My babies are growing up...

No, not my Zack and Sophia, but my first babies. For those who don't know me well, let me explain:


Dear Jesus, THANKS!!!! Drew's moment of pride...


The kids were ready to jump into the jacuzzi even though it was 40 outside!!!



This pic is for Heather and Allie - the hair is getting long!!!!

When I was eight years old, my mom, my sister, and I began praying for a baby sister or brother. We prayed for five long years, and then when I turned 13, my mom had my sister, Victoria (now 24). Twenty-three months later she had my sister, Stephanie (now 23). Two and a half years later she had Drew (now 20) and then 2 years later, Mike (now 18).

From the age of thirteen to 22, taking a one year break to move away for Bible college, I raised these kids along side my mom. Dad was there but not really there. That's a whole other story for another time. I fed them, clothed them, bathed them, took them ot the doctor, nurtured them, etc... They were like my own. Because of these four kiddos, I was well prepared for Zack and Sophia.

I love these grown "kids" so much!!!! I am proud of each one for different reasons, but today I am as proud as a peacock. Why? Well, Stephanie and Drew qualified all on their own for their very first apartment! It is a VERY nice complex here in TX, and they are beyond excited to be moving out on their own. Michael will be moving in with them as well, but he won't carry equal weight as far as the bills. He is only 18 and still working part time so the funds aren't as plentiful for him.

I will miss seeing Steph everyday, but I can't tell you how blessed I am to see her moving out on her own. The smile she wears is so awesome to see. Thinking back even six months ago, you couldn't have convinced me that she'd be happy here let alone working and getting her own place here. The glory goes to God. I have seen Him working in her life in a mighty way over the past six months. She is truly a new person.

That there is my baby girl, the best Auntie in the world, and a future GREAT CATCH for some man looking for an awesome wife and mother!!!! She cooks, she cleans, she does incredible laundry, she nurtures, she loves, and she has a crazy side to her as well! Oh, and she is a godly woman! :)