Happy Birthday Jesus

Yes, we got a LOT of presents...I mean A LOT! It is our love language at our house: Gift Giving, and this season you can tell! It's a bitter sweet event. We spend months and days trying to find that perfect (at the right price) gift item for that special someone so that you can get a smile or a twinkle, or a "that's JUST what I wanted" It's heartbreaking when that special person rips open your gift you painstakingly labored over and looks at it with no glorious response...or worse yet, if they toss to it to the side to grab the next package. I can't help but think of my Savior. Our Loving Heavenly Father painstakingly wraps blessings up for us each and every day. He watches with excitement to see our faces as we open each blessing, He can't wait to hear "THANKS! You thought of Me! I love it!" The saddening truth is that we too toss our gift to the side not even acknowledging the gift giver. It bums me out for one morning---imagine hearing no thank you's for eternity! He wrapped that sunrise up just for you, He packaged that sweet babie's kiss, he orchastrated that peaceful moment of joy--he wants us to be blessed. Did we thank him? This is all for me---I'm the worlds worst of tossing a blessing aside impatiently waiting for the next one.

Over 2000 yrs. ago, he wrapped his most precious prize up for the world. Imagine his demise when we carelessly tossed His one and only begotten son aside. Father forgive us. Thank you for each amazing gift. We are so blessed ONLY because of you. Happy birthday Jesus. Thanks for giving.

Doubley Thankful

Remember that doublemint commercial--everything is better in two! Well take a look at Abby---she definitely has that concept!
We had a wonderful time over Thanksgiving. We traveled to my mom and dad's in Yukon, OK. We went early and had a chance to visit and relax. We spent actual Thanksgiving day at my Grandparents. They'll be 80 next year and act like 20 year olds! They are definitely my inspiration and I want to be like them when I grow up. I am so blessed and have sooooo much to be thankful for! Praise be to the blessing Giver! It's only through Him I have ANYTHING! Here are a couple of photos of my blessings!

Isaac is an army guy!

Rhea is aaa well, your guess is as good as mine. Princess street walker?

And my little puppy who wouldn't wear her costume the right way! That's Abby for you!
REALLLL SPPOOOOKKKKYYY
Here are my pictures from Halloween! Sorry it took so long. I didn't get a picture of Marty. He was so scary looking. He has been looking forward to Halloween ever since we "moved to the city" He thought, just because we live in town, we'd get trick or treaters. He had the entire yard decked out with strobe light, scary things, spider webs The works! But, we still live on 3 acres! And even though he bought 4 JUMBO bags of candy we didn't have ONE trick or treater :( The kids and I went to the big Church Carnival in town....too many people, but the kids loved it!

A Little Camping?

We were suppose to go camping this weekend, BUT because we had a "coughing" kid and Mazillion things to do, we decided to build a campfire in our backyard and rough it outside for a few hours. We LAUGHED so hard at the kids. They played a hide and seek game where one kid hides then everyone looks for him. When you find him you are suppose to hide with him until one person is left trying to find them. It was SOOO funny! Also, we really enjoyed our smores...as you can see Jennifer had the stickiest fingers. She didn't read smores 101 where you are not aloud to touch the actual marshmallow with your fingers...only the graham crackers make contact. Abby was in the house asleep, and Rhea (as you can see) snuggled up instead of play games. What blessings we have! And sooo much better being able to run in the house and use the potty, or wash your hands or change your shirt. We tried to get Isaac and Joseph to sleep outside in the tent...but they opted for the playroom instead. Maybe next year :)!!! Here are some pics!

A Day in the Life of a 16-month-old

If your life is boring, drab, or otherwise uneventful, may I suggest getting a 16-month-old. If you don't want any down time, or are bored on how things stay where they belong, I suggest getting a 16-month-old. There are no garauntees however, I'm just going off the experience of one particular cutie: ABBY MAE.

Yep, a typical day has these events in them. (all are true accounts, no names or identities have been changed)

"Where's Abby?" "Oh cute, she found a mickey mouse straw, haven't seen that since the move last spring." "Where's Abby?" Here she comes out of the bathroom with a wet mickey mouse straw and water all over her and the toilet. I guess she was trying to see how a straw worked, and being innovative, there was water she could reach easily. (thank God it was flushed)

After taking the trash out, I go to the pantry to get another bag to put in the can. There is the box, where are the bags? I know I bought a brand new box last week, I couldn't have used all of them. After investigation I found that Abby enjoys pulling out the bags and putting them IN the trash can. At least she knows where they go.

This particular 16-month-old is highly intelligent and knows how to escape an adult size house. On a few occasions I'm in the kitchen doing dishes,thinking Abby is in the play room. I see a streak of pink go past the window. After a double take, there she is on an afternoon stroll-BY HERSELF OUTSIDE! Those of you that need adreniline rushes, or a kick for the kicker---this 16-month-old episode will do it everytime---especially when she's running straight for the road.


I can honestly say there has not been a peice of furniture she has not climb onto the highest point. I find random toys, pacifiers, sippy cups chewed carrots, grapes and other half eaten goodies in my kitchen drawers, bathroom counters, toy boxes and anywhere that stuff should not be. (and usually months after the fact...ok so I think it was a carrot)

Her favorite thing to do is pull stuff out--out of chest of drawers, tissue boxes, dog bowls, toy boxes, office desks, craft areas, and sister's hair. This must be a talent. How can we use this. If I ask her, she usually will put stuff back in...what's the use though?

One good thing about having a 16-month-old is that I get to use my sweeping skills. I have to sweep the kitchen floor at least 4 times a day or she starts eating left overs. And trust me, just because I sweep doesn't mean I get everything. Remember she hides things. (see above paragraph)


All in all, our life is full. Our particular 16-month-old is funny, playful, smart, and a true joy to be around. She loves baths, toothbrushes, babies and Q-tips. She is a TRUE blessing. I'd love to loan her out to anyone thinking about getting one. I hear the return on them is amazing. I'm already reaping some of it!--especially when we pray ANYWHERE, she will grab my hand and bow her head.

Texas State Fair

So, Marty goes on this men retreat and I get a hairbrain idea to get Isaac out of school and take all three kids, by myself to the Texas State Fair. Which happened to be opening day and one of the hottest September days yet!

The kids love it, and I actually have a great time with my kids...I actually like them :) Here are a few photos of them at the "farm" gig. They had so much fun.

So basically I wasted a lot of space to say I love my kids and I praise God I have them! Although I know they need an occasional whack upside the head, that darn sinful nature :) I'm so blessed to have them. The fair is until October 21, if you want to go, call me and I'll pack up the stroller and meet ya there!

Tinkerbell Tea party

My Precious Middle Child! What can I say? Yesterday you were born, now you want to wear make-up and watch High School Musical.



Some things that I treasure most about you my sweetheart:
1. Your servant's heart. From when you were very young, you were always seeking to help someone out. If it was bringing a diaper, making your bed, bringing something to bubba, you've never complained about serving someone else.
2. Your smile. It can make a dreary day disappear in seconds. Your big beautiful brown eyes are full of innocence and everything that is good. I praise God for your sweet smile.
3. Your unconditional love. There have been hundreds of times you've made a comment like "mommy, I love you even when you're angry" or "mommy, it's ok if you get mad, I still love you" You are the first one to hold me and say "I love you soooo much"



4. Lastly, I praise God for your tender heart. When we pray, you remember the most amazing things...like, "God be with the people in the car wreck"....she saw it first thing that morning and I totally forgot. or "be with Grandma's foot" I totally forgot she twisted it, but she remembers and lifts them up in prayer.

All in all, I thank God for my "Ray Ray". Turned 4 but going on 14! I love you sweetie!