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