Anderson's Pirate Party

Here he is. . . so excited and waiting for his guests to arrive.
The invitation said, "property guarded by Pirates, so come at your own risk!" Here are our Pirate guards:

As each little boy arrived, we gave him an eye patch and bandana and the option to paint scars and a beard on his face.

Here is the whole gang getting ready to hunt for treasure. We had to move this part of the party indoors due to rain. It all turned out, though and we even played musical chairs and rock, map, swords!

The birthday boy with his cake - a pirate ship!

Today is the date Anderson was due:)

Anderson's 6th Birthday

The day has finally arrived!! Anderson could hardly wait to turn six. Last night as I kissed him goodnight he said, "Mom, this is the last time you will be near me while I'm five." (I almost cried. - I am getting sentimental in my old age.) He has hardly stopped talking today, he is so excited.

The long awaited clone suit.

We had waffles with strawberries and whip cream on them for breakfast. The cousins came over for a craft and chocolate pudding this afternoon. Tonight we go to Wendy's - his pick. And Saturday is his long awaited Pirate Party. (We are hoping this rain goes away!)

Precious Moments

I was making dinner the other night when Cai hopped up on his stool and set his head down just like this and asked, "Can I help?" I was so thankful my camera was close because the way he rested there was toooo sweet!

Caius is such a funny little boy. He makes all of us laugh. He is also a sweet boy. I love his prayers at bedtime, "Ward Jesus, My mommy, my daddy, my brothers, my anderson and for caius" and then he repeats or adds new things. But it always begins the same he forgets to say "thank you for" and he rarely mentions Ryan and Trevor by name. The whole time he prays his eyes are closed and he moves his head back and forth as he prays in sing songy tone. It is so hard to believe he is nearing 3!

Off to Work!!!

Kris getting ready to leave for his new job!

We had to go buy some new clothes, since he has to dress up everyday now. This so far has proven to be his favorite one. He is loving his job and very excited about it.

Family Dinner - - February

Okay, so this month's family dinner landed on Super Bowl! So the theme . . . TAILGATE

Things started out a bit shakey with the grilling of our wings. . .
not sure, does that look done? Perhaps the "small" grease fire we had charred it to perfection!

Here are our yummy subs.

snacks galore and mini cheeseburgers - notice the box of wings from pizza hut?

such adorable cupcakes (sara's of course)

and the kiddos

The Lord Answers Prayer!

The other night I was kissing the boys goodnight when Ryan asked, "Mom did you see what I wrote down on my desk?" I hadn't. Ryan: "Trevor and I are going to write down things that encourage us. I wrote, Follow God's footsteps they lead home." The next night Ryan was reading to Trevor from the book, Tell Me the Secrets. Afterwards, I overheard Trevor ask, "So, Ryan what encouraged you in that story?" My heart was melted at both of these instances. One of main prayers through the years has been that the Lord would build a deep bond of friendship between our boys that they would experience true biblical fellowship with one another!

This picture was taken in August at one of our new favorite "family" spots - Kennesaw Mountain. There is a trail to climb, a musuem to visit, an amazing view at the top and you can even drive if you don't want to hike the whole trail. It shall replace the arboretum - our old family hiking spot in Virginia. Sigh. . . a bittersweet thought!

An Addition To Our Blog!

I added music! Whoo Hooo! Take time and listen to this song. I heard it the other night on the way home from work and it truly ministered to my soul. "Just because you love me the way that you do, I'm gonna walk through the valley if you want me to." "If all these trials bring me closer to you, I will walk through the fire if you want me to." "You never said it would be easy, but that I would never go alone." When I can't hear you answer my cries for help, I'll remember the suffering your love put you through" THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST HAS WON US FORGIVENESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT IS NOT OURS AND THE TRUTH THAT WE WILL ONE DAY LIVE WITH GOD FOREVER!!! What trial can compare to that??