Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

How can it be that two years have gone by so quickly?



Happy 2nd Birthday, Claranna Rose!!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter!


Here are few glimpses from our day...




Claranna was pretty happy the Easter Bunny brought her jelly beans!



A family picture before the egg hunt at the farm



Yes, the kids really did an egg hunt in mud boots!






It doesn't take these kids long to find some fun at the farm. The boys said it was just too hot for them in the haymow so that is why they have their shirts off. James smart enough to keep his shirt on to avoid getting itchy!


An Easter celebration wouldn't be complete without splitting wood, or would it??

Hope your day was sunny and joyful, just like ours!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easter Wishes

Our Easter weekend began with Good Friday services at our church. My choir sang two pieces during the service, one of them being "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" which is a Good Friday tradition at our church and a favorite song of mine to sing with the choir. The lyrics are so powerful.
1. When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
Claranna had a difficult time reflecting in silence during the service. Quiet isn't one of her strengths at the moment. Mark kept the girls with him during the service and James sat quietly with me and the choir.

Today we had a busy day of Easter Egg hunting, bunny visiting, a little shopping and some family egg coloring time. Our church hosts a wonderful egg hunt every year that focuses on the "empty tomb" and shares the Easter story with the kids as they look for eggs that are empty like the tomb. It's the empty eggs that can be redeemed for special prizes. There were over 3,000 eggs at the egg hunt, so all the kids had a great time gathering their share. All three kids were able to spend a little time with friends during the egg hunt, so it was a fun time for all of us!

Following the egg hunt, we stopped by to visit the Easter Bunny at the mall. We've never done this before, but Claranna has been thrilled to hug any character lately, so we thought we'd give it a try. Claranna gave the Easter Bunny hugs, blew kisses and gave more hugs. She and Ella had their picture taken. James wasn't too interested in visiting the bunny, so he's not in the picture.

Now treats for tomorrow have been made, including a "from scratch" chocolate layer cake with homemade chocolate butter cream icing. It's a new recipe and I can't wait to try it!!! Our eggs (and Claranna) have been decorated with bright colors. Claranna is singing herself to sleep and the big kids are watching The Ten Commandments with Mommy and Daddy. We are all excited for tomorrow morning. The kids are hopeful that by morning the Easter Bunny will have made a stop at our house. Tomorrow the trumpets will play at church, the kids will sing in their choir, I'll sing with my choir at three services and then we'll head to the farm for an Easter celebration. A celebration which is sure to include another egg hunt with the little cousins! We all have anticipation for the joy of Easter Morning. May your Easter be joyful too!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Wizard of Oz


Here's our Bubble Munchkin from the Wizard of Oz with Dorothy and the Glinda. She is the the center little dancer on the top picture and is kneeling on the right in the bottom picture. She did an awesome job and the entire show was wonderful. She has really enjoyed spending time with her friends and getting to know the older girls.

Happy Birthday







Eight years ago today we were given a very special gift. I remember these baby days so clearly and I can't believe they were already so many years ago!

We'll be celebrating with a very busy day today. Ella is dancing in a local dance production of the Wizard of Oz this weekend. She has two shows today and we are excited to see her dance.
Mother nature is even in a festive mood and sprinkled out some white confetti to help us celebrate today! We are looking forward to a great day with our eight year old.
Happy Birthday, Isabella Mae!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Our Little Helpers

We really have great kids and they each like to do things around the house to help out. During our last snow storm (hopefully the last of the season!), James shoveled our entire driveway by himself. We were so proud of him and he was very proud of himself, too! He was even more thrilled when we gave him a whole dollar for his efforts! That's pretty cheap labor!

Not to be out done, Claranna also wants to be a big helper around our house! Here's her handy work from tonight:While I was away at yoga tonight, Mark discovered that Claranna had "helped" by feeding the cats. When asked, the little one said she didn't eat any cat food, but it does make me wonder...
It is never dull at our house, but we wouldn't have it any other way!