Happy 9th Birthday, Jen!

We all love Jen. She is spunky, funny, and beautiful, just to name a few. She is one of those gals who just sparkles all the time. Well, today is her ninth birthday, and last night we had a pajama party to celebrate. Jen was born on February 29th, 1972, which just happened to be a leap year. So although she's lived on this earth for 36 years, she is officially nine years old. We surprised her with a party at our MOPS steering meeting, and indulged her with fun 9-year old things like Hannah Montana plates, napkins and cups, a twister game, and a High School Musical cake. Gifts included jammies, hot pink nail polish, a training bra, a tiara, wand, and banner set, and stickers and bubble gum. Several of the girls sprayed themselves with glitter perfume, and we all gorged ourselves on cake, chips, brownies, and popcorn. We always have fun when we're together, but last night was a special time meant to honor Jen.

wordless wednesday

Grover Friends

One of the scariest things about being a teenager is having to choose a college, and thus a path for one's life. I remember being quite clueless about what I wanted to do with my life and where I wanted to study. In fact, the day before I left for my freshman year at Grove City College, my parents literally "threw the book at me" and told me to choose a major. Ha! I had applied as a biology major, hoping to eventually pursue marine biology. There's no marine life in western PA. Finally I declared, "Well, I guess I'd like to study elementary education." And the rest of that story is history. But my point here (sorry, I got a little off track) is that going to college is like taking a leap of faith. Most freshmen arrive on campus scared and feeling completely alone.

But here it is, years later, and I see clearly how God's perfect plan has unfolded for me. Bryan and I met the second day of freshman year. Two weeks ago we celebrated our 17th Valentine's Day together. This past weekend we got together with college friends to reminisce, fellowship, and celebrate just being together. The last time we were together, Matt was still a bachelor and none of us had kids!!! I am thankful for these friends with whom we are bonded together by our history, our faith, and our love for one another.

Here are just a few of the pictures we took.

Bob, Bryan, and Matt

Jen (Bob's wife), me, and Melissa (Matt's wife)

The kids (minus Hannah. She was hopping around with her bunny ears on).

A future Grover? Her sweatshirt says so, although you can't read it here.

Only God knows what's in store for her!

Dressing up (as always) and Dancing with the Stars!

Here is a funny video of the kids watching Dancing with the Stars. Hannah has seen this episode about 34 times. If you watch closely, you will see her emulate Helio's fancy move in the beginning where he throws himself down on the floor. This was the first time Tyler had seen this show but he is a fast learner.

Kids will be kids!

Hannah and Tyler had so much fun together. They particularly enjoyed playing on the steps. They had picnics, slid down on their bellies, and perfected their raisin rolling. Yes, raisin rolling. Bailey loved cleaning up after that!

Snowy day!

Our very good friends Matt and Melissa flew up from Florida to stay with us for the weekend. They brought along with them their adorable son, Tyler. The seven of us had a great time together. Here are some pictures of our snowy Friday. This was Melissa's first experience with snow... those southerners don't know what they're missing.

wordless wednesday

Heroes

I have many heroes in my life. Just to name a few... Jesus, my husband, my mom, Hannah's birthmother, my dad, Oprah, Brangelina, and anyone who has adopted a child. As I was perusing various blogs tonight, I came across this amazing video. It was made by a couple with seven children, soon to be eight. I suggest you hit the "pause" button at the top left corner of my music playlist and turn up your speakers. Click here to view it. Oh, and you may want to grab a tissue.

Rebuilding History

I love living in our quaint, charming town. We have great little shops, numerous parks, a bike path that runs along a peaceful creek, and two historic covered bridges. One of those bridges sits right at the bottom of our street. Four years ago our community was devastated when this bridge was destroyed by arson. Well, the bridge was rebuilt and today it finally reopened. Hooray!

You can view all 12 beautiful bridges in our county here.

My Happy Heart

Delaney's first lollipop! YUM!
She spent more time exploring it than eating it. Hannah gave up on her little sister and gobbled both lollipops up.
My parents received a special (live!) delivery. Look at those claws!
Daddy handed out special valentines at dinner.


We gave Hannah a new book for Valentine's Day. My Happy Heart is simply written for small children, but I love the message so much that I want to post it here. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. I wish you love.

Does love come wrapped in ribbons and bows?

Is it something you buy?

Or something that grows?

What is love, do you suppose?

Love is... when you jump and shout

and dance and sing and let it out!

Yes that's love. That's for sure!

And love is something even more...

Love is... three words: "I love you".

And love is something that you do.

Yes that's love.

That's for sure!

And love is something

even more...

Love is... being kind whatever you do...

Like saying sorry if I hurt you.

And love makes up when we fight

Because love forgives, yes that's right!

Love's a gift. Yes, it's true!

Who's it for? ME and YOU!

Love never ends... yes it's true!

The more you give, the more for you!

Yes, love grows! (Boy, you're smart!)

Not on trees, but in your heart!

What is love?

Where does it start?

Love comes from God...

and fills my heart!

"God is love."

1 John 4:16

Added on 2/18: Several of you have asked me about this book. I found it at our local Christian bookstore but here is the amazon link.

Lunchtime fun

After school today, we headed to Burger King to meet our good friends Sue, Emmie Grace, and Nathan. The kids had a blast and even Delaney joined in the fun!

Hannah, "Melissa", and Gram

Since I was still feeling a bit under the weather on Monday, my mom graciously offered to come and take care of we three girls for the day. Melissa is the current name of Hannah's American Girl doll. Sometimes her name is Medina, sometimes Delaney, and once in awhile it's Hannah. Nonetheless, I thought this photo was cute.

Thanks, Mom, for the chicken noodle soup. You are the BEST!!!