Perspective from a seven year-old

Madison is also enjoying Coach Pitch Softball this year. She is learning a lot and has fun with her team. She especially enjoyed bringing the after game snack!

The weather has brought havoc to many across the US. The girls have had to revamp both "field trips" to be at school because of flooding and this past week, and we had a minor flood (on a smaller scale from last year) and it included water in the basement. The girls think it's fun to have a slumber party in Aliya's room.

The last sunny weekend we had a garage sale. The girls got to sell refreshments and we raised money to fill shoeboxes for Operations Christmas Child. Giving is Madison's spiritual gift, she said to me twice, "Mom, when we fill shoe boxes for kids, it makes me feel so good." After our last session of Financial Peace in the lesson on giving, Derrick came home and asked the girls, if you had $100 what would you do with it? Madison thought about it and answered, "I'd fill shoeboxes." Oh, what you can learn from a seven year-old.

T-ball 2011

Breanne has been enjoying T-ball this spring. Check out pictures from her latest game by
Clicking here.

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!