Guess What? Yes! It's another tea party!!!

For our children's 5th, 10th, and 16th Birthdays we give them a "big" party (vs just ice cream and cake with family). This year is Markie's 10th and Grace's 16th! They were born on the same day 6 years apart, so we have 2 special birthdays at the same time!!! Sweet Markie wanted an "Old Fashioned" tea, so we held it on Wednesday with all of her precious friends and relations... She had such a good time!

Markie washes the grapes

"Getting Ready"

The places are laid with namecards

Even big sisters take any excuse to dress up! They served their sister sweetly.

Cousins making memories that will last

Markie and Hannah

Everyone

Learning to be Ladies

More water?

Silliness!

More Silliness!

Rosie, Rachel, and Lexie

Markie with the Rodden girls

Elegant guests choose which teacup to use

Lovely Margaret

Markie's dream had come true! They got to dance the Virginia Reel!!

-- posted by Mama

Visiting the Mahoneys

Last Friday, we were able to visit our sweet friends the Mahoney Family.

We had such a wonderful evening!!!!

They are moving to Texas very soon, so we will not have many opportunities to visit them. :(

(If anyone wants to buy a house in Florida, visit

http://view-this-home.blogspot.com :)

Mama and Mrs. Mahoney make a plate of salad.

We all finally got to see Israel's new beard. :)

Friends

The girls walking back from checking the mail.

We all sat in Israel's room for a bit listening to some new CD's.

"You have to hear this song!!!"

Peter and Israel had a nice time doing some target practice!

Hey - what's up with the pink curtain? It does set off your eyes nicely:)

Getting ready for the (too delicious) meal (we were all stuffed!)

(Notice Kitty couldn't be caught without her handy dandy cell phone - you never know when an emergency might arise ha ha ...running away and ducking...)

Katie sets the table

Gracie's early birthday present from the Mahoneys.

Katie picked it out in Texas with Gracie in mind.

Playing Dutch Blitz while listening to Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.

Such Fun!!! :)

Partners dance together

Mr. Mahoney and Daddy talking

(Markie was having fun with the sepia setting)

The Kitty and Kitty

Boys and their sword fighting! :)

". . . So Long, Farewell, Aufiderzein Goodnight. . . Goodbye, Goodbyyeee, Goodbyyyyyeee . . ."

Recent Pictures

Emma Jane with great Grandpa Harris

R.G.'s "Buddy" He keeps him company on those long lonely nights


" Brothers "

Learning to be men (at Daniel's 13th Birthday party)

The Birthday boy and his Mama
The Patriarch

Peter and faithful Friday after shooting a possom. They get under the house and in the attic otherwise.

Friends fellowship after a Country Cousins concert. Happy 13th birthday, Sadie!

More fellowship

"I may never stomp on a rattlesnake, shoot at a buffalo, rope in a rodeo. I may never ride in a wagon train, but I'm in the Lord's round-up! Yeehaw!!!"

Efficient (I think?)

Emma Turns One

Happy Birthday, Emma Janie!

Grace made the cake - CJ looks on as Emma and Kitty"blow"

Callie Sue (seems like yesterday you were turning one!)

1 year old cousin, Savannah. Someday they will be best friends!

Even a 1 year old's party is a big event for this family!!

"What's in there?"

One year ago today, sweet little Emma Jane was born. Number seven in our family, she has been such a little blessing!

Now, one year later, she is such a little rascal. Now that she can walk, she is getting into everything. It is so exciting seeing her learn new things every day!

It is so amazing having her watch everything we do, and know that her little mind is just an empty vessel that everyone of us is helping to fill, and we are responsible for what goes in.
~Sarah~

Bodies tossed restlessly in soft, warm beds, as their owners tried to get some sleep. Subconciously, the groggy minds were registering every sound, waiting for the call to load up.

Kids stumbled half asleep to the borrowed Durango (for added conmfort for the trip), pillows and blnkets stuffed in before them. The sacrificing mother, supported by the anxious father, slowly inched her way to her door.

Make-shift beds were made on the carpet at the birthing center, and restless feet paced the floor. Sighs were heaved and nerves were stretched and prayers were breathed.

At last, EmmaJane was there - all wrapped up and hollering her displeasure. Passed from arm to arm, cooed at, kissed, coddled, and loved. Prayer was said and praises sung for this new little bundle on Earth.

You are such a blessing, Emmy! As I strive each day to be a good example for you to follow as you grow, I realize again and again how my life may affect those who are watching. You have grown so very quickly, and have stolen my heart again and again. Not a day goes by without me thanking the Lord for sending you to us. I love you very, very much, and (though I can't believe it's time already) I want to wish you a very happy first birthday, and I look forward to the years we have before us as sisters and friends.

Love,

~Kitty~

WOW - How can even a mother follow those wonderful commemorations? Emma, your Mama and Daddy love you so much. You are so very precious and we cannot imagine life without you. Thank you Lord for another arrow to raise for you!

-- Mama and Daddy

Waiting for Emma to arrive

She is here!!!

Red wrinkled little baby

Mama and her little pumpkin

So sweet
The happy Grandparents with little grandbaby #21!

Emma meets Great Grandma Harris