The Beginning

The children were ready to begin their National Championship Celebration not last night - they went to bed instead of watching the game...pre-game yes; actual game no - but instead when Neal returned from Arizona.

Thanksgiving and Christmas All Rolled into One

Since I am so far behind on the blog I thought it best to combine them.

We spent Thanksgiving in Mississippi and had a great time. Here are some of our favorite pictures...

We started out in Gulfport...


but ended up in Pachuta on Lake Eddins.

Anna Grace had her choir performance which was fabulous. Even though you can't tell from the picture Dean really did love watching her choir sing. He sang along in his seat since he had heard the songs enough to learn them himself.

And then came Christmas on Lake Martin. Followed up a few days later by Christmas and New Years on Lake Eddins. The whole thing was a crazy blur.

Our growing crew in their matching Christmas pjs.
(Caleb, 1 ~ Anna Grace, 5 ~ Dean, 3)

Lake Martin

The cousins...kind of...

now all the cousins.

Caleb had enough.

Lake Eddins

There were fireworks...

then smores by the campfire...

finished off with baking cookies.

Dean is funny.

This morning I was outside dead-heading the pansies while Anna Grace, Dean and Caleb played in the backyard. They started asking for the different color flowers. Dean asked for a flower so I handed him an almost dead blue pansy. Dean, looking at the flower says, "This flower is not reading his bible." I dismissed it and thought it was nothing more than the imagination of a 3 year old. However, he looks at my little pile and says again, "These flowers are not reading their bible." At this point I started brainstorming to figure out what he was talking about. Then a few minutes later he walks back over to a yellow pansy that was in full bloom and held it up so I could see it better and says, "Now this flower is reading his bible." I smiled looked at him and said, "Because he is growing?" Dean responded, "Yeah, Mama, you know, (singing) read your bible pray everyday and you grow, grow, grow..." (The Sunday school song that the Saunders have taught him this year.)

She Turned 5

Yes I know I am almost 2 months late with this post but things are moving fast around here and keeping up with the blog is hard to do. However, I certainly don't want to miss Anna Grace's 5th birthday.

This year we did not have a party with friends but we celebrated from sun up to sun down. Neal took the day off so that he did not miss a minute.

We began the day with a trip to her favorite breakfast establishment...

Who in their right mind could resist these faces?

I think seeing the full outfit of our little show-stopper can't be missed... I am not sure Krispy Kreme was ready for us to come walking through the door.

Our day was filled with fun things - ballet, a visit to the toy store and plenty of play time. We ate Chinese for dinner at her request and then concluded our celebration with a trip to the ice cream shop and presents. We would have opened presents sooner but it was a rainy day and we needed the rain to stop for the optimum present experience.

When I see these pictures of you on your bike my heart saddens a little knowing that you are growing into such a big girl. Due to all of the excitement around here this past year has flown by for our whole family and you are a large part of that excitement - and drama. You certainly keep your daddy and me on our toes.

You love your family deeply. It is fun to watch you play with Dean and try to include Caleb. I am so thankful that you enjoy your brothers and look out for them. I know they both annoy you at times but it is obvious that Dean is your best friend. You are even excited about your little brother whom you have not met. I know you really wanted a little sister but you are as excited as you could be for a little brother to come instead. You pray for him to grow strong and for him to be healthy often; you also talk about how much fun it will be to be the big sister once again and hold the little baby.

Your passion for music, dance and art continues to grow every day. Your acceptance of others inspires me. Your heart for prayer - even though you are often praying for others' bad attitudes - convicts me. You maintain an eagerness to learn and are always looking for a way that you can help me around the house. Within in the past few months you have certainly come into your own around here desiring to lead the crew and willing to sass. A little difficult for me at times but I know that God is bending your will each day so that you can glorify Him throughout your life. This past fall you memorized Nahum 1:7, "God cares for those who trust in Him." The full verse is "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him." I pray that you will always remember this verse and claim it throughout your life.

During this next year of your life I pray that in a special 5 year old way you will, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:9-13)

For whatever reason I went back a second ago and read your 4th birthday post. It is amazing that it seems like a year later of growing and maturing on your part and I am still saying the same things. It proves to me that God is developing you more and more each day - you still love the same things but probably even more now and you still have the same strengths but more pronounced.

I love you, my Sugar Bear!