11 Years with Matt

Yesterday was my 11 year anniversary. We went to the Americana in Glendale, saw a movie, shopped, ate at the Cheescake Factory and had a great time together. Ivy had a fun filled night and sleepover with Aunt Hollie. Matt got me a Paula Deen Cookbook that I had been wanting and he wrote me the most beautiful note that made me cry. I am so grateful to be married to this man. We both agreed that the next 11 years will be even better.

Beach Day with the Rickards

Our Answer

Matt and I heard that we are not getting the 2 boys. We don't know who they are going to or any details. And so....we keep waiting. Now we are back in the system. Thank you all for your prayers. Even though we don't know why the Lord does what He does, we are convinced that He knows what is best for our family. We will let you know as things happen.

Psalm 147:5 " Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure."

Steven Curtis Chapman

I hope that you have been reading his blog that I put to the right. Yesterday was his first concert back. I prayed for him and his sons all day. There was a play by play of his concert last night and it sounded so powerful and amazing. He changed alot of his lyrics. Including adding a new line to Cinderella. I encourage you to read about it as it is a great reminder of what is true and important in this temporary life.

Also, it shows when the Chapman family is going to be on TV and in People magizine. I already have it all on my calendar. I can't wait to see how the Lord is going to use them to His glory. Please check it out. It is a good reminder to keep praying for this hurting family.

Today in the Day

Ivy and Spunky (Christmas Day, one day old 2005) Perfect reminder of God's faithfulness and love to Matt and I.

Today is the day that social workers in a different county are deciding if we get the 2 foster boys. We don't know if we will hear from them today but they are supposed to have their meeting today. Matt and I have been praying that if they are not meant to be ours then they won't pick us. Please join us in prayer and we will keep you updated.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Cherry Delight

Ok...so I told you that I made my "summer dessert" the other day. I make it every summer, all summer and then we don't eat it again until the next summer. My friend, Heather, used to make it for me all the time. I know people have proubly had some variation of it before. It is so easy that even Ivy helped me.


Cherry Delight

8oz. cream cheese

half cup sugar

2cups Cool Whip

half cup cherry pie filling

graham cracker crust


Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy, then add cool whip. Blend.

Put in graham cracker crust. Top with cherry pie filling ( You can use another pie filling or I have eaten it with sliced strawberries before.)


Refrigerate for 2 or more hours. Enjoy!

*Most of the time if I am going somewhere. I double the reciepe. I just divide the mixture into 2 pie crusts.

Busy Week

The kitchen I painted.
The bulliten board I made.

Happy 4th of July weekend! We have had a busy week. I painted our kitchen and it took me 3 full days. Poor Ivy. She watched alot of cartoons.

We did make some time for swimming and...yesterday we took her to her 1st movie....."Kung Fu Panda. The first part went really well because she loved her popcorn, candy and Sprite....then in the middle of the movie she started to yell "Ivy all done!" So I took her out while Matt enjoyed the movie....but then she wanted to go see Matt. We tried that a couple of times and then I let her run around outside until Matt was done. It was not my funnest experience with her. We got in the car and she started crying because she wanted to go back to the movie....oh well. We had to try, right?

Today we are heading to our friend's Trent and Shalane's for dinner. I made a yummy dessert that I will share later.

Tomorrow is my parent's anniversary! Happy anniversary mom and dad!