Now for the Letter "L"...

Here is a fun little game, courtesy of Lauren and then Julie. It works like this: Julie assigned me a letter (L), and I have to list ten things that start with L, and why I chose them. If you want to play, email me and I'll assign you a letter, etc. etc. Got it? Good.

Ten significant words that Start With the Letter L...

1. LOVE: Where would I be in my life without love? The unconditional love of my Heavenly Father, the amazing love from my husband, the faithful (no matter how many times I tell them no) love of my kids, the special love of my family and friends.

2. LAUGHTER: Truly this is the best medicine! I love laughing at my kids ( I mean with them) and with others...it makes you feel happy! :)

3. LIFE: It is great to be alive, to have a family, to serve the Lord. I am just glad my life is now and not back in the olden days when I would have had to use an outhouse, spend the WHOLE day cooking, wearing long hot dresses...I like that I can fly across the country in a couple of hours, drive in a couple of days vs. months in a wagon! :)

4. LUCY: I love Lucy! I think that was such a funny TV show! I have seen her shows over and over and still, they make me laugh. Somehow Lucy and Ethol remind me of someone...

5. LANGUAGE: There are more than 6900 languages in the world today and over 2500 of them have NO Bible in their language! That is an astounding number!
I am thankful the Lord is allowing us to help bring His word to those unreached people groups!

6. LEARNING: There is always something to learn, whether it is some life lesson or just something little that my kids remind me of. Learning is good...it can be difficult...sometimes it takes a shoe over my head...but it is always good.

7. LEFTOVERS: I don't like them very much!

8. LETTERS: It is so much fun to get letters, whether in the mail or email. Especially now, while we are away from our home and family and friends. It lets me know I haven't been forgotten, and it is fun to encourage others with them too! :)

9. LEGO'S: They are all over my house! No matter how much I try to keep them picked up, and tell the boys to take care of them too, my feet always seem to find a stray one! It is fun to watch my kids imagination at work with them! :)

10. LOTS OF PICTURES: Pictures of my kids, my adorable neice and nephews, my family, friends, places I have been, old pictures, new pictures, cute pictures, laugh out loud funny pictures, I just love pictures! (Except for ones of me of course! :))

HE DID IT!!

Kaleb can ride a two - wheeler!

On Wednesday we were outside, when all of a sudden I got this urge to see if he could ride his bike without training wheels. We went over to the grass and in less than 10 minutes he had it figured out and was riding like he had been doing it forever! :)

Of course, there were some little falls here and there, to which he quickly got up and said, "I'm okay, it didn't hurt!" And off he would go.

But at one point he wiped out (really, I watched him), and couldn't get up because the bike was on top of him. He was crying...so I went over to him, helped him up and told him it was so cool that he just had his first real fall on a two-wheeler!
He was so excited he forgot to cry and promptly told all around him he had just had his first fall!
Hey...whatever works, right...? :)

He was so excited to ride bikes with the other kids and his brother especially. He can go fast like them now...
However, I think he was a little too excited about riding bikes when yesterday morning he woke up at 5:30 (AM!!!) and cried when we sent him back to bed. When asked why he was crying, he put his head in his hands and wailed, "I just want to go ride bikes!".

Wow! I think we might have a bike fanatic on our hands! :)

Know what you say...and what you don't say...

This sweet face...he is capable of not so sweet things!
The other day he was in the bathroom...on the toilet...

First, let me say, we have a rule in our house regarding toilet paper for our kids...they are only allowed 3 squares at one time...then they can have 3 more...this eliminates the 10 ft long piece per wipe! (It saves us toilet paper and a clogged toilet).

Okay, that said...he must have been bored while sitting there...he remembered our 3 square rule and only did one square...OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER...just putting it in the toilet, not using it!

So, the next day while going to the bathroom (thinking I had him figured out...now realizing I should never understimate a 3 year old!) I said, "No Toilet Paper, I will help you when you are done". I even called to him while he was in there and asked him if he was touching the TP. He replied, "NO!"

I had forgotten that I had left a container of wet wipes in the bathroom...did I say anything about the wet wipes and not touching them? Of course not!!

So....
When I went in to check on him, there was a mountain of wet wipes in the toilet!!!!!!!!!!!
He had pulled them out one by one and stuffed them in between his legs. There was over half of a container of wet wipes in there!!

He looked at me with that ever popular Kolby like smirk. I know what he was thinking...

"Mom, you didn't say anything about not touching the wet wipes...."

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about potty training 1. Just because your child was easy...and your second child was easy...don't assume you have potty training figured out on your third one...he will change it! 2. I spend more time in the bathroom now than when I was pregnant and throwing up alot! 3. In my mind, going potty (or poop!) in your pants is not a choice, my son thinks it is optional...depending on his mood. 4. Just when I think he has got it, he doesn't want me to get to comfortable, so he gives me a day where he goes through every pair of underwear he has...and some of his brothers. 5. I have become excellent at entertaining in the bathroom...singing, reading books, telling stories...not something I ever thought would become a part of my daily life. 6. If I hear a door close, it is time to run as fast as I can, throw open the door and yell..."Get to the bathroom"...hopefully before his underwear become like a cloth diaper that I am having to rinse out in the toilet...YUCK! 7. Ice Cream is not a motivator for him (how is that possible?!) 8. I know where all the bathrooms are for the stores we frequent...so that when I hear, "I have to go potty", I don't waste those important moments looking for one! 9. Each time we make it to the bathroom is a huge victory and calls for the POTTY DANCE! (Don't ask) 10. He does better now than he did 1 month ago..that has to be progress! :) 11. Sometimes I think my daughter (16 months younger) might get this figured out before my son does. 12. Over all he really does a good job...I just wonder if we will ever get completely over it... 13. ...But I know...HE WILL BE POTTY TRAINED BEFORE HE GOES TO COLLEGE! :) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Julie 2. Addie (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

ABC Meme

Accent: Not now, but when I was in 9th grade I spent a month with someone from North Carolia (she had a great southern accent), and somehow, I picked it up for about 3 months...we have it on video and everything...

Bible Book that I like: Philippians...there are so many positive things in there. I love reading that book and memorizing verses from there.

Chore that I don’t care for: I hate putting laundry away, and cleaning the bathrooms...let's just say YUCK with 3 little boys!

Dog or Cat: We have no animals...yet, eventually we will get a dog. But only if my husband and kids agree to cleaning up after it...I have better things to do than clean up dog mess! :)

Essential Electronics: Cell phone and computer

Favorite Cologne: I like body sprays...vanilla is good!

Gold or Silver: Gold

Handbag I Carry most often: The only one I have (good thing I like it).

Insomnia: Are you kidding? I fall asleep in about 3 seconds at night!

Job Title: Cook, House Maid, Launderer (is that a word?), Owie kisser, story reader, Bed maker, Snack provider...MOM! :)

Kids: 3 boys (6,4,3) and 1 girl (22 months), and that's all folks! :)

Living Arrangements: 4 bedroom house in Phoenix (which we can't wait to get back home to in about 5 weeks!)

Most Admirable Trait: Good Listener

Naughtiest childhood behavior: I was great at getting my sisters to do things, and then leaving the room before my parents came in. They were the ones to get in trouble for my ideas! :) (Now my oldest son does this same thing...but I am on to him! :))

Overnight hospital stay: Each time I had my kids. Plus, when I was pregnant with my second son I was in and out alot for pre-term labor.

Phobias: BIG Bugs! Especially ROACHES. They are so ugly and they CRUNCH!

Quote: Hmmmm, not sure....

Religion: No religion, I have a relationship with my Savior and friend, JESUS.

Siblings: Two sisters, Jodi and Joy (both younger). I also have 1 sister-in-law, Stacey, and 3 Brother-in-law's, Jeff, Wes, and Jim.

Time I wake up: Around 6ish.

Unusual Talent or skill: I will have to think on this one...I can drool almost every time I eat a jelly bean...does that count??!! ;)

Vegetable I refuse to eat: PEA'S!

Worst habit: I put things in special places so I won't lose it, and almost EVERY time, I cannot remember where I put it.

X-rays: Yup, had them...

Yummy stuff I cook: Enchalada's, Chicken Alfredo, and Lasagna (hopefully my husband would add a few to this list if he was asked) :).

Zoo animal I like the most: The flamingo's! (Right Stacey?) :)

Now I tag, Jodi!

My Mom...My Friend

I remember a cross stitch piece that hangs in my parents house. It says,

"Always my daughter, now too, my friend".

My nana (mom's mom) made it for her. When I was little I looked at it and tried to figure out exactly what it meant.

I now understand...only I would switch it around and say,

"Always my mother, now too my friend".
My mom is the greatest! We talk an average of 2 - 3 times a day (we do not live near each other - thank goodness for cell phones and free long distance!).
She is such a good friend. I know I can tell her anything...while she can sometimes be quick with an answer, I know that she wants to help and make things better for me. I value her opinion, and I appreicate her openess. She is very real in what she says and how she lives her Christian faith.

One of the things I love the most about my mom is her love for the Lord! When talking about a problem to me or anyone, she is quick to say, "Let's pray about it."

I love that she enjoys hearing me talk about my kids almost as much as I like talking about them...seeing as how they are her grandkids and all! :)

Now that I am a mom too, I have so much more appreciation for her!

I understand things like I never understood before.

Things like...

• why it is such a big deal if you have a cookie 10 minutes before supper
• "there are kids starving in Africa..."
• loving someone so much it almost hurts
• being willing to do just about anything to see your kids smile
• why my mom put us before herself and her needs SO many times
• how you can be up in the middle of the night with a sick or scared kid and still be the first one up in the morning...with a smile on your face
• why it is good to have mommy time sometimes
• how important it is to still take time to go on dates with my husband.
• how I want to cheer when my kids do something new, but then cry because it means they are growing up.
• crying at commercials...WHAT?! We used to make fun of my mom for that, now I am my mom! I am telling you, when you have kids it does something to you...
• What unconditional love really is

Thank you mom for all you have done for me through the years, for being there for me whenever I need you. You are so imortant to me, you are a big part of the reason I am who I am...thank you for investing so much of your life into me. Thank you for your laughter, for your tears, your prayers, and for your constant encouragement...even when you don't agree with how I am raising your grandkids! :)

God knew you were just the mom for me. I LOVE YOU MOM!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Three favorite words

As a mom there are 3 words I can hardly wait to hear my kids say to me for the first time and each time after.

Each time I hear...I LOVE YOU...my heart melts!

To me it is important to let others know they are loved. Each phone conversation I have with family, I always end with I LOVE YOU. Every night at bedtime, to my kids and my husband I say, I LOVE YOU. Even as my husband leaves for work or to go to the store or anywhere, or as my son leaves for school, the last words I always try to remember to say are I LOVE YOU!

I want them to know that if something happend to them or me those would be the last words we might have to hold on to.

So, to hear my kids frequently tell me that they love me, makes me smile!

No matter how much my kids mess up, I will always love them...NO MATTER WHAT!

I have come to realize that no matter how much I mess up (which is OFTEN...I cannot figure out this parent thing!), they will always love me!

That is why my 3 favorite words are...I LOVE YOU!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen of my favorite things...

1. Color - Purple (before I had 3 boys I liked the color blue and very much so disliked pink or purple...now that I have a little girl, I find that I rather like the colors pink and purple!).

2. Food - I love to eat chicken (are Hot Tamales...you know the candy...considered food? Lately I have been eating those alot).

3. Movie - I love the Anne of Green Gables series.

4. Job - I love being a mom, wouldn't trade that job for anything...ever!

5. Weather - Warm, the warmer the better...guess it is good I am from Phoenix!

6. Hobby - When I have time to have a hobby, I love to scrapbook.

7. Holiday - 4th of July! I like what it represents and the fireworks!

I have to admit though...Christmas is a favorite too! :)

8. Day of the week - FRIDAY!!

9. Resaurant - Chili's, Chino Bandito (a hole in the wall mexican/chinese place...oh so good!, and Chipolte's.

10. TV Show - AMAZING RACE!

11. Verse - Jeremiah 29:11. It is so awesome to me to know that God has a plan for me, there are no surprises for Him in my life!

12. Time of the day - When I put my kids to bed and have the evening with my husband! :)

13. Drink - DIET COKE!! I am afraid I am a bit of an adict. It is kind of like coffee for me. Give me a diet coke and I am ready to face the day...

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Happy Birthday to Who?

My third son loves to sing.
He sings just about any song he can think of...and he actually is pretty in tune most of the time. However, he has a favorite song...A song that he enjoys singing at the top of his lungs everywhere he goes!

"Happy Birthday to you..."

He sings it in the bathroom...in drive-thru at McDonald's...he breaks out with it in the middle of dinner...while he is playing...wathcing a movie...pretty much whenever it crosses his mind he sings it.

We have asked him who's birthday it is, and he looks at us like why would we ask a question like that and replies (with that ever Kolby like smirk), "It is nobody's birthday!", and promptly goes back to serenading us! :)

My kids!

Andrew... my big helper!

Kaleb...makes us laugh! :)

Kolby...our little man!

Sarah...our tough princess!

These are my four FAVORITE kids in the world! I am so thankful the Lord gave them to me and I get to be their mommy!! :)

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I did/ did not miss about my family when I was gone 1. I missed kissing them goodnight at bed time. 2. I missed hearing about my oldest son's day at school when he came home. 3. I missed doing my daughters hair in the morning. 4. I missed the laughter that seems to follow them around. 5. I missed sharing dinner with them each night (although I didn't miss hearing , "Do I have to eat that?") 6. I missed having someone to cuddle with at night (my sister just wasn't the same!) :) 7. I missed the crazy jokes my 2nd son makes up and finds hilarious. 8. I missed my oldest learning how to make himself burp (can't say I missed it, just that I missed it, know what I mean??) :) 9. I missed playing outside with them in the afternoon while we wait for daddy to come home! 10. I did not miss having to get 4 kids dressed each morning! 11. I did not miss the whole potty training thing (will it ever end?!) 12. I did not miss waking up in the middle of the night! 13. I missed spending time with the people I love most in the world!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Sherry 2. Julie 3. Stacey (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Beautiful Bride...Beautiful Day

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL! It was so fun to go back to Ohio...see my "second family", and get to be there for my best friend's wedding!
We enjoyed our time together...although there was never a dull moment! We were busy from the second we set our feet in the house! But we laughed and laughed.

I had met Stacy's husband back in October, but hadn't gotten to know him. This last week I did...he is a funny, crazy guy! I think the two of them are perfect together! In fact, when Stacy first told me about him a few years ago...I told her that I liked him (this is before they were together) and I thought that he was the guy she would marry!! Needless to say, we hit it off! :)

We made many more memories together.
Memories that I will cherish forever.
Stacy is such a special friend and I love that I got to be a part of her special day! The wedding was beautiful (have I mentioned that already?!) :) As we were eating supper (at the reception) I leaned over and asked the two of them if this is what they wanted. Stacy said that it was perfect, a dream come true. What more could you ask for? I am so happy to see my friend so happy, I love her to death, and I miss her even more than before. It was very hard to say goodbye to her. We did so with tears streaming down our faces. It isn't often that God brings a friend like this into your life, so I need to make sure I cherish her and her friendship.

I am praying for you Josh and Stacy as you begin your new life together!
I love you both very much!! :)

Here are some pictures of the wedding, and I will share stories and pics in the coming days

!

The "girls" at the rehersal

The "girls" on wedding day!

My sister, Jodi, and I with Stacy!

Here comes the Bride...

Josh & Stacy

Today I am leaving my husband and 4 kids to fly to Ohio to be in my best friend from high school's wedding! She gets married on Saturday! I am very excited to go and spend this special time with her...it is sure to be a fun, crazy, and special time!

Stacy...I met her when I was in 10th grade. We have done so many things together...she is one of those people who is really good at getting me to try crazy things I would never even think of without her! Needless to say, we always have a blast together!

We have so many great memories...I even lived with her family for awhile after high school! It would be better to describe her as more of a sister than a friend. It is so neat to look back and see how the Lord brought us togther and how we have been able to stay "forever friends" even through the years.

Stacy, I love you my forever friend! I am so excited for you! See you soon!

7 years!

I remember when I used to think being married for 7 years was a long time!
Wow, now we are there...are we getting old? :)

Today we have been married for 7 years and I have to say that I love Jon more and more with each passing year.

Here are some things that I LOVE about him...

1. He treats me like a queen!

2. He helps me around the house...he even mops and does dishes for me sometimes!

3. I frequently hear him ask if there is something he can do to help me!

4. He likes to go on dates.

5. He is fun to be with.

6. We have known each other for so long...it is great to share alot of the same history, friends, family, etc. (I grew up calling his parents aunt and uncle!)

7. I love having his arms wrap around me.

8. He is the most sensitive man I know.

9. He supports me in everything I do.

10. He loves to spend time with our kids and is the best father EVER!

11. He loves the Lord with his whole heart.

12. We pray together...he normally takes the initiative for that.

13. He is an airplane mechanic and is using his abilities to serve the Lord on the mission field...how awesome is that??! :)

14. When I need a break he is quick to take the kids outside for awhile or something.

15. He pays attention to me.

16. Football is not his favorite sport!!! :)

17. He likes baseball!

18. His eyes are such a pretty blue (I was really hoping our kids would get those baby blues...not one did, they are all brown, just like me!)

19. He likes to talk on the phone...to me. :)

20. He loves to help other people.

21. He puts the Lord first in all He does.

22. Before making a big decision he is faithful to pray about it, research it and know about it before hand.

23. He is someone I respect and am proud of.

24. I love him with my whole heart and each day that love grows!

25. I would say this last year was the hardest for us, however, he is so good at making us talk things through (I tend to want to clam up) and get back on the right track. I am so thankful he is willing to take the high road and go "first". :)

26. He is not easily upset (good thing for me!) I have told him that I would much rather be married to him than be married to me!! :)

27. When something stressful comes his way, his first respose is usually what is God doing through this? He has a plan, let's see what it is.

28. He is the spritual leader in our family.

I, of course, could go on and on and on and on.....
But I will stop and just say

I LOVE YOU JONATHAN! :)

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about Tina 1. I was born in Baker, OR. 2. I have two younger sisters (whom I love and wish lived closer!) 3. I moved 32 times in the 18 years I lived at home... 4. ...No, my dad was not in the military... 5....He was in retail. 6....and my parents were missionaries at a summer camp. 7. That camp is where I met my husband (when I was in 5th grade and he was a senior in high school...no, it wasn't love at first sight!) 8. I also met my sister-in-law there...we grew up and married brothers...(good thing we like each other!) 9. My husband and I have been married for almost 7 years (on Monday!) 10. Our oldest is 6 years old...yes, he was a honeymoon baby! :) 11. We love having 4 kids even though they keep us on our toes all the time... 12....we are done now though...REALLY! (4 kids in 4 1/2 years...that is alot!) 13. We are missionaries getting ready to head overseas the end of this year (more on that in a later post!) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Julie 2. Stacey

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Quick Update

Grandma Mabel made it through her surgery okay. Thank you for your prayers.
At this time she is still in the hospital and we are waiting to see what the doctor has to say. Although, we have heard it is a possibility that she could go home today!
We really appreciate your prayers regarding this and would love for you to keep praying! Thanks! :)

It is so assuring to know that God is in control of all things...especially at a time like this!

Grandma Mabel

We recieved a call from my brother-in-law earlier to tell that my husband's grandma passed out on the floor earlier today.

They have since taken her to the hospital where they have decided they need to put in a pace maker. Her heart beat is very irregular.

It is expecially hard for us right now because we are so far away in North Carolina and they are in Arizona. We would like to be there with his family during this time...this is a hard part about being missionaries and not able to be there with our family. But we are reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 and that God has a plan. We are praying pray that we will have a peace about his plan and trust Him to know what is going to happen.

We appreciate your prayers for her, the family, and us.

It's Potty Time!

When I potty trained my first son, I thought I had it all figured out. He started it on his own 3 weeks before he turned 2!
I remember seeing one of those books that are made just for going potty (you read it to the kids as they go or something). i laughed at it thinking...why would someone ever really need this? It is so silly!

Well, I am now one of those silly moms that think those books are great!

We are in the process of potty training our 3 year old son. He is altogether his own person...nothing like his brothers. He has given me a whole new perspective on this potty training thing...

He has known how to go for months now, he just doesn't want to! So, when he turned 3 (2 weeks ago), we made a big deal about 3 year olds and how they are big boys and get to go potty in the big potty. To help him, I bought one of those Potty books called, "It's Time To Go Potty".
It has a little button that sounds like a toilet flushing when you push it. (We have read it so much he has it completely memorized...and so do I!)

You know what...it works! Since we got that and started reading it he has started to get it! Of course, he gets one M&M after he goes and we do a potty dance (that sounds fun, huh?). We have been mostly dry for the last 4 days with a few accidents here and there. So, whether it is the book or the dance or just the right time...I am happy he is getting it figured out.

Hopefully soon, it will just be my daughter in diapers...and she already shows more interest in going than my 3 year old! She loves to sit on the little potty and has even gone a number of times! That has to be good, doesn't it?? ;) After buying diapers for the last 6 1/2 years, the prospect of not having to any more is kind of exhilirating! :)

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about Tina

1. I like spending time with my family.
2. I like pickles, but my husband won't even kiss me after I have had one!
3. I like to go on dates with my husband.
4. I like hearing my oldest son read (it is so exciting to hear him!)
5. I like to eat cake, brownies, cookies...for breakfast (not that I do it...well, not that often anyway)!
6. I like to watch my kids play together, hear them talk about things, and see the world through their eyes.
7. I like to write!
8. I like scrapbooking in my freetime ( I don't have much freetime though...that is probably why I am still on kid #2's book!)
9. I like Amazing Race...I am a TOTAL fan (I have even gotten other people interested in watching it. Someday my sister and I are going to do it...Really!) :)
10. I like to travel...good thing since soon we will be heading halfway around the world to live!
11. I like to listen to my children pray.
12. I like girly things...after having 3 boys, it is time for some pink and purple in this family!
13. I like getting mail! Who doesn't, right??? :)


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1.Stacey
2. Julie
3. Addie
4. Sherry


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday Arika!

One year old today!

Before you know it she will be starting school, reading, riding a bike.

Then she will be driving a car, going on dates, getting married...

Who knows what is in store for little Miss Arika.

But we do know she is so adorable, so loved, and FUN!

Jim & Joy, treasure and enjoy each moment you have with her!

We wish we could be there to help celebrate this special day!

We love you Arika...our favorite neice! :)