Fun at a female tea party, celebrating femininity.

Grocery store FUN!! Mickey Mouse is watching me!

We had a blast going to the hotel Craig has worked part time for a lovely dinner celebrating Grace's 11th birthday. Could we please FREEZE frame you now, Grace?? Thanks for being a HUGE blessing to us.
Thank you, Lord, for sending her to us for this time.

Do you like margaritas? This was the BEST I have ever had!!!

My Man!!!

The prettiest 11 year old!

Grace Kelsey celebrates birthday #11!!!
Happy Birthday DEAR GRACE!!!

Grace opens her gifts as we celebrate with Crispy Cream. She loves cold Mocha, so we gave her one for her special day.

She was born around 7pm at home. The doctor, Dr. Dawn Meisner, was great! Grace was one of the 3 births at home where the doctor was actually present! She was our 3rd home birth, and all went extremely well. My dad, who had been released from the hospital earlier that day, cut the cord. That was a very wonderful memory for us.

During the 9 month wait for Grace, I was totally convinced that Grace was a BOY! We were blessed with 3 boys already, plus 1 girl. She kicked me so hard and consistantly, that I was certain she was a boy. When she was finally born, my mother announced joyfully, "Julie, you have a girl!"

At that point, we happily introduced her as "Grace Kelsey" and she was a beautiful baby, weighing 8.8 lbs. We were thrilled Kathryn would have a same gender side kick!
Also, because the doctor had missed Kathryn's birth, as well as Graham's, they did not charge us AT ALL for Grace's birth! I think we only paid for lab work. Wow, what a blessing!
Homefirst, Chicago, IL. A group of FANTASTIC home birth doctors.

Grace is a huge blessing and gift to our family! She is always ready to assist in watching Truman, making sure he is safe. She shares her room with Joelle, her younger sister by 4.5 years , helping her keep it clean and picked up.

Grace loves F*A*S*H*I*O*N* !!!!!
We call her the FASHION GIRL! She looks adorable in all her fun outfits, and has loved to wear hats. We gave her a lovely suede jacket from Limited Too, a special find at my favorite resale store!

Joelle gave her some special lip balm, a large assortment! Kathryn gave her some body lotion, glitter, lip gloss, nail polish, etc. Just what every girl needs to look FAB!
Tonight Craig and I will take just her out for a special dinner downtown. Will post more shots of that special occasion!
We love you Grace, and are so thankful God sent you to our house!!!

Matthew 7:13, 14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

"...this objection--that our doctrine is too strict, we made the way of heaven too narrow--is in truth the original objection (as it was almost the only one for sometime) and is secretly at the bottom of a thousand more, which appear in various forms.
The church today, listening to the world, is afraid of being called narrow, afraid that those who are educated and political will dismiss the church because of the narrow way that the Savior proclaimed. So, to avoid being called narrow or exclusivistic, many try to open up the way a little bit that Jesus declared by denying the truth of the Scriptures, the doctrines of the Scriptures, making them more palatable for the pride of man, or denying the holy walk of life unto which the Lord called His disciples."
-Ian Murray, "Evangelicalism Divided"

I feel very blessed to have been given the above chitlin's as a gift! Those people you are looking are very dear to me. Really, we were very surprised when God sent Truman to us, as He knew by then, what kind of parents we were. We totally do not deserve them, and know we do not! They are wonderful and we pray for daily guidance to help nurture them in the admonition of the Lord. Please Lord, continue to direct us in wisdom and discernment!

We are continually amazed by the creation God gives us, including the unique and different personalities we have in our family. Each one is as different as can be, and it is really cool. I love it! Yes, sometimes a bit frustrating, but hopefully God can teach us to get along and love one another. He is a very patient and good God.
Micah 6:8
He has showed thee, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requireth of thee: surely to do justly, and to love mercy, and to humble thyself, to walk with thy God.

Easter Egg Hunt March 2008, which we all know has nothing to do with the Resurrection! It was fun watching the kids casing after good ol' chocolate eggs. I did this every year as a kid and still remember it fondly.

March 1, 2008

Vernon Hills, IL
Craig's mom plus Lauryl and Brittany

The boys with their Uncle Jack.
They all love him!