Meet Chandler Estes

Marci's 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Kemily Estes, told the kids around Christmas that she was expecting her first child.  The class was excited and they got to see her belly grow through the year!  We surprised her with a "Book Worm" Shower before the school year ended.  Each child brought a book for the baby!  Chandler was born early this week, so we stopped by to meet and greet!  Isn't  he a cutie pie?!

VBS 2011

 I was Marci's leader this year...we had a blast!

 Mabrey was my AWESOME-SAUCE helper!!!

 Marci was "Backstage with the Bible"

 Allie Forand

 Drew Graves rockin' it out!

 Lexi Carr

...And Paige was SPOILED by Ms Meghan in the nursery!  VBS wore her out!

This year's theme was "Backstage with the Bible"!  We had tons of fun, as always!!  I look forward to VBS each year because it gives me the opportunity to meet new people...form closer relationships with kids and adults...and see the kids learn more about JESUS!!  Heritage Baptist Church is an amazing church...we invite you all to come visit...see why we're different!!

This year the kids' offering went to the "Laces of Grace" fund.  They gave $4000!  For those of you who haven't heard of Laces of Grace, it's a local organization that gives socks and shoes to the less fortunate kids in our area.  This organization is special to me, in that it was founded by great friends(actually family) of ours, Matt and Corey Graves...I've seen God in motion and can't wait to see the kids' expressions this year, when they get their new shoes!

Paige's First Pool

 Marci loves playing with Paige...she is a GREAT sister!

 She likes to splash!

Father's Day 2011

We picked this outfit up just for daddy!

Fishy Faces

Paige has just started this "tilting her head" business...it's rather cute!

Daddy and his sweet kiddos!

Marci Marci...How does your garden grown?

Marci is 6 years old and loves the outside world!  She and her daddy went to Wal-Mart one afternoon to spend her allowance money.  They came back with a mini greenhouse; watermelon and sunflower seeds.  I got to help her start her own little garden.  It's been fun watching the plants grow and we've taken pictures of their progress.

...yummy...or not...here it comes!

We introduced Paige to foods at 6 months of age.  I decided that I would attempt to make her baby food from fresh produce vs jarred food.  To be honest with  you, I thought I was slightly crazy for attempting this...but out I set to purchase a "Baby Bullet" food processor and get my fresh fruit and veggies.  Let me tell you, it's the easiest thing...it takes no time at all to steam the food and puree'. So, Paige has gotten to experience a great variety of foods...avocados, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, bananas, peaches, squash, cucumbers, apples...and the list goes on.  And...since she has no teeth yet, she loves to gnaw on chunks of cold veggies. It keeps her busy and lets her experience taste at the same time! We also introduced a sippy cup recently...our baby is growing up! I thought I'd share some of her messy face pics!

Why Blog?

There are several blogs that I follow each month...and enjoy reading them.  I've contemplated starting my own blog for a long while...but wondered:  "Will I be able to keep up with it?  Will people actually visit my blog?  Who really cares about MY measley little life?  After all, it's not that interesting."  Well...it is true...we live a very average life and it may not be too interesting...but I'm going for it, I'm taking the plunge!  Mainly because my memory is NOT very good...and maybe this will help me remember things years down the road...maybe my children can look back and read and remember times, that otherwise wouldn't be documented.  Soooo...Here....we....go! :)