Go Go Girls!

Paige & Shae had an Open Gym party for their birthday a few weeks ago.  It was fun to see the girls in a "non-school" setting!  I think Alli kinda liked the bounce house.

Shae showed no mercy during their version of dodgeball...

...and here she is, yet again, with most of her friends "down for the count"!

Ally and Cy were with their dad, so Wynne tagged along and got to have a friend over, too.  Sydney and she made little tunnels to play in!

We didn't want it to be a traditional birthday party, but their friends brought gifts anyway.  Paige and Shae received some wonderful crafts, gifts for their room, school supplies, and more.  The best part, though, was just hanging out together! 

Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.--Romans 12:10

Engine Engine Number 9

Two little engines chugged down the line 9 years ago...

Can you believe it?  NINE!!

I know I post some of the same pictures every year on their birthday, but it's good to be reminded of just how little the "birdus-birds" were when they were babies.  Plus to give thanks to God for leading us through some scary, wonderful times.  Our family DOUBLED in size in an instant!

Then our family got just a little bit bigger, and I must admit, a lot of the protective mothering switched over to the new baby.  But I still tell my girls to "cover your ears", "wear a hat", and "take your medicine".  Will I ever stop protecting them?

One of the things I most enjoy about these birthday girls is the fact that they are very appreciative of what they get, and they don't expect the moon.  They share, they wear whatever--sure, they are getting older and have different tastes and "tweenager tendencies"...but for the most part, they are just happy to get what they get! 

And here we are, the Ides of March, the anniversary of a time when our world changed to NICU visits and round-the-clock breathing treatments.  Two car seats, two high chairs, two bath chairs, two bottles, two times the laundry, two times the prayers, two times the love.

 I have had the privilege (and sometimes, pain) of teaching these little missies in the 3rd grade classroom.  Aside from the typical "girl drama" that emerges at age 8-9, these are some really fun girlies.  My little crazies!!

 Their dad and I are soooooooooo proud of them.  (And as their teacher, I can tell you that they are smart-as-a-whip;)

From a time when they were kinda tough to tell apart,

to a time when two separate-yet-equally beautiful personalities are emerging,

I wouldn't trade these past 9 years for anything in all of the world.
Happy Birthday, Paige!
Happy Birthday, Shae!
I love you THIS MUCH.......................!
Love,
Mom

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.--1 Corinthians 1:4

Cute Things They Say, the Third Grade Edition

I should have started this a long time ago.  But before I forget...

"Mrs. Siegert, are you having a beer?" --One of my students (Wade) upon seeing the tall, thin can on my desk after lunch break.  This comment is funny on so many different levels.....Shall I start with the fact that I hate the taste of beer and rarely drink any alcohol? Or with the fact that the can was a V-8 Fusion?! At either rate, it was classic, one I like to think of for a good laugh!

All Wrapped Up

Do you ever get so wrapped up in the details of your daily life that you don't take a break to just breathe? and relax? and talk to God?

Well, the good news is that He's still there.  And He's waiting for you to ask Him to set you free!

If he can bring Lazarus back to life, don't you think He can lift you up and out of all that "stuff"??

I know this is something that I need to be reminded of....the freedom from the "wrap-up".  The God who loves me and is waiting for me to talk with Him more again. 

Without Him,
I am

nothing.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.--Psalm 103:12

Pretty Packaging

Old pics from November...a new "wrap" around our place!  Thanks for the help, neighbor Bob and brother Joey!

Teeny Tiny Things are a Really Big Deal!!

Hey there, little lady, what's going on?  You look pretty happy this morning!
What's that teeny tiny note you have in your hand?

 A message from the Tooth Fairy?? Oh my goodness!!  How fun!!

 But you can't lose a baby tooth already. You're still the baby. Now stop growing up and stay this size forever, okay?

I guess the Good Lord doesn't work that way, does He. 

(((((((((HUGS))))))))))))

But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God."    --Luke 18:16

Boy Oh Boy!

Welcome to the family, Brock!  Or "Brock Obama"....or "Brock-oli" as the Uncles like to call him;)

 Your mommy and daddy are REALLY busy now!  But they look good, and I give them all the credit in the world for making the 3-hour-drive in the winter back to visit us. 

Joe, Shae, Mark, Daddy Greg, & big sister Kierta

Your mommy always looks so put together, even when she's nursing and has 3 kids under age 4!

Lauren, Tage, & Marin (and baby Brock under there somewhere;)

 I think this makes 13 grandkids....with another on the way in May!

Grandpa Donny, Brock, Tage & Kierta

 Our baby looks so BIG compared to her little Siegert cousins!

Wynne & Mady

Always fun seeing you guys!

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. --Matthew 18:10 ESV