Happy birthday, Lily!

My precious girl turned 5 today! She has brought sunshine and cleverly induced giggles to my life. My life is blessed because of her.

Lovey dovey

Valentine's day was so fun this year. We spent lots of time together as a family playing at the park and just being together. We had a lovey dovey family dinner together and exchanged valentines.

Carter got an airplane full of love for Valentine's day. Have I ever mentioned that he loves things that go?

Aaron is truly Lily's dreamboat. She wants so badly to marry him. She made him a valentine with a hot air balloon on it. We love hot air balloons and see them several times a week, often with a picture of a cactus on the balloon. (Don't mind the overexposed faces!)

My heart melted when I saw the sweet valentine Lily made for me. She painted a picture of me on my wedding day, complete with painted fingernails and a lavendar and yellow bouquet.

Our friends threw an awesome prom-themed party. It was great to get together with friends to dance and play.

Aaron is my love now more than ever. It's amazing to see our love deepen as we experience life together. He is my best friend and my love.

Valentine cookies

I love sugar cookies. I'm sure I've already blogged about sugar cookies. It's because they're so delicious and an integral part of certain holidays in my family. I love making cookies with Lily and Carter. They are my baking pals.

Licking the beaters. When Carter sees the beaters he excitedly shouts, "Bite!"

Carter frosted one cookie.

Lily told her preschool teacher she frosted "a hundred, hundred cookies" the other day. We ate just about that many too.

Yuummm.

"The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21

Job's words describe some of my feelings this week. I miscarried. I put my trust in the Lord and seek his comfort. Some of my other feelings are in a different direction: sad, disappointed, frustrated. But for me it all comes back to saying, "blessed be the name of the Lord" and putting my trust in him.

Butterflies

I fell in love with this salad plate at Target yesterday.