Sweet Thing is 2!

How can it be that our Sweet Thing has gone from this

to this?

Happy Birthday Ellie Romell! You are such a important part of our family! We love how you can sing and can't wait to hear you bellow out "Happy Birthday to You!" tonight. Your love of being in "the middle of it all" keeps us all on our toes but brings so many smiles and laughs.

You are a wonderful artist who can entertain yourself for long amounts of time with just a piece of paper and pen (or pencil or marker or permanent marker).

How can this dimple not bring a smile to our faces?!?

We love having dolls around the house again.

And your pure excitement over the "little things" in life make us all realize how much joy we take for granted.

You have brought us so much joy Ellie! How blessed we are to have you in our family.

Here's your buddy Nate already showering you with love and attention. You and Natey are best buds!

You and Natey having a snack together---

The two of you trying to figure out how to use frozen bubbles!

Remember when you and Joe helped Dad remodel the kitchen?
Your first stuffed animal from Jack.

And the one person in the world who can help you stop crying as well as Mom can---your beloved Jenny!

We love you so much Ellie Romell! What a wonderful night it was two years ago when we first met you---I'll never forget how special your birth was and the depth of love I felt for you after I first cuddled with you! What a gift from God you are to all of us!

And at the end of the day, we all feel like you do---

Happy Second Birthday Sweetie!

Happy Birthday Papa!

Today is Papa's birthday! We are very excited that we will be able to spend a few days with Papa to celebrate.

We are so blessed to have a man like Papa in our lives. He has shown our kids what a man of integrity is and has lived out perserverance through trials with humility and grace. He says he is just another ragamuffin. We know what a special man God created him to be. Papa has touched so many lives, especially the last eleven years. His devotion to his family is a wonderful example to all of us of being a servant. His sense of humor continues to bring us smiles and reminds us of the importance of laughter.

Thank you Dad for your love, your dedication, and your example.

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Thank you for your encouragement, comfort and urging over the years. We love you so very much!