Stella

The girls conspired against me this year for their birthdays. They began telling Jon and me how Jonas is too big for them to walk and handle, so they definitely need a smaller puppy. As a result, we have a new puppy named Stella. Her name came from the TV show about the Jonas brothers, so the dogs' names "go together" Having her around has been much like having a new baby! She is so small that we all think she needs to be picked up and carried around all the time. She is adapting to our house well, and Jonas doesn't mind her biting her tail, ears, paws or anything else she can reach very much at all.

Easter 2010

We had our egg hunt at church this year just like when I was a kid ~ even the same place where I hunted! This is the group the girls were in for the day to hunt.

Andy (cousin), Gracie and Caroline

The golden egg winner - Maddie! What a cutie! I LOVE those curls!

This is probably my favorite picture of the girls from Easter Sunday! Mrs. Jenny made their dresses this year and I think they were perfect!

Gracie's 9th, Rock Climbing

Do I see a little fear in that face? Gracie chose rock climbing for her birthday. We took about 15 of her friends with us to a place called Climb Nashville. I booked the party site unseen and luckily it turned out to be really nice! Those were the tallest rock walls I have ever seen - probably around 30 feet tall - and the kids were wonderful! We even got a compliment on the way out about how well behaved they all were. I was proud of them.

I love this shot of Gracie just hanging out...

Blowing out the candle on her birthday cupcake.

Secret Prayer Pal Dinner

Gracie and Caroline have been participating in a secret prayer pal group at church. They've been having a great time giving and getting thoughtful gifts and cards for the past few months. March marked the end of this 'round' of gift giving, and we ended it with a formal dinner party. They loved getting dressed up for the night. Gracie is wearing a dress that was her cousin Alexa's, and Caroline got to wear a dress that is really special - her dad picked it out. I had sort of forgotten about it, but he chose it as Gracie's easter dress in 2006, the year he passed. Caroline was so proud to wear that dress - it brought tears to my eyes...just a little piece of her daddy that I could give her. Hopefully, all of those little pieces will be enough for her to know about him.

The Incredible Westward Movement

The girls were in the elementary play at school in February! I can't believe it's already April - almost May - and I haven't posted these pics yet! WOW! Gracie was a pioneer mom. She had several lines and sang a song in the play. I was so proud of her - she made it through all the lines and the song with no trouble at all.

Caroline was an indian. What a cute little indian if i do say so...she did great as well! She had lines and a song too. I think they had a great time in the play!

Jonas...

Gracie and Caroline LOVE this dog! She may actually be the best dog EVER! She sits on the couch here and watches all of us in the kitchen...

Caroline is letting Jonas pull her across the wood floor!

Good Dog!

It's been a while....again

Well, I obviously don't have time to publish blog posts on a regular basis.....I have great intentions, great pictures, and lots of thoughts to post, but not much time :)

I will be catching up soon. We have celebrated a birthday and Easter, and we have a new addition to the family to introduce. Details and pictures coming soon! Don't give up on me!!!