My Girl

I just put my girl to bed.

It's one of my favorite times of the day.

She makes it so easy.

Tonight I asked her if she was ready for "night-night",

and she headed up the stairs.

We cuddle while she drinks her warm milk.

And then cuddle some more.
Every once in a while she looks up at me and says "hi"

in her sweet little voice.

As I lay her in her crib I tell her I love her and good night.

She rolls over and goes to sleep.

What an angel.

Have I mentioned that I love this girl?

(my mom took this pic last weekend when Aldyn stayed with them - love it)

Now it's time to enjoy a movie with my hubby :)

Have a great weekend!

Better Late Than Never?

I meant to do this post last week...

But I'm not sure where last week went?

So here goes...



Mother's Day was great...

Started off with an amazing sermon at church.

I usually don't make a habit of recapping our sermons on my blog, but...

I'm going to share the outline,

for two reasons...

typing it will force me to review it myself,

and I think you might like it too.



"Excellent or Irritating?"
Paul Bauman
May 10, 2009

**Read Proverbs 31:10-31 first**

Objective: To understand the Proverbs 31 woman by examining these areas...



1. The Identity of the Proverbs 31 Woman

*The Proverbs woman is not real.
*The Proverbs 31 woman is a snapshot of a woman as God designed her to be.
*She is the first face of Eve...before the fall

2. The Plan for becoming the Proverbs 31 Woman

Step #1: Stop trying. It is impossible this side of eternity.

a) you are fallen

b)your children are fallen
their value is not tied to their performance

c)your husband is fallen

Step #2: Depend on God for help.

Cry out to Him for help everyday.
We are created in His image.
He "gets" us.

3. The Practical Applications from the Proverbs 31 Woman:

vs. 11-12
1. Ask God to help you carry out your unique role in the lives of your family.

a) husband-show him respect, in private and public situations.
This is more important than love to some men. No other female should
play this role in the life of your husband...the need will never go away.

b)daughter-To affirm her beauty. (Read "Captivating" for more on this)

c)son-To encourage him to reject passivity and to step up and take
responsibility. In other words, don't do everything for him. Challenge
him in the area of spiritual leadership. Affirm and show him respect.

2. Ask God to help you stay focused on the things that will benefit
YOUR family.

a) Don't compare...every family has a unique dynamic.

b) Be who God has created you to be and do it with excellence.

c) Kids need more of you and less of a house that is neat and clean.

d) No one else can play our role in God's plan!

All of that just really hit home for me...and I was totally convicted.

The rest of the day was wonderful...

My Mom, Dad, Mollie and Adam all came to our house for dessert and we got to hang out for a while. Then we spent the evening in Kearney with Mike's family. I feel totally blessed by my Mom and my Mother-in-Law...two special ladies. I was glad we were able to spend some time with each of them.

Some pictures of our day...

No Sleep = New Blog Post

This never happens to me.
I've been up since 5...sleep eludes me.
I'd like to say I got up and cleaned, did laundry...
you know, something constructive.
But instead I came to the couch, got cozy with a blanket,
and surfed the net.
I'm not ashamed to admit...I will take a nap today!

Last night we went to my sweet cousin Bronwyn's graduation party.
It was so nice...but made me a little sad.
I don't want her to go to college...in Denver.
She used to to ride her bike over to my house
so I could braid her hair for softball games.
Now she babysits for us at least once a week.
She's mature beyond her years...and we're gonna miss her!
But I'm so proud of her, and I know she'll be successful...


Little Miss wasn't in the picture mood, a little squirmy...
so this was the best we could do.


We got to see lots of family, including my cousin
from Minnesota and her sweet kids...
Addi is just a couple months older than Aldyn.
Look at those curls! I try hard not to covet them :)


When we got home last night, Aldyn was so tired
and was cudding on my shoulder...so precious.
I asked Mike to take a picture, because it's a rare occasion...
like when she's half asleep...
Wouldn't you know that as soon as he got the camera, she came to life!


cheese



big, wet kisses...my favorite kind...
take note of the pretty gerber daisies from my sweet hubby


she doesn't like my kisses as much


For a few years, Mother's Day was hard for me.
It reminded me of everything I didn't have.
While I knew I should be happy for those around me,
I was jealous instead.
Now it's a day I can thoroughly enjoy.
But my heart goes out to all those mamas who don't have their babies yet...
and maybe never will.
I feel your pain.
I pray that Jesus will give you peace today...
because only He can.


Happy Mother's Day to my one and only Madre, my Mother-in-Law, my Grandma, Aunts, Sisters-in-Law, and Friends...I hope it's an extra special day for you!

Soakin' It Up

The past few days have been sooo beautiful.

Warm temps and no wind...perfect!

On Wednesday we spent some time at Frank & Karen's...

Baby Eli and his parents were over for a visit...

I snapped a few pics...but none of baby Eli...
What's up with that?

Guess I'll share what I have...

Aldyn and Skylar walked out to see what their daddies were doing.

They thought maybe they needed some help putting that sprayer together.

Grandpa took the kids on a 4 wheeler ride

to check out their new calves...

Why can't thoses calves stay babies?

So cute now...not so much later.

I think Gunnar was having a serious talk with his transformer :)



I measured one of our massive tulips...almost 30 inches!

Sweet Baby Eli

We got to meet the newest member of the family last night...

~Elijah Khalil Birney~

...Such a precious gift from God...

Welcome to the world, little man!

With his proud grandparents
Aldyn wasn't sure what to think...
She wasn't too fond of sharing Grandpa & Grandma...
And she couldn't quite get her hands on the "baby"

and boy did she want to!
But good times are ahead for the fab 5 cousins

there's no doubt about that!

We love you Eli!

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above." James 1:17