Another Dora Party

After trying to convince her for a month to do a different type of party, we finally gave in and allowed Lily Kate to have another Dora Party.  (it was super convenient because my mom had me save the decorations from last year- THANKS, MOM!)

We just did a family party this year and celebrated a little early, since Stephen's so busy this March.

Rachie & Unca came up to celebrate with us.
We ate at her favorite restaurant- Red Robin!

Feeding Rachie some macaroni & cheese

Stephen, JaJa & Pa

While the restaurant staff were singing happy birthday to her.

Cake at home

Right before we sang to her.  She looked around and said "Where are my friends?"  Whoops!

She dressed like Dora (since she had the shoes it was easy to put the rest of the outfit together ;))

Cameroon

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well.  I am writing you to tell you about an opportunity that I have to serve Christ on the medical mission field and to ask you to partner with me as I serve.  I leave on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 for Cameroon where I will be working at Mbingo Baptist Hospital.  I am serving with World Medical Mission, a branch of Samaritan’s Purse.  I will serve a pediatric population there that often does not have access to adequate healthcare.  These are children and families who are in great need of both physical and spiritual healing.  On my own, I do not have the means to offer either of these, but I am confident Christ will work through me.

I believe that the Bible is clear about missions not being something an individual does.  God’s Word is clear that effective mission work is accomplished when the Body partners together and a network of “goers” and “senders”.  I am humbly asking you, as my friends and family, for your support.

I am in need of both financial and prayer support to make this a successful venture.  I could prepare for every imaginable medical scenario and plan the logistics out to the last detail, but if my trip is not covered in prayer, I would be completely and utterly unprepared.  Please pray that God will make His strength perfect in my weaknesses.  Pray that I would love the children of Cameroon and their families.  Pray that God will help me to make wise medical decisions and provide excellent care.  Finally, pray that I would be an encouragement to the career missionaries on staff at the  hospital.

I will be in Cameroon for the entire month of March.  We have made the decision that Tracie and our girls will stay behind here in the States.  This was a difficult decision, and I will miss them terribly.  We very much want to have the whole family together on the mission field but ultimately decided that the logistics of this short-term trip did not lend themselves to traveling with 2 children under age 3 for only a month.  I tell you this so that you can pray more specifically for us.  Please pray for the safety of Tracie, Lily Kate, and Aubrey while I am away.  Pray for them as they travel to Iowa to visit Tracie’s parents for a week.  On a related note, please pray for the passengers seated around them on the airplane.  Pray also that I will constantly be reminded that God is infinitely more capable of protecting my family than I am.

I know that many of you will be unable to help us financially with this trip.  Please know that I covet your prayers more than anything monetary.  There are ways that I can troubleshoot a lack a funding temporarily, but I cannot survive without the effective prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ.  If you can contribute monetarily (even if it is just a small amount) and God is leading you to give, I will attach instructions on how you can do so.  You don’t have to donate prior to my departure.  PLEASE do not feel obligated to give money.  Please DO feel obligated to pray for us.

I appreciate all of your support.  We love you all, and we are thankful for each of you.  This opportunity to serve came together very quickly, and I am trusting that God will provide.  I am excited to see what God has planned for me in Cameroon, and I look forward to sharing with you.  To God be the glory!

In Him,

Stephen Renfrow

We're going to the Lodge

Since Stephen was off we decided to get away for the night and we went to Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. 

The girls in their "Wolf Den" It was a separate alcove with bunk beds in it. 

Lily Kate loved the water park- they have indoor waterslides, kiddie pools, play areas and even a wave pool. (Stephen and I each braved a waterslide (it took more bravery on my part than his)).

Lily Kate played until her lips turned blue.  We had to take some time out to warm her up.

 That evening we went to Concord Mills to shop and hang out.  

Aubrey loving life

Lily Kate built a puppy dog named Fudge Pup (that's what they named it and she kept the name) at Build a Bear.  It was her first time doing something like this and she really enjoyed it.

Kissing Fudge Pup's heart before they put it in him.

We hurried back to the hotel so we wouldn't miss Pajama Story Time.  They read Ten Little Monkeys and then Wiley Wolf greeted all the guests.  

When we first got there we didn't know Wiley's name,
so Lily Kate named him Wolf Joe (he's Monkey Joe's cousin)

 The only downside to our stay was sleeping...or lack there of.  Lily Kate loved that Mommy & Daddy were right around the wall.  She kept getting out of bed to "check on us."

We finally gave up and let her hang out with us.

She finally settled down a little after 10pm.  Everyone was up at 7:30 with Aubrey.  It was a short night, but a fun memory.  I recommend Great Wolf Lodge for kids of all ages!

Gametime

Stephen is off this week, so we had a Tuesday date night.  (Thanks to his mom for keeping the girls).  We went out to dinner and then to the Bobcats game.  They won!  I just enjoyed being with my man.

Ahi Tuna Tacos

Pike's Soda Shop

The gorgeous weather couldn't keep us inside last Saturday.  We went to Pike's Soda Shop for lunch and enjoyed the beautiful weather (and some yummy food).

It got a little chilly in the shade (Aubrey had her hood up)

LK with her "princess cup" ice cream!

Just a swangin'

We had amazing weather this week.  It really feels like spring.  The only down side was that we were stuck inside for much of it because we had a GI bug.  Thankfully we were able to play in the backyard a little.

 Aubrey got a swing for Valentine's Day.  Both girls love to swing.

Incognito

Aubrey in Daddy's hat

Lily Kate in Mommy's glasses

Mother Mary

Daddy's Girl

We were eating lunch and Lily Kate turned to me and asked "Do I have something in my teeth?"

Be My Valentine

Since it was Valentine's Day our Monday Play group had a special treat...brownies, balloons and a craft! In a 2-year-olds world it doesn't get much better than that, who am I kidding...in MY world it doesn't get much better than that :)

Jackson and Kathryn working on their contact paper hearts.

Lily Kate and Anna Kate working on their craft

 Cheryl had a doctor's appointment so Anna Kate got to come to our house to play/nap this afternoon!

The girls get along so well.  Though they did get a little wild!

Aubrey's onesie says "I heart Mommy"

 Lily Kate and I made these Butterfly Valentines.  They were a hit!  

I got the idea from Family Fun magazine.

BFF's Birthday

Friday night we got to celebrate Anna Kate's 3rd Birthday party!  It was a little early this year because her mommy is expecting a little sister, Elin Jane, any day now.  We ate at Red Robin with Anna Kate's family.

These girls truly love each other!

Playing with Anna Kate's "Kangaroo Book" we got her.

A true friend will wipe the mac n cheese off your face.

YUM!

Both pint sized princesses finished off their sundaes.

*Photo's courtesy of Cheryl (all of mine were terrible)

Baby Love

All dressed up after church on Sunday

Sweet Aubrey Jane

Sisters sporting their Valentine outfits after CBS today (LK's fish face)

We did pedicures last week

Fish Face

Sweet Treat

Pampered Chef was hosting a convention in Charlotte this weekend and my dear sweet Amy Bell came down for the conference.  Saturday afternoon she had some free time so I picked her up and we went to Amelie's in NoDa to catch up.  I'm super spoiled because I get to see her again this Saturday when she does a show at Casey Kiker's in Columbia.  If you need any items from Pampered Chef...I can hook you up :)

Amy Bell & I @ Amelie's

Almond Tea Cake and Chocolate Tarts...YUM!

The Crud

Even though we all got our flu shots and take a daily multivitamin...it still got to us.  We decided to share a viral flu-like/chest cold.  First Stephen had it, then I got it and now I think Aubrey has it.  Fun times at the Renfrow Household.  While we have been cooped up keeping our germs to ourselves I have gained a new appreciation for a few creature comforts (listed in no particular order):

Tissues with Lotion

My in-laws (they came and got the girls for 24 hours when it hit me)

Lysol Wipes

My Snuggie 

(Sidenote:I'm reading Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman...

it is amazing, but be sure to grab your tissues!)

Herbal Tea

I don't known how I would have survived this week without any of these!

*I stole this idea from one of the blogs I follow.