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