Daddy Daughter Dance

Last month I got to experience something that very few Mothers get to see.  I got to go to the Daddy Daughter Dance.  I was asked to be the photographer so I got a sneak peek into the very special event! The girls dressed up and I did their hair.  They put make up on and found their fanciest shoes! 

They were so excited that it could not be contained.   They all requested "Wedding Hair"  so I grabbed my curling iron, hair spray, Bobby pins and started praying hard! 

Once they were all ready, they wanted a photo shoot!  

While snapping pictures I had a quick glimpse, fast forward to prom.  

Cue Momma's tears!

 They met their cousins in the parking lot and all walked in together!

 They danced with Daddy!

(Middle Sis...Don't look at Me.  I am invisible tonight!  I am just a stranger taking pictures!)

My favorite part of the evening was when each Daddy spoke words of encouragement to their Daughters.  I looked around the room and watched as all of the girls looked into the eyes of their Daddy while they were told how special they were and why.  

Girls had tears rolling down their cheeks and grins that seemed to stretch across the universe.    

The following are a few friends enjoying the evening! 

(The next few pics were taken on my phone so they are a bit blurry.  Sorry!)

That was the evening!  

What a fun night!  I am so glad I got to be a part of it!

Flashback Friday!

Mommy's Time Out ~ Wishing Time Could Stand Still!

  Knowing that Little Bro made our family complete was a bit bittersweet for me.  I know that because of complications due to 4 C-sections  doctors said 4 children was our max. I am so perfectly happy with all of them and am amazed how fast they grow.  God blessed us with each one.  I love and enjoy them and wish that time could stand still just for a bit longer. Big Sis will be 8 in August, Middle Sis 6 in December, Little Sis 4 in July and Little Bro just turned 2 in March.  A bigger shock to me is that Big Sis is entering 3rd grade and Middle Sis, Kindergarten in the fall.  Knowing Lil Bro is the Grand Finale I hug longer, hold more and drink in every moment that he lays his head on my chest.  I look at each finger and little toe every day.  I play This Little Piggy went to Market, Where is Thumbkin and Itsy Bitsy Spider more than I ever have because I know that this wonderful stage will be grown out of too quickly.  My Grandmother reminds me to enjoy every moment because they go by so fast.  

Tonight we went to the playground and Lil Bro was very apprehensive about the bridge.  He was unsure of each footstep and looked to me for guidance and safety.  As soon as he took my hand he took the final steps in confidence, knowing that I would catch him when he falls.

 Once he got to the top of the play set he sat down on top of the slide.  He wouldn't budge until I called his name and encouraged him to come.  He was still nervous until his eyes met mine and then....

 a huge smile broke across his little face.  He hopped off of the slide and ran back to the bridge that he was once afraid of and back to the slide he wouldn't budge on.    I like to be the one he calls.  

I love the little hand clinging to mine.

I want them to stay young forever.  To keep the innocence, the look of sheer joy at every new experience.  I love the twinkle in their eye.  I love to be the one they call for the tiniest little thing although to them it feels Monumental. 

I know that every moment is a gift from God. I love being a wife and mother.  I also know that there are times that I am apprehensive and unsure and God is there to hold my little hand.  As this love for my children grows each and everyday, as they capture my heart in a way that is completely and utterly astounding, I know God feels that way about me. I plan games, activities and outings, cook yummy things and do fun things for my children. In this busy season, I sometimes forget what God does for me each and everyday.  He gives me sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, friends and family. Amazing places, unbelievable experiences and more than I ever could discover in this lifetime, and always more than I could ever deserve.

Tonight, as I sit here typing away, I feel blessed. Enjoying this sometimes crazy stage in life.  Wishing that time could freeze just for a moment longer.  Reminiscing about fond memories, yet with excitement for what the future holds.  In a moment, I will hit the Publish button followed by the power button and then kiss each and every little blessing that is sacked out around my room from a fun family night!  Good night Blog Followers.  Thanks again for caring enough to stop by today!

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A few of my Favorite Things!

Here are a few of my favorite things!

Recipe of the Week - Perfect Baked Potato Oven and Microwave

The Perfect Baked Potato

This recipe was originally found on Good Eats with Alton Brown.  You can find it HERE!

Ingredients

• 1 large russet potato (If it looks like Mr. Potato Head(r), you've got the right one.)
• Canola oil to coat
• Kosher salt

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees and position racks in top and bottom thirds. Wash potato (or potatoes) thoroughly with a stiff brush and cold running water. Dry, then using a standard fork poke 8 to 12 deep holes all over the spud so that moisture can escape during cooking. Place in a bowl and coat lightly with oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and place potato directly on rack in middle of oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

Bake 1 hour or until skin feels crisp but flesh beneath feels soft. Serve by creating a dotted line from end to end with your fork, then crack the spud open by squeezing the ends towards one another. It will pop right open. But watch out, there will be some steam. NOTE: If you're cooking more than 4 potatoes, you'll need to extend the cooking time by up to 15 minutes.

Microwave Baked Potato ~ Done in 12 minutes

• 1 large russet potato

• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

• 3 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese

• salt and pepper to taste

• sour cream
• 
  
• Scrub the potato, and prick several time with the tines of a fork. Place on a plate
• 
  
• Cook on full power in the microwave for 5 minutes. Turn over, and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. When the potato is soft, remove from the microwave, and cut in half lengthwise. Season with salt and pepper, and mash up the inside a little using a fork. Top the open sides with butter and 2 tablespoons of cheese. Return to the microwave, and cook for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.
• 
  
• Top with remaining cheese and sour cream, and serve.

Camping and A New Baby

Hi Everyone,

It is me, Middle Sis!  Sorry I haven't written in a long time.  We have been super busy and also gone a lot!  This week we went camping in Grandma and Grandpa's camper!   It took us a long time to get there but we had our markers, clipboards, and Pillow Pets to keep us company on our trip!

Here is Lil Bro being funny with his sunglasses!

 We camped by Uncle Dave and Aunt Melissa's house.  We did that so we could meet our new little cousin and still let them have some peace and quiet!  He is so cute!

 He love playing with our cousin Zoe! 

We ate Mickey Mouse shaped Krispie Treats in the back yard on a 102 degree day.  

Yep, it really was that hot! 

 Here is Lil Sis and Lil Bro checking out Baby Zachary. 

 Grandma got to hold him too!  We all wish that we lived closer.

 We spent lots of time swimming at the campground!  

Zoe's other cousin Baby Noah came to swim too!

He's pretty cute too!

 Big Sis and I got to hold the baby a lot! I kept wanting and wanting to hold him!

 I could hold him forever!

 Zoe was giving Mommy's cousin Will a puppet show with Ariel.  

She is pretty good at puppet shows!

 Lil Sis loved holding "IT".  Mommy kept telling her it 

was baby Zachary but she kept calling him "IT"!

 We did LOTS of princess makeovers. ...and we even cleaned up our messes!

 We played family match game.  The only problem was that this was made when Grandma and Grandpa only had 2 Grandkids and now they have 9!  Grandma needs to add more cards!

 Here is our last meal in the camper!  It was a hot week but it was super fun!  

Welcome to the world Baby Zachary!  It was so nice to meet you!  

Love, Middle Sis

Family Night ~ The Great Race Antique Car

The Great Race

Tonight we spent Family Night out on the town!  We went to see The Great Race 2012.  It was so much fun.  We watched old cars pull into this checkpoint for 1 1/2 hours.  80 + Cars came in about every minute.  Lil Bro loved to see "CARS, CARS"! The girls picked out their favorites and 1 of their criteria was that the car match their outfit!  Wow....yes, that would be a girly criteria!  The whole family enjoyed a free night of entertainment.  You can find the GREAT RACE here. It is a 9 day race with checkpoints and a big clipboard full or rules, one being not being able to use your speedometer.  This year they started in Traverse City, MI went through Canada, NY, OH and will end at the Henry Ford Museum.  Maybe they will roll through your town in the years to come.

 The police car turned their siren on as they pulled in!  The kids loved that!

 This is the best group shot we got.  Little Sis sure looks happy here!  

She said she wanted to go look at the cars and not take any more pictures!

 Here is the oldest car at the race.  It is a 1907!

What a great time!  Uh Oh...here comes the raindrops....I hope they got all of their tops up!