Friday, February 24, 2012

escape plan

see this?
it's a getaway car.
that's right.
just me & the hubs for one night away.

 a real live grown up restaurant.
a two-way conversation.
a hotel that promises 
the "heavenly bed".
breakfast that isn't a bowl of cereal.

whatever will we do with ourselves?!!

ok...we'll check home 2 or three times
and talk about the kids the majority of the time,
and the time will likely fly by,
but
we'll cherish this 24 hour vacation like gold.
and
we won't feel the least bit guilty for eating
a dessert that's not shared with children.
nope. not one bit.
and
we won't feel guilty over
walking in tomorrow empty handed
to the squeals of,
"Whatd'cha bring us?!!!!"
 the answer will be,
"a rested, relaxed, and recharged
Mommy and Daddy!"
they'll be so happy for us-
those darling, selfless little angels!

I miss 'em already.


hasta la vista!


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

true love


happy Valentines day!!!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

she went and did it...

despite my begging, groveling, weeping,
bribing, etc., she went right on ahead 
and turned 18.
she can vote
she can be called for jury duty
she can buy a lottery ticket...

the thoughts of a high school graduation
in a few months?!
have mercy!


 traditional dinner @ her favorite Italian restaurant




there were gifts...

 

there was cake...

there was sibling love...

there were flowers from Dad &
a ginormous bar of dark chocolate...



now,
what is one thing  every girl dreams  
of for her 18th birthday?

what was the ONE specific thing this 
calm, organized, routine-tradition lovin'
birthday girl asked for?


to go to a local shooting range w/ her dad

pistol packin' mama

note to all future interested male suitors 
who may possibly not treat our daughter
w/ the utmost respect befitting a 
daughter of the King...

they're both mighty fine shots.
consider yourselves warned.

Friday, February 10, 2012

the big 1-8!

be still my heart - I cannot believe
this baby girl is 18?!!



we thank God for you, Ali!
18 years ago today,
with that
"deer in the headlights"
glaze on our faces, we
became parents for the first time.
we were scared to death,
and you were perfect.


we can't begin to describe the joy we've
been given as we've watched you grow
into a beautiful young woman who
is passionate about seeking her
heavenly Dad, embracing His Son as
her friend, and being filled daily
with His Spirit -
you are an amazing gift!


so today, we bless you with these words-
Ephesians 1:17-20
"For I always pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of glory, that He may grant you a 
spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into
mysteries and secrets] in the deep and intimate
knowledge of Him. By having the eyes of 
your heart flooded with light, so that you can 
know and understand the hope to which 
He has called you, and how rich is His 
glorious inheritance in the saints, and what 
is the immeasurable and unlimited and 
surpassing greatness of His power in and
for us who believe as demonstrated in
the working of His mighty strength which
He exerted in Christ when he raised Him
from the dead and seated Him at His own
right hand in the heavenly places."

Sunday, February 5, 2012

birthdays, festivals, and dragons...oh my



the birthday girl enjoyed a wonderful day...

 aunt Sue dropped by to bring a gift
& read one of Gracie's favorite books


sooooooo blessed!



i'm gumby!

isn't Ali talented?
she made a Grandma cake pop...

"ooooh! bucks!"
thank you Grammie!


meet "dr. drill & fill"

Gracie's obsessed with this slightly disturbing toy.
when daddy was asking her some questions 
as she was making play dough braces, she said
"pwease weave me alone...i'm working!"

the queen deemed the day
"uh-mazing"!


yesterday we attended the local
 Chinese New Year celebration. 

this girl loves her some noodles

the noodle queen sharing some love with
Erin & her best pal.
(whose mama happens to be my best pal
since K5...isn't God fun that way?!)

the much anticipated dragon making
his entrance




well, it's time to get my multi-cultural self movin-
happy super bowl sunday!
(who's playing anyway?)

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

four is fabulous!!

we love you Gracie Jia Shu!
happy birthday
to our sassy little princess!!
we bless you today with 
joy and an extra special 
covering of the Father's love.