Cow Appreciation Day

It's amazing what we will do for free food!

Actually, Andrew and Lily had a great time constructing our costumes for Chick-Fil-A's Cow Appreciation Day.

If you dress like a cow, they will give you a free meal - brilliant!

Our kids thought they were living high on the hog when they each got their own kids meal - ha!

Our total came to around $28 and it was all FREE.

Have I mentioned that I love a bargain? ;o)

Blueberry Picking with Caroline

I love having a full house; however, I also treasure one-on-one time with each of our blessings.

Caroline and I had a wonderful time picking blueberries this year - a first for both of us.

I enjoyed picking them so much more than other berries!

We went on a cool morning in July and had the field all to ourselves.

We talked about how to pick the best berries.

She was very proud of herself!

Precious times with a precious girl. =)

Growing, growing, growing!

Oh how we love our little Lucy.

It always amazes me how much little ones grow and change during their first year!

We are so very thankful that she is growing as she should and that she is healthy.

She has brought even more joy to our home.

Her smile makes my heart leap!

Here are some pictures from her first, second & third months.

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

It is such a blessing to spend my days with her and watch her as she changes and grows.

Father's Day 2011

Obviously, I love my husband. I also happen to really like him a lot. ;o) Beyond that, though, I can honestly say he is one of the best men I've ever known. He truly loves God and strives to do what is right. I am so blessed that he loves me not just with his words, but by the way he lives every single day. He loves his children so much and shows them so by spending time with them, saying "yes" as much as possible, praying for them, and lots of other ways. He takes the time to play, puts them to bed with books, kisses and prayers and leads them in family worship. He works hard to support his family and (more importantly!) bring glory to God and serve others. He is certainly a servant leader. He isn't perfect, but he's pretty amazing! We are immensely blessed to have him & I thank God for him!!

We started the day with cinnamon rolls - one of Daddy's favorites!

We were excited to have both sets of grandparents with us for Father's Day. This is not something Sven & I take for granted!

Sven and his father, Frank

Me and my Daddy

Ending the day reading "Dance Me, Daddy"

Tiny Dancer

Anyone who knows Lily knows that she feels VERY at home on a stage. ;o)

I remember years ago as we walked into the sanctuary at church, she thoughtfully and quite seriously asked me, "Mommy, how do I get them to give me one of those microphones?"

Well this girl loves to dance!

This was her third recital and she just loves them.

She loves the costumes, the stage, the music - all of it!

Her class danced to "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins. We love that movie and that song!

Lily loves taking ballet with her friend, Elli!

I'm so thankful for this little lady!

She was THRILLED to receive these flowers!!

She grinned from ear to ear and felt so special. Oh how we love our Lily girl! She is so expressive and has such a wonderful imagination. We love seeing her use the gifts that God has given her and pray that she will always use them for His glory.

Big Apple Adventure

Vacation Bible School is truly one of the highlights of our year.

I am so thankful to attend a church that values children and wants them to learn about how much God loves them.

The kids love the music.

Even Emma Grace has been running around singing, "Bi-bi-bi, bi-bi-bi Big Apple Adventure!"

Strawberry Pickin' =)

One of our favorite traditions is picking strawberries and making jam.

The children were devastated earlier this year when we ran out of jam - they lead pretty rough lives. ;o)

We have had an extremely rainy spring which resulted in a less-than-stellar crop.

We still had a great time picking, though!

Lucy wasn't too interested in the strawberries...

The girls alternated between eating and picking.

We always joke that we should weigh them before and after we pick.

Caroline was really helpful this year.

Andrew had a great time in the field with his buddy, Caleb.

A good time was had by all!!

Washing berries with two of my favorite girls...

mashing them....

adding the "shug-uh" as Caroline would say =)

Unfortunately, we bought generic sugar this year.

Apparently this is a big no-no when making jam.

None of the FIFTEEN JARS set. =(

On the bright side, I've got some amazing strawberry ice cream topping. ;)