Quick Update

Summer is full of traveling, sunnin' and funnin' (well this summer so far has been full of rain) But I'm not complaining yet! Last week my two older kids were at my folks house in Oklahoma. They had a blast, of course, because their momasita keeps them super busy and entertained the entire time...like I said in an earlier post-she's great. As for Marty and I, we were pretty bored. Going from 3 to 1 kid is tough. I had the house clean, groceries bought, emails caught up...and I still had many hours to burn. I don't realize how much time kids take up. I don't want to ever be an "empty-nester". I like the clutter, the noise, the constant "Mommy, he touched me" I truly am blessed and honestly enjoy it. Here's a slide show of the past couple of months. Putting here mainly for Aunt Tammy and Grandpa who don't get to see my kiddos that often. Enjoy!

God Showing Off

These are my favorite earrings. Marty bought them for me a few years ago for our anniversary. They are from James Avery, very light and I can wear them all the time. Well, a few weeks ago I lost one. I thought it was in my bed, but after much searching and crying I did not find it. I prayed that the Lord would bring it back to me. I know, what a selfish prayer, but that earring was special to me. Well, time went by and I got over it. In the mean time, Rhea had been sick and kinda out of sorts. My prayer for her was that God would somehow let her know she is special. Just a simple prayer. Well, like God does-- he showed off. Just tonight, Rhea was sweeping the floor for me. "MOMMY, Look what I found-- a treasure!" She had found my long lost earring! So God answered both of my prayers at the same time. I was so happy. And well, we can glorify God in the small stuff too right? Praise God for lost and found earrings. P.S. Rhea has been all smiles !--she is the treasure finder and very happy.

Daddy of the Year Award

Ok ya'll this blog is devoted to my sweet husband...who in my mind deserves the "Daddy of the Year" & "Husband of the Year" Awards! Not only does he put up with me (and graciously I might add), he goes beyond the call to show me and his kids how much he appreciates us! Here's just a few reasons why:

1. This past weekend I had scheduled a scrapbook convention (GASC). The night before I was to leave, Rhea threw up all night long. Marty was amazing in helping me and letting me sleep while he took care of her, because he knew I needed my rest for my day the next day. He took off work and played with three + kids all day not complaining at all. I didn't come home until 1:00 am and he was still all smiles and sweet as can be. (It was so fun to be with the girls allllll day...here are some of my very best of friends, Melissa and Tricia. We all got scrapbooking about the same time 7 years ago and are addicted. Our shirts say: "You say Psycho Scrapper like it's a bad thing"

2. He totally didn't want too, but because he knew how much fun the kids would have, he put up one of those BLUE pools in the backyard. He labored and sweat all evening getting it ready for us to play in! And he knows that I'm terrible at following up with stuff like that; chlorine and stuff...

3. He makes dinner on a regular basis, cleans, cooks breakfast every Saturday morning, and keeps the outside in tip top shape.

4. Our septic system was messed up this week because of all the rain, and well, one of the pipes backed up so bad there was GROSS stuff all over the yard.. and I mean gross stuff. My daddy-of-the-year was out there (with a fever) cleaning up the mess, scooping up human waste and toliet paper to make it safe for our kiddos. Wow!

5. He woke up early from a Sunday nap to take his daughter on a "date" to Sonic. Which is always a highlight in Rhea's world.

6. There are so many more reasons why he deserves these awards, but the main one is because of His love for Our Savior. Marty is a man of pure integrity and when he serves he does it WHOLE HEARTILY! His devotion to His God and His church is second to none and he truly loves to love others. He is my biggest inspiration and example of a servant leader.

I'm so glad God brought Marty for me. I never-ever imagined a friendship like his. I only pray that others can have what we have. It's truly what God intended in a marriage. Isaac wants to be just like his daddy, Rhea adores him, and well, Abby will jump out of my arms for only one person: her daddy! Happy Father's Day...my Daddy-of-the-Year.

Disclaimer: Of course MY DAD will always win the Daddy-award too...it's just fun to be on this side of the contest :)He was the one who set the bar/the standard! Dad, I had no idea all you did when we were little. Thanks for teaching me the unconditional love of CHRIST! You're an amazing man.

FOR KIM!--in response

Memory Lane! Hope--it was just yesterday, now we're mommies! Kim, you haven't changed a BIT! Except a little more wiser and a Ms. PhD! Kanakuk has so many memories...sorry everyone else, this is in response to Kim's blog and the great, spiritual impacting memories of 10-11 years ago :) I love you girls! These pictures were taken in August of 1996!