Living a dream

At last I have a little bit of time to blog. With Hannah's birthday and Christmas, I've found myself pleasantly and overwhelmingly busy. But it's moments like this I cherish so much and am reminded of God's goodness and grace.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of ice skating at Rockefeller Center. I always told myself "some day". We all know how that goes. It's always been in the back of my mind to do as something to do "some day". When Hannah came along my dream became even bigger---ice skating with my daughter.

I usually bring it up every year to Mark as something I would like to do "some day". This fall Mark told me I should do it. I was seriously thinking about it and planning. Then, we suddenly had to replace our roof desperately. We had just enough in our savings to cover those expenses.

I figured my dream was on hold again. I honestly didn't mind. I knew it would happen "some day". (How sick are you of hearing that? :))

Mark brought it up again and I told him we could just wait until next year. He put his arm around me and said "Tammy, do it. This is something I really want to see before it's too late".

With tears in my eyes and knowing exactly what he was talking about, I said "Okay". I booked the tickets, hotel and ice skating reservations the next day.

Early this December I lived a childhood dream and what's more amazing is that I got to do it with my daughter and have my mom and Mark watch us. I'll never forget the huge grin on Mark's face as we were skating---priceless.

Of course I have to share some pictures of us. It was 60 degrees out, Christmas tree lit up and so beautiful. It was such a dream come true for me.

Merry Christmas!

To my dad and mom’s family and friends,

This is Doogie. I’ve decided to write the Christmas letter this year. As you may have noticed, since Hannah came along, I haven’t been mentioned in the Christmas letter. Ouch, huh? It seems Hannah has taken all the attention away from me. So, I’ve decided to change that and write the Christmas letter myself or try to. It’s hard to type with paws.

I hope you are all doing well. I’ve been keeping my mom and dad busy and in shape as I like to get out of the house and run in our neighborhood. I’m also pretty loud as I like to bark a lot which doesn’t make my mom and dad happy. Hey I’m just trying to keep them safe. If barking at the mailman is truly useless, why has my family stayed safe all this time? Think about it. For the most part, my day consists of barking, sleeping, barking, eating, barking, running away, barking and occasionally an accident or two in the house. Did I mention barking?

I better mention the rest of the family too I suppose. First, there’s Princess Hannah. She’ll be 4 by the end of this year. Mom and Dad love her so much. To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan, although I’m beginning to get more attached to her. She loves to play with me but her “playing” is wrapping a leash around me and dragging me everywhere and also dressing me up in costumes. No, you will not be seeing pictures although my mom does have some. Hannah’s always giving me hugs and kisses. That’s Hannah, though. She’s very compassionate. She also loves to clog, sing and dance all the time and she’s pretty loud on my poor ears. She’ll be starting competitive clogging next year which doesn’t make me too happy as I know she’ll be practicing even more—ouch. Luckily, she goes to Cubbies for church once a week and clogging practice twice a week so I get a little break then.

Then there’s my mom. She’s pretty cool. She’s the one who lets me out most of the time and takes me for walks. She works from home so she’s home a lot. Occasionally I leave surprises for her which she doesn’t like but it’s just because I want her attention. She is pretty busy with working, running with Hannah to her events and church activities.

And then there’s my dad. He’s so awesome. I like to sit by him during meal time as he gives me a lot of scraps. He’s also my snuggle buddy. He often is resting during the day as he has a lot of nerve pain at night and doesn’t sleep too well then. He is a trooper. He never feels good but puts on a good front for all of us. He did manage to stay out of the hospital all year which is pretty amazing for him. I hope he can continue that streak. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have my dad to snuggle with. I’m afraid Hannah would try to snuggle with me and I’m just not sure if I could take that.

I suppose I should mention that they did go on a few trips this year, although that’s kind of a bitter subject with me. They decide to go on trips without me! Can you believe it? I can’t either. They went to the North Shore, South Dakota, Breezy Point and New York City this year—and left me home. They are also going to Hawaii next year in celebration of my grandma and grandpa’s 40th wedding anniversary. They bring me to a nice place where the people are really nice and I’m pretty spoiled but still—it’s the principle.

Well that’s about it as far as news from this home. I’d better get back to my barking now. I’ve been too quiet for the last 5 minutes that my mom is going to wonder what’s going on.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2016!

Love,
Doogie

Hannah's birthday

Hannah's been looking forward to her birthday party for weeks, probably months. She knew who she was going to invite and had it all planned out.

We did an "Under the Sea" theme with Ariel. She loves Ariel and I thought an Under the Sea them would be fun. :)

Here are some of the food we had. Thank goodness for Pinterest. :) It comes in very handy sometimes!





Her Happy Birthday banner and decorations:


Hannah's grandma and cousin made a fish out of cupcakes. I think they did an amazing job!




The 3 of us on Hannah's birthday:


The Birthday Girl! She's officially a 4-year-old!


Here are a couple of games we played. The kids played "Stick the Seashell in Ariel's Hand" and the adults were given a word search of some of Hannah's favorite things as a 3-year-old.


Hannah had a great day and keeps asking if she can have another party. :) It'll be a long year of waiting for her!

We are so grateful to the family and friends who came to her party. Thank you so much for making her feel so special.

Hannah's 4 today!

My sweet Princess Hannah,

As I'm writing this, you're officially turning 4 years old. Our tiny, 6 pound baby girl from 4 years ago is growing up.

Hannah, this past year has definitely had its trials but I've also been honored to see you grow so much.

This past year you officially became completely and totally potty trained, even at night. You know more about working my phone than I do and you certainly can sing any song and dance much better than me.

You're always thinking of others, making sure no one is left out and always sharing with others. I can't tell you how many times I've had to keep a half eaten cookie in my pocket so you could give it to Daddy. If I even tried to throw it away, you'd scream. I'll never forget the fries you've had me save to give to Grandma and Papa, the gummy you saved for Claire and wanting to save the rest of your Popsicle for a friend as it slowly melted all over the counter (if we even thought about getting rid of it, you'd let us know your disapproval).

You never forget anything. No matter how hard we try to distract you or make you think about something else, it just doesn't work. We can never make you forget about that partially eaten orange from 3 days ago that you had to save for later. You never want to waste anything. It can always be eaten later. And of course you have eyes better than anyone I know. How many times have you told me you see Dora or Despicable Me in the store and it takes me forever to finally see that tiny poster clear on the other side of the store. When you tell me it's there, I believe you.

Your personality makes me so proud sweetheart. You are such an amazing, compassionate girl who's always thinking of others. You're always giving hugs and kisses, saying thank you and smiling that heart-melting smile of yours all the time.

But my favorite times are the random times when you'll say "Mommy?". I say "Yes, Hannah?" and you respond with "I love you Mommy" or "You're my best friend, Mommy". My heart swells with so much love and pride. Just to hear you say you love me is amazing but to hear you say it so randomly and out of the blue means more to me than you could ever know.

I'm so proud of you sweetheart. So very proud of you.

I'm excited as your mommy to see you continue to grow, to continue to learn so much. You've amazed me and so many other people with how smart you are, how compassionate you are and how you can challenge anyone to a wrestling match at any time with a clear desire to win.

I'm so much in awe of you and so honored to be your mommy. Your smile lights up a room and your caring, compassionate personality is what makes you the special girl you are to so many people.

Keep your love for life, your family and friends and most of all, Jesus. He loves you even more than I do.

Happy birthday sweetheart. Enjoy your day and eat lots of sugar in your princess dress.

I love you with all my heart and soul,

Mommy

Diabetes Awareness Month

Juvenile diabetes has always been a big part of my family as multiple family members struggled with the disease. As I was growing up, family get togethers and birthday parties always consisted of the birthday angel food cake half-frosted, so the diabetics could have a piece, sugar-free Jell-o and dishes special for diabetics. 

It was just a part of our family. I remember feeling sorry for the ones who had it. I couldn't imagine a worse life than not being able to eat sugar and having to give yourself shots every day. 

What could be worse?

Little did I know that was just the top of the ice berg in the life of a diabetic. 

I met my now husband in 1996 and found out he was diabetic right away. I didn't think much about it. After all I had grown up with it in my family. 

We got married in 2001 but it was the year before, in 2000, that the true effects of the disease opened my eyes. While the first year of marriage usually consists of adjusting to married life, living together, combining finances, etc, ours consisted of a heart bypass surgery, dialysis runs every other day, endless trips to the ER and a kidney transplant. 

What so many don't understand is that diabetes isn't just watching what you eat and giving yourself multiple daily shots, but it truly affects the whole body. 

Diabetes damages blood vessels and therefore causes limited blood flow to all areas of the body. Diabetes also causes nerve damage. Blood vessels and nerves are in all parts of the body.

Since his teenage years my husband has suffered with vessel damage to his eyes requiring laser surgery which in turn causes him to lose peripheral vision. Currently his vision is like looking through  a straw. This has forced him to give up his driver's license and it is possible he may become blind in the next few years. 

As stated above he has had triple bypass and had a very weak heart due to the vessel damage. He has had 3 heart attacks and at one point there was a discussion about a heart transplant. 

He has a condition called gastroparesis which is delayed emptying of the stomach which is caused by diabetic damage to the stomach. When he has flare ups of this condition, he has intense nausea and vomiting which can last for days at a time and is in the hospital due to severe dehydration.   

My husband started showing signs of kidney failure in 2000 due to diabetes. He was on dialysis for about a year until he was able to recieve a kidney from his brother. Kidney failure is very common in diabetics.

Then there's the intense, horrible nerve pain called neuropathy. Diabetes damages the nerves and I can't even begin to describe the pain I've heard my husband in. Imagine 100 pins constantly poking your feet at the same time and trying to walk. I've heard my husband screaming in agonizing pain from neuropathy. He says it's much worse than any heart attack he's had.

These complications are only a handful of complications my husband deals with because of his diabetes. He has constant lab and doctor appointments, specialist appointments and constantly dealing with reactions due to high or low blood sugars.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. So many don't know how much diabetes affects the body and the struggles a diabetic faces in their every day life. If you know a diabetic, give them support. Give them a call or a hug or both. Tell them you're thinking of them and you're sorry they have to go through so much.

Diabetes is so much more than shots and watching your sugar intake. It affects the whole body and creates so much stress in the lives of the diabetic and their family.

While it's painfully hard to watch my husband suffer as much as he does, I'm grateful to God he has allowed our family to be the voice of diabetes and to witness to others how life is precious and such a gift. Our hope and prayer is that one day a cure will be found and no one will have to suffer the life debilitating effects of diabetes.

For more information on juvenile diabetes, visit www.jdrf.org.

My beautiful daughter

A letter to my 20-year-old self

Dear 20-year-old Tammy, 

You don't know me. 

I'm almost 20 years older than you. If you saw me on the street you wouldn't recognize me. 

I know you're struggling right now. You graduated from high school, having had a huge amount of success in sports. You were on top of the world, ready for college to study to be a veterinarian. You were thinking you'd meet the man you were going to marry, have an amazing marriage, have the 4 kids you dreamed about and enjoy your childhood dream of being a veterinarian and saving the lives of animals. 

You never dreamed you'd be in the position you are now--taking a break from college as it just wasn't for you, living at home and working 2 jobs--praying you'd find your path again. I know right now you are thinking your life is such a mess. You're depressed--wondering how life could get so hard. 

You don't know the hardest is yet to come. 

You don't know that after a month of starting your second job, you meet the man you're going to marry. 

You don't know you're going to marry him thinking you'll be lucky if you're married 5 years before he passes away. 

You don't know that your first year of marriage is spent in countless surgeries, dialysis runs and endless trips to the ER. 

You don't know the dream of having 4 kids is going to be much harder than you realize. 

You don't know you'll go through 8 years of infertility, 12 IUIs, an IVF cycle and 2 FET cycles before turning to adoption

If you knew all this, you would be devastated. You wouldn't believe you could do it. 

I'm here to tell you that you can and you will. 

You don't know how strong your husband is, how his strength and faith are an inspiration to people all over the world. 

You don't know that your daughter will be brought into this world in a way that can only be described as a "God thing"and her story will help others realize miracles DO happen. 

You don't know that others will be inspired by your marriage and faith and just how much your story has touched others. 

You don't know that all this was possible because of a struggle when you were 20 years old. You took a break from college, worked a second job--and met your husband because of it. 

You don't know that your life will completely change. You'll go through more in the next 20 years than most go through in a lifetime. 

You also don't know you'll be ok. Your faith in God will be stronger in the end. 

You'll feel like the luckiest woman in the world as you hold your sleeping daughter in your arms. 

You have a hard road ahead of you. But I promise you you'll be okay. Just like in another 20 years from now, my 60-year-old self will tell me the same thing:

You'll be ok. And you'll make it. 

God is right by your side.

Hang in there. You're in for a wild ride. 

But it's got an amazing ending. And I promise it's worth it. 

Oh yeah, she's adopted

The other day I was talking to a friend about Hannah and some of her separation anxiety she has been having. My friend mentioned "It must be really hard for you with her being adopted. You have no idea what kind of anxiety or psychological issues that run in her family."

My first thought: Oh yeah, she's adopted.

That's right. For a moment I forgot she was adopted.

It happens more often than you would think. There are many times I actually forget Hannah is adopted.

She's so much like us that I focus on the features she has of "ours" such as Mark's skin color, Mark's nose, Mark's eyes, my hair, my behavioral mechanisms, etc. She is such a "mini me" that I forget that she actually doesn't have my DNA or Mark's. It's honestly hard to believe sometimes. I look at her reactions and mannerisms, and I find myself comparing her to Mark or myself.

So often I find myself saying "She must have gotten that from her dad" or "Yep, that's a Gustafson thing" or "She's totally a Wondra"...and I don't even think about it.

Yes, she's adopted.....but sometimes it's just plain hard to remember that.

Being your child's voice

I don't remember but when I was in kindergarten, my parents were faced with a tough decision with me.

I was extremely quiet and shy. I didn't say hardly two words to the teacher. This brought on the concern that there was something wrong with me and I needed special classes. The school board members called my parents in, sat them in the middle of a circle and literally surrounded them and put pressure on them to agree to these special classes.

My parents knew there was nothing wrong with me and insisted I was just quiet. While I didn't talk too much at home, I did talk more than at school. My parents knew that going to a strange new school wasn't what I needed. My mom once told me that while I couldn't express what was going on, they knew they were my parents and they had to be my voice.

They stood up for me. They knew what was best.

I recently also had to be my daughter's voice.

We thought her being in pre-K at a Christian school was a "God thing". We thought there couldn't be a more perfect situation for her. She knew the teacher very well and a couple of the kids.

While it did go well for a couple weeks, things started going downhill. She started crying at school for me. It got to be more and more. While in some situations she was just fine, in other situations, she seemed to get a bit overwhelmed and start crying for me.

It seemed everyone seemed to have different observations. No one, especially Mark and I, knew what was going on. We couldn't pinpoint exactly what was triggering these crying episodes. But we knew it was affecting not only her but the other students in the class.

I would go and pick her up and in the milliseconds before she saw me, I could see her. She looked so sad--so very sad. I knew that wasn't my girl. As soon as she saw me, she would burst into tears and run to me, clinging to me.

It would literally break my heart.

We tried going a couple days for just half days but that didn't work.

Then last Friday, she was in a complete panic about going to school when she woke up in the morning and so upset about going. I just couldn't send her. I couldn't force her.

During all this, I heard so many well-intentioned advice from people saying "She needs to get used to it", "You guys need this" (some form of care while I work), "Many kids go to school or daycare", "She needs to be a big girl", "She'll get adjusted, just be tough and firm".

While I knew in my heart people were right, I kept hearing a voice telling me "Just because you need this, doesn't mean it's the best thing for Hannah".

You see, it wasn't just the school days. It was affecting her every day life. She always had to be near me. She would wake up in a panic during the night, screaming "I want to go home!" or "I want my mommy!"---things she never did before. She would cry even at other people's houses that she normally was very comfortable with.

Suddenly, our smiling, happy, little girl was so anxious and scared about everything. It seemed we took one step forward and 5 steps back.

She couldn't tell me what exactly was going on. While she gave us some clues, we still don't know exactly what was going on.

But we knew that what we needed wasn't necessarily the best for Hannah.

So despite what many people suggested we do, we decided to take her out of pre-K, take a break and possibly try after Christmas.

Making that decision was hard. After all, it did seem like a perfect situation. She has the best teacher, wonderful students, a Christian atmosphere and we needed some kind of care anyway for her. What could be better? Why would God put this situation in front of us if it wasn't right for Hannah?

The answer is we have no idea.

I don't know if we made the right decision or not. That's the beauty of parenthood. You make decisions that may be the right ones or the wrong ones and you make a lot of decisions.

We are lucky that we have time in our corner. She is only 3 and it may just be the simple answer that she just isn't ready for school and time is what she needs. If it was 2 years down the road, it would be different but we have time and for that I praise God.

For now, we're focusing on getting our sweet, happy, independent Hannah back. We're slowly working on building her confidence again as it took quite a hit. But I know we'll get there.

And I know one day, I'll be able to share this story with Hannah, just like my parents shared their story. She'll know we did what we thought was best for her despite what so many people said. And just like my parents, they didn't know if they were making the right decision but went with their instincts and tried to be my voice.

My parents have taught me many things, but most of all, they've taught me that they always have their children's best interests at heart. They make mistakes, make the wrong decisions, make the right decisions and learn from all of life's circumstances.

We don't know if we made the right decision or not but we do know we have Hannah's best interests at heart and we love her more than anything and want her to be successful, happy and love school.

We'll get there. This is just a little bump in the road.

Angels Island

God will sometimes bring amazing people into your life and sometimes in the most heartbreaking way.

In December 2013, our community was hit with a tragedy so hard to comprehend. It made our local news and even national news. To read more about the tragedy, here is the story: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2524374/Three-girl-cousins-killed-mother-critically-injured-SUV-loses-control.html

In short summary, a woman was driving her 2 kids and 2 nieces when she was in a terrible car accident, killing her daughter, 11 at the time, and two nieces, both 5 at the time. She was in a coma for a long time. Her son, who was 3 at the time of the accident, survived.

You couldn't help but be touched by this tragedy. This was a very close family with 3 sisters, all 3 of whom lost a daughter in the accident. Years ago, they had also lost their father in a car accident.

I can't even imagine. First losing your dad/husband, then losing a child and 2 nieces. And the mother lost 3 granddaughters, had a daughter in very critical condition and had to be there for her 3 daughters as well.

Just too much to even begin to imagine what they were going through.

I didn't know the family at all before this accident but they sure hold a special place in my heart.

I joined their memorial page on Facebook and as time went on and the moms of the girls shared stories of their girls, I saw how close they were. How devastated and broken they were and continue to be. How this completely shook up their lives. How every single day was and is a major struggle.

I can honestly say I thought of them every day. As time went on, I didn't think of them less, I only thought of them more....so much more. It was like they became such a part of me and my life. They all taught me so much about life, how precious life is, how every moment with your children is special and should be cherished, and about sticking together through all of life's ups and downs.

A family I truly love and admire.

I started posting on the memorial page, just random thoughts or sayings that made me think of them. I've come to realize that if you feel something, you say it. I wanted them to know that I, a complete stranger, was thinking and praying for them.

As time went on and I posted more and more, I started having contact with the family. I'm not saying this to brag or boast about myself, but I was touched when I heard the family told me what an impact I had made on them. To me, all I wanted to do was be supportive and let them know I cared and was praying. To them, it was so much more than that.

You never know how your words will impact someone and never know how God wants to use you through your words.

What this family didn't realize was how much they impacted ME and taught ME so much. They've become such an important part of my life.

Our community built a playground in honor of the 3 girls called Angels Island. The grand opening was this past weekend.

There was absolutely no way I was going to miss this. This would be the first time I would meet the family that touched my heart so much.

Meeting them was simply amazing. It wasn't like was meeting strangers, but people I knew my whole life, people who were like family to me. The things they said about me touched me in such amazing ways and I felt so undeserving of the praise.

I can tell you, this family is even more special when you meet them face to face. It was such an honor to finally meet them and I hope to see them again real soon.

Here are a few pictures from that very special day:



The ceremony. So touching. I don't think there was a dry eye there.


Easton, the young boy who survived the accident, cuts the ribbon for the grand opening


They had a place there that you could paint a rock. Hannah loved doing this and loves to hold onto her rock that she painted.


The bench at Angels Island (forgive my finger in the way. I couldn't figure out how to edit the picture once I downloaded it here :))


Hannah loved the playground!


Hannah sliding on the bouncy house


The rock at Angels Island


The balloon release

What an emotional day. Like someone said, the strong winds that day was proof the angels were there with their powerful wings. So true! You could sure feel their presence. Can't wait to one day meet you sweet angels in heaven! You're so loved and have amazing mommies.

Hannah's first day of pre-K

My sweet Hannah,

This is a day I've been dreading since December 20, 2011 when you first came into the world--the day you would start school.

I know there are so many milestones in your life, so many times my heart will feel like it's breaking into a million pieces, so many times I'll be fighting tears, so many times the very thought of you growing up wants me to take you into my arms, hold you in my lap and never let you go.

As school was getting closer and closer, I could tell while you were so excited, you were also nervous for the fact that you would be away from me and I wouldn't be there by your side.

"But Mommy, I'm going to miss you so much! Aren't you going to miss me? I'm going to be so sad and all alone"

While I smiled and made light of it, telling you of course I would miss you but you'd have so much fun.....I admit, it broke my heart. It took so much for me to not let those tears fall that were so threatening.

I kept that excitement of school in my voice. I kept smiling. I kept telling you how much fun you were going to have.

What you didn't know was behind that excitement, my eyes were filling with tears. You didn't know about the huge lump in my throat. You didn't see me go into the bathroom just so I could shed a few tears in private.

I wanted to stay strong for you. You needed the encouragement that you could do this by yourself, that you didn't need Mommy, that you were a big girl--all thoughts I knew from the bottom of my heart and knew you'd be just fine.

I know I'm your rock--the one you go to for comfort, the one you feel so safe with, the one you look to for answers.

I didn't want to let you down.

While I was putting you into the car to go to school, I could see while you were excited, you were also a little scared. You were trying so hard to be strong but saying good bye to me was hard. I gave you the biggest hug and kiss with a huge smile, told you that you were going to have so much fun and that I couldn't wait to hear all about it.

You gave a small smile and said "Bye Mommy. I'll miss you".

What you didn't see as you were driving away and I was waving so hard with a big smile was the big tears coming down my cheeks.

I know every parent goes through it. There are so many emotional milestones. There will be so many we cross together.

Today Hannah I want you to know I am so very happy for you and so very proud of you. You are starting a new wonderful adventure and I know you're on track to have a very successful future. You are an amazingly strong little girl and I admire you so much for your courage.

Maybe one day you'll know that feeling of watching your daughter go to school for the first time---the smile you so bravely put on while wanting to burst into tears as you watch your sweet baby growing up.

I'll be right there with you. We'll cry together. Every milestone you go through, we'll go through together.

I will always be here for you.

Enjoy your first day of school sweetie. I know you'll have so much fun and you'll beg to keep going back. I'm excited to see all the projects you make, the friends you make, the things you learn about school and Jesus.

You are a bright and shining star and I'm so proud of the pre-K student you've become.

Love,

Mommy




Hannah and Sage and Jude (neighbor kids who will be in her class)



Hannah, Sage, Jude, Foreman and Mrs. Fisk (her teacher who is also our neighbor and she knows so well)


She's going to be a busy girl :) ("picture man" is a photographer)


Mommy, Daddy and Hannah. Hannah wanted to draw her letters "H" and "A" and wanted to show them off


Grandma, Papa and Hannah



My sweet baby is growing up

Hannah's Meet and Greet

Hannah starts pre-k on Friday. 

Soak. That. In. 

I can't even begin to describe my emotions right now. 

But last night was her meet and greet where we were able to go meet her teacher, see her classroom, etc. Hannah already knows her teacher & classroom very well so it wasn't so much about that but more about bringing in her school supplies. 

While I admittedly was holding back tears I loved watching her play with the kids and smile so much. I feel so confident in her being happy and taken care of. I'm blessed to know the teacher so well & trust & admire her so much.  I couldn't ask for a better teacher for my daughter. 

Here are a few pictures from the night:

She was a "tad" excited to go to school :)

Hannah and daddy at school 

Her first school project! She had to color the letters of her name and the glue them in order on the paper 

Playing with dolls. 

Mercy--give me tissues. :(

Vacation Bible School

Hannah recently went to Vacation Bible School at a nearby church. This church is special to me. While it's not our home church, we did go to AWANA there when we were kids & Mark & I got married there 14 years ago. So this church has a special place in my heart & I try to keep involved in it when I can. 

Hannah LOVED going to VBS this past week. She's still singing all the songs & telling us how Jesus loved us first. Love watching her love for God!

Here are a few pictures at VBS. (Pictures are courtesy of A Little Bit of Sweetness: Photography by Amber Lindo. 

Our local fair

Hannah was such a busy girl this past weekend at our local fair. 

She's still recovering from it--we all are. :)

She clogged at the fair & loved getting up on stage :):

She was excited to show off her babysitter's string art which got an exceptional! We are so proud:

My mom & dad were working in the fair and had a booth for their business of farm toys so she was busy helping...um bothering?...them all weekend:

She learned how to milk a cow :):

Of course she was able to pet lots of animals:

And of course we can't forget the rides!:

Hannah with her babysitters at the fair:

Hannah with mommy & daddy:

Hannah had a blast. We only live a few blocks from the fair so every time we drive by she begs to go back. It's hard to explain to a 3-year-old it's only open a few days a year. It's really tough to comprehend. :)

I loved seeing her smiles & obvious joy & fun she was having. There is nothing better than the excitement of a child :)