Audrey's birthday celebration

Happy Birthday sweet girly! We headed out for a time of fellowship friday night and boy was it cold!

Although, it is more work to bundle everyone up before heading out, I've enjoyed the colors, smells, and clothes of fall =) .

Mya has enjoyed helping me collect pinecones for decorating. She asked me to take a picture of her special pinecone. Below: Audrey enjoying some tickle time and laughs with her daddy.

The fellowship/bible study we went to on friday night was held at a home in the "country". It was a gorgeous drive. The landscape was truly beautiful!

Thanks to the Tigges and the rest of the group that welcomed us to their study with very loving arms! They had a cake for all the October birthdays and sang happy birthday to Audrey. It was so fun!!

Audrey enjoying the birthday cake-yummy!

The next morning, Mya and I whipped up some banana chocolate chip pancakes and homemade whipping cream. Mya has adopted her Aunt Sandy's love for cooking and loves to remind me that "Aunt Sandy lets me crack the eggs".

This was Audrey's attempt to give me a smile for the picture without taking a rest from the pancakes.

After breakfast, the girls enjoyed opening the b-day package from my family. And were pretty excited at all the little packages!

Thanks mom and dad for the fun package and for the baby dolls. The girls could hardly wait to start mothering them.

Audrey loved her card as well and didn't want to put it down. It was so fun to see her so excited.

Thanks for the books Steph & Sandy! Mya felt like it was another party for her thanks to the great gifts.

Oooooooh!

"Look Audrey look!" Mya kept yelling, in that Dora voice all mothers know. Angela, the squeals were endless! Thanks for the wand-erful gift! hahaha... corny!

Later that evening we headed to the mall (that I love!) to spend the $$$ from Grandma and Grandpa Sullivan. This store is every kids dream. Toys were practically falling off the shelves. Thanks for the $$$ Sullivans!

The mall has a play area. Although, it can be hectic and a little dangerous, the girls love the craziness and run around like madmen. Slaeter just watches in wonder... I know he can hardly wait to join them, judging by the way his legs start wiggling (like he's running).

My pictures are a little out of order and seem to be very spread apart. Don't ask me why... sorry. So anyway, below are pictures of us at Chick-fi-la, another fave of the girls.

It was so fun to see how excited Mya was for Audrey. Although they have their share of fights and arguments, I know they love each other deeply. Mya is such a protective big sis and even though Audrey likes her independence, I can see admiration in her eyes when she looks at Mya.

Sister love and care. I pray these girls love each other as much as I love my sisters. =)

So, after a day of fun, we headed back to our apartment to play with all the new toys. We count our blessings everyday and that day we said a special thanks to our Lord for our precious daughter Audrey. We can imagine life without our little ball of fire, determination, and hugs.

God bless you Audrey!

Happy Birthday Audrey!

Happy birthday pumpkin!
Our little Audrey, born this day, right about .... NOW! Wow! I can't believe how quickly 2 years have gone by! We love you baby girl! Audrey - strong, independent, hungry =) , daring, sensitive,expressive (expressions say it all) ... these are the first words that come to my mind when I say her name. How I love this little girly!

We will not celebrate her b-day until tomorrow, because we are attending 2 fun functions, which I know she will enjoy. Although, Audrey enjoys her alone time and naps, she is wanting for some playtime with other kiddos. "And in the mornin', I'm makin' waffles..." well not really, I'm making banana chocolate chip pancakes with whipping cream. Yes, I know, are kids will be on a sugar-high. But hey, b-days only come once a year right! =)

Let freedom ring!

As the election draws near and we prepare to vote, let us remember what has made this nation a great nation. Let us remember what our forefathers set out to create and all that was sacrificed for our blessed nation. Instead of writing a speech ( I dare say, they make use of the english vocabulary better than I) about guarding and protecting our God-given rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..." I have decided to quote some of the great men who fought, who were willing to sacrifice all for our country. Their words are stirring to the soul and I hope motivate you to spend time on your knees asking God for mercy, grace, guidance, and wisdom for the leaders of our nation. Although, the quotes I love are endless, here are a few that have inspired me today, to continue to stand up to those who might take away our rights and the rights of those who are not given a chance to cry after drawing that first breath of life.

I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see rays of ravishing light and glory. Ican see that the end is worth more than all the means. -John Adams
in a letter to Abigail Adams, July 2, 1776

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. -Abraham Lincoln


"Mr. President... Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Sir, we ahve done everything that could be done to avert the storm wich is now coming on. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free... we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak... Sir, we are not weak... The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us.
Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations.
... The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir... it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! ... The war is inevitable-and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come...
...The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course other may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! " - Patrick Henry

Summer 2008

Sunday afternoon, two kids napping, one playing soccer with daddy... free time aaaaaaaaaaaaah... =) All mommies can relate.
We attended our new church home again this past Saturday (evening service) and Sunday (sunday school) . How we love it! Everyone was so very sweet and welcoming. The Lord has shown Himself faithful and His everlasting love has been demostrated to us in big and small ways. It has been amazing to see His goodness!!! It was a really fun weekend and will post pictures of our little trip to Bull Run Battlefield later.
For now, I am playing catch up and I am just now posting some pictures from our beach vacation to South Padre Island. We headed up the end of August with my parents. I relished every moment (as much as one can with 3 children under 31/2) and hope we can continue our tradition by going back next year.
Audrey kept trying to body board. This is one determined little girl.

Mya was not out to conquer anything, just ready for a good time as usual. This is one fun-loving girl.
After lunch, it is "tradition!" to stop by and see the birds. Mya wasn't too sure about having one on her hand.
And of course, if big sis can do it, so can I... Audrey was more than willing to hold the bird. I dare say the bird was more nervous than she was.
After holding the bird, "Rocky" began to do tricks, "play dead" and such. Audrey thought this was the funniest thing.

Out to eat at our favorite "hole-in-the-wall" Ted's. Thanks dad for treating us!!! Actually, thanks for the trip!!!

This lil' toot, is too cute.
A little too much water?
So many memories... once again and not enough time to post. Thanks mom and dad for all the help and "treating" that went on. We love you all so much!!!!

Mya's 4th Birthday Party

These look like 2 unhappy princesses... but believe me when I say they were so excited to be all dolled up for the grand event. I have a slideshow I've been trying to post - no luck as of yet. So, here are a few pictures from the party for our family that were unable to be there. Thanks again, to all our dear friends who were so flexible and took the time to come help us celebrate! And of course, to my wonderful family who helped me, once again, pull off another fun party. This picture cracks me up, I probably should've posted a better one.
Mya and her dear friend Addison making beautiful crowns, loaded with gems and glitter glue. =)
Mya's other very dear friend Caitlyn, gleaming as only princesses can.
All the princesses, but one (Cailyn we are so glad you came!). Notice most of the shoes have already come off.
After gathering candy, some of the kids started shouting and raising their goody bag with such enthusiasm one would have thought they had discovered a gold mine in my parent's backyard!
After the last caprisun was emptied, candles were blown, tissue paper gathered, and sparkles had settled on my parent's rugs (thanks mom and dad for letting 15 little ones invade your house), Mya said goodbye to all her sweet friends. We hope it won't be too long before we see some of them again. hugs & kisses to our dear S.A. friends!!!

On friday night, we rode the metro downtown, my mom's first time to see the capitol and other amazing historical buildings in person. It was a beautiful fall day and everyone was out walking, running, playing ball... Seeing these buildings in person takes your breath away. The capitol
The Washington Memorial
The White House