Amazing Grace

Our hearts are overjoyed.  

Several months ago Haleigh asked Jesus to be her Savior, her Rescuer.  At the time she didn't say too much about it.  As we were talking about Sophie's baptism and what it meant, Haleigh said, "Mom, I did that twice."  Obviously, we needed to have a discussion.  It turns out she thought she may have been dreaming the first time she gave her life to Christ.  So after talking with Sophie about it, she decided she better make sure she was awake and ask again.

I can't tell you how many people have stopped us on a random Sunday morning to tell us they enjoy watching Haleigh in praise and worship time.  I can promise it is not because she is so still and a good listener during that time.  It is just the genuine praise that she offers up to her Jesus!  I can say  I am so blessed to get to experience this on a very regular basis at home at the most irregular of times.  

The class was attended, our amazing small group has been given the date and time, grandparents have started covering the miles, and Haleigh has counted down the days (for many many days,) and tomorrow we will celebrate.  Celebrate the amazing grace we have been given, the way the Lord of the Universe has pursued Haleigh's heart, and the adventure she will have as she lives for Him!

Haleigh's Grand Prix Car

A few weekends ago we had nothing planned.  All weekend we were just looking for some fun things to do as a family.  Mark ran out and got a few games that would engage us all from youngest to oldest.  We got caught up on some reading.  We took naps.  We watched football.  It was a great weekend of rest and relaxation.  However, Monday came with a reminder in my inbox.  "Don't forget AWANA Grand Prix cars are to be turned in this Wednesday for the official weigh in."  Wow, what a great way to fill some "daddy/ daughter time" during our "what are we going to do next" weekend.  Oh well, too late now.  
I forwarded Mark the email with a subject title of "ugh :(" His response, "Please ask Haleigh if she really wants to do this.  You know we aren't very good at this.  Remember last year, the cars didn't even cross the finish line and the girls were so sad."  
With wide eyes Haleigh said, "Please tell Daddy it really does mean a lot to me!"  
"OK then get the stuff we need and we'll do it if she really wants to."
After we finished our CC day we rushed off to Hobby Lobby then to AC Moore to get our needed supplies. We also used our "phone a friend" option and got many pointers from Aunt Becky and family. (They are seasoned Grand Prix racers with many medals to show for it.)

Please don't strain your eyes on the actual race picture.  Of the four pictures I took this was the clearest because Haleigh was jumping up and down cheering the whole time.)
 
Yeah!! This past Wednesday was finally race night for Haleigh.  She raced in two heats and came in first and second.  (Did you catch that?  We crossed the finish line both times!!!)   Overall she didn't end up with a medal BUT  Mark and I were elated.  AND Haleigh did get to go on a date to Smoothie King with her Daddy after the races were all over! 

... this Wednesday Sophie's car is to be weighed in and Mackenzie races a match box car with her Cubby friends.  Stayed tuned for those posts...

Christmas Wrap Up

Our final Christmas celebration was with Mark's side of the family.  Meeps and Gran joined us for a fun day of "Christmas-ing," playing on the new play set, and showing off some new wii skills. 

That afternoon Mark's cousins joined us for a sweet time of, yet another, Christmas dinner and games.

(To be completely honest, about a week ago we finally finished our Jesse Tree advent.  It was very overdue, but WE DID IT!!  I think this is the first year we did every single day of the devotional all together- yeah!  It was a special treat that was precious to us all.  We are now looking forward to the Easter version- we should probably start now ;)

Christmas Day

Christmas day was wonderful!!  

We were in pajamas all day just being together. One beautiful part of the day was watching the girls' excitement about what they would finally give their sisters. 

The girls knew they were getting a new play set for Christmas.  However, they didn't know it would be set up while we were in WV.  The last gift they unwrapped was the "daisy swing."   They were so funny, they asked if we thought we would have it by Easter.  (I'm sure they were planning for our annual Easter brunch:)  When we didn't answer they just started running around and finally looked out the back windows.

We all headed out to play (in our pajamas :)

Once evening rolled around we finished the day with a nice meal and more playing.

A Very Merry Christmas in WV

The Wednesday before Christmas gifts were wrapped, the van was packed, Mark put in a solid day of work, and we hit the road for the first leg of our trip to WV!!

The time we were able to spend was short, but we sure did pack in a load of fun!!   

It was a blast!  Can't wait to be together again!!

hollyWILD

Last year we weren't able to fit a trip to Hollywild into our very busy Christmas month.  This year it was high on our list.  We planned a Sunday evening, thinking it would be the least crowded, synced plans with some sweet friends, bundled up and headed out.  

If you have never experienced Hollywild, wild is the best way to describe it.  You really never know what to expect.  You drive through a beautiful light display and then drive into a huge field.  As you make the transition from the light path to the field you can buy a bag of bread to feed the animals.  In this field there is absolutely no traffic pattern, rhyme, or reason.  There are many animals such as zebras, horses, huge steer, and even deer.  When you see one you just drive as close as you can and see if you can get close enough to feed them.

After you drive through the field you get to walk around the stables feeding and petting more animals.

It was such a great time.  

The experience was fun but sharing it good friends was the best!!

Ballroom Dancing

 The girls had a great opportunity to attend a ballroom dance class for the last 12 weeks.

  Their instructor was great with the kids!

  It took a few weeks to pick up on things but by the last week the kids were having a great time and dancing really well.

 

(Mackenzie just watched from the side, but we may let her have her turn on the floor the next round.)

(Sophie was at a birthday party so she isn't in this clip.)

We look forward to the next group of sessions in the summer!!