Joy

When naming our second child, the name Joy came up as a possible middle name, but it just never seemed to make the final cut.  Besides, with Grace & Joy, was Peace going to come next?  Now, don't get me wrong, I love the attributes of Grace, Joy & Peace, but Joy just didn't seem to be the right name for our sweet Piper.  Instead, she inherited Mary, partially because of family history but also because of the characteristics of Jesus' mother who demonstrated such faith in her call to be Jesus' mother and then in her peace in treasuring up the things spoken to her.  If you have a chance to read the "Song of Mary", it also captured some of what we wanted for Piper.  So while her name is Piper Mary, when I see her, I can't help but witness utter Joy...

 

Summer Green Salad

I love summer cookouts.  Mostly for the friends, but also yummy food.  I have to admit, I'm a burger girl and enjoy a cheeseburger fresh off the grill.  The past few years, I've also become a fan of this "Green Salad".  It's not a traditional green salad with lettuce at all - but it's best in the summer (especially right now) when all of these vegetables are in their prime.  Admittedly, I'm a bit of a chop and dump kind of cooker, so the recipe is approximate, but it is in fact delicious!

This made a huge bowl - probably 10-12 servings as a side dish.
3 cucumbers - chopped
2 avocados (ripe, but not soft - these are before "guacamole" avocados)
1.5 lb asparagus - bring about 1/2 cup water to boil, drop in the asparagus, cover and steam for about 4 minutes
16 oz frozen green peas
3/4 lb feta
6 oz Italian salad dressing
Other seasonings to taste

Literally, chop the veggies, put the peas in frozen, cover with the warm asparagus (chopped after it comes out of the pan).  Dump your crumbled feta, pour your dressing, stir and wait about 30 minutes (make sure the peas thaw completely) and serve.

Yum!

2 Sisters

For anyone following along, I really enjoy watching this sister thing evolve.  They are truly precious together.  But what's been shocking is how similar they look at different stages.  These pictures have tripped up even our close relatives.  

Which is which?

Once you've guessed, feel free to enjoy some sweet shots of these sisters...

6 Month Update

I just noticed my last update was November 6, almost exactly 6 months ago!  So, if anyone is still checking this little blog, I owe you more of an update than this, but...here it is in rapid fire pictures!

First came our Christmas card picture taken in Shirlington.

Then our annual Christmas trip to Colorado complete with skating with dad :)

In February, we baptized Piper with Mac & Amanda & "Baby Ava" as our joint partners in prayer for her.

Piper started solid food...

...complete with the occasional miss

We went back to Colorado for a wedding and Ashley's THIRD birthday.  

How did this little baby become my big girl?

That trip included an adventure in Copper Mountain with Grandma & Grandpa Hurst complete with sledding!

Then back to Virginia where it's definitely spring!

It's been a good six months!

Piper Faces

We caught some great expressions yesterday -

thanks to Brad and a special bunny!