grooming day for sweet sadie- 6 months old

Mich's Weekend

Michy's getting married!  My beautiful, funny, smart, talented, cousin is getting married!  It's funny that as I loved watching her with friends and family this weekend, I still pictured her as my little cousin that we couldn't wait to come down from New York and visit.  Now she's gotten all big and grown up on me, and this weekend proved just that.  My cousin, Carrie, surprised her on Saturday with a little party at her house, and we had lots of fun reminsiscing and laughing.

I had to post this, because if I was scrapbooking, it would be in there.  These are moments I love with the fam.  Julie's laugh is great and contagious.  Love it, love her...  (Even though she doesn't forget a thing from our childhood, and after hearing all the stories, I totally failed as being a good big sister and role model!)  hee, hee.

this is Aunt Linda, beautiful, sincere, dedicated Aunt Linda.  Had a photo shoot with her, we voted this should be her new f/b profile pic.  What do you think?

I won't say how many pics were taken to get this shot, but this one's a keeper!  Way to go, sisters!  They're even in birth order (just stick Uncle Bob in b/n Aunt Joyce and Aunt Marj)

Sweet cousins- loved having some time to catch up with them, without having to worry about any kiddos interrupting any conversations.  Now if I can find an takers to watch the girlies, so we can head to New York for the big wedding!

Who knew?!

Who knew my six year old would learn to ride a bike, blow bubbles, and tie her shoes all in the same week?  What a birthday for a 6 year old!!!!

Kindergarten memories

sweet friends on ellie's sweet 6th birthday

Easter Blessings

At Easter I will decorate eggs with lots of bright colors...

But Jesus is the one who colors my world every day.

"The Heavens tell of the glory of God!" Ps. 19:1

At Easter I will buy sweet treats to share with my friends...

But Jesus is the on who shares all my thoughts and feelings.

"You know my every thought." Ps. 139:2

At Easter I will hunt for eggs...

But Jesus never has to hunt for me- he always know right where I am.

"Every moment you know where I am." Ps. 139:3

At Easter I see new life all around me...

But Jesus' new life on that first Easter morning is what I celebrate.

"He isn't here! He has risen from the dead!" Luke 24:6

On Easter I will dress in new clothes and get a basket full of surprises...

but knowing Jesus loves me is the best gift I will ever receive.

"The free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Ro 6:23

Yes, Easter is filled with good things bright and new...

but I can praise Jesus for giving me new life every day of the year!

"I am the resurrection and the life" John 11:25

Ham, Easter eggs, and cute pictures may be fun, but the fact that HE IS RISEN is the real reason our family gathered together to celebrate!  Thank you, Lord, for the new life that we have in your son, Jesus!!!

Easter with the Berb's

Easter at Mom's.  The traditions carry on; laughter, smiles, baseball games, great family, wonderful food, golden eggs.  That's what it's all about.  

Chicago

What's a Daddy to do in Chicago with three girls?  Not by choice, just purely out of love- The American Girl Store, of course!  Rob's work takes him to The Windy City often, but this time, he decided to focus on the girls and let them see part of his life when he's away from home.  We went a few years ago, but it was really cold, so most of the time spent outside the girls' faces were buried under our arms protecting them from the wind, or we took a cab.  Needless to say, they weren't able to really take it all in!  This year, the weather was perfect!  As we walked through the city, the girls were mesmorized with the amount of people walking, the traffic, and the buildings. 
11 years ago, when Erika was born, Sandy thought she might be her only granddaughter, since she only had boys, and that's all she knew.  Since Erika was her first girl, she couldn't wait to buy her an American Girl.  Granny was in her glory buying her a Bitty Baby and sweet outfits for every occassion.  Little did she know, between Rob and his brother, she would be blessed with 3 more girls.  She couldn't get enough of her grandkids, and wish she were still with us to be sharing in carrying on The American Girl tradition.  There were several times in Chicago when Rob and I looked at each other and smiled and said, "If only Sandy were here."  That may be part of why Rob was so patient at the store because he knew it was in honor of his mom.
Here are a few pics, I know, it's picture overload.  But remember, if I were scrapbooking, I would have made a book out of our Chicago trip!, so this ain't too bad!