More Pics by Julie

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Guess What is Missing?

Ivy lost her first tooth today!!!!

Ivy's tooth has been loose for a very long time. For the past two weeks, Ivy has been wiggling her tooth constantly. Memaw, daddy, nana, and I have all attempted to pull her tooth but the tooth was very stubborn and so was Ivy. She was a little dramatic over this tooth. Today, she came running up the stairs and said, "Well, it came out and it didn't hurt. I pulled it myself." She was so proud that it was finally out. Brent and I have said many prayers about Ivy's teeth. The dentist told us two years ago that we would need some dental insurance....we've been praying and that's all the dental insurance we have....oh help us Lord!!! Please, please don't let her have the same teeth issues that her Aunt Sharon did .....please let there be more teeth when all of her baby teeth fall out....oh I love you Sharon but I really hope she has permanent teeth! :))))

Salt Dough Tomb

Ivy and I made a Salt dough Tomb. I saw this on another blog and knew Ivy would love it. We made the tomb and have already been using her dolls from her dollhouse to act out the Easter story. If you look closely, you will notice the dough on the end of Ivy's nose....she is so much fun!!!

Ingredients for playdough:

• 4 c. of flour
• 1.5 c. salt
• 1.5 c. water
• 1 Tbs. oil
• Will need an empty aluminum can
• Will need a cookie sheet covered in tin foil
  

Stained Glass Windows

We have been reading many books about Easter. I absolutely love Celebrating Jesus and I am thankful for the reminders that He gives me everyday of how desperately I need HIM. I pray that God would really prepare my heart and my family's heart to worship Him this Easter. I pray that He would help us to understand Him more, to Love Him more and to share His great love and amazing sacrifice with others.

Ivy's grandmothers always buy her new Easter dresses. I have such fond memories of shopping for new Easter dresses with my mom. I do want Ivy to enjoy Easter dresses and time with family but I never want her to forget about what Jesus did for us. I am so thankful that God is indeed working in Ivy's heart. This morning Ivy said, "Mom, Easter's not about eggs and the bunny and new dresses it's about the cross and the empty tomb." Please Lord, continue to work in her heart!

In one of the books we read, the author talks about new dresses and going to church on Easter morning. Ivy and I had a great discussion about the importance of giving God our best and how blessed we are to get to worship together on Easter and every Sunday with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In these pictures, Ivy made a white church with stained glass windows. Ms. Crafty loved this one!!!

We are praying that this year we can start new Easter traditions with our girls. I will share pictures later!

Bath Tub Fun!

I love watching the girls take baths together. As you can tell in the pictures, Ivy loves this time with her sissy ALOT!!

Papaw and Memaw Love!

St. Patrick's Day Fun!

I always kinda thought St. Patrick's Day was silly because of the little leprechauns and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This year, Ellen shared with me that St. Patrick was a missionary. Wow! What PERFECT news for a homeschooling mom! I immediately went to the library and checked out some picture books on St. Patrick. I found two really good picture books, Saint Patrick by Ann Tompert and Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie DePaola. Ivy and I learned that St. Patrick was born in Britain near the Irish Sea. He was captured by bandits and taken to Ireland. For six years, Patrick was a shepherd. While watching the sheep, he was by himself and spent much time in prayer. Patrick grew to love God in a whole new way. One night, Patrick heard God telling him to go to his "own country." He did so. After seeing his family, Patrick believed that he needed to go back to Ireland and in Ivy's words, "Preach about God" to the people in Ireland. In our study of St. Patrick Day, we have learned about Ireland, snakes, leprechauns, and so much more. We colored the flag of Ireland, made a book about St. Patrick, made shamrock cookies,(Which really "puffed" up when we baked them), located Ireland on the map, hunted for clover in our yard, braided "Rapunzel" hair and added clover to "make it look pretty, momma" and had a blast! It really is a blessing to be able to homeschool. We also met with other homeschool friends at church for a St. Patrick's Day party. Ellen shared with us about St. Patrick, Merinda did a craft with us, we had a picnic lunch and lots of "green" and rainbow treats.

Visit to Clemson

We were so excited to get to go visit our friends the Arrowood's in Clemson. We a great visit with Cat, Kevin, Krieg, Karis and baby! Daddy and Kevin went to listen to Ravi Zacharais. Cat and I were able to hang out with the kids and visit. Cat is such a good cook. She made us white bean chicken chili... oh, so good. She also made us HOMEMADE Cinnamon Rolls. SO SO SO GOOD! I love how Ivy and Krieg act as if they haven't been away from each other. When we walk in the door, they both run off and play. They laugh, wrestle and have a grand old time. It is always so encouraging to spend time praying with Cat and Kevin. It is an amazing blessing to know that before we walk in the door they have been praying for us and to know that as we leave they are praying too. Dear Father, Thank you for brothers and sisters in Christ who push us toward you! Father, as Cat and Kevin are praying about where you are sending them...could you...well, please um....make it with in driving distance! :) oh yeah...that's pretty selfish....but just being honest...Please Lord send them where they can Glorify You!!!! Amen

God Answers!

This was so funny and sweet. Several CO guys were up visiting WCU on their spring break. Hawk and Chris decided to bring them over. We weren't expecting them so when they walked in we were pleasantly surprised. They came in the door in a single file line so as soon as we thought that's all of them another one came in. IT was so funny! Several of them walked straight in and went over to where Hayley was playing. She looked up and smiled and then gave this really puzzled look like "You look really different." I imagine her saying, "WOW new BIG toys." They were so sweet and kind. It is such a blessing to know that in Christ we are all one big family.

WE LOVE having people over. We especially love having them come over and read and pray. Daddy loves to open the word with them and teach them. God is answering our prayers and using our home! We thank you friends for praying that God would use this house for His glory. Please continue to help us pray that this house would be used for Him. I went to bed last night thinking about a time a year and 1/2 ago when Matt and Lauren came over. It was before we moved in. Brent and I were painting the garage. We stopped painting and spent some time in prayer. We prayed for God to lead them to seminary. Thank you God that they are now at seminary. We prayed that God would use this house to draw people to Himself. Thank you God for using what is already yours...this house.

Starting to love some food!!

I'm not sure if you can see Hayley's orange nose in this picture...but it really was orange for a couple of days. She loves Carrots, Squash, Sweet potatoes, pears, bananas, prunes. She is ok with green beans but NOT peas!

Swimming

Last Saturday, we went to the Waynesville indoor pool! We had two reasons to celebrate! It was Aunt Sharon's 27th birthday and Ivy made five 100's on her spelling test! We had a great time eating breakfast with Memaw, Papaw, Aunt Mary and Uncle Dean. Then we went to the pool! The water was cold but it was still a great family day!

We dunked Hayley! She handled it well! Ivy went down the slide!