Happy Belated Valentines Day!

Or Valentimes, as Gabby might say.

We had a full Valentines' weekend. Gabby had a school party on Thursday, we had the big ultrasound on Friday, and our AWANA Valentine banquet on Sunday. All of the groups sang. We really enjoyed hearing our Cubbies belt out their song!

Here are a few shots from the fun times:

First, the snacks.

 

Then, the passing out of the Valentines.

  

Best buddy, Levi

 

We are AWANA cubbies!

 

It's a . . .

BOY!!

Friday morning the family loaded up and went to doctor to have an ultrasound. We told Gabby that we were going to make sure the baby was growing and doing well, but all she cared about was finding out if it is a boy or a girl. She was pleased as could be (as were we) to find out it's a boy! Ellie, of course, didn't have a clue what was going on. Won't she be surprised this summer!

After the appointment, we started making phone calls and sending out texts. We are so blessed to have so many family and friends so involved and excited with us. In fact, we received a few calls and texts before we even had the test that day, anxious to find out!

We headed to Chuck-E-Cheese and Build-A-Bear (pics to come) after that, so we all had a really full, fun day. Now it's time to think about a name.  .  .

 

Today is my niece's birthday. The oldest of my beautiful, talented, incredible nieces. Today she is 21. Twenty-one. I still can't believe it. It seems like just a few years ago I was sleeping in the bedroom next to her, visiting, waking up and hearing the sweet little voice while she played in her crib. Thing is, most mornings she would sleep later than me, which hasn't changed at all.  ;)

Seems like yesterday we were putting bows on her head at Christmas time, playing with her in the play kitchen, hunting eggs at Easter time and sitting in the floor reading books to her. Now she does all that with my little girls.

What a incredible woman she has grown to be. It has been such a privilege to watch her mature and grow. She has had to face a lot in just the past few years, and has handled it with great dignity and faith. 

Her passion for God and for doing His work is great. She has traveled across the states and the world ministering, with no reservation. I can't wait to see what the next 21 years holds for you, Lauren. God has such great things in store for you. I love you and am beyond proud of you.

Silly Girl

 

Yes, ma'am, those are panties on my head.

This girl just makes us laugh. Gabby was getting pj's on in her room and Ellie was back there too. When Ellie came back in the living room, this is what she looked like. (Don't worry Mom, they were clean!) :)

Snow Much Fun!

Last week we all anticipated and planned for a "winter storm" for our area. We live in the South. When they say winter storm, we pay attention. Could be ten inches of snow, could be two inches of ice. We always hope for the snow. Last year at the same time of year we had an ice storm that crippled the area. And I mean crippled. Power lines came down and everyone in our town lost power. Some people in the area were without power for over a month!

Thankfully, this year we got snow. And lots of it! Officially in our town we received nine inches. NINE INCHES. In Arkansas. It started with sleet on Thursday night and since we had to travel to Jonesboro on Friday morning for Jason to have a test done, I got a little nervous. But we made it back home before it got too bad. Sweet husband he is, right after he told me he was seeing double while I was driving him home, he offered to drive. I politely declined. :)

It snowed and snowed and snowed Friday. It was beautiful, and we had two excited girls. Well, we had one excited girl anyway. Little bit didn't really understand what was going on! We played Saturday and Sunday too, since the roads were still bad and church was canceled. The roads were glazed over just right for some fun sledding Sunday. The picture above is what it still pretty much looks like today, so schools are still closed and we're having an inside day, aside from Daddy, who got to go to work today. Big girl hasn't even asked to go back out there yet. She's worn out from all the fun.

All bundled up and ready to go!

 

Snow Angel

  

  

The snow was a little too deep for this sled Saturday. Good thing we had a toboggan too!

  

  

Gabby LOVED this one!