3 Years.

We made it! 3 years!

Happy Birthday to my sweetheart. 

You were an answer to our prayers. 

You gave us so much joy when we were broken hearted. 

You have taught us so much in these 3 years. 

We love you, Olivia Mae Stokes!

The Birthday Girl

Strawberry Shortcake Party

My Nanny Bea was able to come in for Livy's birthday party.  We were thrilled!

Stokes' Cousins

Marcia and Ellie

See!!?? Doesn't this look like a fun birthday party? ;)

Scripture for our children

I've been teaching Livy a new memory verse every week.  My mother-in-law picked these books up for Livy and I LOVE them.  They are perfect for teaching your kids simple bible verses.  I find no greater joy then hearing Livy recite scripture.  Moms, I encourage you to get these books for your children.  It is money well spent. 

Hope everyone has a great week:)

Good Decision

Derick and I threw around the idea of sending Livy to Wee School this year....

 Livy is very shy when meeting new people.  She had the hardest time at church for about a year and a half.  She never wanted to go and would cry every Sunday/Wednesday.  It was heartbreaking.  I was so sad because I LOVE going to church and I wanted her to enjoy it.  In the last year she has matured so much.  She has made a major turn around and LOVES going to church.  Her eyes light up when I tell her it's "church day." I prayed and prayed and prayed over Livy asking the Lord to calm Livy's fears about church.  HE did just that. 

So, Livy turns 3 in about a week.  She is still shy, but I can see her coming out of her shell slowly.  I enrolled Livy in a Wee School with her cousin Tatum.  As it was getting closer for school to start, I started feeling uneasy.  I talked with Derick and prayed about it.  We decided to keep Livy home one more year with me before we send her on to school.  I'm sure she would have loved school, but I'm enjoying this last year with her.  She is maturing into a sweet little girl.  I'm truly enjoying every day I have at home with her. 

Hey, if she wasn't home everyday with me, I couldn't capture these fun shots in her toyroom ;)

K's Birthday Cake

I told Livy she could decorate a cake for Karoline for her 4th birthday.  As soon as she woke up from her nap yesterday, she ran into the kitchen and said "Mommy, can we make her cake now!?" She was very exicted.  Her favorite part was the sprinkles(or maybe licking the icing off the spoon).

I'm thankful I get to share this with Olivia.  She still doesn't comprehend it(neither do I some days). Thankful we got to celebrate Karoline's birthday as a family. 

 

Thankful this Labor Day

Today I as I was thinking about Labor Day, I thought of my father-in-law.  I married into one of the BEST families.  The Stokes' aren't afraid of some manual labor on a day to day basis.  My father-in-law, Phil, is one of a kind.  He works hard for our family everyday.  I think of all the hours he has spent working on our houses.  He is good to his daughter-in -laws:) 

Phil is known for his garden.  He plants everything imaginable and we get to enjoy the fruits of his labor all YEAR long.  Green beans, corn, strawberries,green onions, beets, etc.  He even had a huge garden of monstrous sweet potatoes a few years ago.  I'm thankful this labor day for my in-laws.  They are the definition of hard workers.

Derick and Phil in the corn.

I just think he's kinda cute;)

Happy Labor Day, friends!

Keeping Busy

    This weekend has been a whirlwind.  Launi and I made a fast dash trip to Dallas to do a little shopping.  Yesterday was Karoline's 4th birthday.  I was very thankful I wasn't home all day.  I probably would have shed a lot of tears. Then today, I have been equally busy.  I find myself trying to stay busy when I try not to get emotional.  I cooked and cleaned the majority of the day. 
     I finally just sat down for the day.  I'm taking it all in and allowing myself to shed some tears.  (I've held it in all weekend). Tomorrow we plan to celebrate Karoline's birthday.  I'm cooking a lunch for our family then I plan to let Olivia help me make cupcakes for K's birthday then head to her grave. We are going to celebrate!  Livy is very excited, as am I. 
     I just want to thank all of my friends and family who sent me texts, fb messages, and phone calls yesterday.  It meant a lot to our family.  We are truly blessed!

Happy Birthday Karoline

Happy 4th birthday Karoline. We love and miss you more every day. Your little sister Livy keeps asking her mama a lot of questions about her big sister. She loves you very much! We are celebrating your life today. We love you.
Mom, dad, and Livy