Birthday girls and more

It has been about a week since I last posted, and it has been a busy one. Our garden that we planted is doing well with the exception that the Japanese Beetle keeps evading the plants. The picture below is the girls eating lettuce right out of the garden.

Friday the 24th, Katie turned 6 years old. She got to pick where to go out to eat and she decided on Old Country Buffet. We had a wonderful time there and they announced her birthday over the speaker and there were people by us that wished her a happy birthday, she had a big smile on her face and enjoyed it. We came home and she had a cupcake with birthday candles. She is now 47 pounds and 46 inches tall, she loves being in gymnastics, and being active. She is the first one to help out and when asked to do something she usually does it without any grief. She is very smiley and loves to laugh. She is reading so well and loves to read everything (now have to be careful what I am reading on line or elsewhere as she will read), she is very spontaneous, has a contagious laugh.


This past Saturday we were suppose to have a camp out in our backyard with my brother Mike and his wife Kim along with their youngest two children. The weather couldn't decide if it was going to rain, be windy or sunny, so we decided to let the kids sleep upstairs and we hung around downstairs playing cards. Mike and Kim went home and came back in the morning. The kids all did awesome until about 1/2 hour before it was time for them to leave, then they couldn't figure out how to get along. Katie is doing awesome in school and is just finishing up KindergartenIt is Monika's 7th birthday today. She chose Famous Dave and we went there last night, because they get done with Gymnastic today at 6:30 and thought it would be to late to go. Famous Dave brings out a big bowl of ice cream and this Roman like candle on it (that is the reason why monika likes going there). We came home and watched America's got Talent.

Monika tonight got a cupcake and got to make her wish. She is now 43 inches tall and finally made it over 40 pounds by a couple of ounces. She continues to strong minded, loves to do activities that you have to figure things out, doing projects (hope that continues throughout school), telling jokes, being creative, making up treasure hunts (that is her latest), reading books (she really starting to get into the chapter books now). She is becoming our more sensitive child. She continues to thrive is school and remains a couple grades ahead.



There has been a lot of talk about God this past week, sometimes we don't understand why things happen to us whether it is good or bad. Sometimes we feel we are being treated unfairly or perhaps everything is going perfect for you. Some doors get shut as others open for you. I have been saying many different prayers this week. Some prayers are for my coworker whose daughter Maryah has been battling cancer for 5 plus years and everytime she gets a clear scan, it is short lived. Maryah and her family have such a strong faith and have focus on the goods in life even when they are feeling their worse and are doubting their faith. A group of women that I scrapbook with, some of the people are going thru trying times yet their beliefs with God has kept them going, I have said thank you to God many times especially these past couple of weeks. I feel God is along the side of me, walking with me, showing me things, and sometimes it may be things I don't want to see or hear, but he is there with me to help me through it all. I am so grateful for what I have. A wonderful husband, 4 beautiful girls that are a delight and hope to bring home another one. Family and Friends that are here for us and we know we can rely on.
A friend wrote this to me:

I bring you Sue and her family as they are going the anticipation of possibly adopting another child. We thank you, Father for using this family to provide the needs of those special children, to be a vehicle of your blessings to them. They have SUCH a big heart and there's plenty of love to go around so we ask that you open the doors for them to bring in another daughter to spread that love to, and many more if you feel that is what you called them for. :o) We also pray for those around them, that you would continue to give them the strength to support the Barretts. It takes a village to raise a child and they sure have a big one! :o)

I feel truly blessed with everything around me. And I thank the lord for everything you have shown me and taught me and guide me. Thank you for giving me the faith and strength to live the life to the fullest