In an attempt to publish something on my blog, I created a quick slideshow of some recent pictures. It's a bit heavy on pictures of Chloe, but that's only because I've had an opportunity recently to get some good shots of her and wanted to share them. Don't want anyone to read into my video and think there's any favoritism... ;)
3.25.2009
3.22.2009
Snowboarding
Andy and Bella hit the slopes today and Andy got a short video of Bella's on his cell phone. It's not the best quality, but it was fun to be able to see her "in action".
2.14.2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Honestly, today isn't a huge day of celebration for us. I think I was ruined after too many years of waiting tables on V-Day. ;) However, I don't want to miss the opportunity to say how blessed I am by 3 very special "loves" in my life.
Andy, (without whom, I wouldn't have the other two) really is the love of my life. As I look back I'm amazed at how much "life" we've shared and how we continue to move through the good and bad times together. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it! :) Then there are my precious girls. I can't even begin to explain what joy they both bring to my life. Bella warms my heart in such a special way and Chloe's spark for life reminds me to appreciate the little things.
I know that sometimes I miss the opportunity to be grateful for the everyday blessings, and for today at least, I plan on appreciating all that God has blessed me with.
Andy, (without whom, I wouldn't have the other two) really is the love of my life. As I look back I'm amazed at how much "life" we've shared and how we continue to move through the good and bad times together. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it! :) Then there are my precious girls. I can't even begin to explain what joy they both bring to my life. Bella warms my heart in such a special way and Chloe's spark for life reminds me to appreciate the little things.
I know that sometimes I miss the opportunity to be grateful for the everyday blessings, and for today at least, I plan on appreciating all that God has blessed me with.
2.11.2009
"Too"
Chloe has recently started doing something that just melts my heart. Whenever we say, "Love You Chloe" she responds simply with, "too". The way she says it is so precious and each time I hear it I remember just how sweet the little moments are. :)
12.25.2008
Merry Christmas!
We just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! We have had an incredibly busy month and especially past week, so today was the first day we were able to really relax. We took full advantage of all being at home together and spent one of the most relaxing and slow paced Christmases we have had. It was just what we needed. :)
Here are a few pics from our day today...
Here are a few pics from our day today...
12.15.2008
Cindy Lou Who
Our December series at church is "Are You The Grinch?" We have several dramas that will all come together on Christmas Eve for a big production. Bella was chosen to play Cindy Lou Who. She is in all of the dramas, but has a main speaking role in one...she did it for the first time yesterday. I know I'm her mom and all, but honestly, she was amazing! I can't believe the lines she was able to memorize...we were so proud of her...Andy and I were both in tears! :)
Anyways, here are a couple pictures...
Anyways, here are a couple pictures...
11.01.2008
Happy Halloween!
What a fun day Halloween 2008 proved to be! Bella was off of school in observation of Nevada Day so our day started early. The girls went to work with me where they played most of the day and helped set up for FallFEST. Bella got in costume first and went trick-or-treating with her good friends Savannah and Rylee before the festivities at the church started. By the time they got to the church they already had enough candy for 5 kids...and the fun was just beginning! ;)
Here are a couple pictures from early in the day...
Chloe was perhaps the cutest little ladybug I have ever seen. She also figured out exactly where all the candy was and helped herself periodically throughout the day...
Bella dressed up as Hannah Montana and transformed into quite the little Pop-Star!!
Andy and I joined in the fun as well. I was a spider web and Andy, well, Andy was a really scary version of Magnum P.I. By the time these pictures were taken Chloe had crashed from her sugar high and was fast asleep!
If I look a little scared...I am! ;)
Till Next Year!
Here are a couple pictures from early in the day...
Chloe was perhaps the cutest little ladybug I have ever seen. She also figured out exactly where all the candy was and helped herself periodically throughout the day...
Bella dressed up as Hannah Montana and transformed into quite the little Pop-Star!!
Andy and I joined in the fun as well. I was a spider web and Andy, well, Andy was a really scary version of Magnum P.I. By the time these pictures were taken Chloe had crashed from her sugar high and was fast asleep!
If I look a little scared...I am! ;)
Till Next Year!
10.07.2008
Growing up...
Bella brought home her school pictures yesterday and I almost cried when I saw them. Of course I'm her mom, so I'm a bit biased, but first of all, I think she is absolutely beautiful. Second, I just can't believe how grown up she looks. Enjoy...
9.24.2008
Picture Update...
I know I've been terrible about updating so I thought I would at least post some of the recent pictures I have of the girls. Enjoy...
And a quick note to demonstrate one of the reasons why I'm so behind on my blog. Chloe just walked up to me sucking on toilet paper that she had dipped in the toilet...yes, toilet water, and yes, this kind of stuff is a regular occurrence at our home these days. To say that our sweet Chloe keeps us on our toes is an understatement and like I said, a good part of the reason that things like blogging have taken the back seat! ;)
And a quick note to demonstrate one of the reasons why I'm so behind on my blog. Chloe just walked up to me sucking on toilet paper that she had dipped in the toilet...yes, toilet water, and yes, this kind of stuff is a regular occurrence at our home these days. To say that our sweet Chloe keeps us on our toes is an understatement and like I said, a good part of the reason that things like blogging have taken the back seat! ;)
Motorcycle Mama!!
Most of you know by now that Andy recently purchased a motorcycle. He has had it for about a month now and has enjoyed riding it just about everywhere he goes alone. It took me a while to come around to the idea of him owning a bike, but finally realized that I wasn't going to let fear be the motivating force behind my decisions. I still get the occasional wave of fear when I think about what could happen, but that's just natural and Andy has made me feel as comfortable as possible by giving me his word that he will be as safe as possible when riding and assuring me that he has no desire to do anything that could possibly take him away from our family. With that said, I personally have no desire to ride on a motorcycle...I'm the girl who doesn't even like the windows down in the car because it's too windy. ;)
Well, yesterday Andy called me at work and asked if I wanted to drop the girls off at friends and go for a ride and dinner. My first reaction was, "no thanks", but then I thought, "what the heck", and decided to break out of my shell a bit. I'll admit I was very nervous, but after a few minutes on the bike realized that it was actually kind of fun, and best of all, it felt nothing like driving with the windows down. We took the scenic way across town, had a nice dinner at Chili's and then made our way back to TCBY's for a treat. By the time we got back to the girls, I was ready to be done due to my sore butt and back, but other than that I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable a bike ride on a cool fall evening is. :)
I wish we had thought to take a picture, but we didn't, so you'll just have to use your imagination this time...
Well, yesterday Andy called me at work and asked if I wanted to drop the girls off at friends and go for a ride and dinner. My first reaction was, "no thanks", but then I thought, "what the heck", and decided to break out of my shell a bit. I'll admit I was very nervous, but after a few minutes on the bike realized that it was actually kind of fun, and best of all, it felt nothing like driving with the windows down. We took the scenic way across town, had a nice dinner at Chili's and then made our way back to TCBY's for a treat. By the time we got back to the girls, I was ready to be done due to my sore butt and back, but other than that I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable a bike ride on a cool fall evening is. :)
I wish we had thought to take a picture, but we didn't, so you'll just have to use your imagination this time...
8.06.2008
Friendship
I can't let the day end without mention of another very special Birthday Girl!
For those that don't know, Kendra and Bella share a birthday and even though the time that we lived close was short, there is a special connection between these 2 little girls. Just today Bella was telling me about her, "best friend Kendra" and if you ever ask her who her best friend is, she answers, "Kendra" without missing a beat. I'm not sure what it is that makes Bella hold Kendra so close to her heart, but it really is precious.
You can check out a picture of Bella and Kendra just before Kendra turned 1 and Bella turned 3 here, and here is one of them last year, shortly before they turned 3 and 5.
It's amazing how much they have grown and continue to grow and I pray that in the same way distance hasn't come between their mommies friendship, there's will remain the same as well. :)
We love you Kendra and hope you had a very special day today!
For those that don't know, Kendra and Bella share a birthday and even though the time that we lived close was short, there is a special connection between these 2 little girls. Just today Bella was telling me about her, "best friend Kendra" and if you ever ask her who her best friend is, she answers, "Kendra" without missing a beat. I'm not sure what it is that makes Bella hold Kendra so close to her heart, but it really is precious.
You can check out a picture of Bella and Kendra just before Kendra turned 1 and Bella turned 3 here, and here is one of them last year, shortly before they turned 3 and 5.
It's amazing how much they have grown and continue to grow and I pray that in the same way distance hasn't come between their mommies friendship, there's will remain the same as well. :)
We love you Kendra and hope you had a very special day today!
Happy Birthday Bella!
It's hard to believe that Bella is 6 years old already! We love her more than we ever imagined we could and are so proud of the little girl she has become!
Bella has had a full day of fun. She woke up to the house decorated just for her, had a special party at school with her classmates and now we are getting ready to head out to Claim Jumpers (her choice) for dinner and then to the movies to see Wall-E. Her actual party is on Saturday, but we've have enjoyed making today a special family day as we remember what a blessing she has been to us and so many others! We love you Bella! :)
8.01.2008
7.02.2008
Something to think about...
I've been very intrigued lately by the blogs of some of the staff members at Granger Community Church. I just read this and thought it was worth reposting...
Empathy is easy. Investment is hard.
I'm not so sure that's a bad thing.
When I'm pouring out my life, I'm exchanging my remaining days for some purpose or cause. My ability to stay engaged is in correlation with my conviction of it's worth. In other words, my ability to continue making a sacrificial investment is fueled by my sense of its importance.
I can say I care about our environment (remember, God's first directive mandated we "tend the Garden"), but if I don't care enough I'll toss trash out my car window.
I can claim I care about our new site in Elkhart (knowing Jesus commanded we "go make disciples"), but I'm not likely to offer prayer, time and money to the effort if I don't care a lot.
I might say I love Jesus (aware the most important commandment is that we "Love the Lord") but the investment of my life in worship, service and devotion to His Kingdom is unlikely if I don't care enough to act.
Whether we say we treasure children, care about the poor, love justice or cherish honesty the truth is obvious. It's easy to say we care. It's hard to care enough to act.
Our problem isn't that we care. Our problem is that we don't care enough to do something to make a positive contribution.
What we really care about, we'll support.
What we truly value, we'll give our lives to accomplish.
Supreme love empowers absolute devotion.
So today I'm praying I'll love what God loves, value what Jesus values, and cherish what our Lord declares worthy. Like the kids reading their Bibles in this picture, we need to read the scriptures to know what God values. Otherwise we might give our hearts to some cause that's simply not worthy of us.
There is a cost to caring.
James 2:14-17 - My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them? A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food. If you say to that person, “God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat,“ but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. In the same way, faith that is alone—that does nothing—is dead.
6.18.2008
Chloe's One!
Happy Birthday to our beautiful Chloe girl! I'm finding it difficult to believe that a whole year has gone by since she was born! With the exception of the sleepless nights, everything else seemed to go by so incredibly fast and I just hope I didn't miss out on the opportunity to take it all in.
It's been so fun to watch Chloe grow from a sweet little 7 lb baby into the rambunctious (that's putting it lightly) little thing she is...I don't know if there's a word for what she is...not quite toddler, but physically far ahead of the typical 1 year old. ;)
She is such a precious gift from God, and when I think back on our journey to her, I see the ways in which God used our circumstances to teach us so much about Him, His love for us, and more than anything, His faithfulness.
I'm not sure if I've shared this before, but choosing Faith as Chloe's middle name meant a lot to us, but it wasn't until shortly after she was born that I realized the meaning of both of our girls names. Bella (which means beautiful) Grace...Beautiful Grace. We had no idea of the grace God was pouring out on us when I got pregnant with Bella. In fact, we really didn't realize it until several years later when we were told just how remarkable it was that we conceived her so easily. God's beautiful grace evident in our life through our sweet Bella. Chloe Faith. Chloe means "blooming"...Blooming Faith. When I realized this, it honestly took my breath away. The journey to Chloe, couldn't be more perfectly described than "blooming faith". The truth is, that there there were times where is was incredibly hard to have faith, but through it all, in the midst of our doubts, God remained faithful and in the end we can now see that the lesson through it all was "faith". The years leading up to Chloe contain some of the darkest times I've personally had, but in the end, I would change any of them for a moment. Beautiful Grace and Blooming Faith...the two most precious gifts we will ever be given in our life. Both in our children and through God's amazing love for us!
Okay, enough of the mushy stuff for now. I hope to finish up a slide show here in the next week that chronicles Chloe's first year of life. I want to finish it with her birthday party, so it will have to wait until we celebrate next week.
Happy Birthday Chloe! We love you and can't wait to see how you grow this year!
P.S. -- Chloe seems to have contracted some kind of nasty virus. Her fever started to go down yesterday afternoon and she developed a rash all over her body. Her doctor said it's a typical viral rash and usually the rash marks the last part of the virus. She did spike a fever again around 11:00 last night and still has the rash, but seems to be getting a little better.
It's been so fun to watch Chloe grow from a sweet little 7 lb baby into the rambunctious (that's putting it lightly) little thing she is...I don't know if there's a word for what she is...not quite toddler, but physically far ahead of the typical 1 year old. ;)
She is such a precious gift from God, and when I think back on our journey to her, I see the ways in which God used our circumstances to teach us so much about Him, His love for us, and more than anything, His faithfulness.
I'm not sure if I've shared this before, but choosing Faith as Chloe's middle name meant a lot to us, but it wasn't until shortly after she was born that I realized the meaning of both of our girls names. Bella (which means beautiful) Grace...Beautiful Grace. We had no idea of the grace God was pouring out on us when I got pregnant with Bella. In fact, we really didn't realize it until several years later when we were told just how remarkable it was that we conceived her so easily. God's beautiful grace evident in our life through our sweet Bella. Chloe Faith. Chloe means "blooming"...Blooming Faith. When I realized this, it honestly took my breath away. The journey to Chloe, couldn't be more perfectly described than "blooming faith". The truth is, that there there were times where is was incredibly hard to have faith, but through it all, in the midst of our doubts, God remained faithful and in the end we can now see that the lesson through it all was "faith". The years leading up to Chloe contain some of the darkest times I've personally had, but in the end, I would change any of them for a moment. Beautiful Grace and Blooming Faith...the two most precious gifts we will ever be given in our life. Both in our children and through God's amazing love for us!
Okay, enough of the mushy stuff for now. I hope to finish up a slide show here in the next week that chronicles Chloe's first year of life. I want to finish it with her birthday party, so it will have to wait until we celebrate next week.
Happy Birthday Chloe! We love you and can't wait to see how you grow this year!
P.S. -- Chloe seems to have contracted some kind of nasty virus. Her fever started to go down yesterday afternoon and she developed a rash all over her body. Her doctor said it's a typical viral rash and usually the rash marks the last part of the virus. She did spike a fever again around 11:00 last night and still has the rash, but seems to be getting a little better.
6.17.2008
8 years
Today, Andy and I have been married for 8 years! 8 YEARS! How did that happen?? ;)
Year 7 proved to be one of the more difficult ones for us. We started it off (literally) with the birth of Chloe and found ourselves struggling through months and months of sleeplessness, work demands and just life in general. All of this combined didn't always bring out the best in either of us, but through it all, we still managed to come back to what mattered the most...the fact that we really just love each other.
Looking back on the past 8 years, I wouldn't change a moment of our life together! All said and done, I am excited for another year of being married to my best friend! I love you Andy! Thanks for an amazing life together! :)
---------------
I hate to damper the mood with this, but if you get a chance, could you please keep Chloe in your thoughts prayers. She has been running a high fever (as high as 105.0) since Friday and we finally took her into the doctor yesterday. After a few tests (one of which they had to catheterize her for a urine sample) we still don't have any answers. Her Doctor is concerned and basically has us on a 24 hour watch to see if there is any improvement. She did have a small amount of fluid behind one of her ears, which she said she wouldn't even consider an ear infection, but decided to put her on a course of antibiotics just to be safe (which if you know me, just adds to my stress). We started them yesterday and are praying that for one reason or another, her fever starts to subside. Her Doctor said that by Thursday she either has to be markedly better or we will need to start doing more tests and such to figure out what's going on. That could possibly include hospitalization. :( We decided last night to cancel her birthday party that we had scheduled for tomorrow and are hoping that we can celebrate with a healthy little girl next week. I'm trying not to get too worried, but it's hard. Murphy's law usually sets in and as soon as you see the Doctor they get better...unfortunately Chloe woke up this morning still burning up from a fever. It's so hard to see your kids sick...especially when they are so little and can't communicate anything to you.
Year 7 proved to be one of the more difficult ones for us. We started it off (literally) with the birth of Chloe and found ourselves struggling through months and months of sleeplessness, work demands and just life in general. All of this combined didn't always bring out the best in either of us, but through it all, we still managed to come back to what mattered the most...the fact that we really just love each other.
Looking back on the past 8 years, I wouldn't change a moment of our life together! All said and done, I am excited for another year of being married to my best friend! I love you Andy! Thanks for an amazing life together! :)
---------------
I hate to damper the mood with this, but if you get a chance, could you please keep Chloe in your thoughts prayers. She has been running a high fever (as high as 105.0) since Friday and we finally took her into the doctor yesterday. After a few tests (one of which they had to catheterize her for a urine sample) we still don't have any answers. Her Doctor is concerned and basically has us on a 24 hour watch to see if there is any improvement. She did have a small amount of fluid behind one of her ears, which she said she wouldn't even consider an ear infection, but decided to put her on a course of antibiotics just to be safe (which if you know me, just adds to my stress). We started them yesterday and are praying that for one reason or another, her fever starts to subside. Her Doctor said that by Thursday she either has to be markedly better or we will need to start doing more tests and such to figure out what's going on. That could possibly include hospitalization. :( We decided last night to cancel her birthday party that we had scheduled for tomorrow and are hoping that we can celebrate with a healthy little girl next week. I'm trying not to get too worried, but it's hard. Murphy's law usually sets in and as soon as you see the Doctor they get better...unfortunately Chloe woke up this morning still burning up from a fever. It's so hard to see your kids sick...especially when they are so little and can't communicate anything to you.
6.14.2008
Flickr
It's been brought to my attention that the link in my last post for flickr.com doesn't give you the option to be added to my "friends and family" list (so you can view all of my photos). If you would like to see them, send me a quick email and I will send you an invitation through flickr. That seems to be the only way I can figure out to do it at this point. :)
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
P.S. -- Happy Birthday Grandma Morrow! We love you! :)
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
P.S. -- Happy Birthday Grandma Morrow! We love you! :)
6.11.2008
Graduation!
Bella graduated from Kindergarten last Friday! It's hard to believe that she is going to start 1st grade in less than a month. I know it's a bit cliche, but I really don't know where the time has gone. It feels like she was just born!
The graduation ceremony was so sweet! The kids performed a song from High School Musical which was absolutely adorable and Bella had her moves down and was singing at the top of her lungs. :) Grandma McMinn came over to help celebrate which was really nice. We had a fun dinner at Red Robin and then went home for some home made Chocolate Fondue.
Anyways, I wanted to get a few pictures posted before too much time goes by...
I've also started uploading my photos to Flickr, so if you'd like to see more, check them out. Just a note...some are set to private, so you will have to register and I have to approve you as friends or family before you can view them! I know it's a few extra steps, but I feel much better knowing that I can post certain pics of the girls without worrying about who may come across them. If you see Bella's dance recital pictures, you will understand exactly what I'm talking about. Something happens when that girls gets into "costume". Her posing is completely unprompted and I have NO idea where her "star" side comes from! ;)
The graduation ceremony was so sweet! The kids performed a song from High School Musical which was absolutely adorable and Bella had her moves down and was singing at the top of her lungs. :) Grandma McMinn came over to help celebrate which was really nice. We had a fun dinner at Red Robin and then went home for some home made Chocolate Fondue.
Anyways, I wanted to get a few pictures posted before too much time goes by...
I've also started uploading my photos to Flickr, so if you'd like to see more, check them out. Just a note...some are set to private, so you will have to register and I have to approve you as friends or family before you can view them! I know it's a few extra steps, but I feel much better knowing that I can post certain pics of the girls without worrying about who may come across them. If you see Bella's dance recital pictures, you will understand exactly what I'm talking about. Something happens when that girls gets into "costume". Her posing is completely unprompted and I have NO idea where her "star" side comes from! ;)
5.30.2008
THE BIG 3-0!
Andy officially left his 20's behind on Wednesday! We both managed to take the day off and we spent the first part of it hanging out around the house, taking a trip to Costco and just enjoying a nice day off together. I had been planning a bit of a surprise party for a couple weeks, but as expected, Andy caught on and by the time party time arrived, the surprise was nothing more than a nice thought! I did manage to surprise him by inviting a few people he didn't think would be there, so that was nice.
If you know anything about Andy, you know he loves to be around people and even more, be the center of attention, so a party just for him was the perfect way to usher him into his 30's! We had a lot of fun with everyone and both feel so blessed to have such awesome people in our life!
Here is a slide show I put together with a few pictures from the day...
If you know anything about Andy, you know he loves to be around people and even more, be the center of attention, so a party just for him was the perfect way to usher him into his 30's! We had a lot of fun with everyone and both feel so blessed to have such awesome people in our life!
Here is a slide show I put together with a few pictures from the day...
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