Memorial Day

What a great day! Dan had the day off so we decided to have a family fun day. After Dan got home from taking Dr. Reid to the airport, we headed to our favorite breakfast spot, University Diner. Very yummy! From there we went and picked up Theresa and headed to Hanna Park. It definitely wasn't as crowded as last Memorial Day but there were a good amount of people. We had so much fun playing in the water park (though they took the submarine with the slide out). From there we headed down to the beach.

We picked the perfect spot. The tide was going out so it created this big pool that was about 18 inches deep so Katelyn loved playing in there without worrying about the waves. She had a blast carrying water back and forth and splashing around with her daddy in the water. Caroline took a little nap in her car seat while all the fun was taking place. After the beach we headed to Sonic for happy hour slushes and tea.

After naps we met up with my parents for dinner at PF Changs, one of my favorite restaurants. We decided to walk around for a little bit then ended the evening at Kilwins for ice cream. It was such a great day.

I don't want anyone to think I forgot the significance of the day. I am so thankful to the men and women who serve our country. I am grateful for the sacrifices they and their families make on a daily basis, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I sent my brother, who served almost 21 years in the navy a thank you email. I am so proud of him and his service to our country. Love you Jeff!

I'm posting a link to our pictures from today. I can never figure out how to properly add pictures so this is easier. Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed taking them!

http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=551916803&k=ZWAZQ3W6PX2DUDMCYF35US

Please Pray

I know there are not a ton of people who read my blog, but for those of you who do, will you please pray for my friend Priscilla and her dad? Her father was just diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer that has spread to his stomach, intestines, back and bones, and without treatment, he has only a few months to live. Her family is very precious to me and I covet your prayers. We have been friends since early elementary school and though we don't see each other often anymore, I still love her and her family.

They are now having to make decisions as a family I could never imagine having to make. Please pray for peace and comfort for them. Pray for wisdom for them and the doctors as they make difficult decisions. Most importantly, please pray for the Lord to heal him. We have a God who is "able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or imagine."

I love you "Wild Man" and you're daily in my prayers!

Happy Mother's Day

Dear Mom,


If I could sum everything up in one sentence, it would have to be that next to my husband, you are my best friend. You listen without condemnation. You get excited with me over the little things in life. You are, and always have been, my biggest cheerleader. Over the years we've had our rough spots but I wouldn't trade you for all the money in the world. I never questioned your love for me or had to wonder if you were proud of me. You are free with your praise and affirmation.


Thank you for always being there. You were at every performance, recital, and concert. I never had to wonder if you were coming. You were always there and invited others as well. You have always cheered us on in whatever endeavors we go after. Thank you for supporting me and my decisions even if they weren't what you would have chosen for me.


Thank you for being my sounding board, where I can just vent and not censor myself. Where I don't have to worry if you're going to think less of me. I know you are going to love me and value me no matter what comes out of my mouth.


Thank you for teaching me about the importance of my faith. I will always remember walking into each of your offices over the years and seeing your Bible on your desk. It was a testimony to those who worked with you and for you. I have always admired how people feel so comfortable coming to you. They know that you have wisdom that comes from the Lord. Thank you for taking to me to church every week and expecting me to listen and pay attention. Dad would let me lean on him and sleep but you never would! :)


I love seeing you with my girls. They are just as much yours as they are mine. Thank you for letting us invade your territory multiple times a week so I can have a little break. Thank you for the love and attention you shower on them. Thank you for taking a chance and stepping into uncomfortable waters when we need it. You know I couldn't do half of what I do at church without you and dad. I never take it for granted. Katelyn and Caroline are blessed to have you!


I love you more than words can express. I only pray that in 25 years Katelyn and Caroline can look at me and feel half as blessed as I do. You are precious to me and I treasure every moment I get to spend with you. I love you!

Lisa,

It's only been over the last 5 years or so that I've had the privilege of calling you mom. Over these years, you have become such a valued part of my life. One of the things I admire most about you is your love of family. You love your boys like nobody's business. You have always accepted them and their friends for who they are, no questions asked. You have supported them and brought them up to be the amazing men they are today. Thank you for pouring truth into them. Thank you for teaching Dan how to handle is money and to be a leader. Thank you for teaching him how to treat a woman. Thank you for being the example in front of him of what it means to work hard and help others.

Thank you for being the epitome of generosity. You give your time above and beyond what most people would without complaint. You give your money and resources to further God's kingdom and to bless those who don't have as much. Thank you for being an example of what God can do when someone is willing.

Thank you for opening your arms and accepting me into your family. I'm sure it must be hard to give your first born son over to another woman. You have never made me feel undeserving or not good enough. Thank you for not criticizing me or looking down on me because I'm not the cook or housekeeper you are. Thank you for loving me and accepting me for me, faults and all. Thank you for being someone I can go to for advice and encouragement. Thank you for being willing to drop things in your life to help us when we need it.

Thank you for being such an example of faith to me. Through numerous job losses and transfers, you have remained sure and steady in your faith. Thank you for teaching me by example that it's God who is in control and He has our best interest at heart. I am so thankful for mother-in-love who loves me. I love you, Lisa!

I love you both!

Marianne

More Easter pictures

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter! The girls looked adorable! I loved their dresses. I don't have a great picture of Katelyn because she decided she didn't want to have her picture taken. Gotta love that. :)
We went home for lunch and naps then all met back at my mom's for dinner and egg hunting. The kids had so much fun! Poor Blake though. My dad purposefully left the grass long so it would be better for hunting eggs. He didn't think about the fact that Blake has littler legs than the others. He had a rough time trekking through the grass, but he did get some eggs and it looked like he had a good time.

Dan's birthday to Disney

We have had a great couple of weeks, though very busy! We had the chance to go down to Disney World for Dan's birthday back on April 28th. We had so much fun! We took advantage of the free Disney day for your birthday. For all 3 of us to go(we left Caroline with my mom) it cost us less than $150 for everything (Food, gas, parking, tickets). It was a blessing. We wanted to celebrate Dan, but also give Katelyn some time when it was about her. We hadn't had much time with just her and us since Caroline was born and every kid needs individual attention. She loved it. We got to meet Cinderella, Belle, and Aurora, which I believe was the highlight of the day for her. She was so cute! She got her monorail driving licence when we rode with the driver. It was just a great day!

Being able to leave Caroline was a huge answer to prayer. I had been so nervous leaving her with my mom because she is not a bottle baby. She HATES the bottle. We tried giving her at least one a day for about the week leading up to us being gone hoping she would get used to it. She just seemed to scream and pitch a fit every time the bottle touched her lips. It is so frustrating! I had backup on-call in case she just screamed all day. A person can only take so much of that! Thankfully, Caroline did great! My mom said she ate well, slept good, and really didn't get that upset all day. That was a HUGE relief to me! You always hate it when you leave your child with someone and they scream the whole time.