Date Night with Daddy

Anna Beth was so excited about her date night with daddy. Notice the flower in her hair and the sparkly lipgloss! They were going to dinner and then for a special 'surprise'. Anna Beth requested a meal from 'Berber King', but daddy took it up a notch by taking her to Chick-fil-A! Afterwards, they headed to Build-a-Bear at the mall where she stuffed a cute lamb and dressed it in an outfit and shoes (we had four coupons to use and paid almost nothing!). She came home glowing . . . what a special treat for daddy AND daughter!

Boys' Night!

Ethan and Graham didn't want a big birthday party this year, they simply asked for a few friends to sleep over. We decided to do it all on one night and each of the boys was allowed to invite four friends. That was tough, as they wanted to invite everyone, but they narrowed it down. The boys enjoyed a basketball game, then pizza, cookie cake, video games, gifts, and finally a movie on the projection screen in the basement. The big boys slept in the basement and the younger boys slept on the main floor. We aren't too sure what time they finally went to sleep, but it was LATE! After pancakes, eggs and bacon the next morning, the boys were off to their homes . . . and we were off to bed!

Afternoon Tea for Two

The weather here in Georgia has been so wacky this year . . . one day it is snowing, the next it is 70 degrees! On one of those warm and sunny days, Anna Beth and I decided it was time for an afternoon tea party. We pulled out all the leftovers (notice the cut-up hotdogs, lol!) and some fruit, made it look a little fancy and headed to the back porch. We turned on our 'tea party music' and enjoyed a fun afternoon . . . just mommy and daughter. The music was just too good, my fun-loving daughter had to get up and dance! I love these precious moments with my little girl; she is such a joy to be around, so full of life!

I love you, Anna Beth!

Happy Birthday, Ethan & Graham!

The boys celebrated their birthdays with family here at our home on March 8th. It was SO GREAT having everyone up, we had not seen most of them since Christmas. We missed Ray, Amy and the girls, they weren't able to make it. We cooked-out and enjoyed lunch together. It was a beautiful day so the kids (and adults) were able to play outside and ride the go-carts. We are SO THANKFUL for our family; we love and miss you guys so much! Here are some highlights from the afternoon:

Her VERY FIRST Soccer Game!

"Mom, I can't believe it! It's my VERY FIRST soccer game!" She was buckled in her booster seat, headed for her first game, and could hardly contain herself! For years, Anna Beth has watched the boys play baseball, soccer, basketball, football . . . and she has always insisted "I can't wait to have my own team; I need a team and a uniform, Mom". Well, the girl has a team, and she *LOVES* it!

Here are a few pictures of her in action during her first game. She scored three goals that first game and has consistently scored every game. The boys call her a 'ball hog'; lol, I never imagined that would by MY girl's nickname. Her best game was in rain and 42 degree weather when she scored seven of her team's eight goals. Afterwards, she insisted that soccer is "more funner in the rain".

And here she is AFTER the first game--napping on the back porch! She was full of adrenaline, but physically exhausted! We are praying that she continues to give this (and everything she does) her ALL . . .

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men!

Georgia Snow!

We got some snow in Georgia and it was an exciting weekend for all! The snow began falling around lunch on Sunday (March 1st) and continued throughout the day--about three inchess fell and it was BEAUTIFUL! The kids went out to play for a bit, but we spent most of the day by the fire, watching a movie and playing games. Then the kids were out of school for the snow on Monday--lots of time was spent outdoors, sledding and exploring. How FUN!

Our Mad Scientists!

The boys both entered a science project in the Mulberry Science Fair this year. No, they are not super interested in science but it was 'highly suggested' that the gifted students participate . . . and so they did with a little prodding. Ethan won a 2nd place prize for his 'Red Cabbage Chemistry' project and Graham won a 3rd place prize for exploring 'Which Veggies are the Most Nutritious'. All in all it was a fun project for each!