Chewbacca is 2!!

Our birthday boy turned two a few days ago. We got him groomed and all pretty smelling. I am not usually one for dog birthdays and those kind of celebrations, but Gracie has been so into people's birthdays lately, and she asked about Chewy's. So, long story short, the dog got a couple new toys and a great new collar...camouflage to show he is a big tough boy! (I know, I hear the snickering.) Anyway, he is the BEST dog! We love him and he is a great addition to our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEWBACCA!!

Thank you God!!

God is SO amazing!! We were driving to church last week really early, and it was sort of raining...OK, so it was spitting enough to get the car dirty, but still giving the appearance of rain. The clouds were beautiful, and the sun was starting to shine...and low and behold, a beautiful RAINBOW!! When we first saw it, it was just the right quarter over the mountains, but as we drove closer to church, we were able to see the ENTIRE rainbow!! And it was ginormous! (yes, its a real word!) I was almost in tears just remembering the love that our Father has for us and He chose to display it that day to us in a rainbow. I am always amazed that something the world can see, can also feel like it was just for this one person. I needed to SEE God's love for me that Sunday morning, and there it was. Thank you, Jesus, for your beautiful promise that you love us and that you will never again destroy your creation. Thank you for showing me that you love to give us beauty in the midst of the barren desert. Even in its drabness, beauty exists. Thank you, it was breathtaking!

Gracie's first portrait

Gracie and her Gammy were drawing, and I guess they decided to draw each other's portraits. The red tall one was drawn by my mom - a portrait of Gracie. See the curly hair and the bow? And the black one towards the bottom is by Gracie of her Gammy. She has drawn these crazy "smiley faces" before, but never one with so much detail that she did entirely on her own. They usually look more Picasso-esque, with ears on top and lips vertical...you know, crazy kid faces. This is a special treat to see, considering we are not the most artistic of families. I was so proud of her, and as you can see, she is quite proud of herself. We will be selling her artwork on Ebay soon. Just kidding...

Gracie's sweet treat

Gracie had her first real doughnut experience the other day. We had a special morning together and I treated her to the doughnut shop. Her eyes were HUGE when she entered the shop, saw all the doughnuts and just smiled! She picked her very own chocolate with sprinkles (also her daddy's favorite...guess that acorn didn't fall far). She dove in and took her bites. These pictures say it all...grins and giggles and just sheer enjoyment. I couldn't help but laugh. We had such a fun time together. And to top it off, each time we drive by the store, "Mommy, that is the place we had our doughnuts, the place with the blue letters!" Ahhh, a child's memory, much like an elephant's - never do they forget!

Gracie's Tricycle

Gracie riding her trike! She just loves to get out and ride. Don't you love her choice for bike shoes? Always the girly girl.

Brian enjoyed walking next to her, getting her used to being on her own. She still can't maneuver a turn, so she needs a little help.



Gracie got a trike from Gigi and George (my grandparents) for Christmas. She just loves the shiny red bike. We don't have any place for her to ride in the back, so Brian took her out into our cul-de-sac one evening for some lessons. She loves to ride it, but still isn't able to do everything herself. She loves to ring that bell!!! I am so glad the two of them got some time to spend playing together.

Our New Garden!

Gracie, Brian, and I did something none of us had ever done before...we gardened!! It was so exciting!! We went to Lowes and bought seeds, soil, and pots. Gracie was so excited to get to plant and can't wait to watch them grow!! She was a little grossed out with putting her hands into the dirt. Sometimes she is such a girly girl. But then the next moment, we noticed her with her hands deep in the pot. Go figure!! I think she was most excited to get to wear gloves...or as she calls them " glubs". Gotta love kids! We planted one pot of flowers, one pot of veggies, and one pot of herbs. Plus mommy finally got her flowers in the backyard. I am so excited, too!! We'll keep you posted on their progress.

Sandbox!

We got Gracie a sandbox this summer. It has been sitting in our backyard since then and she never even noticed it. Brian and I decided it was about time we filled it up with sand and let her play in it. Brian filled that baby up with 250 pounds of sand (only 5 bags...weird) and then we let Gracie go! She and Brian played in the sand for 2 hours, and started to cry when it was time to come inside. Thank you LORD for sandboxes and the little things a parent can do to make their kiddos happy. I love her wide eyed excitement and how thrilled she gets over the things we so easily take for granted. Grace truly is my amazing little girl...I am so blessed to have her in my life to show me how to live!!!