"More than meets the eye..."

January 22nd was Richard's "big day". He looked forward to it for months. To him, it was the final leap into big boy-hood. To his mama it was yet another milestone indicating that her sweet baby was all-too-quickly becoming a little man...

Richard excitedly assesses the Transformers party decor the morning of his birthday.

He can now hold up all five fingers when people ask how old he is. "I'm fide," he'll tell you.
I have to say, I've never pulled a party together so quickly in my life. There is something to be said about a pre-packaged theme and popular characters. Thankfully, the boy didn't notice, nor care, that I didn't spend months researching and planning his birthday party...

that I didn't make the cake.....

that his only game was a ribbon-pull pinata.

It was all about the friends, the presents, and the extra love and attention...

 

Check out those tough guy eyes!

 January 28th was a big day for my girls. They both got baptized! 

This was one of those very special moments in life--not only for my daughters, but for Dale and I; their very proud parents.


"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Cor. 5:17

Isabelle Rose

Time goes, you say?  Ah no! Alas, Time stays, we go.

~Henry Austin Dobson

I can hardly believe it has been ten years since I brought my first child home from the hospital. TEN years!?

Dale and I had been married for a little over two years when God began to grow our family. I recall we were young and had just bought our first home. Dale owned a very successful business and life was full of joy and expectation. I can boldly say that nothing equals the joy of becoming a parent. It's indescribable. The anticipation, excitement, and preparation of God's most wondrous gift is incomparable.

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above." James 1:17

This year was a milestone birthday year for Belle, she turned double digits. A milestone year means a  milestone party. The decorations, games, and guest list are quite a bit more elaborate than the typical birthday. Come take a peak at her Cowgirl theme party...

The Invitation

The Decorations

My "Bandana Banner" idea I had at 3am the night before...;-)

The "Chuck Wagon" just waiting for the chuck...

Raspberry, Peach Iced Tea, Lemon Iced Tea, and Fruit Punch powders were ready to add a little flavor to the water at the "Waterin' Hole"

WANTED posters, specific to each party guest, were posted on the trees. Richard's was my favorite. He was wanted for "public urination". The boy can't seem to help himself.

You're not much of a cowboy/girl if you don't have your hat!

The Games

Treasure Hunt: find the snakes, frogs and gems in the grass....

My lil' cowboy

 

Galloping Horse Sack Race...

LOVE Juliette's wild and crazy hair in this pic! LOL

Galloping Gracie takes the lead and wins by a horse!

Cute little buddies

Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Horse Shoes, Pinata...

Lauren gets a few spins before she makes her way to the poster

The boys cheer on Lauren and Molly as they compete in a game of horse shoes.

Take him down, Belle!

Silly String Shoot Out...

The Farmer in the Dell Is-a-Belle...

Giddy-Up Cowpoke!!

It's time for presents!!

Menu 

Fire Roasted Chili Dogs

Baked Beans

Corn Bread

Evening hayride through the fields and woods...

 A special thanks to Nana for making the beautiful peanut butter birthday cake...

Make a wish!

My 10 year old girl, always my baby

A Mother's Prayer

I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe 

Celine Dion