Happy 9th Birthday Kimberly!

Nine years ago today you were a welcomed addition to our family.  It was hard to believe that God gave me the responsibility of snuggling you, caring for you, and raising you to know about His love.

As the years passed and your personality began to develop, 

my love for you grew right along with you.

We encountered some life changing events, along with a big move and a new baby sister, all in the space of a few months.  But God never left us.  We still smiled and played trains, had tickle fights, counted the stars He had made, and thanked Him for taking good care of us.

Kindergarten came along, teeth left, skirts got shorter, 

and your happy face continued to shine.

Then you had a new birth day... the day you asked Jesus into your heart.  

I cried tears of joy to know that you understood your need for a Savior. 

Every year you grow more beautiful, inside and out.

And this year will be no exception!

Thank you for being our practical child, for sharing your knowledge with us, and challenging us on world geography.

Thank you for sharing your love for books with us as we enjoy 

evenings together reading aloud.

Thank you for taking the time you need to think about the answers to life's questions.

Thank you for being strong enough to just be you, even in the midst of adversity.

Thank you for tickle fights, made-up games, and straightening us out on the rules.

Thank you for sharing your life with us.

I love you, Kimberly...

Happy Birthday!

Happy 5th Birthday Lindsay!

Five years ago:

Two days before Lindsay's birth

May 27, 2008

Connie Hasley, my doula

With big sis

Starting those smiles early!

Lindsay, it's hard to believe you are five already!  You are a beautiful little girl, full of fun, zip, and excitement.  Giggles announce your arrival, and smiles your departure. 

I love your excitement about the small things. 

Things like bugs and tree blossoms and pajamas.

I love your compassionate heart that wants to heal hurts and bring smiles to our faces.

I love your sharing nature that willingly gives to all and makes sure to divide

 your last stick of gum into three pieces.

I love your voice that almost never stops talking.

I love your spontaneous nature that wants to drop everything and have a tea party.

I love your creative energy that pirouettes around the room in a pink tutu.

I love your sense of humor that tries to scare me from behind the bed.  Every day.

I love your imagination that 'I spies" white clouds in a clear blue sky.

But most of all, I love YOU.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Six Little Ladies for Tea

Should we choose the teal dress or the red velvet?

Pearls or beads?

Silver shoes or none at all?

Then the waiting... who will come first?

So many questions when you are almost five.

The guests have arrived!

Clockwise from top left: Claire McWilliams, Lindsay Whaley, Corrine McWilliams, Alexia Anastasia,
Olivia Whaley, and Kendra Perry

Let's have tea.

And cupcakes, and cucumber sandwiches, and chocolate dipped marshmallows, and cookies, and deviled eggs, and olives, and strawberries.

Then we'll play for a while.

And while we're at it, let's celebrate Lindsay's birthday a couple weeks early.

She's quite the little lady!