Happy Birthday Ashley and Abbey

Abbey

Ashley

Happy 5th Birthday to our precious little girls. You are now 5 years old. When we began our journey to have you, we were so excited and scared. We didn't know what to expect having two babies at the same time. It was pure joy. You both were great babies and have become beautiful little girls. Mommy and Daddy love you so much. Happy Birthday to you.

Simple Joy

Simple Joy is waking up in the morning with twenty extra little finger and toes, eight extra arms and legs in your bed. Simple joy is seeing a smile on a five year old face when you give them a piece of gum. Simple Joy is cuddling together on the couch and telling stories to a eager 5 year old who wants to hear stories about your childhood. Simple Joy is watching a 5 year old accomplish a simple task that they have never done before. Simple Joy is listening to your two 5 year olds laugh at their own silly stories. Simple Joy is listening to them talk to each other at bedtime. Simple Joy is seeing the love and concern that they have for each other. Simple Joy is the smell of your child. Simple Joy is just hanging out playing with them whenever they want. Thank you God for the Simple Joy's in my life.

Happy Father's Day Shannon!

I want to wish my husband a Happy Father's Day! For those of you who may not know what kind of daddy he is, I want to share it with you.

Shannon is the kind of daddy that gets down on the floor and plays cats, dogs, horse and any other kind of animal the girls can come up with.

He is their snuggler on the couch, the arm, tummy, back and leg tickler. He knows the answers to questions about Sponge Bob (not mommy's favorite), Bat Man and Transformers. He knows how to play house, how to eat whatever food the girls try to serve him and drink the most delectable, thankfully imaginable, drinks on this world.

He is great at giving kisses and healing owies with the magic spray. He knows where to get the greatest band aids in the world (3M).

He can play cards, games, crafts and color and help to ride a bike or roller blade.

He can tell the best stories (made up) and he marries his little princesses whenever they ask. He will dance like they do at the ball and make frowns turn into smiles.

He helps to guide them into making wise decisions and will take the time to explain right from wrong. He teaches them love and respect and that they need to grow up using manners and to be caring and kind.

He is a wonderful daddy, someone that the girls truly look up to and can't wait for daddy to be home. He is all of this and much more.

The girls and I are thankful for having such a wonderful man in our lives. Happy Father's Day honey.

Full Weekend of fun...

After a great birthday party yesterday we are taking the girls to the Science Museum today. This will be the first time for the girls to go the science museum. We had season passes to the Children's Museum and decided to change our membership to give us something different. We are excited to share this wonderful opportunity with the girls.
Tomorrow we have a birthday party to attend and to celebrate Father's Day. Shannon is a great dad and deserves to have this day.
We are also going to be checking out some parks this weekend and have a lot of family time.

Birthday party

We are celebrating the girls 5th birthday party on Friday with their friends. They wanted a beach party/mermaid party and I do believe we have done it. Birthday parties can be overdone. It isn't about the decorations or the cake or even the "extra" stuff that happens at birthday's. This is a day to celebrate them and that is how we celebrate.
Since it is a beach party, I am using their beach towels to hang up around the garage. I have beach balls and streamers hanging from the ceiling and they have a mermaid pinata. I also drew (pictures later will show that I cannot draw)their mermaid for "pin the fin on the mermaid" game. We are having cupcakes, playing outside with water stuff and that is it. Simple, easy and all about being with their friends.
I will get pictures up after the party.

Saturday

It has been a great day so far. The sun is out and it has been a peaceful and glorious morning.
This morning is one of those mornings that Shannon and I talked about when the girls were just babies...one of those day's we couldn't wait for. The girls came into our room, like they do every day to wake up mom and dad, and they crawled into bed with us. There is nothing in this world more better than having your little kids sandwiched between you in the morning. There was lots and lots of laughter, playing, tickling, and love. We usually only get one girl in bed with us in the morning or we don't get to just lay in bed and be goofy like we were today. It was so fun. I love listening to the way Ashley laughs and laughs when Shannon is giving her the "claw". Or when Abbey laughs and squirms to get out of my grip when I am tickling the bottom of her feet. I love listening to their voices as they beg us to stop but then turn around and want more. I also love the way they sing and make up silly words to the songs. It is great being a mom.
All my life that is the only job I ever wanted and I am forever thankful that we are able to let me stay home. Sure we struggle with not being able to afford a lot of things right now but I think that what I am doing is irreplaceable. I am also thankful to God because He always knew what I wanted in my heart and He has provided for us in so many ways.
It's wonderful to be a mom!!

Schlorf's

Today we are keeping our friends the Schlorf's in our prayers. They have been living in Haiti while waiting for the adoption of thier little boy Lou to go through. It has been a long journey that has tested and strengthened their faith in the Lord. They have been and continue to be remarkable role models for us. Ken is Shannon's best friend from school and they are Abbey's godparent's. They are also friends who struggled along with us when we were trying to concieve and we know that they will always be there for us. We are grateful for their friendship and all of the love and support they have given us over the years.
Please keep them in your prayers today. They have a meeting with the US Embassy and hopefully this will get things rolling in the right way regarding their adoption process. Please also keep them in thoughts and prayers as they continue to do God's work in Haiti and let other's know of His wonderful love for all of us.

Como Park Conservatory

Como Park Zoo

Checking out fish.


Being silly with their suckers while waiting for Sparky.



On the giraffe.


Mommy and Ashley

Abbey and Mommy.

One of our favorite places to go...Como Park Zoo. I took the girls there last week and we had a lot of fun wondering around, looking at the animals and the beautiful flowers. Each girl took a picture of me with the other girl. I have future photographers.