Family Day! 10 Years

Off to deliver diapers, wipes and formula to babies in need

LG decorated our ice cream bar for us.

There are no words...she took full advantage of this special day to pile up her bowl with toppings.

Have you ever tried to play Twister with a 70 lb Golden Retriever in the mix?

We each took turns taking one another on. I must say, Matt came out the victor most often.  May I also just say, that while you may not feel your age, play Twister and it will certainly put things into perspective for you. ha! ha!

It wouldn't be family day without a picture that includes Molly according to Lily Grace.

We celebrated our Family Day anniversary today.  10 years ago today, Gracie was placed in our arms and we became a family.  
She is one of the greatest blessings we have ever received.  She is a testament to prayers answered.  Our family is is a testament to God's mercy and grace.  
We've had a wonderful day!  Matt took off work, Gracie stayed home from school and we spent the day together having fun and enjoying one another. We started our day at morning mass and being reminded that when God answers our prayers, whatever they may be, that we do take rest, but instead take action and share His love and what He has done for us with others. God is most certainly good and loving! Always!!
We then went shopping for babies in need and delivered cases of diapers, wipes and formula to Catholic Charities in hopes of helping other babies.  
After making our delivery, we enjoyed lunch out and spent the afternoon at home playing games and laughing.  At the request of Gracie Cakes, we also enjoyed an ice cream bar.  
Ten years has certainly flown by, but it has left us with a ton of special memories and above all hearts filled with love and peace.  Thanks be to God!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Year of the Rooster 2017

Christmas Day!

After a wonderful Christmas mass last night, we woke early this morning....ok, I woke at 4:00 and excitement kept me from going back to sleep so we all got up at about 4:45.  
We've enjoyed opening gifts and playing with our new gadgets and toys throughout the day.  We've also spent the day in our pj's enjoying the yummy treats found in our stockings,  playing games and watching a video of Gracie's first Christmas home.  Oh the memories!  
Gracie has learned some truths of Christmas this year and it has truly deepened our family and faith Christmas experience.  
We know that the greatest gift we have or will ever receive is our Savior, Jesus Christ.  
Blessed Christmas everyone!

She came running.

so excited to see some things from her list

We have certainly been entertained today.  

A new bone...We let Molly get into her stocking first so we could all enjoy the morning. 

Lily Grace has been about to burst for weeks.  She couldn't wait for me to open my gift from her and Matt first thing this morning. I love my new Apple watch!

Matt and I were pretty excited for Gracie to open a gift as well.  We had our own surprise.

She got an Apple watch also!  Her squeal and excitement were adorable. 

Daddy with a new reel...ready for Montana.

Everyone got in on the karaoke today.

I unwrapped a gift from Gracie to find this very sweet message underneath the wrap.  

All in the mix

two excited girls

It didn't take long before Molly was played out.

Apparently Matt played himself into a late morning nap too.

This afternoon Gracie Cakes is trying out her Pottery Wheel.  (after we wrapped the entire island with plastic wrap as I could just see the clay flying)  Her daddy offered to be her assistant.  

Remember the movie Ghost from 1990? (It was the first movie Matt and I saw together.) Well, Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze there are not.

He did put up her hair for her to keep it out of the clay.  I love watching him with her in such a gentle way.  

Can't wait to see her first creation. (and how long she keeps her assistant who's full of suggestions)

Merry Christmas! Christmas Card Out-Takes

Here it is, this year's Christmas card out-takes.  

Needless to say, sitting just wasn't happening.

We tried standing and Gracie got tickled and I'm pretty sure it had something to do with wrangling Molly still. 

Lily Grace made a shoe change and Molly started settling in.  

Merry Christmas!  Peace be with you all!

Last Days Before Christmas Break

Lily Grace only had three days of school this week.  The principal let them have Christmas dress down days.  Lily Grace loved it and it was quite the fun way to end school before the break.  On her last day, Wednesday, she pulled out her favorite Christmas sweater, a pair of reindeer ears and gave herself a red nose.  She was the cutest reindeer I have ever seen.  The last day also brought with it the School Spelling Bee for 5th-8th grade.  She was quite nervous but did a great job for her first year.  She made it longer than a lot of upper grade students and was one of the last fifth graders to get put out.  We were quite proud of her.  

Her first night of Christmas break, she and Molly enjoyed their annual sleep out by the Christmas tree.  I use "their" loosely.  Molly only made it through half of the movie before coming to the bedroom for her usual spot.  

So cute!

Bob's Been Busy

Bob's been quite busy around here as we count down to Christmas day.  

Holiday Pops!

This year we decided to take a break from the Nutcracker and attended Holiday Pops instead.  We had a great time listening to the Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir perform traditional and contemporary Christmas music.  It was lively and entertaining and the sing along was a lot of fun!

Wasting some time before the show started

Hilarious! Gracie handed me my phone back before the show started with this funny picture she had taken of herself.