I just can't believe how old my girls are getting! Annalise turned 8yrs. old today! Because she had a busy weekend with an end of the year trip at a Orlando Resort with her Girl Scout Troop, we decided to have a low key birthday celebration this year. I'm not sure that this sweet princess has had a full nights sleep with the last 3 nights added together! So, we decided to have a small family party to celebrate!
Uncle Kam (her Aunt Cassie's brother) was also born on May 30th and celebrated with us too! Anna decided she wanted to bake her own cake this year and it was AMAZING! She wanted to have a layer with rasberries and pudding with Chocolate Icing! YUM!
(Yes, that is a Hello Kitty cake in front of Kam...he jokingly requested it, and we made it happen!)
One of the things Annalise requested to do on her birthday was for the moms to do "hair wraps" like they offered (for a pretty penny) at the resort they were at this weekend! We gladly said yes to save them money this weekend ($35 - $45 for what you see below)...and now realized we have missed our career and "money making" calling in life! Thanks to YouTube, we now know how to do this on our own! The wraps were much easier than I thought. However, it did take some time, but I love to save money!
This year, the coveted gift items were anything with Justin Bieber's name on it...
Yes, she is now officially has Bieber Fever!!! Here she is with her "Never Say Never" movie (which had already seen twice in theaters) - the story of His Life! Wow, to be 17 and already have a story of your life (good movie actually...at least I enjoyed it).
And yep...more Bieber Mania going on below! Here she is with her gifts from Nana and Pops...2 Justin Bieber CD's! Guess what music we are going to be hearing over the next several days on repeat...thank goodness that one is an accoustic version and I am actually looking forward to listening to it.
Man oh man I LOVE THAT GIRL! She is a sweet and special gift to our family!
Both of my girls just wrapped up the end of their school year. Annalise attended a one day a week program (outside of her homeschooling) at Circle Christian School. Allison attended the Early Learning Center two day program at First Baptist Church. They LOVED school this year!
I think today was harder for their mommy than it was on them.
Here is my little Peanut standing outside the school playground on her last day of school today. Allison typically skips all the way to her classroom each morning. She looked forward to her school days!
Allison's good friend Josh attended the same school this year. Each school day these two would ride together with their Mommy's either taking turns driving them to school, or we would all travel together.
Good Friends! And here is Allison (apparently after a wardrobe change) with her teacher, Miss Joylinn! Allison had to say goodbye to her sweet teacher today. Miss Joylinn has been so precious to Allison and even wrote her a note today. My little girl loved to be with Miss Joylinn and it was hard to separate Allison from her teacher on the playground. Joylinn told me that Allison was her little shadow during the day when she wasn't twirling like a ballerina around the room (Allison, that is). I cried when I dropped Allie off to school that day, knowing this was the last time I would drop her off there. And yes, I cried when I picked her up because I knew we wouldn't be back and she wouldn't skip those halls again :(
And then there is my firstborn sweetheart, Annalise...
Annalise absolutely fell in love with her school this year. This was a big new experience for her this year and she did great! She looked forward to Tuesdays each week when she could go to school! Her cousin, Sydney, was in two of her classes this year and they had a great time (sometimes too much fun) with her Aunt Cassie as their teacher!
Here they are in one of the "stations" for an Ellis Island experience on the last day of school. This year, in the "House" program of Circle, the students learned all about America in all of their enrichment classes. The last day of school, the students were asked to dress up and experience what it was like to come to America through Ellis Island.
I am always amazed at how these kids can pull together outfits from the dress up clothes and random articles of clothing and accessories that they find!
As proud as I am of my girls, and as excited and thankful I am of the wonderful year they have both had at school this year, it is so hard to see it end. Don't get me wrong, I am very much ready for summer and the schedule to slow down a bit. But, I do find myself sad to see another season come to a close. Thank you Jesus for a successful year of school for my girls!
Please be praying for our family as we anxiously wait to find out if Annalise will be accepted into one of Orange County's Magnet programs. This is a lottery based selection process and, as of now, there is no open seats for the third grade. We are praying something opens by June, in time for registration. Next school year, we decided to try Annalise in a 5 day a week program and take a break from homeschooling this year. We are nervous and excited at the same time. If she isn't accepted this year, we will be considering different options.
Allison will be attending another preschool this Fall that is located next to her Daddy's work office! Through Orange County, because she is going to be in 4 yr old pre-k, she can attend school for free to participating schools!
It's been awhile since I have given you the pleasure of reading Pastor Tom's (Welch) blog posts! I read this today and shouted HALLELUJAH!!! And anytime that happens, it MUST be shared. Read and Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 Who is in your heart?
A lot of people think following Jesus is about moral transformation, being a better person, or worse, being a “nice” person. Sometimes we even hear phrases like “That is the Christian thing to do” or “That wasn’t very Christian of you”, as if Christianity was founded by Miss Manners.
But being is Christian is less about being a “moral” person, and more about being a “conquered” person.
When a person becomes a Christ-follower, the Lord Jesus plants his flag in the soil of our hearts and begins his conquest. He displaces all rebellion, demonic or otherwise, and slowly, but inevitably, conquers every inch of our lives.
Inviting Jesus “into you heart” is not like inviting your BFF to your own spiritual slumber party where you can snuggle and feel all warm and fuzzy. It’s more like inviting the navy seals to subdue the terrorists of your soul. Even if that “terrorist” is your own domineering ego.
One scholar put it this way:
“The heart of man is a house which must have an occupant, and the only way to ensure that it is not taken over by disreputable squatters is to see that it is inhabited by the God who made it for himself. Exorcism is not enough: the spiritual life, like the natural, abhors a vacuum” C.B. Caird
So, who is in your heart?
The well wisher of your soul’s happiness, Pastor Tom
"He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong." - II Corinthians 12:9-10
This life.
Is Hard.
In each phase of our life we experience hardships. Then we reach the valleys (oh those are nice)! Then ouch, there's the pain again. Why? Why does it have to be so hard?
We live in a fallen world. And much of the blame, I believe, belongs to the wicked schemes of Satan. But, you know, all the hurt and hardships in this world are not a direct result of the enemy. Yes, we as humans, fall prey to him too often in our free will to choose and we fail, causing pain and destruction on our path. And the effects can last a lifetime. But, sometimes, it's not a result of sin. We just go through our daily routines and get hit with something that is just a part of life...our car breaks down, we lose our job, a loved one becomes terminally ill, etc. And then sometimes, it's just disappointment of "what we thought" life would be like. It can even be the worry of the unknown. We get frustrated trying to figure out "how to" this and "protection or control" of that. And we can also spend a majority of life beating ourselves up over our own failures (or someone else's...sinful or not). It is even painful even when choosing to make (what you believe) the "right" choice (rather right or wrong), against popular opinion or advice of someone else.
And regardless of why we experience the pain...IT HURTS.
A few weeks ago, in my small group, we shared many of the struggles we were all facing. Tears were shed. And we listened to each other's pain, it was so encouraging to know that we don't have to walk this alone. We know that it is possible to make it through the tough times. And to know that others before us have experienced the same pain and came out alive gives me hope! Not all examples had fairy tale endings and some came out defeated. But, then there are those that not only made it out breathing...They came out stronger in the end!
Yes, that's what I want...to be stronger in the end! To stand! To fight! To experience continual victory! I refuse to be defeated!
"But they that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall take wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
Today I am so thankful to my Heavenly father for my friendships, for my small group, for my sweet mentors, to my community and family. God has blessed me with some of the most amazing relationships in my life that chose to love me and walk this journey on earth with me. I am humbled by their mercy and grace. I am grateful for the things I learn from them. I am filled with joy when I think of all the hardships we have overcome together.
At that small group a few weeks back, a friend of mine shared this song with us that is on Christian radio often. It amazes me how much I can miss in the car as I am driving, talking to my kids, or just zoning out! There are great songs out there! This song absolutely blessed me that night and I can't help but want to get in a boxing ring every time I hear it.
Hey, heard you were up all night Thinking about how your world ain't right And you wonder if things will ever get better And you're asking why is it always raining on you When all you want is just a little good news Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather
Oh, don't hang your head It's gonna end God's right there Even if it's hard to see Him I promise you that He still cares
[Chorus:] When the waves are taking you under Hold on just a little bit longer He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger The pain ain't gonna last forever And things can only get better Believe me This is gonna make you stronger Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger Believe me, this is gonna make you Stronger
Try and do the best you can Hold on and let Him hold your hand And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus Oh, lift your head it's gonna end God's right there Even when you just can't feel Him I promise you that He still cares
[Chorus]
'Cause if He started this work in your life He will be faithful to complete it If only you believe it He knows how much it hurts And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this
When the waves are taking you under Hold on just a little bit longer He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger The pain ain't gonna last forever In time it's gonna get better Believe me This is gonna make you stronger
Abbie came over to play one afternoon and the two of them geared up in stylish matching outfits (notice the belts - panty hose and a scarf)! They went into the backyard and choreographed a hip hop routine. They wanted to knock on doors and show the neighbors! I don't know where this confidence came in my child...maybe it's the mixture of her ability to "get her move on" and her fearless friend Abbie being a good extroverted influence! Either way, I enjoyed the show! And because I wouldn't allow them to go door to door with invitations to the production, I am showing the world via our blog. Enjoy!!! (Don't miss the video at the end to get the full effect)!
After several months of gymnastics and a pregnancy that was making instruction, spotting, and safety difficult, it was time to call this year's gymnastics season to a close. Last week, I brought the camera in and grabbed a few shots to remember our time together and to have photo documents of some individual achievements this year! I wish I would've taken more pictures throughout the year as we have many girls not pictured that have been part of the class. Many have moved on to continue their gymnastics in gyms to experience bars, vault, and more! It's so fun to see that the love for gymnastics has moved them beyond the intro floor and beam classes with me to further learning and passion for the sport!
Here are my 2nd graders! Oh my goodness I am going to miss this group!!! I have really enjoyed watching each girl master skills, try new things, be silly, and smile those smiles!!!
These girls know how picky I am about those pointed toes...look at Kristin's beautiful feet :)
My little Allie Rae is not only a ballerina, but falling in love with gymnastics this year too!
Ashlee is my Most Improved of the year! This sweet girl was afraid to be upside down for months!
Halle is my most attentive one in the class. And this daring girl is always willing to try new things. And her smiles always make me smile!
Kaitlin is a determined one! She doesn't give up! This year, she learned to kick over on her own!
Annalise, while still trying to master those skills, is the flexibility queen of the group. She amazes me!
Alexa loves to make class as FUN as possible! And her technichal ability, by the way, has been impressive all year!
This isn't my typical post. But found it worthy of sharing. As much as I have discussed my frustration with technology and social media in the past, it sure was refreshing to see in The New York Times - "Social Networks Offer a Way to Narrow the Field of Friends"
I know it may sound like this is my soap box subject, but honestly, I think Facebook is a wonderful tool to keep in touch with others. But, I also think it can be a way of losing the intimacy we once had in relationships. The alternate Facebook options mentioned in the article below give ways to reduce the amount of people you share every detail of life with. Facebook, along with Twitter grew in popularity so quickly and seemed to overtake the social media world. What started as a college social site, Facebook now includes news channels, churches, organizations, and more that all communicate and advertise through it. So, as I read the article below, I was encouraged to see that people still desire to have community!
Social Networks Offer a Way to Narrow the Field of Friends by Jenna Wortham and Claire Cain Miller Friday, May 13, 2011
provided by The New York Times
There are times when you just have to tell your friends about something -- but not necessarily your Facebook friends.
Just ask Becca Akroyd. When Ms. Akroyd, a 29-year-old lawyer in Sacramento, Calif., wanted to share a picture of her new vegetable garden, she didn't turn to Facebook. Instead she posted it on Path, a service that lets people share pictures, videos and messages with a small group.
"The people I have on my Path are the people who are going to care about the day-to-day random events in my life, or if my dog does something funny," Ms. Akroyd said. "On Facebook, I have colleagues or family members who wouldn't necessarily be interested in those things -- and also that I wouldn't necessarily want to have view those things."
I will be checking out some of the recommended sites this week to see what they are all about. Honestly, I am not too interested in learning anything new or trying to convince my close family and friends to join something new. Most everyone I know uses their FB account in ways to communicate and aren't as excited as I am to try an additional way to stay in touch. I think my emailing is working just fine. I now currently share my pictures (that don't make it on the blog) on Picasa to those that I believe are interested in the candid multiple shots of our kids and happenings in our family.
But, yes, I will see what's involved. I will check it out and see how much more convenient it may be and what hassle is involved. Honestly, I was just shocked to see an article not advertising the success and need for social media.
The Lord has been doing so much in my life in the way of letting go. The release is harder than it seems sometimes.
I want to hold on.
I want control.
I want it fixed.
My guess is that I am not alone.
But, you know what is really cool? God continues to show me things in my own life, in the circumstances, events, and situations around me. I see His Power! I know His Might! I have witnessed and felt His miracles! I continue to feel His redeeming love! Some of that occurs while nothing is done on my part. Some of it is His reminder to me of His unconditional love regardless of where I am. But, I believe I would have missed out on so much more if personal sacrifice wasn't involved, if I chose to hide and not face things head on, or if I chose the easy way out. I believe, many of those miracles, restoration, love, redemption, power and might, are experienced through the difficulties of walking the journey even when we don't think we have the strength to go on. He shows us SO much more. And He gives us the strength to do it!
Recently, I began reading, When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent. It sure is incredible to read Carol's journey and see that same message I have been dealing with of letting go, even when the situation is nothing like my own. I absolutely couldn't resist the opportunity to share this with as many people as I know. This hit way too close to home for me and my family. The author's untold story is an amazing testimony of faith and strength through unimaginable pain. No matter what your story is...there is hope.
"Most of us will face an Isaac experience," when a crisis is thrust into our lives without warning and without survival instructions. Our "Isaacs" are the heart sacrifices we make when we choose to relinquish control and honor God with our choices even when all seems lost. We have to decide if we will let go of our control over a person, situation, or event, or if we will hang on for dear life and refuse to relinquish something we cherish. All of us have circumstances that produce varying degrees of personal loss and devastation. Will we maintain our grip on hope in the process of defeat? Will we live our lives with passion and purpose even if, in this lifetime, we are not permitted to have an answer to why something has happened? Will we choose unshakable faith, or will we give up on God? I believe God's great invitation is to engage us in the process of discovering the power of choosing faith when that decision makes no sense. There is hidden power in our unthinkable circumstances."
- Carol Kent (author of When I Lay My Isaac Down)
I hope and pray that when I struggle with the questions and I am burdened with defeat, I will not stay there long. Jesus, intervene and pull me close. Help me choose to have faith. I can't imagine life without it.
"As YOU embrace God's enduring, unconditional love, I pray that you will discover an unshakable faith that defies description welling up and infusing your soul with courage." - Carol Kent
Even with all of the hard times hitting lately, it sure is good to experience the joys of life! I don't always have the tough things to share. I celebrate with my sister-n-law who is getting to lessen her hours at work to continue certification as she pursues one of her dreams to become a doula (mine in September)! And we rejoice with some sweet friends of ours who just adopted their second child a few weeks ago! And we are still overjoyed at the anticipation of our first born son!
It is SO exciting to see the Lord at work in so many lives. I still pray continually for more joy to come in our family and the lives around us!
So, for more fun news, our little princesses performed for us at their ballet recital a couple of weeks ago! This is Annalise's second recital and Allie Rae's very first time on stage! The girls were UNBELIEVABLY ADORABLE!!! - of course!
Here they are posing as they are about to enter the recital!
This is a small piece of Annalise's Ballet dance routine (could only get so much footage on my camera...full version is on our video camera). She has learned so much since last year. I just love to watch this sweet girl dance!
(video again for those with email subscriptions...gotta go to the site here to see...but hang on first and see all the cute pics below)!
Next up is little Allie Rae! Oh my goodness this girl loves the spotlight!!! Precious!!!
Anna's Tap Routine! I just can't stop being impressed!
After the dance our girls waited on stage for parents to pick up. They loved their flowers from Mommy and Daddy, Mimi and Papa!
Allie couldn't contain her joy over those flowers...
The girls had quite the fan club! A few were missing in this pic, but we will see them below at the lunch celebration!
We headed to Joe's Crab Shack to celebrate!
Love this place! The kids enjoyed the playground while we waited for the food!
What a sweet time with family and friends! We are excited to see what they do next year!!!
I just can't believe how old my girls are getting! Annalise turned 8yrs. old today! Because she had a busy weekend with an end of the year trip at a Orlando Resort with her Girl Scout Troop, we decided to have a low key birthday celebration this year. I'm not sure that this sweet princess has had a full nights sleep with the last 3 nights added together! So, we decided to have a small family party to celebrate!
