Easter

Just some various pictures of the kids hunting Easter eggs. I didn't get any of them dressed up for church because we got there late (imagine that) and we were in a hurry to get to Mama's and eat after church so none got taken then either! Church was awesome as usual! Although we enjoy all the traditions that go along with Easter I'm so thankful that I have experienced the power of the cross personally and know what Easter is really all about! I love you Jesus thank you for taking my place and becoming the ULTIMATE sacrifice!

Romans 6:4

Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should should walk in newness of life.

Happy 80th Papa!

Andy's Dad, Nathan, Andy and Papa
The whole family

We also recently celebrated Andy's Papa's 80th birthday. They had a big shindig for him at his house, the place was packed! It was nice to meet (or in some cases re meet) lots of extended family. Photo's courtesy of my brother in law Matthew, check him out at www.designedbymatthew.com .

Ashton Lawrence!

Vivi was the official present unwrapper helper
Opening the goods

Vivi thinks the party is all about her I think

Just wanted to do a quick post with a few pictures to congratulate my good friend Crystal on her soon to be delivered bundle of joy! After struggling to have a baby for several years it looks like we have a winner! We had a good time at the baby shower, it was nice to catch up with at least part of the old "group"! I miss you bunches Tittle! Congratulations Crystal, Shane & Jaybird!

Happy BDay Mama!

I think Daddy is licking his finger in anticipation of her dessert!

It's impossible to get a sensible picture in this family!

Vivi with her Nanny Goat!

Surely one of the best days in the history of the world was the day my sweet Mama was born! February 2 we celebrated yet another year of this extraordinary woman. For those of you who don't know much about my Mama allow me to explain. My mother was raised in a small town called Starks, La she is one of six living siblings. On her senior trip her group passed through Arkansas, Mama remembers saying, "I want to live here one day." Well lo and behold she was at a church meeting when the bus driver from a visiting church (which happened to be in Arkansas) caught her eye, this gentleman happens to be my Daddy! Now you would think living eight hours apart would lead to a more lengthy courtship (remember this was before cell phones and email and neither probably had a home phone back then!) however they met and married in two weeks time! Daddy tells the story of driving home, only to get home take a shower turn around and head back, she must have been pretty irresistible! That story in itself is pretty remarkable however if you add to the mix that she left her family and church family and moved eight hours away, married to a man that had five children full time at age twenty two it becomes almost unbelievable story! Plus they added two more kids to the mix! I know it couldn't have been easy but you ALWAYS made it fun! Love you bunches DillyMama hope this is your best year ever!

Dakota

Dakota & Andy
Sweet Topper

Yummy Cake!

Food table

My good friends Serena & Kelly had beautiful baby boy January 28, 2009. The Hollands are evangelists and the times we get to see them is spaced further and further apart, I know this is a blessing to them but it's sad for those of us left behind! Dakota is a sweet bundle of joy, this whole family is VERY special to Andy and me both. We could not ask for better friends! I was blessed to be able to give Serena a baby shower at my home with the help of Lori. The turn out was great and lets me know that we aren't the only ones who feel this way about the Hollands. Marilyn helped with the food preparations, Lori did most of the decorations, I'm not really sure what I did besides clean my house! Sis. Meredith made the cake it was sweet and DELICIOUS! Dakota is now one and still makes me grin every time I see him. We miss you guys!!

Year in review-post #2

Mama with her Aunt Helen don't they look JUST alike?!
Aidan & Uncle RT

Vivi with her cousin Mia

Vivi with one of Aunt Jackie's lemons. Look at the size of that thing!!

We were blessed to be able to go to Louisiana to celebrate my Uncle RT's surprise birthday party. Uncle RT is married to my Mama's sister Jacqueline, better known as Aunt Jackie or JackWoman. We had a blast! It was held at the local VFW in Starks, LA, I think he was pleasantly surprised! They had a DJ and tunes & it was fun and romantic watching Aunt Jackie & Uncle RT dance around!! Andy and I stayed with my Uncle Lynn and Aunt Joann's in there cozy house (guest house) it looks just like a little gingerbread house!! I wish I had a picture to post of it. They were the perfect hosts! We visited my Aunt Jackie's the day of the party and took Vivianne with us, boys and girls of all ages LOVE to visit her house, it is beautiful and homey and her yard is to die for! This was Andy's first time to visit my family there and he quickly understood why we all love to visit. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back!

Year(s) in review-post #1

One major event over the past year was Miss Vivi started K4 (now in K5 this was a year ago!). Looking at these pictures I realize she was way to young to go to school! She looks so different in these pictures than she does now, all of her baby fat and features are gone! I WANT THEM BACK!

She was so tired that first day she feel asleep on the way home. When she finally woke up she ate two plates of Nanny's spaghetti (a LOT for her).