Finally...Learning to Play the Violin

Avrie has wanted to play the violin since he was at least 5 years old. We held off to get him grounded in piano first. Well, he's been playing piano now for four years. I can't believe it has been that long already. He was blessed to have his first three and a half years with a phenomenal teacher in Indiana and to now have another outstanding teacher here in Texas. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa he will now be learning to play the violin. Yay! He has been playing now for just over a month and will be playing a solo and in a group at an upcoming recital/concert this week. His teacher says he is doing really well and has caught on great. It comes to him so naturally...simply a gift from the Lord. Sometimes I wonder if he has any clue how gifted and talented he really is. I am so glad he has a love for music and is driven by a challenge. I love that boy! Below are pictures from his first lesson.

Haircuts for the Girls

I love my girls...they make me smile. We decided that they needed new haircuts so we had a girls day out doing just that. We had fun and they looked fabulous!

A New Bike for Emma

While Grandma was here visiting, she bought Emma a new bike. It was quite a sight to watch her ride her old one...she was far too big for it, but she never complained about it. Now she has one that fits her just right. I don't know what it is, but I really enjoy watching my little ones ride their bikes. Here's some shots of the big test ride that day.

Here's Daddy and Oliver watching Emma. Gotta love that little man's smile :o)...Travis' too.

Following Emma's moment Travis was going to take Oliver around in the buggy.....

Here they are ready for take off, but they didn't get far because the buggy had a flat tire...Oliver was very disappointed. Oh well, maybe next time!

Grandma's Visit

Pictures from when Grandma visited...but you won't see her anywhere because she's the one taking the pictures...

Preggo Pics

My friend Erin took some maternity pictures of me. I'm just now getting around to posting some of them. She did such a great job. I love the ones of the kid's hands on my belly.

These last few were taken at the birthing center the day I gave birth. The first two were just creative ways to get a few shots of my pink flamingo socks...dedicated to Grandma Rosie.

This is the little squirrel that had his eye on us out the front door.

And here is Oliver doing what he did often...kissing the baby. He'd say "baby....kish" then pull up my shirt, kiss my belly and pull my shirt back down. Loved it!

Friends

This is a friend of mine, Christi, from Warsaw, Indiana that happened to be in Dallas the week I was going to have Ira. We were able to meet up with her and her husband the night before I went in to give birth. We went out for dinner and had a great visit. We all were enjoying ourselves so much that the time seemed to fly by and it was 10:30 p.m. before we knew it. I can't tell you what a blessing it was to spend time with this dear friend. Our time together was sweet...a perfect way to close a season in my life and a great encouragement to reflect on as I would awake to a new one. She is truly a godly inspiration to me. I love her and miss her dearly.

These next few pictures are of my dear friend Jessica. Wow! I can't even begin to tell you what a blessing this woman has been to me since our move to Texas. The Lord has used her to bless me in countless ways. She has served my family and I above and beyond any expectations. She is a gift of grace from the Father and I am so grateful for her.

This is Ruthie Pearl, Jessica's little girl and Oliver's little friend :o)

Here's Jessica lovin on baby Ira the day after his birth.

This dear friend is Erin. She too is a gift of grace and has been a tremendous blessing to get to know. She has been such an inspiration to me....so real and honest about life and faith. The Lord uses her to challenge and encourage me. I am so thankful for her.

Here's Erin's little boy, Augie, with Oliver.

The whole gang together minus Violet...Erin's little girl...she didn't feel like getting her picture taken that day :o)

These women have taught me so much this past year...about the Lord, about trust, about being a friend, about serving, about humility, about loving others, about mothering and parenting, and about grace. When I grow up, I want to be like them.