Christmas Pics

Morgan had a great Christmas. She was full of holiday cheer and spread it wherever she went. She got lots of great gifts, but more importantly got to spend lots of time with family.

Morgan and John Reed posing in matching Christmas outfits (soooo cute).

Playing/Jamming with our new singing microphone.

Out of all the toys, counting cups with John Reed was one of Morgan's favorite Christmas activities.

Taking pictures with her new camera.

Tired of me taking her picture....

Posing with Rhodes in front of Cee's "tree".

Opening gifts with Mama.

Just a few gifts from mom and dad...

Finding what's in her stocking on Christmas morning (hadn't combed out the bed head yet).

Reindeer

Morgan's school Christmas program was this morning. She was a reindeer. This is incredibly fitting because of all the ornaments on our tree, she is most obsessed with a stuffed reindeer from Aunt Kristen. From what we could see, she did very well. She seemed to sit and stand when she was supposed to, but maybe even sang a few words of "Jingle Bells". We didn't get any pictures with the antlers on, but she's the cutest reindeer we've ever seen!

Meet Lusenda

Matt gave me the best Christmas present. I have been talking about sponsoring a child through Compassion International, a Christian based program that works with missionary projects throughout the world to help release children from poverty and introduce them to Jesus. I've been amazed by their story, and I really felt it could be a small way we could make a difference. Matt picked out Lusenda for our family. She's 5 years old, and she lives in Haiti. She is responsible for fetching the water for her family, and she loves singing and running. Haiti has a 93% unemployment rate, so you can imagine the living conditions there. Most families try to sustain themselves by farming, but with floods increasing over the recent years it has been difficult. We've written to Lusenda once, and plan to write her as many encouraging letters as possible. At night, we are teaching Morgan to pray for her. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, please check out their link. It's a trustworthy program that's been around a while. It only costs $38 per month. The money goes to healthcare, food, clean water, and educational programs. The money goes straight to the missionary project in that region, not directly to the family. $38 per month is providing Lusenda with nearly everything she needs to survive and thrive. Matt and I currently spend more than that on cable, fancy cell phone plans, a gym membership we rarely use, the list goes on. It's certainly something to think about.

Mo in the Snow

This is Morgan watching the snow Friday night from the window.

This is Morgan playing in the snow on Saturday morning. Yes, she is in her pj's and not in appropriate snow playing attire, but I assure you that we were only out there about 5 minutes. She would dip her finger in the snow and then bring it to me to wipe off. The just repeat the process. Funny little girl.

Thanksgiving Pics

Thanksgiving was quite the scene this year. We had a 7 month old, a 2 year old, and an 8 year old plus all the aunts, uncles and grandparents you could handle. It was great to visit with everyone, and Morgan loved getting to spend time with her cousins. Baby Jackson has grown so much since we've seen him last. He's so good and pretty funny. We are all so blessed!

Thanksgiving Preview

Uncle Russ with the kiddos.

Slumber Party

When I found out I was having a girl, I immediately started planning for Morgan's future slumber parties. Or as we in Arksansas liked to call them, "bunkin" parties. Those are my favorite memories of being a little girl, and I can't wait for Morgan to start having them. So when we babysat Hayes on Friday night, I decided we couldn't start soon enough. I made us a pallet on the floor and popped in Sleeping Beauty. The girls and I made it through about 30 minutes before everyone started getting restless. I think I had more fun than they did :) The other picture below is what Morgan's hair looked like when she woke up this morning. Nice, right?

Duck Duck Goose

Morgan loves to play "duck duck goose" in the bath tub. We think it's cute!

Halloween

Well, this is what Morgan was supposed to be for Halloween. She absolutely LOVES "flowuas", and her most favorite color is definitely "yeewhoa". So, I was super proud of myself to find a yellow flower costume. Problem was... it wasn't exactly the most comfortable thing in the world. Miss Morgan adamantly refused to wear the thing. So I just re-used the tutu from her birthday and called her a ballerina.

We loaded up her wagon and took her down the street to a couple of neighbors to trick or treat. She's not exactly into it this year, but we've got plenty of Halloweens to come! She's still a doll even if she didn't get to wear her flower fairy costume :)

This is Morgan (not) helping Dad carve the pumpkin. When we were done, she had to look it straight in the eye for a good inspection.

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

We went to visit the pumpkin patch this morning. We had no idea that this pumpkin patch also had a very impressive petting zoo with goats, roosters, cows, pigs, and also some animals you don't see every day like a zedonk (zebra/donkey hybrid), dwarf ponies, wallabees, and other things I have already forgotten the names of. Morgan loves her some animals so she had a BLAST.

By the way, if you think Morgan's outfit is too cute for words - check out the Everyday Baby. You can get one custom made for yourself from one of our dear friends!

Morgan's Weekend

We went to Arkansas this weekend for my friend Anna's engagement party. The Burris' were kind enough to put us up even though they are moving on Friday! Morgan had a grand time playing with all of Bentley's toys and showing off all her new tricks. One thing she may not have enjoyed so much was the double bath we were sure the kiddos would enjoy. I think this picture is hilarious. We couldn't get Morgan and Bentley to both be still long enough to be in one shot, so we had to trap them in the bath tub to do so :) And also below is a cute picture of Morgan and Cee that was taken last weekend. I love that little smirk on Morgan's face!

Birthday Party

Morgan is still on a sugar rush from her party today. She had a big time and racked up on some new toys. Thanks to all our family who drove in to help wish our girl a happy birthday!

This is "Princess Morgan" picking all the blooms off of my mums. She's obsessed with "flowuas".

Wondering what Daddy is doing in Morgan's little playhouse...

Going for her first ride on her Barbie four wheeler.

Not quite sure about the Happy Birthday song...

Racking up on some gifts - thanks everyone!

Baby Girl Turns Two!

Our little baby girl is turning two tomorrow. She's definitely not a baby anymore, but it's still hard to think of her otherwise. We went to the doctor today for our last set of shots before kindergarten. Morgan was NOT happy about getting her finger pricked or getting the shot. Unfortunately, they were out of flu shots so we'll have to go back next week for that :( Our sweetie is still a munchkin coming in 10th percentile of her class at 23 pounds. But she's average on height! I've been looking back at every single picture I've taken of her entire life, and it's been an amazing two years. I tell you this - I never thought I could produce a child this beautiful or sweet. Sure, she has her moments, but for the most part she's just so darn loving and sweet. The Lord has blessed me beyond my expectations. Glory be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Back to the Beach

Morgan was lucky enough to go on one last beach trip before the warm weather leaves us. She had a blast once again playing in the sand and the waves. She was even pretty courteous to baby cousin John Reed. He was much more interested in her than she was him, but I'm sure that will change as soon as he can run around and keep up with her. Thanks to Nana and Pap for taking us. We're looking forward to the next trip!

Writing our letters in the sand with Pap.

Sharing some goldfish with John Reed (after stealing them first...).

Look at those baby blue eyes. Such a cutie pie.

Two tired kiddos getting some cuddles from Aunt Kristen.