Johnson Visit!

We just had a lovely time with Jim and Gale. They drove in from Albuquerque to visit and be here for Savannah's birthday party (pictures coming soon :).

GiGi had fun playing with Savannah, giving the girls baths, helping me get ready for the party, and shopping with me! Savannah and Maddie love the puppets they brought.

Grandpa gave lots of hugs to Savannah, drew chalk pictures with Maddie in the backyard, went on neighborhood walks, and played at the park.

We had a wonderful time with you! Thank you for coming!!

Birthdays and Holidays

We just had some fun-filled days! Grandma and Grandpa drove here from CO, we celebrated Savannah's first birthday, and had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Anna Sanders not only cooked a delicious Thanksgiving meal, but also made time to play with Maddie :)

Some of the men chatting after dinner.

Grandma and Savannah went up and down the stairs all evening :)

We were so happy to celebrate Thanksgiving with Deb and Robert!

Savannah turned one this week as well. She loves her foam mat from Mimi and Papa!

The airplane from Grandma and Grandpa made Savannah clap!

She kissed and hugged the baby from Madison.

And she enjoyed the personalized book from Mommy and Daddy.

She was fascinated by the balloons!

Papa got right down on the floor to play!

Can you guess one of Savannah's favorite meals? Salmon!!

365 Days Old!

Our sweet Savannah is turning the big one today. She is such a joy to watch grow. We love her dearly!

Madison loves having a little sister. They love tickling each other, sometimes enjoy playing together, and always love kissing one another.

Savannah has Daddy wrapped around her little finger.

Doh...I forgot how old I was for a minute!

Savannah loves swings.

And just being held.

Her stats are: 18 pounds, 8 ounces and 30 inches. She's got her 8 front teeth in and enjoys eating. She definitely knows what sweets are!

We are thankful to the Lord for this precious gift!

Savannah is walking. She also says "Mama, Dada, and Ma" (for Maddie).

After a long photo shoot, Savannah was out for the count in my arms in no time!

Happy Birthday Girl!

Every Woman's Grace

Every Woman's Grace is a highlight of my week. I look forward to discussing the Word and hearing it taught so diligently. Here's how it works (if you happen to be unfamiliar with this ministry)...We study one particular book of the Bible at a time. This fall semester we studied both 1 and 2 Thessalonians. The homework questions are given on Wednesday, then we daily study the passage and answer the questions on our own. The following Wednesday we first discuss with our small group what we learned from our time in the Word, and then we go to the chapel where that same passage is taught. I just love having the same chapter reinforced 3 times in one week! This is not a fellowship group, but just an encouraging time to be held accountable to study the Word and encourage one another in that endeavor. Here's the sweet group of ladies I get to be apart of...

I love how we get to know one another on a deeper level as we talk about Scripture and pray for one another. Some of my closest friends are in this group! This last Wednesday was our last one until January. The little ones came in to sing for all the ladies.

Do you spy Maddie? Yep, she's old enough to make the singing group now!

It was just precious hearing these little ones sing! I know Madison looks forward to Wednesdays as well. She LOVES her teachers, learning Bible lessons, and playing with her dear friend Abby. Savannah also gets excited to go in the nursery. She's got some buddies in there (lots of boys :)

If you care to download the weekly homework or listen to the messages, they are all available if you go to the link above. I hope you are encouraged in your study of the Word!!

My Baby is Almost a Year!

I just can't get enough of her! Why do they grow up so fast?

Our Surprise Visit to Arizona

This was milestone birthday for my sister. Melissa turned the big 30. So my mom, dad, the girls and I all made plans to take a surprise trip to celebrate with her in Arizona. (Jesse couldn't come because he was at a retreat preaching.) I can't say she was surprised, because it's nearly impossible to surprise her! We still had a good time visiting.

Over the weekend we went on several walks, and I have to say Mimi and Papa sure pulled (pushed and carried) their weight and a lot more!

I just love them.

Mimi and Papa took the 3 older girls to their hotel on Saturday afternoon for a special time. They played games, ordered room service for dinner, watched a movie, and wrestled :) While they were all having a blast, Melissa and I did a little shopping and went out to dinner. We haven't had "alone" sister time in so long.

Here are Emma and Maddie having a picnic.

These scooters were the best. They might just make it on this year's Christmas list!

I love this one.

We went to dinner Friday night at Joe's Farm Grill. If you're ever in Phoenix, you should check it out. Savannah loved crawling through this sign :)

Too cute. The little girls jamming in their jammies!

Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of Charis. I tried to just enjoy the moments and not photograph them all!

I also need to mention that when we arrived at Burbank Airport Jesse was standing on the roof of the parking lot jumping up and down to welcome us home as we were getting off the plane. Then when we arrived home, I found flowers and a sweet card from him. I have to say, I love this man for so many reasons!

Thanks Rach!

Rachel was recently at our house and took these cute photos of the girlies. Thanks!