Upward Angels

The past eight weeks I have had the privilege of being Vera's Upward cheerleading coach. We were "Team Angels" and the girls rocked it! Seven little balls of energy attempted to remain focused for an entire basketball game was a challenge, but tit was so much fun! They learned cheers galore, but Vera's favorites were Bananas and Scared, we attempted pyramids and nailed them, and discovered the appropriate way to use a megaphone. Most importantly, the girls learned what it meant to be a team player on God's team. Doing mini devotions with them was precious! I could not be prouder of them and their end of the year dance to Can't Stop the Feeling. 

Nothing say "awesome dance" like a kick line!

Hands up

Finish with a pyramid

Here's the dance they worked so hard on. They got to do it at the last game, and here at the end of the year party. They did so well! I'm looking forward to next season already. 

Three Years

It's hard to believe that it has been three years since Reece went to meet Jesus. It feels like it happened yesterday and is worlds away at the same time. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him; he has helped shape me into a better mom as I try to always keep focus on what really matters in this life. As I was driving in the car the other day, the song I Know that My Redeemer Lives came on. Such true and wonderful words still take my breath away. Thank you God for the cross and for getting out of the grave for Reece and us. May we always stay focused on the words of Jesus, "for a time is coming  when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out" John 5:28-29. May they be our comfort and hope until our races are won! 

He lives and grants me daily breath;

He lives, and I shall conquer death;

He lives my mansion to prepare;

He lives to bring me safely there.

Until we meet again sweet Reece

My Valentines

Valentine's Day was pretty uneventful this year with it falling on a school night and all. Matthew and I went out for a lovely breakfast, and then enjoyed the evening with the girls. We are so lucky to have each other as family.

The three greatest people I know; I couldn't love them more. 

Vera and her main squeeze

Lucy and her favorite

nothing better than a Valentine's kiss from Goose

A great Valentine's Day with my family

Just the Two of Us

Lucy hasn't been happy going to school every morning, so we made the decision to have her just go two days a week, and it has been glorious! I love getting to go to the Disney parks just the two of us, and have lazy mornings just hanging out. School will come soon enough, but for now we'll just enjoy our time just the two of us. 

Goose and I rode the double-decker bus to the front of the castle and felt like celebrities. 

Magical!

I convinced Lucy to ride Big Thunder Mountain for the first time. She was so brave and rode it without any reservation. She did not like how fast it went, but said she would try it again with Matthew. 

Just two gals out for the day

After a few more rides we ended the day at Pirates of the Caribbean. So much fun just to take the time and listen to everything Goose has to say. 

Sunday Fun

Matthew left for India, and I somehow got the girls to agree to take pictures after church to send to Daddy. I just love seeing their personalities come out. 

Working on her ballerina pose

Being silly is one of her best traits

Looking stylish in her outfit from Guga

I just love her giggle

And then Ms. Sassypants decided it was her turn. I mean, seriously?

I am in so much trouble when she is a teenager

If they made her ensemble in adult size I would totally rock this outfit.

Vera is just awesome; she's so full for energy and spirit!

Best buds

So much fun just running around town with them

Hand in hand

Spontaneous hug!

When Vera offers you a hug, you take it!

So blessed to have these two little stinkers in my life. I adores them 

Family Time

Sometimes you just need to go have fun as a family. Fortunately, we get to have Disney as our playground. 

Just your ordinary Sunday afternoon. A few rides and Fantasmic

We were so close, but Lucy's eyes were closed. 

Checking out Moana

The girls just love Moana; they can sing every single song from that move by heart. 

They were not so sure of Kilo Ren. 

He was very intimidating as her circled them and spoke his his terrifying voice. How fun would it be to have his job, right?

Lucy's face here is hilarious

And then we moved on to Chewy. Vera wanted nothing to do with him, but Goose just wanted to hug the giant fur ball. 

Pop that toe Goose. What a great day together