Valentine's Day ~ almost

 

The day before Valentine's Day our celebration began at co-op.  We had a fairly normal morning schedule with a very special lunch celebration.

 Because Mark was home with the day off we took off  a little early and headed home to begin celebrating Valentine's Day family style...

We headed to Charming Charlies to do some fun jewelry shopping for the girls.  A short walk around the corner landed us at Barnes and Noble where we spent a lot of time reading and just being.  Of coarse we had to have dinner, right?  Next stop was PF Chang's for some yummy food, and entertainment as Haleigh ate her noodles with chop sticks.
Mark made us all feel very loved on this special day!

 On the real Valentine's Day the only thing left to do was let Mark know how much we love him.  The girls filled up these little hearts with all the special ways Daddy shows us love.  It made me smile to see what they see as "Daddy's love."

~wrestling with us

~paying for violin lessons

~playing "bogaty boo"

~birthday parties

~teaching my Sunday School class

~taking us to Frankies Fun Park

~hugs

~kisses

~compassion kids

~getting us smoothies

~being at all my big events

~telling us silly stories

~watching movies with us

~snuggling with us

~play set

~9 rounds

~taking us to your conferences

~making my Grand Prix car

~being fun you

Sophie's Grand Prix

It was finally Sophie's turn for Grand Prix.

 

 Many of us had a hand in its design and shaping...

 even Grandma.

 Sophie's car actually came in fourth in the heavy weight division.

(Shocking with our history.)

At the end of the night Sophie had a special date with Daddy and a car with all wheels still intact.

"A Lady to Remember"

 

 February 3 was this year's "Faces of History" for Simpsonville's CC Essentials' class.  Each student was to pick an American historical character they would like to know more about.   Once they picked their characters the writing process would begin.  Over the next three weeks resources were gathered, specific topics were chosen, key word outlines were made and then fused, resulting in a research paper that was then edited and dressed up.  Finally, this research paper was transformed into an oral presentation given only with the help of a key word outline.

As our school year kicked off Sophie heard a snippet about the life of Abigail Adams.  At that moment she knew that would be her choice figure when FOH rolled around.  The process was a hard, long, tedious effort that resulted in a beautiful presentation of "A Lady to Remember."  It also resulted in a young girl seeing that sometimes things don't come easy and if you push through and reach beyond your comfort zone you can surprise yourself and stretch your comfort zones to include what seemed like such a big challenge.

Sophie's teacher was such an encouragement to us.  She was great to walk the class step by step through the expectations placed on them.  This sweet lady also took the opportunity to speak to Sophie about her hesitations of presenting in a new way in such a manner that Sophie knew if Mrs. Debra thought she was capable do this there must be a reason ;)  She gave it her best shot and hit the mark!

 When Sophie finished I wanted to stand up and cheer, cry, and high five her all at the same time!  There wasn't much time for that as the next student was up and enlightening us on the discovery they had made as they researched their character of choice.  That is such a neat part of this class too,  Sophie was so excited to hear each presentation as she routed on her friends who had walked this process with her.

So proud of everyone of these American characters!!

90

What makes me smile today...

Knowing I have consumed at least 90 slices of brown sugar bread at the round table in her kitchen.

Knowing I have been rocked way more than 90 times on her lap as she patted my thick leg.

Knowing she has given me sound advise and wisdom 90 X 90 times.

Knowing she stocked the candy drawer at least 90 times per summer :)

Knowing she could call "here kitty kitty" 90 times in 30 seconds without getting tongue tied.

Knowing by just closing my eyes I can see her, standing in the front of Salem Church, where she stood at least 90 times, in her green choir robe, singing "may it be a sweet sweet sound in Your ear" as the prayer led into the sermon. 
Knowing I woke up at least 90 days to the smell of a country breakfast, and the excitement of being at Grandma's.

Knowing she asks 90 times, each 90 days how my "babies" are.
Knowing that I have surely consumed 90 of the best apple pies, cinnamon rolls, and homemade rolls made by her loving hands.

Knowing she has signed off our phone calls with "Love you bunches XX!"  WAY more than 90 times.

What makes me smile most today is that this is a special day because someone VERY special turns 90 today!!!!

(and in just one short week we will cross the miles to celebrate in person:)

 We love you SO much Granny!!

A Beautiful Day

 January 29, 2012 is the date Haleigh made her declaration of faith, in front of many friends and family, through baptism. 

Haleigh could not get to this time of day fast enough.  Sweet friends greeted her in morning church with excited hugs and exclamations of excitement looking towards the afternoon to come.  After church we headed out to eat with both sets of grandparents.  Finally, it was time to go back to the church and get Haleigh ready.

A sweet time of praise and worship started the baptism celebration.  Each child being baptised had previously been taped telling their story of how Jesus pursued their hearts.  Their video was shown along with a few pictures through their childhood.  Next a parent was able to speak confirmation over their child and their decision to accept Jesus as their Rescuer.  (Mark spoke over Haleigh for a few reasons.  First, I think it is important for a daughter to hear her Daddy's affirmation.  Secondly, I would not have gotten one audible word out through my tears of joy!)

After all 8 beautiful testimonies and baptisms, all those who came to support Haleigh in this decision gathered and prayed for her.  Then we had a sweet time of celebrations!

 It was a beautiful day!  The testimonies of Jesus' awesome work in the live of these children.  The bubbling over excitement of Haleigh as she counted down the hours till she would be baptised.  And so much love poured out by those (able to be there and those across the miles)  that will walk through Haleigh's life with her, celebrating her joys, praying with her and for her, and challenging her to continue reflecting and depending on Her Rescuer, Jesus Christ.

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...