He Did It!

We are extremely proud of John David! A few weeks ago he finished memorizing the entire book of Matthew! He came and stood by me as he memorized the final verse (which was in chapter 27 since he had already done 28 earlier on). It was an amazing feeling. He has worked incredibly hard this year (and let's be honest - so have we!) and has invested hours upon hours of time. It's not only the time it takes to memorize the verses (that's actually the easy part), but the time spent quoting the chapters so he doesn't forget them. We try to quote through everything twice each week. 

There are many times we can hear friends playing outside while he is diligently working. No, he hasn't always wanted to do this, but he has been obedient and followed through. I know God's blessings are on him because of this. 

I can't imagine the things God will have him do in his lifetime. I know he is my own kid, but I am blown away! We don't go around bragging freely about his achievement, but since this is my blog I took the liberty. =)

Bible Quiz Regionals

Last weekend was regionals in Dallas. The team ended up in a playoff for second and third place. After a bummer of a match, we ended up third. BUT, they qualified for nationals in Chicago this July! Yea!!! We are so proud of these guys! 

My Secret Keeper Girl

This past Tuesday evening I took Julia to Secret Keeper Girls Live! It was a great night for the just the two of us. Have you ever heard of Secret Keeper Girls? 

Here's the definition from their website: 

"Well, she’s a lot of things. And she’s NOT a lot of things. She’s NOT a mean girl. She’s a girl whose friendships are full of kindness. She’s NOT boy crazy. Moms, can I get an Amen? She a girl who knows she can share all of her heart-secrets with her mom at any time. She’s also a girl who embraces modesty. Why? Because she knows that she is a masterpiece created by God. She strives to keep the deepest secrets of her authentic beauty a secret!" 

I highly recommend all of the resources available from Dannah Gresh and SKG. Their website has tour information as well as a lot of other great stuff.

Right Now

Aulora is sleeping on the floor. She scratched her cornea and has been sleeping a lot today. There's even some sweet snoring going on right now.

Joshua is building quite the kingdom for his little stuffed duck. He's had to play alone more than usual since Boo is down for the count.

Aulora my Ballerina

Bible Quiz Pictures

Most of these pictures are long overdue! The team has been on a few out of state trips and then of course their local meets. All that is left now is District, Regionals, and then Nationals. We are so proud of them! 

Ready to sled down the hill!

Playing cards with friends after the tournament

Riding the cable car up the incline - a little scary!

The snowy pictures are in Pittsburgh. There were many snowball fights on that trip!

Buffalo Wild Wings

Looking out over Pittsburgh

Playing checkers in the airport gift shop

Pretty snow!

Lambert's!

One of the first League meets

A Sneaky Sleepover

I went in the girls' room to wake them up this morning and found three little monkeys all in Julia's bed. They had plotted together and somehow snuck Joshua in last night! They were very proud of themselves.

Early Morning Cartoon

Learning Legos

First he needed a lesson, but now he's doing it!

Joshua's Destiny

We are in the car and these exact words just came from Joshua:

"Everybody has a destiny and my destiny is to live at Taco Bell."

He cracks me up.

Also, he loves burritos.

Parenting at its Best

I think we will have to give this a try.
Thanks for a great idea, Dad! =)

Angry Sensei

The kids love to play "Angry Sensei" with Daddy. It's a game he made up and they beg to play it every night at bedtime. 

Julia's 9th Birthday Party

The Cake

Licking the icing off the candles and decorations

We served lasagna, salad, and breadsticks - Julia's favorite!

Lots of games for "The Sock Monkey Olympics"!

Yum yum! Gran made the food!

Another game - using spaghetti, see how many penne noodles you can get in your cup before time runs out!

Good thing they were all friends - we had to share chairs!

There were friends from Classical Conversations

and friends from church too.

Gran had the job of cutting the cake. Can you tell?

I was there! I was there! =)

Joshua is a boy, but we still let him come.

There were presents galore! Natalia made Julia smile with all of this Littlest Pet Shop stuff!

Gabby gave Julia a really neat geode! 

A gift card to Justice never hurts

Lots of fun things, including a picture album

This was the Sock Monkey Olympics board. After each game the winner's name was written in. Then all the winners competed in the final challenge - Banana Chop. Halie won!

These were the party favors. I found the buckets at Target and then hot glued a sock monkey on the lid. All that was left was to fill them with candy. We stacked them all up on the entry way table.

Julia, you are so beautiful! I still can't believe I get to raise my own sweet girl! Every day you are becoming more thoughtful and helpful, creative and funny. You are smart and sweet, cuddly and lovable. Daddy and I adore you! I love you forever. I like you for always. As long as I'm living, my Julia you'll be!!!