Big Birthdays

All glory to God, today marks thirty years since Jesus drew me to himself, and I was:

"buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4

He paid the highest price to cleanse my sin-filthy heart and redeem my life from sin and it's consequence...eternal death.   He made me his own!  It boggles my mind to know that the greatest joys in this earthly life pale in comparison to even ONE day with God in eternity.

"A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. "  Psalm 84:10

God alone loves us completely, the way we were created, by HIM,  to be loved!  And today I'm especially grateful for two precious people who demonstrate God's love to me and so many.  I love you, Dan!  I love you, Aunt Sue!  Happy Birthday!  xoxo

A few more from Dan's birthday:

The kids wrapped Dan's gift all by themselves and couldn't WAIT to have him open it!  

The anticipation!  :)  

I'm pretty sure Daddy let Graham put together most of his birthday girft.  :)  It was a Lego Star Wars Desert Skiff.  Also, Graham remembered that Dan had seen a giant Snickers ice cream bar at Target, and that was Dan's birthday cake. The kids were pretty much in charge of Daddy's birthday this year and they loved every minute of it. We love you so much, Dan!

Momma + Big Sister's Day Out

Reecie and I enjoyed a special time together on a Friday morning, just the TWO of us!  What a treat to "play" together.  :)  My friend Rebecca had gifted me a pedicure for my birthday, so it was the perfect opportunity for Hannah Reece's first pedicure.  I love the finished product but am so ticklish that it's hard for me to relax.  Reece on the other hand looked like she might fall asleep during the foot rub...she LOVED it and asked me if we could get a pedicure every week!  :)  I picked a bluish-gray color and Reece picked turquoise glitter polish.

Next, we headed to Starbucks for cold vanilla milk and a pink cake pop for Reecie, and chai tea latte and lemon loaf for me!

 I had planned to take Hannah Reece to a ceramic shop where the Smith's had given her a gift certificate for her birthday.  The night before, Aunt Choley texted to see if we had plans, so I invited she and Raeghan to come along.  The girls had fun painting together and afterward, we had lunch at Subway.

I am so grateful for my big girl Hannah Reece!  She is sweet company to keep.  :)

Music Camp

It was a fun week for our big kids, Graham had swim lessons (this week and next) and Hannah Reece went to music camp at our church. 

The week of music camp ended with a little demonstration of the songs and activities the kids enjoyed.  

Waiting patiently for the fun to begin!  :) 

This kid was in my face half of the time..."Mom, puh-leeze let me video tape!  Can I puh-leeze take some pictures? "  Looking just. like this.  Ok, that bulgy eye thing was a little extra drama for the camera.  ;)

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Hannah Reece told me this was her very favorite part.  Mr. Peter read a special book and the kids made "sound effects" for various parts of the story with instruments.  Hannah Reece got to rub the mallet back and forth over the xylophone to make the sound of wind.  She did such an awesome job!  This pic was the only smile she cracked the whole time.  Serious business!  :)

Another special part of the week I want to remember is the way she came home yesterday and wrote musical notes and rests in her journal.  And they were perfect!  

Also, Reecie is sportin' some new glasses.  I think they make her look so grown up.  *Tears*