We went to the pool yesterday with The Johns'. Reid and Anderson are so cute together. I hope that we can do it more this summer, I think all the boys had a great time..Aren't they so cute??

Grandma Miller gave Vara this beautiful mesh thing--I cant remember what it's called!, grandma??-- I hung it over her crib, maybe a bit much, but I like it. Im surprised she hasn't pulled it, yet. Reid has been eager to get in "the crib room".


We pulled Reid's old toys from the attic today for Vara. This is her first attempt at the walker. She liked it at first, but then cried. :)

She does enjoy the play table, though.

Reid discovered this bug canister in his room today, so we've been busy hunting...its gross :) And, lastly, Vara had her first Pb&J today!! Yay!! She loved it! ( I hope it counts, it was actually on an ezekiel muffin.) Here she is savoring....

Visit with Friends..

I was blessed to have time with some close friends recently, Leslie and Courtney. They have both moved and it was great to see them again.

Les-I am so grateful we are friends. You are so sweet and refreshing...a true light to me! I want to do a trip out there, now, because Im jealous for more time with you! (and the kiddies)

They came over for one last visit. The kids played and we had dinner together. I totally think Reid and Mady look alike here.
We spent a morning at the beach. The kids were so cute together. Reid finally braved the water thanks to Mady and Christian's example. Les, I was impressed by Mady's sweetness... she was really kind and CUTE!!

This picture of Aslan makes me laugh! Strike a pose!!

Vara and Aslan together..
Reid and Christian playing...
Courtney and the kids spent the night with us. It was fun, but crazy as always. My favorite thing Court, is when the kids go down and we get to chat until late. I love all our talks, so call me so we can talk again!! heehee :)

On Sunday, we spent the afternoon at the beach with our caregroup. We finally got a picture together ..

Bye friends, miss you already!

Vara's Party

Here are some shots from Vara's actual birthday. Since I wasnt making a cake until saturday, we let her have some icecream (first time). Of course, she loved it. We then had her open a gift. Check out that messy face!!


We tried to get a family photo, too...

Vara's party was yesterday. We had some family over to celebrate. I have photos I want to share but I had to get this up first..it was so funny to us.

As soon as it was time for Vara to blow out the candle, Reid took the reigns as big brother....

Happy Birthday Vara!!

"The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." ps 1:7

My dear Vara,

I was thinking this morning of my love for you and how I am so very thankful God has given you to us. You are so beautiful and sweet! This will be a big year for you...there is a lot to learn!! (and I am glad I have the privilege to teach you) No matter your level of understanding, I pray you know to fear The Lord. I hope you will have a heart to honor Him through obedience and joyfulness. As you gain knowledge, I hope this becomes your foremost understanding. There is so much life in knowing Him who has saved you!!

Your personality is beginning to shine and I can see such beauty God has given you! There are so many ways you bless me through the day and I am very excited to know you better.

I hope you know you are loved and cherished, you really are a treasure to me! Happy birthday to you, this day. I love you more than I can imagine. You are my sweet girl, our little sister.

love, Mamma

You love music--here is your first attempt at the recorder. No matter the mess--you love emptying things out.

Leftover's Pizza

Our groceries were pretty slim and I was hopeful for a decent meal last night. I always have some pizza dough ready because we love home made pizza. (Trader Joe's sells a yummy and healthy dough for just $1.00.)


Alas...leftovers!!

Here is a compilation of what I found in the fridge...I used my skillet because my pizza stone is history...so I figured we can do deep dish style. The pizza tasted like something from Uno's..very yummy!!

This is what I layerd up:

1 garlic and herb pizza dough

2 big scoops of leftover basil pesto

leftover calzone stuffing (ricotta, mozzerella, parmesean, olives, spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, herbs, s&p)

leftover roasted chicken

extra mozzeralla to sprinkle on top

bake at 350 until melted and golden.

****I hope you can try this too! Enjoy!

We love Nana and Papa!!

Reid and Vara are so blessed to have a "Nana" and "Papa" like these!! (we are too!) Reid asks for them throughout the week and is SO excited when he finally gets to spend time with them. Its funny to watch him---he almost doesn't know what to do with himself when he sees them walking up to the house.

Nana is a great singer and book reader! She does fun games and playdough with Reid. I'm glad that Vara is warming up now. She gets excited and flaps her arms when the come over. Mom is always eager to have more time with the kids. I love her thoughtfulness. She will often call me to babysit or ask to watch them while I go run errands. If there is EVER anything we need, she will arrange her schedule to serve us.

Mom, I am provoked by your selfless heart, and so so thankful for your attentive care toward our babes. I love that you love The Lord and are eager to teach Reid of Him. You are a treasure and a blessing to me!!

Here is Reid's favorite event with his Papa. As soon as Dad gets in the door, he hears the big question..."Wanna play cars, Papa??" He is so sweet and always enthusiastic.

Sunday, beginning early!

Ok--here I am, bright and early. Why is it babies look their best ALL the time??
This is so silly, but very funny to me. Thanks for getting yours up, Bil. Lets see who else is brave enough...





I found this old teeter tot for babies at a yard sale yesterday
..it was made in 1950.














Vara was cruising today!! (she'll be one in 2 weeks)
She went from her toy basket to the dresser and then was pooped.














Reid ate his first Drumsick tonight. He loved it and ate it with much passion. He calmy asked for another when he was done. Thanks Matt and Kim!

Pool, Park, and Great Friends..

We went to the pool yesterday with Katie. It was so nice there! Reid loved it. He was still trying to balance in the water, though. He liked wearing everything AND sitting in Vara's boat. She didnt really like it, anyway.

Here's Katie and Vara (while she wasnt crying)...sorry it so dark.
She and Reid had a race to the side...Reid won. Reid loves Katie and Sean. He asks for them a lot and wants them at his birthday party. :)
Jumping from the side was Reid's favorite event. He made this face every time ...

* * * * * * * * * *
Today we went to a park with my friend Sarah and her girls. It was well shaded, so we could stay a while.
These friends live real close and the kids are almost the same ages. I'm so thankful for Sarah's friendship. She is purposeful to make the most of our time together with good fellowship. Thanks Sarah, you are a blessing to me!!

Vara and Ellen...they were very happy in their strollers for a while.

Good job girls!!

Here's Claira. I got a shot of her sliding, too, but it wasn't clear...

..and of course Reid. Doesn't he look funny?