Our Love Story

These faces, they are my heart. I won't pretend life is always perfect, but my favorite part about life is having them in it.

 Over the years, I've stopped sending family Christmas cards. I always mean to, then life takes over and I'm out of time.... again. This year I decided we'd do Valentine's Day cards. Hallen and I were out shopping one day and found this pillow and thought it was just perfect for our family photos.

 In keeping with the theme, there are so many reasons why our love story is my favorite. Here are just a few.
                                 

               
           It's my favorite because there is no sound sweeter than the laughter shared between these two.

It's my favorite because of the moments of wonderful holding tiny little hands.

It's my favorite because sometimes her beauty is so quiet it overwhelms me. I 

could look at her forever and still not believe that she is mine.

It's my favorite because of tutus and pearls.

It's my favorite because we were created to love...

And with each new day and for a million tiny reasons I grow 

to love them even more.

It's All About That Eight...

These 8 girls helped Hallen celebrate her eighth birthday. She wanted a "Fashion Camp" party, so "The Momma" had to put on her thinking cap and figure out how to make that happen in December, when the weather can be unpredictable. Everything about my sweet Hallen's birthday has always been a bit unpredictable. She was supposed to be a late December birthday, but from late October 2006 until December 7, 2006 we were hoping she would hang on for one more day.

What better place for fashion inspiration than the Summit? These silly poses helped them get in the mood!

"The Momma" found quotes to inspire the budding fashionistas. This one says , "Smells like music hold memories, breathe deeply."

Wow, were they smelling good. We had all kinds of mixes going on. They even got to keep their favorites. So fun!

Girls in the moment. Sweet laughter.

Beautiful like a Rainbow. They modeled something in their favorite color. Lots of turquoise fans in the group.

Easily distracted by shiny objects

A future so bright...

I love seeing pictures of these two. It's always amazing how much they look alike. This girl has a special love for her daddy. He gave her this heart necklace when she was five. I hope she will always treasure it.

Happy Birthday Serenade Johnny Rockets style

Like her Grandaddy, Hallen is a Savage's Birthday Cake fan.

Big Wishes for the year ahead!!! A letter from "The Momma" When Hallen turned one, I wanted to start a tradition of writing her a letter every year telling her what qualities she was developing, and what gifts I saw God placing in her. I haven't done as well as I had hoped each year. This year I gave her a card that played that catchy tune, "It's a perfect day, nothing's going to bring me down." It reminded me so much of my Hallen. She is a Sunshine and Blue Skies kind of girl. I have always been so grateful for her sweet smile and sunny disposition. She has a precious heart and is kind to others. She is the best big sister to Maci and God has blessed me beyond measure watching the bond between them grow. I have a sister and am so glad my girls have a sister. So here's to my Hallen, the one that colors my world with dance shoes, ice skates, chicken fingers , Taylor Swift, side ponytails, handstands, snuggles, constant messes (she has my organizational skills), Full House reruns, Girl Meets World, Boy Meets World (DVD's on the way to and from school), tank tops/shorts (no matter the season), laughter, and an endless supply of hugs. I am still figuring this mothering thing out, but I am ever so grateful that God chose Hallen to be my daughter. I signed her birthday card with, Eight is going to look beautiful on you. Beautiful indeed. Addition: After reading the post, Hallen corrected me. I signed her card eight is going to be fabulous on you. It was a great mother daughter moment. She remembered.

Meet Maci

The one that came along after 6 years of hoping for another baby. She followed big sister Hallen,
pregnancy losses, and fertility struggles.

The one her sister prayed for, even when I told her that God might not have another baby for our
family.

The one that will someday know that this guy was her first love.

The one we needed to add a verse for so we could read one of our favorite

                                                    books.

                                                     Now we say,

                                        "Hallen Who I do love you." 

                                                          AND

                                         "Maci Moo I do love you."

                          (Also how she got her nick name Moo Moo)

The one who celebrated her first birthday at the Atlantis in the 

Bahamas. (Afraid we may have set the bar a little high)

The one that crinkles her nose when she smiles.

The one that cried for the first 7 months and forfeited all rights to "terrible twos ". The one that keeps all busy asking for "dis" (everything she wants is called dis/this) . We spend a lot of time picking up random objects trying to find the elusive dis. EXHAUSTING . The one that now adds an extra dose of joy to our family. The one that makes us laugh. The one we love to the moon and back. This is our Moo Moo.

 Maci Noelle Neff 

July 31, 2013

                                                          

Big Girl's Club Shopping Extravaganza

These smiling faces were surprised to a shopping outing and 

overnight stay at the Wynfrey during Christmas break.

 No boys allowed;)

                                         Sarah, Hallen, and Maci

First stop... late lunch followed by  ice cream

Matching PJ's were on the shopping list- all the way 

to their tippy toes.

Olive Garden late night take-out dinner in bed.

Three cheers for chocolate cake for dessert.

Pure. JOY.

Breakfast. Cinnamon sticks.

Maci shopped til she dropped. She's still a lightweight.

The holidays go by so quickly. Each year I find 

myself a little more overwhelmed by the long list of to-dos.

All I really ever want is a little extra time 

with those I love most. 

 I am happiest when I can be in the moment

with them. These girls are my heart.