I've Got Skills

I LOVE taking photos of anything.....especially nature. Here are a few of my photos I took quickly (because the kids were awake). I know they are not professional but they are as good as it gets right now. I would love to pursue a hobby/career in this at some point (way down the road). I hope you enjoy them.

Letter to Mili Bear 3 years old

I have been meaning to write this for quite sometime since Mili's birthday is on June 2nd but we have been quite busy around here with birthday parties, finishing up responsibilities at church, cleaning out junk, and packing.


Dear Sweet Mili Bear,

It doesn't seem like you should already be the big 3 years old. Mommy is a little sad because it means that you are starting to be so independent and you don't "need" me like you used to. However, Mommy and Daddy's roles as your parents are to raise you so that you will be independent from us and totally dependent on God in the future.

You are starting to test the boundaries we have set for you and therefore spending more time in timeout.

You are learning to recognize, write, and the sound for all of the alphabet.

You can't wait to swim in Nanny and Poppy's swimming pool as soon as we move back to Arkansas.

You are asking WHY after every question or every NO....this may be what sends Mommy over the edge.

You say some of the cutest things I have ever heard in all my life. Here are a few things you say or do that Mommy just loves....

"Should I see what my Disney friends are up to?"

"Well, Actually..."

"paci, PACI!! Where are you???" (as if it could get up and walk to you) (praise God we have thrown the paci away)

The peepee dance is too cute (only when we are at home and can get to a potty quickly).

"OK, if you say so...."

"OK, I will wait......big sigh"

The way you say the word "because" just cracks me up....."becubs"

"I can't seem to reach it."

"What do you think of my hair, Daddy?" (after EVERY bath)

"Go, Mommy, Go!!!" (you are my cheerleader and I LOVE you for that.....you also cheer your friends on too....great personality)

"CHECK, CHECK" (and Daddy follows up with Roger, Roger)

You really love all the princess stuff right now. This has surprised me but you still LOVE your car and sports stuff too.

The way you say "poopa" or "poo" for poopie. I guess you have grown beyond the poopie word. That's so TWO!

"No Worries!!!" (when I am getting upset over something you often say what I say to you....no worries)

You once had a tea party for Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Joseph and said......"they will be here any minute." (I think Mickey Mouse was invited to this tea party too.)

"I broke my crayon and I was crying and Jesus came and fixed my crayon and He told me No Worries to cry."

"I wish we could take a sled up to Jesus in Heaven."

"I think we could climb a ladder to Jesus."

"I think my sunflower will grow big and tall and I can reach all the way up to Heaven."

Someday you will say computer right but for now it is "bacumender".

"You're killin' me!"

"No big deal."

I love all of these thought processes

"I can't seem to......
"I was wondering....
"I was thinking....

I love that you are observant enough to notice things. On TV you will see something and this has been your reaction....

"Pigs don't fly!" (commercial)
"Mailboxes don't talk" (Blues Clues)
"Animals don't talk" (commercial....but it doesn't seem to bother you to watch Charlotte's Web or cartoon animals talking.)

"I think Sadie likes me."

"Sadie is my best friend in the whole world."

I love the way you try to make Sadie laugh when she is crying.

You are a GREAT big sister!!!

I am starting to see that you have such a heart for others. It makes Jesus smile when you care about others.


My favorite thing you say is.......

"Mommy.....I love you!" (with a sweet drawn out voice...music to my ears)

I love you all the way to the moon and back. I am so glad God gave you to me.
Love forever,
Mommy

Spring has Sprung!

Our sunflowers (at least one) broke open this morning. We were so excited to see God's creation right before our eyes. We have enjoyed watching each stage of the growing process (although we thought we would NEVER see this.....







I will post more pictures of the flowers after they have all bloomed.

Mili is 3

Mili's birthday party was today!! We had her party in a park to have enough room for the kids to run and play. It was 95 degrees today of all days (not at all normal for this time of year here...we felt like we were already back in Arkansas).



Mili was surrounded by all of her closest friends and had a wonderful birthday. In her words, "This is the BEST birthday party EVER." She stated this twice while we were at the park and then another time when she got home. I think she LIKED her party.


Hope you enjoy ALL the pictures. There are a TON!


On the way to the park with all 12 balloons in the back seat with Mili, Sadie and myself. FUN, FUN, FUN!

Mili with her boyfriends/future husband possibilities. We love James (left) and Clayton ("Playton" as Mili says) (right)

Look at that cute Birthday Princess!! I told her to hold up her wand and she did...right in front of her face.

A little help from her friends in opening this gift. Clayton (left), James (over shoulder) and Hayden (right...who wouldn't let go of that pizza)

Dora Pirates DVD....evidently a keeper by the facial expression.

Hope Clayton's daddy sees him playing with the princess brush.

Singing Happy Birthday to Mili Bear. Her candle is the number 3 but Mommy didn't turn it around the right way. James' parents (could be future in-laws) are behind Mili.

Trying to figure out how she is going to blow out the flame. Look at her eyes.

Blowing......

Still blowing with a little help from Daddy!

Proud "she" blew it out. Notice her nice clean clothes...

After licking the candle. Notice her clothes.

James with his blue mustache. What a little man!

Itunu is eating her cupcake with a fork like a little lady.

Clayton decided that he would help himself to another cupcake, plus it made a better picture with green and orange.

Sadie Beth enjoying the outdoors.

If Sadie looks wet....she is!!! Mommy and Daddy tried to keep the kids wet with spray bottles.

Mili loves to drive.

Included this picture so you could see where the blue icing from Mili's hands ended up. Look at her bottom.

Walking on the swinging bridge.

Sliding is one of Mili's favorite thing to do at the park.

Mili getting a little push from her friend Reagan on the airplane.

Caleb (or "K-luv" as Mili says it), Reagan and Hayden racing cars with Mili.

I had to include how much fun Sadie Beth had in the car with the balloons. Sorry the resolution is not that great but hope you enjoy it anyway.

We had a great 3rd birthday party but Mommy and Daddy are pooped now.

Mili is going to MISS all of her wonderful friends from church. It makes Mommy sad that we have to leave such great Christian families that we have grown to LOVE so much.

FRIENDS- Thanks for braving the 95 degree weather to make this day special for Mili Bear. We LOVE you all!!!

What's your Cardboard Testimony?

I got this link from a blogger buddy...Sooz. Thanks Sooz.

Tissues nearby is a must with this one.





My Cardboard Testimony would have to be....

Turned away from hurting people.....
Servant to orphans, widows, sick and the lonely.
Living a Seriously Disturbed, Gloriously Ruined Life! (from the book Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren). I guess I would need an awfully big piece of cardboard...smile.

Please leave a comment about your cardboard testimony (even if you have never commented here). I would love to see how God has changed you.