Happy Birthday, Reagan!

Raegan was very ready for her birthday! She woke up and had lots of phone calls. She loved talking to everyone as they wished her happy birthday and sang her silly birthday songs (Uncle Pat).
We waited all day for the party when all our family came to celebrate. We had yummy princess cupcakes and banana split parfaits. Yummy!


Then, the girls opened their gifts.
(Sydney had a few to open from family members.) Here is Sydney with Great Grandma LeFevre. It was a fun, fun night! We're grateful so many family members could come celebrate with us.

Happy Birthday, Sydney!

Happy 9th Birthday, Sydney!

She woke up to donuts and some special cards, and then we prepared and waited all day until the American Girl Tea Party at 5:00.

Jackson got all dressed up and served us as the butler.


We served mini peanut butter muffins, cheese & crackers, veggies, fruit kabobs, mini pbj sandwiches and mini egg-salad sandwiches. Finally, we sang happy birthday to Sydney before she blew out the candles on her "tarts". Chris joined Jackson as another butler!
After eating, we watched Sydney open her gifts. Her friends were all so sweet and thoughtful in what they got her. Next, the girls went on a treasure hunt, looking all around the house for clues to the prize. They ended up in the basement where they found "movie treats"! While we popped our popcorn, they played with their dolls or they challenged each other to air hockey.
Finally, it was time for the Felicity movie.
We all had such a great time with all these girls. I'm thankful that Sydney has such sweet friends. I am also thankful for such a sweet daughter. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past nine years. What a gift she has been.

Room Make-Over

For their birthdays, we decided to do a make-over on the girls' room. My friend, Lesli, found these two twin beds at a garage sale for a whopping $25 total! Thank you, Les! They are a great find, and we simply painted them white. There are plans to monogram the girls' initials on each. We'll see if that gets done!
As you can see, the girls were really excited. They love their "Girl Room"!
After painting furiously, we put it all together! We still have to put some items up on the walls, but the basics are finished.

July 5th Birthday and Fireworks

On Sunday, we celebrated Mom's birthday. It was a fun day because our kids got to do their own fireworks with their cousins. Fun!

July 4 Wedding

On July 4, Chris had the honor of standing up at his friend's wedding. Stephen and Holli got married that evening in the beautiful outdoors. It was such a fun wedding. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the atmosphere was just fun. (There was a dance and fireworks after the wedding.) Doesn't my hubby look like a movie star?!

Examples that Inspire

Hey. I just found this video, and I thought it was so neat. Again, I don't believe everyone is called to adopt, but I love the challenge this family issues. Plus, it just gives me courage. If they can do this many, surely we'll be o.k. with one. Watch and see what you think!

Mother-Daughter Girls Trip!

This past weekend, we were blessed to be invited on a trip to Missouri with our good friends, Danita and Ella. We had such a splendid time! The first evening, we got all dolled up and had supper at a fancy restaurant. The restaurant was on a resort which had beautiful scenery as well as picture spots, so we had a photo session.

Yes, the girls match! These were $3 dresses from Target!
The next day, we went on a bike ride through Dogwood Canyon Nature Trail. Boy, it was beautiful. I was stunned by the spectacular scenes. These are just a few.


We even crossed into Arkansas.
It was such a privilege to spend such quality time with our girls. We really wanted the weekend to be a time when we could cast some vision and encourage both Sydney and Ella. We started with II Corinthians 5:9 since it was such a good reminder that our #1 goal or ambition should be to please Jesus.
After our bike ride, we went to a resort called Big Cedar and went swimming. That was nice and refreshing in the Missouri humidity!
The next day it was off to Silver Dollar City. We had a blast!
Here, Sydney and Ella are riding the roller coaster.
Eventually, we gathered up enough courage to ride this ride. I'll let you judge from the next picture on our reactions!
Cooling down with some yummy peaches and cream!
While we waited for our shuttle, we dug into some of our goodies!Finally, it was time to head home. But, we are thankful for good friends and are looking forward to returning to life with a fresh vision of pleasing our Heavenly Father.