flower and patio show 2010

Every year (I think we've only missed one or two) for the past 10 years or so, my sisters, mom, and I (as many of us that can make it) take a day and go the the Flower and Patio Show in Indianapolis. It's always a FUN and LONG day! We really enjoy the splash of spring indoors while the weather outside is still less than desirable. This year however, it was gorgeous outside!

We usually start the day out by eating brunch at Le'Peep before going to the show. We drag along 'nerd carts' to haul our snacks, water bottles, etc and the goodies that we find to buy. The boys went to work with Eric, so Miss G. and I had a 'Mommy/daughter day'.

This year, the theme was 'Books' and the gardens/landscaping designs depicted all different ones. Some of the ones we saw were The Bible, The Wizard of Oz, Robin Hood, Dr. Seuss, Little House on the Prairie, and many, many more!

The Bible

Something random I thought was neat

The Wizard of Oz

The Adventures of Robin Hood

Not sure...

Little House on the Prairie

Miss G. played and played here!

The group + nerd carts - me = picture opportunity!

Random sign I liked

What a fun day! Hope you enjoyed the mini tour!

nerd nite at awana

Miss G. is sportin' Pippi Longstocking braids!

scary, huh?!

awana grand prix

Yesterday was the Awana Grand Prix race. The kiddos had a lot of fun getting ready for it and the anticipation of whether or not we'd have a winning car was building (no pun intended)!

A shot of all the cars. There was quite a bit of creativity!

Here they are putting their cars on the track for round one....Each of them were in a different 'age group'

Trophies! R. got 4th place for speed and 3rd for design and I. got 1st place for both speed and design! Miss G. *almost* got 1st place for speed!

What a fun day! It was so neat to stop partway through the races for a time of devotions. The kids have really enjoyed their first year of Awana, and it's such a blessing to see them growing in their knowledge of and relationship with the Heavenly Father! To HIM be the glory!

Happy 4 Years Home, Miss G!!!

4 years ago today was one of the happiest and most fulfilling days of our lives! Miss G. was finally home!!! It was a long and exhausting day, but we were filled with so much joy and happiness! Our family was finally all together under one roof!

Here are some pics of that joyous day......

~Waiting for the shuttle to come~

~We were so blessed to have my mom with us on our pick-up trip~

~Surprise decorations and snacks~

~Waiting for my dad to arrive with the boys~


~YAY!!!~


~Together at last~


~Meeting Grandpa for the first time~


~The boys spread out their blankies for G. to sit on...so sweet...R. said, "Don't let her burp up on it!"~


~And then the relatives came~


~Asleep at home...at last~

And here are a couple pics from today!






My heart is overflowing right now....and my eyes as well! Looking through those pictures brings so many emotions and a little nostalgia.....

WE ARE SO BLESSED!!!!

Happy 7th Birthday, I.!!!

7 years ago........


Today.....


Where has the time gone?!

I. is learning to read quite well, loves to eat, spends hours playing with Lego's, and also...playing house/babies with his little sister! Hmm, wonder if he'll be embarrassed at that when he gets older?! I hope not, he will make a great daddy some day :0)

This year he wanted a pie for his birthday instead of a cake. Works for me! We celebrated by going out to eat at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. The staff there was great and gave us quite the 'party'--including smearing his face with whipped cream from the fried ice cream! We laughed so hard!

Dear I., we love you so much. You were/are such a special Valentine's gift to us! Our prayer is that you will continue to grow in your love for Jesus and serve HIM all the rest of your days!
Love, Daddy and Mommy

can YOU fit in a dryer?*

Eric was repairing the dryer.......I just couldn't help but try!

*Disclaimer: simply--be. and its affiliates will not be held responsible for any injury to you or your dryer as a result of an attempt to fit in your dryer.

party pictures!

This was the third day my family was together in less than a week's time.......needless to say, things got a little crazy at the birthday party! In order to protect the innocent (or is it the not-so-innocent?!) I decided to not even show you the craziest pictures! Here is a sampling of our fun!

I. and G. making cards before the party

The table

The birthday people

My crazy brother!

Getting crazier!

Are you sure we're even related?!

Tantrix puzzle from Gpa & Gma F.

String Games book from Gpa & Gma F.

He LOVES cherry tootsie pops!

She loves Reese's!

Lego Creator set from Gpa & Gma M.

Scooter from us!

There ya have it!

Wishing you all a belated Happy New Year! May you be blessed beyond your wildest expectations! Our prayer for you, is that you grow closer in your relationship with the Lord.....may you anticipate every day with Him with the anticipation a child has for his/her birthday party!