Go My Children

Tonight while I was rocking my little Lucy to sleep I sang our nightly songs to her and I thought of my sweet nephew Reece. I cried the entire time I snuggled Lucgoose. I struggle with why I get to hold my babies and my sister has to wait. Why God would pick my family for this journey, and my heart is sick. That being said, I know with whom Reece rests, and that He is watching over my girls tonight as they sleep, because as we sang, they are His. 

This is one of our songs that we sing every night together. So incredibly true.  
"Go, my Lucy, with my blessing, Never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you; You are my own.
In my love's baptismal river
I have made you mine forever.
Go, my Lucy, with my blessing - You are my own".

"Go, my Lucy, sins forgiven, At peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you, What I can cure.
Here you heard my dear Son's story;
Here you touched him, saw his glory.
Go, my Lucy, sins forgiven, At peace and pure".

"I the Lord will bless and keep you And give you peace;
I the Lord will smile upon you And give you peace;
I the Lord will be your Father,
Savior, Comforter, and Brother.
Go, my Lucy; I will keep you And give you peace"

Memorial Day

Memorial Day was spent relaxing and remembering. Matthew took Vera to the Disney water park, and Lucy and I played around town. 

Sporting our red, white, and blue ensemble 

Of course, we had to wish all the neighbors a happy Memorial Day too

After water table fun, Lucy was forced into another patriotic outfit. 

God bless the USA!

The Cookout

I love America and all things patriotic. Always have, I think in large part, due to my grandma and mom. We always got together and celebrated our heroes and country as a family. I hope I can pass along that pride and gratitude to the girls. So we decided to host a neighborhood cookout for all of Vera's little buddies. It was a blast! 

Trying to raise a patriotic daughter. She looked like a walking American flag and it was fabulous! Lucy had a matching dress, thank you Aunt Kathy, but it was a smidgen too big. It should fit perfect by the fourth of July. 

My favorite people in their red, white, and blue

Matthew and his original mini-me

Too bad they look nothing alike

An attempt to get the rare and elusive mom and daughters photo. Maybe next time...

I sure do adore her

Luckiest mom out there

The Goose and me

Just taking a walk on this fine Sunday

Sister hugs are the absolute best

Just goofing around as we waited for all her friends to arrive. 

"Vera's hilarious" declared Lucgoose. 

My almost one year old

Matthew got Vera to wave her American flag at all the cars as they drove by. She was really disappointed when she had to wait for the next one to roll by. 

Ms Freedom

Vera and her gang of hooligans. 

This is the result of telling five three year olds to "make a silly face"

Yelling "Happy Memorial Day"

"What do you mean I'm too little to do the pop-its" sneered Lucy. 

Most of the gang doing their fireworks. The older ones all go to school together, and the little ones will in a year. 

I got "Pop-its" for all the kiddos. Vera can toss one of those things like its nobody's business. It was a great cookout and a wonderful way to remember all those who sacrifice so that we can gather together. 

Last Day of 2PreK

Where in the world has an entire school year gone? I feel like it was just yesterday we snapped this picture and sent Vera off for her first real school experience. We were so blessed to have Veve go to PreK at our church and learn not only her academics, but also about her Savior. I have no doubt that the seeds that are being planted in her there will one day come to fruition.  

Vera on her first day of school back in August.

And on her last day. Oh how she is growing in grace and beauty. 

Celebrating with her buddy Liam. 

Vera BEGGED me to take a cookie cake to the end of the year party. Why the heck not? You only finish 2 year old PreK once. Here she is enjoying the fruits of her pleading. 

Vera with most of her class. Mrs Baker and Mrs Connie were the best teachers for Vera. They loved her like she was their own and helped her to become a well spoken, sweet girl. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her next. 

A Tiny Tent

Vera and Lucy playing sweetly in her room. They were having a grand old time making each other giggle; it made my heart happy. Lucy goes into Vera's room as soon as I put her down in the morning; she adores her. I am blessed to watch them grow closer every day. 

Great Minds Think Alike

Lucy is following in Matthew's tech footsteps. In the Terry household, we start computer training at a young age. 

"Yours has more buttons. Just let me see that, Dad".

"That's more like it" stated Lucgoose. 

The Zoo

Our wonderful neighbors gave Vera a zoo book with cardboard animals you put together and little toy ones too. Vera has been obsessed with it since. I actually had to hide it from her to get her away from the kitchen table. I love seeing her imagination come to life as she plays. Pure magic. 

She seriously sat there for over an hour until I forced her to take a bath. Upon finishing said bath, she was right back down there again. She also attempts to not share with Lucy because the giant pieces were "chocking hazards". Ummm, not so much Veve. Give your sister a piece or it goes away was heard multiple times. 

After much debate, Lucy was forced to play the role of the lowly peacock. As you can see, she was not happy. She wanted the part of the chimpanzee. Perhaps another day little Lucy. Thank you again Mrs Debi and Mr Mike!

She Remembered the Pennies

Aunt Kathy is the best, but she outdid herself this time. She remembered how much Vera loves to toss pennies into the fountain and brought some all the way from South Carolina. That made tossing them in and wishing even more special. Thank you Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jim!

Leaning in to see just how big sister tossing a penny. Lucy's learning from a professional here.

Her first official penny in the fountain brought to you by Aunt Kathy. She watched Vera before, but this was the first time she chucked it in there by herself. 

Proud of herself

Moments like these fill my heart with joy

"Aunt Kathy gave this penny to me, can you believe it" squealed Lucy with delight!

Lucgoose and her tiny hand at exactly 11 months

She kept going back for more

For some reason she would carry the pennies to the fountain with her hands curled up like this ever time. Who knows.

And in they go

Taking the serious penny stance 

Wishes do come true. And if tossing pennies into fountains helps them along, we've got everyone covered.