Pretend

Maggie is so good at creating games and activities the girls can all do together. On her list of fun today was playing spa, building a fort and eating a picnic lunch inside, a science experiment {sink or float}, card games and dress-up. It's so nice to have her home and willing to play with her sisters! Eventually she got tired of entertaining and headed off for some quiet time reading. Left to their own devices they came up with their own pretend games. The first was Cupcake Wars....hmmmm...wonder where that got that one from. They whipped up imaginary delights and critiqued each other's culinary abilities. There was more dress-up and playing in the fort.  I was in the kitchen cooking dinner when I heard them planning their next activity. They started bringing every baby doll  in the house up to the living room. Then up came the high chair, the carriers and every small plastic bowl and baby spoon they could find. I listened in for a few minutes before I realized they were playing "orphanage." They were feeding and caring for all the babies that were "going to be dopted."  Sometimes I question if I share too much or show Amelia too many images from Ethiopia and Hannah's Hope. Tonight my question was answered...absolutely not. She gets it. Even though tonight she was playing a game of pretend it is real to her. There is not a night she prays that she doesn't ask God to help Africa. Last night she used the words "show them how much you love them." Sweet Millie, He's got some good stuff for you and my heart is full thinking of how He might use you in the real world!

I couldn't pass up including a picture of the babies in their care......

Science Center

Last spring when our family trekked off for a day at the Science Center we realized it was a better deal to buy the year membership than to pay for our one-time visit. Great choice. Our membership has paid for itself several times over this past year and we used it two times already this week. Sunday, one of Millie's best friends and her mama spent a super fun day with us celebrating Millie's 5th birthday with yummy lunch, a visit to the Science Center and a showing of Go, Dog, Go! at the Children's Theatre.  Thank you Angie and Ellie for a fun day and for treating us to the show!

 The girls posing in front of the theatre

 In the butterfly house at the Science Center

Go, Dog. Go!

Then two days later we made the trip into the city again for a day at the Center with cousins. My mama came along {thank goodness} and we met my sis and her four kiddos and my sis-in-law and her one kiddo. So yes, nine kids ranging in age from almost 5 months to 11 years. I know, piece of cake for the Duggers but a bit more challenging for the rest of us. Actually, it was a blast and didn't seem to terribly difficult to keep track of them all. We managed without losing any kiddos and they all had a great time. My sister has twins that are just four months younger than Maggie and another sweet bean just four months younger than Josie Kate so it's almost like having a set of triplets and a set of twins when we're all together. Fun!

 I love the Science Center for lots of reasons but mostly because it offers something for everyone. Even my big boy who sometimes thinks he's too cool for school.

 After a couple hours of playing we set out for some picnic lunch at the Center house. I usually pack our lunch so we can enjoy some treats later. Ice cream for the kids and coffee for mom. Cotton Candy was the flavor of choice. It was blue and messy and tasted like chemicals. Josie designated herself official ice cream feeder to all the cousins. Owen didn't miss a bite. He actually had bites coming from all directions and decided at one point he would only take bites from Amelia. funny.

 Owen a little delirious after the sugar rush and in his favorite spot...the helicopter!

Had to post these ones. Millie loved seeing herself in the funny mirrors and spent some time striking a pose. So happy to spend time with our family and thank you Science Center for offering hours of good entertainment.

* I managed to capture 8 of the kiddos...sorry sweet Mateen that auntie didn't get your picture!



Wild Zebra Birthday Bash

Well maybe it wasn't wild but it certainly was a fun-filled, family-filled zebra birthday party!! One week ago tonight I was scrambling to pull all the details together for Millie's 5th birthday party. I am a procrastinator by nature and even with my love for throwing a party I still tend to put things off until the last possible moment. So in the wee hours of the night I was assembling and frosting my version of a zebra cake, fluffing pom-poms, putting together party favors and preparing food. But thanks to the amazing grandmas that came to my rescue Saturday morning everything came together just in time. We were so blessed to have our families there to celebrate our special 5 year old and as always the time flew by too fast. Amelia and my Uncle Bill are both Valentine babies so it's been such a special treat to celebrate their birthdays together. This year Uncle Bill turned 82 and he and my Aunt Barb had just returned from Arizona the day before!

 If you are like me and you enjoy the party details here ya go.......

A fun day with our sweet 5 year old and our super fun familes!!

* And just for the record, yes that is a zebra, not a donkey with pink stripes! Told ya it was my version!

Being Still

Somedays {most days} it's hard to escape the constant. Constant movement, constant noise, constantly feeling like I must get things accomplished.

"Quietness and trust enhance your awareness of My Presence with you. Do not despise these simple ways of serving Me. Although you feel cut off from the activity of the world, your quiet trust makes a powerful statement in spiritual realms." Jesus Calling

Finding quiet and time to be still is hard around here. I want to, I really do but it's a challenge. Usually the time is late in the evenings when everyone is finally tucked into bed and finally slumbering for the night. Today I wanted to be intentional about finding the time in the midst of my day...early in my day. Giving Him the good stuff, the awake and alert me. I wasn't quite sure how it was going to happen with kiddos. but it did.  I did school drop-off, ran an errand and then realized I could do this with Josie. I might not actually be "still" but I would be focused on Him and His wonders. I loaded Jo up in the jogger, snuggled her up tight with blankies {it was very cold} grabbed the camera and we walked, and walked and walked. Walking...not running. Along the trail, along the river and through the cemetery. I know, kind of strange but it was actually very peaceful. We talked a little and pointed things out but mostly we were both quiet. I had time to think and pray and praise Him for the beauty we are surrounded with. I was cut off from the distractions, handing over my worries that are competely out of my control and finding comfort that He is in total control. And the more I ponder the "stillness" it's really not about the actual act of being still but the submission of our weakness and surrending to Him. It is about letting go and trusting that He is truly sovereign and He has a plan for me. for us. for you. I am so thankful.

Be still, and know that I am God,

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth

Psalm 46:10

Short and sweet

Just a quick little note to document that despite the best efforts of the recent flu bug hitting our house Rocky and I still made our biometrics appointment this morning. Now we just wait for our FDL and we're ready for baby boy. Well....after a long wait moving down the list but still...we're READY!!!

I also wanted to share our new favorite family devotional.....





I love this one just as much as the original version of Jesus Calling. The entries are the perfect length for our kiddos' attention span and the older kids can take turns reading them aloud. And isn't that cover so sweet?

Be still before the Lord  -Zechariah 2:13

It's tough to be still and quiet. There are so many things you could be doing-playing outside, talking to a friend, going to the game. But there are times when you have to be still-when you are sick, when you have finished your classwork, or when others need you to be quiet. Instead of wishing away this time, use it to listen to Me and to thank Me for My Presence in your life.

Some of my greatest work is done when you are still and quiet. That is when you can hear Me whisper to your heart.
Jesus Calling for Kids, February 16

Dear Amelia,

Five years ago today God gave us the most perfect, precious Valentine gift. He gave us you. You light everything up with your big brown eyes and your beautiful smile. Your giggle is contagious.

 You are so much fun and love being outdoors rain or shine....in fact, sometimes I think you even prefer rain so you can jump in the puddles!

You are my sidekick and I love spending each and everyday with you. You are always willing to help and enjoy a good craft just as much as your mama. Your heart is so tender and your prayers so sincere. I pray for how the Lord will use you and I have no doubts it will be in mighty ways. You are already more aware of the needs of people at five than most people are at 35. I am so thankful for the lessons you teach me each day.

I am so thankful that God entrusted us with you. And I am so thankful that each day you are a reminder that God answers our prayers in His most perfect way. We love you sweet Millie Mae!!

Happy  Birthday!!

Love, Mommy and Daddy



4 days {until she's 5}

In four short days Monkey #3 will be turning 5....aghhh!! In the words of mothers everywhere..."where does the time go?" After her preschool party today she asked for a haircut. I've been trying to convince her for awhile that her hair would be so cute if we cut it short. Today was the day. She loves it. I love it. She waited for an hour in a cardboard box with a sleeping bag over the top for her sister to get home from school so she could surprise her with her new look. I think it suits her just perfect. Definitely a 5 year old haircut.

{details from the back}

Valentine Randomness

I can't believe we're cruising right into mid February already. Where did January go? It used to seem that January felt like such a long month but I'm starting to realize there aren't any long months when you have four crazy kids to keep up with. Time flies no matter what! The highlight of this month so far happened last weekend when Rock took the three girls to the annual Father/Daughter dance our little town puts on. The girls look forward to this all year long and this year Lil' Miss Josie Kate got to join in the fun. Rock said she was such a trooper and did her best to keep up with the big girls.

Daddy and his girls before the dance. I didn't manage one good picture, hopefully Grandma got a good one since that's the camera they seem to be looking at anyway.

 The girls with a couple of their best friends.

In addition to dancing, we've been doing a Valentine craft or two around here. A new favorite is the heart tree. Millie and I just loved the Thanksgiving tree so much we thought why not a heart one for Valentine's. So we painted ourselves a new tree and voila.....

........the heart tree. A spot to leave love notes for one another.

 I love this note Millie dictated for me the other night. Love that she gets the lessons taught are only to help her. Smart cookie that girl is! And with all the class parties quickly approaching we had some Valentines to create copy. I really love crafting our Valentines but I'm not the most creative. Luckily there are some very talented women out there willing to share their creativeness and free printables with the rest of us. So after a little scouring of the blog world I found these fun printables for Amelia. Two things I love about these ones. 1. The treat doesn't contain sugar 2. She used the word friend instead of having mushy, gooshy, lovey, dovey sayings. Perfect for preschool. If you're still looking for Valentines or just want to file these away for next year I found them here . Just warning you though...you may be there awhile.

 Millie organizing her treasures for the big party tomorrow. Not only will she be celebrating her Valentine party at preschool  but since she is a Valentine baby we're also bringing the special treat...chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting. However, hers will be the one without frosting. funny girl. And just in case you thought I had a problem with sugary Valentines. Check out Maggies......

I found the link for these adorable printable stickers on the same blog. But you can go directly there from here. The intention was to put the stickers on fresh fruit but since I can't see a bunch of 4th graders getting too excited about apples and bananas in their Valentine boxes we opted for the slighly less healthy version...Runts. Mag's party isn't until Monday but of course hers are already done and ready to go. She's a bit like her dad.

And the most exciting news of the month! Our February number.......

We are just so thankful for any movement at all as it's been a pretty slow couple months for referrals. We are praying for all those families traveling and waiting for the sweeties.