A Very Happy Birthday

Saturday was my birthday- I turned 29 with 9 years experience! ;)

It was a great day. We had Chad's family and my mom and dad over and had a BBQ. Grace got to do slip n slide races with her cousins and Chad's dad even bought us all lottery/powerball tickets for that evening. Nobody won that lottery but I felt I hit the jackpot with great company and some pretty nice presents. Even Alex's birthfamily remembered my birthday which was especially sweet.


But my favorite gift of all was this song from Grace: (you'll need to hit play and then immediately hit pause and let it really buffer before you hit play again to see the song without it stopping part way through).

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Huge Supply of Thankfulness

Today we went to Walmart to purchase Grace's school supplies for the first time ever. I know many parents cring at the thought of back to school shopping- the crowds, the expense, etc. But not this lady. I was so proud and thankful to be able to partake in this mundane annual event I took my camera and my flip camcorder. Its true, we probably looked pretty odd snapping pictures of our girl throughout Walmart, but 6 years ago we didn't even know if we would be able to have this possibility. And though it has been a rough ride, thankfully our prayers were answered when Grace and then Alex came into our family.

So instead of grumbling about the APS list, or that people were scrambling for supplies, or the fact that we had to buy the extra large Elmers Glue because all the small ones were sold out, I will simply be thankful that we have the opportunity to do this and say a silent prayer for those who's greatest wish is just to be a parent.


Grace's snazzy new shoes she picked out specifically for back-to-school, "kindergarten style"



Daddy proud of his big girl



Mom excited for Grace and Alex cheering for his sister



First pass on the school supply isle



All done and feeling like a big girl!

Working on the blog!

That's it. trying to figure out a good template...

Forget the Puppy, I want THIS for Christmas!

I can't say enough about the Youth Ranch Grace goes to, Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. She has learned so much there about horses, responsibility and being grateful.
We have made a lot of friends with the volunteers there. These people are truely made from Gold. We love them. One of our favs is Steph who works with the kids and horses.
Recently we went to her house to say hi and to pick up a wonderful child's rocking chair her Great-Grandma Grace had. In process we got to spend time with her horses.
Here is Grace hugging on one of the mini's. She's in love. Of course, one of these now tops her Christmas list!



We love Ms. Steph. She rocks. Didnt get ruffled - even when Alex tried to crawl under the fencing into the corral. ;)