Friday, September 23, 2011

Our Phabulous Phelan Trio



This our our most recent phamily pic at the mall, thanks to Mamie giving us her portrait package. I love how each one of our little buddies looks just like his/her personality in this picture - Ford, proud and protective big brother; Milly, shy and content; Jo Jo, HAPPY:) It's so much fun to see all of them together lately, now that Virginia Grace can pretty much do what Sissy and "Bubby" do (at least she tries). We call her "Tweedle" because she is always a step behind Ford and Mill, mimicking every move they make:) It's a fun season in our household. I'm thankful.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Our Magical Disneyland Trip This Summer

We had the most amazing week at Disney with Cici and Doc, Aunt Criss, Uncle E, and James Hunter. It was truly magical. We are so grateful to Cici and Doc for this trip of a lifetime. Our kiddos were at such a fun age to go to Disneyland because they still LOVED seeing all of the characters (and getting their signatures at Goofy's Kitchen), and at the same time, they really liked Space Mountain and the "big kid" rides (like their "big kid" Mama and Daddy). Ford's favorite character was Dale, Milly's was Chip, and Virginia Grace's was "Puto." We stayed at the most wonderful home right by Disney. The pool, hot tub, and all of the fun toys at the rental home were at the top of the list of favorites. Milly and Ford each picked out a "severe", as they called souvenirs. Ford chose a Cars Lego set and Milly chose to make a stuffed Hello Kitty at Build-A-Bear, which she named Bella. We made such amazing memories. When can we go back?! :)

Friday, September 2, 2011

Virginia Grace's 1st Day of School









Virginia Grace had her first day of "school" yesterday. It's just a mothers'-morning-out at a local methodist church. She is excited, though. We ask her if she wants to go to school, and she nods her head over and over. So cute. Every day that she and I dropped ford and milly off at their preschool last year, she'd cry wanting to stay. She's goin on Thursdays from 9:30-12:30 (for $10/day - great deal:) ) Thought I'd share a Phelan milestone:) Ford starts Kindergarten (Mill, Pre-K) at Trinity Christian School on Wed:) Pray for them on Wed at 8:30 our time, and for me. I am sure I'll shed some tears when I drop my baby off at "big school". God so faithfully led us to Trinity. We are in awe of the school and the godly teachers that God has given us! We went to an outdoor movie ("Soul Catchers" - GREAT movie!) tonight at their school. Ford got to talk to both of his teachers at the movie tonight, and he met a little girl who is going to be in his class. We are all excited (and a little nervous, both Ford and Mill say) to start a new phase of our phamily life with the real school routine. Thought I'd share a few pics of Jo Jo's 1st day of school, and more will follow of Ford and Milly's 1st day at Trinity.

Here's a copy of an email from our dear friend, Mary (from Huntsville, AL but lives out here now. "Mamie" is a part of our family and a special influence in Jo Jo's life:)). She so eloquently wrote out what we'd love to pray for Virginia Grace and her time in school, beginning now and for years to come:

Praying for her first day of school to be the start of a lifelong journey of the love of learning, growing, being invested in by others/teachers/leaders, and a thirst for knowledge (including a knowledge of Truth and Wisdom). Praying that she would quickly pick up on social cues and appropriateness with other kids, as well as how to respond to leadership and guidance. That the Lord would give her a vulnerable and humble mind, open to all things new, yet to have wisdom to discern which things are sacred to carry with her, and which things are not of the Father. Praying that the Lord would begin to develop in her a sensitive heart and eyes to see those students on the fringes of her class that may not be as loveable/likeable by others, and that she would have the courage and security to love those "less popular". Praying that she would begin, even at such an early age, to have a burden to carry the Gospel into her classroom. Not sure if that makes sense. Just praying for the Lord to keep developing in her the compassionate heart that we've all seen since day 1.

Oh this is such a big day! As you can see, I"m praying HUGE things for tomorrow! :) (I know it's just mother's morning out....but it's a milestone for her life ahead of learning corporately and in community).





Easter

Easter
Virginia Grace Phelan

Disneyland Magical FUN!

Disneyland Magical FUN!
Our first night at Downtown Disney

They loved the Dumbo ride.

Best Buddies

Pooped!

Milly bravely sat in the front with Daddy. Ford was "hands up" and Milly was "digging fingernails into Daddy's leg."

Mama and Daddy were just as excited.

Mickey was the biggest hit.

Ford and Milly kept saying, "I'm so excited!" I wonder who says that a lot around our house?

Easter's 1st Portrait (Sonogram)

"We're ready for another Phelan munchkin to join our circus!"

Proud Big Brother

Happy Big Sis (check out those wild curls after bathtime:) )

Fatherly Ford

Not-So-Motherly Milly

Ford feeding the babies lettuce and tomato