was 100% into it. Here are a few pics of them singing "God Bless America" and "I'm in the Lord's Army". I am so proud of our little songbird!

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Fathers' Day Fun

After taking Mark out to lunch for Fathers' Day, the girls and I made our way to Thomasville to visit with my dad and Carol while Mark stayed home to relax and go to work Monday. The girls slept most of the 2 hour drive leaving them rested and ready to play and swim upon arrival. Both girls love the water and had to be coaxed inside after several hours swimming, diving, and fishing out dive rings. Pop, Carol, and I were so pleased to see the girls confidently swimming around the pool without fear (or whining). The girls love visiting with Pop and Cici, and why not? The girls pick blueberries and tomatoes, swim for hours, eat anything and everything (within caloric reason), play with the puppies, and go to bed when their bodies give out. It's a grandchild's dream come true!!!

Not a care in the world!

Helping Pop clean out the pool.

Not sure what she was doing, but it was such a cute picture!

About to jump in!

Ellie giving swim lessons



Happy little swimmers!



Pop and the girls looking for blueberries.

Curled up watching a movie

Doesn't everyone color while wearing a tiara?

All smiles!

A Happy Father, Indeed!



Fathers' Day 2011

 The girls and I are so blessed to have Mark as the head of our little family. He takes this responsibility to heart and makes our happiness and well being a priority. I am so blessed to have a husband who prays for me and our daughters so diligently and earnestly. He truly loves us with all that he has and we are so blessed to spend our days together.

Beach Pics

Overheard

The girls and I were riding past a bank and Sadie Kate asked if it was a school. Ellie replied, "No, it's a bank. Do you  know what they do at banks?" Before Sadie Kate could answer, Ellie said, "Banks have checks and dollars and coins. They keep them safe for people who bring them there, but they also give money to people too." Sadie Kate proudly announces, "Momma, do you know what you get at the bank? Suckers!"

Back from the Beach

We are back from the beach and boy did we have fun! We went with our great friends, the Summers, and met even more friends, the Richeys, down there for tons of laughs and fun! The kids loved the gulf, sand, food, water, and especially the bumper boats and go carts. I absolutely adore the beach and could go back tomorrow!!

Sadie Kate loved Mrs. Amber's hat!



Sadie Kate covering her ears on the go cart with Mrs. Stephanie.



Relaxing after a long day on the beach.



Sadie Kate LOVED the swings! 




A tired trio!




Ellie, Ben, Jon Douglas, & Gavin



Sadie Kate with Daddy on the bumper boats.

Ellie with Mrs Stephanie on the bumper boats.

Gavin & Ellie

Ellie and Gavin vs. the waves

A happy girl in Momma's chair!

Gavin, Ellie, Sadie Kate, and Kurt

Great friends!

Thanks Mimi for the dresses!

Overheard...

Sadie Kate brought this picture home from church Sunday...it's "Jo-fes's coat of too many colors", which is loosely translated as "Joseph's coat of many colors".

Train up a Child

This is what I found when I walked into the kitchen today...makes a momma proud. I sure hope they always think washing dishes and loading the dishwasher are fun!