An American Dream Come True

It was late June when the American Girl Magazine first made an appearance in our mailbox & I casually tossed it to my girls telling them they "got mail".  It took exactly one week before I had to take the magazine away from my girls because they were fighting over it/pulling it from each other/ripping pages to get their grimey little hands on it.  They were obsessed.  They had picked their favorites & Aubrie even tore her girl out to be placed in her most treasured spot...the inners of her Bible.

We didn't really do any type of vacation this summer so Bferg & I decided that a trip to the American Girl store & staying in a hotel on our way to STL last weekend would be our family vaca.  (Living large!)

Soooooooo excited!

Lily pretty much wanted it all...we had to reign her in; multiple times.

Aubrie had her sights on McKenna.

She carried this box for the next 35 minutes that we were in the store.

Daddy paying the bill.

Two happy little girls!

Mommy in training.  She has carried her on her hip for the last 4 days straight.

I have a feeling that every future trip to St. Louis will have to include a stop by our new favorite store.  Heaven knows that the only way to afford it is to spread out every purchase over the next 5 years!

Love my little girls who LOVE their little babies.

"A joyful heart makes a cheerful face...."

Proverbs 15:13a

Rachel

Surprise!

After a month of planning & just a few "untruths" we were able 

to pull off a fun party for my Mom's 60th birthday.  

Mason jars & fresh flowers.

The amazing cake that tasted as amazing as it looked!

Waiting....

Priceless!

Visiting with old friends.

I adore my mom!  She is selfless, giving & funny.  She loves God, her family & serves faithfully in her church.  I am so thankful for her influence in my life.

Happy 60th Birthday, Mom!

Love you!

Rachel

Diva!

Nani is in town & she (plus Papa Ed) took the girls for the day. (Such a blessing!)
Riding the hotel elevator, shopping, lunch & more shopping! What more could two little girls ask for?!?!
So thankful for grandparents who pour into my kids!

Rachel

Favorite Things Friday

~A 5 year old in a jean jacket striking a pose.~

~Headbands on little girls.~

~Sweet sisters.~

"The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad."

Psalm 126 :3

Have a great weekend!

Rachel

Wordless Wednesday

WPS!

Splish Splashin' 5 Year Old Fun

Aubrie knew pretty early in the summer that she wanted a Pool Party to celebrate her 5th.  What none of us could have predicted was the cool front that moved in to NWA on Thursday.  We had amazing cool weather, a cool breeze & even shivers from the little swimmers.

Lily & Aubrie.

Aubrie & Gabby.

Sweet Reagan.

Carter-One Serious Swimmer.

Peter warming up.

Happy Birthday!

Too much wind for the candle...but we sang anyway!

Love this girl!

We couldn't get them OUT of the pool!

We are very thankful for our friends who came to help us celebrate our girl! 

 We are blessed!

Rachel

Happy 5th Birthday!

FIVE years ago today the Lord blessed us with a precious gift!

Our sweet Aubrielle came into our world at 7 pounds 6 ounces.

 At 2:32pm my life long dream of being a Mommy was fulfilled by an all cheeks, big lipped, splotchy, red faced screaming bundle of joy!  She was beautiful & we were instantly smitten.

Aubrielle, 

I adore being your Mommy.  Watching you grow has been an amazing journey.  

You are a strong, sweet girl who pours out empathy on a daily basis to everyone you meet.  You are a servant who loves to help people.  You are a leader & a discerner.  You are cautious & while that sometimes keeps you from taking risks it makes you an amazing BIG sister!  

You bring our family so much joy!  I hope you know how much your Daddy & I love you.  You were an answer to prayer & we continue to pray for you daily.  Our deepest desire is for you to follow Christ with your whole heart.  We cannot wait to see what the next 5 years hold for both you & our family.

Happy 5th Birthday BIG Girl!  

I love you so very much!

Love,

Mommy

"We have not ceased to pray for you & to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom & understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work & increasing in the knowledge of God."

Colossians 1:9 & 10

{Tasty} Tuesday

Thanks to Pinterest & a friend who shared her lunch (literally) I have found my new favorite recipe!  

BBQ Quinoa Salad

What you need:

1 Package of Chicken Thighs (or 2-3 Chicken Breasts)*

Prepared Quinoa (1 Cup Dry)

1 Can of Corn (drained)

1 Can of Black Beans (drained & rinsed)

2-3 Tbs BBQ Sauce

Garnishes you can add to take it up a level:

2-3 Chopped Green Onions

Diced Avocado

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Fresh Cilantro

*Cook & shred the chicken at an earlier time.  I do mine in the some BBQ sauce in a low oven (225*) for about an hour-hour & a half.

Prepare 1Cup of dry Quinoa according to package directions.

Fluff with fork & transfer to serving bowl.

Add chicken, corn, beans & bbq sauce.

Mix well, serve & garnish.

Besides being yummy; quinoa is super healthy & packed with tons of protein.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Enjoy!

Rachel