Do You?

Do you have someone in your life who brings a smile to your face when you think about her?

Do you call her almost every day just to ask one question, but end up talking for 45 minutes?

Do you share all your joys and all your sorrows, and know she's praying for you through it all?

Do you cherish all the memories you have of her throughout the years? And remember little things she did to make your life better?

Can you not even imagine who you would be without her?

I do... Her name is Mom. And she is one of the most important people in my life. I love her more than I can put into words, and I know she loves me the same! She is an example to me of how to be a better godly woman, wife, mother, and friend.

Happy birthday, Mom! Thank you for being you and for always being there!

Family Portraits

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Sunday's photo shoot. I love how they turned out! And I love the people that are in the pictures with me. What an amazing family God has blessed me with. Here's a link to our photographer's blog: Photos by Beka. She did a wonderful job!

Family Day

Today was a wonderful family day! We started bright and early with our photo shoot. It was only 8:30, but H-O-T!!! Aside from the heat, we had a great time. We'll get the CD with all the pictures on Wednesday.

After the photo shoot, we rewarded the boys (and ourselves) with doughnuts, then headed to church. We dedicated Allie. We stood before the church and recognized that Allie is a gift from God. He's given her to us to raise, and we promise to raise her in a Christian home and teach her about Jesus. The pastor told about how Hannah prayed for a child, then dedicated him back to the Lord when she had a baby. They played a slideshow of pictures of Allie, then said a prayer for our family. It was really sweet! It is something that we've done with each of our children and is so meaningful to us. I'm glad both of our parents were able to be there with us!

Our family with Daniel Lopez

After Allie's nap, it was party time! I didn't know if she would really care about her presents, but she did! The girl loves dolls! The boys chose Hello Kitty plates and napkins, so I made a Hello Kitty cake.


Grandma and Grandpa gave her a doll stroller, stuffed bunny, and two crocheted bibs. Nana and Poppa gave her a Baby Alive. Coleman and Spence gave her a little Cabbage Patch baby. Daddy and I gave her some big girl sippy cups. (On her birthday we'll take the kids to Build-A-Bear.)

Birthday Princess!

She loves the doll the boys gave her, but Spence keeps trying to take it away!

Good presents everyone!

Happy Birthday to you!

Eating birthday cake