Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens

An Ode to a Da Da

I have to say that I am around Margo a lot - pretty much 24/7. And in all that time, I definitely see her laugh, giggle, smile, and exude pure joy the most when she is with her Daddy. Jim does an excellent job at being her Da Da and I am so amazed at his incredible parenting. Jim is just the best Dad for Margo and completes me in so many ways, I am so grateful for the way that the Lord uses our different qualities in parenting our little girl. Lord willing, she will be more balanced because of it. :)

Old Stompin Grounds

Gem Lakes

Summertime Sandals

Fun and Games

Go Army with Two Little Chipmuncks!

Okay, so one is a hamster, but Margo sure loved the song!

Anxious to post...

So, no pictures in this post. I actually think this is the FIRST non-picture post that I have ever done. Well, the reason for that is part of the reason why I'm writing this post. Since our trip to hilton head, I haven't been able to find my camera battery charger. So, I've only taken a few pics, quickly turned off the camera, loaded pics to the computer, and quickly turned it off again. I actually ordered a new charger from ebay but after purchasing, found out that it is coming from hong kong and will be here in a short 1-2 months! Well, I found the oringial charger just yesterday, under our bed. Which is a good thing since I'll be waiting quite a while for my 'back-up.' however, I have been anxious to post all the fun things Margo and I have been up to and I have no photos to vouch for it, so thought blogging about them will let me atleast have it written down for posterities sake... So, Margo, here is what fun we've been having the last few days:
Thursday
- played in toy section at Target
- ran around mall, played on riding toys, tried on sandals at Dillards, bought bath bubbles, foam alphabet, sidewalk chalk and elmo napkins at dollar tree, played with Thomas the train at Books-A-Million
- got a cookie at the grocery store
- lunch of dinosar chicken nuggets, broccili "trees", and pasta "river"
- nice long nap (2 1/2 hours)
- played outside with sidewalk chalk, slide, water, and Carolina
Friday
- made homemade playdough
- played with tea set and playdough people and cookies
- went to Gem Lakes with dogs and Nana for picnic lunch
- nap at Nanas
- played in kiddie pool with holly dog
and today... we're about to go fishing with the youth group (pictures should be coming with that one!)

A Gift

I just have to remind myself of how precious life is. It is a gift... each day. My heart grieves for the families I know who have experienced loss. Just this week I was discussing with Jim that maybe this season of life, having and raising children is for God to work in us, change us. Not to make us "happy" by having our child, but by making us holy. Well, it turns out someone already wrote the book on this concept, I've ordered Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas and pray God will continue to shape me into the follower of Jesus I long to be.


I love this picture. It actually is a very pathetic attempt at me trying to capture an adorable moment, and it not quite working out. But the scene that unfolded to make me want to take a picture was that Margo looked absolutely ADORABLE in a beautiful little dress. She was walking around with her Bible tenderly turning the pages after we got home from church (side note: love that her Bible is camo-colored!). It reminded me that for all the externals, I want her to be BEAUTIFUL on the inside. Changed by Jesus! I LOVE that she learned how to say "Jesus" before "Elmo." That she smiles when Jim and I bow our heads to pray. That she says "amen" as she bobs her head. We pray every day that these little things are precursors to her being sensitive to hear the Holy Spirit and obey His voice. Lord, let me always be reminded of the gift I have in our Margo Grace!

An Outing

Jim had Army drill in Columbia today so Margo and I made a day trip with him. We even enjoyed some down time on base after Jim got off work!

Adrien's B-Day

A Surprise Look

This is the look that Margo gives when she is surprised. Especially when she hears a new/loud noise or when looking for something.

My Smarty Pants

The Garden

Mommy and Margo Time

So, although it seems that every day is "mommy and Margo time," we had such a sweet night last night. Margo was sick with a cold and just wanted to be held. I laid down with her and she cuddled up almost like she was in the womb. We fell asleep like that and as I drifted off I was reminded of the amazing mystery of God creating this little person in me!

PA Family and Hilton Head Island

Easter 2010

Italy Part 1: Florence and Assisi

Spring Cleaning...not so much

Life certainly is fun with a toddler, I have to give it that much - how else do mundane tasks become fun, lighthearted, enthusiastic exploration adventures! Margo and I had fun planting new indoor plants today. Yes, dirt was on the counter, cupboards, and floor. Yes, dirt was in her hair, fingernails, mouth, etc. Yes, it was so much fun seeing her enjoy the simple things!