Us in January

Each month I am attempting to be sure I catch a photo of the four of us together in one shot. With only a day left in the month I knew I needed to get on it. Here in NC the weather was sunny and beautiful today. So, we headed to the walking trails and enjoyed the weather together.

Dental Photos

The girls went to the dentist on Tuesday afternoon and both received good reports. I was reminded of how nervous Shelly was a few years ago when she went to the dentist for the first time. On her first visit, I had to lay in the chair with Shelly stretched out on my lap while the hygentist cleaned her teeth and then during the dentist's examine. I am sure it was quite a sight! Shelly told me on Tuesday, "mommy, I won't cry today". I told her, "I know you won't, you're seven now". She seemed pleased with that response. Here are the girls at the dentist:



Lily---always a champ at the dentist




Shelly kicking back for her examine



Blogs I Enjoy

Every now and then I like to update others on the blogs I read. Thought a little list of the MANY blogs I frequent might be fun. So here are just a few of the many:

http://bunsinmyoven.com/ Great food blog



http://www.centsationalgirl.com/ Super house project blog


http://www.cheekykitchen.com/ Another great food blog


http://classicmomstyle.blogspot.com/ All about mom fashion---fun


http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/ Straight- forward mom blog…sometimes I agree with her sometimes I disagree, but I always enjoy her insight


http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/ Cute girl/fun blog


http://georgeeliotclub.typepad.com/sarahbjones/ Funny, smart woman with a real life

Change Update

So, my word for the year is Change! And I am here with a little update on my change progress.

1. I changed to a new foundation over the weekend. I was inspired by my sister and I am loving this new product. I also picked up a new lip color that I love in Shocking Pink.

2. We purchased the Wii Fit Plus through Amazon (great deal). I am committing myself to workout to it or to Just Dance 2 the Just Sweat version at least 5 days a week. It feels good to move.

3.  We changed our minds about having Shelly baptized here in NC and chose to have her baptism in Virginia Beach at the United Methodist Church there. I am so glad we did.

4. And, in big news (heavy sarcasm)---I just reorganized (changed) my store reward cards in my wallet. Instead of just jamming them in there. I actually alphabetized them. Next time I am looking for that Harris Teeter card, I'll know to go to the "H" section!!! :)

Baptism

Shelly was baptised on Sunday in Virginia Beach. We were so happy for her. It was a sunny and beautiful day.

Sofia and Shelly---birthday girls

Family at the table

Rainbows

Heard this song yesterday and it reminded me of my mom. So many references to rainbows lately. Coincidence? Not so sure.






This time of year I think about her and I feel very sad and a bit lonely without her. I hope she is happily listening to this song "somewhere over the rainbow". Love her.

7th Birthday

Shelly had such a fun 7th birthday. We celebrated after a breakfast of cinnamon rolls and bacon (Shelly's request). Her sister assisted with the gifts and card reading.

Tower of polka dots



Reading grandpa's card



Tennis anyone???

A shirt that looks like Shelly



Happines and Ms. Ladybug the Pillow Pet



Justice locker from sissy

Card and gift card from Aunt Kathy

Excitement while opening the Just Dance 2 game

Yippy...Just Dance 2...thanks Aunt Linny



A new bathing suit in January!




Shelly was super excited about her new bike. It even brought her to tears!

The bike

For dinner we headed to Kick Back Jacks (another request by Shelly). And at about 10:30 she asked for a piece of her birthday cake. A good day to turn seven!

Sisters ready for dinner

Shelly and cutie boy (aka daddy)

Candle time

Blowing out the candle

A slice of the rainbow



Turning 7 = Happiness



On the Day that You Were Born---

the angels got together,


And decided to create a dream come true,


So they sprinkled moondust in your hair


And golden starlight in your eyes of blue...
(A Carpenter's Song)



So hard for me to believe that this sweet little girl is turning 7 today!!!!

There are so many specials things about Shelly.

She loves her sister---




She loves her daddy---





She loved her kitten, Chloe, and learned how to be a little more comfortable around animals because of Chloe--



She is super funny and makes us laugh all the time---


She loves the Harley---



She loves her American Girl dolls, her earrings, and school---







She loves to go swimming, to eat waffles, and to pose for the camera---






Shelly is a super sweet little girl that we are blessed to have in our lives. Here are a few of my favorite photos of her from when she was younger---











Happy Birthday, Shelly Lin!!!! We all love you so much!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Party)

Shelly had her 7th birthday party today at The Mad Platter (a pottery painting place).


She was all smiles for the big event!!! They chose their paint colors and got to work on their plates.
























After they painted, they had pizza and then it was time to open the gifts.

Once the gifts were opened, Shelly had her foot painted for a mug for daddy. She laughed quite a bit during this process.



After foot painting, the girls had some cake. I have to say of all of the cakes I've made this one got the most ohhs and ahhs!













Then it was time to be silly with daddy. This provided many laughs and we didn't have to hire a clown.





My faithful assistant was Lily. I love having her around at party time. She is a huge help!!!









And that wrapped up the 7th birthday celebration. Here are a few extra photos!