A Date With Daddy

Madeline turned thirteen last month and this past weekend Marc took her out on her special "date". Thirteen is the age that our girls get their purity rings. McKenzie and I were both a little sad getting Madeline ready to go. It seems like it was just yesterday that it was McKenzie's night out!

He took her to the same restaurant that he took McKenzie to almost six years ago. It is an old house downtown that has been turned into a restaurant. It is very southern and Madeline requested to eat outside.

The ring is a heart with a key hole and her birthstone.

This is a "key" lapel pin that Marc will wear until Madeline's wedding day. On that day Marc will present the man she marries with a card and pin the key to his lapel. (haha.. I just noticed the paint on Marc's hands! :o)

I talked with Madeline several months ago preparing her for this night. Marc talked to her that night about what the ring symbolized and the seriousness of making a covenant with God. When they got home we read the covenant out loud. Marc promised to protect and guide her until one day, Lord willing he transfers that protection to her husband. Madeline promised to remain pure physically and emotionally and to trust her father's lead. It was a very sweet evening!

Precious memories...

The Babysitter...

Everyone was busy this afternoon and Marc asked Mariah to watch the little boys. She took a horse lead line and tethered them to her! I thought it was pretty smart! :o)

Easter 2012

The Friday before Easter was a beautiful day. The kids were all outside and dirty, so I decided it was the pefect time to color eggs!

Myles thought he should be able to eat his egg!

Saturday morning... We started doing Easter baskets on Saturday several years ago. We try to keep the focus on the Resurrection on Sunday morning. Sunday mornings are usually crazy enough without adding chocolate to the mix!

Myles loves his "choco-duh"! (chocolate :o)

Saturday afternoon we went to my parent's house and got to spend some time with my sister and her family. Madeline and Carrington...

Clayton and Mariah getting ready for an Easter egg hunt.

Matt and McKenzie with my mom.

Malachi with my dad.

Easter morning... the guys. Matthew and Marc had matching ties, but Matt hadn't put his on yet!

Malachi was first out on the porch for pictures. He is always ready with a smile! :o)

Me with my sweet girls.

The whole crew (from left to right) Madeline, Mariah, McKenzie, Malachi, Matt and Myles!And last but not least.... McKenzie and her man, Clayton. You can read all about her courtship here. Don't they look like they just stepped out of a magazine!? :o)

Hope you all had a blessed Easter!