New Baby, New Hair

"I can push the walker, Mommy!"

We are officially declaring Ashley a new child. She is SO happy, sweet, fun and NOT cranky! She tries new things and plays independently. We are enjoying her so much lately and I decided to give her fun new hair to match. Piggy-tails here we come!

Future Mrs. Melissa Case's Bridal Shower

After 6 years, Melissa will finally be a Case! Uncle Ryan will marry Melissa in May and she'll finally be Aunt Melissa. We got to celebrate at a tea house in Orange County.

Since we don't get to be at the wedding, which will be in Turks and Caicos, Shelby was the "showergirl" (since Presley will be the flowergirl). She felt special, getting a crown, and helping pass out games.

Little Ladies' tea table for two.

Ashley was happiest outside, using the porch to learn to cruise. She had a good view of the present opening from here.

Of course, opening presents was the most important job for the showergirl. She got to choose the presents and help open them. Thanks, future Aunt Melissa, for a day!

Easter Sunday

Baby's first Easter!

"The Three Musketeers" These cousins love each other so much and had lots of fun running around the back yard. Here, Presley is being the teacher and the other two are obediently listening.

Our almost 6 year old! She must always have an Easter hat. (She did not learn that from me!!)

Easter Advent 7- HE IS RISEN

"UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE, WITH A MIGHTY TRIUMPH O'ER HIS FOES. HE AROSE A VICTOR FROM THE DARK DOMAIN, AND WILL LIVE FOREVER WITH HIS SAINTS TO REIGN! HE AROSE, HE AROSE, HALLELUJAH CHRIST AROSE!"---as sung by Jason...his favorite song ever!

(so sorry this is a couple of days late. this is literally the first chance i've had to sit down at my computer since saturday night!)

Easter Advent 6- The Sabbath

(No candles today. It was a dark, sad day to those who didn't know what tomorrow would bring.)

Mat 27:62-66 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate (63) and said, "Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise.' (64) Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first." (65) Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." (66) So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

Luk 23:56 Then [the women] returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Easter Advent 6-The Sacrifice of our Messiah

Of course, I could have posted entire chapters from the gospels about today. But my favorite verse regarding Christ's sacrifice was written hundreds of years before Jesus was even born, which I think makes it even more striking.

Isa 53:5-6 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. (6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Easter Advent 5- The Last Supper, Betrayal, and Arrest

(the angel ministering to Jesus while he prayed and pleaded with God to spare him of his sacrificial fate, while the disciples sleep below)

Mat 26:26-29 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." (27) And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, (28) for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (29) I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

Luk 22:39-48 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. (40) And when he came to the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." (41) And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, (42) saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." (43) And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. (44) And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (45) And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, (46) and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." (47) While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, (48) but Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"