Blessings!

As Riley was praying last night he began to thank God for the things in our life that we have been blessed with lately. One of those blessings, as some of you know, is Michelle. We have been given the task of being the guardians of a 16 yr old girl. She has been a delight to have and from what we can tell is enjoying being part of a big family. She was an only child. Ha! That is definitely not the case anymore! She has made good friends in the youth group and is going to school in Bushland. We know that God has added her to our family and are excited to see what He has in store. Incidentally, Lainee is so excited to have a new "sister". She tells everyone(including the chiropractor and the store clerk), and has even given in to the fact that she doesn't have her own room anymore. They all are adjusting well and enjoy having another "sibling" to talk to!

We had to bribe her to get this picture!

Randall, Michelle and I at the Valentine Banquet!

Our next newest addition, although much younger, may prove to be a bit more challenging. His name is Griffin and he is a 6 week old puppy. He is a chocolate lab mix and is just about the cutest thing you have ever seen. The kids were surprised on Valentine's day with this gift from mommy and daddy. We were actually surprised ourselves a couple hours later when he was crawling up on our necks and expecting us to cuddle him like his litter did throughout the night. He whimpered and whined ALL night long. I am not sure what came over us~although I do have to say the kids are absolutely overjoyed with this little guy! They still have more if you can't resist!

Anxiously awaiting the "Valentine Surprise!"

They thought it was a gopher because the bow covered his head.

Look at the delight in their eyes and smiles!

I have to admit it think he is pretty darn cute~check with me again in a month and we will see how cute he really is! Be Blessed!

Happy Valentine's Day (a little early)

I love Valentine's day! It's a holiday that Randall and I equally enjoy celebrating! (which does not come easily in our house!) Our first Valentine's day married I came home from teaching and I noticed red and white balloons tied all the way up our stair case! I got really excited as I walked up to the apartment and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. He had managed to find everything in our house that had a heart on it and put it all together on one table. The floor was covered in balloons and he had hung some newly purchased valentines decorations all over the living room! It was so much fun, and I have to say that every Valentine's day since that one has been just as good! He is always creative and thoughtful and usually decorates the kitchen with streamers and presents the night before! We always have so much fun and tonight wasn't any different. We went to the Valentine dinner that our PCF youth put on. We had the privilege of sitting with the Haskells and had a blast. Thanks John and Melissa, it was so fun! As the world takes Saturday to celebrate love, take some time this week to seek the one that is the author and creator of love! He is the best at it and He will never disappoint! Be blessed!

My Sweetheart!!
Me and Melissa John and Randall goofing off! Our dinner table
Happy Valentine's day!

Givin' It A Try

Well, I am finally attempting to blog our adventures in the Ator household! God has blessed our family with laughter and tears everyday. I am hoping to share a little of those emotions and blessings through this blog! Be blessed!