Happy Birthday Mally!

Today was my big girls birthday! She turned four and I am still wondering where the time has gone. It seems like yesterday I was watching her sleep in her wee little bassinet. I still get amazed when I look at her. I can't believe that she is all mine. I can't believe God gave her to me and trusted that I could be her mommy. Thank you, Lord, for giving me Mallory.

We started the day bright and early! I could hardly sleep awaiting the moment she would see her new playhouse. We blindfolded her so she wouldn't see until we got outside!

Her first glimpse was priceless! 

They had so much fun! They came in and out of that house 82 times! It was so funny watching them act like "grown ups". They cooked, cleaned, talked on the phone, and even managed a trip to Wal-Mart. They were really taking "playing house" seriously. At one point, Mallory even got on her play cell phone and called the police. She told them she had an emergency and to come quick because the big bad wolf was trying to break into her house.Hilarious! 

Later that evening some of my family came over for cake and ice cream. Mallory told me she didn't want a cake though. She wanted brownies and so I whipped up a batch. We have discovered the most delicious kind. It is Betty Crocker's Supreme with Icing. Yummmmmy!

We did get her a few little gifts to open tonight. Her actual party will be Saturday! It's a week long celebration for birthdays in our house!!!

Perfect Present...

Well, after an entire day of building and painting, the playhouse is complete! I am so excited and happy with the way that it turned out!!! The girls have been at Gran's house all day so that we could hide it! Tomorrow is Mallory's birthday and we plan on taking her out FIRST THING in the morning. I can't even imagine what her reaction will be. I will definitely have my camera ready!

Lunch anyone?

  Door bell!!!!

Can't Hardly Wait

Tonight when I was at Wal-Mart, I was on a mission. I HAD to decide what to get Mallory for her birthday. We have talked about playhouses, bikes, dolls, etc. I really, really wanted her (and Fi) to have a little house outside that was just theirs. I envisioned them cooking and playing mommy and basically just playing "house". As a little girl, those were my favorite things to do. I have looked online at different playhouses and never could find one that I just fell in love with. They were either too little or just too PLASTIC! Mallory will be four Wednesday and I wanted her to have something a little more realistic that can grow with her (and Fi). So, I SAID ALL THAT TO SAY....as I was walking over to the bicycles...my breath was taken away. THERE IT SAT...THE ONE...I couldn't believe it. THIS WAS NOT ON THEIR WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The playhouse is solid wood and ADORABLE and most of all...ITS BIG! We also bought pink paint so that we can change the green roof and window color! She will be shocked! I can't wait to show pictures of her seeing it for the first time!

Splashin Saturday!

We really had a great (and busy) Saturday! We started the day at Nana's house (Phillip's mom). We swam and ate some incredible food. Peggy (Nana) is a true southern grandmother that always has something cooking. I wish I could cook like her! The girls really had a blast playing in her new pool and with all of their cousins. Nana has six grandchildren and five of them are girls!!! She has always told me that the Good Lord knew what He was doing when He blessed her with so many grand girls. She has three sons and always wanted a little girl. It's amazing how life happens. Now, she has more little girls than she knows what to do with! 

We ended the night at the lake with some friends. I took my first boat ride at night. It was so peaceful. We also did a little karaoke. Phillip is the best!!! He even got into costume for his song...(excuse the picture quality please...)

"Do the humpty hump..."

She's Got Legs...

 Why does my child's legs look as though she has been in a concentration camp? I am just wondering if posting this picture will spark an interest in a social worker from DHR. Is it normal that her legs are this badly bruised? I promise we are not beating her! She is just so active and clumsy I guess. I mean, do we need to put her in chin guards and knee pads? I am just hoping these bruises will be gone by Saturday. I can't believe we will be celebrating her FOURTH birthday! My, oh, my, how the time goes so quickly! I love you Mally Moo Moo!!!

Campin Out

 (Chchchch...Huuhuuhuu)

We were invited by some of our sweet friends to go camping. I have to say I was a bit anxious about this because being the sheltered child and adult that I was and am, I had never been. All I could think of was the horror movie character, Jason, popping out of the forest with his white hockey mask gleaming in the light of the full moon. Of course, Phillip has been many times and reassured me there would be no mass murdering. Fortunately, our friends do have a travel trailer so it wasn't like we were going to sleep in tents. When we arrived at the campground it was not at all what I expected. It wasn't in some secluded area with no power or running water. There were people all around which made me feel really safe. There were playgrounds, a lake with a sandy beach, and there was even a lighthouse. We had a tasty dinner and smores for dessert. I am so glad I can now say I survived have been camping. I truly had a wonderful time and the girls did too!

USS Daddy!

 

Memorial Day is a day when we let Daddy tell us all about his Navy escapades without any eyes being rolled or huffs and puffs! Phillip absolutely lights up when he reminisces about his Navy days. During his four years of service, he went all over the world. He went to places like Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Maryland, Massachusetts, Chicago, Virginia, Canada, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Sicily, Sigonella, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, and Tunisia. WOW! I can't imagine going that many places in a lifetime. I am so blessed he chose to be in Education after completing his Navy duties. We love you daddy! Thank you for all that you did for our country (and our little house too)!

 The USS Ramage

("Ramage Doin' Damage")

This is where Phillip lived months at a time!