A Prayer Answered

It is amazing to think that it has been over ten years since this group of girls walked the 2nd floor of Adams hall and ran around Sibley street! Sure, times have changed! Discussion has turned from sorority parties to husbands. The definition of a late night has turned into saying goodnight at 11 o'clock. And dinner is no longer at the cheapest place we can find on a college budget. Times have changed but what amazes me is that we always pick up just where we left off. These girls have become people that I love!

About twice a year, we get together to spend some "me" time, something we all look forward to. However, this time, I was extremely excited because I was finally going to meet someone that we have been praying for for a long time (even before we knew her name). Baby Edan was a gift that God sent my friend Lauren and he sent her all the way from Ethiopia! What an adoption story. My heart was warmed as I listed to Lauren recall how God showed up in a miraculous way, clearly guiding them through their entire journey.

Through the weekend, I was reminded that God calls many people to do extraordinary things! What amazed me about Lauren, is she did it and in response, she was blessed with a beautiful daughter, a daughter from the King! I am so happy for Lauren and know that God's hand is in this beautiful girls life! What an amazing thing to witness!

The baby shower we had was centered around Edan's birthplace: Ethiopia! It was fun hearing about cultures and traditions held in that country!

Beautiful Edan

Hob-A-Long Holly holding Edan!

A Month of Firsts

Since giving birth to my oldest son, my parents have always told me to hold on tight to my babies as they will grow up fast. I am learning that more and more as this month has been a month of firsts for the Harper household. Let me start off by saying that I came to a hard realization this month....I no longer have little babies. All of a sudden, Elijah has grown into this boy who is very much independent and full of energy. My beautiful Gracie is wanting her mommy less and less these days as she is into Taylor Swift and American Girl dolls (although, when she cries, she cries for her mommy and I secretly love that!)

So I guess you are wondering how we had some "firsts" this month ~


Elijah - This year, we were all set to play Tball! Our boys have been playing together for three years now and they are the best of friends! As the year approached, our coaches (my husband) decided that we were going to play in two leagues....tball and pitching machine! Wow! A lot for this mommy to take in...not to mention, moving to the baseball field. However, Elijah has loved every minute! Even on the rare nights that he does not have a game, he begs his dad to go outside and play.

Gracie decided that she was ready to do "her thing" instead of following her big brother around everywhere. So, she signed up to for the Rebel All-Star cheerleading squad. If it were up to mommy, she would not cheer but as I have learned, my children are wired on their own. Gracie had to try out and she did surprisingly well! Due to her age, she was placed on a show team, the silver pee wee team. Thank goodness as I am finding out that competitive cheer take a lot of time and a lot of money. They travel a lot. At least I have two more years before she reaches the age where she can, by law, travel with a competition squad. I need the time so I can save up all my money! This month has been exciting but Boy, my kids are growing way too fast! After tryouts Gracie poses with her BFF - Peyton!

Today, I had to stay home with Gracie because yet again, she has the stomach bug. I thought, "why not use this day to learn something new". I know that my daily job consists of teaching people how to use technology but some of the simplist of technlogies makes me cringe. For example, I have never down loaded music from itunes. Why? My husband does it for me! So today, I decided I was going to get my pictures off of my cell phone and copy them to my computer. After scrounging around the house for the USB chord for about an hour, I finally found it! Then I began to work. I thought I might share a few of my favorites!

(Holly W., how am I doing on my 4th post ever?)

Our kids are growing up so fast and sweet times like these are few and far between. Gracie idolizes her brother and he is getting to the age where loving on his sister, "is not cool". Of course, behind closed doors, Elijah loves on his sister and looks after her. I hope that continues.

That's right folks! It is a snake! I moved my garbage can to take the trash to the street and this is what was under the bag. I called Jeff freaking out to tell him to come kill it. I asked him what to do and he said, send me a picture. Why did I get the feeling that he was excited and not worried about the well being of his wife. This is the picture I took and sent. I am not used to this country life yet!



Gracie is such a ham! If I had to guess right now what she will be when she grows up, I would have to say an actress. She loves drama, singing, and hamming it up with her friends. This was at her friend's princess birthday party. This was also a very hard night for me. This was the first night she spent the night at a friend's house for a slumber party. Hillary, who she spent the night with (in the pink dress and pearls), only lives around the block. However, I stayed home all night..."just in case Gracie needed her mommy"!

So, so, so sweet! Elijah wants to be just like his daddy. I caught him shaving in the bathtub!

By far, one of my all time favorite things! This is a "Buttercups" cupcake! Of course, they are delicious! The best ever made. In fact, the owner of this store was on Cupcake Wars last week and although she didn't win, it was not because of the taste. There will be buttercups in heaven, I am sure of it! When I took this picture, I had to turn the cupcake around because I had already stolen a bight.

Sweet memories of the last few months

Baby, It Is Cold Outside

It is almost as exciting as Christmas morning around the Harper house today. Schools were canceled due to ice and snow. Elijah and Olivia have had their share of fun today as they have thrown snow balls, made snow angels, and drank hot chocolate!

Tonight, we were suppose to have close to 30 9th grade girls stay the night for disciple now and we are waiting on word to see if that is going to be canceled due to bad road conditions.

It has been an exciting day and no doubt one the kids will always remember.

I'm Back!

Ok...Ok...I know what you are thinking! "It is about time Missy posts something!" Blogging is what I am going to work on this year! I love reading all of your blogs, so why not add tidbits about my 'not so interesting life' (although I like it that way).

This year, I am looking forward to so many things and I am excited that they will be recorded on the blog. See y'all soon!