Our Magic Bands are here!

What an exciting thing to be able to look forward to a trip with such anticipation.  I think we started counting down when it was around 150 days out, and now it is less than 3 weeks away!  We are so excited and grateful for this opportunity to go to Disney World with Matt's parents in a few weeks.  A very generous gift of time and expense.  We probably won't do this trip to this extent again, so it's very special.  Apparently our complete identities and itineraries are attached to these little bands.  I felt like a little kid when they opened them and right away I said, "Ooh, do I get yellow?"  I do!  

Birthday Boy

Another thing I love about this time in our lives is hearing Matt preach every week.  This Sunday he said that as Christians we crave the light of Christ.  And some ways to expose ourselves to that light include involvement in church and it's ministries, Bible reading, and fellowship, and then outreach will naturally reflect that light.  We had lots of good fellowship Saturday as we attended Aaron's first birthday party and met his large extended family which was a huge blessing and then later as we went bowling and had a lasagna dinner with our church group.   I didn't get any pictures of bowling because it always seems that with the lighting in the bowling alley, they don't turn out.  But we had a good group of bowlers and some spectators as well.  So here is the birthday boy and a few other pictures.  

"P" is for....

Preschool

Popcorn - it swims in the experiment in the above picture and there were popcorn balls dipped in chocolate,

And Princess!

We got Ava an Aurora dress for when she meets the princesses at the castle on our trip.  A little big, but she loved it.  And I do, too!  I'm as excited as she is about it!  (Maybe a little more!)

Metro Women's Center

I am so happy I have been able to volunteer some more at Metro Women's Center lately.  God is really doing a great work there, and it's a blessing to be a part of it.  I had a couple of ladies in our church ask about going there with me, and what a blessing it's been!  We have been able to meet some clients, pray for Colleen while she met with two abortion minded women who then chose life, and practically speaking, we have helped with a mailing and organized many donations in the store.  I enjoyed getting back in the groove, and I always love organizing, and I love spending time with all of the ladies who are such a blessing.  So thanks, Jessie and Maryann!  I look forward to more of this!

Ava's snowman dress

Thank you, Grandma!

Happy birthday to me - again

My friend Libby made me this sign that I put in the wreath.  And I love it hanging on the old door.  She knows what I like!  And she is talented enough to make it.  So thanks, Libby!  It was fun seeing her and Lexi last week at Jack's party.  I also got another one of my gifts that Nancy had ordered for me.  One of our family's favorite movies - Private Eyes.  I can't wait to watch it!  Thanks, Nanny!

Jock at 3 months

I think I can safely say that Jock is doing better!  He is pretty well potty trained and listens to us a little more.  (I think anyway.)  He has been a little sick this week and so has been a lot calmer.  We don't want him to be sick, but are enjoying the calm.  He is having some good moments, so that is nice!