Tuesday morning sweetness

Because who can resist a little pink sweetness.

Those cheeks are just too kissable.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall..."

Two fair ladies.

Nighttime routine

I love nighttime
when the house settles down
teeth have been brushed
we say our prayers
and kiss the little ones
and then quietness begins
I pull out the books
listening ears
excited eyes
where will this page take us

traveling back in time
Anna and I are captured
by a little girl the age of mine
neither of us want to stop
but alas the clock says we must
it's time to sleep
I'm so thankful for
the quietness in our routine
books that build character
the time of sweet fellowship
that bonds us together
what a blessing!

Oh the weather outside

We got hit with a storm and the sky dumped about 12 inches of beautiful snow to the ground.

(I put this in my draft box on January 8th when we were home in WI for Christmas break and forgot to post it...oops!)

An update on Anna

An update on Anna's ears here.

Updates on our girls

Just checking in to update those of you who have been praying for us, and are curious about Anna and Claire's health.

~We had Claire's Post opp appointment last week Monday. The surgeon looked at her eyes and said that everything looks great. Another surgery at this point will NOT be necessary. Praise God! There is a chance that in the future her tear ducts could start to close up again, but the chances of that happening are so small. We were very happy to hear that! :)

~Anna had her appointment with the ENT. The Dr. determined that she does need to have tubes put in. The good news in all of this is that there is no permanent hearing loss. It is all due to too much fluid in her ears. Dr. said her ear drums look good! We were able to get her scheduled to have the procedure done on July 22nd. Anna cried when she was told she has to have surgery. She is very nervous but oddly enough the thing that she is most afraid of is throwing up, and not the surgery itself. Both Ryan and Claire threw up after their surgeries. Throwing up is one of the things Anna fears most in life. Poor girl. We are doing what we can to alleviate her concerns.

Thanks so much for all of your prayers for our girls. We really appreciate it!

Anna's ears

After months of hearing problems we are taking Anna to the ENT (ear, nose, throat specialist) tomorrow morning to have her ears checked. We are hoping for some answers, and maybe even a quick resolve to have her hearing back. Please be in pray for Anna tomorrow, she is nervous that she might have to have surgery.

Thanks so much!

Tea Party

My friend Janel and I decided to do a combined birthday party for our daughters. Anna and Ella's birthday's are a week apart (2 years in age difference). Our theme was a fancy tea party. We had a blast planning all the food, decorations and activities. Janel and I stayed up until about 1:30 am the night before making all the food. Oh the laughter we shared in the process! What great memories I have tucked away from some of our last months here.

The girls were invited to wear their fanciest dress and accessories. Janel and I spent time curling our girls hair, painting nails, and applying (a little bit) make up.

Anna was quite pleased with how her hair and outfit turned out. She said she felt like a
princess. :)

Putting on fancy heal shoes!

Some of the girls wore fancy hats.

We started the party by talking about manors and what it means to be a lady. Here Janel is reading to them from a Fancy Nancy book.

Heading outside to the tea party. We set up a screen tent and decorated the inside. Look at all those beautiful dresses. :)

Petite fours, made by yours truly.

We used my grandma's fancy dishes to serve the girls. Each girl had a flower pot with a flower sucker as a place holder

Some decorations.

The tea pot and tea cup cupcakes that we slaved over into the wee hours of the night. Hey, it wasn't perfect but our girls loved it!

One of the girls trying a crumpet with jam.

Yummy scones made by Janel, and the pb&j finger sandwiches.

Enjoying a cup of tea.

One of the activities we did was to (attempt) play croquet with the girls.

Janel and her daughter Ella and myself and Anna.

I am so glad we decided to do this together. I know this is a party that we will all treasure and remember for a long time.

Growing up

I took these pictures of Anna after her birthday party (pictures of that coming soon), and they turned out too cute not to share. :) Bear with me as there are lots more pictures to follow.

Dear Annaliese

I've know forever that this day would come. The first of many days that my heart will swell and my breath will pause...in the realization that you have turned into a young lady. There is no stopping it. You continue to grow and change at a rate that I can hardily keep up with. My arms remember the day as if yesterday, that you were placed in them and you made me a mother. Each day since has been like a mystery unfolding in front of me. I stand and watch in wonder as the Lord molds you into who He wants you to be. I get to see glimpses of who you might become, and I have to tell you it excites my heart!

The other day I had a talk with your piano teacher [side note: she is also our pastor's wife]. She told me of a tender moment she experienced with you. Unknowingly to me you were carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. You confided in your teacher of your concerns for a sick uncle, for your baby sister who was having surgery in a few days, and a few other things that had you concerned. Your heart was so burdened that you shed tears. She stopped the lesson to talk and pray with you. After that you felt better and were able to move on with your lesson. I am so thankful for the godly woman in your life! Upon hearing this story I got a glimpse...this was the moment that I realized that you ARE growing up. I got a chance to talk to you later that evening about what happened at piano. You told me everything, and I noted the maturity in your thoughts and voice, the wisdom and discretion that you displayed. When did this happen? Sigh!

Anna you have a beautiful heart. I know that God wants to use you. I see how you care about others. I see your compassion. You are amazing. You are a gift. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are beautiful from the inside out.

I know we have our struggles. Some days are just so hard. But then there are days like this when I see...truly see who you are meant to be. I see Christ working in you. I have hope that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. The road is long. It is full of bumps...full of growing pains...but oh, there are so many joys along the way. I pray for you my sweet girl everyday...that you will draw closer to Him. I also pray for me for wisdom and also that I will allow you to grow and expand your wings as is necessary. I want you to know that I am always here for you. I love you so much.

Happy 8th birthday my lovely lady!

Love,
Mom

You Capture: Expression

I happened to catch this look of sadness on Anna's face (she didn't know I was there). She was upset with me because I was going out for coffee with a friend. I almost never go out, but she apparently didn't like it that I was. *Sigh* I think she survived! :)

She is definitely very good at expressing herself. My little drama queen, back turned to show her displeasure.

Ah, now here is the smile that I know and love!

Check out Beth's blog for other captures of expression.

Adoration

I just love the ever growing bond between my daughters. I can see it in their eyes; they both truly adore one another. I pray that they will become close friends over the years, and that they realize just how blessed they are to have one another.

Nighttime discovery

late night.
sleeping children.
or so I think.
hearing whispers.
quiet movement.
then laughter.
sneak upstairs.
find this...



lips parted in smile.
filled with joy.
just a few more minutes?
hmmm...
should be sleeping.
but permission given.
4 eyes twinkle.
thanks given.
many happy hearts.
not "sorry"one bit. :)