Baking Cookies

One of the many wonderful things about being a stay-at-home mom is the opportunity to teach Olivia how to cook and bake. She enjoys helping mommy in the kitchen and is learning so much. This week she made her first batch of sugar cookies!

Gymnastics

Olivia started back to gymnastics in January and she absolutely loves it. We are so proud of her for so many reasons but most of all for her beautiful heart. Last week after class her teacher came to tell me that she was so proud of Olivia for reaching out to show kindness and friendship to a new girl in her class. "Love one another, for love is of God." I John 4:7

Happy Valentine's Day

Over the weekend Mark and I enjoyed a Valentine Banquet at our church. We will celebrate 9 years of marriage this March! Where do the years go? We are so blessed to have a wonderful marriage. I love my sweet Valentine! "The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes." Psalm 118:23

Happy Chinese New Year!

We had a great time Friday night at our annual Chinese New Year Party! Olivia loves being with her China sisters!

Nana and Papa

Olivia is so blessed to have the most amazing grandparents - affectionately known as "nana" and "papa". When Mark travels you can always find us at their home in Asheville. These photos were taken during a recent visit. See that huge smile on my face...that's what a couple of days with no cooking, no cleaning and relaxation can do for you when you have great in-laws!

Let it snow, let it snow, let is snow!

We finally had our first real snow...well maybe 2 inches...but considering we haven't had any snow for 2 years it was a real snow for us. When Olivia woke up, looked out the window and saw the snow, she grinned from ear to ear and said "let's go mommy". She had a blast riding her sled, making a snow angel, having her first bite of snow and riding the 4-wheeler with mommy!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This year we spent time with our families in Lenoir and Asheville and returned home for Christmas day. We were blessed to have our dear friends Shelly and Christy spend Christmas with us this year. Shelly and I met in 2003 when we were both mobilized to D.C. for active duty with the Navy. Olivia really likes having a "sister" around.

Olivia received so many wonderful gifts for Christmas. She is enjoying playing her piano, strolling her babies, riding her scooter and playing board games with mommy and daddy. We are most grateful to God for the greatest gift ever given ~ Jesus Christ!