Sugar and Spice....

..and everything crazy!!!Bryce had her birthday slumber party this weekend and had a blast, especially with WII Dance! (thanks, Annelise for letting us borrow it). James gave the girls golf cart rides while trying out for Nascar. (Need I say more?)The girls actually went to sleep by midnight-I think. Here's to our big girl-we are so proud of you!
"A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance" Ecclesiastes 3:4

My "mini-me" Valentine girl!

My oldest daughter hit the double digits on Valentine's Day! Ten years ago she was born and I still remember the shock of hearing "it's a girl!" (she had not cooperated with the ultrasound) Everyone calls her a "mini-me" i.e. light hair, fair skin, blue eyes, personality, etc. I sometimes think God gave her to me to make me humble. She can be my biggest challenge, but I always make sure she knows that love is unconditional, no matter what! She is a true daddy's girl but also loves our one-on-one time together, as well as spending time with Nana and Grampa. She can recite all of the books of the Bible in no time flat!
"Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!"
Psalm 66:5

Let It Snow-Take 2!

Another snow! This one today was the snowball, snowman making kind of snow-great for packing in your hands. And not nearly as bone-chilling cold as the last one! Who says we need to believe the Raleigh groundhog-I say bring it on! My husband and I just stood beside a window together last night watching it fall. I think that is one of the most peaceful, relaxing things we enjoy together and due to some unforeseen changes in our lives recently, it was exactly what the doctor (Jesus) ordered!

Tuckered out

My husband's "baby" had to go to the vet today. Animals always seem to know when they're taking a trip to the doctor, don't they? Lizzy, our black Lab/Shepard mix, whined the whole way in the car. She was probably also upset to be leaving James. He spoils her rotten! I don't think I've ever seen another man fawn over his dog like he does. Lizzy was so glad to be back home by his side and promptly went to Ethan's bean bag, her new self-proclaimed bed. I'm sure she hopes her next trip is to the mountains!

Momma Tammy

My friend Tammy has been our home daycare sitter for many years now. I don't know what we ever would have done without her. She said she won't know what to do when there are no more Hopp kids in her house! We are still holding out for Ethan and Kasey, her youngest daughter, to marry one day. Tammy's mother is extremely artistic and passed down her genes to her daughter and granddaughters. Tammy's best talent to me is her sewing skills, namely, smocking. Over 50% of Mary's clothes were made from Tammy (and Bryce, too). All of her dresses and outfits are smocked BY HAND. I hope you can see in the pic the little snowmen on the latest dress for Mary. It definitely fits the season!

Another page turned

My baby girl had her first sleepover last night! She has spent the night at other houses before but has never had her "own" friend over. I pulled her trundle out and they went to bed great. But....I was woken up at 4:50 this morning. yes, that's AM! They were just chatting away! I quickly put them back to bed, but I am pretty bleary-eyed today. So now, all of my children have experienced sleepovers. Any takers?

Coffee Table Casualty

I had an unexpected visitor at my office today. Ethan and Mary were playing hide-n-seek at Grandmama's house and Ethan misjudged the distance diving under the coffee table. Their table has a large, black, slate top, so you can imagine what happened! Luckily, there is "skin glue" now so he was saved from having to have stitches. However, it definitely is going to scar his beautiful skin over his eyebrow. He was such a brave boy at the office. My co-worker said it's a "badge of honor" on a boy. I know his grandparents feel awful, they love him like he is their own! But, one day it will be a faded memory. He still is gorgeous in my book!