Birthday Girl

Seven years ago, our lives were completely changed...for the better. We love you Madison Joy!

We've had quite the exciting (exhausting week) and expect more of the same in the coming weeks with traveling for both Derrick & Becky, t-ball and softball in full swing!

Easter was a blessing since all Derrick's siblings got to stay with us for the weekend. We had a full card with serving on Saturday for our church, but were able to recreate and relax with them.

Kayla and Breanne dye easter eggs.

Auntie Melissa and Madison, hard at it.

"It's so fluffy, I can't stop laying on it!" Madison said about her pillow (and her pet pillow from grandma.)

We were blessed with eleven little girls to help celebrate Madison's birthday after their early out on Wednesday.

Say, "Cheese!"

She's growing up!

Look who's riding now...

...without training wheels! Go Bre!

Dates galore..

Derrick's date card is packed! Last night, he took Aliya on a date. She was so giddy about it, it was unbelievable! She was still glowing about it this morning. Right now, he's out with Breanne for her date. So, I'll have to ask him when do I get mine?

Aliya is now running on the cast. We started the ordeal with her being 100% immobile, now she's pretty much back to normal and can play on her own again. Her cast is now COVERED with autographs. She's quite popular. She has her next x-ray and doctor appointment on Wednesday.

Shortly after she broke her leg, my sister, Traci, came to visit with her family. I think the cousins got in a lot of cousin memories. They're old enough to play a game of Monopoly on their own!

Me??? Oh!

It's bound to happen sooner or later. Aliya fell down the stairs last night (tangled up with Madison) and broke her leg. She was a trooper through the 3-hour ordeal of getting x-rays and splinted last night, awaiting the orthopedic consultation and cast this morning. The night was rough and she was up a lot. It's made for a tired, whiny, trying day. Ufta!

She's started a new antic as of late. When you say something about her (i.e. you're nice, you're silly, etc.) She says, "Me?" "Yes, you." To which she replies, "Oh!" On the way home from the clinic last night, we said something about how she is a brave girl. "Me?" Yes. "Oh!"

She's also excited that Abby Cadabby is coming to her house. No, we correct her Abigail (cousin) is coming to your house. "Abi-dale come to my house."

Here she is dunking her cookie in milk for the first time...just like big sisters.

The first weekend in March, we were privileged to join some friends on a snowmobiling trip. THe weather was beautiful. The mountains gorgeous. The company fantastic! Snowmobiling wasn't mom's cup of tea but Derrick and the girls all loved it!

Green eggs & Papa's money

In like a lion (rrrarrr, rrrrarr)

Out like a lamb (baaaa, baaa)

Our girls sang as they boasted about their predictions for March's forecast. Although the weather has been sunny, the mornings have been bitter cold! I love getting to see life through eyes of a child.

We have been simply going through the daily grind of school and home. Over President's Day weekend, Breanne kicked Madison in the mouth and knocked out the remaining front tooth. It seems so comical to me. Also, we tried to break the weekend up with a trip to the Reef. On our way out the door, I asked Derrick if he had grabbed the money. Aliya quickly told us that, "Papa has money. Papa has money." Too bad papa wasn't coming along!

However, last weekend, we did get to see Grandma Barb and Papa. We met for a weekend in Rapid City. The girls enjoyed swimming and lots of grandma and grandpa time.

Madi and Bre were excited to kick off the read-a-thon at school on March 1st. The big girls are both doing great with their reading and are excited about reading. Madison read Super Completely and Totally the Messiest (a family favorite) all on her own! Derrick is eager to read the Narnia series to them every night before bed. They've just finished The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, and are starting book three.

They also love to read to Aliya and now, just like big sisters, Aliya informs me that she's going to read to me.Yesterday, they came home with their Doctor Seuss hats towering overhead. And Madison was hopefully to have green eggs and ham for dinner. Breanne dreading it, I made Madi hold off 'til breakfast.

To My Sweethearts! Happy Valentine's Day!

Kids make holidays like Valentine's Day fun! This morning, the girls got their present from mom (and dad too I suppose.) I made them these little white flower hats. I'm so lucky to have 3 girly girls!

Their school Valentine parties were a hit and they also showered Aliya with Valentines so she wasn't left out. I had fun getting to know the kids in Breanne's class while leading the Musical Chairs center and also getting to know more of the moms.

Now, what to do to romance the husband...oh wait, I'm suppose to do that continually.