Vicki Courtney - Virtuous Reality Ministries

I want to share some info with you moms out there. A friend turned me on to Vicki Courtney, a Christian author who focuses on raising Godly children and living virtuously. She has written several books, admittedly none of which I have read just yet; however, from reading the information on her website and visiting her blog, I am very excited to dive into one of her books. The one I have my eye on is "Your Girl: Raising a Godly Daughter in an Ungodly World" http://www.vickicourtney.com/press_yourgirl.htm . There is also a counterpart, "Your Boy: Raising a Godly Son in an Ungodly World". If her books share any of the warmth and humor that her blog posts have, I'm sure that it will be a good read. I have added her blog to my links, and her website is: www.vickicourtney.com. Enjoy!

Gymnastics Competition

Today was Sophie's first gymnastics competition. We started the day with a BIG breakfast at IHOP. The open warm ups started at 12:00 with timed warm ups beginning at 12:30, so we packed the protein in Sophie because we knew she wouldn't eat again before about 3 or 4, and no one wants to be around Sophie when she's on empty. She was a bundle of nerves. She's been dreading beam because of the handstand that she has to do on it in her routine. Ironically, she had her highest score on BEAM! She didn't fall off once! No, she didn't bring home a medal for the routine, but it was a personal victory for her because she had convinced herself that she would fall. Way to go Bug!

Sophie with her good luck charm-a new Webkin

This picture cracks me up because of how small she looks compared to her gym bag.

A picture taken during warm ups. They have a fit when you use flash photography at a meet, so this is the only shot I got . We did get great video though. Maybe I'll get savvy enough to figure out how to put that in by the next meet.

Poppy and Reagan during the long wait. This gym was packed and HOT!

Coach Fears surprised us before the meet started. He is a counselor that Romeo has worked with for 14 years. He is one of the most thoughtful men I have ever known. He sends our girls cards for absolutely every holiday and event you can imagine. He shows up for their games, meets, plays, etc. We are so blessed with wonderful people in our lives like him! I think you can never have too many people to love your children. It's like our kids have multiple grandparents.

Another blessing-a surprise visit from Mandy Thompson. Romeo saw Mandy at an Arlington game about a month ago and mentioned Sophie's first meet as he was filling her in on what all is going on with our family. She remembered and called the house last night asking what time she should be there. Mandy is a precious friend that we made through church and Arlington. Yet another person who loves our children. We love you Mandy. So glad things are going so well for you!

Mimi and Reagan.
Of course Mimi and Poppy thought Sophie did perfect at everything. I had to remind them that they may be just a little biased. :)

As we traveled back home, we stopped off to visit with the Kellys where we enjoyed a wonderful meal and a fun visit. We are so blessed with incredible friends and family!

Happy Birthday Princess Sophie

Today is our precious Sophie's 7th birthday! I can hardly believe seven years have passed since the day she entered our lives. She has brought such joy and excitement to our family. There is never a dull or quiet moment when Sophie is around. Our house is so quiet when she's gone to visit a friend or her Mimi and Poppy, and we all agree that we much prefer the noise. Happy Birthday Sophie Bug!!! May you continue to dance your way through life.

We start birthdays off with a decorated doorway. We started this last year, and it was possibly the biggest memory for each of the girls. I guess it's something they'll expect every year. I can't imagine a better spent dollar.

This is usually how I find Sophie in the morning. The way she sleeps is so indicative of her attitude toward life-unconventional! Who needs pillows?

Further evidence of Sophie's individuality- This is what Sophie chose for sleep ware last night. A dance shirt and a sheer tu tu.

This is not a birthday treat. This is how Sophie is awakened every day. She downs a sippy cup (minus the valve) full of chocolate milk before she'll consider conversation. Don't you love the hair in complete disarray? THIS is Sophie! Notice Ted E. Bear next to her. He turned 6 years old today. You can see evidence of how loved he is. He has many bare spots.

See how much more civil she looks after a cup of milk? We gave money for Sophie to take to the American Girl Store in February when the girls will celebrate their birthdays jointly.

Reagan gave Sophie a card with $5 of her own money inside. What a sweet sister!

Sophie insisted that we all "scream" when we came through her doorway.

Our Birthday Princess

We joined Mimi and Poppy at Red Robin for dinner-Sophie's favorite burger joint. Mimi had the waitress bring the ice cream sundae out as soon as we arrived. Talk about spoiling the grandchildren! Oh well-That's what birthdays are for!

The Red Robin crew singing "Happy Birthday". BTW-Sophie insisted that everyone sing Happy Birthday Eve to her yesterday. She said, "There's a Christmas Eve and a New Year's Eve. Why can't there be a Birthday Eve?" She milks the birthday thing!

This is her expression while everyone sang to her. Do you think she likes attention?

I made cupcakes and took to the restaurant. Sugar overload!

I hope all your wishes come true!

Mimi and Poppy-the best grandparents!

"Away from my tiara Poppy!" Take a look at Reagan's expression. She gets a little disgusted with her sister's theatrics. She's our "straight-laced" gal.

Jason came to the house after dinner with a gift for Sophie, but her favorite thing about Jason is that he will play "Pretty Pretty Princess" with her. Too funny!

Let It Snow

It's been a great day. Reagan would say a dream come true. She's talked of snow for weeks. Every cold day she would say, "Mom, I'm telling you...It's going to snow this year." We've tried to tell her that's not the only indicator of snow. She's sounded like a weather lady lately parroting any weather report she'd heard. Sophie hasn't seen snow in Georgia since she was a year old. She forgets the blizzard that we drove through in Idaho last year and the six foot high snow drifts that we jumped into in Montana. She wanted "Georgia Snow". Despite the fact that there was only about an inch or two of snow, they were satisfied, and that's all that matters. Meanwhile, in Montana, my brother probably has a foot of snow and is laughing hysterically at us. Yes, Tony...we bought milk and bread, but we really were out of it.

The girls begged for an hour before I'd let them go out. I kept hoping the slush would freeze, and it wouldn't be so wet.

Pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaassssssseeee mom!

The girls immediately went to the task of building a snow man. Reagan got the bottom ball as far as she could roll it.

I took over. Look how nasty! He's going to be a little "hairy".

Now for the middle section.

Tell me that's not the most redneck snowman you've ever seen. Sophie decided he needed a mowhawk.

Lily was not too enthused about the snow. Poor thing--she got a new haircut this week. She was a little bare. She went in shortly after she made snow lemonade.

Not exactly a winter wonderland, but it'll do.

This was my favorite shot of the day. Sophie creamed Reagan with a huge snowball!

Happy girls!

We warmed up with some hot chocolate with whipped cream.

8 Things About My Big Girls

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about all the "8 things" about your beautiful babies. They've all brought back so many different memories about my girls at younger ages. Jana has tagged me to share eight things about my girls, so here goes the older version...

Reagan

1. I am almost nine years old (February 28th).

2. I am in third grade, and I am a super smart student. I love all subjects, but especially love to read. Since I have been in school, I have only had to move my clip three times. I am a pleaser.

3. I love to play soccer, and I will soon be starting my third season. I like playing defense best because I'm still not super aggressive.

4. I love to go to church, and I remember everything that I hear in Bible school. I am currently studying all about baptism and becoming a Christian because I am very interested in following God's word. I am extremely thoughtful in my prayer life. I remember everyone.

5. I always root for the "underdog" in society. Children with disabilities, children of color, and the children who generally aren't "cool" in others' sight are the ones that I love.

6. I have a very easy going personality and am incredibly witty.

7. I have a few good friends who are boys, but I don't have "boyfriends"...YUCK! I don't even like to see mom and dad kiss.

8. I am extremely loving. I share hugs willingly and often with my mom and dad and anyone that looks like they might benefit from having one.

Sophie

1. I am almost seven years old (January 25).

2. I am in first grade, and I too am a super smart student. I started in the gifted program this year, and I LOVE it. I come home with all sorts of interesting facts to share with my family. I love to read, but mommy is having to really watch what I'm reading this year. The books have stuff that she'd rather not deal with right now...like divorce, and boy stuff. I can't say that I have my sister's near perfect tract record on behavior. Don't get me wrong...I'm a good girl, but I love to TALK!

3. I am a level three competitive gymnast. I have been doing gymnastics since I was three. My favorite apparatus is the bars. I have my first competition in two weeks. Wish me luck. Mom says I actually have to win the trophy now. They don't just give it away. Imagine that!

4. I love to go to church too. Mom worries that it's for the social life, but she and dad were so proud of me recently when I stood up for something that the Bible says in a discussion with one of my friends. See guys...I am listening.

5. I am a born leader. I have a very charismatic personality that others are drawn to. My parents pray that I will always lead others to do good!

6. I like things my way. I can't see what's so wrong with that. Can you say "strong-willed"?

7. "I like the boys" as I recently wrote in my diary. My parents are distressed over this revelation at my ripe old age of six. They've flipped out and gone and banned just about every Disney show I like to watch. Now, I'm watching reruns of Andy Griffith and The Beverly Hillbillies. Did you know that T.V. was once only in black and white?

8. I am a very loving girl, but I give hugs as long as it doesn't slow me down. I NEVER stop moving. I bring color and excitement to my family's life.

We tag Maddie, Ella, and Ethan.

Braces

2008 has started with a bang! Reagan had a visit to the orthodontist today. After five months in an expander, she now is sporting a set of brackets across her top, front teeth. I cannot believe how much older it makes her look. She will be 9 years old next month, and Sophie will be 7 at the end of this month. Where does the time go?