...And now Reesie's Turn

Oh. My. Goodness! Can I just tell you how much this little girl melts my heart? And isn't she one of the cutest things you've ever seen in your whole life? This week it was cutie-patootie #3's turn to start back to school.
Seriously, all could be wrong in the world, and this grin would help right things again!

Reese got the amazing Miss Leslie. I am telling you....she's phenomenal. Laney had her a few yers ago and she is one of the most fun, creative, loving teachers I have ever met. Truly gifted by God....I am so excited Reese gets to share some time with her.

My sweet girl and I before I head off to church. We're praying sweet blessings for this school year for all 3 of the girls. And can I just tell you while you're still reading...I am so thankful that my God is present with my daughters even when I can't be. It brings comfort to my soul.

First Day of School

All of the excitement for school actually began the Wednesday before school started. At 5pm all the class rosters were posted. Here is Laney-bear looking for her name.It really has been so fun seeing Laney's excitement for school. We've spent many hours eating lunches with Ashlyn, being a part of class parties, cheering everyone on at Field Day. And now, for my precious middle child...it is her turn!
Ashlyn and her best friend, Avery, were pleasantly surprised to be in the same class. They were in different classes last year, so it's a fun treat to be back together again!

The whole gang (minus baby Phillips in utero). Arranged marriages look better and better as the years go on. The parents are trying early to get Brady and Reese together...so far it's working! They are so cute together.

The following day we had Meet the Teacher night. Here is Laney in her desk. She has a teacher new to the school, Ms. Brown. We already like her!

And my 3rd grader (WHAT?) sitting in her desk in Mrs. Eicke's classroom.

Finally, the big day arrived. Here is cutie-patootie #1 all ready for her first day of kindergarten (sigh).

And cutie-patootie #2 on the first day of 3rd grade (sigh and another WHAT? 3rd grade?!)

Cutie-pattotie #3 couldn't miss out on the photo op, so here are all 3 precious girls on the First Day of School in 2010!

Laney was a shy giddy about the whole thing so it was a ton of fun to be a part of. I didn't get teary at all...

until Reese and I walked out of the school, just the 2 of us. Then the lump formed in my throat and the tears pooled in the bottom of my eyes. Sometimes, I wish time would slow down a little. Please, Lord Jesus, may I cherish these moments and keep them close in my heart!

We celebrated at the end of the day with a little frozen yogurt action. It's going to be a good year!

A Gampa and His Girls...

The week leading up to Ashlyn's birthday, my dad came into town. Gampa and his girls packed in about as much as you can in one week's time. They swam, they ate, they saw horses, they shopped, they read books, they made their traditional trek to IHOP for breakfast. I'm just not sure if they love him quite enough...what do you think ?

She's 8!!!

In so many ways it seems like yesterday I was hugging my mom at 6 in the morning ready to go deliver this precious gift of a daughter. I had no idea that early hour how much my heart could love someone. And now, the girl, my big girl, is 8 years old.

We started off the day with Ashlyn opening up some presents from her MiMi and Papa D and great-grandparents. A cute dress that will be perfect for school. Seriously, how beautiful and grown-up is this girl?
Gampa was in town for the whole week and they had planned early on for a Gampa/granddaughter date full of breakfast at IHOP and shopping! Here is the handsome couple before heading out! I warned him that our sweet girl definitely has her Nana and Mimi in her when it comes to shopping...she likes every minute of it.

FIVE hours later (!!!) they arrived home and we got ready for her party which this year she chose to be a bowling party.

You know those little crane machines that supposedly people win stuffed animals from, but you never see anyone actually win? She won! And not just once, Ashlyn won two different stuffed animals, completely on her own, from 2 different machines. It was a fun treat for the birthday girl.

Here is the birthday party gang.

My precious Ashlyn Jean, You are not just the daughter of our flesh, but the daughter of our hearts. We simply could not have asked for a greater gift from the Lord than you (and your sisters too). I'm so thankful for your selfless heart, for the kindness with which you treat people, for your sensitivity to the Lord and the things that make His heart joyful and also His heart sad. You are a blessing in every sense of the word. We love you, sweet girl!

Reese + mosquitos= not the best combination

Whenever this sweet girl gets bit by a mosquito the bite swells and usually gets a little hard. So I knew when she got bit right under her eyebrow she was going to be in trouble. This picture is within about 20 minutes of receiving the bite. Can't see it real well? Here isthe cutie a little bit closer up:
The full results came by the next morning. Here eye was completely swollen shut for over a day. Couldn't open it even a slit.

But as you can tell, it didn't bother her a bit! Fun was still to be had!
(Mom felt bad and I also felt like I should explain to everyone around as we ran errands that 1.) No, I didn't slug the precious girl and 2.) I promise she doesn't have pink eye that we are out and about spreading to other customers.

Just as cute and fun as ever! Of course, it's hard not to have fun with Aunt Jen!

A Slice of Heaven..the first couple of days

Aren't these just the cutest tiny hineys ever? Our first couple

of days out at the lake we had some of our best friends, the Stehrs, join us in the fun! My camera ran out of juice while on the boat but I did manage to get a few good shots in. These sweet girls love each other so!
Meagan and Ashlyn getting in some tubing action:
Even Reesie-boo wanted to tube and loved it!

Laney and Olivia!

Jason, who loves this picture, by the way.

Rusty and Audrey, some of the greatest people you'll ever meet.

One sweet girl all tuckered out!

We saw lots of deer, including some sweet babies like below:

And also rode on the mule and four-wheelers. Side note: I'm pretty sure God is gonna have a four-wheeler of my own ready for me when I get to Heaven.

Seriously, a slice of Heaven on earth.