She is a Teenager!!!!

On September 5, 2012 Chloe entered a new stage of life..... teenage-hood! Its hard to believe this little girl is now 13!


On the day of her birthday we went to Zio's with Aunt Heather, Uncle Ryan, and cousin Ava!

For the birthday celebration, we invited her church buddies over for an afternoon of shopping at the outlet mall, pizza, and a sleepover. I am so thankful for each of these girls and the great christian friends Chloe has made at Wilshire.

Chloe wasn't into the whole birthday cake thing this year but she did let me make her favorite dessert. It is a layer of cookie dough, then a layer of Oreos, and then brownie mix is poured over the top! I baked it at 350 for 30 minutes.


Chloe has REALLY grown up a lot this last year and isn't needing her mom as much. I am thankful for her confident and "one-of-a-kind"! So, She is a teenager and a pretty amazing one at that! I love how she has a heart for special needs kids, makes good choices when it comes to friends, gives back through being a leader in DC4k, rarely complains about things, and does her best in whatever she does! Happy Birthday my sweet girl! May you continue to grow in God and you allow Him to lead you on this journey we call life!

4 years

Tonight I received my 4 year chip! Four years ago tonight, I walked through the doors of Celebrate Recovery at Memorial Road Church of Christ.  I did not have many friends (and really only 2 but they lived far away and I would go months without contact with them). I had been through so much that I actually felt better in chaos and turmoil then when things were going well. I was angry, unforgiving, and judgemental. I loved being a victim and a martyr and guilt was how I motivated and manipulated many in my life. I took EVERYTHING personally and I was obsessed with perfectionism. I believed in God but it had been years since I could say a prayer and I rarely opened my bible outside of church. I was there because my counselor said she thought it would be good for me. I had NO idea what these next four years would have in store for me as a person, wife, mom, boss, employee, and friend.  I really feel like today even though I still struggle, I have a lot more balance in my life. I celebrated 60 days of daily bible reading last week. I can pray! I am an active participant with my church family. I have friends and I have became closer to the two friends I really neglected and honestly, only called when I needed something. My husband and I are happier than we have ever been. I am healthier and I am comfortable in my own skin. I am a calmer mom. I do not need to "fix" everyone. I can listen to people and not be thinking of the next thing I am going to say. I have truly for the first time in my life felt grace and felt truly forgiven.  This acceptance of forgiveness and grace has caused me to be a much more gracious and forgiving person. "I still stuggle but now I struggle well and with hope!" Needless to say... I am so thankful I chose to walk across that parking lot 4 years ago and for the journey so far. It has been a long winding road filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and a few detours but I know I would not be the grateful believer in Jesus I am today without it!