Our Forever Girl is FOUR!!!!

Today is a special day. Our little angel is FOUR today! I really can't believe it and am happy and sad at the same time. I am amazed at how she is maturing everyday and for the first time, I really see a glimpse of our future young adult with her own special personality. We are so blessed to have her as our own and to share in the joy of watching her grow! I love you my Forever Girl!

Ironically, the verse of the day on the right side of my blog today is Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do." What a verse for today to remind me of how God has predestined our little family and we are walking in His plan even today.

No time to post pictures right now, but I PROMISE to post later.

BTW, Happy Birthday to My cousin Emily as well!

Family of the Month

Hey all! We are so excited to announce that we have been chosen Our Great City's Keller Family of the Month for August. We had the fun experience of being interviewed and photographed and now featured on this community website. You can read all about our adventure here.

Movie Night with the Smiths

One of our favorite past times in our house is watching movies. We have recently become BIG fans of Family Video and we try to rent movies at least once a month. Jason and I have been doing this for many years and recently, I was asked by a friend who doesn't get the chance to watch movies a lot, how we fit all those movies in. Truth be told, for better or worse, movie night has become our date night in our house. Sure, we love to go out once in a while, but for many years, movie night at home was what we could afford. Jason makes the best microwave popcorn ever (!) and we curl up on the couch in the softest blanket in the world we call Guinevere. For that evening, we laugh, cry, disagree and share about the adventures we watch. These nights have become especially special to us since having Raylen. We don't often have a babysitter in the evenings to go out, but last night, my mom had asked Raylen to spend the night. We thought and thought about what to do and where to go....but after a very long and exhausting week, we came around to movie night again.

Jason brought home a few that we hadn't seen. One in particular was called Penelope. I had heard some buzz about this movie, but was a little unsure of what I would find with it because the story surrounds a young woman cursed with a pig nose. I know what you're thinking...silly and disturbing. It was quite the opposite. I LOVED it. I cannot wait for Raylen to be old enough to be interested in this type of movie. You will find that you can completely identify with Penelope and her pig nose and you will be encouraged by the time the credits roll.

While I'm talking movies, we watched Bella a few months ago. I HIGHLY recommend this movie. Run, don't walk to go get it. This movie changed my perception on life, affirmed many of my beliefs and brought our family closer together. You will not be sorry for watching.

A year....

Today marks the one year anniversary of Raylen's adoption. Last year at this time, we had already gone with our friends and family to see the judge and hear him proclaim that we were a true forever family. That day was magical to us and so emotional after the long journey of getting to that day. Since I didn't blog the, here are some photos of that day....what joy!!!!

Saturday Pottery

We are in Abilene this weekend visiting Jason's family who is celebrating Jason's cousin Crystal's wedding. Usually we spend Saturdays in Abilene hunting garage sales or frequenting local antique and thrift shops, but today, we found ourselves pressed for time and needing something to do. While Jason and his dad had their glasses fixed, Raylen, Jason's mom and I stumbled upon a paint your own pottery store. None of us have ever been to one of these stores, but quickly fell in love! For a flat rate you can pick out your own special piece, use all of the cool paints and tools and leave it for a week to have it fired. There was a special kid's play area with the coolest toys and they have drinks and snacks on hand too. The best part moms---THE PAINT WASHES OUT OF CLOTHING!!!! Yes, this is truly my new favorite place. I plan to visit the local store soon.

Independence

We had a big 4th of July. We started out at Cabela's where we met up with some of Jason's family for a quick hi and by before heading off to Raylen's Uncle Joey's for a brisket cookout. We spent the day there swimming and playing trivia and then headed off to watch fireworks and eat watermelon and homemade peach ice cream. Here are few highlights of the day....

Evie Kate Turns Three!

I'm a little behind in blogging, but last weekend was a big weekend for Raylen when she went to her friend Evie Kate's third birthday party. There were ponies, a petting zoo and a bounce house along with all the fun. When asked though, Raylen said her favorite part was touching the bait worms with Evie afterward. I guess it's true...the greatest things in life are free.