Sky's 3rd Birthday Party

My baby's growing up so, so fast. She's already been with us for 3 years. How does time fly so quickly? Last Saturday, a couple of Sky's friends and my family came over to celebrate with us.

Friends of us generously lent us their moon bounce! Yipeee!

Sky takes her first picture. Lovely. :)

Pinata time!

I love her little face in this picture. :)

Every year, I find a place to hang up the "Happy Birthday" banner I made for her 1st birthday.

It was a yummy birthday. :)

"pin the flower on Minnie Mouse"

...Someone was OBVIOUSLY peeking... :)

I ♥ my Kaylie Cat.

So does my Littles.

the aftermath

*ONE* more time on the moon bounce, before Dada deflated it

All tuckered out after a long, fun-packed day. Happy Birthday, My Love. I just can't imagine life without you, Sweet Girl!

Apart From Him, I Can Do Nothing

John 15:1-11: I Am the True Vine

15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

I was really affected by today's message at church. Josh spoke from John 15:1-11 and described what it looks like to abide in Jesus. There were just so many things that he preached that the Holy Spirit used to reveal Himself to me.

...If you missed it, you can listen to it here. Be prepared to be challenged and encouraged. Have your Bible ready. And take notes. ;)

Pasta Meatball Soup: Adapted by Carey

My Aunt Carey shared this recipe with me when I was newly married. If ever there were a perfect remedy for a rainy day, this hardy soup is IT. I made it 2 weeks ago and am already craving it again. Thought I'd quickly share:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage (Carey uses part hot Italian, too.)
• 2 T. Italian-seasoned dry bread crumbs
• 1 T. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 t. each of salt + pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 c. thinly sliced carrots
• 1 t. Italian seasoning
• 3 c. chicken broth
• 1 16 oz. can Italian seasoned tomatoes, undrained, cut up. (I always use Del Monte tomatoes, Basil, Garlic & Oregano. It really compliments this soup well!)
• 1/2 c. uncooked rotini pasta
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• grated Parm cheese, for garnish

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, bread crumbs, 1 T grated Parmesan, s + p, & egg. Mix well. Form into 3/4" meatballs. Heat 1 T. oil in deep pot over medium heat. Cook meatballs, onions, and garlic till meatballs brown, turning frequently. Drain. Add remaining ingredients except pasta., zucchini and extra grated Parmesan. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 10 minutes. Add pasta and cook 5 minutes. Add zucchini and cook 5 more minutes. (Check doneness of pasta & cook longer if needed.) Serve w/ Parmesan cheese.

**Notes:

• Since you normally by ground beef by the pound, Carey suggested going ahead and doubling the meatball mixture. Freeze the extra for spaghetti or lasagna. Great idea. =)

• I always wind up pouring more chicken broth in the soup, and adding more of the ingredients (like the carrots). You'll want to make enough for lunch the next day, for sure!

Spencer & Emily's Wedding Celebration

A month ago, on Saturday 9/4, my cousin got married to a wonderful woman, Emily. Everything about it was picture-perfect. The colors, the vows, the sweet love in their eyes. And the weather was amazing! It was an unforgettable event, for sure.

...My Aunt Carey had the wonderful idea to throw a "wedding celebration" for them a month later, as a means to kick back and enjoy each others company, while the little kids could run around. Jonathan and I kept talking about what a fun event that was. We never get to see extended family two months in a row like that; I was in heaven. :) 

Sky wanted a better look at Carey's horses. I love her little bare feet.

Kate. Whatcha thinkin about?

Pop. Or as Sky calls him, "Pop-Pop".

Ariel & Hannah

Spencer & Emily. Or shall I say, "Sparky and... _____"?? ;-)

Welcoming friends and family to their home

...About to cut the cake...

...About to smash it... ;)

So devious. :) Look. Spencer knows it's coming. :)

Such a sweet couple. :)

Mom & Dad

5 Generations! From the left: McKayla, Megan, Melody, Margaret, Mary Ellen. All "M"'s! I'm just now realizing that! Ha!

How Richly God has blessed us. I love my family.

Grandie & Pop

my grandmother and my great-grandmother

my mom (Melody), her mom (Betsy), her grandmother (Mary Ellen), and her sister (Carey)

They really couldn't have color-coordinated any better!

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."  ~Marion C. Garrettyr

♥ love this.

Hannah

Kate

... :-) ...

Carey's Beautiful Barn. If I had a barn, it would look like this.

Hannah & Dad

Haha

Sky, enjoying her Strawberry.

Sky's 3rd birthday was on Oct. 5th. Grandie got her a "Leap Top" which she's played with every day!

So excited about her gift!

Hannah & Ariel

...Hannah & Meee

Carey has this adorable, spunky new Golden Doodle. (Did I get that right?) His name is Remington, or "Remmy" for short. ...You KNOW my sister and daughter were all over him!

She's in love. :)

...Time to go...

I love that God's blessed Carey with this house. It's a place where family gathers. A place where memories are made, year after year. I love that Sky will always have fond memories of going to "Aunt Carey's" for Christmases, playing with her aunties, second cousins, and the family dog. The same memories I had growing up.

Zonked after a long day. :) Goodnight, princess.