Happy Easter

 Thankful for the power, blessing, and love that is possible because of today.

Marching through Life

A few things that have happened in March:

I got a new car.

I love this car. When my car was stolen a couple of months ago, I decided I wanted an Acadia but most of them were out of our price range. We prayed God would turn this not-so-great situation into a great one. He did. One Friday morning, within 15 minutes of each other, I received news from the insurance company that we were getting twice the money we expected and that the owners of this car accepted our lower-than-they-wanted offer. Two lessons learned: there are some really great people in this world who love to bless others and God cares about the details of our life. 

I turned 31 and Lane planned an afternoon of surprises for me. 

He played and sang me a song.

He  gave me a money tree with 31 bills for a shopping spree. All the bills were tens and twenties in case you were feeling sorry for me thinking I only got $31.

He rewrote Proverbs 31 and read it to me. I will have to post his writing once I get a copy.

We had a shooting competition.

I won the pellet gun contest. He won the big gun contest. 

He brought a picnic but it was pretty windy, so we ended the evening with sushi and Baskin Robbins 31 flavors. I have an amazingly thoughtful/creative/hilarious husband. 

 I celebrated with a few friends over dinner.

Lane built me a chicken coop. 

I love this cute little thing. The color is "chickery chick." Perfect.

Hazel turned 5 months.

 Harper grew into even more of a little lady.

Valentine's is for the Birds

Because I needed 9 more mouths to feed, we did this...

Gloria, Ginger, Ruby, Dory, Willamina, Jean, Gina, Daewoo, and Leganza (Lane named the last two.)

Hazel loves them. (The silver Charger in the background: My rental because somebody thought it would be cool to steal my car from my drive way and burn it to the ground. Thanks, Waco.)

Happy girl. (Please dismiss the drool/spit up covering her chin. There aren't enough rags in the world to keep up.)

Little Miss, who keeps me on my toes.

My favorite three.

Valentine's outfits from Mimi and Poppy.

A Fall of Firsts

It has been a great Fall semester (yes, I still think in terms of semesters). Here's a few things we did: 

Lane and I got a new daughter: Hazel Jane Murphy.

Harper got a baby sister.

I fell in love for the 3rd time in my life. Lane and Harper were my first 2, in case you were wondering.

Hazel took her first car ride.

Hazel had a small photo shoot.

Harper rode her first amusement park ride.

Hazel rode her first amusement park ride (she's in the Ergo).

Lane and I celebrated 6 years of marriage. We opted for breakfast at home this year. Fancy dinners aren't as feasible with a 2 week old.

Harper was a princess for Halloween.

Hazel attended her first Baylor Homecoming.

Harper got her first haircut. 

Harper moved into a big girl. She loves jumping.

Hazel enjoyed her Sip-N-See.

We had a great Thanksgiving.

Lane turned 31.

Harper and Hazel practiced being best friends.

I helped host a shower for baby Arden.

Harper and Hazel visited Santa.

Harper and Hazel waited for Christmas.

Christmas morning came.

We had a very merry Christmas. Hope you did, too.

Trivia: Can you tell who is who?

Top: Hazel. Bottom: Harper.

Giving Thanks

...for these three and for all the many, many other people, opportunities, and blessings that permeate my life. More blogging to come.

Pumpkin Patch Photos

Harper's school has a pumpkin patch every year. Picking out pumpkins has turned into a little tradition for fam and we love it. This year, Hazel Jane participated in her own special way. 39 weeks. Can't wait to have 2 little girls to hold.