Veterans Day 2014

Took time this year to go to the Tucson Veterans day parade.  Never too early to start instilling in Zion pride in our country and respect to those who have served to protect us!  It was great!  HoT, but great!  :)

Operation Christmas Child

We hosted a costume party and Operation Christmas Child Shoebox packing party this year!  It was so fun!  Zion was Cowboy Larry (a favorite cucumber character from a favorite book), and Ellie was, naturally, a princess! The kids each brought supplies/gifts to fill plastic shoebox sized boxes to send to children and the world.  Together we had 5 boxes overflowing with presents, soap, toothpaste coloring pages and letters from the kids. Such a great way to teach compassion and giving

A New Smile

Ellie has a new smile!  LOL!  She has started doing this goofy smile when I say smile!  Haha!  It's hilarious! She is such a hoot and already brings so much laughter to our family!  :) She has also started waving AND saying mama! :) Yay! Brandon is working on getting a Dada and Zion is working on a Zizi. :) soon!  She's so smart!  She's blossoming into such a big girl! Almost 6 months! Ah!

BleSsEd!

These two children bless me beyond measure.  Being their Momma has made me  a better person in every area of my life. Because of them I am a more compassionate, selfless, awe-filled, strong, secure,  love-filled person. It is my total joy to devote myself to my awesome God, my amazing hubby, and these 2 miracles.  They are such miracles and I am reminded of how BLESSED I am every single time I look into these sweet, searching eyes. 

Lord, continue to mold me into the person YOU want me to be. The Momma you designed for Zion and Joelle, the wife you created for Brandon,  and the daughter of the Most High you created to worship You!

CUTEST girl EVER!

I looked up from picking up some toys. ... and I find this precious little thing.  Lol.  Zion plopped the hat on her head and she didn't know what to think.  Lol

"Why yes, the world does revolve around ME." -Joelle Miles, newly 5 months old. 

Growing Fast!

Someone Found Her FEET!

Miss Joelle found her feet! And what wonderful chew toys they make!  :) She is so funny!  She LOVES munching on then every opportunity she gets.  :) 5 months old already.  How is that possible???

The Place Family: Growing by leaps and bounds!

Oh how I love my baby brothers! I am so proud of Tyler and Josh!  They have both grown into such handsome,  smart, caring, funny, successful and compassionate men of God. And BOTH got engaged to the women of their dreams in the last 3 weeks!  :) So exciting!  God has blessed both of my awesome little brothers with women who have a heart for the Lord. How blessed we are!!!  Mary and Erin we love you! And cannot wait to be official parts of your lives from now on!  :)  Now on to planning the weddings! Woohoo!!