Fallin' in love with this Red Fuzzy Fella'!

Nathan and Jordan have a new found love for ELMO! I do think he is the most adorable red, fuzzy, puppet I have ever seen. "La-La-La-La-Elmo's World," just has the most darling ring to it. :) Their little faces light up like crazy when they see Elmo. So, I was always thinking that I wouldn't have a theme for their birthday party or that the theme would be very simple and first-birthday-ish. But, since they just adore Elmo, I just have to give them an Elmo birthday party. How could I not?! So, here are a few pictures with their new pal. And you can look forward to a birthday post after next weekend. :)

Jordy thought Cooper needed some Elmo love too!

Baby Avery - In Color!

Isn't she just the most darling little thing?! I love her!

Welcome to the World, Baby Avery!

Brayden and Bryce were waiting "patiently" in the hospital waiting room to see their new baby sister. They were so excited, they could hardly stand it!
















Brayden and Bryce finally got to see a picture of Baby Avery on my phone. They kept saying "wwwwoooooowwww."

























She finally made it to the nursery. Brayden and Bryce watched their baby sister in the window the whole time she was there.
























Here is my new little niece! Isn't she beautiful! I just love her. She was 8 pounds, 3 ounces. She felt like quite a bundle compared to my little 6 pound babies. :)

















I am one proud aunt! She is niece/nephew #4 and I just adore all four of them so much.























I know...all of our pics are in black and white. Bummer. That is just one more reason to go back to the hospital this weekend and get some more pictures and more snuggle time with Avery. ;)

HONK HONK!

Watch out! Nater Tot and Jordy are lovin' their fire trucks. Their favorite way to push them is with a brother in the seat...totally cracks me up! They still don't walk by themselves. We are just waiting for the day they let go and take off. YIKES!

Oh, and I have to give a quick shout out to my dear friend, Jill. She has finally started a new family blog. Can't wait to see the updates of her cute life.

At this time last year...

My belly was gigantic. My back was hurting. The nursery was ready. And I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my baby boys! On Janurary 20th, I was admitted to the hospital the first time and then began my long 18 days of bedrest. Now, that 18 days feels like it was nothing! I can not believe we are less than 3 weeks away from Nathan and Jordan's first birthday. Oh, how our lives have changed in the past year. Praise the Lord for these little miracles that wake up in the bedroom next to ours every morning.

Nathan is all smiles all the time. :) He is everyone's buddy. He doesn't meet a stranger. He's not scared of being dropped off at the nursery. And he thinks everything is hilarious!

Jordan loves this little elephant. Elephant came from Vivi's stash of stuffed animals and Jordan has become quite attached. He sleeps with Elephant every night and every naptime. In fact, the other night I decided Elephant needed a bath. Since Elephant has plastic beads in his belly, I had to hand wash him and I couldn't put him in the dryer. I snuck him out of Jordan's crib after Jordy fell asleep. BUT, Jordan woke up twice that night disturbed because he did not have Elephant in his bed. That's when Bryan and I decided it was time to get on EBay and look for an Elephant "look alike." Would you believe that we found this little guy?! He was originally from Old Navy like 3 years ago. And, now there were two of them listed on Ebay..one for $13 and one for $20! We bought the one for $13 and still couldn't believe we paid $13 for a little bitty elephant! He should be arriving soon. And, he will be made available for the next hand washing of Elephant. Whew!

Showering Libby

Aunt Janis, Aunt Sussi, Aunt Mary, and Aunt Pam gave Libby a very sweet shower on Saturday. Libby is a beautiful bride and we are so excited to celebrate their big day! Only about 6 weeks away!

Isn't this cake beautiful?!

Libby and her Mama

This is Granny (on the right) and her dearest friend, Mrs. Walker. Mrs. Walker was Bryan's 3rd grade teacher. Aren't they beautiful?!

Me, with Bryan's precious sisters - Aren't I blessed to not only have my own sister, but three fabulous sister-in-loves!? Baby Avery should make her big debut this week. I just can not wait to snuggle that little newborn baby!

Cousins -Lisa and Jackie- It was so sweet for them to come and celebrate Libby.

Libby was super excited about her "M" doormat. :) Libby, it won't be long before you are Mrs. Brad Mckinney!

Lord, have mercy.

"The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:11

Have mercy on the people of Haiti and the suffering they are experiencing after the terrible 7.0 earthquake. After watching the news today, the pictures of children in the middle of such tragedy might keep me from sleeping tonight. Because Bryan and I are believers in Compassion International (of which we sponsor a sweet Kenyan baby of our own), we have decided to help Haiti by giving what we can to their ministry to help the children of Haiti. Join us as we lift our Haitian brothers and sisters up in prayer. Donate here through Compassion. We don't have much to give...we are a teacher and a coach for goodness sake. But, we sure do feel blessed. So, for the glory of God and the furthering of His Kingdom, we will do our best to take care of those that can not take care of themselves.

Have mercy on our household, Lord. That in the midst of all this, we will not be shaken. We will stand firm on the promises of You.

I gave my boys big hugs today. I felt so humbled and blessed that Bryan and I got to hug and squeeze and kiss and play with Nathan and Jordan today. Some parents in Haiti are longing for another day with their child.

"The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:9

"I will listen to what the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people." Psalm 85:8

Let's Go for a Walk!

Before you see this post, you have to know about one of my FAVORITE Christmas gifts from Bryan. He had all of my blog entries printed and bound in a hardback book. It is so priceless! I sat in my bed last night and read every single word. Oh, how special to have all of those memories and pictures in one place! Thanks Hubby!!! I'm not sure of the website he used, but I can find out if any of you are interested.

We finally had a 50something degree afternoon so it was just warm enough to go for a ride outside in the new wagon! The boys loved it!

They tried to pet Cooper the entire way around the block. These boys just LOVE our sweet Cooper. He really is one of Nathan and Jordan's best buddies. (mine too :) )