Strep

Last week my right tonsil hurt, but I chalked it up to being thirsty and dehydrated. Sunday night, my left tonsil hurt so bad I could hardly swallow. Yesterday, I took the Baby D and Baby Girl for their 6 and 2 month check ups, respectively, and really started feeling like poo.

Since my wonderful mom came with me to the check ups (we've been through twin check ups before and 2 babies getting shots requires a two person team), she told me to drop my the urgent care clinic and have them look at my throat.

Whatta ya know, I've got Strep throat.

I don't remember ever having it before, and man does it ever hurt. Supposedly this pain medicine they gave me is suppose to help, and let me tell you, if I don't take it on the 4 hour mark, I pay for it later.

Anyway, if you think about it, please pray that Luke and the kids are spared from the strep. Boy, that would really stink.

Have a great New Year's Eve!

The Other Side

Six years ago, almost to this very hour, I stood behind 2 solid, wood doors. My heart was fluttering and my eyes misty. As I stood there, with my arm looped through my Dad's, I had no idea what awaited me on the other side. Although the physical journey on the other side of those doors was just a short walk down the aisle, the memories, relationships and love that have been formed from that day to this have exceeded my wildest expectations.

The doors flung open and there stood my love, dressed in a perfect tuxedo, surrounded by our family and friends. Funny thing now, but I barely remember the long anticipated journey down the aisle to become his wife. I can hardly remember any of the details that seemed so important on that day. Time and distance has separated us from many of the people we asked to join us in our wedding party.

I wonder now, how might our marriage be better, closer and more holy if I had focused all my energy on becoming a Godly wife rather than a blushing bride. And although God's mercy and grace has proven to be the key ingredient in our wonderful marriage, I can only mourn for the days that I was so wrapped up in this world that I could hardly see my Lord beckoning me to Him.

It's only been 6 years, which seems like such a short time compared to some marriages. However, in those 6 years God has so richly blessed us with 5 healthy, wonderful children. He has blessed us financially, with way more than we could ever need. He has blessed me with a husband who desires to serve Him. He has shown me that a Biblical marriage is worth working for and submission is a beautiful thing.

As I think back to myself, the me of 6 years ago standing behind 2 wooden doors, I am so humbled at the way God has changed my heart and my life. I praise the One who had used our messed up story and turned it into something for His glory. I praise Him because He changed me, and us, to make our marriage last and become something functional.

As I watch the doors fling open on the rest of our life and the years to come, I'm still a lot like that bride of 6 years ago. I can see the place I am suppose to walk, I see the goals and dreams and fears that lie ahead. However, this time I have my arm looped through the Father's, and a Godly man already at my side. I am so honored and blessed to have shared the last 6 years with this man. And as we take steps into an unknown future, I rest assured that God is directing our steps and leading our lives.

Happy Anniversary Honey! I love you so very, very much.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
~Proverbs 16:9

His Perfect Plan, My Perfect Baby Girl

I used to believe in coincidences. I used to find irony interesting. I used to think that karma was something that truly existed and that I was lucky. I used to think that wishes came true. I thought all of these things before I came to know my Savior. Now, I realize that things happen according to a plan, His plan. Although I don't think our lives are mapped out for us, I do believe that God already knows the choices we'll make and the things He will set in motion so that we can fulfill our purposes for His kingdom.

It is no accident that Baby Girl is in our home. It isn't by coincidence or an interesting twist in irony how she came to live with us and I fell in love with her.

When we got the call on that Thursday, Luke and I prayed and talked over whether or not we should take this placement. We knew that God had called us to this ministry, but 5 kids 4 and under? Surely not. When we were told that we were the 5th family that had been called, my heart broke.

As I sat in a nurse's station 75 days ago, holding a sweet baby my heart melted and tears burned my eyes. As we sat in a courtroom 9 days ago and listened to the heartbreaking details of her life as she suffered in her mother's womb, God's plan continued to unfold.

I have struggled with whether our home is the best place for Baby Girl. It is not because I do not love her, but rather my worry about how our society will view a black child in a white home. I have prayed for God to reveal His desires to me, and over this Christmas He has done just that. How can I ever doubt that God, who so meticulously weaved together His plan so that she could be placed in our home, will fail us later? He will not. Failure is not His way.

God has gently reminded me that nothing happens by coincidence. It was not an accident that 5 other families denied Baby Girl's placement. In our struggle to decide if we should be Baby Girl's foster home, we told the social worker to call 1 more family. We told her that if they could not take her, that we would. When she called us back saying that all of the options had been exhausted, we knew God was asking us to step up to the plate. We were family #6, there was no #7. We trusted and stepped and He's carried us from then until now.

It was not because of luck that Baby Girl survived the neglect and abuse in her mother's body, only to arrive in this world perfect and whole and beautiful. It is not irony that we received Baby Girl just days before our good friends returned from the mission field. These friends that prayed with us over our ministry and led us to a crisis of belief where we knew we had to act in obedience to God's call. Nothing is coincidence when you're talking about God.

As for Baby Girl, I am 100% smitten with her. She is precious and lovely and completely perfect because she is God's creation. I cannot imagine our home or my life without her in it. I cherish our night time cuddles and early morning feedings. Tonight, as I watched her scream because her tummy hurt so badly, I knew just what to do to make her feel better. Why? Because she's my daughter and Mommies know how to help their babies.

I know I haven't posted about getting/adjusting/learning to love Baby Girl as much as I did when we got Baby D. But believe me, it's not because the emotion isn't there. It isn't because I love him more or she is second best.

It is purely because she makes me speechless. I cannot fathom how a mother could see her precious face, then turn and leave her at the hospital. I cannot stomach that Baby Girl had immense tremors because of her mother's addiction. It makes tears stream down my face and my heart grieve with loss.

So, if I don't discuss my emotions surrounding Baby Girl's past and her being our "foster baby" do not believe for one second that it is because they do not exist. They are there and they are real. But until she is ours forever, I do not know if I can allow myself to dwell on anything other than my love for her. I cannot think of those other things because as her mother, dwelling on my baby's hurt is just too much for me to bear. If that flood gate opened, I don't know if I'd be able to shut it again.

For now, I must focus on the fact that I have 3 beautiful daughters. All 3 so incredibly perfect, designed by a Creator who made no mistake in their form. In the depths of their mothers' wombs He perfected them and knit them according to His plans for their lives. They are treasures that I am blessed enough to hold and kiss and love each day. They are a taste of heaven that I can hold in my arms and I praise my Lord for the perfection of their design.

But mostly, I thank Him for giving them each to me. I praise Him for His tremendous plan and that He allows me to have a tiny portion of His glory right here, asleep in my home.

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16

Merry Christmas!

I know I haven't posted much lately. Along with they busyness of family time and going from here to there, I've had a lot on my mind and in my heart. I promise to roll it all out to you soon.

However, don't think for one second that I'm not excited to celebrate the birth of the Greatest King to ever live!

I pray, that above all else, you will find true joy in the greatest gift we can receive, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Baby D's Court Hearing Today

The judge ruled to continue Baby D's case plan as reunification with the birth parents. Needless to say, I'm very frustrated and even a little ticked.

Thanks for the prayers and encouragement.

Another Day In Court

Tomorrow we go back to court for Baby D's case that got pushed back. We are hoping that the judge will side the the G.A.L. recommendation and begin a concurrent plan that would introduce Termination of Parental Rights (TPR). However, we know that it is in God's hands.

I think what saddens me the most is that Baby D's parents are clearly not willing to give up the things that brought him into the Foster Care system, yet they are also not willing to relinquish their rights. If pressed on your heart, please pray that we would handle tomorrow with grace and mercy and be a light to them while we are in the midst of this remarkable Season of Joy, the birth of our Savior.

I'll update as soon as I can. Blessings.

He Makes It Easy to Be His Wife

I've been wanting to blog about submission now for a while. But, I found this post on Mckmama's blog and I feel that it would be redundant in posting something about it now (especially if you take the hint and click on that link). She says it so perfectly. Although their story is a little different from our story, the truths are still the same.

However, I feel that I must tell you about this amazing man that I have the honor of calling my husband. Luke isn't perfect and he would be the first to say so. However, it is only by the protection, provision and counsel from him that I able to be what I am: A Mother to 5 Very Small Children.

Yesterday, at Baby Girl's hearing, it was all I could do to keep myself from falling apart in that courtroom. There are only 2 reasons that I was able to resemble someone who is emotionally stable. The first is the Wonderful Counselor that I serve and the second is Luke.

Luke is my rock. Let me tell you, very simply, that HE makes me the wife, mother, friend and woman who strives to be holy and deeply know my Lord. He is the reason (2nd to God, of course) that I am able to mother these children each and every day. I have never, ever met a person more selfless than my husband, ever.

While most men come home and need "their" time, Luke changes from his office clothes and jumps right in with the kids, house, dishes and diapers. Luke is the one who rescues me when I've had too much of "that one" (as I casually point out the problem child of the day). Luke is the one who allows me to sob into his chest, streaky mascara and all, and holds me close as the people on the sidewalk look on. Luke is the one who leads, disciples and provides for our family. And he takes his job so incredibly serious.

Truly, Luke is after God's heart. He wants, so desperately, to serve the Lord in everything he does...in his job, as a father, as a husband and a friend. I cannot brag on him enough. Sure, he has his moments, don't we all? But the one thing I have realized in the last few months is that I don't do enough to make his life easier. I should serve him better, listen to him more and do my best to be all that God ordained when he created me to be his help meet. I don't know if I take that role seriously.

When we got married I thought I loved Luke, and I really think I did to the best of my ability. However, in the (almost) 6 years that we've been married, God has so graciously shown me what it means to TRULY love my husband. A serving love, a love that is sacrificial and a love more abundant than anything I could have ever imagined. And the best part yet...I know I've got so much more to learn.

Please don't think that I am proclaiming our marriage as perfect, it is not. BUT, what I have discovered about myself and this wonderful man to which I'm married, is that TRUE love is a choice. Luke chooses to love me despite knowing all there is to know about me. He loves me because of the man he is and the God he serves. He loves me when I'm unlovable and cares for me when it could be easier to walk away.

I write all of this not to pump up Luke's ego (because he rarely reads my blog anyway) but rather to challenge myself and to challenge you. If you are married, tell your husband TODAY what you admire about him. Tell him the things that he does that are worthy of respect. Tell him, with thoughtful words, how much you need, adore and cherish him. NOT because he HAS to love you, but because he chooses to. Pray over him, pray over his job, his relationship with the Lord and his role(s) as husband, father, friend and son. Pray that he will feel the enormity of the role that he plays in your life and the life of your family. And, as you store these things up in your heart, cut him some incredible slack. I know that I am often so quick to judge and correct Luke in ways that I should not...a harsh tone, an ugly look, a hurtful comment. Because, I know that if ever the situation arose, he would offer his life for mine, without a second thought.

He is truly a man with my heart in his hands and he makes it so easy to be his wife.

Our wedding day: December 28, 2002

Oh Baby, if we only knew then what we know now, then we'd really be laughing!

Baby Girl's Court Update

Today was probably one of the hardest days we've faced so far in this journey. Here is the best way I can describe it to you:

Imagine sitting in a cold, hard room. With you are familiar faces, but no one you know who is a true ally. The person being discussed is someone you love dearly, someone you know you'd give your life for. Someone you have grown to cherish and dream about. Someone you have prayed over, cried over and hurt for. Now, imagine those familiar faces speaking about this person you love. At first, they begin by saying things you already know. Times this person has been hurt. If you're thinking of your child, it would be like them discussing a skinned knee, maybe a broken arm, or a fall that left a nasty bump on their head.

Then, they move on to talk about the person who had inflicted hurt and pain on your loved one. They discuss all the ways that this person has hurt other people. Those ways are the same as the ways that this person has hurt the one you love.

Now, imagine sitting there and being blindsided with information you never knew existed. Imagine them talking about harming your loved one in ways that are similar to torture. Imagine them discussing how your child has been abused, neglected and put in dangerous situations. This is more than skinned knees, bumped heads or broken arms. Now we are talking about REAL danger. Danger that comes with a death sentence. Danger that you know should have killed them. Danger that makes your heart break in half and ache for them in a way you've never known possible.

As I sat there in that court room this morning, listening to the things my precious Baby Girl has already endured in her lifetime, I lost all composure. The tears flowed freely and even now, as I write this, hot tears sting my eyes. During the adjudication, as the investigator spoke of the ways my child has been abused, she would glance up and me, but I saw no pain on her face.

I can only imagine that these people who work daily with abused and neglected children have become hardened. I see how it might shock them to see a woman, struggling to maintain some sort of composure, hurt this badly over a child she did not birth. I managed to only squeek out silent tears within the court room walls, but as soon as Luke and I stepped out of the courthouse, I lost it, we both did. As we stood there, both of us crying, shaking and holding each other, we mourned over the thought of having to tell our sweet Baby Girl all of the things she had to endure before she even drew her first breath.

Today we only had the Adjudication. Birth mom did not come to court. We return to court on January 12th for the Disposition, at which time DSS will recommend to the court Termination of Parental Rights (TPR). While I am thrilled with this decision, my heart remains heavy as I now know more than what is probably digestable.

Thank you for your prayers today. I know that the grace and mercy of the Lord carried us through and will continue to prove Him faithful in all things.

You hem me in- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Psalm 139:5-6

Baby Girl's 1st Court Hearing

Today, we go to court for Baby Girl. It's iffy if birth mom will even show and if the case will even be heard. It would be an important court date because it would be the adjudication and disposition (this 2nd link will open a word document) component of Baby Girl's case.

A lot of information is disclosed at these hearings and it will set the course for Baby Girl's ultimate time line of permanent placement, where ever that may be (although I'm sure you all know by now MY desires).

If it comes to mind, please pray over the judge, social workers, birth parents, attorneys and G.A.L.s. Also pray that the case will be heard, as Baby Girl is nearing 3 months old and her "plan" has not even begun to take shape.

I know God is in control, above all else. I'll update you as soon as I can. Thanks.

If I Can Remember Movie Lines...

Scripture memory has always been something I've known I needed to do, but I've struggled to commit to doing, OR I've just tried and failed miserably. However, lately, God has been placing me in situations and bringing scripture to mind. Unfortunately, I am unable to reference the scripture to which I am referring. Sorta makes my credibility look shady.

Therefore, I'm taking the challenge from this blog and committing to memorizing Psalm 139 in its entirety.

Technically, we were suppose to start yesterday, but I figured I'd post it here and see if any of you would like to join me. I certainly need the accountability.

So....if you want to take part, do so. Read Angie Smith's blog for details and don't worry, every 3 days there is a "Catch Up/Review" day so really, it's not too late to start!

Hope you'll join me, and we can badger...er, I mean, spur each other onto memorizing stuff that really matters. If I can remember pointless movie lines, surely I can do this.

Court Today

Baby D's case was moved to next Monday, December 22nd. The judge just-so-happens to be married to birth mom's attorney. It was a conflict of interest. It bugs me because birth mom didn't show up in court today because she is tired from working 3rd shift. GRRRRRR!

BUT, that means that a different, less DSS hating judge, will be on the stand next week to hear Baby D's case. I smile because I know that God is in control, regardless of next week's ruling (which could still not be in our favor).

Please continue to pray for our friends, as their little boy's case will (hopefully) be heard today. There is more at stake with him. Luke and I wanted, so badly, to stay and be a support for them. But with it being the holidays and everyone in Luke's office being out, he really needed to go in to work today, especially since he'll still be taking off on Thursday for Baby Girl's case and then again next Monday.

Thanks for all the prayers. You are such a blessing!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Court We Go...

I know the title of this sounds light and airy, but my heart is very heavy with knowing that we will be in court on Monday. The judge on the stand is known for siding with birth parents - almost to a fault. With that in mind, if it is pressed on your heart, please pray for us, Baby D's case, the judge, the social workers, the GAL folks, D's birth parents and everyone involved in court on Monday.

My prayer, obviously, is that the court would begin to terminate the birth parents' rights. However, I know that is JESSICA'S plan and not necessarily God's. Please pray for Luke and I to have peace, an obvious love for our sweet Baby D and to shine the light of our Savior in that drab, dark court room.

Also, some of our good friends will be in court that day as well (already an answer to prayer), for their sweet boy Daniel (who just-so-happens to be 3 days older than Baby D). I'm sure they'd appreciate a prayer or two as well.

I'll let you know how it went sometime Monday. Blessings!

My Sweetest Baby Boy

I sat down yesterday, several times wanting to write this. Each time, I could not find the words I wanted to say. So, pretend it's December 10th:

My Sweet Baby D,

Six months ago today, escorted by 2 social workers, you entered our home. It was a moment of anticipation, anxiety, unspeakable joy and the culmination of complete obedience to our God. Then, I had no idea what the next year would hold or how I could possibly juggle 4 small children (which makes me chuckle now). In your short life, you have taught us so much about unconditional love, our Savior and the joy that only comes from being truly obedient. And although your arrival has brought many sleepless nights, emotional pain, confrontation with family and tears, the love that has grown in our hearts has covered it all. God has richly blessed us with your life. You were no accident.

Many people worried how you would effect our family. Although they saw disaster, we saw the richness of God's love being poured upon us. I desire nothing more than for you to be my son forever. When I hold you, kiss you and feed you I see my son. When your Daddy makes you giggle or tosses you up and down, he too sees his child. You have brought out parts of Elizabeth that we never knew existed. She has nurtured you, loved you and kissed you as you sleep. Lucas is so proud to finally be a big brother. I think, somewhere within him, he knows that you will be an awesome counterpart to his games with guns, swords and all things boy. I can hardly wait to see the two of you grow into Godly men. Ashlee has always been a baby lover, but you have taken this to a whole new level. When she wakes up, she runs to find you first. She jumps up and down in front of you yelling, "Baby D! Baby D!" hoping to elicit a smile from your fat, round face.

You have helped to complete our family. You have made this family grow in the richness of the Lord. You have fulfilled our act of obedience with love, laughter and warmth. You, my sweet son, have given me all the more reason to trust in my Savior, even when the task seems daunting and overwhelming. Your life will always symbolize what I know to be God's blessing through obedient action.

Almost a year ago, when your Daddy and I started talking about the possibility of becoming your parents (though we didn't know it was you yet), we prayed and found that God was calling us. It was a deep yearning within me, and I knew you were out there, somewhere, waiting to come to our family. As only God knew, it was around this time that your birth mother discovered you growing within her. And through choices that I have yet to understand, she and your birth dad could not be the best place for you. God knew you were coming to us, and He began preparing our hearts. As you grew in your mother's womb, so did our desire for you. As we prayed and followed God, our hearts were being prepared in a way that we could never imagine.

Thank you, my sweet boy, for bringing God's promises with you to our home. Thank you for carrying so many blessings within your joyful heart. We love you and look forward to watching you grow into the man that God created you to be.

All my heart,

Mommy

Chaos

I posted about this song here. However, I keep hearing it played on the radio, and then today a blog I follow had this video. I think I am needing to hear it over and over again for a reason.

It is how I'm feeling right now...lost in chaos, emotionally, physically, spiritually.

Baby Updates and Upcoming Court

Well, DSS finally got smart and decided to wait and see if Baby Girl's birth mom shows up before they come to get her. So, this morning, at 9am there was a scheduled visit. At 9:20am the social worker called and said that birth mom was not there and that until they heard further, it would be a weekly thing to wait and see. I appreciate them saving my tax-payer dollars and not driving all over Egypt un-neccesarily.

Next week is a big week for us. On Monday, we go to court for Baby D. Since he's 6 months old, the G.A.L. has recommended to the court a concurrent plan of reunification and termination of parental rights (TPR). Now, that does not mean that is what will happen, it is purely her recommendation. DSS is still recommending reunification. Baby D's parents have not passed a drug screening and it is my understanding that they have all but stopped attending their drug treatment classes. Also, the judge on the bench is very pro-birth parents. My understanding is that she almost favors them to a fault. NOT good if we want to begin the TPR paperwork and try to have the concurrent plan passed. However, we will have good friends in court with us that day, and I think it will provide some much needed peace.

Then, Baby Girl is scheduled for court next Thursday. However, her social worker told me that they have not yet determined paternity so her case may not be heard. I don't know how much longer before they move past the fact that her father cannot be located and determined and they just proceed. It's all so very frustrating.

Baby D is doing so well and is such a happy boy! (As I type this, he is "making" me a party favor.) He just laughs and talks and his favorite thing is the Johnny Jump Up. He adores it and will sit in it for nearly an hour jumping and talking and squealing.

Baby Girl is growing and getting so much more alert. I don't remember any of the other 4 kids being this alert at 2 months old. She is cooing and smiling and she will turn her head and follow me with her eyes when I walk across the room. She's so precious and cuddly and (except for today) is such an easy baby.

I know I haven't blogged much about how much I adore and love her, but it is not because of the lack of emotion. Trust me, I'm completely in love with her. But like I told my BFF last night, I just don't think I can allow myself to be consumed with her case like I was Baby D's. Seriously, when we got him it was all I thought and prayed about (notice the abundance of posts about him from the beginning).

This time, I'm trying so hard to let go and just let God be in control. So, I plan on spending an entire post on her and my love for her, but right now I can't let myself be that emotional. I'm afraid if the flood gates open, they will not shut easily and flooding isn't something extra I need in my house right now. I've got lots of kids to take care of, and during the day, I'm the only one here who knows how to swim.

Like A Stray Marble...

I'm having trouble staying on track with my thoughts.

I'm having trouble forming concurrent thoughts to create a blog worthy of your time (notice the abundance of pictures lately?). Why? I dunno.

What has been rolling around in my brain is....

* What are the challenges that we will face raising a child of another race?

* Why won't Baby Girl's mother just go ahead and relinquish? I mean, she hasn't seen her in WEEKS.

* I'm trying hard to focus on the word and soaking up some Son, but I come away from my quiet time discouraged. I'm not getting much out of it. I know this happens and that every time I go to scripture I can't be hit with a brick between the eyes, BUT I could use something of substance.

* Maybe God is teaching me patience since things seem to be dragging out with the babies, AND I'm getting little from my quiet time. Hummmm....I haven't asked for patience.

* I can't seem to form full thoughts or focus on any one thing for an extended period of time. I have a heavy heart for friends, ministries and friendships.

* I can't seem to get into the Christmas hype. Yes, I'm excited about celebrating the birth of my Savior, but I can't get excited about the presents, gatherings and such. Odd?

So, sorry if I'm not really blogging lately, but I can't think of anything that's really worth blogging.

5 for Friday: This and That

1. Somedays I wonder how this:

Became this:


In the blink of an eye.



2. Ashlee is starting to potty train. Which means I'm seeing more of this:


And less of these:


Thankfully, Ashlee feels like this:




3. Lucas is on steroids right now for a cold that has stirred up his asthma. Usually, he's funny, determined and playful like this:


With that medicine he's more like this:


Which makes me wanna pull my hair out.



4. Baby D is developing quite a personality. He is generally a happy baby, doing lots of this:


And, since I told him I can't put his whole face on my blog, he obliged me with this:

Does it remind you of this? It does me.



5. Baby Girl is getting so big. She's sleeping well at night, only waking up once for one of these:


Which means that I'm seeing more of these:


Which makes me have more of these:

Simply Beautiful

Quite possibly the most beautiful Baby Girl ever
(along with Elizabeth and Ashlee of course).

Don't you think so?

How To Perpetuate An Obsession: 101

Here are the pictures of, quite possibly, my favorite day of our vacation. But first, do you remember this post? Do you remember the obsession my kids have with all things Cowboy/Cowgirl? Oh yes, the obsession was fed, brushed, watered, saddled and perpetuated beyond a reasonable limit.

The first day we rode the pony, Petey, in the indoor area. Those specks in the air are dust and..uh, horse particles. Absolutely gross. The next day, the weather was more tolerable and we opted for outdoor riding. I pretty much think that this one day was the highlight of Lucas' little life.

At one point, my very generous uncle saddled up a big horse (not pictured) so that I too could ride (I may know where my kids' obsession of horses comes from. I LOVE riding as well.) Anyway, I took Lucas and Ashlee both for a ride on the big horse so that they could go fast, since they had been begging. We attempted to go fast on Petey and Little Dan, but their top speeds are just about as fast as quick jog. Not good enough for these dare devils.

As Lucas and I galloped across the field he yelled,

"Wait! Mommy stop! It hurts my butt-butt...and my parts."

Poor Ashlee only got a few turns riding outside before it was time to put the horses away. She napped through the whole afternoon. AND, I feel super horrible because I only got the 1 picture of her on the pony.

The last time we were at the horse farm, Lucas and Ashlee were just barely 1 year old and Lucas was terrified of the horses. Actually, now that I think about it, I don't even think Elizabeth had the courage to ride. Such was not the case this year. Elizabeth rode Petey all by herself! She man-handled...er, lady-handled, him like it was old news. Finally, after a napless day and the exhaustion from riding, she was pried from the saddle screaming and throwing a fit that only a real cowgirl could muster.

So, without further ado, I present to you...The Beaver Trio..Cowboy and Cowgirl Style.

Elizabeth rides, Ashlee and Lucas close behind, waiting for their turn. Sort of like an old west wagon chain don't you think? Well, except there aren't any wagons.

Elizabeth is just getting used to Petey. Oh, Petey! You just wait!

Cowgirl Addie (my BFF's girl) and Cowboy Lucas. Hummm...can you say "Arranged Marriage?" I'm only kidding, partially.

The ONLY reasonable pic I got of Cowgirl Ashlee. It makes me so sad.

"Best-ies" Elizabeth and Cousin Dylan

Cowboy Lucas. So proud to be riding the "big whorsey".

Cowgirl Elizabeth showin' Petey who's boss

Tryin' to go solo. Little Dan was a no-go.