my heart is full

Tonight, the girls were trying desperately to satisfy their sweet tooth after dinner. I was making brownies for dessert, but they were not being very patient while we waited for them to bake. They wanted to lick the mixer spoons, the bowl, and eat chocolate chips out of the bag. After asking over and over with the answer consistently being NO, Avery got frustrated and screamed at me. I just gave her the "oh, no you didn't" look and she ran into her room (and everyone wonders where my girls get their dirty looks- they learned from the best). We all assumed she went in there to cry and throw a fit. About 5 minutes later, she came back into the kitchen with a smile on her face. She said "I just prayed to Heavenly Father to help me make good choices." Wow. That is not what I was expecting to hear and it completely melted me. I had been so agitated by the interaction we had, but all that went away instantly as I felt the sweet comfort of the spirit wash over me. I hugged her tight and just breathed in the moment. What a joy it is that she is coming to know for herself where she can turn for help- and exercising the faith to call on our Heavenly Father in prayer. My heart is full.

taming the mane

Finley's hair has taken on a life of its own in the past few months. It has become a crazy, big, out of control mound of fluff on top of her head. So, we thought it was about time for her to get her first hair cut. Our friends came over for dinner and as a MUCH appreciated bonus, Krissy cut both of the girls' hair.

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

MUCH BETTER!

It turned out so cute. It is amazing how a simple haircut changed my little Finn from a toddler to a big girl in a matter of minutes!

Both Avery and Finley are loving the fact that they have matching hairdos. They really do look so much alike- especially when they smile!

N-I-N-E

Today marks 9 glorious, wonderful years that Paul and I have been married. We are closing in on the decade mark... crazy! I do love that we got married in 2000... it makes the math easy. It has been an adventure for sure. Nine years, seven moves, two college educations, countless road trips, lots of good times, a few trials, a major remodel, and three kids later we are still going strong!

*photo by Kelly McCaleb

Our celebration plans are as extensive as going out to dinner (we can be gone for 2 hours tops without bringing the baby along), and dreaming of our relaxing, kid-free vacation we are already starting to plan for our tenth next year! Happy day!

P.S. Paul went to work for a couple hours and then ended up surprising me by taking the rest of the day off! We took the girls to the pool then went out to dinner at Novo (love) while gramma lee stayed will all 3 of the girls. It was a perfect way to celebrate the day.