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!

More Dress Up

We've had lots of opportunities to dress up lately! It's been so fun. We went to "Boo at the Zoo" Saturday. Members were able to get in 2 hours early, which was a good thing because the zoo was packed!

Maddie wanted to dress up in her ladybug costume from last year!

There were fun shows, trick or treating, and new exhibits!

Daddy sneaking a smooch.

Can you see the little baby in her mom's arms? She was only 6 days old!

Great helper!

Savannah the cowgirl!

My two pumpkins!

Then last night we went trick or treating.

This was Madison's first taste of trick or treating, and she loved it!

We met up with some neighbor friends and walked the block with them. The kids just had a blast together!

Then we came to our house, closed the door and gave them candy.

So much fun!

Maddie's loot.

Let's just say Savannah can't wait for next year!

CSUN Reformation Party

Jesse and I have a long-standing tradition of celebrating the Reformation! Each year our college Bible study has a Reformation Party where we dress up, eat yummy fall food (we brought pumpkin snickerdoodles), carve pumpkins, sing some songs, and talk about what happened during the Reformation. Now that we have kids, Jesse and I don't really think about OUR costumes, but just get the girls dressed up! I had fun looking back at the last two parties...here's some fun photos from the past...2010 party and 2009 party. I won't bore you with digging up more history :)

This year Mimi and Papa stopped by before the party to check out the cowgirls!

Maddie brought her little horse so she could "ride on the range".

Here's some of the creative costumes!

The guys all hung out by the fire pit.

Joyce with Savannah

Sweet Savannah had no idea Hannah the bat was going to eat her up!

Thing 1 (Sarah) with squirmy Savannah.

By the way, Savannah decided to take her first steps at the party, too!

Ha ha!

Madison loved helping carve the pumpkin. They carved a cowgirl...pretty impressive!

We were thrilled to see new believers and unbelievers at this party. As we drove away last night Jesse and I talked about how exciting it is to see this study grow in love for the Lord, for each other, and for the lost.