Avery Claire is 4

Dear Avery,

Happy 4th birthday! I can't believe that you are four years old! Everyone always says that, me included, but I am so surprised by how quickly you went from a little baby to a big girl. You are so kind and loving. You have enough energy for 10 people and keep us running. You are a mini me and I love that so much, sometimes I look at you and its like I'm looking at myself. You are so funny and full of expression, your big eyes always full of smile and light.

You are going to be a big sister again in a few weeks. I know you will be a huge helper and will love him so much. When I got pregnant with Ella I was so scared that having her when you were so little would somehow make you grow up quicker.In a way it did. You all the sudden seemed so big and the next year flew by so fast. New babies and a new home have a way of speeding a year up.  Well turns out that God knew what he was doing, he always does. You and Ella are best friends and I pray you will always be as close you are now. The bigger Ella gets the more I am asked if you two are twins, and its kinda like you are. You enjoy a lot of the same things and can (almost) share clothes. Its fun and I'm so glad God surprised us with her. You and Roman have a blast together too. You love dress up and all things girly but you sure can hang with the boys. You love spending time playing video games with him and starting in the spring you will both play t ball. You are super excited about that. He's a great big brother and he's pretty crazy about you too!

You've been so excited to celebrate your birthday and have your party. You wanted a luau. We decided to have it at the park and when we pulled up another person was setting up for a party in the pavilion so we moved it (very) last minute to another park . You rolled with it never disappointed at all. It was a disaster...ha. It was so windy and I couldn't decorate very well at all. It was hot and the flies honed in on the food so fast....eek! We had a super small turn out and I was so discouraged. I was in tears (we'll blame that on the pregnancy hormones) . I bring all that up to help myself remember what, in retrospect, is so special to me about that day. You never noticed the small turnout, the heat, the flies, and no decorations. Instead my sweet girl was out inviting the rest of the park kids to her party and asking if anyone would like some cake. That so perfectly describes you. You are beautiful on the outside but baby you are gorgeous on the inside. That beauty radiates out. I'm so proud of the lovely girl you are and I'm so honored to be your mom. You bless us so much everday!

This year you asked Jesus into your heart! You watched Roman pray a few months before and talked about it all the time. We prayed with you and you were so excited to share that news. Avery, Jesus loves you so much. He created you with a unique and important purpose and I'm so excited to walk beside you as you discover what His will for your life is and I will support you always. You are my daughter and this year you became my sister. I'm so proud of you!

I love you so much!

Mom

Show Us Your Singles

I was so disappointed last year when I realized I missed Kellys SUYL Singles! This year I made certain I did NOT miss it again. My brother is the best guy I know and I had to take the opportunity to "show" him off : )

This is my brother Chris, he will be 24 February 20th. We are almost 4 years apart and hes always been my best friend.

 

Chris is one of the sweetest guys that I know. He's a true southern gentleman! He's got a great sense of humor and always has people laughing. He loves his family, thats definitely his pride and joy. He's just recently moved back to our hometown after finishing school to become an aircraft engineer. He's always loved airplanes and still does! Right now, he works at our family's aircraft refurbishment company. I know he's going to go far and that God has an awesome plan for his life!

 

 

When Chris was in High School he played football for the Mena Bearcats, then played for Ouachita Baptist as well. He still LOVES football and the Razorbacks (especially when we are doing good : ))!

He really enjoys the gym and working out. He feels best when hes doing something in nature. He loves floating on the river, camping, hiking, mountain climbing, and chilling with his dog, Duke. His perfect date would be picnic on the lake probably followed with a boat ride or hiking the trails together.

my brother Nick (left) sister Adrienne, and brother Chris,( right)

 

Like I said earlier, my brother's passion, is his family. There is nothing he wouldn't do for any of us! I would say his favorite person is our grandma. He always takes the time to sit and  takes the extra effort to really know how you are doing. Chris loves his nephew and two nieces. He spoils them and if I do say so myself, they are CRAZY about him too! When asked to describe Chris in one word here are some of the replies: Destined,Enjoyable, Darling, Loyal, Sweet,Loved, Inventive, Mysterious, Funny,Happy and Thoughtful the list could go on and on!

 

Chris and my daughter, Avery

Chris and my son, Roman, jammin : )

 

I've been praying for Chris' future wife for a long time and I know that God has a wonderful girl that He is preparing for Chris right now and I KNOW that girl will be one lucky girl to be with this great guy!

 

You can comment here and I'll get you in touch with him or you can email me stephanielaney@yahoo.com.

 

Oh....He has killer blue eyes as well : )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bye bye 2012 and Hello 2013

I read a facebook status today that said today the movie 2012 is officially a comedy. I had to laugh, I've never put any weight on the whole 2012 theory but I will admit I held my breath a little 12/21/12 at 11:59 pm, thankfully we are all here and another year awaits us. I'm a junkie for New Years resolutions and fresh slates, it feels good to know that I can start over and change some habits and behaviors with a new year beginning. I'm also reminded that His mercies are new every morning and that the fresh slate is available to me everyday, but it does feel especially good the first day of a new year. So, here are a few of my new years resolutions. You may notice that none of these include weight. First.Time.Ever. Unfortunately its not because I don't need to lose weight I just decided not to make it a resolution. So there...ha!

2013 Resolutions....{drum roll please}

• Give more (specifically to the church)--I've noticed that I do very poorly here and really want to restructure my (our) spending be able to give more to our church and various mission projects that I love
• Eat out less and Cook at home more (this may help with the weight and the spending : ))
• Cook more in my crockpot! Suggestions welcome. I love when I do use my crockpot but I don't do it very often. This year that will change
• Find room in my day for some sort of exercise. Elliptical, walking, videos, dancing with the kids (that counts, right) whatever, just exercise
• Do more furniture, sewing and crafting this year. Maybe even start an etsy shiop or facebook page, that would be fun!

I pray that this New Year is a blessed year. Despite everything around me, the chaos and uncertainty of everything all around I pray to have peace and calm despite it all. I pray that I will be a blessing to my husbands, kids, family and friends. I pray for safety and continued health over my family. I pray that we will draw closer to God and Him to us!

Happy New Year!