birthday girl, part 2

Payton's birthday came first.

Then mine.

Then my mom's.

It's a fun four weeks every year -- especially because Valentine's Day is thrown right in the middle.

But this year was my 40th birthday so it was a bit of a doozie.

And it was wonderful.

Thanks to my scheming husband (who I didn't know could scheme so well!) and the enlistment of family and dear friends.

It was a night to remember.

On a rainy Tuesday night.

At one of my favorite spots.

Strawberry Street Cafe.

My shocked arrival.

(Break out the glasses -- these came to me teeny-tiny and get blurry if I enlarge them).

My crazy mama had a pillow up her dress and proclaimed to everyone, 

'40 years ago today my day started off like this before I gave birth to Heather!'

Love that woman.

Enjoying our dinner.

Sharing a toast.

They love each other so much!  How sweet...

The end of a wonderful evening with dear family and friends.

My stepdad, Allen, and my mom.  Aren't they cute!?

Thanks for a celebration to remember!  With a start like that, 40's not so bad...  :)

summit 9

Oh, how I wish we could go!

If a little gymnast we know hadn't worked her little buns off this year and that weren't the weekend of her state meet, we'd be so, so considering going.

http://www.summit9.org/

If you or someone you know has adopted, is adopting, has a heart for orphans, is a foster parent, wants to foster -- whatever the case may be -- check out this conference.

I've heard nothing but wonderful things about the power of this time with others who are passionate about responding to what's happening in the world regarding vulnerable children.

And look at the bottom of the homepage at who's performing -- GEORGE!  Love it!

brotherly love

Get the tissues.

birthday girl, part 1

Much to my surprise, this precious girl turned eleven at the beginning of the month.

I'll never forget the moment I laid eyes on her.

I knew we were having a girl so I was expecting a mini-me.

And she was born looking exactly like JD.

Look at those eyes and cheeks!

So distinguished, even as a young girl.

One of her favorite restaurants is the Japanese steakhouse, so we decided to venture out with everyone.

A first.

My mom and Avery.

Jimmy Jam with his miso soup.

Clearly, I too like the Japanese steakhouse.

Is this seriously the only shot of the birthday girl?  Good gracious.  

Brooks and Jackson were beside themselves with 'Awesome!' and 'That's cool!' throughout the night.  The loved the onion volcano and when the chef lit the whole thing on fire!  So much so that our chef did an encore because Brooks kept saying how awesome it was!   This was a first for them and they loved it!

Then, the following weekend, it was time for Payton's annual sleepover.  With her best buds: Emma, Sarah and Ella.   Build-your-own-pizzas, cherry cola and cream soda (no, that is not Sam Adams for the girls!).

With cupcakes to follow.

And a movie ('The Odd Life of Timothy Green') and popcorn.

There you have it.  Our girl's eleven.  It's unbelievable.  In some ways, it feels like yesterday when she was born.  In others, I have lived every moment and remember each one.  

I wouldn't trade her for the world.  She's amazing.  Sometimes sassy, yes, but amazing nonetheless.

Thank You, Lord, for this precious girl that we get to have for this time.  Oh, how we love her and thank You that You chose her to be our first born.  She is a true gem.

We love you, P-Girl.  

Thanks for being you.

youtube

Posting videos on here has become a little labor intensive.

Not to mention that if I ever want to have this blog printed (yes, you can do that!...isn't that cool?) the videos obviously won't print, but photos will.  So I think I'll stick with mostly photos.

The videos are going on YouTube.

I can do it directly from my phone -- easy, breezy, beautiful.  And 'easy' is the name of the game these days.

So, here's the YouTube page, if you're interested.

And, oh my, is Jimmy Jam getting theatrical with his singing!  Especially with his Tinker-Toy-constructed microphone and microphone stand.  Thank you, Payton and Avery.  They used to build these for themselves when they would pretend to be Hannah Montana.  How is it possible that those days are gone already?

More soon on how fast Payton and Avery are growing.  

a home for girls

Our church has supported and loved on a community of people in Hato Major, Dominican Republic for many years.  Team after team have gone there to meet the medical and dental needs of the local people, to construct buildings, assist in the implementation of water treatment systems, and more recently, plant a passion fruit farm to create sustainable income. 

In fact, HOPE sent a medical/dental team there last week.

In December, JD went with a small team for a different purpose.

To meet with locals about the need for a children's home.

It seems the need is great.  

So great that this land was donated by the government to a local ministry that HOPE partners with.

The specific need?  A home for girls, ages 9 to 18, who have been abused and need refuge.

Funny how when you start asking questions, God already has the details laid out: the need, the land, the people.  Just one inquiry led very quickly to a 'Yes!' and a trip was made.

Rental property is being identified to try a pilot home for six months or a year.  

Anyone for some Rosetta Stone Spanish?  

from the mouth of a child

It was a typical early evening.

James was climbing in the bath.

He loves his baths.

I got his bath toys out and was plopping them in one-by-one when, out of no where, he touches his finger to his 'wing' and says,

No arm, Mommy?

With a smile, my mouth replied: Yep, Buddy, no arm!

Yet in my mind I'm thinking: Whoah, where did that come from?  

So then I decided to see what else was stirring in that little head of his, so I asked,

James, what happened to your arm?

In a fashion only befitting of a three-year-old, he replied simply with a smile,

It fall off!  

Love that kid!