Steadfast and Tightly Knit

Me: "We've got to get some snacks in us before we all fall apart!"
Brenna: "Mom, we won't fall apart! God made us!"

Boy, did I ever need that insight from my big 3-year-old sweetie....with a million things to do this week for school, my other work, taxes, a crazy messy house with lots of little people running around, and a big party Saturday and then the emotional news that my grandpa finally went to heaven last night.

Sometimes it feels like we won't hold together, that things are falling apart, but the gentle reminder that the one who knitted us together is in control, makes everything feel tightly woven once again.

"In My radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away. Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love. Confused ideas are untangled while you rest in the simplicity of My Peace. I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me."--Jesus Calling

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." Isa.26:3

"Fwee"

Watch out, world. Brenna Beth turns 3 on Sunday.

 In her own words, "When it's my birfday, I'm gonna be fwee."

That's quite a birthday for someone who is more "fwee"-spirited and laid back than most people I know...

...someone who has "fweely" become a daddy's girl...

...someone who has a "fwee" collection of moods--and uses them "fwequently"...

 ...someone who so "fweely" loves learning and doing, is so "fweely" with-it, and "fweely" has a mind of her own...

...someone who so "fweely" loves her sister (and who is so "fweely" loved right back!)...

...someone who is always "fwee" for a fun time, a laugh, and a big cheesy smile...

 ...someone who has a "fwee" mind that absorbs EVERYTHING...

...someone who is so "fweely" kind and generous to her little friends every day...

...someone who is so "fweely" hilarious all.the.time...

...someone who is "fweely" growing from our precious baby girl to an amazing big girl...

...someone so "fweely" and wholly and incredibly loved on her "fwee birfday"...and forever and ever.

Happy Birthday, Brenna! We are so "fweely" thankful for you!

Ready for takeoff...

Here's the newest addition to our yard thanks to Mimi and Pop...so much fun!

The girls had to entertain themselves while Daddy put it together...

 ...not too hard to find something in the repertoire of their imagination...

 ...and then they were ready to get their pilot's wings!

 This was its very first take-off...

 ...and it has been nothing but full flights (and big smiles) ever since :)

Sickies

Man, we've had a whole week of sickness...no fun! The girls have enjoyed lots of tv and game time, though. Here are some interesting pics I found on my phone by my little sickies who have confiscated my phone every day...I wouldn't get too close to the computer screen if I were you...we have been pretty yucky contagious!

Deal Daughter Wisdom

Our children are so wise.

Did you know that you can tell if someone/something is a girl just by checking for eyelashes? Apparently--Audrey informed us--if it has eyelashes, it is most definitely a girl.

Their expanding vocabulary amazes me every day.

Audrey accurately used the phrase "for the record" the other night at the dinner table...then gave us this little proud smile.

Brenna tells her dolls, "I have a diagnosis" after giving them thorough check-ups.

Brenna also likes to use descriptors such as "fabulous"...

 "gorgeous"...

 ...and "snazzy". 

She obviously knows a good thing when she sees it...

Audrey's nose knows a good thing...

"Daddy, you smell so good. I just want to follow you around all day!"

 Yes, they like to impart their wisdom on anyone who will listen...
Brenna to a friend 8 months younger: "Sienna, when I was your age, I used to dip my finger in ketchup, too."

So if you need their input on anything you have been confused about, please feel free to send us your questions ;)

Bundled Up!

Snapshots of a fun ICE day at the Gaylord Texan and a fun snow day back at home with friends:

"Under my hood

I have a hat.

Under my hat,

my hair is flat.

Under my coat

my sweater is blue...

 my sweater is red, I'm wearing two!

I have a muffler that goes round my chin.

 It circles my neck and then tucks in.

 My gloves were knitted by my aunts. I also have mittens,

and pants and pants.

 There are socks and shoes inside

 my rubber boots, red and wide.

 So when I go outside,

 I must not fall.

 Because...

 I really can't get up at all!"

 by: Karla Kuskin