A Dress for a Princess

Caroline discovered a pretty pink dress and crown hanging in a bedroom closet upstairs.  It was Sarah's favorite princess costume.  I had carefully tucked it away in the closet over two years ago.  Caroline brought it to me eagerly requesting that I help her put it on.  I explained to her that it was very special because it had been worn by Sarah.  As I placed the small crown on her head I was reminded of the last time Sarah wore the costume.  Although her body was swollen from steroids, wearing the gown made her feel and look beautiful.  It surprised me how well the dress fit Caroline.  It was a reminder to me that she is now the same age that Sarah was at the time of her diagnosis.

Caroline enjoyed wearing the dress while dancing to music with Maren.  They went outside and picked a matching pink flower.  It was tender and sweet to see such a healthy, vibrant little girl dressed up in such a special gown.        

Lemonade Anyone?

The blue skies and warm spring temperatures inspired young entrepreneurs to set up a lemonade stand. The children who live next door joined Nathan and Maren in their efforts to advertise and sell.  In addition to offering refreshing cups of lemonade, the kids sold Tootsie Rolls and suckers for a low price.  Nathan seemed to attract more business by drawing complimentary "self-portraits" of customers who purchased lemonade.

The children were thrilled with their total earnings of $28.00! 

Spring Break in San Antonio

Our family soaked in some San Antonio sun during the week of Spring Break.  Grandma and Grandpa Butler surprised the children by meeting us at one of our favorite vacation destinations.  What a thrill it was to see Grandma and Grandpa waiting for us at the entrance of the hotel!  

We had a wonderful time relaxing, swimming, visiting museums and spending a day at Sea World.  The children's favorite activity was swimming in the warm lazy river and playing in the sand.  My mother and I enjoyed resting poolside while sipping on cool drinks.

In the seventh month of pregnancy my silhouette is growing.

Caroline thought it was fun to squirt and splash water on Grandpa.

Forget about Shamu and the dolphins, what pretty pink flowers!

 Caroline couldn't make it through a full day at Sea World without a nap on Grandpa's shoulder.

Parting is such sweet sorrow (notice the sadness on Maren's face).  There were three sobbing children in the car as we dropped off Grandma and Grandpa at the airport and headed home to Houston.  Thank you Mom and Dad for joining us on this much needed get-a-way!  We love you and look forward to your visit to Houston in May.  

A Special and Significant Name

A couple of months ago Brian and I began searching for female names in our family history.  Each of our children have been given the names of ancestors we have never met, but have come to admire and love through written histories and photographs.  I feel this is one way we can honor and respect those who have gone before us, as well as teach our children the importance of genealogy.

Coming up with a name for our fourth daughter came rather effortless, without hesitation.  However, it took a little searching to find a photograph of my great-great grandmother, Sarah Charlotte York.  This afternoon I located a person who may have some of her personal history and another photograph to share.  For now, I am content and very grateful for this small, aged photograph of Sarah Charlotte.

Sarah C. was born on March 26th 1865.  She lived and died (June 5, 1931) in the small city of Santaquin, Utah.  She was the mother of seven children.  Sadly, three of her children passed away in their childhood years.  She married a good man named Heber Crispin Taylor.   From his personal history I catch a glimpse of Sarah's compassionate nature and strength to endure many difficult trials.

Our family is looking forward to the month of May when our baby, Charlotte Sarah, will arrive.  Her beautiful middle name has such special significance to us.  I imagine my two daughters enjoying the companionship of each other right now.  I'm so thankful that Charlotte will come to us having felt the love and influence of her dear sister Sarah.

I'm beginning to prepare for the arrival of our little girl.  I've purchased a few burp cloths with her name embroidered on each one.  My dear friend Kellie delivered an adorable pastel blanket with a hand-stitched butterfly on one square to remind me of Sarah.  As the final two months of pregnancy begin, I am feeling at peace, a little uncomfortable, but willing to wait patiently for this sweet baby who will surely bring such happiness into our home.

Pinewood Derby No. 3

Last night our Cub participated in his third and final Pinewood Derby.  Nathan's original skateboard design placed fourth, third and second in three races.

Nathan spent time after each race adjusting the wheels and adding graphite to increase speed.

The awesome skateboard in starting position, ready to race!

Scouts sit next to the track to watch their cars fly by.

To conclude the eventful evening, everyone enjoyed a sweet Twinkie treat.

We bid adieu to Pinewood Derbies!  Three years with three unique car designs.  Congratulations to Nathan for all the hard work in designing and creating each car.  (Brian and I feel somewhat relieved to have this competitive Scout activity behind us).  

Our One and Only Bro.!

Nathan often remarks how nice it would be to have a little brother.  I remind him how unique and special he is, so special that God needed him to learn how to love and protect four little sisters.  Maren, Sarah, Caroline, and soon-to-be new baby sister are so fortunate to have such a tender-hearted, fun-loving, adoring big brother.

Caroline affectionately calls Nathan "Bro."  Whenever I ask her, "Who loves you?" She enthusiastically responds, "Bro.!"  Nathan, thank you for putting up with all the pink and purple, the dresses, the dancing and the drama.  You will always have five cheerleaders cheering you on through life and calling you a hero!  

Nathan, you really don't need a little brother...Caroline will help you hunt for frogs!